JoannMarie

Wow! Some encouraging words from this thread! I saw a post from Skittles not long ago on another thread. She was still doing well. I am down 22 pounds since surgery, and very happy with that, so I'm off to a good start. I've had one fill, but do not feel any more restricted. That's okay, though, as I am satisfied on a lot less food and have been eating my measured amounts and stopping. So far that is working. Advantage is I have had no PBing or other unpleasant issues to deal with. Maybe I should just keep it this way! Probably not, as I want to keep the losses going and may become complacent about amounts of food going in. I can tend to go that direction... I'm due for another fill on Feb 6th - hope to lose another few pounds before that comes up. I've been using the CPAP machine sporatically lately. I honestly believe I sleep better without it. It is still so uncomfortable on my face. I've tried several different delivery systems and they all drive me crazy. I always take it off sometime in my semi-sleeping state because it is laying beside me in the morning with the machine merrily running along. Somehow I don't see how that is helping the quality of my sleep! You all are doing so well. Congratulations on your wonderful losses! I love reading the posts of successful banded people. You are all so positive - and I am a firm believer in the power of the positive in my own life. I just received the notice of my class reunion coming up this summer. I am thrilled to know that I will be going and seeing old friends - but carrying a lot less weight with me. This is just more incentive to dig in and make it work.

Beverly Diane - it's been ages since we've heard from you. Good to hear you are still out there working away at this! I'm too new at this to voice an opinion about too tight, but it does seem a problem that you can't eat your protein. I've had one fill and don't have a lot of restriction, but can tell when I'm full and have been able to listen to that signal and stop. I measure my food and use a small plate (fooling myself - LOL), and that seems to work for me. I believe the protein is key to feeling full - at least it has been for me.

I will share what I have heard on other LBTalk threads about hair loss. Several have said their docs attribute hair loss to not eating enough Protein. Another said her hairdresser believes it is because you may not be getting enough fat in your diet. Try adding protein, and be sure you are getting healthy fats - like olive oil, canola oil - in your daily diet. It does not take a lot, but you need some fat. Avocados and nuts are a good source of healthy fat, plus the avocado has Fiber, and nuts have both fiber and protein, along with the healthy fats. Keep the nuts to around an ounce or so. I usually have a few every evening as a snack, but you could also add chopped nuts to yogurt or fruit. I was banded in December and have not yet had a hair loss issue (may be a little early for that). Try not to worry about the speed at which you lose weight. Easier said than done! I keep reminding myself this band is not going anywhere, I am on a downward path, and if it takes a little longer than I like - it's still going toward the goal of a lighter and healthier me. Eat lots of protein (slow losers who have been successful recommend that), eat healthy and exercise. You will make it to goal... Carol - try tracking your food intake in a journal or on fitday.com or dailyplate.com. If you are not getting enough to eat your body believes you are starving and becomes extremely efficient at saving every fat cell you have ever owned to prevent starvation. Ask your doctor, but I believe you should be getting at least 800-1100 calories a day, mostly protein, then vegies/fruit, and "white" carbs like potatoes or rice seldom. This is what my doctor recommends - check to see what your doctor says... Good luck!

Long, I was in the hospital for 3 days and then home. DH took a couple of days off work and stayed with me, then the weekend - same scenario. For the next week he came home for lunch to get my lunch and make sure I was doing everything I was supposed to do (is there such a thing as a "Father" hen???) After that I was on my own, and actually would have been okay fixing my own lunch during that week. He was just worried. The physical therapist came to my house 3 days a week for 2 or 3 weeks, and the visiting nurse came to give me an injection of coumadin a couple of times a week. I used a walker for a few days, then crutches, then a cane. I was driving by the fourth week and drove to my physical therapy sessions. It was a LONG time before I could sit comfortably in a regular chair - apparently the tissue in the back of the knee was traumatized and the pressure of the chair was very painful. In fact, that is the pain I remember the most. Walking was okay, therapy hurt some, but that improved quickly. I know of people who go back to work in a couple of weeks, but I could not sit in an office chair for more than 5-10 minutes - I have wondered if the fat tissue behind my knee was part of that problem. I was away from work for 3 months. Fortunately I worked for a good company and had good disability insurance. I also had a great doctor who insisted I NOT go back until I was ready. It will be helpful for you if you have some help from friends and/or family for a week or so. You should not need someone with you all the time, but a little help with everyday tasks at first would be a good thing and should keep you out of a rehab center. Remember too - I was 60 years old when I had this done - you are 10 years younger. You will do fine. (so will I...) Just don't live in pain when there is something you can do about it. You will have your band to help with the weight issue, and you will be surprised at how quickly you will be active again. The only time I think of that knee now is when I go through the metal detector at the airport (allow plenty of time for them to check you out).

