Sharpie

My dear Julie I am so sorry for your loss. No words can help your hurting heart. After losing my husband in October I know that he also had a few years of illness and is in a better place now. My prayers to you and your family. You did the best for your Dad.

I have been banded almost 3 years. never had any restaurant refuse to let me order small portions. you have to ask to see the Manager if that happens. I do have a card given to me at the bariatric center but have never had to use it. I just tell them I had weight loss surgery and need either child portions or smaller portions . I even had a server @ Red Robin say oh I had weight loss surgery too and have lost 100 lbs. so he was so accommodating.

so I am going tomorrow for a fill. Decided that I want to lose a few more lbs and get a little under my goal so I have some wiggled room. I have started to get munchy lately and that is my clue to get a slight fill. I haven't had one in a year. My Dr. is very conservative and when I saw him last month he decided to wait on the fill because he felt my recent loss of my husband might be causing emotional issues. I am ready for a fill and to get back on track.

My Surgeons office was extremely efficient and provided me with a big book on lapband. it contained information on nutrition, what to eat and when, information on how you should feel and when and Vitamins and what drugs you should and shouldn't take. They explained in depth why you should not use straws, drink carbonated beverages and shouldn't chew gum. This book is like my bible. I still refer to it if I have a question or a problem. I also have a nutritionist that works with my surgeon and she is very accessible and gives me suggestions. I am also fortunate to have a wonderful, understanding Dr. who listens to me and is conservative about fills. He doesn't believe in big fills. I also think people sometimes don't ask questions when they see their Dr. Information you find on the internet is not necessarily the most accurate or medically sound. Ask your Dr. and or PA and make sure they understand your concerns.

Having Lapband Surgery almost 3 years ago was the single best thing I have done for myself ever. I struggled for years with being overweight. I had diabetes and high cholesterol, high blood pressure and mobility problems . My poor knees and back were crying from the extra weight. I tell people that it is not the easy way but if you are serious about losing weight and try to adhere to the guidelines you will lose and maintain. My eating habits have changed and it has become easier with time. After trying every weight loss program and gimmick known to man for years having the lapband is so liberating. So good to see positive posts on the Lapband. Keep it up guys.

yes a picture would be great. One of the best things for me was when my teenage granddaughters said I was cute. I now enjoy shopping with them and can keep up with them in the mall. I could not do that for many years. Have a great time and enjoy your girl and her fella.

I have done it when I didn't eat much for dinner and felt like I needed something.. better than junk food so depends on how much sugar or calories I suppose. I sometimes make my own with muscle milk powder and almond milk , throw a few strawberries or frozen banana and you have a good Protein smoothie. I would discuss with the nutritionist if you have one as to whether you are really hungry or just out of habit eating something at bedtime.

Thanks Bandista.. those are good links. life is so much better being banded...

Being a RN you have access to information on all of the WLS surgery options. I cannot give you medical advice only my personal experience. I was 66 years old when I made the decision to try to improve my health. I had type 2 Diabetes, High Blood pressure and HIgh cholesterol. My mobility was decreasing daily, I had no energy . I went to a seminar and talked to several friends who I knew had had weight loss surgery. Every WLS has side effects or down sides. I made my decision to get the band because I did not want to lose 80 % of my stomach (Sleeve) I did not want to have my intestines re-routed (bypass). the band was minimally invasive, and after talking with my banded friends determined that this surgery could be a long term solution to a long problem. It is not the easy way out as some say, it's still work and you have to follow the rules. However, I have lost most of my weight and feel like a new person. After almost 3 years I have changed the way I look at food and even this Thanksgiving has been a challenge but I know even though I ate more unhealthy than normal I will be back on track today and will continue to maintain my loss. Recovery from band surgery was pretty easy, I had some shoulder pain for a few days and some constipation. Both resolved pretty quickly. Staying hydrated has always been a priority. Drinking tons of Water every day and taking my Vitamins is a daily routine now. I take calcium chews I have osteoporosis and have arthritis in my hips so the calcium is a must. The other plus side to the band is none of my vitamins are malabsorbed. I'm not sure why with the other surgeries that happens but I know in my case with the band It does not. As usual, you are the best judge of what you need for you. Just wanted to give you my experience. Best of Luck on your decision and Let us know how you are doing.

Not sure if you need therapy, but my Mother was also a depression child. She would never throw anything away unless it was just too spoiled to use. She saved bits and pieces of every meal and at the end of the week she made Soup. After Thanksgiving, that Turkey was stripped down to the bone, and she made turkey something every day until it was gone. I got really tired of turkey and to this day I only eat it at Thanksgiving and then I package up the leftovers and give all of the kids some for sandwiches. I have the worst time throwing food away. I still try to save food like a squirrel and ultimately end up throwing it away . Sometimes I do make vegetable soup . My parents had 5 children and very little money, they made sure we cleaned our plates and we did not have soda's, Cookies, chips, etc. If I got a coke it would be either at someone elses house or I did some work for neighbors to earn some money. I was also a very skinny kid and I did not gain weight until I was in my 40's. so even though I was raised in a clean your plate household I did not have a life long obesity issue. I attribute some of that to my activity level as a young person. I always had a big appetite and learn to love food too much.

I was gonna say butterflies but I think they are called steri-strips now. they used them on my port incision when I had my band done. they said don't pull them off they will fall off when ready.

You cannot be responsible for anyone else's health. As an grown woman she knows her choices are destructive. Some people do that as a self defense or lack of self worth. Now she is afraid that you will start to explore your new life of health and looking better. You have to do what is the best thing for you now, having weight loss surgery is not a picnic, it's not the easy way out as some like to say, I had to explain to my husband how I needed his support and even though I did that he had a difficult time not trying to feed me. He was a life long feeder. He however was not overweight. We went through many discussions and he finally realized what he was doing. He became my biggest supporter . He experienced his own health issues in the past few years and I lost him in October. We were married 39 years and I sometimes wish he was here trying to feed me.. lol , not really but if you love each other enough you can overcome this. You however have to keep on your program, focus on your health and pray that she will decide to do the same. Explain to her that you love her and would like for her to live with you until old age but want her to be healthy and happy.

Quest bars have high Protein, low sugar . I have eaten them since I had my surgery almost 3 years ago. They are way better for me and my band than any of the other Protein Bars because the amount of sugar in some of them is very high. Sugar=carbs and makes me want to eat more sugar.

got an email from Carolina Girl today. she is really down on herself. I want to hug her right now and tell her to stop beating herself up. All of us have had struggles and I know first hand how easily we can let our emotions , depressions, grief, etc. takeover. I reminded her how much she has accomplished and asked her to come back to us and we can help. I went to my support group last night after not going for a year, it was informative, there were more sleeve people than banded but overall a nice group. There were a few who had not had surgery and wanted to know if it was worth it. I told them my story and I hope that encouraged them to make the leap. We did talk about meal planning and got some good information on different recipe sites. I plugged Bandedliving.com because there are tons of recipes on there. Please keep CG in your prayers and hopefully she will come around.

Liz Lisa is right sometimes it takes a little time. I am in North Florida sadly . Weather here is nice hope it is the same when you arrive. I am actually going to my first support meeting tonight in a year. I realized after my husband's death that I need to get back in touch with my group and get back in the game. My purpose in having surgery was to be healthier and I feel I am slipping with the stress of my husband's illness and the grief I am not eating well. Hope you have a wonderful trip .

so sorry this happened to you. You know cowgirl there are lots of riding groups (if you still ride) I know years ago when I did group rides I met many guys who had the same interest in horses as me. I was married and not interested in developing any relationships at the time. I know there are always married men trolling so, chalk that off to a bad experience and move on. I am not sure about the whole internet dating thing either I think it would be scary for me to try that. There is a site for horse folks I believe. Best of luck to you. Don't give up there are probably just as many good guys out there as good gals you sometimes have to sift through them.

I am short too and don't like booths. However, I would have told them to sit in the booth by themselves and I would have sat alone or left. how disrespectful to you. Your husband needs an attitude adjustment. No one should treat someone the are supposed to love in that manner. Sorry for you sweetie. doesn't matter if you are heavy or thin if you prefer to sit at a table instead of a booth your feelings should count.

I am with B52, small portions of everything. I will be cooking the turkey and dressing, other family and friends will bring sides. last year I had a small portion of everything. didn't overeat which was wonderful. I did save some room for pumpkin pie which is my favorite. since I had surgery I have felt reborn. I can enjoy Thanksgiving without guilt. I have tons of energy and can cook all day and still enjoy everyone's company.

so sorry Stephanie for your loss.

Liz so happy you posted this. Everyone who hasn't had the struggle with obesity seems to think it's all mind over matter. I know that without my band I would still eat too much and would be back to my former overweight obese self in no time. The fill itself will not cure the mental problems but it gives you control and a good deal of self confidence. I went to my surgeon on Monday, thought I might need a small fill but he decided to wait a little bit because my emotions are not good since losing my husband last month. My surgeon is a very wise man and a compassionate man, I won the lottery when I found him. I am getting back on my eating plan so I won't slip back into my former bad habits. You have been successful but seem to realize the pitfalls of thinking you can do it alone. Best of luck, the fill process by the way is nothing to worry about. Take Care

excellent testament to the success you can have with lapband. I too had my band surgery on January 15, 2013. I am 5'0 and possibly shorter as I age.. lol. however I weighed 200 lbs when I started my search for resolution to my health issues. I was 66 years of age and had diabetes, type 2 which was getting worse every day, on the verge of starting insulin and added problems with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My mobility was a problem as I could barely make it around the store to shop. I spent most of my days in my recliner or in bed because my knees and back hurt constantly. After having my surgery I am a new woman, haven't felt better in many years. I still have days I am not as compliant as in the beginning but for the most part I am good, I have maintained my loss for several years. Just went back to my surgeon just for a checkup since it had been a year since I saw him last. He said you are doing good, no problems and seems like you are maintaining your loss. All I can say to anyone considering weight loss surgery, do your research and find out what you want as a long term goal. I am still extremely happy that I chose my lapband .

let me add something to this post.. one of the things that helped me to stay motivated was to look in the gallery at before and after photo's.. it's inspiring to see how far some of our fellow weight loss friends have come. also take a picture of yourself for a before and then after a few months take another .. You will see the results of your choices soon.

honey everyone has that feeling of "what did I do" after surgery. I spent about 2 weeks feeling like I had made a huge mistake. After that I realized it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. initially your eating while healing is definitely different from your normal. The new normal starts to give you more choices and you will start seeing the results of your better choices which will give you a good mental attitude and motivation. I was 66 years old when I made the leap to surgery, I was banded in January 2013. When I had my surgery I had diabetes, which was getting increasingly worse with my weight gain and lack of mobility, I was on the verge of starting insulin and my cholesterol and blood pressure were getting higher. Since surgery I am normal and do not take any medications . You will be able to eat normally, but it will be a new normal, you can eat real food and enjoy eating out but your outlook will change. Hang in there and remember to focus on why you had your surgery. We are all here and there are so many here who have had all of the same feelings as you just ask questions and make sure you listen to your body and ask your Dr. for anything medical.

YES, DO NOT GET THE BAND IF: You cannot and/or will not follow the instructions or rules provided to you by your Surgeon. Do Not Get the BAnd if you will not or cannot control your urge to overeat no matter how much it hurts or makes you sick. I sometimes think the psychiatric counseling pre-op doesn't go far enough for some patients. I do agree that the band is not for everyone and I am always sad to read the negative posts. My problem is the way it's written to scare potential patients away from the Band. I could do the same thing with the sleeve which removes 80% of your stomach, forever or the re-routing of your intestines by by pass but I think people are better off making their decisions on gathering information themselves from credible sources. I was banded in January 2013, have no problems, no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It was not easy, and I had to re-learn eating habits and how to recognize true hunger from maybe emotional eating or eating from boredom. The band has helped me control my eating and I am extremely happy with my decision. There are legitimate problems for some people with the band and also the sleeve and bypass. Not all problems are caused by non compliance. Do your own research.

keep trying to post my picture just not good at it..