abrightfuture

9/18/05 Would really like to hear some feedback from those who were banded in July 2005. Need to here how your progress is going. Here are my stats - Banded 7/27/05 in Everett, Wa. @ NWWLS by Dr. Montgomery. Pre surgery 296, day of 292, 1st preop visit 286, 1st fill 9/8 268. Lately getting alittle despondant now that newness is wearing off. Maybe there are other who would be willing to share their experience with me. This sight has been so supportive of me and those who have been banded for some time have given me such wisdom and insight, it has been invaluable. But I would like to know how others like myself are doing. (ie have you had pb's, have you got an eating plan down yet, have had a fill yet etc) Looking forward to hearing from you. Micki

10/2/05 Ok, dont know if im pmsing or what but today and yesterday has not been a good day for this bandster. So much seems to be going on that im not focusing on what i should be doing. Am 8 weeks post op, had first fill 9/8 but dont feel too much restriction. Know I have lost, im down 3 sizes, my rings are really, really loose, others notice but I feel like im sliding down to bad habit land. Shoot today I had 3 med size slices of pizza and yesterday I had some cake and ice cream (father in laws birthday). Thought I have been eating the right things but some of it didnt feel right so when I went to a number of band sights for food Ive found I havent. I think my calories and volume is too much. Dont know what is the right fomula anymore. Have been recovering from a crudy cold for over a week which zaps my energy so havent exercized either. When I do eat I dont feel much of a restriction. Confused on whether I should get another fill. Theres a part of me that really thinks the 1.5 ccs wasnt enough. Sort of felt that way since I had it done. And my schedule on when to eat is off too. Ive been so on the positive and now I feel somewhat down. Hormones maybe? I just dont know. Boy what can I do to resolve some of these issues?? Where should I start? Is this normal when the newness of the band wears off? Ive had what i consider great NSV's but I so afraid Im gonna blow it!!!!!! Micki

10/3 Thought I had a handle on the band rules. Have been doing so well yet after first fill 9/8 didnt really feel all that restricted. Anyway this weekend have been out of control!! from eating my some of my father in law birthday cake to 3 medium slices of pizza. there wasnt anything i didnt get into. didnt seem like i had any restrictions. am in my period so thought maybe that had something to do with it but there is something else. It has slowing been creeping up on me....as much as I have been so positive and have seen some amazing results I think little by little I have been pushing the envelope. you know having more that I should, not necessarily the right thing either. was sick about a week ago and had so many pbs, couldnt eat anything for about 3 days. since then have gone in reverse and have stopped exercizing daily. im writing you because im feeling real guilty and stupid. having the band is what i really want to do. my dedication is there but i feel myself sliding into old habits. like not taking my lunch, eating at the right times, not drinking enough water, etc, etc..... iam so confused and feeling lost. how, how do i get back on track??? where do i start??? i cant seem to focus. lately all that has been going on around me is getting to me emotionally and if im honest, has been a major distraction to my goals for myself. in the past week my sister in law was diagnosised with end stage ALS, my father was hospitalized with rejection from chemo, my friends cervical cancer has come back, mad at my husband because he wont buy me a scale (think maybe im punishing myself becaue he doesnt see how much i need it) and and here comes the big one, havent been itimate in 2 yrs because of my weight and now that ive lost some wonder why not now has left me frustrated and pissed. see told you i was overwhelming myself!!!! since the banding life has been pretty simple but lately it has gotten so complicated. i dont know where to turn so ive come to you all. i feel so mad at myself. cant seem to shake all this. what should i do? Micki