Apples keeps jerky with her so she has a pure protein snack. I tried that and it does help - I think because it takes time to chew it (small bites) and because it is protein and helps to regulate your blood sugars. STOP BAKING GOODIES FOR PEOPLE! They love it, but they don't need it either. Your company comes to see you - offer a vegie tray if you have to offer something. If they don't come back because they didn't get a sugar fix they were not really your friends anyway -LOL. If you can't keep from eating that food it should not be in your kitchen... Firm believer here - I don't let it in my house 'cause DH doesn't need it and I certainly don't. I am finding since I have not been eating sugary treats I don't really miss them but the hard part is getting out of that sweet treat rut. You are right - it is not easy. But you can do it, girlfriend. You are strong and you can do anything you put your mind to. Next summer you will be riding those horses every day - just think about how much fun that will be and how your kids will enjoy riding with you.

Long - I know I am due for replacement of the right knee. I had the left one done 6 years ago. I will not lie to you - it hurts and takes several months of therapy before it does not hurt anymore. But I followed all the rehab rules and had a very good outcome. I GAINED weight during the "bad left knee" period, though, because I could not exercise for several months (including the 8 months of trying everything else prior to surgery). Last January the orthopedic surgeon told me the right knee had to be replaced. That's what precipitated the search for gastric banding - I could not stand the thought of more weight added, and I knew it would happen. So - synthetic cartilage injections, banding, weight loss - maybe another round of injections next spring if necessary - then we'll see. I may still need the surgery, but my chances of exercising earlier and NOT gaining the weight are so much greater. I've always said I would do it again if I needed it - and I mean it. My poor uncle (rest his soul) lived to be in his mid-eighties - and the last 25 years of his life were spent in terrible pain. Knee replacement. That's all he needed and he was too afraid. I'll take a few months of manageable pain over that any day.

LadyRoz - Good for you! Congratulations on your great weight loss. It is very inspiring for me to read the posts like yours. There are many who have been very successful at this and I appreciate so much hearing from you. God Bless!

Hi Clempier, If I may suggest - try eating a little more Protein and less high carb foods on the days you are feeling this way. This might help you to be more satisfied when your body is dong the crazy things it does at the monthly cycle. When you are banded, and have advanced to a "regular" eating plan, most doctors recommend you have 60-70 grams of protein a day, secondarily some healthy carbs like vegies and many fruits, and starches/sugars last if at all. You can start eating this way now. The South Beach diet is a good one for people planning to be banded, because it is similar to the plan most doctors recommend after banding. I find it helps me to avoid the highs and lows of too many starches and sugars and I feel much better overall. If you are on LBTalk much, you will notice that the surgeons don't necessarily prepare you with much nutrition information. Many just tell patients "just eat less food." The research I've seen suggests that protein deficiencies are a problem for banded patients, and just eating less food is not going to deal with that. You want a healthy body - not just a slimmer body. Check Amazon.com for books on eating after lapband - there is one "Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding...." by Jessie H. Ahroni. It is on Amazon.com for $12.55 - a bargain. Very comprehensive book about all aspects of banding, including an excellent eating plan. My surgeon would not schedule a consultation until I had read this book and it is the eating plan she recommends. I do believe God has led me to this surgery as the best solution for me to attain the healthy body He wants me to have. He is with me every day in my effort to do what I need to do to make this happen. Don't be afraid of being left alone to fend for yourself. He is with you, and He will lead you to others who can help support you. Whatever you decide will be right because He loves you and wants the best for you.

Good luck, Sue. My DH has pointed out to me - this is a whole new ballgame! Trying to change old habits, retrain your brain, as well as your tastes, none of it is easy. The hardest for me has been to STOP when I am full. For several days I was having pressure pain in my lower chest/upper stomach. On another thread, several of my experienced friends suggested kindly I was simply eating too much. I backed off a lot - the next day it was better, and the 2nd day it was gone. My fill has helped some, but I can still eat more than I should (small bites and chewing well can work against me, too LOL). I am having to be very cautious about that. I am back to measuring 3/4 to 1 cup of food, heavier on the protein. When that is gone I stop. 99% of the time I am satisfied with that - get up and do the dishes... It has been working - BUT - I have to think about it and consciously DO IT every time I sit down to eat. I don't know if it will ever become second nature - I hope so, but don't expect it. That's okay - the band is a great tool to help me do what I need to do. The fact that I am satisfied and walk away is a positive step, I just need to keep it up whether I have good restriction or not. We are just getting used to this whole new way of eating, have a lot to learn about ourselves and our new bands. Keep on workin' it.

