Secret Bandit

Hi everyone! I am looking to get some feedback and opinions to help with my expectations (and my hubby's!) I dont know if I am hitting a lull in my weight loss and maybe I need another fill, or maybe I need to change up my routine, but I figured that I would put this out there to you guys (the experts!!) and see what you collectively thought... I had my surgery on Oct. 21st, and it has done really well for me, and I am grateful for the procedure. My weight fluctuates anywhere from 167.6 to 168.8, but I am not really losing much in the past month. I am still eating about 1,000 - 1,200 calories a day and my intake hasnt changed. I am not able to eat in the mornings, because the band is always too tight, and my first meal usually isnt until about 12:30 or 1:00pm. I dont eat many carbs or starches because I have learned that they tend to get stuck. But there are a few (like Ling Ling potstickers) that I dont have a problem with. With the weather warming up, I have actually increased the amount of cardio I am doing. I am walking more (pushing a stroller too!!) and I am swimming at least once a week, for 2-4 hours with my family. I am not too keen on having a fill (I only have about 4.5cc in my 10cc band) because I worry that the restriction might be too much. And I think that the calorie intake seems like it should be adequate for weight loss. But the weight loss seems to have stalled. If it stopped now, I would still be thrilled that I got this far, but I would love to utilize the band for another 20-25 lbs. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways I can urge the weight loss to ignite again? Here is a sample day from what I usually eat: Maybe the eating is a problem? Morning: 10oz coffee with 2Tbsp creamer (I know... 70 calories for the creamer. I am unwilling to give it up though!) 16.9oz bottle of Water 12:30 / 1pm Hamburger (without bun) OR grilled chicken & portabello wrap without wrap, OR 1/4 cup lowfat tuna salad w/polly'o string cheese 20oz Vitamin Water (30-45 mins after eating or before eating) 4pm seven or eight dry roasted peanuts in shell 16.9oz bottle of water (30 mins after eating) 7:30pm 5 Ling Ling Potstickers with 1tbsp sauce OR 7 cold cooked shrimp with 2 tbsp cocktail sauce OR 1 & 1/2cups Greek Chicken Lemon Soup 8oz Decaf coffee with 2Tbsp creamer any suggestions or feedback or advice would be great! thanks!

lol!! gotta love being able to tolerate pictures of yourself!! good for you! Just wait until you want to print those Xbox pics :-) I am wearing size 12 jeans (just like you lakegirl!) and I saw someone from High School today, who told me that I havent changed much and still look great! HAHA!! If they only knew!

I definitely heard about the papaya enzyme, and heard that it worked, miracles for mostly everyone who needed to get unstuck. I have had good sucess with really hot beverages (to open the band), pineapple juice (sipping slowly), and if things get really bad (as they once did with a piece of roast beef) I took a gulp of a "granita" which is a blended ice drink (like a smoothie or pina colada, but not with alcohol). I was hoping it would have the opposite effect of the hot beverage, and it made me throw up everything in my stomache within about 15 seconds (along with sharp pains). I dont know if I recommend this though, because I am sure that it could do something bad to the band placement because of the wretching that I was doing. But the food came up pretty quickly, and I was stuck for about 7 hours.

Sorry fellas, I think this may be a ladies-only type of question!! I noticed in the last couple of days that my band has felt more restricting. I haven't had a fill recently, and in fact, I am supposed to be getting one on Tuesday, Feb 7th (which now, I am figuring that we will just put-off for another month or so). My last fill was December 17th and it was 3cc in my 10cc band. This is the only fill I have had. I just noticed in the last couple of days (yesterday and today) that I am having trouble getting solids down. Either they will get stuck completely, they come back up, or I have to wait a while for them to go down. When I do get solids down without a problem, they are usually mushier solids (like fluffy eggs, cheese, yogurt, Soups, etc). Well, today I got my period, and I wonder if there is a correlation between getting your period, and the tightening of the band? If not, does anyone know of any other reason why all of a sudden I might be having difficulties? band slipping? I will check with my doc on Tuesday at my appt, but I figured I would ask the forum first! Thanks everyone!

