Penelope

I understand and agree with nearly everything you fellow bandsters have commented on with one exception - the one person who wrote that she had the lapband so she wouldn't ever have to diet again. I cannot imagine that working for anyone. I am 14 months out and am hoping to be in ONEderland by next week. I was one of those people who ALWAYS had a salad before my meal, dressing on the side, etc. But after finally coming to the realization that I still have to exercise and count calories to maintain a slow and steady weight loss, I've realized that I wasn't eating more than a couple of bites of the salad I was almost always paying extra for, so I have just started replacing the starch with extra veggies. Most restaurants do this without any extra charge or problem. I am thinking that if the ingredients you all are mentioning that you eat in your salads were steamed,would you consider them a veggie side dish?? So either hot or cold, no matter what you call the dish - veggies are a veggie? Penny

I want to enter onederland by Christmas!

I agree with Brandy. There is no way in the world that I can eat and drink. If I forget and do, the pain is nearly instantaneous and seconds later everything I ate comes back up. This is an area I apparently had to learn the hard way. I have made a resolution that I AM NOT going to drink with my meals - it's not worth the pain.

I have had 5 fills - (3cc, 3cc, .5cc, .5cc, .5cc) for a total of 7.5 cc in a 12cc. band. My doctor would only give me a fill once a month, but at this last visit I decided I didn't need a fill. I am losing about 1.5 lb. a week and yes, I think it's too slow but I am learning to be patient. Even at my sweet spot though, I have had to go back to using weight watchers to keep losing. I eat 24 points a day and journal faithfully. I kinda suck at exercising but I think when I lose a little more and exercising isn't so painful It will be more fun. I just bought the original Richard Simmons sweating to the oldies on DVD. I love that one! Keep your eyes on the finish line and kick butt! Penny

Hi Cathlena, When I started this journey I made up my mind that no matter what they asked or ordered me to do or how unpleasant or embarrassing it was - I was going to do it. I wanted the surgery and nothing was going to stop me. Your experience sounds exactly like mine - only I would have bet a million bucks I did NOT have sleep apnea because I had NONE of the problems listed on the questionaire AND I sleep on my stomach. However after two tests (one without the Cpap and one with the Cpap) they determined I did have it and I had to get the Cpap. Six weeks after surgery I called them and told them to come get the dumb thing and it has worked out great for me - HOWEVER, if you wake up gasping etc. sounds like you need to go the full route. As for the 6 months of weigh in's - they wouldn't accept that I had been going to weight watchers faithfully for the past four years - but they did accept that I had also been going faithfully to my internist for the past twenty years so I got a printout of my weights for the past twenty years (all with Kaiser permanente - now we are with United Health Care) I did the psych (which I really enjoyed - neat guy who had the lap band himself four years ago and lost two hundred pounds) I had the exam, I had the physical therapy appt. I had the nutritionist appointment which I continue to do monthly - and I jumped through every hoop they had and even though they all told me that the band is not magic and it won't lose the weight for you without diet and exercise, I still didn't believe them. I thought that was bull and just by having the surgery all this weight was going to disappear. Wrong. I am three and a half months out and I have just finally started losing consistently - by going back to my old standby, weight watchers. I am not going to the meetings because I have all the literature, etc. here at home and honestly after paying $6k out of pocket for my surgery I think I'll skip the $12 a week. The moral of the story is, if you want to have the surgery - jump through the hoops, and after the surgery follow through with your committment and do what they tell you to. I am so happy now that I did it, but for the first 6 weeks I was so very sorry I did. I had no restriction and eventually went back to eating anything I wanted and felt terrible about it. Now, after three fills (a total of 6.5 cc in a 10cc band) I am in a perfect place where 24 weight watcher points (1,200 calories) fills me up just fine and I am rarely ever hungry. I wish you only the best on your journey and success with your goal and please believe me - it is worth the effort. Penny

My first "cheat" was with taco bell also!Went with family to get pintos & cheese and ended up with that PLUS some. My problem is that it went down way too easy and that only led to more cheating. I have finally hit a good ( I wouldn't call it sweet) spot with my third fill - I am now at 6.5 cc in a 12cc band. Surgery was 3/11 and I've lost 34lb. but I can tell you that I have learned the hard way that the band doesn't do it for you. I am back at the point where I have to track everything and exercise, just like they told us to - to see any weight loss at all. My point in all this is that we all do it - and I like many thought that even though they told us it was "just a tool" I still thought it would do it for me. Now, I am thankful for all those years at weight watchers, because that is exactly what I am doing - but the band has made all the difference in the world in my ability to stay on track. I wish you only good luck, and I pray that you will get through this with a better understanding. P.S. I had taco bell for lunch today - pintos & cheese (3 points) and a crunchy taco (4 points) and felt quite satisfied. Keep your chin up. Penny

