Librasings

Hi, I got banded in 10/25/05 I have lost 35 pounds, really slowly, down to my set point, 200 pounds, size 16 feel much better. But, I need to lose another 30 minimum. I made myself tuna, with salad for lunch. Tuna does not always go down easily. It was much easier, to eat cheerios out of the box. The doc says I don't need any more fills, and I can't over eat without feeling like my bra is choking me. But, I have a problem with eating little bits throughout the day, rather than my three meals. Since, I am not working, and don't structure my time well it has been really hard for me. But, I too don't want to keep losing the same 4 pounds over and over. The point is we need to be on a "diet" a word I hate, and even with the help of the band, this is something you have to do because you have no choice, the thing is I keep giving myself the choice to eat sweets. I'm sure I am not the only one. It will be a year soon, I want to lose a minimum of 50 pounds, I don't mind if its slow I just want to know what comes off will not ever come back. That is where I feel the band gives me a sense of security.

Hi, I got banded in 10/25/05 I have lost 35 pounds, really slowly, down to my set point, 200 pounds, size 16 feel much better. But, I need to lose another 30 minimum. I made myself tuna, with salad for lunch. Tuna does not always go down easily. It was much easier, to eat cheerios out of the box. The doc says I don't need any more fills, and I can't over eat without feeling like my bra is choking me. But, I have a problem with eating little bits throughout the day, rather than my three meals. Since, I am not working, and don't structure my time well it has been really hard for me. But, I too don't want to keep losing the same 4 pounds over and over. The point is we need to be on a "diet" a word I hate, and even with the help of the band, this is something you have to do because you have no choice, the thing is I keep giving myself the choice to eat sweets. I'm sure I am not the only one. It will be a year soon, I want to lose a minimum of 50 pounds, I don't mind if its slow I just want to know what comes off will not ever come back. That is where I feel the band gives me a sense of security.

Hello I got my lap band in Nov. 2006. I have lost 35 pounds, and I feel so much better. I have stayed the same since March, had not fills, but keep losing inches. I am happy to find someone who has lost 70 pounds of three years, that would be fine for me as well. The Lap Band has kept me from doing harm. I am in limbo with Workers Comp case and SSD. So being home and not working for three years has given me much too much alone time. I need structure and I know it, so I am doing my best to meet new people, and I have found a volunteer position as an Ombudsman for NYC Foundation for Seniors. I will start the 36 hour class in July. I am going to my surgeon on July 6, she will give me a fill. I am not sure that I have much restriction, but, I am not really very hungry. I eat more to feed my emotions than my body, I know I can do better, and I am hoping this fill will make a difference. Regards, Barbara

Hello I got my lap band in Nov. 2006. I have lost 35 pounds, and I feel so much better. I have stayed the same since March, had not fills, but keep losing inches. I am happy to find someone who has lost 70 pounds of three years, that would be fine for me as well. The Lap Band has kept me from doing harm. I am in limbo with Workers Comp case and SSD. So being home and not working for three years has given me much too much alone time. I need structure and I know it, so I am doing my best to meet new people, and I have found a volunteer position as an Ombudsman for NYC Foundation for Seniors. I will start the 36 hour class in July. I am going to my surgeon on July 6, she will give me a fill. I am not sure that I have much restriction, but, I am not really very hungry. I eat more to feed my emotions than my body, I know I can do better, and I am hoping this fill will make a difference. Regards, Barbara

I have had my lap band since Nov. 2005. I started at 245 now, I am 209. This is the weight I was when I gave birth to my son. I started at 150 and gained up to 205 about. (my son is 30) The weight I lost has been good, I am in much better control of what I can and can't eat. My lap band is working, it lets me know when I have had enough. I did not enter into this thinking I would be a size two. But, I am learning that you have to change and that is not easy. I was injured at work, and since being on SSD I have no structure to my days. This is a big problem for me. Because I am really not hungry, but I am on my husbands schedule. He works from 1:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. So we sleep late, I make him breakfast at noon. I usually get up first, I make myself a large drink first thing. I rather have a 16oz cup of coffee with skin milk, or a protein drink. My husband has dinner when he gets home. I do not like to eat at 10P.M. My problem is grazing, not because I am hungry just because it is an activity in my day. I know this, and even if I eat little bits of things that go down, like ice pops, or fruit, or sunflower seeds, it more to keep my hands busy, then because I need to eat. I know I have good months and bad. I have stayed around the same weight for the past four months. But, because I do exercise, my treadmill, aerobics and stretching, my size keeps getting smaller. I have never lost weight easily. I am happy with the Lap Band because I know it is helping me not gain weight and if I lose 20 pounds over a year, for the next few years, that is a plus. I'm not sure if anyone else has had this experience. I have not had that many fills, my husband and I recently had to move, so we were busy packing and getting ready for a few months. Now that I am settled in, its been difficult to make new friends. So I'm in transistion. I look forward to continuing to feel good and being able to do more. I help to stay focused by doing self-hypnosis. I do positive affirmation. I will succeed, I respect my lap band, I will make better choices, and will handle adversity with eaze. This four affirmations help me to stay focused. Hope to find someone with similar situation. Barb

Hi Melinda I know being home can be hard. I was hurt at work, three years ago, it has been very hard for me lately. I lost my job because I was injured, and thank god I am not in any serious pain, but my problems with my neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel in both hands and neuropathy I am not as mobile as I used to be. I was able to go on SSD, but I never did not work for so long. That is what prompted me to start the group. It has been one of the most rewarding things I have accomplished. I also have a website www.coalitionforseniorsafety.org I will invite you to join the group, you should look around, you don't have to be active, but since you are assisting with the care of your grandfather, you never know. So not working, most of my acquaintances are on the internet, and I am really miss personal contact. I have a great son, he is 30 and does not live at home, my husband is great and his hours are 1:30 P.M. to 9:30P.M. I am used to his scedule, he gets three days of then two. Works 5 of 3 works 5 off 2. So we get to spend quality time. But, since he works night we can't go out as a couple. My girlfriends all moved and some passed away. At 57 its hard to replace life long friends or family. See I can complain too. So I know how hard it is not to focus on food. I gave you my email address, here is the one I use on msn. bbhcando@msn.com You can email me their if you like. And it has been nice chatting. Barbara

Hi Melinda, Why are you overeating, I know why I graze, and I am working so hard. When I feel I am losing control, I do self hypnosis. I have a really good tape, in fact two, so when I need so extra support, I use the tapes. I can recommend them. Once is subliminal as well, so you can listen anytime to that side of the tape. For me these really have made a big difference. I bought it from Amazon.com it is called Slim Forever. It is not about eating but about changing your mindset, to do what you need to do and not sabatoge yourself. This is the part I really like, that it mentions all the positives and says forgive yourself and move forward. I am home today, Memorial Day, my husband is working. If you need to chat I have a group which I founded three years ago. There is a chat room at my group. We could meet their and chat, it is very private. My group is http://groups.msn.com/CaringforElderlyFamilyMembers I will invite you to join if you want. This group deals with issues of aging and assisting and caring for aging parents or family members. I have 230 members and the group has been a big success. I am looking for an assistant manager who wants to be part of making a difference in the quality of life of others especially the elderly. I have worked as a director of a Senior Crime Victim Assistance Program for several years, and even though the funding for the program was stopped, I think of myself as a senior advocate. Plus all my parents and inlaw are 83 - 94. So I qualify. Try to have a good day, I know helping you will help me as well. Barbara

Hi Melinda My first two weeks only lost 9 pounds, then went slow, 4 pounds, then in two months lost 10 pounds. I had my surgery 10/25/06. It certainly hasn't been easy for me. I know I am grazing, but I moved to a new place, and thought I would get to know my neighbors, well people are not that friendly. I really haven't even met anyone doing there laundry. Now, that the weather is warm, I find out my apartment which is on the six floor, the top of the building, and gets the sun most of the day, by 3 P.M. gets like an oven. So my new love nest, is giving me the sweats. I don't feel like doing anything when I am so hot. Today was not a good day, yesterday I had an upset stomach, I think my lap band did not like something I ate. Today I did not eat much at all, only some hot cereal till 3 p.m. I was able to have some tuna for dinner. But, I am married 33 years and my new beautiful apartment (our love nest) has a minor heat and cold problem.... I will have to buy a curtain that keeps out the light, the aluminum blinds are too light. You can email me at librasings@yahoo.com Could use a Lap Band buddy, anyone out their in Brooklyn, NY. Feel free to email. Thanks. Barbara

Hi, I want to join this group. I was banded Oct. 25, 2005. I have lost 36 pounds. I think I am a slow loser, getting smaller and losing inches, pounds going very slow. How to I get involved. Thanks. Barbara

Hi I consider myself a new bandster, you really have to learn and adjust. Take advantage of not being hungry the first few weeks, thats the best part. After your six weeks check up, then you will maybe get a fill, remember to follow the instructions, each person has their own experience, if you have questions or just need support feel free to email me. Regards, librasings You can use librasings at yahoo

Hello, It has been my experience, that the doctor's staff knows who to call. They also know who will pay and who will not. When I started this journey, I first went to Maimonides Hospital in Broolyn to their Bariactic Dept. They told me upfront, I needed pshcy approval, nutritionist approval, and that GHI would not cover Lap Band, they would deny, then I would have to appeal, might take two years. After that I got my psych approval and my nutritionist approval. My husband was able to change insurance in January 05, and we could choose from a list he works for FDNY EMS Paramedic Lieutenant. I choose Healthnet, they cover the Lap Band and all follow up procedures. The best thing you can do is get on the phone and find out who at the insurance company is the right person to speak with. I know more and more that Lap Band is being covered. Hope this is helpful. Librasings/Barbara Brooklyn, NYC Founder: http://CaringforElderlyFamilyMembers@groups.msn.com Founder: www.CoalitionforSeniorSafety.org

Hi No one around lately. Had my first little fill on Wednesday. Had to rush to catch my ride, did not look at papers, so I did not know I wasn't supposed to eat stay on liquids. However, the fill is great, really can't eat too much. Little is better. I really feel like I'm shrinking. Not sure what fill would feel like. Really did not have any restriction before. But, now, I know in the middle of a bite if it is too much, and have to stop. Think this is a great idea. Restrain. A little is better than alot anyway. Regards, Librasings

Hello My first fill is coming up.... can anyone tell me what to expect. Not afriad, just wonder how Dr. Kurian does it. I noticed a big long needle on my last visit. Will it take very long. I have restriction only if I try to eat as I did before the Lap Band. Then I get really bloated and have to walk around, I get pressure on my left side under my breast. Otherwise, I can drink 30 oz no problem, I can eat whatever, I have been really trying to stay on Stage 11 Program, but it is hard when you can eat and drink without any problem. I don't at this point need to eat real slow, especially cereal and soft foods. So can't wait to get my fill and move down. Thanks Librasings.

Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your setback, but remember the band is a means to an end. I was banded on 10/25/05, My first post op was down 11 pounds. I have my six week visit on Dec 7. I think I am down another 4. The weight is going slow, but the inches are going so I will be patient. I have no restriction, I can eat and drink, when I stand up is when I feel full. Not while I am eating. I know if I eat less I just feel better less gassy and less bowel noises. I drink my water and try to get on the treadmill. I had my own little set back, woke up Wednesday with what I thought was 23 insect bites. I had them on my inner arm around the elbow and both sides of my waist. Not sure what it was only that they itches, by Friday I called my internist. He asked me to come in. He said it was an allergy. I have not eaten any new foods. I did use some new bath stuff, but I used it before. The only thing I no is that I tried on some velour pants that never fit, and was able to wear them around the house, they were tight around the waist. They had been sitting in the laundry room on the hamper for a few months. I don't believe they were ever washed. I'm not sure where I got them. I have a matching velour top that I wear lots. Now, my problem is with the unknown, so I try not to obsess about it. But it is Saturday and I taking allergy medicine and using 2% cortizone cream, not gone yet. So I understand set backs. I'm afraid to eat anything but what I have had before. On top of this I had a dental procedure on Tuesday, last week, so I had to take antibiotic 2 before the procedure. Maybe this was the cause, but I was told that antibiotic reaction is usually immediate. Hang in there, I would be glad to give you extra support, because I need it to. You can email me at librasings@yahoo.com. Have a great date.

Hi Roberta It was a long time for me as well. I visited the first doc office at Maimonodes in Brooklyn, I found out I would need psych and nutrition approval, so I went and got it. Then I found out that GHI would deny so I had the opportunity to change insurance. I made an appt with Dr. Kurian from Lenox Hill in Manhattan, she has an excellent reputation as one of the best surgeons. I went to see her in February, I was approved right away, my first emotions were to get really nervous, I knew I wasn't ready, and I did not know which surgery I should have. The doc's try to talk you into Bypass. They know this has the best chance of being successful. However, I watch the EMMI, patient education video for both the Lap Band and the Gastric Bypass, since they both give you a smaller stomach, I know much is up to me. I set a second date, then my husband had a gallbladder attack, I had Dr. Kurian remove his gallbladder, so I postponed, then I set a date third time for Aug, my mother in law had to get heart surgery both valves were leaking. So I had to postpone, by October 25, 2005 I was truley ready to get banded. I could not believe I actually did it when I woke up in recovery. This was a big commitment for me, and there was no turning back. I left the hospital the next day, not much discomfort, it hurts when you cough or sneeze. In a few days I was feeling so much more energetic. I went to see my interist after two weeks, I had lost 11 pounds and was taken off my blood pressure meds. When I went to my first post op, I was down 13 pounds, the weight is going slowly, but I am losing inches. I have to really get on my treadmill and walk and do my aerobics. My body seems to have adjusted to fewer calories. I am due back for my second post op on Dec 7th. Not sure if I will lose any more weight, maybe 3 pounds or 5. I am not sure how restriction feels. I can really eat anything, I think. I haven't had any bread, sticking to the stage II program. But, I get hungry about 5 times during the day. Today I had a protein drink, 20oz. at noon. 3 P.M. some turkey dark meat little pieces with some salsa. Drinking my 64 ounces of water, so all afternoon I have been drinking. My husband gets home at 1o P.M. for dinner. I did not want food. I had a SF fudge for 40 cal. Sometimes I just don't want to eat. That's my problem, I rather graze as they call it instead of eat a meal. But, back to the restriction, I know if I was not working at home, and the days were not so long for me, I am really not that hungry. I have a support group http://CaringforElderlyFamilyMembers@groups.msn.com I am a passionate advocate for quality of life issues for seniors. I have promoted the group from a few members to now 200. It is truly special for me. I just started a website www.coalitionforseniorsafety.org. I have an e-book How To Start a Coalition for Senior Safety. If you have any interest in issues of aging or caring for and assisting aging parents please visit and join. Well, now its a week at a time, I try not to get on the scale anymore, I am able to see the big picture, whatever I lose over the course of the year is terrific. But, I learned a lot from the message boards, I just went to the dentist, now with the Lap Band I have to take antibiotic before the dentist. Sorry for going on, but this is a learning experience for me to. Please feel free to ask me any questions. You can email me at bbhcando@msn.com Barbara

I had GHI and went to do some checking, The first doctor I saw told me GHI would deny the surgery and then I would have to wait for appeal. My husband works for FDNY and we were able to change to Healthnet. They covered everything, including follow up for my lap band. Took me a year to decide, got banded on 10/25/05. Have a six week post op on Dec 7. Think I have lost about 18 pounds. Inches coming off, weight is going slow. But, I really have no restriction, can eat anthing, so I am waiting to see what the doctor will tell me to do. I haven't tried to overeat, but I was away for Thanksgiving, allowed myself to eat some regular food, had only 2 means a day. But, I noticed I felt very bloated and could not sit long. Also, I got sick the next day, so it works much better when you eat less and stay on the program. It has been hard, the days are very long, I work from home. Today I had Protein shake for Breakfast at noon. 20 oz. 2:30 had some dark meat turkey sliced in small piece and dip in salsa. My stomach makes lots of noises, I can't go far from the house, I drink my 64 ounces of Water, that keeps me running to the bathroom. My body has adjusted to eating fewer calories, I know this is what happens to me. So I will take it slow and steady. If you are at my point, I would love to talk with someone. I knew going in that this was not the easy way out, and I would have to work hard to make this successful. So that is what I keep chanting to myself, I have the band, don't screw up. I haven't really missed food, thought I would go through withdrawal, but I guess food is not my big problem, its filling up my time with other things. Regards, Barbara

Hi Bandsters, Hope you are doing well. I am feeling great, the scale won't budge, but the inches are melting, so I'm not going to watch the scale or care. I mean if my body adjusted to under 900 calories, then I have to live with it. I just keep on doing my exercize and treadmil. My pressure is down to 118 of 82. No more medication. So its working, did not expect miracles, but a little goes a long way. So don't have grandeous expectations, stick with the program and know it is doing good for your body. That is why I did this, wanted to be off medication, needed to be able to wear regular shoes, not sandals or sneakers. So I can now where regular shoes, no swelling. My husband won't take my photo yet. Guess he wants it to look extra good. The weather has been great, sorry I don't have anyone to walk with, so I use my treadmill, and walk in the shopping center, outdoors. Good luck all. band date 10/25/05 241/228/225/ Waiting for 2nd 6 week post op in December.

I'm in Brooklyn, had my lap band done on 10/25, I'm had my intial loss during the first two weeks, 13 pounds, now I am losing much slower, doing my treadmill, most of my clothes from 2000 fit me now. I have so many pair of slacks, I don't think I'll run out for the first three months. You did very well for six months. Have any words of wisdom. I am afriad, my body has adjusted to the low calories, and now it is all up to me and how much I exercize. I hope this is not the case. I am drinking my water. But, I don't have any restriction, I just really am not that hungry. I am a little nervous, in the past I always had to stay really low calories to see the scale move. I thought that this would be such a drastic change, I was going to melt. I am losing inches, and I can't complain. Anyone want to join Curves, they have a deal on joining with a friend. I'm in Brooklyn, Georgetown, near Ralph AVenue. Good Luck All.

Hi DeLarla, Of course you are a Libra and sing, we all have creative abilities. I got my lap band 10/25. I can't tell you how good I feel. No more blood pressure med, no more swelling in the ankles. Now I have my post op with Dr. Kurian on 11/9. Hope the scale is friendly, but that is not my barometer. I saw my interist, I was down 13 pounds. So until I go to surgeon, I'm not getting on a scale, just doing my best and drinking. I have learned some really useful stuff lately, like don't expect to feel restriction. I just have not be real hungry, and a little seems to hold me, so why push it. I was waiting for pain or something. When I finish eating and stand up, I feel full, not when I'm sitting. LOL But if I go too fast, and it is hard to eat mushy stuff slowly, I burp and no I have had enough. I could deal with this for a few months. I guess I am just very motivated. Doing my best, my visual of this little stomach and the respect I have for it is most important. After all I committed so as long as I can I will follow the diet as they tell me. I'm guessing when I start to eat whole food, like chicken and vegies, I might feel a little different. I am very sensitive to my body and just about everything around me, so I look for the smallest thing. My sister is in Dumont, NJ and my son is in Jersey City. So maybe we can meet. I too have a website and a passion. http://CaringforElderlyFamilyMembers@groups.msn.com I am an Advocate for Seniors become emplowered as Director of Elderly Security Programs. Plus my mom is 82 and step dad 91, mil is 83. So issues of aging and assisting aging parents involve all of us. My group now has 180 members. I really work hard to promote the group. The members are from across the country and really help each other. I bring the best resources I can find to the group, to help them make better informed decisions. Your welcome to join. You can even print our a poster. As a Libra I am great of networking, so if I can do anything for you, let me know. I am happy to share. Good Luck, Barbara

Hi, My lap band is new, got is 10/25. Can't believe I did it, but I'm really happy. I work from home, and have time to do some running around, anyone from Brooklyn or nearby that wants to get out more. Willing to do exercize, take a walk, just have some friendly conversation. Question: Do we really need to drink 64 ounces a Water a day, or is that more for the Bypass people? I don't mind, however, some times I just feel there is not enough hours, between eating and drinking. My day goes so fast. Would also like to know how to make the Lap Band experience the best. Should you stay on mushy food longer, will that increase your initial weight loss. My first posp op is 11/9. Things I've noticed, my watch turned around, my wrist first thing to get smaller. My feel are not swelling. All this little stuff is great. My rings a rolling around as well. Thanks for listening. By the way, maybe I'm dumb!!! But that little weight ruler at the bottom of the posts, what do the lines represent, weeks, months LOL DA! Regards, Barbara

RE: Lap Band Question Hi Barbara, I will just share my own experience in answer to your question. After my lapband procedure and after following the proper diet for 6 weeks, I found that I could eat almost anything and almost as much as I did before the band was placed. I had not restriction at all. After my first fill of 1.5cc, I found that I had very little restriction. It wasn't until my second fill on August 1st of 3.00 cc that I had good restriction (almost too good). I probably should have gone back for an unfill but decided to tough it out since the drive was 3 hours. My story is the same as many other lap banders. My patience was really tested by not having restriction for a long time and consequently very little weight loss. I think that our surgeons ought to explain this part of the process a little better. I was certain that the lap band was not going to work for me. I am happy to find out that it works very well. It just takes some time to get the restriction tweaked to perfection. My best to you, Linda L Posted by Librasings. Just banded 10/25 Doing Great

Hi Kathy, Thanks for the reply. I have no problem with the Water. I dilute everything I drink, so if I have tea 30 minutes after my Cereal (cream of wheat) I add 16oz of water. Today, I made instant coffee, use a 16 oz cup. When I woke up early 8:30 I drink whatever is left over in my water bottle from the night before. I fill a 33oz bottle at least 3 times a day. I'm not sure if I have restriction. I have been following the diet, not very hungry. If I eat to fast, how long does it take to eat cream of wheat, no chewing. Sometimes, I burp. It seems I feel fullness when I stand up. Not so much when I'm sitting LOL. I went to my Internist yesterday, he took me off Blood Pressure Medicine. Down 13 pounds by his record. I asked the surgeon if I could take a bath, she told me to wait till I see her on 11/9. I would like to be down 15 or more pounds. I know this initial weight loss might be the biggest. I think my body is starting to adjust. I'm not using the Carnation Instant Breakfast anymore. I am having enough Protein, and I add some Protein powder to my diet hot cocoa which has less calories(25) and less sugar. I use 1 cup water, 1 pack diet hot cocoa, 1/2 cup FF milk and some crushed ice. Try to make at least 16 ouces whenever I drink. Have a great day. Barb

Hi Zan, I had my surgery and Lenox Hill, Dr. Kurian. They really did an excellent job. I was so impressed with the operating room. I never saw a table that looked like a person, arms and legs, with soft white pillow padding. Then I was out, and then in recovery. I work from home, and now, I wake up early with so much more energy. Nice Chatting. If you would like, you can join my msn group http://CaringforElderlyFamilyMembers@groups.msn.com the group has a chat room, I can chat their any time. I will approve you. Regards, Barbara

Hi DebbyDo We both sound like positive woman. How long has it been for you to lose 60 pounds. I too don't love the surgeon. I used Dr. Kurian, she is supposed to be the best in NYC at Lenox Hill. The surgery was top notch. But, I have not gotten that okay girl lets do it from her. Its more or less left of to me. I have used "Slim Forever" a tape that help me get my head in the right place to do the surgery. I am actually amazed I made such a life altering decision, I am very proud of myself that I was able to commit to this, this one you do alone, you might get support, but it is truly up to you and your band. This is my third day, I am feeling a little tired, I got up went to the store, mailed a letter, first I had my Protein, Carnation Instant, when I got home, I had Breakfast with my husband at noon. He works starting at 1:30, so we are on a late schedule. For breakfast I had cottage cheese no fat, mixed with sf apple sauce. Now I have been drinking I mean sipping stopped at 3 P.M. made a can of chicken Rice Soup, pureed. I will have this for my lunch at 3:30. How am I doing. Lets stay in touch. Librasings

Hi, This first thing I did today was call my therapist. The place is called Fresh Start in Brooklyn, if you want any details email me at bbhcando@msn.com. I am very happy with them. My insurance HealthNet covers. Regards, Barbara/Librasings