I was banded on 10/21/11, and I have lost almost 45 lbs. My Dr. didnt require a preop diet so all the weight loss was after the surgery. In the first month, I had my biggest weight loss with 20lbs. I lost 12lbs the second month, and have been steadily losing about 2 lbs per week the third month into the 4th month. My weight loss has definitely slowed down now since having my first fill in January, and I am going back for the second fill next week. I think you can expect to see more weight loss during the liquid phase, since your stomach is healing and you arent putting much into it. Most people say their weight loss tapers as they begin to incorporate solids. It all varies. Congrats on the surgery and best of luck!!

by the way, I just ate the lean cuisine chicken potstickers... if you like asian stuff with a little spice, these were really yummy and only 270 cals for the bag, with 11 grams protein, and 5 grams fiber... it had 6 grams fat. I am full too! They were well worth it for lunch!!!

how funny! I'm in that PCOS boat with you ladies, so moooooove over and make room! I was banded on Oct. 21st, and didnt have my first fill until December 13th. For the first fill, he gave me 3ccs, and I have been pretty OK with that since (didnt have another fill at my last appt on Jan 17th). I didnt have pre-op diet since it was required, and I am down to 187lbs now. I've lost 40lbs since the surgery date. For me, I was like dar36, and I would eat fast and never really chew my food well. After the first month out, I had a really hard time eating in the morning, and I would get stuck with even the smallest and best chewed piece of food. I read on here that other people went through the same thing, and a lot of them recommended drinking something hot in the morning to "open" or relax the bad. So, I have my coffee first, then I wait 30 mins, then I will eat my breakfast, which is almost always 1/2 cup egg whites (end up being about 2 eggs worth) with 2oz chopped turkey breast, and with 1/3 of an avocado. Then I drizzle 2 tbsp medium salsa on it. I looks like an omlette, and it makes a very good sized one at that! I takes me about 30 minutes to eat it, because I eat it very very slowly. It has a ton of Protein, it's not that many cals, and the majority of the fat comes from the avocado. I have a hard time eating carbs like bread, Pasta, rice, because after they have gotten stuck so many times, my body is just afraid of em :-) It's great actually because I was a carboholic!! For lunch, I usually have half a wrap, and I asked for it to be toasted, and I chew the tortilla very very well (the kind I get has grilled chicken portobello mushrooms, & fresh mozarella), or I will get fish. I usually only eat half of whatever lunch portion I am served. For dinner, I typical eat the leftovers from my lunch, or if my hubby wants chinese, I will eat 1 moo shu pancake wrapped with lots of the cabbage and chicken. I snack on things like cheese, dried wasabi edamame, almonds. I look for high protein and high Fiber Snacks. I also drink Vitamin Water during the day (cause let's face it, water just doesnt cut it) :-) I typically eat anywhere from 750-1100 calories depending on the day. If I am having a low cal day, sometimes when I work, I can't run out and eat, so I grab my EAS carb control Protein shake and keep it in the fridge at work. This way if I can;t eat, I can always drink on and get my protein for lunch. So far, it seems to be doing well, and I am pleased as punch :-)

oooh, I love NSVs!!! I have a few too! 3. walked into a restaurant (that I go to all the time!!!) where a cute waiter says, I know you look familiar, but I dont know where I know I know you from!, then as I leave, he tells me to come back and see him again soon. And I am married!! Ha!! But it still feels good. 2. got rid of all my size 16 pants, and fitting comfortably into size 14. I have 1 pair of size 12, but I still think they are a bit snug. 1. I can take the stairs at work and not be huffing and puffing when I get to the third floor!! Keep up the great work everyone!

