Anwyn

I was worried about salad too, but I don't have any problem with it. I didn't eat much of it pre-banding but now I crave it with grilled chicken.

I'm so sorry to hear about your slippage! Good luck tomorrow, and please keep us posted. ((((((HUGS))))))

I was required to lose 5lbs before they would schedule my surgery. Then, once I lost the 5 lbs I was told that if I gained even 1 lb before surgery I would be taken off of the schedule. After some big time stressing I don't think they even compared my weights at my final pre-op appointment.

I have huge fluctuations in the amount I can eat. From what I can tell, this is what affects my restricton: -If I eat a lot late at night, I am always tighter in the morning. I loosen up as the day goes on. -A few weeks ago I was on my period and I was so restricted I thought I was going to go insane. I was practically PB'ing on Protein shakes... -Sometimes (and I have to admit, I really enjoy this) I open up wide and can eat a "real" meal. Not a binging meal, but a full cup of food. It feels great in the moment, but I'm glad it doesn't happen often because I'm usually up a pound the next day, lol. I'm almost 5 months into this adventure, and I admit I haven't figured out the restriction thing. Some days I think I need to get an unfill, and then I have one of those rare times when I can eat a lot and thing I'd better get a fill. All the research in the world can't prepare you for how persnickety the band can be. As far as your PB's go, make sure to eat liquids for the rest of the day (and even the following day after a really bad one). You could be repeatedly PB'ing because you aren't giving your stomach a rest. It can be a vicious cycle.

Dody, you sound so sad! Don't worry... I'm sure it will be okay once you're healed up. I know it can be hard jumping those hurdles to finally get the band, but it will happen. I had to wait 3 months longer than I needed to (long story), and it was a long, hard wait. Hang in there. Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks Penni - that was really cool!

Check out this thread - it contains several financing options for self pays. Good luck! http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=12189&highlight=capital

When you have a band with restriction you can feel your pouch fill with food quickly. When I didn't have restriction I could sometimes feel the food go through my stoma into the larger stomach (especially cold foods or drinks). When you first get banded (after the swelling goes down from surgery but before you get your first fill) the food goes right on through to the larger stomach and you don't "feel restriction". For some bandsters, it takes 2 or 3 fills before they feel restriction. Some people (like myself) get restriction after their first fill, and some people have restriction even without a fill. Does that make sense? I hope I'm interpreting your question correctly, I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open.

In a nutshell, 1. no re-routing of plumbing 2. no dumping 3. no dying (less often anyways) 4. no malabsorption 5. I also really like the idea that bandsters are SUPPOSED to lose 1-2 lbs a week instead of 60 lbs in two months. Every study about weight loss that I've ever read agrees that this is the safest way to lose. I'm in this for the long haul - I don't care if it takes a little longer.

Don't panic, this happens to everyone. The band isn't designed to work without a fill. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 fills before you get proper restriction. The first 6 weeks after surgery are for healing. Any weight loss is a bonus, but it should not be your primary focus. Sounds so rational, but I know how hard it is. Hang in there, once you get a fill you'll see the weight start to come off!

Oh, do I know how you feel. When I drop my son off at kindergarden I compare myself to every other mother there. They have better hair, cuter clothes (size 4 of course) and they've actually taken the time to get up early and put on makeup. I'm doing good if I've showered AND brushed my teeth. I used to be very good at making small talk, but I've become so withdrawn and self-conscious over the years. I'm trying to break out of my shell, but it's so hard. I often wonder if it's me putting out the stay-away vibes, or if they don't talk to me because I'm big... PM me if you want to chat. We have a lot in common.

Hmm... that makes a lot of sense. I'm going for an unfill in 2 weeks. I think I'll share that philosophy with my doctor. Seems crazy for him to be chastizing you for a 6 lb weight loss... The average is SUPPOSED to be 1-2 lbs a week, which puts you squarely in the average. You're doing a great job!

I'm speechless... Penni, I'm so very sorry. Feel better soon.

Wow, I've never heard of this problem. I'm so glad they diagnosed the problem and fixed her up. Tell her we're thinking of her!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. Congratulations on your success! It sounds like you've really turned your life around.

Port infection is the first thing that popped into my mind as well. Your health is more important than any job. Get thee to the doctor tomorrow!

Glad to hear that you are home and resting. Feel better soon!

I'm so sorry about your loss. Sounds like he was one lucky puppy to have lived in such a loving home.

Glad to hear that everything went so smoothly! Congrats on your DS.

I was up 9, and I didn't even fell puffy. It was a bummer, but it all came off quickly during the liquid phase. Welcome to bandland!

I eat about every 3 hours and I've never really considered it a problem. If you eat 3 small meals and 2 snacks as my nutritionist recommended you have to eat every 3 hours to fit it all in.

Family history may also play a role... for instance, if a parent died at 42 from heart disease I can't imagine they wouldn't take that into consideration.

It's not just the hat Rene, you're a beauty!

What a great idea! If you are what you eat then I think my left thigh is composed almost entirely of Ben & Jerrys... **To get the number of scoops, multiply the number of pounds lost by 12.7272. I'm down 687.2688 scoops of ice cream!

Hi Jessica, Welcome to LBT! I've been to Columbus many times visiting my sister and her hubby at Fort Benning. Just to give you some honest feedback here, I'm a little shocked that a 13 year old is getting banded. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy and excited for you too. What I wouldn't have given to be thin during my teens and twenties... But, this is a HUGE decision. So, please please read everything you can on this site. It really does cover every topic you can imagine, and some you may not have thought of. And if you have specific questions, ask away! You won't find a more helpful group of people anywhere. Good luck with everything!