PinkChick

Carbonation straight out of the can or bottle doesn't feel good to me...so while I thought I could let it back into my life, it doesn't seem worth it anymore. It's about the damn bubbles...flat Dt. Mt. Dew just isn't the same without it. My Dr has the "Some can, some can't" attitude...leaving it wide open for me to make the choice. Isn't this whole Banded thing dependant on our choices? I can rationalize how I can allow any of the junk back into my life. I knew better, but that didn't stop me from doing bags of chips and Cookies in my past. I was so good at making excuses...no matter what the outcome was, I was living for the moment and not respecting my food boundaries. My reality is that the sugar, high carb comfort food and fried fast foods are NOT doing me a bit of good. It, along with monster portions of "healthy foods" FED my weight issues. I created my weight issues to begin with. I ate for comfort, stuffed emotions, and didn't ever tell myself or anyone else NO. I learned to ignore my 'full' feeling and eat more to taste or feel the "love" in my food. Crazy. What did it do for me??? It loved me back so much to become pounds on my butt, which fed even more emotions. It's up to each of us to decide which food boundaries we will accept and which one's we decide to break. My Dr let me have control "As long as you get your nutrients and LOSE, I don't care WHAT you eat." He put me in the "driver's seat" so now I have to learn which way I want to turn and how fast I want to go. Most days I am full speed ahead, however, yesterday I was parked...stuck in neutral and nothing made sense to me why I couldn't "get with the program". As long as I don't have too many Parked days, I will get where I want to be, eventually. Probably the only change in that former mentality is that I didn't allow myself to really get stuck in the mud. I didn't totally break and eat myself to oblivion...but I still didn't do myself any favors by letting the junk back in...useless calories that replaced healthy calories. The choice is really up to us...the answer is inside, so why not stop looking for something or someone else to validate our mentality. Either we are DONE with it or we want it to remain in our life. If we decide we don't need it, so be it...If we decide we can't live without it, we will figure out a way to have it anyway. I could use my common sense and rationalize that I can excuse poor food choices for various reasons...that's pretty easy. Stopping myself from using those excuses is what's hard. If I wanted something bad enough, you can bet your last dollar, I will figure out a way to have it. It's no different for anyone else. I just had to learn which things weren't really worth it, and which one's were. My Quest to become thinner and healthier is more important than my "need" for almost every comfort food available. Diet soda just happened to be an easier choice because it made me feel gassed up and miserable. Those that decide they can't live without it will figure out ANY way they can, to have it. JMHO. No way, no how do I pretend to be perfect...I am stuggling with food too. I found that if I address the issues that drive my "needs", I can often find a solution that doesn't involve poor choices foodwise. Redirect. Linda

I wonder if it scar tissue varies with port location. Seriously, I can feel my port and even determine where the top rim is...theres no question where to put the needle in. My port is right under my right rib...tucked in and safe. No clothing rubs on it and already at 3 weeks post op, I had no trouble sleeping on my side, and I can sleep on my stomach. Being short-waisted, I am so glad it's where it is, because I couldn't have tolerated it placed in other locations...like down on my side, or right above my belly button...both places would have been compressed by waistbands of whatever I wore. That compression might have been a reason that it could have developed more scar tissue. I dunno. I do know that some people do develop more scar tissue than others...plus if they had any troubles post op with the site, that could contribute to more scarring. Linda

Shelly, definitely call Sherry, quite honestly, I bugged her once a week. LOL! My appt was delayed due to the various letters and medical records being absent. Find out if anything is missing...then you can jump on the phone and put some fire under someone's butt. Other than him being out of town at the moment, he normally schedules fairly fast...he's a busy busy guy running all over central MN...but he's not so loaded that he can't get in his appts. My post op appts have been right on schedule. I've got a fill due on November 4th...number 2. I need it! Good luck! You gotta get most of those ducks in a row before you get to see him. He's definitely not like some Drs and WLS centers...that make you WAIT an eternity to get in. Once you do meet him and he decides to do your surgery, it goes pretty fast, unless insurance decides to drag their feet. Linda

