Sugarbear

TracyinKS, You are looking fantastic!! Nearly 50 lbs.! In five months! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Momlambert, it took 7 fills to get restriction!?? We were banded about the same time. Me, the 7th. I felt a little after the 3rd, for a short time, more after the 4th. But of course you can tell by looking at my ticker i haven't lost since surgery. Only 16 lbs, from the actual surgery date. The other was pre-op. I just eat too much. I was so hoping to get help with portion control. My biggest problem. Hope this next fill gets me closer to the "sweet spot." Very frustrated. Hope it is working better for you now too.

Tpagern, better take some SF and put them in the frige at work. Just think...that is one day gone that you do not have to repeat. Be sure to look at that scale, because you will never see that number again. You don't have to weigh any more for a while. It is just exciting to know you won't be looking at that number again. I have to admit, I loved that part of the pre-op diet. The only part! Lynn, how are you doing? Guess you are busy with work and family. Lo2 us, how's it going now? Hope your fill is working out now. I go back the 10th, hope this is the one that kicks me into gear. Susan "Smarty" now that you have finished and everything is spic&span, Mine is in desparate need of your services. Inside and out! LOL Enjoy your Master Gardeners day! Glo, I had one pill that I cut in half because it was very large. Swallowed with water. Otherwise I take everything else with water. They mentioned at the last meeting cutting up small and or crushing was only required the first two weeks after surgery. Several of us sitting there were not aware of that. Some people have problems swallowing pills normally. I do not. Now, some day if I experience a lot of restriction, I may have to go back to cutting pills in half. Right now it is not a problem for me. Lisa, did you take those Biotin 5000 gelcaps? The pharmacy drew a picture of the size and I thought it look like a horse pill. The bottle was so dark, we couldn't see through it. The others were less dose but smaller tablet. Is that just for the hair loss? Knew I couldn't cut the gelcap if needed. I have always been able to swallow any size pill, but was thinking about down the road, in case of more restriction. Thj, how ya doin? Everybody else too.

Lisa, don't worry about the downs. We are all friends here. Not only do we share are weight problems and successes, but life problems and successes intermingle with that too. That is why we are such a great support group here. You have my email. so anything you don't care to post you can let rip to my email. Know that we are all here for you. That goes for anyone else as far as I am concerened. Sounds like your little man is movin on up in this world. Congratulate him on his "Blue Hall" promotion for me. Susan, I still have a part time at home college student, but he is at school now. I wonder the same thing about the house. I can't decide if we are the cleanest people or the dirtiest!!

LapBandit. 170 pounds!! OMG!! That is terriffic!! I would like to reach 70 or so bu now. That is why I have changed my ticker to a snail. Good Luck.

Hi Lisa. We were worried about you. I thought yesterday something may have gone haywire with MIL. So sorry. Tell your husband we will keep him and family in our prayers. When hospice is called in, the time is probably not too long. Will she return to her home? Wannabethin, Lisa and I were wondering about you too. From 270 to 207! WOW! That is 63 pounds! You have done wonderful! How many fills have you had? You need a ticker with a race car on it. Tpagern. The info I gave you was from my sheet 6 mos. ago about the post-op diet. So it could have changed some. Gloharmar is on the post-op diet, she might give you a better update. I doubt it changed a whole lot though. How bout that Glo...has the post-op diet changed much from what I posted above? By-the-way, you are doing great. Keep it up! What did Dr. K say about the enzyme?

Hi Glo. Bend over....you get 5 lashes with a wet noodle!!! If you are going to cheat, at least cheat with a MUSHIE! Now, that your beating and scolding is over, LOL, just start where you left off. We all make mistakes, so just let it go and try to be good til Fri. You will be fine. We didn't get this way over night. We all have eating habit that we are trying to mend. It is very hard, after all we have had them most of our lives. Mine is portion control. On top of that, until you reach proper restriction, it is extra hard when you are HUNGRY. Lo2us, how is the food going down today? Hope it's better. Less than a half cup, for a few days maybe, but it would sure be hard to get the caloric intake you need, not counting the nutrition. What did he say about you being too tired? I forgot to ask. Sugest any blood work? Might get that from your pcp, even if you don't seem him, just blood work. Take care. Lisa, you and Susan behavin? Susan, Fri. is almost here.

