Superali72

Hello fellow bandsters, I need some help, encouragement, etc. I was banded about a year ago. I lost a total of 52 lbs, and still have about 40 to go. In December, my father passed away. He was 59 years old and we were very close. I started stress eating and have gained about 10 lbs. I'm now trying to get back on a plan and lose the weight I gained and then some. Unfortunatley, I also feel like I've lost restriction. I don't know if it's my head playing tricks on me, but I'm feeling HUNGER, like I used to prior to my surgery. I've made an appt for a fill in May, but I just need some advice and help. Did I mess up my band???? Help! Allison

I did oatmeal for breakfast, slim fast shakes for lunch and a lean cuisine for dinner. I dropped almost 20 relatively quickly.

This is common because most bandsters eat foods that are low in fiber (i.e. protein first). A few things I've found - an 8oz glass of V8 Juice, Benefiber (a powder that dissolves) I mix it with oatmeal or put it in my V8. Also, although docs recommend staying away from caffeine, a good old fashioned cup of coffee always helps. Good luck!

I have a crazy schedule that prohibits a traditional gym membership. I know - a lot of people use that as an excuse, but I really do have a crazy life. My day starts at 5:00 a.m. I'm home from work at 5:00 p.m. and immediately pick up my son. He is 2 years old and goes to bed at 7:30 p.m. After 7:30 is when I make dinner, lunch for the following day and maybe throw in a load of laundry. I'm in bed by 9:30 p.m. so that I get enough rest to do it all again the next day. My point is - I rarely have an hour to myself to escape to the gym. PLEASE - does anyone have suggestions on how I could boost my activity level during the day? I would really appreciate it. I know I would accelerate my weight loss if I could burn more calories.

Thank you all for the great suggestions! I knew that when I made the decision to get banded that the exercise was going to be the hardest part. It's great to have so many people to draw ideas from. Good luck to all of you!

Hi Boston Gurl, I'm a Worcester Girl. Always happy to meet someone from MA on here! For of all - Congratulations on your 80 lb weight loss! That is phenominal. I agree with mkusmile - treat it like you need to go back to work. I bought a really pretty journal and have been logging everything I eat and drink into it. Maybe it you start doing that, you will be able to pick up on some areas that could use improvement and where you need to make changes. Best of luck to you!

Also I found V8 juice to be satisfying. It felt like it had a little bit of substance. HANG IN THERE!

Wade - First of all, Congratulations on making your decision to have surgery and doing something positive to get your health back. I've experienced what you are going through. Most of my family was supportive, but I have a sister who is a nurse and was completely against my surgery. I finally realized that her opinion was not only un-wanted, but did not matter either. Only you can decide what is right for you. Second - Always stop by here for support if you need it. There's a lot of good people here. But also surround yourself at home with people who support and most importantly RESPECT your decision. Best of luck!

You should talk to your doc. Your port may have flipped. Have you every felt a pain or a pop at the site?

Hi Nicole I can't speak for everyone, because I'm sure every experience is different. I have to say though, for me it was no big deal. I had my first fill on Tuesday. The Dr. folded a pillow in half and asked me to lie on my back with the pillow in the small of my back. This helped to arch my back and stomach up. He then asked me to take a deep breath and push out with my stomach. He felt the area with his hands and then said I would feel a pinch as he inserted the needle. I did feel the pinch, but it was not bad at all. I couldn't feel any difference in the band area from the fill, but I only have 1cc in right now. Once he finished the fill, he removed the needle and put a band aid on the site. That was it! Good luck!

Hi Bonnie, I'm definitely going too! I'm not sure what I'm wearing tomorrow (depends on if I feel like ironing tonight), but I'm really tall (6'), brunette and will have my hair in a pony tail. I'll be on the lookout for you. Allison

I agree with Maudiespam. Sounds like the air in your system from the surgery. It will go away in a few days. WALK WALK WALK! Also, I found the meltable GAS X thin strips to be very helpful.

Eva - I think you're Center of Excellence only believes in RNY and don't know how to effectively perform LAP-BAND. Also, they make more money on RNY. Fact of the matter is, both surgeries are effective, but LB is a slower weight loss. You lose less with LB than RNY in the first year, but if you look 3 - 5 years out, weight loss is the same. If you are interested in having LB instead of RNY - I would RUN from the Center of Excellence and find another Doc who has performed at least 100 LB surgeries and is supportive of your decision.

YUP! My band talks all the time. I was embarrassed at first, but it's growing on me. My 2 year old thinks it's hilarious!

Hi Caz, I completely understand what you are feeling. I have a 2 year old son and a wonderful Husband. I was so afraid that I wouldn't make it through the surgery. I almost didn't go through with it. Then I cleared my head and tried to think logically. I realized that I was cheating death every day that I continued to walk around with 100 excess lbs. on me. I had a hard time getting off the floor when playing with my son. I knew I had to take the chance. Now - in terms of being safe. Lap-band for many patients is day surgery. The procedure on average takes about an hour. Therefore, you are not under anesthesia very long. Also, my doc put me under a full battery of tests prior to the procedure. I knew going in that there were no problems, other than my weight, and that handling the anesthia shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure your doc will do the same for you. We all play these head games with ourselves. Hang in there and make sure you keep a lot of support around you. Good luck!

Anyone else get angry out there when these issues come out??? I'm not angry about the folks who've lost the weight. I just get really offended by the subtitle - NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS, NO SURGERY. Since when is surgery a gimmick or a trick? To be lumped in like that, I find very offensive. I feel like they are perpetuating a stereotype that folks who have had surgery have not worked to lose the weight.

Thanks for your post! I go for my first fill on Tuesday, May 22nd. It's nice to hear that it's not so terrible.

I agree becca. Choosing to have the surgery, the preparation, the pre-diet, the procedure, the post-op, the life style change..... Nothing easy about any of it. It's great though to have all of this wonderful support from other folks who get it.

I also consider myself a foodie. I've only been out for dinner once so far, and went to a middle eastern restaurant. It was a good choice, because it was mostly protein and veggies, fresh ingredients, etc. Delicious seasoning! I really enjoyed it. I have also thought about ordering off of the appetizer menu, but I went with a full meal and was able to eat 2 dinners and 2 lunches from it. Awesome!

Yes. I have a 2 year old son. I took 2 weeks off as well. You cannot lift more than 10 lbs for the first 2 weeks, so be careful. It's hard for the 2 year olds to understand. I constantly told my son about Mommy's boo boos. I even showed him the incisions. He started to understand and then would ask to see the incisions. He was very careful around me. Good luck!

Hi Cher, I'm from Boston and have BCBS of MA. I had a BMI below 40 with comorbidities and they approved me 2 weeks after receiving my surgeons letter. You should have no problem. Where are you planning to have it done?

Hi Byron. Lots of luck to you on this journey. Just remember that it's a HUGE decision, so your going to go through many ups and downs and a thousand different emotions. That's all OK. We've all been through it or are going through it. You're taking a great stride toward getting your health back.

I disagree. Anytime your sugars are consistently out of range, it is a cause for concerne. LMJ needs to have her bloodwork done and find out her A1C. If she's 6.0 or higher, it's a comorbidity and if she has hypertension as well, she should be covered.

Bonnie, I will be there. Allison

That's hysterical! Can I request all candy makers to put those initials on their wrappers??? It's a great deterrant.