Nothing but good here! It was touchy until about 6 weeks out, but now, -31#, it's the least of my worries. I am more worried about when, where and how I can get more. LOL! My libido went thru the roof and I can't get enough!!! The only time I have had any port pain is a direct hit...like when my fat cat decides he wants to sleep on my tummy, and steps on it. Linda

LMAO!!! I had that lump, and I tell you that it normally takes any where from 4 to 6 weeks to settle down. For the most part, I do have a slight lump, now, but since I am not going to be a swimsuit model anytime soon, I don't care much about it being where it is, right below my right ribs. hang in there...it'll go away. Linda

Hi Sue, I believe we have bumped into each other on that OTHER site...and you are right, it's full of hopefuls and people riding high on their Band success. I will be honest, and I did start there, hopeful and ignorant, at least until I started to learn more about the problems that do occur. Somehow, I finally figured out that it's not the end-all cure-all perfect solution for my obesity, that WLS holds no guarantees for true success. There is and always will be a certain amount of unknown problems that may occur in anyone's journey. Whether or not we want to accept it, there are people that the BAND doesn't do the trick. For them, it becomes a problem that creates new issues to deal with...totally not fair, but it does happen. I for one an very thankful that you took the time to explain your situation so that I could understand that it happens, whether or not we followed the "rules". Somethings just can't be helped by the usual logical treatments. I appreciate your honesty. For me, it's opened my eyes to a new level of reality. At first I was too wrapped up in the HOPE of ending my fight with fat. Not only did you help me realize that it MAY NOT be the ticket, you also opened my heart to more understanding of the plight we are all facing, no matter which path we choose to follow. I no longer share in the "fantasy", but now choose to see it for what it is. If the day should come that I might need to face what you have faced, I hope that I have learned that I must accept that my choice may have not been the right one for me...that I can pick myself up, pick up the pieces and move on to whatever my options might lead me. I wish that no one had to deal with the sorts of issues that result from any WLS. This isn't Utopia, and life isn't always fair. I wish the best of luck from the bottom of my heart. You continue to be in my prayers! ((HUGS)) Linda P

Shelly, I was not told to lose any specific amount and I had like 134 to lose to get to my goal. What you can do now is jumpstart your loss and be in better shape for surgery and after. I guess you can address this with him first. I got the impression that as long as I didn't gain (remember period Water weight gain) before ANY of my preop one on one's with him, I was in the clear. I knew my monthy was coming and it's always good for a whopping 5-7 pounds of water for a few days, and I didn't want THAT to be the cause I couldn't get surgery. LOL! I worked darn hard to put a "wider" gap between my highest wieght, and what I was at the moment. I lost 13 pounds of fat, goodbye forever before surgery...and surprisingly, I stopped snoring so my chances of having obstructive apnea became less of an issue. I was lighter on my feet, and had more energy, even at that small of a loss. Why not ride the wave of good feeling while it's high and mighty? Just the thought of having the procedure done to help me keep the weight off was super duper motivating. All of a sudden I had willpower I didn't know I had in me. My only concern was that I didn't have any co-morbids and dipping below my MO status would risk my ability to get surgery. I started at 48...and I knew that if I lost more than 35 before surgery approval, I would be risking it...as I wasn't sure which NUMBER the dang insurance company was using to guage my BMI status...the beginning, the middle or the pre-op. ((HUGS)) It's all unofficial, but nekkid weight today puts me at 90 pounds to lose instead of the 134 I started at the first of July. I am no longer morbidly obese...oh how I hated that title, it was do depressing!!! Linda

HI Nancy, Thanks for the insight, Dr F hasn't come clean with me yet, but I suspected that he's battled it...there's a little middle aged spread around the middle. I didn't challenge his level of understanding or care. I felt it in the ONE on ONE visits. I was one of a few rare people that had a complication from the Lap surgery and the tools used...not band related at all. I spent a couple extra days in the hospital, and he never ignored me or made me feel like I was a failure for having what happened happen. I am blessed with his competence and skill, and GOD who never let me down thru the worst of it all. I am completely and totally recovered, but my foundation was rocked...and I've decided that I need to strengthen it with my resolve to succeed. At my 6 week post op visit, I weighed in and it registered -16 from my first post op visit, and his nurse acted like I didn't do good enough. I joked "I suppose I could have done better" and she said "Well, AT LEAST it isn't just -2 pounds." GEEEZ talk about feeling like a damn failure...like it didn't try hard enough. I sat in that room thinking that I let myself down and screwed up by not losing MORE!!! When Dr F walked in, he asked me how I've been feeling...as he scanned the chart. As I was talking, he butted right in, "16 POUNDS?!?! You HAVE been a good girl!" Now if that ain't supportive, I don't know what is. LOL! I completely forgot everything else I was gonna say. Speechless! My frustration for not losing ENOUGH to please that damn nurse, went out the window. He asked how the eating was going, and I said that it's been tough...I can eat more, but choose to watch my portions as best as I can to keep losing. "IT'S time for a fill..."out the door and in wheeled the cart. Up went the shirt, and "Oh damm, that's right, you have that big scar..." he mumbled. I think he felt worse than I did about having that happen to me... I admitted to eating a small piece of cheescake, and he countered "As long as you get your nutrients in and lose weight, I DON'T care what you eat." He put me in the driver's seat...letting me have control as long as I stay on track. I personally thanked him for being a harda$$...that it was the kick that I needed to get off my butt and get the weight off. That I didn't need excuses, those commiserating comments would be what I inwardly hoped for...BUT what I really needed was to accept I have to do what I have to do to succeed. You are doing wonderful so far!!! While my journey didn't start exactly how most everyone else's does, I still had to live the preop and post op life he dictates. I lost 5 pounds the first week...then 16 the next 5 weeks. I lost that because I chose to work as hard as I could to keep the momentum up. Until restriction is in place, it's going to be a struggle to keep the scale moving. I finally figured out that I am done making excuses to eat...that has to become a former mentality that I choose not to exercise anymore. I am so glad to have him in our area. I intially was told by my insurance that I would need to go to one of their "Centers of Excellence", one was in the Cities, one in Souix Falls SD, and one in Fargo ND. My insurance decided to override that dictate so I could be closer to aftercare, and not have to leave my comfort zone of OUT-STATE life. LOL! Keep up the great work Nancy! It get's better as the days progress...but then it also becomes a struggle sometimes too. If we can fight thru the low times and get our fills, we will soon have the help with portions that we desire to lose and keep it off. Until then, do the best you can do to make it happen for you! ((HUGS)) Linda

Hi Shelly, Glad I didn't scare ya off honey! LOL! I just wanted you to know the truth, he's tough, but it's tough love. If this is the groove that you need to get ya going, so be it. I accepted it completely, and it's proved to be what I needed to gain accountability for my eating. I started eating and acting like a Bandster. I ate my Protein first, then non-starchy veggies and avoided bread for the most part. I worked hard to stick with reasonable portions and calorie limits. Eating with smaller spoon helps, as does remembering to drink all the Water, at least 64 oz a day. I chose to stop drinking with meals too. Call it training, chew chew chew, this is something that is way too easy to forget. LOL! I worked on getting three meals a day, little or no snacking, and worked very hard on clearing out the junk food in my house. I measured portions for everyone, including my three kids, and hubby. I dished up meals, planned nutritonally balanced wholesome foods and cut out all trips to any fast food places...no candy, no chips, no Cookies, etc. I will be honest, there were times when my resolve was severely tested, I redirect as much as possible, and spend my days wearing my shoes. IF my mood hits, I am out the door stomping out my frustrations and getting my blood pressure and heart rate up for a good reason. It helped me to journal my thoughts too. I went from complete and total lathargic mode to insominia. LOL! On this Thursday, I will be post op 8 weeks. I had considered RNY at one time, but the risks scared me...the potential for complications was not something I was willing to accept. With three kids, 8,7 and 5, I can't accept that I may have risked so much more to be thin. So far, my experience has been a good one with only a minor blip in the whole trip. Once I understood that life on the otherside wouldn't be as restricted, I knew that I could live within my new limits...that I would be allowed the control in my life that I craved. Not only has it helped me lose 42 pounds total, with 29 since surgery, I've gained so much mentally. That call from Sherry will come soon enough!!! Hang in there and do what ya can to prepare! ((HUGS)) Linda

HI Shelly, I had my Band installed by Dr Fortier on 8/25/05 at Long Prairie. My whole process started on July 6th with my PCP appointment for a referral, nutritionalist on July 8th. I had my Psych consult the 14th of July and my first visit with him on the 20th of July. BE AWARE that this man expects compliance, so "NO last suppers." Once you have seen him the first time and weighed in, he WILL tell you that you may NOT go over that weight again, or you will be kicked out of his program...and not get Banded. He's picky and expects his patients to maintain or lose weight while going thru the hoops. This was a KICK in my proverbal butt!!! If I wanted this so bad, I had to show him I was serious. I had already begun my pre-op lifestyle change, following a high Protein, low carb regimen, back before I met him, now I had to stick to it like glue for fear of gaining and going above my initial weigh-in. Pre-op I was able to drop 13 pounds, all the while I was meeting my appt.s and waiting for approval. I was terrified that I would go over my intitial weighin, so I worked hard to avoid failure and avoid any "last suppers" before surgery. In reality, I did mourn food, but as a post-op patient, now realize that while I said goodbye to it for awhile, it's back and I am able to enjoy some of the things that I missed, just in smaller portions. I took the time to address some of my food issues to get a head start on learning more positive ways to head them off...before I caved and binged. Insurance approval came on August 11th and a surgical date was set...and a date for pre-op liquid diet to start. Pre-op appt with him a week before surgery. So the process for me, because most hoops encountered no delays, wasn't all that long. July 1st, I decided I wanted it to August 25th, having it. He schedules fairly fast, so once all the hoops are met, you don't have to wait long for it to happen. My most important advice it articulate your understanding of the procedure, learn all that you can pre-op, and also start making changes, including exercise...before surgery. For every pound you lose before the Band, that is one more pound that you won't regain or have to worry about. I have lost 29 pounds since surgery, and 42 since what I weighed on July 1st. I followed his regimen, food phases and amounts, and tried my hardest to remain compliant as much as possible with everything. Now that I am on the other side, the steps I took pre-op have helped me remain focused on my goal...to get the weight off! Like it or not, the Band will not be a "magic pill", we have to learn to live within our bodies limits. We have to learn to make good food choices most of the time to make it happen. Whatever we can do to facilitate success is what we need to do. I admitted to being able to eat more than I should, that I chose to fight the hunger to comply, and he rewarded me with a fill to help with the hunger. I am realistic in knowing that restriction won't happen in 1 fill, it's a process and may take 3-5 fills to acheive the help I desire with hunger. Until that happens, I have to do my best to stick with my program to keep losing until it get that help. Not all Dr's expect as much out of their patients...if you decide that you can't follow his program, I would suggest finding a different Dr that more sympathetic to your plight. For me, I needed the KICK to get and keep my focused. He's not one to cave into begging! LOL! I hate cottage cheese, but he would NOT let me have anything else...nope, I begged!!! I sucked up and survived the pre-op diet. I don't know if this is what you want to hear. I was a little jealous that others didn't have to do preop diet with their Dr...that others were able to have their "last suppers" and that they seemed to have a Dr who forgave them for their slip-ups. In retrospect, my choice in for a Surgeon did help me face my food issues. After the psych consult told me I "loved my fat"...I was hell bent to prove that "theory" wrong. Life holds no guarantees, I don't know how long or how well, I can hold onto my focus. For every day that I chose to work it hard, I am rewarded with success...and if I should fall, I will be the first one to admit that I need "head" help. ((HUGS)) Linda

