GR8

Definetly call the doctor - and go back to liquids to let everything relax and swelling to go down - for at least 2-3 days then mushies and solids if you are theat far in your eatting recommendations.

The first weeks (till first fill) of banding - are just for healing. Don't sweat the pounds not dropping. Talk to your doctor -- mine had me add more Protein - and / or more calories when I was in similiar situations (after the healing phase). I go through cycles -- I lose for a week then remain stable for weeks - then lose for a week - then stable.... But when I reamin stable -- I am losing inches -- don't forget to take measurements. :regular_smile:

Jane – You are so kind – but you are doing wonderful as well. I have found a LBT’er that is getting banded 4/17 (Jeannie) – by my doctor. I invited her to observe my fill appt last Thursday and she actually did and we had a wonderful talk. Boy she is exactly where I was last year – fears before surgery, feeling helpless with the excessive weight caused in my life at that time. WOW – a great reflection and reminder how far WE HAVE ALL come from just 1 year ago. Terry – it is wonderful that you are going to have some ME surgery—wish you the best results possible -J I don’t think I am brave enough – even if I was at the point to consider it. (I have at least 70lbs left to drop.) Suzie – I am so jealous -- I have been drooling over the TV every time they show the blizzard of the month. I even belong to the blizzard club – and received an email and coupon – I didn’t delete it – yet! I have discovered Tropical Smoothie Café – Peanut Butter Paradise. They put Whey protein powder in it – that can’t be all bad – right? Good Night All!

TracyK –Great job on no smokes for 3 weeks. Michelle – I hope you get felling better – the bad thing about allergies – they seem to linger around all spring and fall. Good Night All!

KAT – this is wonderful news! What steps did your doctor and you take to prove medically necessary. I will need one as well – if it weren’t for my stomach (aka spare tire) I could wear 2 sizes smaller jeans. Terry – You make a good point. I was all depressed today going to my fill appt (last under the warranty) today – but when the doctor said I lost 12 lbs – in 12 weeks – that is typical for 1 year out – I am right on target. Where would I be without the band – 100 lbs plus more than I am now – very unhappy, unable to move, unable to daily chores and tasks – and very self conscious. He also pointed out that my pouch has grown – this is typical for 1 year patient and perfectly normal– nothing to worry about . That is why I have the feeling I can eat more than I use to – so I am back on track – realizing not a failure – just in the advanced stages of a banded patient. Get Well – Get Well soon – We want you to get well soon JUDY! Michelle – great job avoiding the temptation. I am with you, trying to get out of the 30’s – I am on the high end right now. Known as toddler (238 – 242). TracyK –hope your back gets feeling better soon --- there is nothing worse than back pain. Suziecat – Igot my water in for today --J Good Night All! And to PAM and all of us Shrinking Violets this month:

Eatting I had a much better day today - all liquids, well almost a few bits of cheese and chicken as I made dh's salad. (YES - I got all my 64 oz of liquids in plus!) For the first time I tried a Peanut Butter Paradise from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. I only had maybe a 1/4 of it for lunch. DH finished it as pre-dinner snack. Tomorrow is my last fill under warranty! I am hoping that I will register 10lb lost since my Jan 10th fill. A lapbander tobe is meeting me there (first time to meet) and is going in with me - to observe. She is a self pay as well with my doctor. He does all fills under floura(sp?) - which I am extremly happy about. Thanks for being my support group for over an year. Happy Anniversary Everyone!

I am finding myself GRAZING -- eating meal then handful peanuts 30 minutes later - candy - whatever! Cold coffee with lots of international creamer is very high in calories - but goes down so good. And carnation instand breakfast with extra choc syrup and peanut butter --mmmm good. OKAY -- I AM A PIG.

Laura - that is a tremendous before picture - you have done WONDERFUL! Pamela - I will be keeping you in my prayers - wishing you a quick reecovery! Sorry I have been MIA -- I traveled 3 weeks straight - crashing my laptop - so waited for a new one and getting it set back up. Then home Improvement -- I don't know how much more my marriage can take of home improvements. We have 4 outside doors replaced - the old ones were rusting - so we replaced with fiberglass. We have a soft spot in the kitchen - so fixed the floor - tearing up the pergo that was there, that the previous owners placed over vinyl to hide water damage and rotten floor. We replaced with Bolvarian Rosewood Hardwood floors -- also the entry way we tore up the tile floor that was humpty bump - replacing with same hardwood as well. Talk about dust everywhere. They are coming back tomorrow to lay hardwood in the foyer - and then replacing the front door and sidelights - then comes staining it. Well you get the picture -- sorry I rambled -- I have a fill appt Thursday - my last under warranty - even though I don't need one. I am frustrated some times I can eat 3 fresh baked butter rolls - other times can't get a carnation instant breakfast down. Candy and Ice cream never a problem - or cookies. Have a good night -

Thanks Tracy -- I love yours as well. I am very proud of you also --so close to goal!

Me too! Have a good night.

