notateechanow

Hey there, I'm about 8 1/2 months out of surgery now, and I just wanted to reassure you that my first 3-4 months were the slowest of all. I was frustrated, disappointed, and was doing everything right. Keep up your good work. I've now lost a little over 65 pounds and am more than half way to my goal. The weightloss will eventually come, just don't give up on doing what you know to be right. If you're still concerned, talk with your surgeon. Check in with your dietician, and attend a support group meeting if possible. My weight loss was initially really slow, but at about 5 months I started losing far more steadily. Don't give up. Eat as directed, move a little every day, and keep at it. You will get there! :thumbup:

Sue, this nurse sounds like a complete idiot. Sorry you had that experience. I know I've had days when I've overeaten, but I've never been accused of "stretching my pouch"!! Avoid her in the future. Find out when she's working and see if you can avoid her at your next fill. Heck, tell the receptionist about your experience and demand not to have her again. This is a business. You ARE a consumer. If you were at Walmart and not happy with your service, you'd speak up to the manager. Be your own best advocate and stand up for yourself. You (or your insurance company) have paid these people good money. Get your money's worth. Avoid her in the future! Good luck. I'm told 48 hours of liquids after a fill.

Wow, Chris, triathalons?! I've always enjoyed sports and working out, but I'm not a fast swimmer--ok, so I'm a great tanner and definitely more of a dipper--and I hate running. I have promised to run with my sister-in-law next May for a 5K. I don't think I'm being unrealistic, but now that I'm committed, I'm already starting to stress about it. My ego is huge. I can't begin to tell you how bruised it would be if I were to finish last..... I, too, can eat far more than I'm supposed to, but after an unfortunate week and subsequent un-fill, I've committed myself to being my own portion control police. I don't want to end up with a slipped band simply because I couldn't work with the band. Of course, I'll admit, there are plenty of nights I go ahead and have icecream or some other sinful delight and am willing to do the extra 30 minute workout to balance it off. When I was tighter, I felt unhuman. There were so many foods I couldn't tolerate any more. I didn't sign up for that. Congratulations to you and your hard work. Good luck at your next triathalon! :thumbdown:

Cheri, I think part of the problem for me is that I "never looked THAT fat" in anyone's eyes. When I finally told my mother a few weeks ago that I actually tipped the scales at an all time high of 314, she nearly fell over. Mind you, even at 314 I only wore a size 22 pant..... I just didn't want anyone to diminish my weight issue any longer or tell me if I just worked harder, the weight would come off. I was a scholarship athlete at a well respected Division 1 school here, in Boston. I worked out regularly my entire life, for at least an hour a day. I am certainly not lazy, and I've never had any other health issues-- I knew they wouldn't approve and I knew they wouldn't agree with my choice. So, I did what has been best for me. My family thinks I've been working out more and visiting with a nutritionist regularly--which I have! So while I didn't tell them about the surgery, I did have to explain a 65 pound weightloss somehow....

Be sure to keep an eye on the sodium with the V-8, too....though I'm sure you probably already are. Water retention kills me. I also found out that the soy in most protein powders and shakes interacts with the absorption of my thyroid medication and have recently switched to a whey protein instead. Oh, there are so many things to consider! When do you leave?

I'm not able to eat any fruit or vegetables with skin, either. I've started making protein shakes in my blender with a cup of pineapple (packed in WATER, not syrup) a 1/2 cup of pulpy orange juice, one and a half scoops of the protein powder (mine is only 100 calories per scoop and gives 18 grams of protein!) with ice. I've also done the same without the oj and used coconut extract to make it more like a pina colada. I've found that putting fruit in the blender with the protein powder allows me to get in the fruit I need while helping me get my daily protein. By the time I've finished my morning shake, I've had nearly half of my daily protein and two servings of fruit and for less than 300 calories. I've never been much of a shake person but it packs well in an insulated mug and cools me off at the same time! Hope that helps.

Is it possible your body needs more calories?? I played around with my diet and increased my protein and caloric intake and started losing weight!

I hate to say this, but I think the real key is to stop "hoping" and start planning. Make a commitment to yourself to get more exercise as your body allows. If you can't exercise as much as you did before, then something else in the equation has to change--lower your intake or accept that you won't lose until you can return to your old workout routine. If you were to talk to a room full of fat people and compare them with people at "normal" weight, you'd find the language is very different. We fat people have a lot of hopes and wishes....the others make plans and take action. We tend to make excuses instead! On an entirely different note, congratulations on your huge weight loss! Maybe what you really need to do is enjoy your 14 day cruise and worry about the weight loss later...I know, I know, not good advice, but seriously, if you were to die next week, would you ever think, "I sure wish I skipped that buffet on my cruise..."??????

Thanks, Vicki! Every time I've met with him, he concludes each time with, "Make an appointment to come back in 4-6 weeks..." My last visit was actually for a slight unfill back in July. My last fill was in the beginning of May. I'm not exactly restricted where I need to be, but during my TOM, I get such huge and horrible restriction that I'm willing to put more effort into the portion control on my end and not rely on the band again. I'm also a little gun shy after my last fill. Things were going along swimmingly for about 10 weeks and suddenly I couldn't get anything down. It was like the fill kicked in too much. SO....I went back to see the Physician's Assistant who filled me to take a little out and haven't seen my surgeon since June. To be honest, I don't find him to be all that involved, anyway. He is what he is. I just don't want to not check in if most people do so.....

I never really took the time to read the site thoroughly and haven't seen the Mass Banders...so I'm here to introduce myself! I live in Burlington and had surgery at Brigham and Women's with Dr. Robinson. I am 5'10" and started at 304. (size 22 pants) I am now down to 240. (size 16 misses now!) While I'm only down 64 pounds, I feel like a million bucks. I workout at least an hour to an hour and a half every day, doing at least 45 minutes of strength training and 30-45 minutes of cardio 6 days a week. I feel great, but worry about what will happen when I head back to work next week. (I only work parttime in the summer so making time to workout hasn't been an issue....) My weightloss has definitely slowed in the past 8 weeks, but it's still happening, so I don't mean to complain. I just feel like I'm working so hard to get such small results. I have been changing up my workout routine and am playing around with my diet to see what type of results that might yield. Only my live-in boyfriend knows I've had surgery. My family wouldn't approve, so I chose not to tell...and I worried that if I were to tell my best friend, she might somehow let on to my parents or family. So...I'm excited to find this thread in hopes of finding people to support what I'm doing, but particularly people who have been in the same position. Looking forward to getting to know you all! Have a great Labor Day weekend.

Lachica, I totally agree with Vicki, and since she's said it all so eloquently, I won't bother to reiterate.... I have a question for all of you. How often do you return to your surgeon if you don't need a fill? I've been going about every 6 weeks, but it seems like a waste if I'm not in need of a fill or advice. I am losing approximately 5-10 pounds a month--slower than I'd like, but still ok with me! I don't know if it's worth trekking in to the office (paying for parking truly grates me....) if I don't need anything from them.....I'm at a comfortable place restriction wise and realize the rest is up to me. I've reasoned that it's good for me to check in simply to have them weigh me and watch my progress, but I'm not sure I still need to.....suggestions? Ideas? Thanks in advance!

Anyone planning on going to the Faulkner on the 8th for the support group meeting? Have a great Labor Day weekend! I'm back to work soon....

Laughing at trying on old clothes---I'm quite a few years beyond college and high school, but spent some time cleaning out the last remnants of my old me from the closets last weekend. I tried on my 2 prom dresses and a senior dinner dance dress and shared a great laugh with my mom. I'm not sure whether I laughed harder at the fact that they're too big now or that the styles were so 80's---big bows, shiny fabric and the dreaded drop waist with puffy sleeves!! I don't understand how they're too big, though....I'm still about 25 pounds heavier than my weight when I wore those before. So...long term goal for next spring--to RUN or jog a 5K with my sister-in-law and some friends. I just want to be able to jog for the entire 3+ miles without stopping. My treadmill sessions haven't been very encouraging yet, so it's going to be a true test if I can make it.... Right now I do 5K in about 40 minutes, and my sister-in-law is at 24 minutes. Oh, I've definitely got some work to do, but it's certainly something worth working at.....:thumbup:

Oh, I suppose I'll go, simply because Phyllis loves me...and no one else ever talks! :sad: Glad to hear you're feeling better. I've gained a few pounds this week--it's Restaurant Week so it's not my fault. That, combined with the unfill are killing me. Oh, more time on the treadmill tonight! By the way....not sure if you guys have noticed, and maybe a lot of people who are smaller than me have--but have you noticed that you can buy a size 16 or 18 in the Misses dept. instead of the Plus sizes, and they're MUCH cheaper?! In fact, you can even buy the exact same brands for less. Not fair. Went to Macy's and got 4 skorts and 2 pairs of capris for $22. The sale is amazing!!! (my little excitement for the day....):thumbup:

Funny girl.... Actually, the woman who was pre-op and was having surgery in June was there. Initially it was just the two of us, but two other candidates showed up--one who I actually knew, but didn't have any idea might even consider having surgery. She had surgery with Dr. Robinson on Wednesday! The other was debating between GB and LapBand.... Nothing too exciting, but not a bad meeting. It's Restaurant Week so I haven't been eating well, or maybe I should say I'm eating FAR too well. How are you healing?? Was expecting a few more people at the meeting, but it was raining and it's August......maybe next month will be better!!

First, please allow me to congratulate you on 60 pounds! That's phenomenal. 60 pounds in a year is the same as 5 pounds per month and more than 1 pound per week! (52 pounds would be one pound per week) I understand and have certainly felt your frustration. I'm at just about the same place as you are, though I'm only 8 months out. I don't expect to lose huge amounts but am content with what I've lost. The reality is that you didn't gain it overnight and if done properly, you won't lose it overnight. The last time I lost over 75 pounds, I gained it back in nearly 5 years. If losing slowly will prevent me from doing that, then I'll be patient. I know it's tremendously frustrating to feel that you've done everything right and yet still haven't lost the weight you want to lose. That's the greatest thing about the Band--it's not GB and you don't have to lose all of your weight during a certain window of opportunity to be successful. Focus on all of the amazing lifestyle changes you've made in the past year. Use your "bandiversary" to celebrate all that you've done well and how healthy you've become. I know it may seem like 70 pounds to go is insurmountable, but it's far less than the 130 you started with!!! Don't hesitate to voice your concerns to your surgeon and your dietician. I found them to be tremendously helpful when I felt the way you do. Most importantly, you're not alone. We've all felt the way you do and we've all met frustration at one point or another. I'm not losing weight as fast as other people on this site, but I'm losing....and THAT is my ultimate goal. Don't compare yourself to others. Take pride in what you have done and have clearly done well. Continue with your losing ways and you'll get there eventually. (If you can finally lose all of that weight, wouldn't you honestly be satisfied, even it took up to 3 years?! I'd just be so happy to be considered "overweight" and not obese any more....) Be sure to log what you're eating. Measure, measure, measure! Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and drink all of the water! Continue with your great workout schedule...maybe consider changing things up a little if you haven't tried a variety for exercise. Sometimes making small changes, in duration, intensity, and even the type of exercise can make a big difference. You are worth this effort. You deserve to take pride in the work you've done. Keep up the outstanding effort. You will win!!! You're nearly half way there already. :Banane37:

I had an unfill after over 10 weeks. The first 8 weeks were great, but for whatever reason, I had issues after that. My surgeon said it's not all that unusual, but they don't know why it happens. I know my band is ok and working as I can now get more food down, but I still have decent restriction. He told me he has a patient who had an unfill after nearly 12 months of no problem eating. It is what it is..I'm just happy to not gain weight after having saline removed. That was my biggest worry....

Snapple, Thanks for the encouragement. I've been going through a bit of a struggle that has prevented me from eating just about anything solid for a couple of weeks, off and on. The problem is, I never know what will and won't go down...when it will, and when it won't. Some foods go easily for lunch then I can't eat dinner. I have meticulously journaled my diet but we've yet to figure out any consistencies. I'm working on it. I've had an unfill, but because it's so temperamental, I'm still hesitant. I guess it's like Pavolv's dog...I see food and I start to dread eating the minute I see it! Of course, as all banders know...ICECREAM will always work. Bad habit to make...I do appreciate your encouragement! Thanks! :tt2:

