kossde

I gave up sodas entirely when I was still a teenager but was quite addicted to Red Bull when the surgery came around. It was easy though because I was absolutely petrified of what would happen should I drink one. May I make a suggestion? Drink water! Lots and lots of Water. A huge part of the reason why people crave sodas is because they are thirsty and that has been their means of rehydration for a very long time. Drinking plenty (and I do mean PLENTY) of water will curb the desire to reach for a soda because you simply won't be thirsty.

The worst (and only truly 'bad' part of the surgery) was the first 10 minutes after waking up from anesthesia. I've never had surgery before so I didn't know how I'd handle the whole process. I woke up ready to fly out of the bed/chair thing I’d been lying in and run out of the room. I wasn’t having ‘mental’ issues – I just felt very, very antsy. I kept asking the doctors for morphine even though what I was feeling wasn’t pain at all but rather something akin to how I suspect a Ritalin overdose might feel like. When I went to do the barium swallow (Is that what it’s called when you swallow that chalk stuff in front of a live x-ray machine?) I vomited but that was because I obviously don’t handle anesthesia very well. Recovery was easy for me. The incisions healed nicely, the pain was so miniscule that I never actually had to take the pain meds the surgeon prescribed. The only complaint with recovery was how exhausted I felt all the time (lasted for a week or more). Looking back, though, that was probably because I didn’t follow my doc’s orders and drink protein. Had I done that, it probably would have been an incredibly fast recovery. Oh- and for about two to three weeks, I felt quite gassy. That went away. Congratulations on your decision to change your life. Don’t stress too much about the surgery, it’ll definitely be worth it.

You know- honestly, I never exercised pre-band. It was too hard, too strenuous. Today, I do about 30-40 minutes of good, thorough cardio 4 to 5 times a week. Some people told me the same things pre-band, “exercise more- eat less”. Like it was that easy. They never understood, my life was about what their life would be if they carried a 180lb man on their back 24 hours a day (and had to feed him too.) Let’s see how well they exercise and eat under those conditions. I think the fact that you exercise now will make your transition into banded life very easy. You will find that exercise becomes much easier, less unenjoyable (I still haven’t managed to actually enjoy exercise) and all around more fruitful. Congratulations to you for deciding to take your life into your own hands. If your friend is a good friend (and I’m sure he is) he will come around when he sees how happy you are after you’ve begun to lose weight.

I started running at 250 lbs. I had already lost 70 lbs since the surgery and felt that my muscles could withstand a little extra pressure at this point. And incase you want to compare my situation to yours - I'm female, 5'3, and am about 27 years old. I don't and never have suffered from bone or muscle problems. I had read somewhere a year ago, that in order to prevent damage to muscles and joints, you should start running very slow- get your body used to the motions before going all out. I started by jogging 30 seconds every 3 minutes (at around 4.6 mph). Now I can jog 15 to 20 minutes non-stop at around 5 to 5.4 mph. I think the most important advice I can give you is – MAKE SURE YOU GET ENOUGH PROTEIN!!! I stopped taking my protein drinks about a month ago and within days had seriously injured one of the muscles in my right thigh. It didn’t start healing until I went back on supplemental protein.

I've been running for a few months now. I started off very slow (jogging for about 30 seconds every three minutes) Now, however, I can run 15 to 20 minutes non-stop. That said, a few days ago, I decided to 'up' the speed on for a few minutes on the run and instead of 5.4 mph, I ran 6 mph. At the time it seemed fine, no pain, no over-exertion or anything. The day after, however, the muscles in my thighs began to hurt really bad. They felt like they were cramped up the entire day. This hasn't happened to me before. After a day or two of taking it slow, my muscles seemed to be pretty much normal again, so I went back to running. The run went just fine, but the next day, the exact same thing happened again. My legs hurt and I walked like I’d been riding a horse for hours. So here’s my question – obviously I injured my muscles somehow while running too fast and they haven’t healed properly yet – what can I do to help them heal faster? It is my muscles, not my joints that hurt, so I don’t think it’s something that would keep me from running in the future (I REALLY HOPE NOT). I’ll admit I hadn’t been taking protein properly when this happened (lesson learned, I assure you) but I have been downing protein drinks like there’s no tomorrow ever since. Any suggestions would really help!