OK, strange things going on... please let me know if anyone has experienced anything like this. I was banded on Oct. 21st. I have done pretty well so far. I lost 30 lbs, but nothing in the past week (unfortunately I have hit a plateau and need my first fill desperately, which I am scheduled to get this afternoon). I have noticed a couple things with the band (for me). I have two little girls; a 3 years old, and 1 1/2 year old. I have difficulty eating around them, particularly in the morning! Between the crying, yelling, screaming, reaching for my food, hitting each other, and outright complaining, it causes me a great deal of anxiety, and I am not able to get my food down. I have checked a couple of things. I thought at first maybe I was just eating fast to be done with meal so I could respond to them, but no... I am not eating fast. I thought maybe I was taking large bites, but nope, my bites are tiney tiny. I still wrech and throw up after about 5 or 6 bites, and then I can't eat. This usually happens in the morning, and it is ALWAYS when the girls are giving me a hard time. I have started drinking the Protein shakes in the morning (usually on the weekends, since that is when I am always with them). Has anyone experiences difficulty with restriction due to frustration or anxiety? I am trying to figure it out, but it's tough since it's my kids :-) I can't just remove myself from it! lol. Any advice would be great! Thanks

!!! Wow. I had no idea that this could happen in the morning. I honestly thought it was because my kids were causing me some kind of anxiety or something! How funny. I also noticed that I tend to eat better when I eat breakfast after 9:30 or 10am. I think I was always like this, but much moreso from the band. food goes down better. Thank you guys

I thought I had replied to this thread, but apparently I didn't!! I was banded on October 21st by Dr. Richard Pucci (Advanced Laproscopic Specialists) New York/New Jersey. He is awesome :-) I had started thinking about lapband back in 2004, but each time I got close to the consultation, I would chicken out and think of reasons not to go through with it (like, "I dont want to have something in my body for the rest of my life," or "I dont want to be able to restrict my eating!") I realized it was this mentality that got me up to the weight that I was pre-surgery. I decided in 2011 that I needed to do something. I was sick of diets, and sick of failures from the diets. Dr. Pucci seemed really nice and thorough. After my initial consultation, and 6 months of supervised diet/weight logs for insurance, I was approved by my insurance for the surgery. On surgery day I weighed 227.6. I didnt have a pre-op diet, since it wasnt required. Just nothing to eat or drink and midnight. I know... a lot of people think that is weird. But I DID do a mini version of the liquid diet for 48 hours before the surgery. Just so I could see what I was going to be required to do after the surgery. So far, so good... I hit onederland on November 25th. I havent been that weight in YEARS!!! Life with the band seems to be pretty good. I still dont have restriction, and things seems to be all about willpower at this point, but I am looking forward to getting my first fill on December 6th! Nice to meet everyone! I am glad we all have a good support system in place as we slowely become losers for life! Thanksgiving was tough and I sampled some of the good stuff like some of you folks did. The day after Thanksgiving was harder though since I made a cream of turkey and wild rice soup for my hubby and my parents. I wanted to eat the whole things and I had to suffer with just tasting it (you know... quality control and all :-) Back to egg whites and cottage cheese for me :-p

I was banded on October 21st, and I didnt have any pre-op diet with my doc. Since surgery I have lost about 27 lbs and I hit "onederland" the day before Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!! It was something I really gave thanks for :-) And it was all will power since there really isn't any restriction :-) I am thrilled that I survived Thanksgiving! I have my first fill appt on Dec. 6th. I'd love to feel a little restriction! Congrats to all our losers!

I agree wholeheartedly with Highland... granted, I am a newbie too. But from the moment I was banded up until now, I didnt feel much from the band, and mine was placed completely empty (as the majority are upon surgery). Many people report not having restriction until their fourth and sometimes fifth fill. They call this bandster hell. Before then, it seems to be willpower and motivation. I havent had a fill yet, and I lost close to 30 lbs already, All of this was done from the post-op liquid diet (my doc didnt require a pre-op liquid diet at all!) and from the semi solid phase. I am getting my first fill on Dec. 6th (hopefully) but it's not guaranteed. Everything that goes into my mouth, I question. My band is not yet my tool. I am still waiting to be able to utilize it!! But I can't wait for that to happen. Right now, I feel like I am doing most of it on my own, but it's worth it. Once I get restriction, the band will be my best friend, and I will get further than i did on my own.