I've chosen not to tell anyone, aside from my live-in BF and one or two close guy friends. Why? Because, for one reason or another, I feel like my guy friends are far less judgmental. I also chose not to tell my mother, father, and brother, so I worried about telling my best friend. I was worried she might say something with them around. I've been more likely to tell people I know superficially because I don't care what they think--my masseuse, a woman I know from work, etc....My mother's mother passed away right in the middle of my being approved from insurance, and the surgery was a week after her funeral. I decided I couldn't tell her about the surgery at all, until after the fact...but because of that, I couldn't tell other family members, either. I lied and said I had to repair a hiatial hernia. I read about it online and the recovery is similar. It also excused me from eating solids, etc. As far as the weightloss goes, I exercise so frequently that no one thinks anything of it. If anyone is suspicious, no one has had the audacity to come right out and tell me. I do feel badly, because I don't want to be a liar. However, when I chose not to tell my family, I couldn't risk telling anyone else. That kind of betrayal would be far worse. I did this by myself, for myself. It was a very personal decision and I'm not sure I would do things differently. I feel guilty with my best friend as she has asked me a few times lately if everything is ok...I don't seem like myself. Well, to be honest, eating with her is pretty stressful! I push food around the plate and try to eat as much as I can without seeming like I'm avoiding it. I'm worried I'll get stuck and won't be able to explain. I've been avoiding eating situations with her, which is hard..because I now realize that's about all we ever did/do together. Give me a few more sizes and we can shop together, too! It's such a personal decision you need to make. I certainly understand not wanting your ex to know, but you can tell the kids without being specific. I told my boss I was having "minor" surgery and would be out for a few days. Because I'm usually pretty forward, he asked if everything was ok...and I told him, "Yes, after surgery, things will be great!" He knew enough not to ask for further details. I think many people just assumed I had female issues and didn't ask.... Do what you need to do for yourself. Ask your husband for his suggestions....if he's supportive, then he's probably thought about this, too! Good luck! I hope it all works out well for you. :tt2:

Apple, I have a 2 part response for you.... 1) Are you keeping your eating in check? Sure, starving yourself and consuming only liquids, even without the Lap band will make you lose weight in the short term, but eventually, that will stop. The band is a tool to enable you to better control your consumption, but you must work with it. Measure and journal your food to be sure you're eating only what you are told to eat. I know that once I started writing down everything I put in my mouth, I was pretty surprised at the little things I wasn't accounting--licks, tastes, and bites all count! Be sure to have adequate Water and an average of 30 minutes of exercise a day. I started jogging at 280 pounds and I see you weigh less than that. Move--any kind of extra movement, even vacuuming, is good for you. 2) My other question is have you discussed this with your surgeon at length. I know my dr. told me that the largest amount of weight I lose will be in the first 2 years. If I'm reading your ticker correctly, you're nearly 3 years post-op. I realize the band doesn't work for everyone, but if you've lost 40 pounds over the course of 2.5 years and regain 1/4 of that because of an unfill, I'd be concerned. Clearly there's a disconnect somewhere. Maybe you have other health issues going on....Either this isn't working for you, or you're not working with it. (I'm really sorry to be so blunt. I hope what I've said isn't hurtful. It certainly isn't intended to be. I know many people are patient, but 3 years is a long time....) I wish you the best and hope that it all works out for you.

I realize I was fortunate enough to be part of a large practice, but seriously, there MUST be someone to step in when her doctor isn't available. She needs to have a portion of her fill taken out immediately. DON'T let her wait until after the weekend. Not only does she risk ruining her band--slippage from vomiting, but she also risks dehydration if she is unable to consume anything. The band isn't supposed to starve her to death--it is supposed to limit her intake. Please convince her to go TODAY!

I've flown 6 or 7 times since my surgery in December and have not had any issues. No worries. You'll be fine---AND you're all set to have a fantastic vacation! Disney would be far more enjoyable for me at this size than the last time I was there....

I can totally relate. Even when I was working out twice a day as a college athlete, I was around 215 at my thinnest. (I'm 5'10 and very muscular, but that's still a lot of weight!) My primary care doctor has never had another patient banded, and was very skeptical of the entire thing. (oh, the begging I did to get her referral!) She told me to expect that I'd end up around 220-230 at best. I'm around 245 right now and would never be satisfied with that!! I can't picture myself "thin", but I also can't picture myself giving up before seeing 199, either!! Good luck---your vision will improve with every pound lost! :frown:

Thanks for the suggestion, but how long ago did you have surgery? I have no issues swallowing my thyroid medication, but it's tiny....I worry about the size of the Advil liqui-gels...they don't get stuck on you??