10/3 Ok am 8 weeks post op and I have totally confused myself and cant seem to get a good schedule down on when to eat and what to be eating. ----Should I be counting calories (which I hate) ----What is the amount I should be eating ----What do other eat in a day ----My shedule is crazy....up @ 3:30am leave for work @ 5:45am arrive @ work 7:30am (have a nonfat latte) lunch @ 12:15 leave @ 3:45pm home by 5:30pm bed about 10-10:30pm -----Does anyone have any suggestions on when I should be eating for the best possible outcome? Seems I keep finding myself hungry. -----How to plan your meals and snacks -----Where can I find a detail list of the types of food to eat, amount, calories, etc. Please let me know the easiest way I can get this information to be effect in my weight loss. Thank you in advance for helping get over my confusion. Tired of being overwhelmed by everything and worrying that Im doing everything wrong. Micki

10/3 Theresa,Cindy,Kathy,Jadcut you have brought me to tears. I cant begin to tell you all how deeply grateful I am for you to care to respond to me call for help. Your wonderful words, thoughts, and prayers have given me the support I was needing. It has given me a sense of peace and now I realize that today was better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today. Im going to take a deep breath and give myself some time to re focus and remember why I made this decision and the positive outcome I believe in. I suppose some of it is that the newness of the band is wearing off, the high your on post surgery. I dont have any control over what is happening around me but I can control how I handle it. I know with people, I hope I can call friends, like you it gives me comfort when I face moments like this. You remind of the success I have had in the past 8 weeks and stop returning to the little side bars Ive taken. Again from the bottom of my heart I really really thank you for taking the time to listen to my "moments" and being there. Will keep you posted. Micki

10/2/05 Am a Senior Health Claims Processor in Seattle Washington for a Third Party Administrator. I commute from Bremerton by ferry everyday. Now on my 6yrs. Have a wonder support spouse whos a real estate agent. Been married 15 yrs, been friends for 23 yrs. Have 2 great kids. Daughter 14, son 13. I mention this because its part of what I do too. Micki Banded 7/27/05 296 presurgery 292 surgery 278 1st month 268 last visit

9/30/05 Hello all-was 8 weeks post op 9/27/05!!!! cant believe it. am still so happy and sure have learned about slowing down and chewing. has been biggest change. anyway, would like someone to please give me a list of solid foods to eat as well as the total daily recommended amount per day. Im getting concerned I might be overdoing it on the protein and not getting enough of the right carbs, grains, fat, etc. Know if I dont eat balanced I wont be as successful and I want to be. Would really appreciate a quick response. This also would keep me more aware of my fullness status to determine if I need another fill. 1st one done was 9/8/05. Thank you in advance. Micki

9/22/05 What do you eat for your protein and when do you eat it? Have been reading alot of other websites for protein but want to know what you all do. How many calories do you eat in a day? Do you track what calories you eat? I absolutely hate counting calories but i do watch my portion sizes. Is that a good idea or do you something else. Do you preplan all what youre going to eat in a day or just wing it? Do you write it all down? Micki

:think 9/22/05 Here's the current scenario, bare with me. Please listen!!! Woke up at 1:45am really hungry, went to have some yogurt had 2-3 teaspoons and up it came. Doesnt seem like any big deal but its been happening since i ate dinner. i was eating a small boiled red potato and some salad and after having about 3 bites of the potato up it came, and up it came, and up it came!!!! what is going on??? havent had this problem before. in fact since getting my 1st fill 9/8 have been doing very well. there hasnt been too much restriction physically i have been watching what i have been doing and the choices ive been making. i have read that premenstrally your band can get tighter. iam premen. so could this be whats going on??? right now its 2:30am and im sipping on some tea. suffering from a wild headache and feeling like i might not be able to keep the tea down. man what should i do?? looking to you for some guidance and you thoughts. im probably overreacting but since it hasnt been 8 weeks yet i keep thinking what have i done. to me physicogically and emotionally having a band has been one of the wisest decision i have ever made for myself and i dont want anything to screw it up. i havent felt this way about myself in a long time and i get scared that something is gonna happen. this pbing has got me worried. trying hard not to be looking for problems but you know when things are going well i kinda wait for the flip side. anyway this whole thing has got me sorta down. the constant belching is driving me crazy im tired and hungry and i have to go to work in 3 hours. i recently have become very conscious of the band inside and keep thinking that maybe its shifted or isnt working, (yet im loosing) and therefore that i why this is happening......could some please give me some support???!!!!! Thank you ever so, Micki

9/22/05 Thank you everyone for your sharing you journey with me. It all helps to "band" together. I appreciate your honesty. All of you have been doing so very well and you sure a staying focused and patient. All take care and lets keeping updating one another. Micki

I think iam anticipating too much. Had 1st fill last Wed 9/8 (2cc's). Wasnt as bad as i thought it would, the port had shifted some. took nurse a couple of pokes but was successful. Anyway its been a week now and i have had a number of PB's. i truelly believe it was because i wasnt chewing enough or rushing but it was something i could eat before the fill. did anyone else experience this? that you could no longer eat the same?? would someone please tell me what was your feeling after your fill. i have a smaller band and the nurse told be 2cc's was alot but im not really sure how my band should feel. i know im loosing and have been treadmilling everyday. i do feel better but i want to make sure that i continue on the road of sucess. how ofter should i weight myself? i find i dont have any desire to eat. did you go on a strick eating time? can eating 6 times a day be alright? my day starts at 3:30am and stops around 9:30pm. do you have a suggestion on how i should be planning my meals? if i go every 4 hrs i dont think im eating enough and i find myself hungry (? another fill). i really need some enlightenment. Open to any and all ideas, suggestions, etc. Thanks again. Micki Banded 7/27/05 296/292/274/268

9/15/05 Road Queen, Just wanted to take time out and thank you ever so. Your response sure has helped me. You have reassured me that Iam following the rules and to give myself the time to relax and remind myself this isnt magical. I think there was a part of me that thought it would be more rapid even though I dont want it to be. Now I will get back on track and focus without the intensity. Time to invest in a scale and take things in stride. Iam breathing again. Micki

So very happy!!! Had band surgery 7/27/05. Had first fill (2cc's) this Thursday. Wasnt too bad. Have noticed a really difference. Was very apprehensive before going. So glad I did. With every pound that goes I feel I am morphing into a better me. I am shocked that this weight has come off the way it has. Yet Iam so very happy. Never did I think it would make such a difference. There are so may little things that have changed. Man I cant remember when the last time was I lost 25lbs!!!! and ive gone down 2 sizes!!! To reward myself I had my hair cut yesterday. I am so happy to be a bandster!!!!! Sure looking forward to what is to come!!! Micki Banded 7/27/05 Dr. Montgomery NWWLS Everett,Washington Highest 296/Presurgery 292/Current 269!!!!

Boy Im sure glad im not alone. After my confession have been so trying to get back on track. have been somewhat successful. But it has given me time to do some soul searching and realize i was falling back into my usual pattern and no eating this way has not made me feel very good. and i dont mean emotionally acutally physical-go figure. i never recognized it before. so tomorrow with the sun i will begin again and yes i probably will from time to time have something not on the list but i so done with beating myself up and giving up or into the old thoughts of "i screwed up so just forget it". that was always one of my biggest down falls. Getting my first fill ( so looking forward to it!!) will support me. i just cant wait. I realize that this isnt a magic band but in my mind it is the tool that will get me there. You all are so right. thanks for you honesty.

9/4/05 The past few days have not been very good for me. In fact the past two days havent stayed within the rules. I will admit to you all I have had apple pie, cookies, candy, and pepperoni sticks. I almost feel ashamed at myself. I have been so upbeat about my weight loss but I have those old feelings of not being worthy to have this good stuff happen. I have my first fill this Thursday and am so looking forward to it. It almost seems as if I dont have any stop to the amount of food I can eat lately. Im not overeating but I know if I let myself I would. That much I havent done. Im angry with myself. I so want this to work for me. I made a commitment yet I think I might be sabotaging myself. Anyone else get this way? Did the first fill help you to re-focus? Also something else strange has been happening. I just got over my period and my emotions are on a roller coaster ride. Before banding i would get this pre-mentrually. I am peri-menapausal. But all of this came before it started than after I would be fine. Now its all happening after. Have others had body changes after surgery? Oh im not looking for problems but its just that Ive hit a low and to some extent I feel so silly, so stupid. Im only about 5 1/2 weeks post op. Am I being too hard on myself? It seems like Im whinning but I sure am trying not to be. Just scared and looking for postive reinforcement. Please let me know how I can turn this around before I go another day. Micki

