Cherlita

Go the nearest Vitamin or health store to get some chewable Papaya Enzyme tablets. Make sure you get the sugar free. The pills I have have sorbitol in them, it's such a small amount that I don't care as long as I get relief. I don't go anywhere with the Papaya enzyme. It gives me almost immediate relief from that stuck pain. Works especially well for Protein. Good luck. Cherlita :crying:

Jorge, I am a carb addict. I feel your pain. I started my journey at 379. I've lost down to 337 and now, for the last 2 months, I've pretty much been stuck in the 330's. I haven't been able to get below that. I struggle everyday with my carb addiction. Everyday life is difficult. I've been working to change my habits and re-learn and focus on the good things in life that are not food related. I've also been getting counselling to help me relearn living life. My entire life has revolved around food, especially carb laden food. My therapist has been helping me change my habits. #1: carry no cash or credit/debit cards with you when going out. You cannot buy any food without money. This has really helped me with my fast food addiction. #2: eliminate any foods in your home, office, car, that are not on good for you. I do not even have any sugar or flour in my house, so I cannot make anything bad either #3: plan meals and make a grocery list for shopping. #4: take a shopping buddy with you to the grocery store who will help you stay honest. Don't rely on them to be the diet police, that is not the point. You need to learn to live with the temptations that are all around you. The food will always be there. The key is learning to live with the temptations. #5: Stop watching live TV. Record the programs you really want to watch and watch them at a later time. This eliminates the constant food commercials (food porn, as I refer to them :thumbs_down:. My brain is so tied to visual cues that seeing all the food commercials can trigger me. #6: Add exercise to your daily routine. I have purchased an exercise ball to sit on, and yes, there are exercise balls that support our weight. I sit on it every day. I have a desk job and sit 8-10 hours a day. I also have exercises my therapist gave me yesterday, to start working more muscles and help me get stronger. #7: seek counselling from a Bariatric Surgery focused therapist. I started this right after I got surgery because I know myself and I know that old habits return to me in a split second. #8: The lapband is a tool not a cure. You have to learn to use the tool to your advantage. I had my first fill at 6 weeks postop. My surgeon explained that they wait in order to make sure patients heal properly. He also will not do more than one fill per month. I see him tomorrow and will ask for another fill. I'm very close to good restriction. I can still eat more than I think I should and am hungry between meals. Go to your surgeon. The bariatric surgeons know we have food issues. Start your new journey of finding restriction with your lapband. Best of luck and keep posting. We are here for you. Cherlita 379/337/180 banded Nov 27, 2007

My experience was chicken. I took a bite out of the chicken leg rather than having cut it up and was just chatting away and down the bite went. Thankfully I was at home when all the excitement started. Now I cut up all of my meat to less than 1/2 inch cubes, I also mix other food with meat, so its not dry, like a little bite of vegie with the chicken. Thanks for sharing! Cherlita

travelling with my thinner sister on a plane and having her book my seat on some other row rather than sit next to her.

you are now "allergic" to a lot more foods (pizza, beer, soda pop, birthday cake (or cake of any kind), bread of any kind, pasta) I have found it easier to tell people I'm "allergic" when they inquire why I can't/won't eat something.

this was my experience as well. Cherlita Banded 11.27.07 379/335/180

Surgeon Name: Dr Michael Roller, Northern Colorado Surgical Associates (NCSA) Location: Fort Collins, CO Date of banding: 11.27.07 What your surgeon closed with (sutures, glue, staples, etc): steristrips (looked like tape) How many incisions: 5 Type of band (if you know): Inamed, 14cc Overall cost of your surgery (if you wish to share): ~$24000 (UHC covered, just had to pay my co-pay) And your personal review of the surgeon and his/her office and staff: Wonderful surgeon, wonderful staff. They have always been very supportive. They have monthly Support Groups, one with the Surgeon and Nurse, a second group with the Bariatric Surgery therapist. NCSA staff take on even the high risk patients that other Surgeons refer. They are general surgeons as well as Bariatric. I highly recommend them. www.ncsurgical.net Cherlita Banded 11.27.07 379/345/180

