kristenaz

Hi Lisa! I am about the same time out until my surgery. I will be getting a revision surgery from the lap band to the RNY bypass. Sounds like you are off to a good start and already losing weight! I am trying to do WW right now, but the weight is barely moving. I would be happy to be your weight loss friend during this journey. I just bought a helpful book on Amazon called “The Big Book on Gastric Bypass” By Alex Brecher. Have you started your classes yet?

Hi guys! GG, so glad to hear your stress test went well. It's always nice to hear that good news from the doctor. I am sure you body is thanking you for the weight you are losing and making your health a priority! I had a doctor appt on Wednesday and the doctor did not want to give me a fill. I was down another 3 1/2 pounds and he seemed pleased with my progress. I was worried that getting a fill would be too much! Although I was a little down that I hadnt lost more my doctor asked me when the last time I lost weight over the holidays. My answer...never. So, I need to be happy even if the loss is slower than I had hoped. I've really noticed a huge difference when I eat. I have to eat so slow! Seriously one bite, then maybe 5 minutes later another bite. I am just too afraid to go any faster. It is really hard to do if I am starving! I am starting to thing of some healthy resolutions for the new year. So far I want to be more active and of course continue with the weight loss. Anyone else have any good resolutions? Take care! Kristen

Hi everyone! Weight loss has been extremely slow and I have been somewhat dissapointed. I have an appointment next week for another fill and I think my band is close to the ideal adjustment. Lately I've been getting that uncomfortable feeling in my chest several times before the food gets stuck. I think it's because I have a bad habit of eating too fast, especially if I am really hungry. I've noticed that I cant eat soft breads or rolls anymore. These types of foods really cause a blockage. So far I've lost a little over 30 lbs. I will have to wait and see what the doctors scale says because it's always a lot less than mine at home. Im still waiting to move down into smaller clothes. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

Chicholicious, I've had a change in my menstral cycle too. Mine is the opposite though. My doctor gave me an IUD and it pretty much stopped my period. I loved it, was so happy for the past two years with little monthly spotting. Now, since the lap-band, its back. I know they are totally different areas but it could be just a coincidence. You better go see your gynocologist. Maybe your preggo!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Remember dont over do it! We dont want to hurt ourselves or our bands!

I must be the only one who does not have a good exercise schedule going on. I feel so guilty (and lazy)! I know its not an excuse but I've been working 10 - 12 hour days and when I get home Im too tired, have dinner to make and chores to do. I have to make a change. My weight loss is really due to my eating habits and the band doing its job. I have made a commitment after the holidays to hire a personal trainer and really get this body in motion. Taking a walk when I feel like it is not working out for me! GG - Sounds like you have been having fun!! You must be a great cook! Everything sounds so yummy! Have fun at the Rockettes!! I've always wanted to see them. Ms Lady - So glad you are okay. Now you dont have to worry next time you go in for a fill! Take care everyone! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Ms Lady, How'd it go today? Hope you are feeling okay and that the surgery went well.

Ms. Lady, Good luck on Friday! I will be thinking about you. Once this is taken care of you will be able to get all the fills you need. You will get there. You just need to get over this bump in the road. Take care!

Just when I thought I had hit a plateau, I guess I had not. This morning I went to the doc for a fill and surprisingly I lost 2 more pounds. With the Halloween candy and all, I still lost! I am in shock because I have been sooooo hungry lately. I got my 4th fill today and I can now really tell there is restriction. When I got home from my appointment I made some tomato soup for lunch and I couldnt even finish half of it before I was feeling uncomfortable. This afternoon I had some coffee and some water and I felt more uncomfortable. Finally!!!! I think my band is adjusted properly! I have however been burping alot today which is not common for me. Has anyone else experienced this?? Sending positive thoughts to all my bander friends!!!! Remember take one day at a time. If you eliminate 96 calories a day, thats 10 pounds in a year!! We can do this!!

I too have not lost a pound in the last 3 weeks. It is really weird because I know my band is half full but it seems like my appetite is increasing. This is really worrying me! I do have an appointment on Monday to get another fill. I am going to tell my doctor to fill me up!! I wonder how much he will give me. Hang in there if you are in bander hell.

I need to pick up some Papaya enzymes. I never want to go through what I went through again! What should I be looking for at the store? Papaya? Or, Papaya Enzyme? I ate more Halloween candy today. Havent had any weight loss for over a week. Stupid Halloween candy.

Confession.....I've been a BAD, BAD girl this weekend!! I got into the Halloween candy and I'm not proud of it. I have such a weekness for chocolate. Once I had a piece, I had to have another piece. I swear it affects me like a drug! I cannot wait until Halloween is over and the candy is out of my house! I do okay when I dont have the temptation. It sounds like the rest of you are doing good and following the rules. My next fill isnt until the week of Thanksgiving and I am definately going to call tomorrow and move it up. My doctor says right now my band is half full. Is anybody else concerned about the upcoming holidays and all the food temptations? Hopefully our bands will all be properly adjusted by then and we can all resist the temptation.