Boy Jenna, my confession is pepperoni sticks and apple pie!!!! I should be branded. The guilt was eating me up (ha-ha) Was waiting for someone to catch me and put a big light over my head for everyone to see!! Blinking in red, Cheating, Cheating!! Todays a new day and nothing happened, go figure!!!! Back on the road to a better tomorrow. ************************************************************* Banded 7/27/05 Highest 296/Pre-surgery 292/Now 270/Goal 165 Sizes 24/4-6x Now 22/2x First fill 9/8/05 yeah!!!!

LaMadam, As usual you are the voice in the wind. Thank you so very much for your thoughts and words they have truelly helped get me back on track and re-focused. Im gonna just relax follow the "rules" and look forward to Thrursday. Thank you again. Will keep you posted. Micki

Ok-I back again looking for some guidance. Im coming up to six weeks post op and my doctor said this would be the time for my first fill. This is all so new to me - how do I know I need it? I know theres no magic bell that goes off but what did everyone who's had one know it was time. In my gut (no pun intended) I really feel I need one. The reason for this is that I seem to be able to eat more that I think I should be eating. I get hungry pretty often, almost every 3-4 hours. I've heard that I should'nt let myself get hungry but boy this whole thing a real balace act. Some time my head tells me to eat but my stomach feels full then other times my stomach grumbles and I then know I should eat, but I feel I've waited too long and probably eat alittle too much. I havent eaten the wrong things. Can't believe have had no bread products for over a month now!!!!!! But I sure do lovvvve low fat wheat thins. Should I be counting calories? Does everyone count calories? I hate the thought of doing that. What do you all do to keep your eating plan together? Did anyone come up with a specific formula pre-fill and post-fill? Im alittle concerned that this day is coming. How often do you weigh yourself to know what your loss is? If I've gone on too long I apologize but I really count on everything I get from this site. Thank you, Micki

Ok everyone, sign me up! Ill start tonight with treadmill for thirty minutes. Already some minor walking today. This will really help with all of your support. Micki

:cheeky Today is my one month anniversary!!!!!! Was banded on 7/27 and I cant believe Ive lost a wopping 20lbs!!! I cant remember when was the last time I lost this much. Being a bandster has been one of the wisest decisions I have ever done in my life. Im beginning to actually see the results. Theres a part of me that Im struggling with though, I almost feel guilty to feels so good, so right. Is this stupid or what? Anyway, when I had my post op visit my doctor (Dr Montgomery @ NWWLS) said he wouldnt consider a fill until 6 weeks post op and only if I need it. Well, how do I know if I need one? What is the criteria? I havent been under any restrictions, food wise, in fact they said this has been my time to heal. But I have been watching what I eat and have stayed away from the high calorie foods but having been trying different things - even salad. The other thing is am having trouble with knowing when im full. Its hard to remember when that is. Should I be eating more often thru the day and small stuff or get into the 3 meals a day and 1 snack. As usual looking for your wisdom and experience. Have found one thing that has got me this far is the support and comfort as well as what others have gone thru. Couldnt have made it. Wait to here from you Micki

