NukeChik

Thanks so much for your support, kcintx and ajoneen. I know that I'm gonna do fine. I was really taken aback to such a random negative comment.

Okay, lets see. This is the first time I've ever blogged. I'm going to have to try and channel my inner writing goddess. I don't think I have one though. Oh well. I was banded on Jan 7, 2008. I have done really well health wise so far. The surgery and recovery were a breeze. I lost a lot of weight the first week after my surgery. I have not done so well with weight loss since. I've lost about 8 pounds in 5 weeks. I guess thats okay and well within standard, but I know I could do better. I eat stuff that I shouldn't, not often and especially not as often as before, but I do it nonetheless. I haven't been exercising like I should be, I'm working up to working out though! I get general exercise throughout the day, I just haven't made myself get on that treadmill yet.

Actually, I've got a person on here holding me accountable for my blog confessions. I thought it would be cool to start a blog after reading a couple of peoples. I'm starting to think it was a mistake. I really don't like people thinking they can go ahead and judge me and my commitment to this process. Well, let me rephrase that, I would appreciate the comments from someone who's been banded for a while, but not some extra new person in their initial weight loss high. Sorry, I'm just venting a little bit. Just really ticked me off to be judged by somone whose been banded for 2 weeks.

You're right about me making excuses, but those excuses are to myself, not anyone else. I know that I'm not an old pro at this but my goodness, you've been banded for a little over 2 weeks. You're dedication hasn't even been tested yet. Please don't judge me so soon. Just because I've eaten a cookie once a week doesn't mean I'm not committed. Trust me. Congrats on your initial weight loss. I wish you the best in the future.

Thanks for that reply LJM, I will also be going on vacation in June and I was wondering the same thing!!!

Okay, lets see. This is the first time I've ever blogged. I'm going to have to try and channel my inner writing goddess. I don't think I have one though. Oh well. I was banded on Jan 7, 2008. I have done really well health wise so far. The surgery and recovery were a breeze. I lost a lot of weight the first week after my surgery. I have not done so well with weight loss since. I've lost about 8 pounds in 5 weeks. I guess thats okay and well within standard, but I know I could do better. I eat stuff that I shouldn't, not often and especially not as often as before, but I do it nonetheless. I haven't been exercising like I should be, I'm working up to working out though! I get general exercise throughout the day, I just haven't made myself get on that treadmill yet.

LJM, I just read your blog. I'm so sorry (((HUGS))). You are such a strong woman and an inspiration!!

Just to add to Kat's idea... how bout Ginger Von Shnapp??

I called my docs office yesterday and tried to move my fill up. They won't don't do the first series of fills when you need them. They do it monthly. So needless to say, I'm starving. Sorry to hear about your fall Chrisann. I haven't read your post yet. Hope you are feeling better. Be careful taking that Ibuprofen though. I don't have to worry about taking NSAIDs, I'm allergic, so I haven't taken them for years anyways.

Oh wow, should I call you redstar or isuza... Unbelievable. I guess you didn't realize that it would change your name on all your past posts too.

Redstar, You quote the statistic 35 out of 36 bands had to be explanted, but you don't quote the number that was originally placed. There were 36 problem bands from 2002 till 2007. I'm sorry but I refuse to accept that only 36 bands were placed in 5 years in Canada. I think if you presented all the information we would see that the statistics are actually a lot different. I think you are picking and choosing the negative aspects. BTW, Dr Ponce is my surgeon. He is NOT exclusively doing Realize Band. He picks the best fit for each patient.

1 week clear liquids- broth, juice, popsicles 2 week full liquids-puddings, yogurt, cream Soups The first week was hell if you ask me, I woke up hungry from surgery!

My fave suggestion for the clear liquids phase is wonton soup. Just take out the wontons, scallions, etc. It was a real treat for me after I got tired of regular broth and juices.

Wow ChrisAnn, I can't believe you are already getting your 2nd fill. So jealous of you right now:tongue_smilie:. But, anyways, good luck tomorrow!! I don't get my second fill until March 6. That seems like a lifetime away. I really didn't get any restriction from my first fill. So hoping that will speed things along!

I have used the website "Realize my success". Its pretty neat. They even have a feature to link up with your dr's office so they can monitor you and catch you if you are "slipping" up. The website is ONLY available to people who have had their band placed in the US. I know this is an area of great frustration right now, but its just the way it is... for now. I have had one fill so far and was banded Jan7. My next fill is March 6. I have little or no restriction most days, but it does come and go for whatever reason.

Does anyone know if the 87,500 cutoff is your adjusted income or your gross income?? I might actually qualify since I put so much in my sinking retirement fund. I probably won't end up with anything either, oh well, thats what I get for going to college and not breeding like a rabbit.

B: unjury strawberry shake made with skim milk Snack: banana L: 4 oz salmon 1/4 cup brown rice Afternoon snack-1 oz cheese stick, 1 oz lean ham D: 3 oz chicken breast, 1/2 cup zucchini I need to get another fill, not till March 6!!:smile2:

The funny thing is the guy that presented the bill is 5'11" 230 lbs, thats a bmi of 32 which is considered what, what say it with me OBESE. Such a hypocrite.

Glad to hear you are doing so well ChrisAnn. My weight loss is pretty stalled right now, I had lost 3% of my body fat though when I went for my fill Tues so I'm glad I'm converting some of my lard. I have seen a pretty good difference in my clothing. I still need to take measurements!! I haven't done that yet. I don't know why I keep putting it off.

I didn't really eat too big of a piece of shrimp, it was just overdone and really rubbery and I didn't get it chewed up enough. Shrimp is really hard to get to band consistency, I'm probably going to avoid it from now on. I still have problems avoiding "inhaling" my food!! BTW if you feel like you have something "stuck" taking a drink of liquid is the WORST thing you can do. I know it is your first instinct, but avoid it at all costs!! Trust me on this one.

Puddings, yogurt, mashed potates and cream soups were on my full liquid week not the pureed week. I think every doctor is a little different.

Granted I am only a month post op, but Abso-Freakin-lutely

I had my band placed Jan 7 and I have had drinks with friends on 2 occasions. I've gotten mixed drinks with juices. I didn't have any problems per say. Lets just say I'm a really cheap date now!!

FYI, the people that answer the number can't give you the surgeon code. They can only deal with the surgeon's office. So when you call, they will call your surgeon's office and give them the info. Then the surgeon's office has to call you back with it. My surgeon's office is supposed to be sending me an information packet with that stuff in it....still waiting........

I developed the liquid out condition about 3 days after surgery. I think I was plugged up before that from the aenesthesia. As far as I know its not a problem. Just stay hydrated. I went back to normal when I went to soft foods.