Katy, many of us are worried about you. I hope they figure out what is going on with you soon. I can't even imagine what you are going through. How are your parents doing? I hope that part of your life is going easier for you. The little skiff of snow we had today feels GOOD when I hear about your 107 degree temps. Please take care - you are special to us...

Good for you! Just take your time and eat plenty of protein - play golf and have fun! Be good to yourself, you deserve it!

Hi Sue, Yes it is possible to stretch the pouch. You don't say what kind of liquids you are drinking - but you should NOT be drinking anything carbonated. Also, fruit juices or other sugery drinks should be avoided because they are empty calories. Liquids (non carbonated) will not stretch the pouch because they go right through. They also won't help your hunger issues - because they go right through. If you are hungry between meals - you might need a fill - but that does not seem to be possible right now for you. Try eating hard protein - a hard-boiled egg, a piece of hard cheese (like cheddar or swiss), an ounce or so of low fat deli meat (turkey or lean ham/roast beef), even a few walnuts. Carbs, such as fruit or bread, probably won't help you a lot, as they convert quickly to sugar and will just make you hungrier. Make sure your meals consist of at least 3-4 ounces of hard protein (chicken, fish, turkey, beef, lean pork) eaten first, then 1/4 to 1/2 cup of green and/or leafy vegies. Everything should be cut into very small pieces and chewed 25-30 times before swallowing. Don't take more than 20-30 minutes to finish this meal and don't drink any liquids with your meal. You should be able to last 3-4 hours on this type of meal. Again, if you are hungry sooner, try the small amount of protein. Protein stays in your pouch longer than anything and is the only thing that will reliably keep you satisfied till the next meal. I find this works pretty well for me. Even before my fill when I was feeling no restriction to speak of - I limited my food intake in this way and was surprised to find it really did keep me satisfied enough to follow the same plan at the next meal. I hope it helps you.

Hi All, I'm just trying to stay warm today. It's been snowing this morning - not very much, but cold and damp. Like many of you I am having trouble staying warm these days. Odd- I have not lost much weight, but feeling the loss of insulation already. Today is my weigh-in day. I am down 22 pounds officially as of today - that is a 3 pound loss since my fill last Friday. It actually showed up earlier this week (but we don't count it till the official weigh-in day on Friday!!), so I was expectant, hopeful, and happy to see it this morning. DH and I went grocery shopping yesterday and I carried one of the bags into the house - have you noticed the "green" fabric bags hold a lot more than the little plastic ones? I didn't think I would make it up those few stairs into the kitchen. Once there I asked DH to lift the bag and guess at its weight. He estimated about 20 pounds. WOW. That's about what I've lost - hard to believe I could tell that difference so soon! To all of you who have lost 95-100 pounds and more - no wonder you feel so much better. You probably could not even lift the weight you have lost, much less carry it around with you all day every day. And for all of us - keep working at this! It will absolutely be worth all your hard work when you think of the healthy life you will be enjoying.

Lynn, from the news reports today and tonight - I think it is COLD everywhere! It will be below zero here tonight (near Kansas City), cold tomorrow - but by mid next week could be 60 again??? You might say we have had our "ups and downs" this winter. We have been fortunate not to have very much snow or ice, however, as many across the country have had. I think we are all looking forward to spring more than usual this year. What global warming???

Hi All - Lots of stuff going on around our house and I've not been on the computer much in the last few days. I had my eye surgery on Saturday - laser treatment for "acute angle closure glaucoma" in the left eye. It went okay - I have the post-op check on Thurs to see if the problem was corrected. They will do the right eye in a few weeks. This has been pretty scary, as it can develop into a big problem w/o warning, and vision can be lost in a matter of hours if it is not treated surgically very quickly. Becky - I have macular degeneration also (threats are coming from all sides!!), but I don't think it is the type that is treatable with surgery. They are getting to know me pretty well at the eye clinic, though! I had my first fill on Friday - 3 cc in my Realize band. It's going pretty well, I have not had any hunger issues, and have been satisfied with my 1/2 to 1 cup of food per meal. Love my Protein and vegies so that has not been a problem. DH and I have eaten out several times in the last few days and I've been able to order a healthy meal and bring home at least half for another day (or days!). I am down 22 pounds and feeling like that is a pretty good loss to date. Apples, I hope the blizzards did not keep you snowbound at home! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning as you are leaving for the sunshine state... I hope you have a great time - and use your sunblock. Lori - that class sounds like fun. I'm so glad you told that VOICE where to get off! If we all did that more often we would be a lot better off and have a lot more fun in life...

pmcfarm - I knew there was something about you that clicked with me! We are sheltie fans also - 2 year old Jack is our 5th sheltie! They have been wonderful dogs for us. Holly came to live with us at Christmas 1975, was part of the family for 16 years, and was nanny to our 3 children. She knew without her we would never get them raised. Since then each of the "girls" have taken care of us. We have learned that female shelties have a very strong sense of responsibility. Jack is our second boy - (Toby was our first sheltie and the only male we've had until Jack - little Toby left us way too early, as he was hit by a car.) Jack is 2 yrs old and has a more carefree attitude about life. He is a very talented sniffer, fence runner, ball catcher, and people lover. Our former shelties were sables, but Jack is a blue merle and his unusual coloring is quite handsome. We miss our little Abbie, but Jack has been very comforting for us. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I have not gotten into exercising as I should. I've had some eye problems and had urgent laser surgery on Saturday. Still healing, and they've recommended holding off on the exercise till I am checked again. I'll have to have the same surgery on the right eye in a few weeks. It is a form of glaucoma and can cause sudden attacks which can cause blindness in a very short time. It's been scary, but the surgery should take care of the problem so I'm anxious to get it all done and behind me. I had my first fill on Friday - 3cc in my Realize band. I'm doing well with it. I'm very careful with bite size, eating slowly, etc. I am full on 1/2 to 1 cup of food/meal and have had no hunger issues between meals. Trying to keep the protein up... 22 pounds so far - and I am happy with that!

I'm not getting the emails either. I hate that - really rely on them to keep me in touch... I hope they get it back soon. Congratulations, Lori, on 94 lbs!! You are getting closer and closer! Have you picked out your reward? If it's the cruise, you have too long to wait for that! Better think of something more immediate, 'cause it's going to happen soon.

Oh how I love this topic! My DS is the one among our children who had the most difficulty in school - early teachers were wonderful, thank goodness, or he would have been lost. He is slightly dyslexic (like his mom), but worked very hard to learn as a young elem student. As time went on and he ran into the poorer teachers they all have to deal with from time to time, he had more difficulty and began to lose interest. Joining the Fire Explorers became his compelling interest in his early teens, and he developed that interest all through high school - leading to an EMT certification at 17 and Firefighter certification at 18 before he was old enough to drive a fire truck (volunteer dept ins would not cover him). Nothing could stop him, though, and still can't! He took DH's advice and took every training course that was offered in the fire department he joined after his fire science (2 yr) degree. He finished his bachelors while a firefighter, skipped the captain rank and became a battallion chief right after 9/11. By this time he was in charge of all the training in his department. He now has his masters through the National Fire Academy, and is deputy chief of a large department at the age of 39. Who would ever have guessed that his main gifts are courage and the ability to teach and inspire. I have often wished I could meet again with that 3rd grade teacher who set him in the corner because he was "stupid." I still get furious when I think about it. I believe all children are gifted - it is up to the adults in their lives to help them discover their gifts and nurture them. God bless those great teachers who understand and practice that in spite of the demands our school systems put on them. You have done that for your sons, Apples. Congratulations on a job well done.

Lynn, I am so sorry. That is such a hard choice. We miss Abbie every day. When I was growing up we had a beautiful little blonde cocker named Taffy. He was a great little dog who had an amazing personality and absolutely no fear. Our family still loves to hear the stories about Taffy and his exploits. I know you have great memories of little Cobi, too. My heart is sad for you.

Hi All, Well - I had an interesting day today. Last week's appointment with the retina specialist at the eye clinic developed into another eye issue. I have macular degeneration and have been working w/retina spec for a year or so. Last week the resident found damage to the optic nerve that concerned her and I spent the next hour in a very painful examination with both resident and ophthamologist shining every bright light in the clinic into both my eyes. It ended with the doc saying I had some signs of a particular type of glaucoma, but he thought I was borderline and did not require treatment for it at this time (they would watch...). He did recommend a second opinion with the glaucoma specialist at the clinic (this is a university eye clinic, so lots of specialists in all eye conditions). I agreed to that - and had that appointment today. It turns out I do have the type of glaucoma they were concerned about - and it is the type that can cause sudden "attacks" which can cause equally sudden loss of much of your vision in the affected eye. The glaucoma specialist indicated very firmly I needed laser surgery on the left eye now. I figured next week... No - Saturday morning at 9:00! The clinic is not even open on Saturday! He's coming in just for me. I came home and did a search on the internet. I was not comforted by what I found, but very relieved that the surgery is an effective treatment, and this doctor is considered one of the best in the country. We are so blessed to live in a time when this type of surgery is available - and on top of the banding I just had done, I am reminded of that once again. Tomorrow I see my LB surgeon and am scheduled for my first fill. I have felt much better today, and am relieved about that. I think I just need to learn the quirks of this band and I'm sure that will just take a little more time and practice. I thank all of you for your suggestions and support - I am really grateful to all of you.

Congratulations Trina!! You are doing great. I have my appointment for my first fill tomorrow. More new experiences... I think we have all had a million emotions during the month of December and early January. You are right - it will all be worth it.

Thanks, Janet. I know that is the "full sign" - but this is happening off and on all day. I still feel hunger at meal times, and can eat carefully (small bites, chewing X 30) w/o problems of food getting stuck. ??? I'm keeping a written record of it today and tomorrow. Doc will have some suggestions on Friday. Thanks for the accolades! I hadn't even thought of measuring, but was really glad the psychologist suggested it. That was a real morale booster. I'm going shopping with the local DD in a few minutes. I won't be buying any clothes unless I see some real values in smaller sizes. I have bought a couple of tops ON SALE in the next size down because they were such a great price and I know I will need them in a few weeks. I'm more concerned about the jeans situation. My current ones are getting too big and my next size down (in my personal clothes stash) are still too small. I heard a blurb on the news this morning - apparently the retailers are planning to cut prices on the new spring stuff coming in. Makes one wonder just what the real mark-up on clothes has been...:sneaky:

I really believe I decided to get the band BECAUSE it will always be there as a tool to help me through those times when I can't quite do it on my own. Yes - I have to eat the right foods in small quantities. But life happens and everyone gets discouraged, hungry, stressed, sad, happy, etc, etc! It is inevitable that I will be human and fall down at times, no matter how determined I am to accomplish this life change. This tool will be there to help me pick myself up again. I will come to my senses (probably) and realize what it is I have to do to make it all happen - and the tool will be there as I begin to put all the pieces back together. This is what I have lacked in the past with all the dieting and regaining, dieting and regaining. This time I can only fall so far - and the band will be there to help me keep from regaining and get back on track with eating healthy and becoming that thinner person who lives within. (Well - the band and lots of prayers!!!) That's why we must be a great support system for each other. Guarantee when I fall one of you will be standing there to help me get back up again, and I will do the same for you.

Hi All, I've been super busy the last few days so also MIA. I think I'm doing okay with the regular food these days, but I'm glad to have my appointment with the surgeon Friday. I've been feeling some pressure type discomfort for several days at the top of my abdomen - kinda under the breastbone. No nausea or vomiting, the rest of the system is working fine. This feels like I need to burp up a big bubble that won't come up. I called the doc's office this morning and the nurse told me to monitor it and jot down time of day, relationship to meals, etc., and Doc would check it over on Friday. I feel VERY full in the mornings (???) and have Water & coffee before even attempting any food for b'fast. It does not seem related to meals and everything seems to go down just fine, no getting stuck anywhere. This has been going on for 4-5 days, and getting more uncomfortable yesterday and today. At any rate, I'm thinking the proposed fill on Friday might be postponed till this is resolved. Visited with the psychologist yesterday - he was pleased with my weight loss (18 pounds) and my general progress. He did suggest I measure again - so I did. I've lost almost 12 inches total since banding just a month ago. An INCH in my neck (no wonder my face looks thinner!), 3" in the waist and 5" in the hips (plus a bit more in the upper arm, thigh, etc.). I was shocked! I knew the jeans were getting baggy, but I didn't think there was such a difference. Hope everyone is doing well. I think about y'all, even if I am not around...

Concern about fiber w/o carbs? Green vegies - leafy and otherwise - all have fiber and don't have to be eaten raw (sauteed spinach, cabbage (green and/or red), collards, kale, etc., are wonderful - I like them with just a touch of balsamic vinegar.) Also incorporate dried Beans, lintels, split peas, etc. - good Protein AND fiber. Whole grain cereals are good. Mainly stay away from the "white" foods if you are concerned about carbs - potatoes, rice, Pasta (unless whole grain). and AVOCADO is a good source of fiber and good fats. Gosh, that all sounds so good, must be time for dinner...