Hi Ronnfia, I echo the greeting. Welcome to our group. Please just try to ignore the negativity. I wonder why these people even had to get or use the Lap Band if they were so disciplined in their diet and willpower, as they purport to be here. Instead of needing her "handholding", I would like to tell her where she can put her hand, but since I am above all that I won't! LOL! Keep it positive, and thanks for your feedback! Be kind to yourself. Penny

Saqueen, everything you say is true. We all know that it is a tool, and that we have to change our way of eating. My pet peeve is that everyone needs to remember that this is a support group. It is not a criticize or ridicule or point your finger group. Everyone has their good days and their bad days and this is a forum for them to vent. Do you not think they know their band is a tool? That there is no magic bullet? I'm quite sure they do. We all went through the very same pre-surgery agenda that you did. I am among the group who had no restriction before my first fill on 4/14. I just got off the two days of liquids and Know that I have some restriction now because I absolutely can not eat like I did just a week ago. I too was depressed and was sure my band was a dud, just like Lise in Seattle. I was sure they were going to be disgusted with my puny weight loss of just 7 pounds since surgery, but they were very happy with me. They told me to quit being so hard on myself and take it slow. It is a slow process that is for sure, but at the same time I have now lost 12 pounds in the past 5 weeks and after the past four years at weight watchers where half a pound up and half a pound down, was the norm, that was quite a feat for me. I am much happier with my band now, since my first fill and I am scheduled for another fill on May 12th. Support group at the hospital tonight, I wouldn't miss it and I recommend that everyone stay in touch with their face to face support people in addition to this wonderful support forum, also. Have a great day! Penny

I just got my first fill yesterday and I also got 3cc. They told me that was the max amount for a fill at one time. I weigh myself on Tuesdays and I lost 4 pounds this week. So I guess I'm doing better than I thought and I need to learn this patience thing! Have a good day. Penny

Hi Kids, Well, I just got home from my first return visit with Dr. Jan. I saw the nutritionist (they were pleased with my puny weight loss) I had my upper GI barium swallow thingy ( It wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected, and I had no "chalky" sensation) and then had my first "fill". Lise, I asked what size band I had and they said I had an "11" and the max fill I could get would be 10cc. They gave me a 3cc fill today and I swear I could feel my little sip of water hang up for just a second before it went down, so I suspect I finally have some degree of restriction. I have another appt. on May 16th for my next fill. She didn't even want to talk about what I could or couldn't eat prior to the fill - she just asked "Can you eat bread?" and I said "Hell, yeah! I can eat anything!" So they gave me the 3cc fill. Ok, only time will tell but I do feel so much better now, like "Hey! Maybe this is going to work after all!" I am on clear liquids now for a few days, then they said mushies and this time I actually think I'd better do what they said! Lise, they were amazed at your having had 3 fills in your first 6 weeks, they said they had never heard of that being done. Is the center you go to a COE? (Center of Excellence) There are only a few in the US but luckily Good Samaritan Legacy Obesity Institute is one of them. I do feel confident that I am in good hands. And to the lovely lady from Battleground, thanks for your reply. I love Dr Jan, but I didn't even see him today, just the D.O. (who is very, very nice) and I swear I didn't even feel the needle, with no numbing even. Sure made me feel alot better. How long did it take for you to get in to Dr Patterson? I would have had to wait till the end of April just for my first consult with her and Dr Jan got me in in just three weeks. I had my surgery 5 weeks ago and I still wouldn't have seen her for the first time for two more weeks yet! I'm glad I went to Dr. Jan. Have a great day! Penny

Lise, Do you realize that we got our bands just a week apart and you've had three fills, where I have had none? I guess everything is so individual that there will never be a "norm" And shortgal, I'm nearly the same age as you and I get a cold chill from your response. People with the compassion that you show are the reason I stay away from these boards! Thanks for the commiseration. It really made me feel better!

