JoannMarie

Well said, Phyll. My doctor says my goal is reasonable - I will accept that! I wonder how old those stats are - I see many people here on LBTalk who are at their goal or below. I believe as doctors and nutritionists work with the band and banded patients they are learning more and more how to help their patients with healthy eating habits and exercise - and staying focused on their goals. You are an inspiration to us - even in my mid 60's I know I can do this and I will reach my goal and maintain - you are doing it, I can too. Make sure you are at the right fill level, plan, eat healthy, exercise... always keep your goal firmly set in your mind. You can attain that goal.

As far as the drink mixes are concerned - DH and I like the Walmart brand a lot - They are also much cheaper than the Crystal Light drinks - and they have more flavor variety (and flavor!). Ellen - welcome back. I hope your family issues calm down a bit soon. I know better than to hope you get back to normal, as I don't believe in "normal" anymore. At least my family has never made it back there - not sure what it would be now. Take care of yourself - you just can't be everything to everybody, they must be able to stand on their own as much as possible. I'm so glad to see you back with us. We have missed you. Welcome to our new posters. I've been on this thread since well before my banding and it is a great place to get the information and support we all need. This is where you learn how it's done!

I've taken Celebrex for my arthritis for several years with no adverse effects, and my doctor approved it post banding. Because of my Medicare Part D ins coverage I was put on Mobic for 6 months before they would approve the Celebrex last year. I did have good results with Mobic, but my doctor is concerned about long term affects on the stomach because it is basically an aspirin product. He says the Celebrex is less of a concern in that area and I've had no complications with it over the years. Celebrex is definitely more expensive (quite a bit more... even with the Part D ins covering part of it) as it is still under patent protection. For those who need a prescription drug for this condition, I suggest you discuss all of the available products with your doctor, find out what your ins will pay for them, and make your decision based on what your doctor recommends and what you are willing or able to pay.

Mamajude - you are healing now and may not lose much in weight for a few weeks. Everyone is different at this point - some will lose and some will not. I was kinda in the middle. The important thing is to be patient with yourself, follow the rules your doctor has set out for you and allow yourself time to heal. You are going to have this band for a looong time - and you will be successful in your own time. Don - whenever I have had a fill of any size I always have a hard time with food and liquids for several days - up to a week - because there is always swelling involved. After your swelling goes down you may have an easier time of it. After my first 2 fills I had very little restriction after the swelling was gone - this time I have just about the right amount of restriction 2 weeks post fill. As Phyll said, make sure your bites are tiny - fork down as you make sure that last bite goes down okay. It's slow, but it works. Small sips of liquids - and you might try a cup of tea or coffee. The warm liquids really help me in the morning when I am tighter than later in the day. Hang in there...

Welcome Dot! This is a great thread for support and encouragement - and an occasional kick in the pants (not that I have ever needed that...hahaha). I was on this thread and others at least 6 months before my surgery - I learned SO MUCH! It was the best preparation I could have had for my surgery and most of my post surgery every-day questions had been answered by these wonderful people long before I checked in at the hospital. It helped immensely in my "nerves" level as my date approached, as I knew exactly what to expect and what to watch for. Good luck with your insurance company and all your prepwork - if your company does not have a complete ban on WLS, you should be okay - and if they do have a ban it should be stated upfront. Ask questions early on.

Thor, is it possible you need a fill? Maybe your band needs a little extra fluid to give you better restriction. See if you can also set an appointment with their nutritionist and review your eating plan - and your exercise plan. Good restriction, healthy eating and exercise are integral to success with this lifestyle change. A lot of your discouragement may be helped by getting back to the basics of banding. I think it's easy for us to lose our focus as time passes, and it leads to less weight loss and lots of feelings of failure (again!). ALL of us have dealt with that on multiple "diets" and we have to keep in mind this is not a "diet" - it is a lifestyle change! Don't worry about what other people are doing - your 45 pounds are gone! You have already proven you can do this. Ask for help from your doctor - and come back here for any additional "tough love" you need! Speaking of "tough love" - check out the mentoring thread "I'm here to help..." started by IndioGirl several months ago. IndioGirl is a very positive person who has reached her goal and then some - she is a wonderful mentor with great ideas and a bit of an attitude that will make you laugh. The other folks on that thread are also wonderful people - several very successful, many struggling, and all learning together how to make these necessary changes and be successful.