Hi Laura -- Thanks for the siggy!!!! I just uploaded! Thanks again! Gina

Tracy - welcome home from HoneyMoon! Terry - I love the braclet, you are very talented. I am jelous! Snacks - hmmmm --- I did good until about 1 hour ago. I should have logged on sooner. I have had my water! :sneaky: Have a good night everyone!

I agree -- hate driving to the "other side" no matter what side that is... Good point!

You are doing great!!!! Keep it up! Best wishes and hugs.

I wish you bunches of luck and you will do great!!!! Congrat's on your decision to join the band land. Keep in touch and I will keep you in my prayers Tuesday! Hugs!

How much you lose - is completely up to you and your dedication! Diet and Exercise - is still a must. The surgery is a tool. Here is a post that was written by someone else that I thought was really good: JUST A TOOL – MUST STILL DIET – REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS “WEST COAST FAT GUY” WROTE: Congratulations on your decision to go forward with the lapband. With that said, I want to be very honest with you. I'm doing so, not to discourage you, but to give you a realistic view of what is in store for you the first few weeks... and I'm sure others will then be able to offer their experiences of life beyond that. The lapband is an incredibly wonderful tool. You'll read that over and over and over again in these forums. Just like any tool... unless you use it properly, it won't work. An important note with the lapband is that it may well be many weeks (or even months) from the time you have your surgery until the lapband becomes a fully-functioning tool. Again, those with lots of band experience say that finding their "sweet spot" of good restriction without negative effects can take many fills and/or adjustments (unfills). In fact, depending on your surgeon, your band may not have any fill whatsoever until several weeks after your surgery (allowing time for everything to heal). After the initial 2 or 3 weeks with the band, you may find that you have little or even no restriction. This can be very frustrating and many many people gain back weight that they lost during the pre-surgery diets. Some people who go into the surgery with unrealistic expectations even fall completely off the wagon and never recover. Others go on binges, but eventually get 'hold of themselves' again and go on to get fills and, ultimately, become successful. Those who go into the surgery with realistic expectations know that during the time of little or no fills that they may experience what has come to be known as "bandster hell". That is, they don't have a fully-functioning tool and are, essentially, doing nothing more than dieting... as they have dozens of times before in their lives. They may hit plateaus and the scale may not move at all. They may be hungry much or all of the day, even right after eating a meal. The difference for these people, however, is that they know and believe in their hearts and minds that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If they can only get past the tough times... that they will be rewarded with much better times ahead. They look at the success stories of those who have come before them and rely on their support and comfort to get them through the rough times. They know and realize that the band will not keep them from gaining weight or stop them from eating too much. The band cannot stop them from yo-yo'ing. The band cannot make them eat the right things. The band can and will, however, eventually (sooner for some.. later for others)... help provide restriction so that they feel full faster.. and stay full longer. It won't stop the 'head hunger' and cravings. It won't heal their inner child or help them get revenge on a cruel world that hates the obese. Thousands and thousands of people have been successful with the lapband. You'll find dozens and dozens who regularly post here on these boards. The things that you'll find in common with all of them here is that they 'used and continue to use their tool', but don't rely on it to do the hard work. They all worked through the difficult times when it felt like their bands weren't even there at all. They know that their fight with obesity may never truly be over. They know that maintaining weight loss is often as hard or harder than it was to lose the weight in the first place. And finally, they don't sugarcoat their experiences with the band. They are honest and upfront about the hard work that it took to be successful. Again, I wish you the best of luck on your surgery and look forward to meeting you on the 'other side' of band land!" Best Wishes -- and many HUGS!

I was banded April 07 and last time I vomited was Sept -- and a total of 5 total since banding. Wish you get past this. I would definetly talk to your doctor.

I think it is a good idea -- contact Alex through PM. I am sure he wants to hear from you!

Went to his office 2 weeks prior - then preop testing in Hampton then surgery, and post op (2 weeks after) - then every 6 weeks for fill appt for me 4 times then as needed. It is not that bad truly! I hate the drive usually as well. If you need a partner - I can always tag along. :eek: Or - listen to a book on tape (I use my ipod and audible.com)

Michelle -- woohoo! 80 is fantastic! Suzie -- I am with you - back to basics -- WATER, water, water. Adorable -- that is great -- look at how many homes are in the process of being built around you -- are they all the same builder? Hope all had a great weekend!

Great News!!!!! I take it YOU wanted to redo the seminar -- I went to the bypass seminar Sept. 06 and changed my mind at the last minute to lapband in March 07 - and they never asked or mentioned going to the free seminar again. I had surgery April of 07. Congrat's again! I had/have Dr. Terricina - but have meet and talked with Dr Clark at the support meetings. They are both good. Dr T - actually performed the surgery LIVE on the web - I can find the link if you wish to see it -- while Dr C narrated the steps and concerns. I live in Chesapeake -- and am very happy with my decision.

Laura - love your talent! Judy - enjoyed the pic's - especially the one that is your avatar now. Kat - get well soon - you poor thing! Jenn - hopefully you will be feeling better and stronger tommorrow! Have a good night everyone!

I want one too! I will have DH take a new picture tomorrow. Did you create the flowers? Thanks so much Laura.