Angelsma

Hey, aren't we all waiting for that day? LOL:blush::tt2::sad::cursing::cool2:

If I can suggest that you log into this site daily (several times if needed) for support and encouragement. I believe while reading through the posts you will find others are experiencing the same thing (there's quite a few of us who lose our way but quickly motivate ourselves to get back on track). That's why you'll hear it a 1000 times over - the band isn't the magic bullet it is a tool that works if we work it (the RNY is the drastic magic bullet but think of the consequences?) That's one reasons I am glad (not at the time) that my dr and insurance company forced me to attend a 3 month nutrition class. If not Curves maybe Weight Watchers at Work will work for you? Anything that will help you w/ portion constrol and support??? If nothing else go back to square one with measuring/journaling your food choices. I don't want to sound like I'm preaching because most of us have been where you are - just hope it helps you be encouraged and motivated.

Thank you Jack, your post make so much sense and very helpful to someone who grew up hearing/believing the same things. While I was banded in July '08 I am just now learning to "work with my band" by FEELING / LISTENING what my body is telling me.

Sounds like you may be experiencing a little head hunger and physical hunger. I would think if you would eat regularly (if your doctor suggested) 3 small meals and 3 small snacks that include protein (don't wait until you're starving and stomach growling) then you probably won't have the physical hunger pangs. I hope this helps.

P.S. I've learned the hard way (hard head) the need to chew, chew, chew, chew, chew and then chew some more is extremely important.

Buy a couple of little cans of pineapple juice and have them on hand. The acid breaks down stuck food more quickly. Sweet, sweet relief.

You've lost 188 lbs since 9/08? Men!! I'm sure most of that was during your pre-op diet right? Otherwise, that's pretty aggressive even w/ a lapband.

I was banded 7/10/08 and down 24 lbs. Just had my 4th (and possibly my last for awhile) fill one week ago today. Before this last fill I had no restriction. Now, I actually feel full quickly. So, last night while I was out with friends I ordered a Rueben sandwich and fries (you already know what I'm going to say - right?) We were talking, laughing and I was about to eat (only) 1/2 of my sandwich and a few fries and CLUNK! the bite got stuck in my band - I hadn't chewed my food as well combined with the talking and laughing I ran to the ladies room OMG! I had read about sliming but had no idea it would be as intensely disturbing. The human body is amazing; especially how it works to rid itself of foreign objects lodged where it's not supposed to be. I finally threw up (after running to the bathroom 4 x's) Whew...:tt2: Feel much better today - I learned a valuable lesson and won't do that again.:tongue2:

Staying right over the bridge in NJ is ideal. We could take the train over to NYC during the day and/or taxi's if we go in the evening. Still much much cheaper than staying in NYC. Sounds like fun. Count me in.

Downtown Columbus here...I joined the YMCA so I can workout anywhere in the city or around the country when traveling. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself (aside from getting the band).

With the band I'm finally learning to listen to my body. I know I've had too much when I actually feel satisfied vs. full. If I feel full than I've gone too far. If I go onto "stuffed" than I'm actually miserable (been there - done that and it's no fun). I hope this helps.

Believe it or not I found several books in my local library, however, one of the most helpful was Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I couldn't believe someone actually wrote it but I needed information from A to Z. I must add that you will find information on this site (spend time here searching by keyword of what you want to know by using the "search" option found in the top right of the home page). Make a notebook for yourself to keep notes based on "pre-surgery", "during your stay in the hosptial" and post surgery.....you will be amazed how much information you'll find here. Everyone is very helpful and will offer tips, tricks and otherwise :tongue2: All the best to you. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Weight-Surgery-Dummies-Marina-Kurian/dp/0764584472]Amazon.com: Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies: Marina S. Kurian, Barbara Thompson, Brian K. Davidson: Books[/ame]

Wine is ok, but beer is a whole other story...take it from someone who knows and learned a VALUABLE lesson. This past Monday night I got home late; tired and hungry. Although I know better.....being tired + being hungry makes me do crazy things. I made a stupid sandwich (I won't even tell you what was on it) and pulled a beer from the frig (thought it would really help me sleep). Ate the sandwich and drank the beer in record time (remember what I said "being tired + being hungry makes me do crazy things). My stomach started growling, churning and blowing up Monday night and it is now Wednesday and my stomach is just now beginning to feel normal again. I was in so much pain and nothing helped. DON'T DO IT.