Hi Eeyore, I'm so glad to read that you went ahead with your lapband surgery. Congratulations on your success! You are starting on an entirely new life and we are here to help you be successful:) Since you are alone at home, a few things to remember: Follow your post-op instructions Follow your doctor's instructions Walk, walk, walk, at least for 10 minutes every hour or so, so you don't get blood clots in your legs. If you can't walk, at least flex your feet up and down to keep the blood moving in your legs. It is very important to keep your legs moving. Search the website for post-op care and pointers. Lots of great advice from your fellow bandsters. Good luck, and keep posting. We are here for you. Take care, Cherlita Banded 11.27.07 379/335/180

a restaurant breakfast omelet lasts for 6 meals

*no longer buy fast food because you don't want to waste the money (all you can eat is maybe 2 bites and 2 fries) *You have to choose between having an egg OR bacon for Breakfast *the site of bread (or any bread-like product) makes you nauseous (sorry, this one is personal for me, can no longer eat bread, comes back up) *Compulsively ask other bandsters who have lost lots of weight how they did it *have to find other things to do because now there is so much free time *Looking forward to the next cruise for the actual vacation and not the food

Hi GG, my advice is to go to a different surgeon. The surgeon needs to be experienced and competent with either procedure and you need to be comfortable under his/her care. I am 5'4 and started at 379lbs, BMI 65. My surgeon is in a General Surgery practice that takes the bariatric patients that are higher risk. They are a great group of guys. My surgeon was very patient with me and all of my questions, and told me that he would not suggest either procedure. He wanted to make sure that I knew the benefits and risks of both procedures, and the decision was mine. I had already made up my mind for the lapband. Good luck and keep posting! Cherlita 379/337/180 banded 11.27.07

Name............Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost.......BMI Foofy...............37.5..................14%.................38 Sades...............33...................14.5%.................35.5 Shalee04...........61.....................24%................31.1 Bandpal.............77.66..................27%................34.1(47) Skinny_Jill..........50.....................22.5%..............32.7 Stephanie..........60.....................26%.................27.1 Hollyberries........97.....................27%.................38 linda.................42.5..................19%.................31.6 Abbisgood..........53.....................23%.................?? want2lose..........76.4...................26%................33.5 kandiceb............63.....................26%................27.6 Momto1plus1......59.2...................22%................32.9 MollyBrown.........36.....................12.5%..............36.5 TxArcher............98.....................24.5%.........52.8 to 39.8 Cindyg...............45.....................18%.................37.5 Close.................50.....................20%.................33.1 Tmusicmaker123..73.....................19%.................60.1 to 48.7 plump_princess....57.....................22%.................36 Mariegabrieleee....71.....................23%.................51.3 to 39.4 gabeekeeper.......97......................29% ..................40.9 stranger138........36......................15%.................35 shortgal..............40......................18.5%..............33.8 Robin_Bird............76.....................25%................? Staysee..............70.....................20%................48.4 Hajohnson1..........40.2..................14.6%..............41.5 lindseyann2u........63......................?%.................? BarbBee..............57.......................19%...............42.1 Cherlita...............44.......................20%...............65 to 57.5 TOTAL.......1662.46 Great news everyone!!! :cool2:

I'm on solid foods. I have excellent restriction right now. It takes me 20-30 minutes, and I push more towards 30 mins. I also limit the food on my plate to 1/2 cup'ish, depending on what it is. It takes me about 10 mins to eat an egg in the morning. The reason is that it takes about 20 mins for your stomach (and your Lapband pouch) to tell your brain that it is full. The couple of times that I wasn't paying attention and didn't chew as much as I should have caused me a great deal of pain. Once you reach restriction, you will know the reason why it takes more time to eat. Too fast can be very painful. My advice, go slow and know your limits. Good luck! Cherlita banded 11.27.07 Wgt loss: 44 lbs

I recently went on a 2 week road trip to the south (the land of deep fried everything) A week before I left, I had a 3rd fill (7cc in 14 cc band) I had some restriction at that point and was still able to eat a few bites of bread. We had ribs at Neely's BBQ in Memphis, which I loved, but could only eat 3 small ones. I took the rest to the hotel and enjoyed a couple more a few hours later. My dinner last longer than anyone elses I've been overweight all of my life. I can honestly say that I had a much better time on this vacation since food wasn't a focus of my journey. I lost 5 lbs on vacation :scared2: and had a great time. I got a fill last week and up to 8cc in 14 cc and have perfect restriction right now and I love it. I wouldn't give it up for anything. that is my experience today. I suppose if I've had the band for a few years and had lost most/all of my excess weight, I might think differently. Either way, we'll support you in your journey :thumbup: Cherlita

My surgeon numbs the area before he starts the fill. I feel pressure, but no pain. My port is a little tilted so he has had some challenge getting it, but he has not had to stick me multiple times. He just maneuvers the needle to get in. So sorry to hear you have experienced fill issues. Next time ask him to numb the area first and don't be afraid to speak up if you are feeling pain, they can give you more numbing medicine. Hope the next fill is better, because restriction is FANTASTIC! Hope you have a better day. Cherlita

