Crazy4MyK9

Hi Teresa! Thanks for your post and words of encouragement. How much protein do you shoot for each day?

Hi Denise! Glad to see your update... only one pound in Arizona is awesome! :smile2: Can you tell us the name of the high protein hot chocolate that you buy from your doctor? I'd like to see if I can find it online.

Moviejunkie32, I had my surgery a couple of weeks before you, and I'm also at 8 cc in my 14 cc band. I also wish I could eat only a half-cup meal and be satisfied for 3-4 hours. My next appt is in early April, and I have a feeling that I'll get another fill. Some days I feel more restricted than others. Do you feel this way?

Elketta, why is your doctor saying that this is your last fill? What size band do you have, and what is your current fill level? :smile2:

bigunc - Congratulations on your weight loss. Impressive! What did they have you doing in physical therapy? Best of luck to you for surgery day! I'll say a prayer. mazie - Your weight loss is AWESOME!! Any secrets to share, or are you simply able to follow orders and practice self-discipline? The past few days have been better for me, and I'm feeling more positive. I'm getting back on track with exercise. Last night, I made myself an awesome workout CD.

Hi Everyone, Finally, a little snowfall here in Baltimore! My sister-in-law thinks I'm crazy... she has to deal with much snow near Chicago. Thank you all for your support and feedback. Dare I say, I think I'm starting to find my rhythm for exercising again. Yesterday I got some pointers for tricep work from one of the guys at the office. Today I bought a pilates circle and 10-lb dumbbells (they were on sale). I already have 5-lb dumbbells. I'm not ready to commit to another gym membership, so I've set up my own little exercise area at home. I've got my stereo and a small TV with my exercise bike. I've been thinking about the energy issue. A few more women suggested iced tea. I'm going to shoot an email to my nutritionist. I wanted to ask if any of you are aware of any potential complications with caffeine and our lap band? I've done my share of research, and I'm aware of the risks of caffeine, especially dehydration. I tend to think that I'll be ok as long as I'm drinking enough water. Rock on! Anne

Hi Everyone, My name is Anne, and I feel like a slow loser. I have three areas of weakness... sweets (which seems to be improving in the past couple of days), lack of exercise, and lack of water. I just bought a cute 1/2-gallon water bottle. It looks like a 5-gallon water cooler bottle. A friend of mine made some comments yesterday that really bothered me. She was speaking to me as if I don't give a damn, and as if I haven't made any progress. I came to the realization that she was comparing me to someone she knows who had gastric bypass. I had to remind her that weight loss with gastric bypass is more rapid. I've decided that maybe I shouldn't reach out to her any longer. Perhaps she was offering me "tough love," but it was unexpected. I'm proud of myself for not having one drop of soda since two days before surgery. I do miss it, especially when I'm surrounded by others drinking it. I feel like I've done a lot of worrying since being banded. I'm trying to relax and not worry so much. Some things are just out of my control, and I have to try to remember that. I have an excellent surgeon with an excellent track record, so I have no reason to worry about potential complications. I just hate when I read where someone required re-banding or a port revision. I also need to stop worrying about my skin. This has been an issue. I would like to throw a question out there. Does anyone recommend anything for energy? I think some people suggest green tea. I've never been a tea or coffee drinker. I take a couple of medications that cause drowsiness, and I really need to find a way to boost my energy level. Thanks for listening.

Hi Everyone, I fell upon this thread while searching "lack of energy." What a wonderful thread!!! I'm so exhausted all of the time. I hope some of the tips here will help me. Anne

Snowbird, I just read this thread and want to say thanks for adding your message. I don't know if "overwhelmed" is how I'm feeling. I'm feeling a bit depressed. At least 5-7 people (friends and family) asked me for a progress report this week. I felt ashamed to say that there hasn't been any change in the past few weeks. I'm finding it very difficult to get motivated to exercise. I was on three different antibiotics during January for my sinuses, and I just felt lousy. I'm also struggling with my sweet tooth. I just bought a book called Love Hunger for food addiction. I don't know if it will help. I think it's crappy that I even felt like I needed to buy a self-help book, when I have the Lap-Band inside of me. I find myself looking at everyone's weight loss trackers, and I'm glad when I see people who are having similar progress. Then I feel bad when I see those who are excelling. I wish I had the self-discipline that they must have! Is anyone here struggling with an area of weakness?

Hi Irish, my experience seemed simple when I read some of the messages in this thread. I had the pre-op physical with EKG, blood drawn, and chest x-ray. That's it! I was self-pay, so I don't know if that matters. Perhaps it depends on the requirements of an insurance company. My nutritionist charged a one-time fee of $150 for 6 months, including the initial consult. My psych eval was also $150. I had horrible pain after my surgery. After speaking to many patients, I think my experience was not typical. I didn't even want to get dressed. I left the hospital in the hospital gown!! Make sure you have a pillow to rest against your belly on the way home. Every bump and turn of the car may cause discomfort. One thing I would like to put out there. Keep your medical receipts and track your out-of-pocket expenses. You may qualify for the medical/dental deduction when you file your federal tax return next year. GOOD LUCK!!!

