munchkincan

I told no one but my best friend (she had the surgery 4 days after I did and is telling no one but me and her hubby) and hubby. My grown kids don't know. This is my business and as I plan to loose slow there is really no reason for anyone to know. Many people go on diets every day and succeed (at least for little while) we will just continue to succeed. After a while and many pounds lost they will just stop noticing. You will be one of the "normal" (I hate that expression) people. And remember...ONCE YOU TELL IT YOU CAN'T UNTELL IT. I have heard so many people on this forum say they would give anything if they had just kept their mouths shut. Good luck to you, Munch

Hi Pam, I lost 11 lbs in 5 days. I was banded on August 1, 2007. Since then it has been a steady loss of about 1-1/2--2 lbs a week sometimes more. I had my first dr. visit Thursday Aug 30. Since I am loosing I had no fill. Great job. Good luck to you in this new journey. Munch.

$13,000 and yes he most definately will. I was 33. Cash goes a long way with just about any doctor I have found. Even the good ones.

Good luck to you Sheri. You are making the right choice with Dr. Spivak. I went to a seminar in July saw Dr. S. the same night and scheduled the surgery for Aug. 1. That was my choice. My seminar was on a Wednesday and since I was self pay I could of scheduled for Friday of that same week. I chose my date because of other commentments. I also chose (it is your choice) the surgery center over the hospital. My friend chose the hospital and she went home the same day. About 6 hours after her surgery. I also went home the same day about 5 hours after my surgery. I really respect Dr. Spivak and his approach to both the pre and post op period. As I said I had my surgery on August 1 and have called the office several times with questions. Every time they are patient and helpfull and two times Dr. Spivak was there when I called and he came on the line and talked to me without me even asking to talk to him. The first time it happened I almost hung up on him. They put me on hold for what I thought would be his nurse. When his voice greeted me I almost forgot my question I was so shocked. Anyway didn't mean to go on and on but if you choose Dr. Spivak you will not be sorry. Good luck to you and let us know what you decide.

My doc said he looks for a nice pocket of fat to place the port. Some have more fat than others. They need a good place to put the port so that when you loose weight it won't stick out so much. Mine is on my lower left side. My firend's is excatly in the meddle of her belly. So I guess the answer is anywhere the doc decides to put it. I also have one of my scars in my belly button. So you can only see 4 of the surgery sights.

Jack..it sounds like from most of your posts you are having no problems at all. You have all the will power in the world and never cheat on the band rules. Sooo my question is this...Why the un-happy face under your weight loss??

I checked into this sight and it looks great. I was wondering how the support group is for lap band people? All of the testimonials looked like they were just people who dieted and were able to loose. It looks like it charts food much better and eaiser than Fitday. Most of the time I can't find the foods I have eaten and just have to look for something close to it. So I am never sure if it is accurate or not. This looks so much better. It it worth the $9.00 a month? Thanks for letting us know about this sight.

My Doc says if it is thin enough to suck through a straw (you don't really use a stray its just a way to judge how thin the food is) you can eat it. Cook them well season it the way you like and blend the veggies well. Thin with chicken broth and strain it. Sounds like it would be delicious. Fresh veggie Soup was my favorite. I was banded on Aug 1 and although I can eat fish and veggies I still love the soup for lunch. Good luck to you, Munch

P.S. Forgot to tell you I have lost 14 lbs since Aug 1.

Hi FatAttach, I was banded on August 1. 2007. I am 60 years young. They say 60 is the new 40. We will see. I am willing to try. My Mom was 96 this year. I lost her in March. She was active and in great health until 2004 when she was diagnosed with dementia. She never had a weight problem. I gained almost 15 pounds from the time she died until the day of my Surgery. This is a new journey for me some days are harder than others but it takes time to adjust to this new life style. Best of luck to you on your journey. Munch

There is one huge thing to remember in all of this and that is YOU CAN TELL IT...BUT YOU CAN'T UN TELL IT. I have told no one but my hubby and best friend (who had her surgery one week after mine and if not telling anyone) I have not even told my children. This is my business..it's private business..and no one elses business. The weight loss is slow so you can be on a good diet that is working for you. One in which you eat what you want but in very small portions with some protein drinks for snacks. People are going to watch you no matter what you tell them. Some times it feels like those people are watching just to see if you will fail. It's too bad really. You do what is right for you but remember what I said in the first sentence..you can't take it back. My best to you on this journey. n.

Congratulations on your surgery. Glad you are feeling well. As for that Brick (mine felt like a bolder) mine went away after about a week. That so far has been the worst part. Now I am just trying to learn my band and follow the rules. Huge life change I can tell you that. Good luck to you and hang in there. WOW! August is a big month for banding. I wonder if the other months have as many? If people keep making this operation more known (by having it done) all the Dr.s are going to have to take a course so they will know how to treat their patients when we come in for every day problems. That's a good thing. n.

Next meeting September 10, 6:30 PM at Los Tios restaurant. Location...Memorial at Kirkwood. We meet in the private room in the back of the restaurant. Welcome...we look forward to meeting you.

I don't blame you. Thank goodness my doc only keeps us on liquids for 24 to 48 hrs after the surgery then soft foods. I don't know that I could take 4 weeks. I hate sweet shakes. I need the taste of food not something sweet. Good luck to you on your journey.

Considered it done. Hang in there. It will happen.

Isn't it great to focus on something besides our next meal? I think setting goals is a great thing. I have so many goals I don't know which one to start with. I think a better exercise program would be a good one to start with. I absolutely hate exercise and have never committed to an exercese routine. So...guess I now have a goal. Hmmmm I will start next week. Ugh. I would rather be hungry than exercise. I am going to have to work on that one. I am loosing steady and am not doing anything as of yet. I know..I know..if I don't get on a program all that will come to a screeching hault. It's just so HOT in Houston.

I agree 100%. I think the focus not to eat something can get just as out of hand as the desire to eat anything we can get our hands on. Small portions of what we feel like eating and exercise is what our focus should be. And as for "Normal" people. They are normal not because of what they eat but how much they eat. I think trading one obsession ...eating everything in huge amounts as often as we can... for the obsession of worring day in and day out about what is terrible to eatand can never eat again for the rest of our lives....is a quick road to failure of the band in the future. Oops sorry guys. I will jump of my band wagon now.

Hi Terri Just checked my email before closing down and say your message. Yes you are correct. My mistake it is the 10th. I hate this callendar I glance at. I mess up all the time. I should throw it away. Anyway, I hope you can make it. Have fun in VEGAS!!!

Sorry I sent off my post before I was finished. I want to say congratulations on your banding and I hope you are feeling well. The first few days are a little shakey (I am 9 days banded today) but it's up hill from there.

Hi pammycakes, We are a little further West than the Galleria but if you can brave the drive we would love to have you. We are meeting on Monday September 14 at 6:30 in the back party room of Los Tios Restaurant. It is located at Kirkwood and Memorial. Hope you can make it.

MVR, that's ok You yourself didn't really scare me I think I am just looking for an excuse not to ever have a fill. I too am a WIMP. For the first time since my surgery I can feel my port. Hope I didn't pop something in my sleep. Maybe its the port saying HERE I AM get ready for the big stick because it's a comming. Don't worry I am fine. A little hungry but otherwise ok.

Hi Rick, Just right around the corner. I bet you are excited and a little nervous. I know I was. I am a week post op and doing great. My little pains are all gone and I am loosing some every day. Be sure to keep us posted. I haven't seen you on the chat line in a while. Come and talk to us.

MVR...It hurt a lot????? Everyone says fills are a piece of cake. I haven't had a fill yet and now I don't think I want to. How could it not hurt?? Any time someone sticks a long needle in your stomach it's gotta hurt. I just hoped they were all right. Maybe they just didn't want to scare us newbies. Well...I am scared to death of my first fill and in no hurry to have it.

congratulaltions pjane and welcome to the club.

Hi MeanGreenRick How are you doing? Did you mean Tuesday the 7th?? Let us hear from you.