BBW, The decision as to which procedure you have is entirely up to you. No one else should make that decision for you. Do the research, do not be hasty. Go to a Surgeon who does both procedures, that way he/she can give you the information you need and also help with questions and concerns. My personal story as to why I opted for the lapband over the gastric bypass is similar to Cerrin. I wanted the control. I now have perfect restriction with my lapband. I eat low carb and chew, chew, chew (very important). Just realize that with either procedure, it is not a cure for what ails us. We love food for whatever reason. I've been seeing a Bariatric psychologist to help me deal with my food issues and also to help me let go of my lifelong "best friend and comfort" (food). If I don't figure out how to live without the comfort of food, I will sabotage my weight loss and never lose. Started at 379 lbs, I'm down 43 lbs now, banded on 11.27.07. We are here for you. You are not alone. Have a Great Day! Cherlita

My surgeon discussed it, but I don't recall if I asked the question or he volunteered the info. PS was briefly mentioned at the Info session. I would have liked to hear more PS info at the session. My surgeon said they will not consider PS for at least 1 year after reaching wgt loss goal. I also recall he mentioned they will only do panniculectomies. For other procedures such as a full body, they refer to a PS in Denver. Cherlita

I think I can clear up the 1/2 cup rule. When you have good restriction, you will only be able to eat about 1/2 cup and feel full. It's not up to the MD or anyone else. It is simply the design and placement of the band. Successful restriction will leave you with about 1/2 cup of space to fill with food. I had my 3rd fill in a 14cc band (now at 7cc) last Friday, April 11th and I now have restriction. I had one egg this morning for Breakfast and I am full. I'm not uncomfortable full, just feeling a very real sensation of being full, much like when eating a regular meal. It is amazing! I love it. Now I just have to make sure I get all of my Protein and nutrients and Water. It's a whole new world for me this week. Keep up the good work. Remember why you had the surgery and don't give up! Have a Great Day! Cherlita

finally, FINALLY, I have restriction. I was banded 11.27.07 I have a 14cc band and went for my 3rd fill last Friday, Apr 11th. My MD was only going to put in another 2cc's to take me to 6cc total. I talked him into going to 7cc's because I had read that most bandsters with 14'ers are getting restriction at 7-8. Well, I now have restriction and it feels great! I get full eating one egg in the morning. This is such a relief. I was down to 347lbs this morning. I haven't seen 340's in a very long time. I'm down 32lbs now. I just had to share! Have a great day everyone! Cherlita

If you cannot find a Dr in Denver, my surgeons are in Fort Collins. Northern Colorado Surgical Associates They are an awesome group of guys and their staff is wonderful. They will accept any patient. best of luck!

I found a local gym that has a heated pool. And I LOVE IT!! :wink: The local rec center had way too many kids. The gym members have been very gracious and supportive. I go in the evening after 8P and swim laps for 1.5 hours also include 15 min of lunges and squats to strengthen my legs. Many times in the evening I have the pool to myself. It is so nice. I started at 360 lbs. I've been swimming for 3 weeks now, 5 days a week, and am down into the 340's. Lost about 13 lbs so far. Feels great My legs feel stronger. If you are considering joining a gym, make sure it is close to you or on your way home from work so you are more apt to use it. If it is out of your way, odds are you won't go as much. Take a tour. Make sure it is club that you are comfortable with. And a pool is excellent exercise. Cherlita down 40+ lbs

I am never hungry in the morning. I just don't get hungry until around 11A, which means I'm more that 15 hours without food. Well, my nutritionist has me drinking a Protein shake in the morning, before 8A. This has helped me have more energy for the day. I make my own shakes with Isopure Low Carb Protein powder. I add the SF Davinci syrups to give them better flavors. I'm finding I lose more weight with a protein shake in the morning. I also have added a protein shake about an hour before I go to the gym. It has really helped me lose faster, I think. Cherlita down 40+ lbs

My surgeon said Lap Band does not need a medic alert because there is plenty of room for an NG tube to pass through the stoma. He recommends them only to his bypass patients. Thanks! Cherlita

I purchased the WW version of a digital glass scale by Conair at Costco. goes to 400lbs. It has been very accurate with the Dr's scale.

Hi Sugarmomma, I'm in Loveland too. As far as I am aware, the closest WLS support groups are in either Fort Collins or Greeley. At Fort Collins (see my previous post), the NCSA doctors and staff are very welcoming, even if you haven't been banded by them. I've never been to the Greeley support group, so can't offer an opinion of their program. I was banded by Dr Roller of the Northern Colorado Surgical Associates (NCSA) on Nov 27, 2007. Cherlita