faithmd

Yea, my ex was a bit of a ummmm "Connoisseur" of the stuff (not my fave, but to each his own) and used to call my big stomach/pannus my "hood." He used to say it was like lifting the "hood" to check how well greased the engine was. Where am I going with this? Well he said that based on seeing Teighlor lift her pannus in a movie... Not only does she exploit herself, which is fine by me, but because of her influence, that one comment has honestly never left me. Sad, huh? The first thing I'm going to do when I lose enough weight is have a total lower body lift, then I'm thinking of sending him a pic of me in a bathing suit and point out there is no hood. Grrrr. Sorry, that was waaay off topic, wasn't it? Oh yes, M go Blue!!!

Toni, she's a famous greeting card model, fat advocate AND she's a huge porn star! Yep, PORN star! Life in the Fat Lane? One of her most famous.

Well, clear liquids are just that, CLEAR. You can see through them (water, crystal light, apple juice, jello, iced tea, lemonade, popsicles, broth, boullion, etc) Full liquids are liquids you cannot see through such as cream soups (no chunks in the initial post op period, though), milk, protein shakes, thin runny potatoes, puddings, thin runny malt-o-meal, etc.

I have one from our anniversary trip on Halloween (yep, we're weird, but we love that as an Anniversary) that I have on my fridge. I posted pics of the famous Teighlor on the fridge (she's the one who is on all the greeting cards from the 80's) but that never seemed to help much. Now that I have ME on the fridge, I do stop for a sec and think. I need to get a pic of me now on there, too.

Remind me when you were banded? I was banded June 21st and haven't gone for my first fill and you've had four, that's pretty darned cool! If I had been ready for fills I know that as conservative as my surgeon seems to be (or so I've heard) that I'd only be on *maybe* number two by now. Sweety, I'm liking your surgeon's approach! I'm so glad to hear you've found your "sweet spot!" I think it's awesome, and I'm pulling for ya! P.S. Thanks for adding the bit about the shoulder feeling being your full signal, I'm still trying to sort all mine out. I get the marble in the chest feeling, and the little hiccup, but no runny nose (yet-again, no fills though), or any number of the other ones I've read about.

Every doctor is different. Generally speaking we always say to follow YOUR doc's advice. I know that this year at the ASBS (the Bariatric surgeon's) conference there was some data presented about allowing patients to eat foods sooner. But I just can't wrap my mind around that yet considering how the band "seats" itself by forming scar tissue and snuggling into a sort of "pocket" or "ridge" around the stomach. That scar tissue can't form if the stomach is churning to digest food. Liquids dont' require as much churning to digest as food does. But if the data says it is okay, and your doc does, too...then I guess that's the advice to follow. I wonder if part of the change is the wider "grippier" AP band as well as patients bitching, moaning, whining and complaining that they just can't do it!!!! (I am including myself in that group, I complained too, so please no one take offense.) I kept telling myself I didn't get fat overnight, and I won't lose it overnight. It is a tiny, little, insignificant four ot six weeks out of my life. For cripes sake, can't I make it freaking six weeks? I made it. I wasn't perfect, but I had very minimal slip-ups and they weren't that bad when I did. I kept envisioning my band on my tummy in my mind, then i'd visualize the part of my insurance contract that says it pays for ONE bariatric procedure in a LIFETIME, that stopped me most days.

See, that's one of the great advertising tricks. The ads all say it tames the hunger. Well it does, once you get to proper restriction. Restriction is achieved by filling the band, first fills aren't until AT LEAST four weeks, and sometimes eight weeks after placement. There is a little restriction there simply from the swelling form the placement itself. It seems to go away after a couple to a few weeks. I was banded over eight weeks ago and still have restriction at times during the day. The BIGGEST problem we ALL have is the HEAD HUNGER. If we didn't suffer from head hunger (wanting something even though we may not be hungry), we wouldn't all be fat, would we? Anyway, back to restriction, the docs generally tell you that after the first fill you should feel restriction (and for a description of what that is, do a search, please. There are LOADS of threads here about what it means/feels like-it is VERY different for EVERYONE it seems). Most people don't feel restriction or get to their "sweet spot" for at LEAST three or four or sometimes more fills. But once there, it's generally mimimal "tweaking" just with weight loss. The stomach has a fat pad layer on it, as you lose fat, that shrinks. So occasionally you need another fill to get proper restriction. Overcoming head hunger is the biggest challenge for us. I can be totally satisfied on 1/2-1cup of food, but if what I am eating is delicious or something I LOVE, I have to force myself to stop, I once could eat four or five cups and want that uncomfortable full feeling I used to get. We don't get that same full feeling anymore. It's different, and I can't really describe it, it may be different for you. For me sometimes it is a mrable in my throat, sometimes it is the hiccups, sometimes it is a mild burn. Some people report runny noses when they are "full."

There's a whole food forum here, go check it out. You'll find recipes by stage in there.

Think of what you are hungry for, then toss it in the blender with some fluid that would thin it. I wanted Mexican, so I tossed some FF refried Vegetarian beans, salsa, Greek Strained Yogurt (I use it instead of sour cream b/c it has good protein) and some cheese queso in the blender, it satisfied the Mexican craving. on the Fourth of July I tossed a small can of baked beans and a hot dog and some BBQ sauce and a little catsup with it to thin it and pureed that. I pureed some cucumbers and dressing, I pureed some crab and mayo and Greek yogurt and onion. I pureed chicken and grapes and Greek yogurt and mayo and a little apple for a chicken salad. I pureed eggs and mayo and onion and a little pickle when I wanted egg salad. Get creative!!!!!

:welcomeB: I'm not sure what kind of advice you are looking for, but the very best bit of advice I can give you is take some time and look around the boards here. One VERRRY important forum to read is the FAQ and references forum. That's where you will find loads of info on the bands, questions to ask the surgeon, lists of things to have on hand before surgery, etc. If you think of a question, there is a GREAT search function here in the blue toolbar near the top of the page, you might be able to find the answer that way, if not, please by all means ask away!

Yep, had surgery with Dr. Wagner on June 21st. Could have had it in May, but I wanted to wait until they got the AP band in and I was lucky enough to be their first (don't know if that's lucky, but I really wanted that AP band). I believe Hurley only uses AP bands now, at least that's what they were planning to go to according to Kathy (one of the nurses). What's the AP band? Do some looking around on here, and here's a little info from some other sites: There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones: 1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones) 2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips 3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster. ------- So far I collected the following information with thanks from my doctor and other AP bandsters: They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc). They are considered by some to be "the next generation in AGBs". They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than other AGP types. They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types. They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than other AGP types. Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved. The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280 degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove. The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types. They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB types. The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better. The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band, rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism. The balloon is wider. A sideview of the band shows the balloon protruding top & bottom rather than sitting flush. They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be. They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach. AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be available until the summer at the earliest. We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG band. Word to the wise about Hurley, expect to WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT. If your appointment is for 12:30p, you *might* be seen by 3:00pm. So PLEASE don't plan anything during the day after your appt with them that is crucial that you are at. I loved my inpatient experience (except the blood draw at 4:00am, but as a surgical patient, that's the way it is) and felt well cared-for (believe me, I'm a VERRRRY particular patient, not difficult, but particular). The nutritionists are pretty good, Devora knows loads! Keep on top of your insurance approval information and when you get a date, call them back about a week ahead of time to confirm it. :welcomeB: to LBT and if you have any questions, feel free to PM me!

Or SCD's (sequential compression device) or PCD's (pneumatic compression device). PlexiPulse is a brand name of one of them. Shannon is sooooo right on target, they are VERY important.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

I take 50 of zinc daily and a biotin supplement as well. Still falling out in handfuls. Perhaps those things would help others, but they aren't helping me. I think everyone just is different and what works for one, might not work for someone else. Then again, maybe I'd be losing even more hair without them!?!? But keep the suggestions coming, someone else might be able to glean some info from them! That why this site is sooooo great, we have so many knowledgeable folks here.

Today I've had 1800 calories and 105 grams protein

I average 1400-2200 calories a day, that's where I lose best. I eat a lot of: canned chicken breast 11g/svg, 2svg/small can Greek Strained Yogurt 20g per cup Kroger Carb Master Yogurt 12g per 6oz Michigan 1% cottage cheese 14g/ 1/2 cup And the occasional nectar or Matrix drinks at 24g/8oz

Holy crow, 20 lbs a month? Wow! You are THE WOMAN! SEPTEMBER Challenge Name..............................Starting........ Loss.......Current.....Goal......ToGo losingjusme..(Christine)..........273............. 0.............273.........252..........21 faithmd.................................302...............0............302..........290.........12

Thank you, Christine! I know my fears may be totally unfounded. You are a shining example that they quite possibly are. My luck I won't be able to eat everything I want (you know what I mean), but as I said, I guess I could just get unfilled, right? You rock!

I want to do as much as I can on my own, I lost about 40 lbs before the band, and another 30 or so since without a fill. I just really want to do as much as I can by myself (but have the band as a back up and for some help-I do feel *some* restriction). I also do NOT want to be limited in ANYTHING I want to eat. If I want some steak, I want to be able to have it, same for shrimp, tomatoes, grapes, oranges, chicken, whole grain bread (in moderation), brown rice, etc. I NEVER want to be unable to eat any of these foods. At this point I can still eat all of them (but I do have to chew chew chew well for some of them). If I want an omelette I don't want to be scared I'll get stuck or PB in a restaurant. Silly, I know... The whole point was to ave the band for restriction, but the more that I read and learn (and I thought I had read and learned tons pre-band) about people's limitations with what they can and can't eat, the less I want a fill and to have my food choices restricted. I guess it's silly to not know. I suppose I should start getting fills and if I find I have problems with foods I want to eat (that aren't crap foods, I mean), then I can always get unfilled...?

The OP has a Swedish band, is the fill schedule different for those? I wouldn't think it would be THAT different!

Well, I know I won't make it, and I'm not sure I'll be able to weigh Monday, but I'll try. I will likely GAIN by then. Guess I do need my first fill, but I don't WANT it! Name........................Starting….......Curren t …...Goal….....To Go losingjusme...................293..............273 ...........266...........7 juliegeraci....................226..............22 6...........206...........20 areellady.....................251.5...........232 .........230..............2 punkeyb88...................306.............238.. ..........225..........13 Chris_NJ......................326.............284. ...........290.......... -6 PaulaD........................222..............222 ............200..........22 MM............................248...............24 8............230.........18 sdakotaRN..................255...............255.. ..........230..........22.2 Babygrl1234...............224................213.. .........199..........14 faithmd.....................312...............302............285...........17 Jan421......................267...............262. ...........247..........15 Metalband.................203...............188... ..........183...........5 tann........................223................208 ............198...........10 Banannie..................182..............175.2.. .........162...........13.2 Josette....................322...............314.. ..........299...........15 chickatee.................217...............203... ..........199...........4 beachgirl..................270................220. ...............155.........65 Marlluvia...................220...............220. ..............200...........20 Jennifur....................222…............214... .........200..........14 KariK.......................179..............179.. ..........155..........24 MarCar.....................296............ 280.............276...........4 Punkeyb88................238............238....... ..... 220......... 18 Jadrad7....................243............230..... .......220..........23 Denise......................265...........259... .........240..........25 Wen.........................303...........288.. ...........285.........3 SWEETY...................217...........205........ ......199.........6 Lochnagar................249...........235.... ........221..........14 glinadb....................285…........278...... .....260..........18 Denise....................330............265...... .......240..........25 mel........................254.4........237.6..... .....230..........7.6 Amelia40..................285...........277....... .....255...........22 Crabby54.................257...........245........ ....232.........25 Sunny 112...............219...........169.............16 5........4

Pattypoo, those bullets are (acording to WasaBubbleButt-she's a real expert on Protein and has done LOADS of research about them) the lowest quality of protein you can get. Quality protein is perhaps more important than quantity. If your body isn't processing it, then why bother drinking it? Also, the body can't generally process much more than 25 grams of protein at a time, so about 17 grams of the 42 is pretty much wasted if you drink it at once. I also read that if you mix up your protein in the morning and seperate it and drink at intervals during the day (like splitting a drink you mixed), the protein starts to break down and likely doesn't give you nearly as much by the end of the day. Just wanted to give you guys some information I have gleaned from the boards. Do a search for posts by wasabubblebutt about protein in the advanced search area and I'm sure you'll find some of her info, it's fascinating!

Based on the information Wendell posted (from Dr. Curry's website-a great forum, BTW) and from what I had learned in my talks with Allergan/Inamed about the AP, I actually waited another month for my surgery to guarantee I could get the AP. I also wrote on my stomach in permanent marker AP Band ONLY, and asked for (and received) my AP band box.

Sharon2U, not wanting to contradict what your doctor said, but while it is true that the AP lapband can be repositioned, if your slip is bad enough to cause an erosion, or other complication in there, it will still have to come out for a while to let your stomach rest and heal. Granted those serious slips are happening far less often than previously. But I have to wonder with the fastwer we are allowed to eat post-op if we won't start seeing more slips in the future again. Dunno, and I'm just talking off the top of my head... If the OP did not have an AP band, then just unbuckling it and repositioning it wasn't an option.

I'm sort of lost as to what you mean "has a lot of veins in the legs"? Don't we all have veins in our legs? Do you mean you have varicose veins? Shouldn't affect it at all, unless the varicose veins are very painful to the touch. But even then, the inflation/deflation cycle is very gentle and feels quite good to me. If you just can't tolerate pain that is caused once they are on, then mention it. You might buy yourself more Heparin shots, but I can't say for sure.

Sure it's right. I have looong wondered why on earth LapBand patients would ever need bowel prep??? There is NO surgery being done anywhere near our intestines. They are working on our stomachs. There certainly is a need for bowel prep for bypass patients, and many MD's who do Bypass and Band treat all the patients the same (which irks the hell out of me). If you are going to agree to having a bypass in case for some strange reason they can't place the band, then I can understand the need for a prep. But for just the band, there is no need.