Hi Lise, I'm Penny from Gresham, Oregon. I was so happy to read your post because I am so disgusted with myself. If I didn't have these little scars on my belly you would never know I have had surgery (3/11/08) I am scheduled for my first follow-up appt. with the nutritionist, my upper GI and (hopefully) my first fill on Monday but I am terrified to go because I have only lost 7# since my surgery. Yesterday, I went back over the eating guidelines, you know, the one that says to only sip liquids, puree everything etc. I can chug a 20 oz. crystal light with no problem at all. I have eaten steak, chicken breast, taco bell and everything I wanted. I had decided that the band isn't working but then I think that maybe after I have a fill or two surely it will. I don't know what size my band is, I will ask Dr. Jan on Monday but it must be awfully loose because I have absolutely no restriction at all, yet I have all of the same hunger I had before surgery. Will someone please tell me that this will go away after I get my fills and hopefully hit my sweet spot? I am so discouraged! Penny

I am 8 days out from banding. Yup, the hunger kicked in about day 6. For a couple of days I ate what I wanted, however it took a whole lot less to fill me. My doctor did not require a pre-op liquid diet - he might of suggested it, I truly don't remember. I was warned however that I should gain no weight, which I didn't. I have no restriction, and I get my first fill 4/14. After a couple of days of eating (scrambled eggs, toast, sandwiches, taco bell etc.) when hungry, stopping when full, I decided that I needed to give this a better effort and for the past two days I have stayed on protein drink and crystal light. I have a can of soup per day, also but that has been it. Sweety might have been brusque in her tone and I feel also, that she shouldn't judge until she's walked that mile and all that, but she is somewhat right in that we should do what we are supposed to, to the best that we can. Who is perfect all the time? I know I'm not - probably wouldn't want to be if I could! LOL! No Fun! Just remember that we're all here to support each other, not to condemn. Penny:lost3lbs:

Thanks Amsderb, I was able to stick to my resolve yesterday and stay liquids only and continue to as of now. I took several hours yesterday and used a piece of poster board from Michaels to draw a huge weight loss graph that I hung on my bedroom wall. It covers the 113 pounds I want to lose and it goes for a full year. This will be an interesting graphic! Thanks for your support and well wishes. Penny

After the first two or three days, I truly do not feel any restriction as I can still drink a 20 oz. bottle of crystal lite in just a few minutes, I can eat any bite any size, chew it and it goes right down. I was just beginning to think that OMG! I am going to have to diet with the band too! No matter what they tell you beforehand I guess I was still wishing for "magic!" The last straw came last night when I went out with my family to taco bell, intending to have just some refried beans when I went and ordered the new cheesy beefy thingy and was able to eat half of it with absolutely no problem at all. This morning at my 1 week point weigh in I had only lost three pounds. I was at 8 pounds four days after surgery so I believe I actually gained 5 pounds from eating stupid. As always, you are all there to help. I was reading the posts this morning and found inspiration and advice that put my head back in the game. I go for my first appointment April 14th and hopefully will get my first fill. I had aready resolved last night that I am going back on the protein drink / water for the next week (which I should have been on anyway) And I am going to do what I should instead of what I shouldn't. Thanks for your inspiration. Hey Mimi did you get an answer to your no restriction problem yet? I'm rooting for you! Penny

Hi Desiree, After a FAITHFUL four years at weight watchers, during which time I lost 49.5 lb. gained back 20, lost that 20, then last summer my husband had cancer surgery (he's fine, now) and my daughter was planning her wedding for last 9/22 ( and as of last week, left him and plans to divorce!) with all the roller coaster life, I have put back on 30 lb. this time. SO, the final accounting is after four years of weight watchers, I have lost 17 pounds. I wonder what that comes out to $$ per lb.LOL! I've been on the diet roller coaster for 43 years, it's time to get off! The hospital just called - I have to check in at 5:45 AM. YIPPEE! Good luck, Kiddo! Talk to you when I've had a few days to recover! Penny

However, somewhere on this post since last November, I read a thread someone started who had the same problem as you and found out the doctor hadn't even hit her port with the fill and it just went to waste. That was my first thought when I read your post, but it really is unlikely if you are going to a qualified doctor, so I think I would check out what the omniscient Jack surmised and find out if you could have a leak. There has to be SOMETHING or lap-band wouldn't be saving so many of us! Good Luck! Penny in Portland, Oregon

Hey Bunkey, I hope you are as excited as I am. It seems like I've been waiting forever! I also enjoyed reading the responses as I didn't even think about what to take, however, I do have DH and my daughter to fetch for me. I have been spending the past few weeks going around and saying goodbye to my favorite restaurants. The doctor said he didn't care as long as I don't gain any weight. I'm having my last steak tonight and then going clear liquids until perpetuity, I guess! My insurance is covering my surgery (80%) so I feel blessed to be able to have it so close to home (20 miles) at the Good Samaritan Hospital Obesity Institute here in Portland, Oregon. My thoughts and prayers to those of you who have to travel so far. I have a feeling my "lack of diet" for the past few weeks is going to roar back up and bite me in the butt, but I am so ready to give up eating as I know it. I also joined a research program through the Oregon Health Sciences University on obesity and genetics, etc. They took 12 tubes of blood at my first visit, fitted me with an activity monitor ankle bracelet and gave me a questionaire that took me 4 hours to complete. Then, I have to go back one year after surgery and do it all over again. There are very few people in my family, including the youngest, who are not suffering from obesity. If I can do anything to help, I will. Thanks for listening to my nervous chatter. I find that as the hour gets closer I seem to be not as calm as I thought I would be. Good Luck!!!!!!!!! Penny

