waitingpatiently

GIVE UP?!! Is that really an option!! I hope I'm never in a spot where I actually would say "I GIVE UP" !!. I would march myself back into the doctors office and work on getting the reflux taken care of....Are you taking any medication for it? Have you tried adjusting your diet to lessen the effects? I really can understand the thought that more is better when it comes to fills....I could see myself a little like that. But you have learned that that isn't the case. So I guess I'm trying to say if you never really did what you were supossed to, the way you were supossed to,....then I wouldn't call it giving up....it doesn't sound like you have started!! So go ahead and tap back into the spirit that made you want to get the band in the first place. And this time, using your new found wisdom....commit to the lifestyle. watch what you eat....see your doctor regularly and follow the rules. You will probably find that as you loose the weight your reflux will get better and that will encourage you to continue on. Good Luck!! I know this is something you can do!!!

I agree with adorkbl...the fact that you have only gained 15 pounds is remarkable!! And the fact that you are taking action now and not letting it get out of controll again is something to be proud of. You are successful!! You KNOW what you need to do and it sounds like you are making a plan and getting started. Now just enlist a few people to hold you accountable and you will be on your way.!! I am glad to hear you are headed back to the surgeon..Im sure a fill will help things out a lot. Just keep plugged into the site and you are going to see the 140's in no time.

ready for change- I know how it feels...everone is different when it comes to weight loss. I know I'm not "average" when it comes to calorie intake, but I won't loose a pound at 1200 calories. That is what I consumed prior to surgery for YEARS and would slowly gain about 1/2 a pound a month back. Have you measured yourself, maybe you are loosing inches? I can't remember how long ago it was you had your surgery, but If you continue not to loose weight you might consider lowering your calories a little until you find your magic number. I'm actually on between 800-900 calories now and still only loosing about 1-2 pounds a week.................that was until this week and the darn scale won't move...grrr. Hang in there.....with a couple of fills we will get there.

Hanging at 205 for almost the whole week!! I miss my ketosis .....................darn brownie ..grrrrr( first sweet thing I have had since my birthday in February) I will get my first fill on thursday the 26th so I think I will limit my carb intake for the next week or so. Maybe I can still make my 199 goal by April 30th......If not, I should be there by the time we leave on our cruise on May 4th.

Well you landed on the right site!! the best thing I can tell you to do is educate yourself. This site has a TON of information on what to expect....the do's and the don'ts. The positives and the negatives. You will have the advantage of following some of the best bansters that have met their goal and are maintaining...their wisdom is priceless. After you take some time to digest everything you have learned then the hard part comes......deciding is it right for you. Can you committ to the lifestyle? Its much easier to blindly make a decision, but when you have all the facts.....if you can committ then I'm sure will join the ranks of those that have been sucessful. If you are looking for a easy quick fix....the band isn't it. Good Luck!! feel free to ask any questions you have........this site is full of great people that love to help others along their journey.

Here is the list that I composed before I had my surgery. If you want a printable copy inbox me your email address. Hope this helps. General Items to Have on Hand Digital scale Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja Peewee Pillow pet-to hold against your stomach when you cough Chewable Calcium Chewable Daily Vitamin Gas X liquid Tylenol Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s Protein mix below) Metamucil Clean and Clear Milk of Magnesia (MOM)-to help with constipation Papaya Enzymes- to help later when if you were to experience a “stuck” episode Stage 1 Clear liquids Protein Power: This is just going to be trial an error. Looks like the most popular are (Unjury, Jay Robin, Premiere, NewWhey Canned chicken broth (the night before your surgery, consider simmering it with some veggies like carrots, onions, potatoes, even some of your favorite herbs. I would leave all the veggies in the broth until the next day. Then have someone strain them off, saving the broth for you) Favorite Soups Consider lower salt versions(use the larger size cans of Soup if they make them in your band. Then mix a couple of cans of chicken or beef broth with your favorite soup. simmer and strain) SF Jello (both premade for convenience and boxed for when you feel like making it) SF Popsicles Pedialyte Popsicles Kellogs Water ready protein mix (link below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-K2O-Strawberry-Kiwi-Protein-Water-Mix-4.7-oz-10ct/10891803 SF Water Flavors (Crystal Light, Great Value, Etc) Gatorade G2 or Propell Hebal Tea Diet Fruit Juices NSA-Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix Skim Milk SF Syrups to flavor shakes Stage 1-Full Liquid -All of the above+ Cream Soups (thinned with water or skim milk) (consider sprinkling ½ scoop of unflavored protein power into soup and blend…watch the temp of the soup….the protein power may clump at high temps.) SF pudding (premixed for convenience and boxed for later) Yogurt (thinned out) (light or Greek) blend well Baby Foods (add a jar of baby food fruit with your Protein powder and thin with water or skim milk) Stage 2-Puree Egg Substitute oatmeal (thinned) Grits (thinned) Applesauce other Fruit sauces Canned Fruit- juice packed Instant Mashed Cottage cheese Stage 3-Mushies Canned Tuna Canned Chicken Ground Beef in a sauce Real mashed potatoes Mashed sweet potatoes Mac And Cheese (consider using the unjury protein cheese sauce) Cooked spinach Cooked and mashed cauliflower Mashed green Beans

I think I would consider making another appointment with your surgeon. how long has it been since you had a fill? It could be that some of the fluid you have has evaporated.

It is the very elusive spot where you have enough fluid in your band that you experience restriction that decreases your portion size significately and you are able to go several hours (4) without getting hungry and yet not too much fluid that you become too restrictive/tight and you have a hard time keeping food or water down

I apoligize for those that have already seen this on other posts.... I kinda of gave up trying to find one I REALY liked and went to finding one that was mild and then spice them up with sf Syrups. I have 3 recipes i always go back to Iced caramel coffee 150cal/20protein/4carbs 1/2 oz sf caramel syrup 1/2 oz sf vanilla syrup 3 oz skim milk 4 oz favorite coffee (mine is keurig butter toffee) 1 scoop Protein Blenderize with lots of ice pumpkin Pie 150 cal/ 20 protein/ 6carbs 1 oz sf pumpkin pie syrup OR vanilla 2 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tbs sf/ff french vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 4-5 oz skim milk 1 scoop proein Blenderize with a few ice cubes Hawiian Island 160 cal/20protein/8 carbs 1/2 oz coconut sf syrup 1/2 oz pineapple sf syrup 1 serving del monte sf pineapple with juice 1 tbs french vanilla pudding 4 oz skim milk 1 scoop protein Blenderize with a lot of ice hope these help.

It seems since most of those items are higher carb foods anyway, the high protein/low carb lifestyle of the band would work nicely with your diet limitations.

I had a hard time finding a Protein drink that I "liked" So I bought several of the sf syrups and make different combinations to hide the flavor of the Protein Powder. Here are my 3 favorites. Iced caramel coffee 150cal/20protein/4carbs 1/2 oz sf caramel syrup 1/2 oz sf vanilla syrup 3 oz skim milk 4 oz favorite coffee (mine is keurig butter toffee) 1 scoop protein Blenerize with lots of ice pumpkin Pie 150 cal/ 20 protein/ 6carbs 1 oz sf pumpkin pie syrup OR vanilla 2 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tbs sf/ff french vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (maybe a little more if you used the sf vanilla) 4-5 oz skim milk 1 scoop proein Blenderize with a few ice cubes Hawiian Island 160 cal/20protein/8 carbs 1/2 oz coconut sf syrup 1/2 oz pineapple sf syrup 1 serving del monte sf pineapple with juice 1 tbs french vanilla pudding 4 oz skim milk 1 scoop protein Blenderize with a lot of ice

Here is a list I started pre-op. But maybe it will help. If you want a printable copy inbox me your email address and I'll send it to you. General Items to Have on Hand Digital scale Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja Peewee Pillow pet-to hold against your stomach when you cough Chewable Calcium Chewable Daily Vitamin Gas X Liquid Tylenol Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s Protein mix below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benefiber-Kiwi-Strawberry-Flavored-Fiber-Drink-Mix-Stick-Packs-24ct/17325206 Metamucil Clean and Clear Milk of Magnesia (MOM)-to help with constipation Papaya Enzymes- to help later when if you were to experience a “stuck” episode Stage 1 Clear liquids Protein Power: This is just going to be trail an error. Looks like the most popular are (unjury, Jay Robin, Premiere, NewWhey Canned chicken broth (the night before your surgery, consider simmering it with some veggies like carrots, onions, potatoes, even some of your favorite herbs. I would leave all the veggies in the broth until the next day. Then have someone strain them off, saving the broth for you) Favorite Soups Consider lower salt versions(use the larger size cans of Soup if they make them in your band. Then mix a couple of cans of chicken or beef broth with your favorite soup. simmer and strain) SF Jello (both premade for convenience and boxed for when you feel like making it) SF Popsicles Pedialyte Popsicles Kellogs Water ready protein mix (link below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-K2O-Strawberry-Kiwi-Protein-Water-Mix-4.7-oz-10ct/10891803 SF Water Flavors (Crystal Light, Great Value, Etc) Gatorade G2 or Propell Hebal Tea Diet Fruit Juices NSA-Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix Skim Milk SF Syrups to flavor shakes Stage 1-Full Liquid -All of the above+ Cream Soups (thinned with water or skim milk) (consider sprinkling ½ scoop of unflavored protein power into soup and blend…watch the temp of the soup….the protein power may clump at high temps.) SF pudding (premixed for convenience and boxed for later) Yogurt (thinned out) (light or Greek) blend well Baby Foods (add a jar of baby food fruit with your Protein powder and thin with water or skim milk) Stage 2-Puree Egg Substitute oatmeal (thinned) Grits (thinned) Applesauce other Fruit sauces Canned Fruit- juice packed Instant Mashed Cottage cheese Stage 3-Mushies Canned Tuna Canned Chicken Ground Beef in a sauce Real mashed potatoes Mashed sweet potatoes Mac And Cheese (consider using the unjury protein cheese sauce) Cooked spinach Cooked and mashed cauliflower Mashed green Beans

Its under the community tab....then the sub tab "find members"

On myfitnesspal there is a option to find members.....thats what you want to use to add us.

I had both a hiatial and a umbilical hernias repaired. I definately thought it added a different level of discomfort and took a few extra days to recover.

I went this afternoon and got: oscar meyer turkey weiners (40 cal/4 carbs/5 protein) re-fried beans black beans sf jello canned chicken canned tuna Ole xtremely healthy tortillas (71 calories/ 5 net carbs/5 protein) New whey protein (42 grams in 4oz) spinach strawberries block cheddar cheese whole turkey Fresh green beans cucumbers celery broccoli slaw

Thats what I was thinking.....I had a week post-op b4 mine came, and I was too sore to bend...so a pad was just easier.

I like to roast a split spaghetti squash in the oven at 350 for about 45 min. Then I scoop out the "spagetti" and set it aside. I then de-seed and cut up a yellow squash, a zuchine, a onion, a green pepper, spinach and saute' them with a little olive oil and garlic until tender. when they are tender, I return the spagetti squash back to the pan.. ----I know you said you don't like the squash as much, so you may want to trade them out for others that you prefer. Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, etc. Then I make a simple "spaghetti" sauce of tomatoe sauce with italian spices and garlic and the dry parmsean sprinkle cheese and lattle a cup or so of sauce into the veggie mix and coat the veggies.( I sometimes add hamburger, turkey or chicken if I need the protein) I then spoon the mixture back into the hollowed out spaghetti halves, top with a little more sauce and a slice of provolone or some other italian cheese. and place it under the broiler until it bubbles. Serves 4.

Hey I didn't do too bad interpretting ..............to have been out of the field for a long time!! I'm glad everything looked well.

I'm gald they are able to replace the port for you. I hope the newer band will offer you security for years to come. I have wondered if those that have had it for so long, if they had it removed....if they would suddenly start gaining weight again. Just shows that it can't all be about Thanks for forging the path for the rest of us....It must have been very scary to have it done when it was so new.

I kinda of gave up trying to find one I REALY liked and went to finding one that was mild and then spice them up with sf Syrups. I have 3 recipes i always go back to Iced caramel coffee 150cal/20protein/4carbs 1/2 oz sf caramel syrup 1/2 oz sf vanilla syrup 3 oz skim milk 4 oz favorite coffee (mine is keurig butter toffee) 1 scoop Protein Blenerize with lots of ice pumpkin Pie 150 cal/ 20 protein/ 6carbs 1 oz sf pumpkin pie syrup OR vanilla 2 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tbs sf/ff french vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 4-5 oz skim milk 1 scoop proein Blenderize with a few ice cubes Hawiian Island 160 cal/20protein/8 carbs 1/2 oz coconut sf syrup 1/2 oz pineapple sf syrup 1 serving del monte sf pineapple with juice 1 tbs french vanilla pudding 4 oz skim milk 1 scoop protein Blenderize with a lot of ice hope these help.

Aren't they such a joy!! My bet is grandma told him that he needed to do things around the house because you had surgery. And he saw that as having to do chores...rather than helping you out because he loves you. But I think I would have taken everything away that I cleaned up. And then I wouldn't let him get ANYTHING else out to play with...nothing. When he asks (yells at you) "WHY?" Iwould in a very calm voice exlain that you arn't going to spend he day cleaning up after him, and he made it clear he didn't want to clean up either...so there wasn't another choice. If he shows geniune sorrow for how he treated you, then you can have a heart to heart about how families take care of each ther...remind hm of a few times you took care of him...if he says he sorry and will clean up, then I would let him get a few things out....if he stays in his ugly mode then...let him suffer until tomorrow.

I remember thinking "What have I done to myself!!"...I had several other things done at the same time.(2 hernias and a lot of adhessions removed)...I would read how others that were banded the same day were going back to work and I kept thinking whats wrong with me...I still can't even walk without it hurting. Then I felt so weak from the liquid only diet..I thought this is the hardest thing I have ever done. And I had a MAJOR surgery and had my jaw broken in 5 places and had my mouth wired shut for 10 weeks!! (when I was 15)...but this was harder. But now....I'm 4 weeks out and its awesome!! I have lost about 30 pounds counting the pre-op and I feel wonderful!! I don't know if its the weight loss, the diet or what....but I feel 5 years younger!! I have more spring in my step and more energy than I know what to do with!! Hang in there it will get better!! It just takes time....It may even take more than 4 weeks....but just be patient and it will happen!!

Hey smmrsue, Our bodies do a lot of weird stuff the first weeks after post-op. Don't worry about the 1 pound. It's just Water weight. If your like I was, you probably are still drinking a lot of broh and Soups and they can be high in sodium. Plus our bodies are focused on healing at this stage....so the gain isn't anything to worry about. I'm a little scale obsessed right now, so I actually woke up and had to go to the bathroon like at 4:30 am and had to step on the scale while I was there. I was very dissappointed to see I had gained 2 pound from the previous morning....I was so upset!! I had such a hard time getting back to sleep. When I got back up at 8 am the first thing did was head back to the scales... and sure enough the 2 pounds were gone.....now I know I had to pee....but not 2 punds worth!!! haha If you are following the rules, Protein first and watching your calories...its all good and now that you are adding exercise....you are doing a wonderful job!! keep up the great work Anyway...try to stay off the scale.....it will drive you crazy (like me) and you will be weighing yourself in the middle of the night!!haha

Although you've had your band a long time, you haven't really been able to use it. It kind of like you are starting over. I think once you get back on track you will feel better about your future sucesss with it. Try not to put a deadline on your success, it could take you several months just to find the proper fill. As long as you start to loose at a steady rate I would hang in there. In the meanwhile plug back into the LBT site and re-educate yourself on techniques and lifestyle. I'm sure if you are willing to recomitt, success will be in you future. Good Luck!!