That is horrible customer follow up if I've ever heard of it. Once you find another doctor (that comes highly recommended) you should ask that your files be transferred because the fills should be a part of the cost of your surgery. Also, from what I understand most people get their first fill (I did) 6 weeks post op. I had my surgery 7/10 and have 3 fills and just now getting restriction w/ the 3rd fill so my heart goes out to you. I hope all goes well.

First, congratulations on getting your date confirmed. Secondly, RELAX..it's all gonna be alright. Take one thing at a time.. Protein: seriously consider ordering some chicken broth Protein from unjury.com (a box or two if you can afford it) to use pre and post surgery. Also, sugar free Jello or pudding in the small cups post surgery - helps w/ your throat and when you don't want anything else the first few days. I found a liquid multi-vitamin at my local health food store. I found anthing with high protein kept me from getting hungry...protein shakes, egg white omelettes and yogurt the best. Smoking, I quit several years ago but I did have to wean myself off caffeine pre-surgery. Otherwise, I would have been a wild woman in the hospital. In addition to praying alot; I did alot of self-talk to get myself ready - saying things to myself in the mirror like: "if you don't do it for yourself who will do it?", "You will be successful", You're worth it!! Numero uno things to have at home: pain relievers, sleeping pills if your doctor will prescribe (otherwise, I couldn't sleep), gasX (store brand ok), and heating pad (for back or tummy). I hope this helps.

Ditto what Luluc said...I generally only use the egg whites (lower in fat and cholesterol) for omelettes etc. If I make egg salad I use 1 yolk for every 4 whites. Yogurt, cheese, salmon (very high in protein) and can be poached, baked, blackened, moose (spelling escaped me), protein shakes (hot or cold). I hope this helps.

Everyone's "sweet spot" is different...it's when a person actually feels restriction. It may happen after the first, second, third and even maybe the 4th fill. Once a person feels restriction they are unabel to eat nearly the amount of food pre-op; and must begin to learn how to eat in a whole new way. Personally, I recently had my third fill and finally have restriction. I hope this helps you.

Besides that we should all be going at a minimum once a day; are you drinking plenty of water and adding a fiber to your diet? Since we can always eat lots of bulk consider one that can be added to yoru water (Kellogg makes a great tasting one that blends easily found in the pharmacy aisle). I hope this helps.

Join the club. I say "ditto" to what everyone is saying especially salome000. We all have to say enough is enough and that we are no longer going to punish ourselves with stinkin thinkin (sorry I had to say it). We have punished ourselves so long and have gotten used to being fat (protected) that we panic when we think our best friend is going to be taken away. Please know you are your own best friend and if you don't talk to her in the mirror and let her know how much you love her and that you're going to take care of her no one else will. I know you're going to do great so don't be hard on yourself.

I'm surprised that more dr's are not talking about the emotional changes we can go through post op. I read about it before the emotional roller coaster actually happened to me. You can ask your dr but I read that the raw emotions can be attributed to the fact that we are actually experiencing emotions vs. using food to stuff them. Whether we're happy, sad or fustrated we know that we can / shouldn't use food so the other stuff begins to "bubble up". Maybe you can visit your dr's support group to talk to others who may be experieincing the same thing) or you can always journal that helps a lot with your thoughts and feelings. I hope this helps. All the best to you.

So not a stupid question! Trust your doctor/nutrionist when they say you should eat slowing, chew thoroughly and do not, I repeat do not eat bread or other hard substances before your prescribed time. Please take it from someone who thought she knew everything and was quite confident in my ability to eat 1/2 of a bagel 4 weeks post op. OMG! I thought I was having a heart attack with something stuck in my throat at the same time. It was a difficult lesson but one I needed to learn (I have a very hard head). That's what happens when one experiences "getting something stuck".

I was a "closet" smoker for over 25 years and finally quit in 2006 for good. Yoo hoo!! It got pretty bad at the end when I was smoking nearly two packs a day and still pretending like no one else knew (how insane is that??) Besides a bout w/ bronchitis I knew that I wanted to get healthy; mind, body and soul. So, I bought one final pack of cigarettes and said that I would enjoy that pack as if it were my last (because it was). So, when I got down to five cigarettes and I began to "mourn" the loss of my friend (?) I began to countdown...5,4,3,2 and that last one like a funeral / celebration, a new beginning (and I prayed for God to give me strength and something to do w/ my hands). I haven't had another cigarette or the desire for another since. I did have to wein (sp?) myself off caffeine several weeks before surgery (3 weeks prior I began drinking half decaf / half reg...2 weeks out 3/4 decaf and 1/4 reg...week before all decaf) otherwise I would have been like a junkie needing a fix. I hope this helps - be encouraged - you have your whole life ahead of you to be healthy :thumbup: