lifeisjustbeginning2011

Popcorn is on my naughty list post op, but before my first fill (yesterday) I did try some, just to say goodbye to it. Not worth the risk of the hulls getting stuck. If you're totally addicted, you could try Pirate's Booty or there's a similar popcorn like thing at Trader Joe's. However, they're loaded with carbs and salt and difficult to stop once you start eating. That would probably be a better choice for the future for me. Amy

There is a message board about Plication: http://www.sleeveplicationtalk.com/ -- there is a message thread there there that discusses the lap band/plication combo. Might find some good info there.

My doc says that *most* patients with a 10cc band are in the green zone between 5-7ccs. I wouldn't worry about the number, but what you body tells you. There's always someone that needs less and there will always be someone that needs more than the average.

According to my doc, people with a 10cc band are usually in the green zone when they have between 5 and 7 cc's in their bands. It isn't the number of fills that is important, but the amount put in each time (some docs only do 1/4 of a cc, whereas some do 1cc). Don't gauge your satiety by a number, though - if there was a magic number for the green zone, we'd all be there.

The one thing I've learned is just how very different everyone is. There's always going to be someone that tells you they achieved great weight loss without a fill. I attended a support group and one lady has had her band 4 years without a fill. On the flip side, there's always going to be someone that tells you that they had to get fills all the time to get into the green zone. For what it's worth, only you will really know. My first two weeks post op were my green zone. However, weeks 2-present involved quite a bit of hunger and yellow zone. You will learn you body - and the sounds it makes - when you're in the yellow zone. The center I chose (True Results) is all inclusive. I can go as many times as I need to within one year. After that, I pay for fills. I'm in no hurry. The last thing I want is to be too filled and vomit up everything, including water. Don't be a hero by not getting a fill. Also, don't be a hero by getting fills too aggressively. Bottom line, take what you read here with a grain of salt. The way you feel right now may completely change in the next week. Just be open to the changes and know that everyone is so very different. Amy

Finally got my first fill today (although the port still isn't closed). Thank GOD for Lidocaine! Now have 5cc's in a 10cc band. Amy

thanks everyone! So far I games I have are Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus. I got them used. I also ordered a walking game, "Walk It Out." It is a family type game. It was on Amazon for $19.99 new. I'm looking forward to getting that one. Also got a balance board cover and a storage bag (for a buck!) to put the board in. I'm set and ready to go....now I'm just missing the energy part....LOL Amy

Yep-i have had a few. Got my first fill today - suport group us tomorrow @630 if you can come!

I'm not sure that it matters - I got the low sugar kind, but actually, I really needed sugar to keep up any energy because I couldn't tolerate the shakes. I watered down my juice quite a bit. I drank a lot of Gatorade G2 (love the fruit punch). Amy

cardio 5 days a week? Whoa!!! that's awesome!! I was banded the same day but just finished my meds for a staph infection and am regaining some strength. Good job! Amy

that's awesome!! I think I'll always remember the first person that didn't know about my surgery and told me I looked like I had lost weight!! Amy

I noticed the same thing when I was on the treadmill. I'm interested to hear what people say! Amy

I use myfitnesspal.com and I love it. It had a huge database of foods to help you track. The thing I like about it is that I can print reports and I can notice patterns, like too much sodium and carbs. Very helpful. There are lots of free online programs to help. It is a pain, but now I'm used to it. Amy

Hot dogs are on my "be extremely cautious" list. It says to take of the outside and go for the inside only, but it should be the low fat kind. In general they're really salty, which will probably bite ya in the butt later when you crave something sweet to balance it out. At least that's what it would do to me. Don't see anything wrong with just a bite or two, though. Amy

I was self pay, and expected more than what my first surgeon was offering. He's well known in the area as being a top doctor. Heck, he TRAINS new docs on Lap Band. The final straw was when, a week before surgery, I went to pay. There was 1,000 added onto the fee (all inclusive total of 13,500) because I have sleep apnea and might have to stay overnight. Umm..no. I literally had just paid 5,000 in cash and 7500 on my credit card. I said no way, refund it all right now. I was PISSED. They refunded everything (minus the 100 initial consult fee) and I moved on. I found another center that offers even more services (a whole year of nutrition and doc visits for no charge) and it was only 12,500. I'm glad I did. You have go on your level of trust. If you doubt it, look elsewhere. Amy

you shouldn't have to deal with pain. call the doc's on call # and tell them you need liquid pain reliever. Calling in a script should be no problem. That's why they earn good money. Don't feel back about calling. You can also take liquid adult Tylenol.

Aye. I PB'd and gagged up 2 chicken nuggets tonight. It was so scary. I ate too fast. Man, it happened quickly. Not even five minutes after I finished the second one, the dry heaving started, but really the whole thing was over in like 2 minutes. It was like choking. Not cool. I did drink some warm water, but man. Eeeeeek. I can't imagine if that would have happened in public.

I sure hope it's fine...because as soon as my fat ass isn't fat anymore, that's one of the first things I'm going to do!!! Amy

I'm still about the same, thanks for asking. I met with the surgeon yesterday and he just said to keep taking the medicine and I can have my fill next Wednesday (once finished with meds). I also got my lab results back from the primary care doc and things look surprisingly good. I posted what Vitamins she tested on my blog if you're interested. In another month or so, she'll do more labs to check the cholesterol, sugars & thyroid, just to make sure things are on the up and up. She basically said she'll test whatever I want her to - my main concern is losing weight in a healthy way, and not putting my body through hell in the process. Amy

Myfitnesspal.com many people on here use this site. You can make your food dairy public so that others can view it and join you as a friend. I like it a lot. It syncs to smartphones (I have an iPhone), so goes with me everywhere. You can print progress reports and your daily food choices to take to your nutritionist or doc. I'm a month post-op, and just beginning to really enjoy this. I log everything - even when I have a not-so-good day. Take a look. You're welcomed to send me a friend request if you'd like. My ID is listed under the ticker below. Amy

Not sure about the ads, I've been seeing a lot of people talking about them, so I know it isn't just you. Gotta love random ads. LOL Amy

Surgery was at 12 pm (surgery center), home by 5pm (includes a 30 minute drive). No walking after the surgery, except to the bathroom to put on my clothes. As soon as I was alert, I was outta there. They said "you heal better at home." Find out where your surgery will be and learn about their policies before you go

HOLY COW!!!!! You're a human dartboard!! Glad you're ok! Amy

Update: Staph infection confirmed. Now on two types of antibiotics and my first fill (scheduled for tomorrow) is cancelled. Amy