Big Congratulations! You are having a great experience with weight loss. I'd like to be losing a little faster, but know we are all different. My pattern has been slow and steady, and I can live with that. The GOOD thing is that when it's gone it's GONE! My band is my friend now - and will be esp important when it comes to maintaining the losses...

Doddie, I have not heard that from my surgeon, but my earlier research indicated most of the weight is lost in first 2-3 years, no reason stated. One of my books - my favorite because my experiences have been so similar to the author's - says your body will settle in at the weight it is most comfortable with and you will gradually stop losing. Other posters on LBTalk have had the same or similar experience. Personally, I believe I will accomplish my goal - to me that is a given - and the timing is not the important thing. For me it is important to reach a healthy weight and maintain it over my lifetime. I think you and I share that philosophy. Most doctors say we will only lose 50% of our excess weight. I think that is an old statistic and as more and more people are being banded that percentage will rise. I plan to add to that increase!

Long - it's good to hear from you this morning. I hope things begin to calm down for you soon. You have been in my thoughts all night. My DH was upset, too... I've never worried about being out alone at night, but he has begun to object recently. We've even had incidents during the afternoons at local malls and other retail parking lots - new for this area... DH works at a large sporting goods retailer - in the hunting department. He is amazed at the increase in gun sales among ordinary people who are concerned about their families' safety. I can't say I blame them. A big WTG on your continuing weight loss! Especially considering your stress level these days. In earlier times you might have been eating everything in sight. I know I would be! Keep it up, GF!

Jayne - I'm experiencing the same good luck with 6cc after my 3rd fill a couple of weeks ago. I have an appointment for a 4th fill on Fri (3/20), but I think I will wait a while longer. I will be out of the country visiting DD and her family in Korea during April and part of May. I sure don't want to be too tight while I am there. I may be losing restriction by the end of my trip, but I will do okay with whatever I have till I get back. It certainly will be better than pre-banding! All of you who are concerned about your restriction - watch your choices and your portions until you get there. Most of the doctors are concerned about too aggressive fills at the beginning - they don't want you so tight you can't eat without bringing it back up. My surgeon gave me 3cc about 4 weeks postop, then 2cc a month later, then 1cc about 3 weeks later. I've done very well with this last fill and happy with the restriction I have now. I don't want to get hung up on "how many cc's?" because it will be different for each of us. Until 2 weeks ago I had very little restriction and relied on portion control and good choices. I lost slowly - but I will probably always lose slowly even with restriction. It's been my pattern.

I've been thinking about Pete from Jupitor a lot lately - haven't heard from him for a long time. I hope he and his family are doing okay. It's good to hear from you, Aunt GiGi. How is your weight loss going? I hope you are feeling good restriction and losing those pounds. Good job, Sue. I have 6cc for the last 2 weeks and I'm feeling good restriction. I'm supposed to have a fill on Friday (3/20), but I'm not sure I will do that. I feel pretty good right now and I don't want the problems of being too tight. My arthritis has been bad the last couple of weeks - exercise always goes down while that is happening. I need to get back with it! Hope everyone has a good weekend. Eat healthy and move!

Long - I'm with Phyll - don't you have enough drama right now? Bless his heart - your DH must have been so scared. Thank God those cops were in the right place at the right time. Take special care of him, Long - he needs to know how special he is to you.

Helene, I am so glad to hear from you. Please take it easy and rest - get your strength back. You have been through a nightmare. I agree with Janet - don't worry about gaining right now. You need to get back to good health first - everything else can wait. My DS turns 40 years old today. DH and I were discussing - I said I think my crisis will be when our youngest turns 40 - 2 1/2 years away... Oh dear... I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Phyll, thanks for the good information. I will do a search for exercises to do on the plane. Good suggestion and I appreciate it. I keep checking back for word from Katydid. I know we will all be relieved to hear from her...

Deb, I agree with Vickie - you might not be getting enough to eat. If you eat too little your metabolism slows down to practically nothing because your body thinks you are starving and you have to hold on to every ounce of energy (in the form of fat). You should also be eating more solid Protein. Each meal should be 3-4 ounces of protein - meat, fish, poultry, eggs - eaten first, then vegies, then starches if you have any room left. Try not to depend on the Protein drinks, as they go right through the pouch and will not help you keep hunger away. Cut your food into very small pieces and chew everything until it is liquid consistency. Eat slowly. As Vickie suggested, be sure to track your food intake, at least until you are confident you are getting it right. FitDay.com is a good place to do that, also Dailyplate.com and sparkpeople.com. If you have the Realize band, their website has a good food diary. The band is great - but you need to be sure you are eating a healthy diet, or you will miss out on important nutrition. Hugs,

Thanks, Apples - in about 27 days we will be arriving in Seoul. DD has been keeping a running count! Actually I think she is counting for the baby's due date, and subtracting 4 days for Mom and Dad's arrival... She is feeling very pregnant these days. And I am getting a little nervous about this trip. We have not traveled internationally, except for a few trips to the Carribean and a cruise to Mexico a few years ago, many fishing vacations in Canada. Those are set up pretty much like a trip to Florida these days, and Canada was just a drive across the border. Flying is not my favorite activity, and that leg from San Francisco to Seoul is 12 1/2 hours - a long time in the air. I'm sure we will do fine, and I will be glad to be hugging DD and DGS (as well as DSIL!) at the end of it. I think I told you I grew up in northern MN - 70 miles north of Duluth on the north shore of Lake Superior. I can identify with your weather yesterday, and digging out of it today (if the storm is even over!). I think you needed to spend another month or two in Florida! This was not the winter to stay home. Hugs,

I know we are all worried - but Apples is right. I am sure she would be spending some time in the hospital after this surgery, and it may just not be possible for her to post. Like Apples I wish we had thought to prepare better for this and have her DD post for her. Keep the loving thoughts going down under...

Just be sure you take it very slowly with those first bites! You will probably have pretty tight restriction, esp till the swelling goes down in a few days. I have the Realize band also - 3rd fill gave me 6cc last Monday (3/2). Swelling is down now and I still have good restriction - for the first time I really feel banded! It's hard for me to get those morning vitamins down - I think it helps to have some coffee or hot tea first - the warmth seems to open things up a bit. I have to watch the size of bites now, and eat very slowly. It just takes some getting used to - and I'm very happy with my restriction at this point.

Ditto what Orea and Oregon Daisy said. My doctor also told me the same thing about fills - when I get to the right place the restriction will be there, even after the swelling from the fill goes down (which is why you are feeling less restriction after a few days - that swelling has gone down). I had my 3rd fill a week ago today, and I am still feeling good restriction, so I think this one is going to "take" better, at least for the time being. We are all DIFFERENT - and it takes more fills for some people than for others. But you are building your foundation, you have to be patient with yourself and with your band. Eat your protein first - measure your food, particularly if you don't feel a lot of restriction. After you have finished your measured amount, WAIT a few minutes before you reach out for more. I found if I did this I was actually satisfied on much less food than I thought I would be - even tho I did not have good restriction for those weeks. Banded people don't necessarily lose weight fast. Go for that steady, slower loss that will be easier to maintain. It's still going to come off - you took a long time putting it there, give it some time to come off. It will be better for your body, your skin, your overall health. Above all, be patient and loving with yourself... You deserve it. (and that little black dress - or one even cuter - will be there when you are done!)

Hi all, I hope everyone had a good weekend. We had a good one - a date with friends on Sat night and brunch with another couple yesterday, followed by a little shopping excursion. DH bought a new phone - playing with that consumed his time the rest of the day! He is a gadget freak, and there are a LOT of gadgets out there... I've been working on the new baby's quilt - did not design this one because I found such a cute pattern I could not resist! Needless to say, I've been making "chicks" heads for a couple of days, and putting the blocks together today. Sounds weird, doesn't it? I will post a picture when it is finished. I think DD will love it and the baby will be nice and warm... It's cold and cloudy here today and supposed to rain a lot later today and tonight. We need the rain, but it's kinda dreary to look at. Good day to stay inside and sew. Have a good Monday...

Chalia, I just looked at the link in your note (from Janet, I believe). If you go all the way through the information it tells you how to post to your signature block (in the User CP section found at the top left of this page). Check the link and see if you missed that part? There was a link earlier that everyone was sent to - but the pictures were so small I could not even read the instructions! This one if FULL SIZE! Big help!