Good one! I think my niece feels like I'm quitting on her but after four years and not much to show for it I think we aren't really supporting each other, but rather we are enabling each other. I'm sure after surgery she will be supportive. Well, anyway - I hope she is!

I told a few people and I am so sorry I did. People flat out to my face told me how stupid I was. "Why can't you just diet and exercise" Yeah, right! I have what I thought were very good friends and even some family who are so green with envy. One friend told me my husband told her husband that he is against the surgery - which is the polar opposite from what he tells me, and she warned me not to say anything to him because he would know that her husband betrayed a confidence. When she told me that I knew she was lying. And of course I asked my husband and he says what he said was that he didn't like surgery of any kind. Him, Himself (who just had his first surgery last july for prostate cancer) Yup, he doesn't like surgery became He didn't want me to have surgery. My niece keeps saying things like "Are you sure you want to do this?" and "I don't see how you are going to be able to stop eating" She and I for years have dieted together, attending weight watchers and eating out once a week and generally supporting each other. I think what it comes down to is that when you tell someone about something like this, they feel they have the right to butt in. I'm so sorry I ever told anyone. Period! Thanks for letting me rant! Penny

I AM FINALLY IN THE HOME STRETCH! Got insurance approval yesterday - preop on March 3rd and surgery is scheduled for March 11th - WHOOPEE!! My question is - Has anyone continued to go to weight watchers either pre-op or post-op? I made a committment that I was going to continue to go to weight watchers on January 2, 2004 until I reached "lifetime" and I am still going even though during these four years I lost 49.8 pounds - regained 20 - lost it again and regained 30 this time. (Husband cancer surgery and Daughters wedding) Still going, still paying but is anyone else? They said I could keep coming even after banding but if anyone asks me about it, the leader quickly changes the subject. I guess they want my money but not my input. What do YOU think? Should I keep going to honor my "committment" I made to myself or just keep attending the support group at the hospital? I'd appreciate your thoughts. Penny

Just got home from first visit to surgeon, Dr. Jay Jan, where I was given the green light. All that is left is the ok from the insurance (UHC) which I already verified over the phone. They gave me the pre-op diet to follow - looks like I'll be losing quite a bit of weight, they're trying to starve me! I'm getting so excited!!! Have a great day everyone! Penny

Hiya everyone! I too did the 600 question test, then went back for an hour appt. with the psych. I am going to the Portland, Oregon Legacy Good Samaritan Obesity Institute and will have my surgery by Dr. Emma patterson at Oregon Weight Loss Center, soon, I hope. The psych I saw was Dr. Dale Veith, and I've got to tell you he was the neatest guy! He is himself a lap band patient and he understands what you are saying without any BS. Boy, I would love to have him to talk to everyday! LOL! I have been working on all of this since October 16th and I have finally finished ALL of my pre-requisites and have as of Thursday been referred over to the surgeon. They say I should get a call within two weeks. What a road this has been to travel - I am NOT a patient person and this has taught me to "chill" and not expect everything to be done today. I see only good things in my future! Hope y'all do too! Penny

I've done the seminar, done the labs, done the psych, dietitian, PT and medical. Now I am waiting to hear from the sleep lab for my sleep apnea test. I'm going to Dr. Emma Patterson in Portland, Oregon. I've heard wonderful things about her, even from my own PMD. However, I haven't met her yet because she was sick the day of my seminar. I have no idea how much longer I'll be waiting. I hope it happens soon enough so I don't start getting discouraged! I was told there was approximately 50 people ahead of me. I want to be more fit and healthy. I want to touch my toes and I want to wear a strapless bra, is that asking too much? I've never been good at patience! LOL! Thanks for listening! Penny :bored

I'm totally new - have only attended the seminar and turned in my paperwork. Insurance said ok - I guess I just sit back and wait. I just wanted to let you know I am reading and hopefully learning from your posts. I wish you all the success I am hoping to have! Thanks, Penny Portland, Oregon :rain: