Rvingdi

Hi Girls, I'll turn 60 in February! I got my band on April 3, 2007. Best decision I've every made. My weight prior to pre-op fasting was 231. (BMI 39.4) Current weight is 196. Now that I've had a second fill of 2.1cc's I'm losing about 1.5-2 lbs/week. I'm very happy with that! I walk about 3 miles/4X's a week. Just remember that the decreasing measurements are more important than the scale.

I have also noticed her "slight" weight gain. She still does exercise every morning, but, in her line of work the food is always tempting. I hope she notices herself before she gains a bunch of weight back. After all her efforts that would be a shame.

Ginny, Good luck wth your band. You'll do fine if you just do what they advise you to do. And....thanks for the upbeat reply. RvingDi

Here's my story. My highest was 231 w/39 bmi. I was banded on 4/3/07 at 213 lbs. I had to literally talk my surgeon (Dr. Grossbard in Zephyerhills, Florida) into doing the surgery because I would not be returning to his office until end of October 2007. (6 months later) He gave me a 1.6 cc fill 5/07. You see my husband and I live in our motorhome year-round and travel extensively. I just returned to Florida and have an app't on Halloween. (yes, it's frightening to see how badly things went) I did pretty well losing a total of 36 lbs. We went to Canada for a month and when we returned to New England I triggered a terrible craving for dark chocolate. I can't stop. As a result I now weigh, I think 207. I'm so ashamed and embarrassed. There are emotional reasons for my slip up but I know better. I really hope to get some positive feedback from everyone and hopefully another fill at tomorrow's appointment. Any help?:help:

When did you get banded? Six months about. That would make it about April? May? I was banded in Florida on April 3rd of this year. We live in a motor home on the road most of the year and I convinced my Dr. to preform the lap band on me, promising I would go to one of the groups doctors at least once/a/month until I was back to Florida in November. I didn't. He gave me a 1.6 cc fill in May and off I went. I did pretty good with my apetite until about July. Then all hell broke loose. I started eating larger portions and often. I lost 38 lbs until July. Now I've gained about 6 lbs back and my apetite is off the charts. We're in the same boat. I want this really, really badly. I've got an appointment on Oct 31st and I want him to recommend a larger fill. I am determined to "start over" and take really good care of myself. You should too. Have you had a fill recently?? Do you go to support meetings to get advice and help with your issues? I know that's what I need. I don't want to let this opportunity slip through my fingers, so I'm going to do everything I'm told to do including exercise. For me that's just walking 3 miles a day and using 2 lb weights 3X/week using "Walk Off The Pounds" What do you think??? RvingDi

Hi Susan, Since you're only consuming liquids you could get light-headed. I know I did. It will pass. Especially since you can add lots of protein tomorrow. I purchased a canister of "Any Whey" protein powder online at: Optimumnutrition.com. and add a scoop to almost anything I eat. It's great in soups and smoothies. Good luck with your lapband journey!

Hi Suzieq, I was banded April 3rd in Florida, USA. I've healed nicely and I'm again enjoying solid foods. (It helps to puree or grind foods like chicken, turkey, steak when you're allowed to eat it again. I had a liquid diet for 2-wks pre-op and 4-wks post-op. Now its great! I eat slowly, chewing a lot, and actually can tell when I'm full. It's amazing, really. As for the April banster site, just type in Apil 07 Bandsters under "search" and it will bring you to the thread for it. Good luck with your healing.

HI, I'm RvingDi. I was banded on April 3, 2007. Can you add my name to your April Bansters List? Thanks.

[Some people dream of success...while others wake up and work hard at it.] Hi Everyone! I got banded on Tuesday, April 3rd. The first 3 days were not too bad, but on day 4 I started having the gas pains in my left shoulder and neck. :thinkI used a heating pad for two days. That helped a lot. If you have any other suggestions....please let me know. Has anyone been told to do a two-week liquid diet for pre-op as well as a 2-3 week clear liquid diet for post-op? Just curious.

I got banded on 4/3/07. I was on 14 day Pre-op. Optifast diet. Post-op, I just finished 14 days of clear liquids. (broth, clear juices, fruit 2/0,water. I hope I never see another cup of chicken broth again. Ugh. But.....I've lost 22 1/2 lbs. Yeah!!!!!

Hi Ya'll, Well tomorrow I go for my 2 week post-op. Ca't wait to go onto the next stage. (whatever that is?) My doc is conservative. Hopefully it will be lots of protein as yesterday I had an "almost" fainting spell. I guess 300-400 cals,no protein is not enough for me. I am taking in an average of 60-70 oz. water. Wish me luck. Also, 4 bandages came off yesterday. (day 14) they look really awesome. My port bandage is still hanging in there.

I can't understand why they don't offer the "thinner" version during the initial banding surgery. Would same money, don't you think? I have 80+ lbs to lose and hope I don't have a protruding port!!

