FastFazer

Thank you so much for starting this thread. Though I am a new bander (April 14), we all learn from each other and sometimes we can have the tendency to hide when we're having issues. The fact that you put yourself "out there" is to be commended! As I'm learning and going along I'm finding certain things that work for me....the one thing that I noted when I started tracking (try to be as honest and don't fudge on what you actually eat) I wasn't eating any veggies. So...my nutritionist asked me why.... said "I don't like 'em" ... she said: they're good for you... "yeah yeah...I know". She then said the magic words... "why don't you make yourself a little dip and have your veggies this way?" Well..this really resonated with me. She said that too many of us try and restrict ourselves so much that we think we can't have anything "good". Recipe for dip: 1 cup no fat sour cream/1/2 c low fat mayo and one envelope of dry lipton onion Soup mix. Mix it all together and enjoy with raw broccoli, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes,etc. It's a nice treat. I have a 13 y/o son. I try not to keep Snacks in the house for him becuz if he doesn't eat them...I will. I'm desperately trying not to pass on my bad eating habits to him becuz I don't want him to be fat and go thru what I have. The other thing is trying to redefine exactly what a "snack" actually is. Having little bags of chips/cheezies etc for a growing kid isn't healthy. Slice up an apple and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon...this will go in a little baggie and is great for lunches. Instead of ice cream get popsicles...still allows for that little treat at the end of the day without the fat and much fewer calories. Sorry I've gone on so long but so want to be there for you. I hope this helps a little. Remember it is one step at a time but we have to be walking before we break into a full run.

My nutritionist said that it is ok everyday so long as it's not the instant stuff. You have to buy the steel cut and actually cook it. The other stuff has been processed to death and not good for you. I add skim milk which of course is a protein and a little bit of brown sugar. I love it. Keeps me full and is good nutritionally. Good luck on your journey.

Hi! I'm new too. Just had surgery at the end of April 2014 and first first in early June. My fill was done by the surgeon and took less than a minute...and that includes the weigh in!! This story you tell of a nurse with a needle poking around is terrible!! She obviously didn't know what she was doing. You are probably bruised after all that and that's why your port site is tender! If you see that nurse coming at you again...I'd run. Good Luck. Stay strong.

This may be a personal question....but ummm...what does "stuck" mean in the context of lap band land?

I am considering the lap band. I keep seeing many references to 'not being controlled by food' any longer....(after having the band). People are feeling grateful and suddenly satisfied after the surgery and I need to know what this means. I am a definate foodie. I'm not into chocolate cake and Cookies ( well maybe sometimes )....my choice of foods are more savoury...like Pasta with creamy sauces...or for any Canadians out there--I'm a poutine addict!! Deep fried foods call my name and I answer... I eat when I want with very little to no accountability. I love to eat in my car and when no one is home. I am rarely "hungry" in the normal sense of the word. I over eat all the stuff I like. By having the lap band I understand that amounts of food will be restricted but how does this stop you from wanting those yummy foods and therefore gaining the control over them?? I'm trying to understand....

Hi Everyone! This is my first post. I had a consultation yesterday with a screener and surgeon. I live in Canada. This is considered elective surgery and not covered by the medical services plan. I will have to pay about 17K out of my pocket to have the surgery, nutritionist, psychologist and follow up. Surgeon said that I was a good candidate and it is my choice to move forward or not. I currently weigh 220, am 5'6" and am 50y/o. I have been this weight (give or take 10 lbs) for over 10 years....that is when I finally quit smoking! In the past two years I've run four half marathons and was able to train and run/walk them. I want to do another without all the weight. The surgeon said that I could expect to maybe get to 180...but not to expect too much more than that. This was disappointing to hear as my goal would be 150. I feel completely stuck. I've done all the weight watcher etc. and even the Biggest Loser ranch in Utah. and still am above 200! Currently on meds for bp and cholesterol...don't want diabetes too...which is what I fear. I don't want to do this surgery and then look back and think ...why didn't I just try harder to be more successful? I feel embarrassed and ashamed for allowing myself to get to to this point. It is a vicious cycle... I also don't want to tell anyone about doing this....oh man...I'm so confused. I've been doing a lot of reading about the lap band and need to know if people are truly happy? Regrets? The fact that you have a piece of plastic inside your body for the rest of your life is pretty freaky!! I don't know what to do..... any and all responses are very much appreciated.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I have been doing a lot of reading and research over the weekend and tho not 100% I'm defiantly leaning towards having it done. Yesterday I was walking through the mall and they had this cute little dress displayed in a store....my first thought was that I'd never be able to wear that and boy wouldn't it be nice to just slip into that... These are the thoughts of a woman who doesn't want anything drastic, just to fit in and be comfortable in her own body...maybe I've found the answer. Thanks again all.

Wowsers!! You guys are fast! I feel like crying right now! Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and opinions. I know I'm not alone in this struggle that I've fought for so many years. At 50 I am recognizing that I can't do it on my own. That is starting to sink in. The Canadian medical system for all its worts is fantastic and I wouldn't be without it. In some provinces, the surgery is covered....it is up to each province. I live in one that will cover only a certain number every year and therefore there is a waiting list. I feel like I don't want to wait. And hip, knee and all other replacements are of course covered by the medical...lol...someone said they're not. Anyways, for me it's not about the money it about reaching for success and actually achieving it. I look back over the years and wonder how much I've spent on weight loss items/clubs/foods/programs!! It is probably thousands! Let's face it, if there were a magic pill, Oprah would've found it by now. The surgery (physically) doesn't scare me so much as the permanency of the whole thing. How does it feel to have that gear inside of you? Do you set off airplane sensors when you go through security? You all rock!!