lisacaron

@@NolansNana it sounds to me like you are right where you need to be. The Dr./PA should assess your need for a fill not just give it to you. They should schedule you for a follow up in a few weeks to see if you are still having that same level of restriction, losing weight and feeling fine. If you feel that in a week or so things change drastically for you and you are hungry, truly hungry not just head hunger between meals then you should call them up and schedule to come in to see them sooner and discuss a fill again at that time. If you are still feeling good with your level of restriction, then hold off till you see them at your next visit and discuss your need at that time. I hope this answered your question....?

@@bajagal101 Try not to beat yourself up. You have made a commitment to make a huge change in your life and it won't happen overnight. Here is some well learned advice... Those food funerals that you are having for the foods that you "can never eat again". Stop having them because they will haunt you after you are banded for a bit and realize that yes you can eat them again and yes you will eat them again. Your "bad" habits aren't really bad though they may be bad for you. The power to modify them and ultimately change them is within you. Your not going to quit eating, but you are going to eat healthy. Your body needs food to fuel itself and survive, but it needs nutritious food not junk food. Start there with your modifications. Try making some healthy substitutions. Start cooking some of your meals, pre-planning your lunch/dinner. Making a shopping list and sticking to it so you have those healthier choices available. Don't make 180 turn, it's easier to start out with a 30 degree shift in focus and keep moving in the right direction until you get to there. Take it one day and one meal at a time. Make a plan and try your best to stick to it. When your pre-op phase comes be ready. Have that plan. Know what kind of shakes you like. Start sampling them now. When you find one you like, have it ready and on hand. If you know you have 2 weeks on full liquids, start out 4 weeks ahead and just replace one meal at at time. Start with Breakfast...replace that for a week...move to lunch the next week...and then by week three you will be there and on full liquids ready to rock and roll! My final tip...check in with your support groups or here on BP and let everyone know how you are doing, and if you have questions that's what we are here for!! Best of luck to you and congrats!!

I love it you look so happy and relaxed!! OK I'm jealous too!!! Wish I was with you all...and relaxing in the sun!!

The NYC/LI chapter is meeting is set for August 2 from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends and we also have a few special surprises planned for those in attendance!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful summer afternoon in NYC, please RSVP to the site and let us know if you plan to attend!!! If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us.

Good Morning everyone!! I hope this post finds everyone happy and healthy!! I apologize for my absence from the forum, it's been a bit of a crazy start to summer for me and the hubby. Tag teaming Dad's in the hospital back to back...and well you can just imagine so I won't bore with the details How is your summer shaping up??? I participate in my first 5K tomorrow!! I'm nervous and excited and I hope I don't throw up or trip on my own two feet!!! I am still geared up to meet everyone at the Atrium this Saturday August 2nd, here are the details!!! The NYC/LI chapter is meeting is set for August 2 from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends and we also have a few special surprises planned for those in attendance!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful summer afternoon in NYC, please RSVP to the site and let us know if you plan to attend!!! If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us.

@@Tisa you really do have to be your own advocate when it comes to this. Are you ready to accept the differences in maintenance between the two surgeries? Have you done your background and research on them and are you comfortable living with this for the rest of your life? If you are not sure then I suggest you go tell the Dr. that this is NOT what you told me I was going in for and I need some more feed back. Don't just settle because you want to be done, I know it's a long process and you are in the home stretch and nothing should change for you in timing but get the facts first and if you are good with it then go forward, if you have doubts or questions now is the time to speak up!! This is your life and you will have to live with the consequences, for them it's only paper work. Make the choice that's best for you.

I have to tell you this...but the choice is always yours. My husband needed a full hip replacement. He was having similar issues the pain was unbearable and he was starting to have tripping issues. All that said, he had WLS first. He lost about 60 pounds and then just this May had his hip replacement surgery which went so smoothly he is not 2 months post op and going back to work as a Fire Fighter. He has joined the gym with me and see's a personal trainer he's walking every day and biking and feeling awesome! Talk to your doctors, and see what they advise. Rehab and recover as well as overall surgery is much easier for you if you can lose weight prior. If the docs advise you to go forward with the replacements and surgery for the joints go for it, but definitely talk to them before hand. Best of luck to you all.

@@Colleen C You had surgery to add a tool into your life to help you change your life style and adopt a new one right? That said, if your Dr. did not fill you because of your weight loss to date then why did he help you get this tool if not to use it? Can you over come your cravings? Sure we are powerful beings we can do anything we set our mind to. Will this be enough long term for you to change your habits? Probably not, if it was you would have done it already right? So can you reset? Sure, take a second and go back to band basics reset your mind to get into band compliance again and then really discuss your hunger with your doctor. If you are hungry after eating, or eating larger volumes of food more often that is what should dictate your need for a fill/no fill not only the amount of weight lost.

@@NolansNana this is not a race my friend. You will get there in your own time. Everyone of us is on a different journey. I"m sorry to hear about your brother, and I commend you for taking care of your loved ones. This is not an easy task to undertake and often we will put the needs of others before our own even though we know we shouldn't. You are on the right track, keep stead as you can and you will do great. Take time to take care of yourself even as you take care of your family, for that too is an act of love and giving to them. If you are not well and strong you can't be there for them when they need you. So don't lose sight of that. I am on the slow and stead course and I am very happy. I look good and more importantly I feel great!! I have not lost 100 or 150 pounds in over a year I have lost maybe 65 all in all but you know I am working out every day I see a fitness trainer 2x a week, and I am going to participate in my first 5K this coming Tuesday night! The changes in life and in life style are not only about the numbers on the scale they are about you and how you feel in your life. So don't stress, keep going and living your life to the fullest!

Grrr. I tried to respond and lost my text. Long story short when I can I will substitute for craving. I have learned on this journey that cravings for me usually stem from a mental or emotional state that is less then desirable. In the past indulging in the craving would sooth me enough to work through the issues, or I would eat my frustration at having no control over the issue to resolve it. Today I try to work through these things directly and when they are out of my control and frustration is the result I will turn to non food things that bring me pleasure or happiness. I might take a walk on the beach, take a nap, read a good book, listen to music, or indulge in lounging on the couch and watching movie. When there are things that you just have to have..like that once a year "treat" that you only can get at a summer carnival or on Thanksgiving some special family recipe or something I enjoy it, and eat what my band will allow and I don't feel bad or guilty about it at all.

Love yourself no matter what and enough to take care of your health and well being! Way to go!

When we choose to have WLS we do this for ourselves because we want to make a change in our life and in our life style as well. Things about your lives from the moment we make that decision will slowly change, and we do in many ways become different. We may always be "who we are" but new sides of our lives are revealed and they may not jive with all our "old" friends. Some people aren't able to accept changes readily. Try not to judge your friend, or ask her to change her ways to accommodate your choices. Remember my friend that this is your choice and your journey, and you can make it work. No matter where you go there will always be that "temptation" and you can overcome that. Be prepared when you venture out or stay in. Look up menu's ahead of time and make your choice in your mind before you get there and when you do follow through. If your salad comes with bread ask your friend if she would like it and if not then discard it or ask the waiter/waitress to take it away or eliminate it all together. When I was first banded there were loads of events that I had to attend, both family and work events. I did not let my surgery stop me from attending and I did not compromise my surgery because of the events. I made sure that I as covered. I purchased a lovely cooler bag and put my shakes in it to bring with me to make sure I had my nutrition. Today I still bring my "lunch" box with me to work and out and about to make sure I always have what I need to keep me healthy and happy and not incontinence anyone else because of my dietary restrictions. WLS is a life style change, and eventually it becomes a part of your life and how you live it and you won't think twice about it you will just be you doing your thing

Sometimes the fill/unfill can leave your muscle a bit sore. Put a little ice on the area that will help. I'm sorry I had to read your post 3x I thought I read due to your attitude issue...and I couldn't grasp why your attitude would affect your fill level...and now I am laughing at myself. Thanks for that!

I will tell you honestly that I use both types of Protein. If you are working out and building muscle, the best way to quickly absorb protein for muscle repair is through a shake or a smoothie. Sure you could go out and eat some grilled chicken or a turkey burger but after an intense work out...ugh I can't eat a thing and shakes/smoothies are life savers On the whole I try to get my protein through whole foods, meats and soy that have to be cut and chewed so that they stimulate my band, but there is a place for shakes and smoothies as well as Protein Bars.

I agree you are on a slippery slope here. One thing could easily lead to another, however I think there is a way around it. Have the TV be a "gift" for a birthday or holiday that you would normally bestow a sizable gift for. Let her know that while you value her and the role she has played in your lives and the lives of your children, money doesn't grow on trees for you either and as you age your worries about money could double with the cost of inflation and instability in the world. Let her know you understand and empathize with her, and that you are looking to ensure your own financial future for your children and their college educations as well as for your own eventual retirement so that your children are not left to be responsible for you and/or your husband. If you handle the situation with candor and finesse you will get your point across and feel good about yourself for gifting someone something they need and want but also standing up for yourself your family and your future. As far as the brother goes, next time this need for something should arise, involve the brother into the "gift" and ask him to contribute.