Boo, Just curious? What is "Coffee Bean" and how would I get their products?

Tanya, You look really great in that suit! Can't wait till I get back into a size 16. (not since 1998) anyway....Christina Swimsuits...are well made and alwo come in all sizes. Google it online! Good luck with your special day!

My surgeon had me on Optifast for two weeks prior to surgery which was 4/3/07.. Along with water, crystal light, sf frozen pops, jello, gum and hard candies. It felt like a cleansing in my body and I lost 13 lbs to boot! Good luck on your surgery.

Hi Mumof2boys, I was just wondering who your surgeon is because I was put on a two week liquid diet of Optifast also. For the same reasons. But....no Protein bars? I don't get it?:cry

Hi Mazziemommy, I was banded on 4/3/07 in Zephyerhills, Florida. Do you still have bandages?

Hi Jenna and Nana, I got banded one week ago. (4/3/07) My bandage strips still have not fallen off. When does this happen? I'm curious to see what my scars look like.

Hi everyone, I was banded on April 3rd. I've lost 15 lbs already due to a 3-week liquid diet ordered by my surgeon. What is all this talk about the "April Challenge: Going for the GOLD!" Please explain.

Wow everyone is so helpful. Thanks a bunch! I did pick up GasX yesterday. They come in strips w/cinnamon flavor. Mmmmn. Two did the trick. I feel like I could power NYC with all my released gas. sorry about that. Anyway, I did 2 weeks of Optifast, Crystal Light, coffee, and Water. Not much Protein. I really thought my doctor would recommend more protein post-opt. Following his diet I only get about 750 cals/6 grams protein/no fat/day. It's been a week since banding and I feel I need more protein. I'll probably call the office today. I do walk two miles with my husband everyday. They even have a treadmill at this resort for rainly days. Yeah!!! My other question-my bandages are still very tight. Do I just wait until they fall off. I want to start using Vitamin E for the scar? Any help?

My weight is 231. BMI is 48.5. On my first day of my 2 week liquid diet, I woke up at 6:00am with the alarm. We had security duty at the vendor building for 7:00am. (We're fulltimers, living in a motorhome. At the present time we're at a rally in Perry, Georgia.) Surrounding me today will be what I call....carnival food!! Thank goodness I'll be busy till 9:30am, checking for ID''s to enter the building. I said goodbye to all that "junk food" last night with a shared peach cobbler with my husband. I'm determined to do this new lifestyle the right way. I had 1 Optifast at 7:00am, followed by 28 oz. of sipped water. 2nd Optifast at 10:30am. I'm feeling a little hungry just hanging around all this "fried-food" people are walking around with outside. 3rd drink at 12:00 noon and 16 oz. black coffee w/hazelnut shot. 4th drink at 6:00pm and 2 s.f. popcicles. I got really hungry between 3:00 & 6:00pm. I drank a 16 oz black coffee. Ugh!! I hate it without coffeemate hazelnut creamer.:phanvan 5th drink at 7:00pm. I've been so sore from riding my bike all around (determined to get in some exercise) since I haven't ridden it since last fall. Took 2 Aleve before bed and hope for a good night's sleep.

My weight is 231. BMI is 48.5. On my first day of my 2 week liquid diet, I woke up at 6:00am with the alarm. We had security duty at the vendor building for 7:00am. (We're fulltimers, living in a motorhome. At the present time we're at a rally in Perry, Georgia.) Surrounding me today will be what I call....carnival food!! Thank goodness I'll be busy till 9:30am, checking for ID''s to enter the building. I said goodbye to all that "junk food" last night with a shared peach cobbler with my husband. I'm determined to do this new lifestyle the right way. I had 1 Optifast at 7:00am, followed by 28 oz. of sipped water. 2nd Optifast at 10:30am. I'm feeling a little hungry just hanging around all this "fried-food" people are walking around with outside. 3rd drink at 12:00 noon and 16 oz. black coffee w/hazelnut shot. 4th drink at 6:00pm and 2 s.f. popcicles. I got really hungry between 3:00 & 6:00pm. I drank a 16 oz black coffee. Ugh!! I hate it without coffeemate hazelnut creamer.:phanvan 5th drink at 7:00pm. I've been so sore from riding my bike all around (determined to get in some exercise) since I haven't ridden it since last fall. Took 2 Aleve before bed and hope for a good night's sleep.

I was told to avoid carbonated beverages altogether. Since I only drank diet ginger ale, not a problem.

Are we enjoying? You bet. It's been almost 4 years. We've visited 47 states, 18 National Parks, Canada, and Mexico. We've traveled over 58,000 miles. Can't say enough about how relaxing this lifestyle really is. Hope your friend enjoys her decision too!

I was told by my surgeon (who does not use insurance) that I can claim the medical expense on my taxes. I had to pay cash for my surgery and I'm certainly looking into the possibility.:biggrin1: