Bandista

Fills are such an individual thing and all about listening to our bodies. To me this is a great thing -- to be in sync with my body again is a wonderful relief after two decades of being in some kind of battle, feeling betrayed by my body, etc. My surgeon is also of the small frequent fills school of thought and it took me six to get to the Green Zone. Recently I felt like I had fallen out of my Zone -- just hungrier, more capacity, my old restrictive behaviors setting in -- so I got another fill on Monday. I don't really feel it right away. For me it seems to take about almost a week. I will be carefully assessing how I'm feeling, whether I am able to eat real foods chewed well -- no sliders. It sounds like you are doing really well @@IvonneBX -- keep in mind that this is a time that can be difficult. All the excitement of the surgery is over, things are coming together, the body healed but until the Green Zone is achieved it can feel like a diet. Don't worry -- you will get there! And don't forget how far you've come already. Pat yourself on the back. It's going to be a fabulous summer of weight loss and toning. New chapters in our lives!

I wondered what the gloving up was all about, yikes. Funny to picture the interviews before the show, "now, who here feels comfortable handling a human stomach specimen on national television?" No wonder they all looked so freaked out! As for the forty pounds, when I went to my six-month checkin with the LB program coordinator at the hospital she said that I have nearly reached the goal set by my surgeon. This was the first I had heard of this goal. My own goal is 148, one hundred pounds down from the 248 that I started with. Turns out they use statistics to predict a goal of their own. Well, I now look forward to exceeding that goal because I have no intention of stopping at 190. And that's ten pounds or so away as it is. Maybe my 148 is too ambitious -- I won't know until I'm getting closer. Hopefully this is giving me just the grit and determination I need for getting off this next chunk. No complacency even if the surgeon might indicate "mission accomplished." Just bringing this up on this thread because of the whole forty pounds to lose focus on the Dr. Oz show. Many of those women would probably like to lose a lot more than that. We'll take what we can get but why stop there? Thanks for the link, @@Alex Brecher -- don't have TV so would have missed this.

I filled the prescription for pain medication but did not use it -- narcotics have side effects like constipation that I did not want. Also I like having a clear head and when on medication it's easy to get all involved in feelings, including feeling that it's bigger than it is. I compared the discomfort to dentistry and bad cramps and felt like it was better than either of those -- this helped me keep it all in perspective. The walking really, really helps tremendously. And I was just so excited that the incisional pain was really just something to be gotten through. I felt well-prepared mentally. It's not like being sick or being in the hospital because of an accident or something -- for me I was getting something I really wanted and that made it worthwhile. Hope some of this makes sense -- rereading it I'm not sure but I hope you get the idea. Mind-set, head in the game -- you are choosing yourself and your healthy future and that is a beautiful thing. When it hurts getting in and out of bed, etc., just remember that. And the old "this too will pass" works well, too. The discomfort is temporary but the increased health and weight loss are so worth it.

Hi there, it sounds like your surgeon wants to take it a bit more slowly this time to protect you from going too far too fast. Do you have a goal weight in mind? The 150 was too low -- maybe the two of you can discuss what the goal should be and then align strategies. I suspect she just wants to make sure you're not rushing the process and risking the whole too tight again thing. Just know that you're doing great -- you're back on track and the scale is headed in the right direction!

I totally agree with TMF. I just saw my surgeon again -- a five-minute check-in and quick fill were all that is needed but I love it that he is there for me. On-demand. You definitely want a doctor you like and many surgeons are not cut out for the kind of after-care that a LB surgeon gives. I chose the band because I did not want anything more drastic. I like it that the band is reversible should that ever be necessary and especially that no part of my stomach has been cut out. For me, the band works great. The dimming of the appetite helps me make good choices. The weight loss is a little slower than it is with a Sleeve, etc., but to me the loss has been very healthy. Just about fifty pounds in six months. I did not anticipate the elation I feel -- the relief of having the appetite monster off of my back is really something. I was not unhappy before but I feel so much more joy and confidence now. Best wishes to you with whatever you decide. You are choosing yourself and your healthy future -- put yourself first and know that you deserve all good things. That is a very powerful thing.

Brant, this is terrific! So happy for you. What an accomplishment, especially in this period of time. I have plication-envy, lol. That scale is going down, down, down! So great that it's summer now, too -- for me this is a great time for being more active, etc. Best wishes to you!

Hi Chad, congratulations on your band. Like others here, I wish I had done it sooner. Such a relief to have the appetite monster off my back and to be able to make good choices. Good luck to you -- first few months are definitely about getting the band "right" and finding a mode. I have certain go-to things that work well for me. Salmon, Greek yogurt with stuff in it like flax, chia, nuts so it's not a slider, and chili, I love chili. As for exercise, I'm pretty sure that's the secret to success. Have fun in your new place with your new band in place -- whole new chapter beginning! Glad you're here, too. I find it keeps me on track.

Gorgeous! And beaming -- you look so happy and healthy! I am thrilled for you. Thanks for this big dose of inspiration this morning.

So glad you're working with your surgeon on fills as until you're in the green zone it's just a diet and we know how good we all are with dieting. That's why we got banded! I have to watch out for sliders and remember to eat real food well-chewed so the esophagus does it's signaling thing. Those esophageal squeezes tell my brain I've reached satiety -- not "full" but satisfied. I listen for that and stop, even though the old me wants to keep on. I stop and clock it so I'm not going back for more until at least four hours have gone by. I count it off on my fingers and think that helps register the event. I've eaten, I'm good now until 4PM or whatever. If there are problem foods for me I get them out of the house. Don't forget to thank yourself and to celebrate your successes -- it's a new day for all if us and here we are. Don't look back -- know that this is the right time for you. Now. Best wishes!

That word "just" really gets me. If you would just stick to WW, if you would just not eat after 8PM, if you would just walk more, if you would just eat protein for breakfast, if you would just stop eating out, if you would just not have alcohol, go off wheat and dairy, just, just.......well if they would just shut up and deal with their own lives, their own bodies. I've dealt with mine and I'm so grateful I did because I did just everything and got nowhere. Now I'm just living and happy, happy.

Hi there, hope you can take it easy -- don't push yourself on those crutches, etc. Pain is the body's way of telling you to slow down. Can you take some down time, put that leg up? Maybe use this time to write down your goals, what you look forward to being able to do later -- the mental part of this process. Take good care of yourself. That's what the band was for me, choosing myself and my health first instead of doing everything for others and having myself be at the end of the line. Maybe you need some waiting on!

Pre- and post-op regimes vary so greatly and of course all our bodies are different. I can't tolerate artificial sweeteners -- Splenda (aka sucralose), etc. so I needed a shake to accommodate that plus I wanted to do liver cleansing. Had to run all that by the nutritionist as they have every one on a shake they give out to all patients. I wasn't going to take that and my surgeon okayed the plan, saying "I wouldn't out that in my body either." I was liquids-only for two weeks. First few days hardest then it gets easier. This was the first time I dropped weight that I knew was NEVER coming back! Of course the excitement and nerves are mounting as the big day approaches, so try to stay as low stress as possible. Don't put yourself in harm's way, like thinking you can go to a birthday party or suddenly decide to throw a brunch event or something. Be gentle. I was really happy I upped my exercise during this time. It gave me something to step into right after surgery. The walking really helps kick the body into healing mode. Gave my body the message that things were different -- new chapter of health. Good luck with all! Glad you're talking to your surgeon's office. Make them clarify, clarify and write it all down. They are there for you and no question is too silly.

Hi Cindi and congratulations on your band! Don't know if you like cauliflower but for mushy stage I steamed a head of cauliflower then hit it with the stick blender, adding salt, pepper and coriander plus chicken stock. Made kind of a savory pudding. Same thing with yam/sweet potato. Can make a nice mushy yam. I was really missing veggies and needed fiber. Stock is great for thinning things out. I enjoyed a soup made by Imagine found in health food section of regular grocery store -- comes in cartons. Potato leek was my favorite but there are many kinds. Also I made egg drop soup, yummy. Miso soup with soft tofu. I didn't have any calorie or protein goals during the post-op phase and I wasn't hungry until later in, coinciding with first fill so that worked out. Good luck with all -- you're doing great!

When I'm "bad" I use Muscle Milk vanilla and frozen peaches to make a pretty fabulous shake. I know it has crappy stuff in it, but I figure once in a while who cares. I put Chia seeds and flax seeds in just about everything, plus I use collagen. One tablespoon of collagen jacks up the protein content of a shake or Greek yogurt considerably. Anyway, a lovely smoothie can make me feel like I'm eating ice cream or something.

No need to think "last meal" because you will have a lifetime of wonderful meals ahead. They are just smaller and probably smarter. I feel like I can have everything I want, just in smaller portions at appropriate intervals. I don't feel like I'm denying myself anything. It's all rather amazing, really! Good luck to you -- this is by far the best decision I've made in who knows how long.

@@Multifacet how about telling yourself 178, 178, 178 -- maybe we can break through our plateaus through visualization. And relaxing a bit -- letting our bodies stabilize here and there. After the 178, count-down -- mind over body!

Climbing our local mountain on my favorite trail -- 4.5 miles to the top. Have not done this in many years! And I am starting to muse over the thought of the Camino trail, a pilgrimage across Spain. Wouldn't that be something?!! Also I would really like to do the bike trail from Munich to Vienna. Years ago I ordered the map through the Austrian tourist bureau -- we were pre-Google. Maybe it's not too late! Please note I have not biked in forever. But I want to. And I have Want Power (otherwise known as my band).

Wow, you guys are both doing great! I am also down about 50 (little more according to doctor's scale morning of surgery, little less according to my scale). I don't mind if my body needs a little time to adjust to this loss -- it's a big chunk gone, gone, gone. I did just go for a fill today because I've been feeling nibbly and can tell I am able to eat more -- and I'm trying to increase exercise. I have a feeling that will happen naturally as the weather is nicer and these outdoor months are naturally more conducive to exercise. I am not counting calories but focus on whether or not I'm really hungry. If I am, I eat, but if not, no. I make sure all my intake is high quality -- no sliders. Favorite go-to is salmon, and I like Greek yogurt with flax seed, chia, a few nuts chopped up and dropped into it with some gluten-free granola. Once in a while I do liquids for a day or two and I think this helps me stay on track. Good luck -- we're all in this together!

I just got a fill today -- was in the green zone but two weeks ago noticed increase in hunger and capacity. Quite nibbly, thinking about food more and feeling more restrictive, i.e. dieter mentality. Those are my signals that I need a fill. My surgeon does very small fills and we are on the same page with that. I really worry about getting too tight so he knows I'm not a risk for over-filling. I would never put up with sliming, throwing up, etc. I eat real food when I'm hungry, stop when I'm satisfied. The band is there to help achieve satiety so we can make good choices. Love that!

Congratulations! Hope you feel better shortly -- welcome to this new chapter in your life!

Hi Catfish, good for you just doing it -- that perfect run is coming! Go Mikee, you are really working it. And every one else, too. I'm off to the lake on this Mother's Day for a walk. We will travel at a good clip to outrun the black flies that have just arrived. May gardener's nemesis. Then a retirement center brunch, not my favorite but they will have some yummy salmon, then a concert later this afternoon with gardening at every interval I can manage. Hoping to burn a lot of calories with all I'm doing out there with the raised beds. Last night was prom so a busy weekend around here. Sorted through my iPhoto yesterday and found more alarming pictures of myself from last two decades. Eek. Goal is to trim down further and get some decent family pix. Much needed. I am the photographer and my husband keeps saying our boy won't have any pictures of his mother as I keep deleting them. Can't believe how fat I got. Motivation for the next fifty off, that's for sure.

Magilla (autocorrects to Magical, btw), it will get easier again when you get to the Green Zone, which can be a process for some. Don't worry!

Enjoyed reading your story! Best wishes to you in this new chapter of your life. Very exciting! Just wanted to mention I recently discovered that collagen which I'm taking for arthritis has quite a bit of protein. One tablespoon six grams into a twelve gram Greece yogurt increases the protein exponentially. You've given me the idea to put it in my chili! I am using Great Lakes collagen.

@Yadiordz: WOWIE-ZOWIE! Fantastic!

I had one day liquids then on to full liquids for a week, mushies.for a week then soft foods for a week...post-op protocols vary greatly. Find out your doctor's protocol and plan to follow it perfectly and you'll do great. You know, if you're the person on vacation making smoothies, etc., every one else is going to want one. Say you're cleansing and getting healthy, which you are!