Doddie63

Congratulations Uli in a successful in denying yourself sweets and getting such a great weight loss. I too am a gulper and know only too well the issues on that topic.

Hi everyone is different as to tolerance. You must experiment and find your own. Usually eaten slowly, whole grain and high fibre foods are OK, but again depending on your fill and your tolerance, this has got to be your hunting ground. Start off slowly with a tiny bit and see how it works. Don't pack the pouch. Emphasis of course should be on the protein. Get that down first then worry about getting other foods down if there is room.

Sliming: When the pouch is packed and you bringup thick slimy clear Fluid, gobs of it. PBing: Productive burp but call it what it really is - vomiting. Some people believe PBing is bringing up the extra food that won't fit into the pouch and vomiting is when you empty the complete pouch and stomach. To me, it is vomiting. I am sure your clinic can tell you about your sutures and bandages, but mine told me the bandages will fall off on their own. To keep the wounds clean and to rebandage if the stictches are still there. If you spot any redness around the wound, contact the clinic. It could be infection or a stitch that hasn't disolved. I am not a nurse or medical person, just repeating what my clinic told me. So follow the golden rule and any medical questions should be referred to your clinic/surgeon. Hope you have a great trip.

Getting back on track is one of the hardest things in the world for me, because I (like you) know what is coming. Starting out fresh with the band it was all new, scarey, enlightening, all the emotions to keep me going. It is when I revert to old habits that I have that terrible fight with myself because I know what is coming. How did you get yourself moving?

Hi: In my experience, any addiction, no matter what type, alcohol. drugs, or food is a bummer to try and control. Unfortuantely for me, I seem to have the addiction to salt and fats. My GP insists I weigh in every Saturday and when I visit him he records it. His interest is what keeps me going knowing I have to account to not only myself but him. Have fun at the gym and high energy is my wish to you.

checking in......and arrrrrrrrgh! Why does my body do this? Every saturday. 226 224 222 223 now 227 geeezzzzzzz I get so frustrated with this routine. Never fails up, down, down, down, up but in the end always a small loss. Only by looking at my chart can I get a gleam of hope to keep on slogging. Oh well, may have my 2 lbs by end of month hopefully

In order to keep getting notification for this link, I am joining in. I have no particular concerns but am interested in others. It is a great way to learn from reading other postings. One thing I noticed in other posts is how some bandsters (not many) loose sight of changing ones eating habits. I read into some posts the anxiety of giving up pop, pasta, pizza, etc. Not getting a fill before vacation (good idea). I am going on a cruise in Feb. and have learned a lot from posts on what to do or not do. I am also relieved for the way SB is now setting up various aftercare topics for us. I will be the first to join all.

Two hours and then you get hungry, try some small amount of protein. We are supposed to eat protein every three hours so eat part of that planned snack. The other thing I would suggest about the grazing, keep yourself busy. Have a bath, do your hair, telephone someone to take your mind off grazing. Your mind is telling you that with the band, you can get around it by eating frequently small amounts. I have been advised that pouch packing may lead to habits your don't want and could lead to stretching your pouch. I find that when I am watching TV I immediately get the urge to graze. So far I haven't conquered that feeling so I use my PC while watching (listening) to my programs.

by keeping a loose fill, I can eat anything providing I chew well. Things I stay away from because they are harder on me are white bread or any type of dough and any food that is white with the exception of baked potato. I also have trouble with chicken breast. Please post and let us know how you are doing after your surgery.

I have never had a fluoro and my personal opinion is don't bother. I think it is necessary if you are having problems, but on your first fill, no. I would go to Dr. A.

Uncle! so sorry, I seem to be creating more issues than I intended. I know the link is on whether or not....but I thought I could give a few suggestions anyway. Again, my apologies.

Hi: sorry, but I read the phrase "I can hardly eat things now". Then I suggest going back to your clinic and asking for a fluro to see if your band is leaking somewhere. Or some have the Fluid removed to check the amount in the band. Whatever, blaming the band won't solve you problem. Going to to your surgeon should. Hope you have a great trip.

WannaB. I honestly believe you are too tight. Everyone's band is put on to fit their stomach and yours may have been required to have a tighter fit than others. I have 5.5 ccs in a 10 cc band. When I tired to go to 5.75 ccs I vomited every day and was just plain miserable. I had the .25 taken out and I am back to loosing my 1/4 to 1/5 lb per week. Please go back to your clinic and depending on their recommendations, have some saline taken out. I would suggest go back to 5.5 ccs and give a reasonable time say 3 months to see how you adjust then slowly creep back up .25ccs until you can eat your 1/2 to 1 cup of solid food. liquid diets rarely work and you can consume more calories in liquids without realizing it. Good luck

HI: Why don't you start one say "Slimband aka TLBC cont'd" :tt2: I am not a great computer "geek" and find myself happy I can navigate these sites. Let us know how you are doing in your quest to get under or at your goal. Nice to see some different topics here. Can't we start a new thread though, so we can have less pages to wade through? Mary

Thanks for your kind comments. I try to give accurate information in my answers, but when I don't someone usually comes on and corrects me. This is great, because the person answering the questions instantly knows the correct answer and I have learned something new. Good luck again. Please post on how you are doing.

I wish you the very best in your journey. Thanks for setting the record straight.

PS: There are no fees. Just bring your sunny smile.

Gerdi, I have to agree 100%. The variety of experiences and various stages of the band is truly a great experience. 19 bandsters all contributing thier experiences. I missed a couple of months and was really very happy to get the interaction with the group. The web is great, but nothing can replace a group getting together. So anyone out there that have the band, thinking of the band, at goal whatever, please come out to our meetings. You would be so welcome.

Hi: Riding the fence here, I think this debate is a wonderful debate. Hopefully, people doing research will latch on and read all the opinions. Getting to all the pros and cons, this link has been one of the best and I hope others join in.

susieq I certainly agree with your reasoning. When I got my band, as most newbies, I had fear for every creak and groan I was experiencing. Yes, as a long distance patient, I had difficulties with my clinic but that is water under the bridge now. Would I pick the same clinic again, yes for the surgeon I would. However if I had the choice of a local doctor I would have gone locally, but at the time, he was not yet doing bands. I now go to Dr. W. every 3 or 4 months. But if I need any surgical intervention, I must return to my clinic and the fact I don't have to pay for the surgery is a godsend for me but I still have to come up with travel costs. That is why I recommend check out your local surgeons first if you are not "flush" with money. With this economy who has security?

I really can't read into canadachubbling's post any fear mongering. I really think you have overreacted to someone who is excited and just wish to share their research. Your post has excellent points, but it is unfortuante you decided to add that heated comment. I had problems with aftercare and find myself very fortunate that a Canadian doctor has taken me on but as the business grows most doctors will no longer take on other patients. I too have read post after post of patients that have gone to Mexico and can't find aftercare. The bottom line is try to find a reputable clinic close to home. One you can drive to. For instance, in BC there are two doctors and a great clinic in Washington state. Hopefully people researching, will read the posts and make a decision accordingly.

Thanks Karenin. With reference to the fibre issue, I tried benefibre and had no luck with it. I did have great success with bran buds. 1/4 cup of bran buds either sprinkled over cereal or alone with milk. With me, I had to eat it for two days before I had a great deal of success. Also, don't forget we are eating a lot less, and it is not necessary to have a BM every day.

HI do you blanch and skin your peppers. I have a great deal of difficulty eating them but love them. Being allowed only one cup of food which includes 3 oz of protein mandatory, not a lot left over for a salad. How do you get a salad in?

Nope my sentiments exactly. As a long distant patient, it costs me roughly $1,000 to travel to ONT. but I have the security of knowing a dollar is a dollar. I don't have to purchase travel and health insurance. As the band becomes more popular, fills doctors are available no matter where you had the surgery, but it is the unknown emergency that is the problem. Question one always has to ask.....can I afford to fly back to my clinic or should I stay closer to home. Another point, BC now has two doctors doing the band and I think all provinces (except Sask) now have doctors doing the surgery. Personal choices are great for competition and keeps the prices down and as you said everyone has to do what they think is best for themselves.

One thing about the internet, old topics never die, they don't even fade away. LOL