Hi Everyone, I've enjoyed this thread and just wanted to join in for now. Anne

Hi All, I thought I would join in the fun. The pictures on the left show me at 300 - 305 lbs (pink shirt taken in May 07; white shirt taken in June 05). The pictures on the right are post-surgery (orange shirt taken in Nov 07; purple blouse taken in Dec 07). It's a start! Congratulations to everyone! All the pictures have left an impression on me. I was especially inspired by Boo Boo Kitty. :crying:

Hi jowjow, This may not matter, but what size band do you have and how much fill did you get? It's not surprising that you're feeling hungry since you've been on liquids for two days. Take it easy when you introduce solids. You may be surprised. I have the larger 14 cc band. I didn't feel enough restriction until my fourth fill, which took me to 8 cc. I also have to remember that if I'm not eating the heavier Protein foods, the food isn't going to sustain me for very long. Anne

Sounds like you're doing a great job! Keep up the good work!! Your surgery will be here before you know it. Becky, keep us posted.

Yellowrose, I think it's great that you'll be attending seminars soon. Attending my surgeon's seminar really had a positive impact on me. Of course it helped that he has an excellent reputation. My advice would be to find another PCP if he/she doesn't provide you with the support you need for success. I first considered bariatric surgery in 2004, but there was no way I could go through with gastric bypass. I put the matter to rest for a few years. I then began considering lap-band surgery last summer. After attending the seminar in August, I had my consult in mid-September and was banded a few weeks later. I was self-pay, so it wasn't a long process. One mistake I made during the decision-making process was focusing on the negative, the risks, talking to folks who didn't know anything about the lap-band. Surround yourself with the positive. From reading your message, it sounds like your decision is made, so stick with it! Begin thinking about how your relationship with food is going to need to change. I'm struggling with sweets. As far as eating pre-op, I think my nerves kept me from eating much. I lost 9 lbs. with no effort. I sometimes find myself saying, if only I had eaten (fill in the blank) before surgery, but then I figure it doesn't really matter now. Whatever you do, try not to gain weight when you get close to surgery. Losing some weight shrinks the liver and makes for a safer surgery. Anne

So true, Ky! I find myself noticing how I feel in chairs now. I look forward to the next time I fly to see how I'll fit in the seat on the airplane. Usually a dreadful experience if you're not a tiny person! One time, I had to ask for a seatbelt extension. No more! I look forward to sharing our journeys. Anne

Hi Kygie, Just want to say that I love your butterfly quote. Thanks for having this in your signature! My recovery was unpleasant to say the least. Listen to your body as it's healing. Take it easy. I understand your enthusiasm for wanting to exercise. Start with short walks when you're ready. I think some folks try to do too much too soon, and then they end up with setbacks. Congratulations on a successful surgery!

I've also been treated for TMJ by my chiropractor. I don't think my case would've been considered severe, but at any rate, it hasn't been a problem for at least a couple of years. I highly recommend seeing a chiropractor!

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I read your message and wish you all the luck in the world. My company makes it clear in our health insurance book that they will not cover any WLS under any circumstance, so I was self-pay. Hopefully, you can find some legal advice from other members of this site. Good luck! Keep praying! Anne

Thanks for your responses! Frustrated - thanks much for your long, thoughtful response. I will definitely check out your home thread soon. ~Anne

Hi Mindy, When you eat, how long before you feel hunger again? I think this is a head game that we have to win. I must not be winning, yet. Anne

Hi Everyone, To those of you who eat 1 cup or less of food per meal, how long are you satisfied before feeling hunger again? Do you have the smaller band? I have the larger APL band. It's capacity is 14 cc. I'm now at 8 cc. I'm definitely eating less than before, but I still get hungry within a couple of hours. I just read a thread from folks with the APL band, and most of them are going through the same thing. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks! Thanks for the helpful tips, Mattintosh. Anne

frost1 and BobbieDoll, Everyone here has given a lot of awesome advice! When I was close to making my final decision for lap-band, I made the mistake of focusing on the negative things I was reading on the internet. Hell, the risks and possible scenarios are scary. I had high confidence in my surgeon, which really made a difference. You will develop a lifelong relationship (or partnership?) with your surgeon. I think going to the support group meetings is a key part of your long-term success. My surgeon offers meetings as part of his program. I was a nervous wreck the morning of surgery. I didn't expect to cry, but I did. I have no regrets though! I have more pep in my step, and the knee pain is practically gone. I agree with those who have said it's the hardest thing you may ever do, but it's also the best choice for your health and the quality of your life. I had a difficult recovery, but it seems like most of the folks at my meetings had much easier recoveries and got back into life within a week. It took me 3 weeks for a problem with a burning sensation to go away. After that, I still had healing to do. I think everyone needs to be careful with lifting, bending, etc. for at least 6 weeks. I was a nervous wreck for my first fill. You know what... there was nothing to it! I didn't even feel the needle. Just remember, as everyone is saying, the band is a tool. It won't make any poor eating habits go away. Many of us still have that desire to go for the sweets or the salty Snacks. God bless those who can stay away from it all. I had my first "sliming" experience. The pain and pressure from the stuck food is unpleasant to say the least. Now that I know what to expect, it's not so bad. Plus, I learned a valuable lesson about eating too quickly (I wasn't focused on the food. Rather, I was thinking about work). Good Luck

Hi, I was just reading a thread for those who have the larger APL band like me. They all seem to be experiencing what I am. Which band do you have? What would be considered high protein for one meal? Thanks for your help! Anne

Hi, I also have the APL band. After four fills, I'm now at 8 cc. I definitely feel more restriction, but after a meal, I start to feel hunger within 2 hours. How long do you go before feeling hungry? I was just reading another thread where some of these women are eating very little and others 1/2 - 3/4 cup per meal. One of them doesn't do any snacking. I don't get it. I can't get by eating so little. I guess this has left me feeling slightly frustrated and discouraged. However, I'm eating much less than before, and haven't had any soda since surgery! I'm really happy to have found this thread. :cursing: Anne