JoannMarie

Ocotillo, welcome - and best of luck with your pre-op program. You sound as though you are on top of all this - and already beginning to make the necessary changes. I think I spent about 8 months on these threads before my surgery, and even though I hated the wait, it was the best thing for me. It gave me a chance to hear first-hand about banding from the people most affected, and to educate myself about the process, the "diet" (i.e. lifestyle change!), exercise options, and all the rest of the everyday commitments I was going to be making. It is great - and necessary - to research your options and discuss with doctors, psycologists, and other professionals. That is your first and most important step. Add in the "get through the day" stuff you have here, and your experience will be much easier. You will find the people here to be a great support system as you progress.

Shereekim, I was going to ask you if you were eating very small bites and slowly, but you seemed to answer that question. Many meals I have trouble with the first bites (which would probably equal a couple of teaspoons), and have to wait a bit before continuing my meal. I find I am more prone to tightness then, and really have to be careful to go slowly and chew my bites till there is nothing left. I go slow with liquids, but no problem with them going on down. Others on this thread have had small amounts removed from their bands and have had good results. There is no right or wrong for everyone - we are all very different in how our restriction works. See what the doctor can do for you.

Actually, I had such good results from Fosamax my doctors both believed it was not necessary for me to take it anymore. The rheumatologist has had many patients who responded well, built up new bone tissue to the point where they were no longer at risk, and the risk of adverse events outweighed the risk of osteoporosis. I continue to monitor my progress with bone density exams every two years - and I'm due for one this summer. Thanks for the reminder to set that up soon - I will call the doc this week and schedule. Since losing close to 50 pounds, I have concerns that my status may have changed, so the test is doubly important. Your medical record approach is really comprehensive! I'm impressed! I agree any cancer survivor needs to be esp proactive - but it would not hurt any of us to do what you are doing. Good luck with this bone issue - there are several alternatives out there now, and one of them will be right for you.

Oh, KY! That was funny. I think many of us were wondering why you were worried... I'm glad you are feeling well - that is such a great result of being banded, it's not unusual to start feeling better in just a matter of weeks. I hope Singin' is doing better today...

Bettie, we're glad to have you here. Tell us what you are eating. Getting sufficient Protein is probably the most important factor in real hunger control. You should be getting 60-80 grams of protein a day, eating protein first at each meal, followed by vegies, then (if you have room) starches. You may need another fill - some people are at the perfect level with 2 fills, but I would say most of us need 1 or 2 more to reach that level. If you are eating more than 1 cup at a meal and have between-meal hunger, that would be one of the criteria for another fill at my surgeon's office. It's not how many fills - it's how much restriction you actually have - and that is different for each person. Please don't give up on yourself. Give your band a chance. You have been banded 3 months and have lost 30 pounds. I would give all the olives in the world to be able to lose 10 pounds a month (not saying much for me, since I don't like olives!). Think about what you have accomplished at this early date - you must be doing something right! Hang around here for support - you can do this.

Hi All - Everybody seems to be doing well these days. I've had a computer issue for a couple of days - now resolved apparently. Just in case, we bought a back-up drive yesterday. I have MANY pictures of children, grandchildren and the little great-granddaughter - it would break my heart to lose those pictures. Also a few(!) quilt designs hanging around my harddrive... All three of my children are photographers, as is DH and one of my granddaughters. I'm working on some designs using hubby's flower pictures - he does amazing work, and does not refuse me the copyright (as long as I credit his photography)... haha. But the real success of the costco shopping trip was the other bargain I found. WiiFIT!!! $78.00. I had almost given up finding one - they have been so scarce around here, and even online they have been gone before I finished the order form - and have not seen them under $120. We arrived at Costco shortly after they opened yesterday morning and there was a big stack of them. We only went in for vegies and milk, so hubby did not expect to spend much - ended up with the external hard drive and a WiiFit. No way I was walking out of that store without it! I got it all set up this morning and got started with my assessment and first workout. I'm pretty sure I love it. They also had the EA game for $49, but I decided to go with the Fit first - we'll probably add the EA later. Lesson learned - go to Costco early. Lori - congratulations on reaching your first goal. You deserve every medal out there - you will have that gold one in your hand very soon. You are so very inspiring to all of us. Meredith - olives?? That would be the last food I would cheat with! In fact, if olives were the ONLY food I could cheat with, I would not cheat. Not a fan. HOWEVER... there are lots of other things I would cheat with if I were to cheat... I know others have issues with head hunger and some days I do, too. But I am pleasantly surprised that food - even those things I could cheat with - just does not have the appeal it used to, esp after my last fill. This makes me very happy. I am losing slowly, but losing - also makes me happy. Best to all...

I can't give you any information from post-banding, but I had osteopenia for several years and was on Fosamax for about 5 years. Bone density exams were showing a real improvement, and on the advice of a rheumatologist and my family physician I discontinued the Fosamax about 3 years ago. My condition has remained the same (tested again last spring) - but you bring up a good point, I should probably have the testing done again since losing almost half the weight I want to lose. I can't speak for Actonel or Boniva, but the Fosamax pills are small and I believe they have a once-a-month dosage now (mine was once-a-week). Since the side effects are primarily gastric or esophageal in nature, I would definitely push both your surgeon and your primary care physician for information about your risk in taking this medication. Meanwhile, be sure you are getting 1500 mg. of Calcium AND Vitamin D. I am no longer drinking milk regularly because of liquid calories, but I do have cheese and cottage cheese - and my 1500 mg of calcium and vitamin D3. There is a recent study done on WLS patients which shows an abnormally high rate of fractures in the years post surgery. I received an email about this in a newsletter announcement from bariatricadvantage.com. It is a Mayo Clinic study, and it is significant. Be proactive about this situation. My mother developed osteoporosis at a time when there was no effective treatment or preventive (she was a 50-year smoker). The last years of her life were spent in severe pain every day, and a cough or sneeze could cause another fracture. Believe me, this is not something you want to play around with. Good luck to you - and please post about your progress.

Hi Sue! Yes, this has been a quiet thread for a while. Guess we are all busy just on daily lives... I am doing well - losing slowly, but that's okay. I have had a pattern for years - losing and gaining the same pound or two over and over for a couple of weeks - then dropping 3 pounds in a week - then back to gaining and losing again! It is frustrating, but the end result is about 43 pounds at this point, so I can't (and won't) complain! In diets past I have given up after a couple of months of that frustration. I sure won't give up this time - my band won't let me! Yay for BAND! I am tracking my food intake in a journal - tried some of the online trackers, but I find it's easier for me if I just keep it all in a little notebook. I know if I am tracking and aware of my calories/exercise, I can get through the weeks of losing/gaining and not worry about it. It has to drop eventually and always does. It's good to hear you are doing well - 84# is absolutely wonderful. You must be feeling so great! Fun summer, huh? New clothes in styles you could not dream of last summer! I'm already feeling good about that - and trying to resist spending too much on stuff I won't be able to wear much longer. and enjoying more activities than I have in years - that feels great. Keep it up, girlfriend!

I just thought of something else! If you are having weakness/heaviness in your legs and arms, it could be a postassium deficiency. Your areas of concern are pretty specific and may have to do with your current diet. It is easy to be deficient in important nutrients - and a potassium deficiency can be harmful, as can other mineral deficiencies. Balance is important in your system. It might be a good idea to see your doctor for blood work to determine if your levels are good.

Singin' - Make sure you are getting enough protein. You should have 60-80 grams per day. I don't know what stage you are in, but probably full liquids or mushies. It's hard to get as much protein as you need with those foods, but supplement with protein shakes and/or other types of protein drinks if necessary. Keep track of how much protein you are getting - read labels and keep a food journal either online or in a notebook (I prefer the old-fashioned notebook). Protein intake is essential - from now on! If your energy level does not improve soon, call your doctor's office and see if they have suggestions. You could be anemic, or have other problems that can be easily fixed. Keep us posted!

Karen - congratulations on your amazing weight loss! Last spring when I first started on LBTalk, you were on your low carb diet and waiting for your band. I remember you being happy with the losses you had on low carb, and wondering if you should go ahead with banding. Now look where you are!!! You will be a great representative for the lapband, and will inspire many people (including me)!

PJ, I hope you are feeling better. I am wondering, too, if your problem is something other than a tight band. The muscle pain and headache makes me wonder - that could be dehydration, but it could also be a flu bug... As others have recommended, keep with the warm liquids, broth, tea, etc. Those things help loosen my band when it is tighter in the mornings. Will you be able to see a doctor soon?