Hi S2B.....haven't seen you on here in awhile! You and I were both banded on the same day! Looks like you are doing better than me! Your weightloss is better than mine. It sounds like your appointment will be for a fill if you need it. Your doctor doesnt use the scope for every fill? Im sure based on the weight loss since your last appt, and based on your current hunger, your doctor and you will decide if a fill is needed. On my last appt., my weight loss was good and my doctor asked me if I felt like I needed more fill. Of course I said YES! I still feel like my hunger is not where I want it to be. Good luck to you. Let us know what happens!

Hi Chicholicious! I also do the popsicles and Yoplait Whip. Have you tried putting the Whip in the freezer? It is so freaking good!

Hi Healthywoman! The food that got stuck was not bread, it was chicken. My doctor did warn me that if chicken is too dry that this could be a result. I guess I had to learn the hard way! As far as Protein Shakes in the evening, I have been doing them but I am getting bored. What brand is everyone using? I did go out tonight and buy some greek yogurt. This time I bought flavored greek yogurt. First time I came home with plain, it was disgusting!! It tasted like sour cream. I said to myself that I would never buy greek yogurt again. I guess the key is not to buy plain flavored. My other favorite nighttime snack is popscicles. They are so low in calorie and I love them. Especially since our weather out here in AZ has been HOT! Hopefully our weather is cooling off this week. Tonight I took the dogs out for a long walk. However my dogs would rather stop every 5 feet and smell bushes rather than getting in good exercise. Better than nothing! I think that is very strange that your nurse used hand sanitizer on your belly. I dont think my doctor even wipes my belly at all. He just goes straight for the injection! Thanks everyone for the good advice and positive thoughts.

Thanks Jess for the info. I have wondered about slippage and what would cause it. I am one of those people who go to long without eating and then get STARVING and eat way too fast! I have taken it easy today since yesterday when the food got stuck. I had some pain after that happened and it kinda freaked me out. Anyone having snack cravings in the evening? That used to be my worst time for eating crap. Now I am trying to drink Water when I crave a snack. Anyone have any ideas on late night snack cravings? I havent tried popcorn yet because I heard that is common with people on getting stuck. I usually save my Calcium suppliments (2 Viactive) for the evening. They are so good and it is like a little treat and helps with my sweet tooth.

I finally just experienced what "stuck" food really feels like. I was so hungry and ate too fast and then I got that horrible golf ball feeling in my chest. I went into a panic, it was so scary! I was grabbing my chest and the slime that I've heard about started coming up. It lasted for about 30 minutes. Boy, was I happy that was over.

Thanks for sharing your story and pictures. You have inspired us all!

Today I made GG's pumpkin muffins. They turned out great! Even my teenager and hubby loved them and they are tough to please! Thanks GG for sharing! I had a difficult time at the market tonight. I swear the Halloween candy was calling my name. I ended up picking up a bag of chocolate and smelling it, then put it back. Such willpower. Dodged a bullet that time!

I had my 2nd fill today and they added another 1.5 cc's. I am so happy and shocked that I lost 8 lbs in 3 weeks. Especially since my weekend was filled with celebration, not healthy food, and cocktails! I think the band is really starting to work for me. I am still waiting to move down a size in clothing. I hope soon that I can get out of these 22's! GG I am so happy for you that you have made it to the 100's. Im sure that is an amazing feeling. Keep up the good work! Also thanks for the recipes. They both sound really good and I am going to try the pizza and the pumpkin cakes. Welcome to the newbies! I'm sure you will find the support here that you are looking for. LisaAnnMurray, thanks for the rubberband idea on the water bottle. I love it! Have a great evening everyone!

Hi everyone! Well the weight is coming off very s-l-o-w-l-y, but at least I am continuing to lose. I am so close to my first 20 lb loss. I have to be in a wedding this weekend and I was really hoping that I would have lost more. I have been searching for new ideas and easy recipes to switch things up because I have been getting bored with my meals. My doctor has a cool website with info and videos that help his patients. Tonight I tried spaghetti squash as a replacement to pasta. It was a little crunchy but once the marinara is added it wasnt a bad replacement. Check out www.yourdoctorsorders.com . I go back in for my 2nd fill next Monday. I am really looking forward to it.

What is the liquid capacity a band can hold?? 10cc's? I now have 3 cc's and I go back in 4 weeks. If I am losing weight I dont know if my doctor will give me a fill. He thinks all is good if the weight is coming off!

Hi Jojo, I just had my first fill on Monday afternoon. He told me liquids for the remainder of the day, then on Tuesday I could go back to regular food. Also, he said that I now have 3 cc's of Fluid in the band. Apparently on surgery day he added some fluid. I am not sure I was given on Monday but I did ask and he told me what I currently have. Have you noticed a difference with the fill? I definately notice a difference. I am so excited! Good luck!

Since I did self pay I was able to have surgery within 3 weeks of my first visit with the surgeon. I was told that self-pay patients go to the front of the line. My doc required me to see the dietician once and the psychologist once. Good luck!

By the way, my fill yesterday really did the trick! Very little food kept me satisfied all day. I am so happy. For those of you discouraged, remember everyone is different. Once the band is adjusted properly you will see results. Good luck friends!