I use the online support groups and the face to face support groups. Not only from my Dr.'s office but I host them for Bariatric Pal as well. The reason for me is that connection with others keeps me inspired as well as on track and motivated in my own life and on my own journey. It offers me the opportunity to learn, share and give back to the community as well. When your "online" there is so much that's hidden you could be anyone doing anything really, and while that's great for those that need that anonymity I need it to be reality for me. There is a lot to be said for physical presence and face to face communication.

BariatricPal is an amazing resource not only to the WLS community but to the overweight population as well as those who are seeking nutritional support and overall health. There are so many forums and topics covered, and every day the site keeps growing. You have started something truly AMAZING here and we all thank you for being bold enough to take those first steps and include us all on the journey!

Hi friend! You want to be getting in at least 60-80 grams of Protein a day. Protein is something that our bodies can not make and do not hold on to. So you must consume it every single day. It should be the first thing you eat as you plate your food. Salads, and fruits and vegies should be secondary to your protein intake. Slices of deli meats, while they are yummy...are not the best choices of protein. They are usually high in sodium and other by products. Here is a link for nutrition information on deli meats including the protein content and amount per serving. http://caloriecount.about.com/tag/food/delimeat Hope this helps

I love the idea of an A-Z guide toward success after weight loss surgery. It's simple an inspirational!

I don't always have a chance to update but I am on schedule with my planks!! They are working my ABS I will tell you that! Love it!

Did my planks today. 2 sets 20 sec.

From my perspective it seems that many doctors have their usual "schtick" that gives the basic description of the band and how it works to the patients. I realize we are not doctors, but I really do think it's essential for a patient who is banded to understand how their bands work. There are subtle differences in manufacturer and the guidelines for installation by a doctor, and there have been some new understandings in the way the band functions since the days of early banding. There is a bit of a pouch that is created since the band cinches in around part of your stomach though this pouch is not a container in and of itself, it is still part of the whole stomach. Think of the way an hour glass is pinched at the center. If that pinch or narrowing was not there the sand would flow straight from one side to the other as you flip it. Once you add that cinch into the middle it slows the rate or amount of time that it takes for the sand to move from one side of the hour glass to the other. Your band functions in pretty much a similar way. You put food in and it slowly filters from the smaller end of your stomach through the band stoma into the larger stomach at the other side of the band. This slowing down and exerting of pressure on the food particles being pushed through the stoma by the muscles in the esophagus are what stimulate the vagus nerve to signal the brain that you are no longer hungry and have had enough to eat. Now should you start "stacking" bites of food one after another without giving the previous bite of food time to filter through the stoma you are going to get extremely full and perhaps feel sick and want to purge some of that food back up and out. In this case think of a funnel placed into a larger container, you are filling that funnel quickly and to the max, at the other end it can only empty into the larger container at a certain pace and the more you push in from the top the more pressure you exert on the narrow opening at the bottom. If the funnel is flexible and pliable like our organs are, you are going to stretch that bit out to where it no longer fits correctly into the lower container and if you bend it out of shape it's just not going to work the way it was meant to. Continued pressure is going to cause a reverse to the flow and push back out the larger end rather then slowly through the smaller end as intended. For someone who is banded eating mechanics is very important. You want and need to take your time, at least 20 minutes to finish your meals. You want to take a bite, and then chew chew chew, wait for that bite to pass through your stoma and then begin to take the next bite. Put your fork and knife down between bites and pace yourself. Many doctors will tell a new patient not eat and drink together. A good explanation for this is that as you are learning to use and live in tandem with your band and working on your eating mechanics adding the pressure of Fluid on top of food particles that have not yet cleared the band can exert pressure on the stoma which when newly banded or newly filled is often swollen and tender though we do not feel the swelling since it's happening internally unless we are unfortunate enough to get something stuck in the stoma opening. I know much of this was long winded and I hope it makes sense to you. The reason that I chose to be banded was for the fact that it is adjustable to my life style and because of the fact that there was no mal-absorption component and none of my internal organs needed to be removed or re-routed.

I'm in! Starting today! I'll try and post results every day.

I agree 100% let me know if you are able to find out where to have one made!! I love it!