Welcome Singin'! Congratulations on your recent banding! I notice so many worried about losing more slowly than others. As a slow loser (I tend to lose and gain the same pounds over and over, too) I can tell you - a loss is great! It's not a race, girlfriend - and we will all get there in time. My surgeon's office and the band manufacturers consider a pound a week a successful loss. That's about what I do, though sometimes it takes me all month to lose that 4 pounds! It is almost never a consistent loss of 1 a week, usually up and down for 2-3 weeks then a 2-3 pound drop in 2 days. I get frustrated, but am learning patience with myself. It is my pattern, and it's okay. Last week the PA reminded me that a pound a week will give me 100 pounds in 2 years. I'd love it to be one year, but I'll be happy with the 100 pounds, no matter how long! I plan to be banded for life, what's the hurry? Wish you a happy birthday! You have taken a great step as you turn 60 - it will change your life and you'll be getting younger, not older! Best wishes!

Also... I'm happy to be Facebook friends with my LBTalk buddies. Search for Joann Haley Farley - I'm out there. It helps if you let me know your LBTalk name as well as the real one.

Welcome Debbie! Congratulations on your recent banding. I remember wondering the same thing about the liquids vs. Water issue. The answer I was given was - don't worry about it. At this point, while your whole diet is liquid, the timeframe is not important. Liquid is liquid. Once I went to the full liquids (cream Soups consistency) I was more compliant with that rule, and as the diet went to mushies and soft foods, I was very strict with it. My surgeon's office recommends 1 hour after meals before I start the water, and that is what I do. I know some docs say 30 or 45 minutes is okay. I just stick with the hour because it works for me (and that's what Dr. B says to do...). You should follow your doctor's recommendations. Going through these stages is not the easiest part of the process. But just remember how important it is for the band/stomach connection to heal, and that's what these stages are all about. Come back and visit with us. This is such a great thread for support - and reading how others are experiencing all aspects of the process, from eating issues to dealing with our friends and families. We sure cover a lot of territory and I love my band buddies around here!

Denise, I'm so sorry for your loss. You spent a lot of time with your dad over the last year I have known you - that must have given him a great sense of peace to know you cared so much. God bless you.

Apples, I love your messages about friendship - what it is and what it isn't! I think you are absolutely right. My DH has been commenting on those same doormat issues for some time, but I have resisted letting go. I think it's time to do that. Thanks, Charlene, for your wise words, too. I'm sorry for your friend, but there is nothing you can do that will change her life for her. That change has to come from her. DD has a great saying - "What other people think of me is none of my business." I know she heard that from a friend, and it has probably been around for a while, but it was new to me, and struck a chord. Julie - give yourself a time limit to feel bad about that dinner. 1 hour, 3 hours, whatever. But when that time has passed, let it go and move on. I promise to do the same thing. We have work to do, and feeling bad about past events can become a huge problem for our future work and well being. It is the major factor in comfort eating - to be avoided!!! Do your part to make it right, but don't expect anyone else to do the same. That becomes their problem but not yours. I hope everyone is having a good day - good choices!

Oh Phyll - that is not good news about your knees. In a post from last year I read that Medicare does pay for "medically necessary" plastic surgery to correct the problems that go with weight loss (getting rid of all that adipose tissue, you know...). The poster had had a tummy tuck that was covered because of skin infection. Is it possible to check with another plastic surgeon who does accept Medicare and/or Tricare? It's hard to believe that no one in your area does, but since Medicare pays so little for procedures compared to what the surgeons charge, it's getting harder and harder to find a place for us to have things done. I am so concerned about the results of "government" insurance coverage planned for us. Most people do not realize what rationed care will be like, esp for people over 55. We are already seeing it with Medicare to some degree, and it will not be pretty. Try calling Medicare and see if they can direct you to a list of PS practices that accept MC. I found my LB surgeon through the MC website. It took a bit of searching - maybe a call would be faster for you. If you could have any of this done in So CA during the winter there may be more MC options there. The website Obesityhelp.com might have information for you, too, as they may have links to other surgeons in your area that can get you started. I am planning to wait till winter for my right knee replacement. I will continue to postpone if the pain improves as much as it has the last few weeks. I have reached the point where the loss of a few pounds really seems to help. I am walking much better, and at the point where I can attempt a real walking program, even though a slow one. I know it will have to be done eventually, but hope to postpone as long as I can. Good luck with all this - keep us posted on what you find out. Above all - don't let this get you down. You have to keep searching and keep fighting.

