Instyle98

Probably, but the only one who can answer that question is your surgeon. I have allergies too and often suffer from post nasal drip and it wasn't a problem for me.

Ask yourself this: What if you don't have the surgery? Are you like I was that no matter what you did you keep gaining? Even if you maintain your present weight, are you happy? Do you like how you look and feel? What if you don't fail? Are you willing to do almost anything to lose some weight? Does food really make you feel better? WLS may be right for you or it may not, only you can decide. At the very least if you're not happy or have problems with the band, you can have it removed unlike other weight loss surgeries. I know when you first go to find out about Lap-Band surgery, you're presented with a bunch of you can't eat this anymore, you have to do this, etc. and it sounds very daunting and difficult, but I have found that it's not! Just having the surgery and knowing I'm doing things that are better for me, has lifted a great weight off of my shoulders. Not many people know I have a band and they never will. It takes the same motivation and "want power" (as someone on here calls it) as it does without surgery, but somehow there are times when it is a little easier and other times when it is not. With Lap-Band there are so many more tools at your disposal, including this forum. Losing weight has always been extremely difficult for me (my metabolism is not the greatest) so I am not the fastest at it, but I'm in it for the long haul. Before surgery, I couldn't stop gaining weight, no matter what I tried and I would have been excited to lose 10 lbs (which I was finding very difficult), but now since starting this process I have lost 50 lbs! Even if I don't lose anymore (that is not my plan), I am in a much better place than I was before. My journey has not been easy since I have had some complications (unrelated to the Lap-Band) along the way, including being very restricted on my exercise (scheduled for tendon repair in 7 days with an extended recovery of no walking, etc.), but I'm still losing. In the beginning I wasn't sure WLS surgery was for me either and because of my doubts, I stalled a little by not trying to alter my eating or exercise habits during my 4 month waiting period. I could of had my surgery a little sooner than I did. One of my big excuses was the holidays were coming and who wants WLS at Thanksgiving and Christmas time? Now I wish I had gotten it done sooner. The tools are out there if you want them. It's up to you to determine which ones will help you and when is the right time. Overweight or not, you are still the same person. Being fat does not make you less than, just like being thin does not make you better than someone, but it does make life easier. Believe me I know I went from being a size 24W to a size 6 (sometimes) 4 and back again. That's right - I lost 165 lbs and gained almost all of it back before Lap-Band. I will never be a size 6 or even an 8 again, but I don't like being almost 300 lbs either (and I'm short!). Having the band is helping me to make life altering permanent changes. You're only a failure when you stop trying. Best of luck to you.

I live in Kemah and was banded New Year's Eve, 2012. I'm older than you an have no children, but I'm almost always available!

I just ordered some too! I've not heard of it before, but sounds like it's worth a try.

Beans, beans the magical fruit. The more you eat, the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel, So lets have beans for every meal! Not! Ahhh..beans, how I knew ya, how I loved ya.... A little ode to Susan's beloved beans.

Sure! The same way it gets adjusted while you're losing weight. That doesn't change.

Good job! Well done!

BTW, 63 lb loss is fantastic! I know I'm jealous, but not too proud to admit it! Way to do it! You are almost there! Sure sounds and looks better than 36 lbs doesn't it?

I keep them on hand because yes, sometimes in the morning, I don't want breakfast but mostly because sometimes I find I am on the go and don't have time to either prepare a meal, don't want to prepare a meal, or haven't gotten to the grocery store. I'd rather down a Protein drink than be tempted to grab something less healthy or go without eating which is also a very bad idea. I also keep them on hand for times when I'm really hungry and want a snack (the ones I use are only 160 calories with 30 grams of protein). I figure that's a better choice them something calorie or carb laden plus after I get a fill, I'm on liquids for 2 days. I have found that I feel fuller longer in the morning on the days I have hot oat bran Cereal for breakfast (approved by the center that did my surgery). If I want to increase the protein I add one or two egg whites to it. Oat bran is full of Fiber and complex carbohydrates (good for intestinal health, helps you to feel fuller longer, has complex carbs for energy which also helps regulate insulin better,and lowers cholesterol among other things). I add a lot of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla, no calorie sweetener and a few berries (usually a couple of frozen blueberries) and/or a spoonful of low calorie/no sugar added fruit spread. I was eating this only once or twice per week in the morning, but was told I could have it more often, if I choose. Before that I was eating a lot of Greek yogurt and was told to cut back on dairy because sometimes lactose can be detrimental to weight loss and that advice has helped me.

Drink sugar free beverages such as Crystal Lite, Kool-Aid, flavored waters, eat sugar free popsicles, no added sugar fruit bars (the small ones), sugar free jello, etc. and make sure you're getting enough protein.

Best thing you can do is let it go in one ear and out the other. When you get a text, just text back, "good for you!", or "congrats!", and leave it at that. I know it's difficult, but that's probably all you can do. I have a "frienemy" like that. Years ago she had gastric bypass surgery (after I had lost 165 lbs, no pills, no surgery) and no - she is not thin by any stretch of the imagination. I wasn't going to tell her I was having Lap-Band surgery, but one day when I was talking about a difficult time I was having with my husband she just blurted out, "Why don't you go get weight loss surgery?!" That had nothing to do with the conversation, but that happens to be her recommended cure-all for whatever is troubling anyone who is overweight. LOL! Since she thinks she is such an authority on everything, I happen to tell her I had already gone through all of my pre-op requirements including the 4 month waiting period and was already on the surgery schedule. Now, I wish I had not done that. When I do hear from her, the first question is not "Hi, how are you?", but, "So, how much weight have you lost and will I be jealous?" I want to tell her that it's well within her power to lose weight and she knows what to do, especially considering she had surgery, but I don't. I just tell her how much I have lost and be done with it. She's clueless about how the Lap-Band even works. The most important thing to remember is that it doesn't matter how much your sister gains or loses or how she does it. You must keep focused on your goal and ignore her. Stay focused, put your blinders on (in regards to your sister) and as they say, keep your eyes on the prize! She's just scared she'll be the really be the "big" sister (if you know what I mean), while everyone oohs and aahs over your weight loss and new look. If you ask me she's acting more like the baby and less like a big sister right now. Just let it go.

Phhhht! (that's a raspberry!) on your husband! Shame on him! Has he never tried anything new and had it not turn out as expected? Hey at least you're trying to take old favorites and remake them into something that's better for you. If you get the Cooking Channel and haven't already, take a look at Bobby Deen's show, "Not My Mama's Meals". He takes her favorites and remakes them so they are healthier. If you're truly going to make lasting changes you are going to have to learn to cook differently and we all know that involves trial and error. Heck, haven't you ever had a dish that you have made over and over not turn out for some reason? It happens to all of us. Just keep something quick to prepare for him around if he won't eat the failures. I don't even worry about what my husband is going to have for dinner. I always have enough if he wants what I make (and I'm a good cook, didn't develop the need for a band by eating terrible tasting food ), but if not, he's a big boy and can fend for himself! For some reason he chooses to eat fast food (he's a McDonald's junkie) and frozen dinners, but he's weird! BTW if you do an internet search on healthy recipes, lapband recipes, etc., you can get some good ideas for new menu items and substitutions for ingredients. Carry on and keep plugging away!

I did, until I started my pre-op diet. I actually gain weight. However, by the time I started my pre-op diet, those things I was eating had lost their appeal, didn't taste as good as I remembered and I pretty much got it out of my system. I also felt charged up and ready to start eating in a healther manner and didn't feel deprived on my pre-op diet. I like to cook, so I also took charge of getting prepared for my post surgical recovery time and made my own broths and cream Soups which made things easier. I really don't like canned or powdered broth/stock unless it's for using as a base for a dish and if I was going to be restricted, I wanted what I could eat to be tasty and know exactly what was in it. You can find some good healthy recipes out there for things like butternut squash Soup (one of my favorites now, I make it frequently), mushroom soup, cauliflower soup, etc. Remember, food doesn't have to be your enemy, nor does it have to be your best friend. Try to think of it as fuel for your body. You wouldn't put gas in your car if you didn't need it would you?