Thank you LaMadam, You have been reading my mind. Since having been banded (7/27) i have been so upbeat. celebrating this decision. i never felt better. then within the last week i began to have a certain feeling creep on me. it was very suttle at first. then i had to episode of food sticking, yea i slipped and didnt chew and rushed my food. i got so scared. i kept wondering what have i done. how would i know if i made my band slip? are signs? called my doctor and asked about eating but forgot to ask about this. is was explained to me, like you said, this a healing stage ( i must admit - difficult) i have no restrictions but to be cautious. i am anxious because i long for my first fill. i have had thoughts of pushing myself. but now what you have written i do begin to feel better. i realized how hard i was being on myself i even found that i fell into eating because of emotion. oh it was still within the limits of good food but it was for the wrong reasons. i havent done that in years. but i did recognize it and will be more aware next time. LaMadam i cant thank you enough. By giving me, anyway, this insight it helps to reinforce what i need to stay focused on. Day by day, with the focus on a healthy future. I dont want it to be any other way. However getting thru some of those moments can be a struggle. Your words are a lifeline. Micki

Well, am 19 days post op (7/27) and needing some assistance please. Have been on the mushies since 8/6 per doctors ok. Here the deal, not really sure if im eating the right things. Tell me, tell me is there anything specific i should not be eating? Ive tried a few things, really chewing. The only problem ive had is with pork. everything else is going down great. although i must admit i have not had any raw fruit or vegies. Have stayed away from all the food i like (chips, ice cream, carbs,etc...) and that really doesnt bother me. But what guidelines should i be using at this time? Micki

Lynn, sorry to here about your struggle. Here is something for you to consider. First of all I agree with everyone FIGHT!!! Secondly get out your plan booklet. As a medical claims processor I recommend you get very familiar with your benefit plan. Read, read,read. If your plan does cover WLS then thats the first thing, then look at the requirements, have you complied atleast with the majority of the guidelines? Don't be discouraged that your doctor is leaving there are others. Get all your records, everything from everyone you can think of. My doctor also sent along all the information regarding the sucess of the lapband. Then if they still deny you, file an appeal. All benefit plans have an appeal board. Also if nothing happens there being a BCBS plan you can file an request with your state insurance commisioner. Just remember there is always a way. Dont give up. Just having the coverage in your plan is something many dont. Youll have to put in some extra work but its all worth it in the end. Good Luck, if theres anything else let me know Micki

You all are the greatest!!!! Havent posted very often since I was banded on 7/27 but when I come here you all are so amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your experience. For a rookie like me it sure means alot. Everyone is such an inspiration. Reading the good and the not so good reminds me that to stay focused on the goal and that everyone has "those" moments, "those days". Man, it is so comforting to know I am not alone. From the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU Micki

:Bunny :Bunny Hello everyone, been alwhile since I posted. Had trouble getting back on, forgot password and couldnt get a new one. anyone this is micki. just a reminder was banded on 7/27. all went well and is going well. not too much pain only about 3 days. engergy level increasing daily. Dr Montgomery and his staff are the greatest!!!!! cant say enough about the experience, have no regrets. After I made it thru the liquids, which i didnt think possible, am now on "mushies". not having any trouble keeping anything down, wont be on regular for about 4 weeks. possible fill then too. anyway am having some issue with eating, when to, how much, and what to do about the hunger. so i need some help. im looking for your guidance. the problem im having is that during this mushy period should i be setting specific times to eat? it seems that i get hungry ofter-my stomach actually grumbles. should i be counting calories? how balanced do i need to be? how much should i be eating? i eat until im full but sometimes it seems like alot. anyone else have this happen? should i be using the same rules as when im eating regular food? i get so confused. i havent strayed from what i should be eating its just that im sure HOW i should be eating. i think i might be sabotaging myself and i really really like whats happening to me, feeling my body changing. im being to feel im putting alot of pressure on myself. also how much should i be exercizing. what have you done. did you start out slow? i dont mean to ramble on so but this lapband has given me a new perspective on my health and the future. i want to be successful. my outlook is sooo good. i know with your help i will accomplish this. youve all been so great with your previous support. it truelly helps to be a part of everyones experience. im proud to be a bandster! im looking to give myself the best opportunity to move thru these next few weeks. i appreciate anyone imput. Micki