Hi All, It's been fun to hear about everyone's talents. I am of the belief that there is no such thing as a person who is not creative. That's just how we are made. Katy - you have so many friends here who care about you and will be praying for you. We are all looking forward to your first posting after you are safely home and recovering. I know you are concerned about gaining the weight back and what your alternatives are, but you probably should just put all that in the background and concentrate on recovering your strength and feeling better. It will all come together for you in good time. You are a strong woman and you will figure it all out. Think of the old adage, "where there's a will, there's a way." You will find your way to maintain your health and be with your family and friends. Hugs,

Peaches, your quilts are beautiful - and so are YOU! Is that really your studio? I would never allow a picture in my studio - you can't believe how messy it is! My DH is a woodworker and built me a great work table. But the room is accessible from everywhere in the house and EVERYTHING ends up on that work table (mostly DH's stuff!). When I'm in the creative frenzy I just clear enough room to start cutting fabric and go for it. I try to clean it up often, but it's a never-ending battle. My desk is not much better and I can't blame DH for that. Thanks so much for your comments. It's been hard for me to be working for the last year or so - just recently have been able to get some things done. I have several family quilts to catch up on and a lot of new ones in the planning stages. LBTalk cuts into my quilting time!!! See - I am making good choices! Long - I am glad you are checking in. I hope everything continues to go okay - I see the scale is cooperating, and that's a big plus. Katy, I woke up this morning thinking about you. Your Monday will be our Sunday if I am not mistaken. If I am wrong it still will not hurt to be praying for you all day Sunday-which I will be doing. God be with you.

Hi Mamajude! It's great to have you here with us. I have the Realize band, installed on Dec 4. I've been very happy with it, but I don't know if there is much difference in the way the bands work. You will have success with either band. My surgeon said she has had better luck with Realize in her senior patients (I guess we qualify!). I just had my 3rd fill on Monday, 1cc after a 1st fill of 3cc, 2nd fill of 2cc. Each of the first fills helped for a while, then the restriction seemed to fade a bit. Doctor says that is because I am not yet at the right level of saline. This fill is still restricting me quite a bit after 4 days, so I am hopeful it will last longer this time. I feel great right where I am, have restriction, and have lost a little more than a pound since Monday. Welcome to this thread - it's a good bunch of people and very supportive. Congratulations to Phyll!!! You are doing so well! I know your frustration with the immovable scale. I have that issue too - no loss for 2 weeks, then 3 lbs all at once. It is a hard way to lose, but you have a great attitude and you know yourself well. Just keep on doin' what you're doin' and it will come off. I hope your cold is better so you can get to the pool again. I've been on the recumbant bike 4 days this week, and it has really made a difference in the way I feel. I still have some trouble walking very far, but I'm going to be working on that, too. During our upcoming Korea trip walking may be the exercise of necessity, so I better be ready. Hugs to all today. Make good food choices and move around a bit.

It's great to hear from you Clempier! I'm sorry to hear you have had such a long wait, but - having had a long wait myself (March to December) I found it was actually a good thing because I had a lot of time to read and learn. When the day finally came I was very well prepared and more determined than ever to make it work. I also made a lot of great friends here on LBTalk! There is a lot of great support here. I've had 3 fills to date. The first two (3cc and then 2cc) did a pretty good job of restriction for a week or so, then seemed to fade away. I just continued to eat healthy and watch portions carefully. This fill of 1cc, received on Monday (Mar 2) is giving me a lot more restriction in the first few days - I have hope it will last better this time. I am scheduled for another fill on Mar 20 - will decide later if it will be necessary. DH and I are going to S Korea to visit with our DD and her family. SIL is US Army, and they have been posted there almost 2 years now. They have a 2 yr old boy, expecting another boy in April and we are going to help out, leaving 4/7 and I am returning on 5/8. I absolutely don't want to be too tight while in Korea - far from home and help for subsequent problems. I would rather have less restriction and have to be a good girl on my own. I know I will have powerful help with that! I may wait till I return home before I have that next fill. Yesterday I tried on several articles of clothing that have been in my closet for a number of years. I almost passed 1 pair of pants up, almost too loose already! 2 pair of jeans I can now wear -good thing cause there are 4 pair of jeans that are way too big! It was really a good feeling - I really FELT slimmer for the first time since banding. scale and logic aside - it's that FEELING that made my day! I can't wait till you feel that way too! Hugs,