Try not to worry. I would be freaked out more if I were having problems and no one was taking me seriously or listening. At least this way you will get answers sooner than later and it may be an easy fix. Worry won't make you feel any better so just be patient, Monday is almost here! Keep us posted!

I like the Premier Protein Shakes too! I get mine at Sam's Club - less than $19 for a box of 12. I haven't tried the Vanilla yet. I do have several Unjury and True Results canisters of powder if anyone is interested in trying them. I think a couple are open and some are not. All you have to do is pay for shipping. Let me know and I can give you the details of what I have. There's nothing wrong with them, I just got tired of them and hate to throw them out if someone wants them.

83 lbs! Wow! That's great! Feeling a bit discouraged - I've always been a slow loser. However I'm better than I was before surgery. Before the band I was in a place that no matter what I did, I would either keep gaining or had to fight just to maintain. Sigh....

Wait a minute! You were banded this past December and you've lost 102 lbs! Wow! I was banded 12/31 and I've only lost 50 lbs! Granted my exercise has been very limited but how did you do that? Maybe I need some pointers?!

Well, my experience has not been as bad as yours. Yes, several of my fills have been uncomfortable, but not really horrible. There's no way they could have hit your ribs, though with where the port is placed and the size needles they use. Correct me if I'm wrong but they usually use a butterfly (very small and fine) and then attach the syringe to the small tubing on the butterfly. It is painful if they catch the port on the edge of it rather than in the middle and they usually have to re-stick you when that happens. The staff has been very supportive, friendly and helpful to me. I learn something new each time I go. If I were you I would tell them you don't want to see whoever it was that caused you all of that pain. I just tell myself, "No pain, no gain or loss, I mean!" Hopefully your fill experience will get better!

Kemah, TX

I also get my fills through True Results and so far only 2 people there have been concerned about the discomfort the fills cause and have been able to do it without causing me pain. I don't know what they are doing but normally it only takes one stick, but it really hurts! One person who gave me a fill did a great job, causing me no discomfort and when I told her that she asked if anyone had offered to numb the area for me (which no one had) and then when I got my last fill on May 23, the person that did it had to stick my twice leaving me very sore. I had to return a week later on May 30 to have fluid removed for an upcoming surgery and I was still sore, so the person I saw this last time was kind enough to numb the area before sticking me. I don't like to complain and don't want to seem like a baby, but I'm going to start asking them to numb the area first. They always have me complete a survey asking if I want to see the same practitioner again, and I always answer yes, but that hardly ever happens. What's up with that?

Hi Everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted but I'm still hanging in there. It's been difficult because my activity has been very restricted since I have plantar fasciitis and what was thought to be tendonitis (turns out to be a tear) so I was told no walking and no treadmill. I tried water fitness classes but had to stop after the third class because it was making my foot/ankle injury worse. I was going to start swimming and get an Air bike, but then after 8 weeks of physical therapy it was determined that rather than tendonitis I have a tear so I'm now scheduled for surgery on June 12. Along the way I had a couple of fills and have been uncomfortable for a couple of months ever since I went over 4cc's, experiencing soreness and discomfort and a few stuck episodes. I had to have fluid removed from my band in preparation for my upcoming surgery so I'm hoping that my band is just irritated and with some fluid removed things will settle down and I will be able to get a little more fluid added once I'm up and around. It's going to be awhile before I'm able to exercise again,so I'm trying to stay postive and looking forward to when I get the okay to start again. Not looking forward to surgery since if everything goes well, I'll have 2 weeks in a splint (no weight bearing, have to use a walker), then 2-3 weeks in a cast, followed with another 2-3 weeks in a walking boot and I'm sure there will be more physical therapy. If all goes well I should have a complete recovery in 4-6 months. I pushed my surgery back a week trying to get a bunch of stuff done beforehand, but my ankle/foot doesn't want to cooperate with my plans. I was so happy to be taken off BP meds (found a new and better cardiologist), but that was short lived since I will probably have to resume medication since my echocardiogram did not come back clean (I have an extensive family history of cardiomyopathy - no immediate family members left), but that's just how it goes. I was getting discouraged because I felt like I should have lost more weight than I have, but despite my exercise limitations and still trying to get my band adjusted to the right amount, I have managed to lose 50 lbs!

I started out using a nasal pillow with the ear straps. It worked okay for awhile but then I just couldn't stand it. I tried switching the Bella straps (around the ear) for the ones that go around your head, but after a while hated that too. I now have a Sleepweaver which is soft fabric and that is so much easier to sleep with. I have the regular one and might try the Elan style which is even smaller, but the whole fabric thing is a lot easier than the plastic and rubber kinds. Sometimes the nasal pillow would actually make a whistling noise and who can sleep with that? The Sleepweaver doesn't do that. The other problem I had was with condensation in the tube. I like to sleep with the temperature lowered and sometimes even with the heat setting turned down low condensation would build up in the tube and if I turned a certain way all of a sudden I would get a trickle of Water in the mask and of course into my nose - not a good feeling. I tried a Snuggle cover for the hose but that didn't help. The technician had me try a heated tube and that seems to have fixed the problem. You can also go on line and find suppliers that have accessories such as special pillows to accommodate your mask or things to help with the fit if you need them. Although my insurance covered a good portion of the cost of the machine and stuff, I still have to pay for part of it. Some masks have trial periods so you can exchange them for something different if they don't work. The other thing I do to save cost is when I get a new tube, I keep the old one and rotate them out. I wash one, let it hang to dry and use the other and vice versa. If you routinely wash and dry them you don't have to get new tubes and stuff as often and will save some money. Since you have to pay out of pocket perhaps they would consider giving you a discount?

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (breathing interruption events 78% of the time while I slept, if I remember correctly) prior to surgery and the sleep center told me that even with weight loss, I may still have to use my machine. Initially I was bummed but since I also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I realized at least now I had an explanation why I was beyond exhausted, woke up choking at night and would only sleep for a couple of hours at a time. My husband was also concerned because despite his ability to sleep soundly combined with his loud snoring (bad sinuses and asthma) he had noticed a few times when I had stopped breathing. It took some time to get used to using my Bi-Pap and I had to try a few different masks, etc., but it had been so long since I had gotten any quality sleep that I had forgotten things most of us take for granted. I had forgotten what it felt like to go to bed and feel that pleasant sensation of relaxing and feeling yourself drift off to sleep. The headaches I had experienced every morning had lessened in intensity and frequency a great deal. I am able to sleep without my articulated nightguard which for me was incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention a PITA, since I have dogs that can reach it if I leave it on my night table or take it out during the night and misplace it. (Dogs love to chew those things to pieces and they cost over $500 and involve getting impressions made at the dentist. My dogs are big enough that with one chomp it is destroyed and my grinding was so bad several of my molars are worn almost flat and due to the pressure I was exerting on my teeth I caused my gums to recede to the point that I had gum grafts top and bottom, both sides before my WLS. It was both painful and expensive.) I too had to bring my machine with to the surgical center, but not to use, only to prove that I actually had one. Do I like having to hook myself to a machine at night? No, my sleep has improved, I no longer snore, and at least I know I won't wake up unable to move or speak because I had a stroke during the night. Did you know that you can buy a luggage ID tag for traveling that allows you to carry your machine on board a plane without it counting as a carry-on when you travel?

My doctor suggested swimming and a stationary bicycle, all stuff that is low to no impact since I have a foot and ankle injury. I'm probably going to join a gym that not only offers those things but also water aerobics, yoga, pilates, and weights for my upper body. If you're mom is not up to water aerobics I know we had a place that offered a class called "gentle joints". I took it years ago and liked it. I was by far the youngest one in the class but it didn't matter. I also suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and some days I'm just not up to a rigorous workout so the water exercise (in a heated pool) works for me.

Today was my 3rd fill. She only gave me .4cc because I think I may be getting close to being in the green zone. I'm on liquids for the next 2 days, then soft foods for 1 and after that back to my regular food. I lost 8 lbs since my last visit a month ago. I was a little disappointed because I wanted it to be 10, but I'll take what I can get. It's been a little difficult for me since one of my doctors has restricted my exercise (no walking, no treadmill) but I'm investigating some alternatives and hopefully will begin doing other stuff for exercise.