This situation with friends and family who do not recognize our weight loss has me baffled. A very close friend spent last year losing almost 60 pounds with WW. We often go a couple of weeks without seeing each other, and every time we were together I commented - with enthusiasm - about her losses and how great she looked. She is one of the few people I have told about my surgery, mainly because I knew she would not tell all our mutual friends (and to my knowledge she has not). She also does not acknowledge my weight loss. at all. Worse, I feel us growing apart. Most of our interactions now are initiated by me. I can understand the other members of our group not noticing. People really do get caught up in all dramas and activities of their own lives, and it takes more than 43 pounds to catch their attention. But, like Long - your group still has not noticed 125 pounds???? Some of my family have noticed and commented - some have not. Both DDs are supportive - and my DS looked at me in amazement about a week ago and told me I was looking great! This, from him who never notices anything!, felt very good. DH could not be more supportive, he's been great. I hate that feeling of repeating junior high school in my 60's. I did not like it then and I don't like it now. I guess we just have to chalk it up to unhappiness on their part, and let it roll off. I am disappointed, though, that a friendship I valued is maybe not what I thought it was... I sure am glad I have all of you!

Clempier, everything you are feeling is perfectly normal! How's that for a good thing?!!! Congratulations on joining the banded people. The discomfort from gas usually lasts about 2 weeks at the most. Some people say Gas-X helps that problem. I was lucky and did not have much pain from gas. The burping - yes, it's pretty common and also takes a while. I confess I still have some "gurgling" going on as I am eating, esp in the days following a fill. The doc's office says that is normal and expected. It's a smaller opening, after all, and stuff gurgles as it goes through. As you move to more solid foods that will decrease, as it's mostly the liquids that gurgle. You sound like you are doing great - just a week out, you are still a baby-bandster. You will get used to it soon, and it's so much easier as you move into the more solid stages of food. Just don't rush it, as this is the healing time. Time for the band to really go to work comes later and it needs a good safe start. As you said, God is with you through all of this. He has some incredible times coming your way. Soon you will be feeling so much better than you have in years. I am excited to hear about your progress - I know it's going to be great!

Hi Roxie, It's good to hear from you! I've been pretty busy with vacation to welcome a new grandson into the family - in Korea! DSIL is military and the little family is posted there - DH and I visited for most of April and a little bit of May. A lot going on at home during the weeks since I got home. I'm doing well - had a small fill last week and I am cruisin' at this point. I can't believe what a difference that tiny bit made, but if this isn't the "sweet spot", I don't know what that might be. I continue to lose slowly, and will go a week or two without a loss - drives me crazy - but I will suddenly drop 2 or 3 pounds. This has been my pattern, so I just have to get used to it and not worry. That fear of failure always hangs over me (and most of us!). I am headed in the right direction, and see a big difference in the way I feel and look - down about 3 sizes and about to go down one more. I am lucky that I have been able to get rid of all the "triggers" in my house - DH does not care much for sweets or snack foods, so it makes it easy to just not have them around. I think that has been a great bonus for me. I hope you continue to do well. Stay away from that sugar, girlfriend. You don't need that sugar sabotage!

Welcome Nancy. Yeah, it's pretty exciting to be starting this journey - and it gets more exciting as time goes by. Your date will be here before you know it. You will have a much shorter wait than I did. My surgeon's office works as fast as they safely can, but there is a great demand for this and other weight loss surgeries. Just be sure you follow all your surgeon's rules for your pre-op preparation and the post-op diet and exercise limitations. The first few weeks post surgery are critical to your band healing against your tummy and the port healing in place. You may not lose a lot of weight during that 6 weeks or so, but it will all fall into place as the months go by. It's been a wonderful journey - I love my band and the results I am having. food is no longer a top priority in my life and I have so much more energy, so much less arthritis pain. I wish you good luck.

Thanks, Apples. You would have to mention Betty's Pies. yummmmm. Now I have to go get my mind on something else...

Jersey Girl, I am a little surprised that the more substantial foods like rice, crackers and cheese are recommended fare for you just yet. At 2 weeks, most of us are still on full liquids (creamed soups and the like) or mushies (cottage cheese consistency). Those stages are designed to promote the healing of the stomach, and helping the band to seat itself securely against your tummy in order to get ready to go to work. Did you surgeon give you any guidance about the foods you should be eating? This is not meant as criticism, but I am concerned about everything healing properly so you don't have problems with band slippage, etc. Please be careful - this stage is very important for your health and the success of the band.