tammygirl

You are welcome, 2Gooddogs! Hundreds of us here on the site have experienced new life with the band. Each journey is different, but each has joy. Tammygirl

Hey Ladies! Hot here in Carolina. I cooled it with a lean beef burger and slaw... bandster size of course. I was very satisfied. Tammygirl

Hey there! Wishing you the very best during your surgery and a great recovery! See you on the other side of the band! Tammygirl

I was banded 4/28 and have not gotten a fill yet either. When I returned for the fill appt. the doc said that has long as weight was coming off at an acceptable rate (1-2 lbs per week), he did not recommend a fill. Oh well! I had 2 ccs in a 10cc band at the time of the surgery. Tammygirl

I went back to my desk job a week after surgery. I found myself weak due to the liquid diet which I was still on at the time I went back to work. Therefore, I worked half days for a week, then gradually increased the work day hours back up to 8 hours over the next couple of weeks as I felt stronger. Everyone is so different. Listen to your doctor and to your body. Best to you! Tammygirl

Hello Everyone! www.therecoverygroup.org is an online support for compulsive overeaters and is approved by OA. They feature an online support group for OA specific to those who had weight loss surgery. I have found this OA community very band friendly. Tammygirl

WONDERFUL!!!! CONGRATS!!!!! Tammygirl

I found that some of my meds did not work effectively when I crushed them. For example, a blood pressure med I took controlled my blood pressure all day, but crushed only worked for part of the day. When I confronted my surgeon and cardiologist, neither had any answers. The cardiologist admitted that the technology of lapband was new territory for many medications and doctors, many including him not knowing how to manage patients after banding. I eventually consulted the pharmacist who was able to call the physicians and make recommendations. Now I am fine. Bottom line: Pharmacists may be better equipped to handle some of these med issues after banding. Take care, all! Tammygirl

My doc advises that regardless of amount, I should stop eating after 20 minutes. Therefore, I have never dealt with the cold food issue. Good luck! Tammygirl

Indio, You go girl! You look great! Thanks for the inspiration! Tammygirl

Thanks Everyone for the great tips. I think I will select a plan soon. Tammygirl

Since being banded, has anyone used weight loss centers such as Weight Watchers, Jenny, etc. Have they helped? Thanks! Tammygirl

Thanks, Weight! I was thinking now that the band helps with appetite, it would be easier to stay on a plan. I like the idea of having some good meals on hand in a pinch. Congratulations to you on your recent lapband. I hope you have the best recovery. Tammygirl

Hi KF! I returned to my desk job within a week after surgery. So I would say the hernia repair did not prolong my recovery period. Tammygirl

I knew I had a hernia prior to surgery. I too have been on Nexium for a number of years due to reflux. The hernia was repaired during surgery. PB differs from reflux in that you actually have food rather than acid coming back. Hopefully, you will experience neither. Take care! Tammygirl

Congratulations to you, Randall! What a fitting Independence Day! Tammygirl

My suggestion is to visit a nutritionist. They are trained to assess any dietary intake and calculate calories etc. There should be no reason you cannot continue an ethnic diet, you may have to make some adjustments and the nutritionist should be able to assist. Good Luck! Tammygirl

Good for you Aronson! I wish lapband had been available when I was your age! Wishing you the very best! Tammygirl

Lauren, In addition to the other information suggestions here, you may wish to check out the teen forum on this site. The best to you! Tammygirl

When I want to know about a doctor, I approach a nurse friend or acquaintance. If they don't know, usually they know someone who does. After all, who works more closely with doctors? "Hey, How is Dr. So and So? " Long pauses, troubled facial expressions, or stumbling, rambling responses usually mean the nurse is less than confident in the doctor regardless of what she/he actually says. I look for enthused responses or better yet "that's who I would go to if I were having your procedure!" Take care! Tammygirl

You are not alone. I have struggled with emotional eating for most of my life and I beleive it is the root cause of my obesity. I use food the way some people use alcohol and other substances. The band has made me more aware of my emotional issues and is forcing me to confront them head on. Currently, I have decided to seek professional care to assist me in identifying and handling my emotional issues. I have resisted this in the past until I realized that obesity is a matter of life and death and I am choosing life. There is also a blog on this board that begins on the home page from a counselor that deals with emotional eating issues. The best to you in this journey! Tammygirl

You may wish to discuss the medication with your physician. Some meds do not pose a problem at all. In other cases, an alternative med may work. Best case scenario, you no longer need the med due to your improved health! The best to you! Tammygirl

The only regret I have is that I did not do this sooner! The best to you! Tammygirl

I am with NewYear! I am a unjury fan. I love their vanilla and chocolate flavors. Tastes like a rich milkshake! Check out their web site. Tammygirl

Way to go, Perl! Tammygirl