Welcome Tpagern! I have been banded almost 6 months. As you can see, some of us have been banded for a while some are brand new. (newbies). I think you will enjoy this thread. You will get a lot of support here. Maybe a spanking or two, and a good chance of a few laughs. LOL We never mind questions. Never think there is a dumb question. We all still have questions and learn something new from time to time. Looks like you will be starting your pre-op on Friday. I was a whimp about it, and these ladies on here got me through practically every day of it. The post-op diet is done in 5 stages. 1rst two weeks are the hardest but still better than pre-op. Slim-fast, broths, low-fat strained creamy soups. (no bits and pieces). 3rd week, pureed textured foods..soft scrambleg eggs, low-fat pudding,plain yogurt, hot cereals, apple sauce, creamy soups. 4th week..Soft foods...eggs, soft can veggies, soft can fruits, tuna or chick-salad. 5th week..transition to solid foods as tolerated..bk potato, macaronis, sliced meats, raw veg and fruits as tolerated. Things to avoid white bread, popcorn, fibrous foods, coconut. When you get to that point some will be trial and error. They will give you this info. It has been a while so this could have changed some. I still have all my info in a folder. Just concentrate on first things first. You will do fine. Sorry this is lengthy but you ask about the diet. The support meeting was held at Wadley last month, same room that i went to the seminar in. Texarkana has their meeting the second Mon. of each month. Check at noscales.com for future meetings. It will be posted under support group meetings. I think they post some new stuff for us to read there each month. Welcome aboard!!

Hi Sunlight. 6 days is plenty. If there is a "problem" you would know it before then. Just eat slow, and if you don't trust your chewing abilities(lol) try sticking with things that you know probably won't stick. Especially if chewed well. The further along you get you will experiment with certain foods. Also find out what helps you most when you do get stuck. Sitting up or standing up very straight helps some. I am just now experiencing the stuck thing. Walking helps me. I am trying not to get that way. I have been banded for nearly 6 months and have recently experienced the PBing, or whatever they call it. EWWW. I think I ate too much or took too big of a bite. Anyway I don't want to slip my band, so I am trying to be careful of that. I expect my next fill will have a greater impact on my restriction. I am hoping for that anyway. 5th time the charm?? For Petes sake it has to be! Anyway, you should go and have a good time. Take something for your knee and explain to the girls you have to rest it ever so often if you are to enjoy the trip. Maybe your doctor will give you a brace for it. Of course you know your knee better than anyone. If it is really bad, just put it off a year. You'll be skinny by then!

Hi Shannon. I just thought since your last (first fill) time was so rough, it might be nice if someone were there just in case things didn't go smooth this time. Glad I could be there. I am sure those next five pounds will come off real soon. I can't wait to see you get your pin at the next support meeting!! I'll be cheerin, hootin, and hollerin! LOL How many shades of red will you turn when that happens? I think I'll bring a band if I ever get there. lol Susan, you must have beat everybody up this a.m. How was ya'lls meeting last night? Did the new banders come? Sunlight...where arrrrre you?

Susan, you are probably right about a shrink...but will he mow my huge yard? lol I agree your snacking probably needs cutting back, but....3 or 4 bites for a meal?? I don't think two cookies are going to ruin your whole calorie count for the day. I love baked sweet potatoes. I have one once and a while. Sometimes that's what I will order when we go out to eat. Then I might eat a little of DH meat. I haven't lost a pound since June 5th, and only 6 from 4-30 till 6-5. Don't get a fill til 9-10. I hope this next one does the trick. I am going to try to keep my mind at some kind of peace about it all until then. I was so hoping to wittle this "figure" of mine down considerably by fall. I didn't think I was expecting to much for 6-7 months post surgery?! Lisa, come across any of those nails yet? Getting late, gotta go.

I too have had 4 fills. I have a 10cm band. I have only lost 16 lbs. since my actual surgery. The rest were pre-op diet. I lost as much pre-op as I have in nearly 6 months post-op. Very discouraging! I go back 9-10 for 5th fill. I felt a little after 3rd fill, little more after4th. Sooooo I am hoping this is "the one." Bulwinkle I can eat much more than I thought would ever be possible after 4 fills. Seems like most have their greatest amount of weight loss in the first year or so. That is why I am kinda upset about thing. 1/2 year is gone and I'm down a measley 16 lbs. I am glad for that but I have so many pounds to go. I have to wait 6 wks. inbetween fills. This has just got to get better, portion control is why I got the band.

Susan, I guess you see what I got into outside!

Susan, 3 or 4 bites? In my dreams!!