Cloeymn36, I am 7 weeks post op tomorrow...one fill under my belt. I am a bigtime emotional eater, stress would drive me to all sorts of bad food choices. Quite honestly, some of the stress I had to learn to let go of...the past stuff, ya know? The current stresses I redirect, redirect, and redirect again. I keep my walking shoes on all day and when I have a moment, I am out the door and down the road, stomping away my frustration. If I can't walk, I journal my feelings and work them out by typing my problems away. FOOD, now your nutritionalist is not being realistic in my opinion. 1/4 cup food is BS. Most of my meals contain high Protein, about 4 oz. and a 1/2 cup veggies. There is often no room for any starchy carbs. ABOUT a 1 cup of solid food. Mushie/soft foods/liquids and lots of junk food don't measure up the same for portions, they slip thru most restriction pretty easy, and they might require more to get that full satisfied feeling. My calorie intake is a sensible 1200-1500 per day and at least 30 minutes of walking. On tough days, I get in more walking. I am not insanely hungry, tonight I had a half of a grilled ham and cheese on whole wheat for supper. I couldn't finish it, I was full. Mornings are a Protein shake because I am tighter then. I don't snack regularly, but will do a spoon of Peanut Butter if I have a craving. I average meals out to be about 300-400 calories and allow for Snacks, even if I don't always do one. Your nutritionalist may be recommending a food amount that is more RNY based, and I don't understand this. Immediately post op, I did have more restricted intake to ensure that I didn't risk getting sick and vomiting. This lasted 5 weeks for me, and I was hungry most of the time but I toughed it out. The food needs of Bandsters is different than bypass...as is the calories. You will have to learn your boundaries with the Band...what your body will tolerate and how much you can get away with without stalling loss, or regaining. Since surgery, I have lost 28 pounds and have not felt hugely deprived. Extreme calorie intake type diets can lead to stalling, your body thinks it's starving. It will eventually rob from your energy level and eventually from your body. By taking in quality foods and limiting carbs, it's not that hard to stay within sensible calorie limits. My loss has slowed compared to immediate post op, but I continue to lose at about 2 pounds per week, which is a very realistic speed for me. Please realize that not all lose that much post op...any loss is a bonus, that time is about healing and making the transition to regular solid food. I hope this helps. Don't be afraid to challenge that nutritionalist...that amount, long term is NOT realistic and is setting you up to feel very frustrated in the long run. I've got lots of my food intake advice from Bandsters that are a year or more out. They've been there and done it and lost...I want to lose to! Linda

Yeah Shan! You did it! Now remember to rest, walk and sip sip sip. Don't get in a rush to get moving! Take your time and recoup. No happy dancin' yet! Linda

Enndee, I like him too, no-nonsense, straight up and right on, but cautious too. I can't handle sappy, nor do I require it, I'd rather be told like it is. I am happy to see you home and here. Rest and Walk and Sip Sip. The first few days are tougher but for me, after day 4-5, I had turned the corner. I did have a surgery complication and he is still shaking his head about it...obviously it's rare and threw him for a loop. I am fine, have a little larger port scar, but oh well. He didn't rush me to leave the hospital either, I spent two days there recovering, hooked up to IV and Oxygen. I had my first fill a week ago and he was joking and happy...so was I. So far So good! The pounds are coming off...I feel great! ((HUGS)) Linda

Hi Laura, I am closer to the middle of MN right on HWY 71, but familiar with several Northern Mn areas...I am not lookin' forward to our long winters!! Would be wonderful to have some extra support when my cabin fever kicks in! I'm also game to have a out-state Bandster meeting now and again, get to know and support lots of people who are living life Banded...I just don't get down the the Cities anymore. Endee, Congrats! Today was your surgery...I hope that it went smoothly and you are feeling as good as to be expected. You will be back at it soon!!! I had Dr Fortier for my Banding on 8/25 in Long Prairie MN. Keep in touch! I am always game to get to know fellow patients of his. So what do you think of him so far? Linda

Howdy my fellow Minnesotans! Add another Bandster to the group! I had my surgery done in Long Prairie, MN on 8/25/05 by Dr. Fortier. So far, I have to say that things have been good...one week into my first fill, patiently waiting my next. LOL! I look forward to getting to know everyone! Linda