I was banded on Oct. 21 with Dr. Rich Pucci at the Oradell Ambulatory Surgery Center in Oradell NJ. Let me just say for anyone still considering the lapband in the NY/NJ area, please please please go see the Pucci brothers (there are three of them) and use this facility in Oradell. It was pristine!! I got such amazing attention and I you wouldnt even know I was being operated on. I felt like I had made some friends there :-) As for the Lapband, my name says it all. Most people dont know that I have the lapband. My spouse knows, my parents know and some of my close friends know, but that's it. I dont have a lot of supportive people in my life that would give me positive feedback if they knew that I chose WLS to assist in my weight loss decision. I'm a working mommy, which is challenging, but fun. I hope to get to know everyone and make some support buddies :-)

that's some serious hell to the yeah!!!!! Way to go! Congrats! You're an inspiration with your baggy pants :-)

Oh I am SOOOO with you!!! I had my surgery on Friday, October 21st. I have prepared for this procedure for 8 months (if you dont count the years ofresearch and contemplating that I did) and I still couldnt prepare for thefeelings that I would have post-operatively, particularly regarding hungerpains. For some reason, I honestly believed that after the surgery, I would besore, uncomfortable, and unable to physically do the things that I normally doon a regular basis (like any surgery). But I didnt expect to be so hungry 3days after surgery. I thought my stomach would be swollen and that would beenough restriction so that I wouldnt feel the hunger pains. Is it normal tofeel hunger this early? My Dr. has me on a strict liquid diet for the first 2 weeks after surgery.Nothing but sugar free clear drinks, sugar free/fat free Jello, chickenstock/beef stock, and my Protein shakes. The second 2 weeks, I can beginincorportating fat free/sugar free yogurt, apple sauce, fat free/sugar freepudding, and fat free strained or pureed thin Soups. I can't eat any solids for1 month (no eggs, no tunafish, etc). I am so sad! I keep telling myself this isgoing to be worth it, but my god, this first month is going to be pure hell!Any suggestions anyone?

I have been lurking on the LapBandTalk website since my first Dr.'s appt. in February, and I never posted to the board until now after watching your video. First of all, I am embarrased by some of the comments made by a few of our feelow supporters. Shame on B-52 for saying that you still enjoy being obese. I dont know many obese people who enjoy being that way. It has just become their way of life, and that is their security. It sounds like the emotional eating is going to be the biggest challenge for you. I thought about weight loss surgery for the last 4 years before finally deciding to go through with it. I am being banded on Friday, October 21st. Here is a piece of advice that was given to me from my doctor that I think might help you with regard to your fears about the emotional eating. When you find yourself being unable to stomache the things that you used to enjoy, they no longer are enjoyable for you. So, the crab legs and cheesecake (or for me it was steak and bread) will not feel too good going down. And it could very well come back up. Eventually, after you have thrown up one too many times after eating your "favorite foods" they not longer are part of your favorite food repertoire anymore. You learn new ways of eating. That's part of the beauty of this process. The band helps out with the physical part, but nthe emotional mental part is hard. You need to remind yourself everyday that this is a choice you are making, and think of the reasons why you are doing it. For nearly all of us (if not all) those reasons are so overwhelming, that we dont need reminding on a daily basis. Eventually, you get past the emotional and social barricades. You can still go out on dates. You can still go to restaurants. Make a lot of conversation over your meal. You will find that you eat slower and then no one will know that you have had weight loss surgery :-) It CAN be done if you really want it. But if you are searching for reasons to avoid the surgery (like I did for the past 3 years, 8 months) then you aren't ready just yet. You will know when you're ready. Best of luck to you!

So I had my initial consultation this morning, and it confirmed the beliefs that I already had about Lap Band. I have gone back and forth for 7 years about having this procedure done, and now I just know that it will help me lose the weight that I need to feel good and healthy. I wish I didnt have to wait the 6 months to schedule the surgery, but my insurance (blue cross) requires a 6 month history and my BMI is 39! I hope I can remain as positive an hopeful in the next 6 months, because I'll be honest, it make me a bit jealous to see all these other members having their initial consultation and surgery scheduled in the same month! Lucky ducks! Anyone else in a waiting period?