Sue, it sounds like you are doing fine. It is important you get in plenty of water. Especially in this heat. As long as you drink on and off most of your day you should be fine. Staying hydrated around the clock is a good thing. Not just in the heat of the day. Sip late, sip early. You should do fine. The exercise program sounds great. Sometimes when you tone muscles your weight loss will lessen. Muscle weighs more than fat. But it will come back around. Keep up the good work. It will pay off.

How has everyones weekend been? Mine? Just fine until this afternoon. Came home this morning from church. Decided to do some things outside before it got too hot. Decided the things in the house could wait til later. Sooooo...I get on the mower which is only my second time on this 0-turn thing. I am finally getting the hang of it. YEA! I finished the entire yard, around the shop, around the barn, front area of the pond, then decided to mow both sides of the driveway. Why not? Everything has gone fine! Until now....What do I smell? Smells like somethings burning, hmmmm. I look back and there's black smoke! Then I see flames!! The dang mower is on fire! I am at least 450 feet from the house, kill the mower, run to the house for water, screaming for DH to help me. FINALLY hears me, grabs icechest from me with with water in it, runs to the mower, douses it, starts the mower and gets it closer, then I can reach it with the hose. More water. The end. Bearing, pulley, and belt burned up. I guess it will go to the shop tomorrow to have a full assessment of damages. We have had the mower two weeks. I'm over it now, but it was nerve wrecking for a while there. How are our newbies feeling? Better I hope. Every day will get better. Just think, liquid diet....past that...Broth....almost pass that....Soon, very soon, MUSHIES....YEA!! Wonderful mushies...you are home free! It just gets better and better. Just HANG-IN-THERE...........

Hi Lo2us. Be sure to tell her you want to discuss how you are feeling, and what happened with your previous fill, BEFORE you do any filling. You can even alert the nurse that comes in to take your vitals, about what you need to discuss with the doctor. You might need to do a blood count. I got very anemic once and I was absolutely exhausted. I had dropped about 60 lbs fairly quickly. (once upon a time). How was the ballgame? Good luck Monday. If need be write down your questions and or symtoms and hand them to the doc. Dr. K. is very nice, you will like her. I didn't have any problem getting her to talk with me. I know they are busy and I tried to be short and to the point, but when you have questions, you need answers.

Good morning Lisa and everybody else. It was so "sensitive" of you to think of Helen. I am with you about the shampoo. I think it would have to penetrate down through the follicles, and some to possibly do something. That Biotin, is that something you can buy, or have to get it by RX? I haven't had to worry about it yet, I am eating plenty and haven't had any quick weight loss. 16 lbs in 6 mos, is hardly going to tear anything down. Some this works for and some it doesn't, I may be one of the "doesn't." I still have hope in future fills, we'll see. The nurse said at out last meeting it takes some very little, and some much more. Guess I was hoping for the, very little. My problem has always been portion control, that's why I opted for the lap band. Besides the fact it is dozens times safer. My apt. is 3 weeks from Mon. for a fill. Ugh...Just have to wait it out. Glo, glad you are doing well. You have a great attitude and that will get you through the hard part much quicker. Try to stay busy and with projects and that will help pass the time. I have a feeling your high heel shoe will be clicking right along! TJ, hope you rested alright last night. It will get better, I promise. Do you work? I don't remember if you said. If you go to the Mt. Pleasant meetings I believe you have one Mon. night, right Lisa? Hope you get to go, you'll see Lisa and she will be a great support to you, amoung others. Lo2us, did you and Gus make it to the game? It was probably like sitting in a sauna to start with huh? Susan, hope you are enjoying your long weekend. Everybody, hope you are having a losing weekend.

Thj, WELCOME TO BANDLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you are doing ok. Keep the heating pad near by. I don't know that it cures anything but it sure feels good. The pain meds may help you rest better at night. Hope you won't need them long. Some people just take the liquid adult Tylenol. Especially if it causes nausea. You do not want to do any throwing up if at all possible. The Phenergan is usually very good for that if you feel any nausea. Did Amy give you a post-op diet to follow? I hope you weighed at the hospital. That figure won't be hanging around long. You are going to have to fix you a ticker. Take it easy but keep walking as much as possible. No lifting, pushing, or pulling. Don't want to upset your port. In a couple of weeks you will look back and say, I can't believe that was so easy. Just take care and follow your post-op instructions and everything should go fine. If you have any problems don't hesitate to call PS. We will help all we can but what the doctor says is always best. Keep us posted.

Sorry Clorox, thought you were further out than Monday. ooops

Clorox123, yes, that was a detail.... Was your surgery done laproscopically? Didn't mean to scare you but other than lots of soreness you shouldn't be in that kind of pain especially that far out from surgery. Guess the rib thing can be painful. Hope it all goes well. Have you been back for post op check-up. Never said if your port is on right or left side. Take care. This should pass soon. Welcome to "BANDLAND!"

Hi Lisa. Make sure little guy drinks plenty of water the evening before as well as the time before practice. Some think they can wait for time for practice to hydrate and it doesn't work that way. Some gatorade, mostly water. I had three football players, amoung other sports. Boy! Do they ever stink!! LOL TJ, hope you are doing well. You'll be sore but it will pass pretty soon if you walk and move a lot. You may have to go to a mall somewhere to do much walking, it's so darn hot. You will still have to get out and walk at home, can't live at the mall or Walmart. lol I even walked some during the night when I couldn't sleep well. Take care and follow the sheet that they give you. Still a liquid bummer, but the liquids do change from Slim-fast. You may still drink some of those to get in your protein, so you won't feel so tired. The next two weeks may not be grand, but to me it was better than the first two. After a week of broth I made some homade potato soup and thinned it with fat free milk and drank it from a cup. MMMGood. Keep walking and walking and......move arms around and anything else to dissapate that gas. Post as soon as you can. Betty sounds like you are moving right along. Me? I'm turtleing..... Vlynn, hope things are going good for you. Did you ever get an unfill? Doubt I'll ever need one, not like I eat. Susan, you should be on Cloud 9, it's FRIDAY! Are you a teacher too? Lo2us, I know you are glad it's Fri. The first of school is tiring, huh? Let me know how the fill goes. What time do you go Mon?

Recovery differs for everyone. I had to do liquids for two weeks post op. Moving and walking post-op as much as possible will help disapate the gas. I hope they told you that. Walk, Walk, Walk. Movement helps break apart that hugh air bubble they blew your abdomen up with. Goes from a big bubble to a bunch of smaller ones until they dissapear. Takes lot of movement. Heating pad helps too. If you are not up to par in two weeks or three tops you should see your surgeon. Clorox123 you need to call your surgeon. Where did they put your port? Right or left side? Hope you are better soon.

Tami, good luck on your venture. I have BCBS Arkansas. They pay 50% of the contracted amount. Find a doctor that has a seminar close to you. Look in the forum of your state on here. You may find something close to you. That may not necessarily be the doctor of your choice. Do your homework on doctors. Check around the MI site and see what those that have had surgery recomend. Some insurances like mine didn't have to have a waiting period. My pcp wrote a letter with information I provided him. Numerous diets and diet programs, any ailments like high blood pressure, back pain, knee pain, or unable do do some every day task because weight hindered me. Some insurances will flat out deny you and you can appeal it and then it may be approved. I have seen examples of that on this site. Go to a seminar and get a good understanding of what banding is all about. Make sure that is what you want and then go for it. Many will help you with financing ect. Hope it all works out for you Let us know.

Hi Shannon. I am like Lisa today, busy, busy, busy. I had to do some on-line work for my hubby. Took most of the morning, and part of this afternoon. Like you, I thought it was unusal no one had posted. Usually Lisa is our first poster. I look forward to that. Sooooo Lisa you will have to reserve first thing in the a.m. for us. Just get up earlier. LOL Just kidding, I notice you post very early sometimes. Lisa, don't feel alone on the snail-scale road. I am beginning to worry about my weight loss. I have only lost 16 pounds since surgery. Soon to be 6 months. The other loss was pre-surgery diet. I know what keeps me from losing, the amount I eat, and sometimes food choices. Mostly amount. That is what I was hoping for the band (tool) to HELP me with, portion control. Patients...I am getting short on. I am hoping the next fill will get me on the road. I can tell restriction with this one but not like most people. Wished I would have gotton a smaller band. I guess I got wht fit. On the other hand I don't want to be so tight that I erode. I guess I just have to work through this. I talked to the guy that owns the gym here and I think he and I are going to get together a few times and work me out an exercise program. Going to try to get that started in the first few days of next week. Tjh...Are you there????? How are you, did you have your surgery yesterday? Or is it Friday?? Post Something!!!! Enquiring minds want to know!!!!!! All kidding aside, hope you are doing okay.