I don't think there are foods that I can't eat- per say. There are foods that I choose not to eat because the effort of eating is simply not worth it. Take steak for example- I won't eat steak. It would take forever to chew enough to get into my stomach. I don't crave it though. Also, sometimes I avoid breads because they fill me up so fast that I won't get to eat what I really want to eat. Oh and I don't eat hard candy or chew gum- just cuz I'm scared what would happen should I accidentally swollow.

I was banded in April, 2008 and have lost 110 lbs (I have 70 left to go). I do not regret it at all. I exercise (couldn't before due to weight), work better, sleep better, eat healthier, and am generally happier. Congratulations on the surgery

My closest friend hasn’t seen me in about 4 months (about 60 lbs of weight loss) met up with me for the first time the other day. As soon as I sat down at the booth across from her, she said, “OH MY GOD, WHERE DID YOUR FACE GO?” I didn’t take it personal- I’ve always had a very chubby, round face and now I have a beautiful slender face with high cheekbones, but I think technically it meets the criteria for rude. Of course when I pointed this out to her, she apologized and acknowledged immediately that not only do I look better, but I look happier and she’s really proud of me. I forgave her immediately J On a completely different topic, I’m constantly getting congratulated on my weight loss (not shy about telling people how much I’ve lost). I especially love it when I’m at the gym jogging away and some random stranger (male and female alike) walks up to me and says, “You’re doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work!” That just warms my heart. It’s the complete opposite of every fear I ever had about going to the gym. Everyone there understands, no one judges me negatively. It’s a wonderful environment.

I told everyone about my surgery. Not only am I not private in regards to the surgery, I may be a bit invasive. It’s quite possible that I tell a lot of people way more than they actually want to know.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Six days ago, I would have said I am baffled as to why some people are so sensitive about discussing their surgery, but I think I understand better now. You see, I was diagnosed six days ago with ADHD. I’m 27 years old and have had it my entire life but never knew it. I’ve told some people about the disorder, but I will not tell my father. It’s not that I’m embarrassed because in reality, I’m relieved to know what on earth has been wrong with me all this time! I just know my father, and I know that discussing this with him will result in an argument to end all arguments. He will make me question myself, question my psychiatrist, and question every decision I’ve ever made in my life. I don’t need that kind of stress or pressure and I certainly don’t intend to invite it by bringing the subject up. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Likewise, I think there are a lot of people who are quite certain they risk the exact same scenario should they bring up their surgery. Many of them are absolutely right. I’m lucky in that my family generally understands why I had the surgery and those who don’t are such a minority that they dare not state their opinion. Not everyone is this lucky. No one deserves or wants this kind of conflict in their life. My heart goes out to everyone out there who has a good reason for not divulging their decision to have lapband surgery to those around them. They made a powerful and amazing decision for themselves- congratulations on that J

Hmm, this is the first time I've actually thought of this Primarily I want to reach my target weight. I was banded in this past April and have lost 110 lbs. I have 70 more to go. I think I can do it. I want to learn to save money, get my finances under control. I was very recently diagnosed with ADHD and am hopeful that the proper treatment will address some of my more extreme problems. I want to take up running. Today I was able to jog 13 minutes - this is a new record for me. I want to encourage my family to become more healthy. I want to help my mother and sister lose weight. My mother will probably get lapband. My sister would lose all her weight if she could just stop drinking sodas. Excellent topic, by the way.

I told everyone and their mother. I told my female boss, my male boss who replaced her, all of my co-workers and all of the employees beneath me. I've told every member of my family, all my friends, any curious people at the gym and the occasional friendly face at the supermarket. A few people have had negative responses, accusing me of taking the easy way out. My reply to them has never changed, "I figure I had two options: either I take the easy way out or I die trying to do it the hard way. I decided to survive." That usually quiets them. I'm not shy about my decision, in fact, I'm incredibly proud of myself. And I think anyone who has the courage to do this should hold their head up high, plant a big fat grin on their face and enjoy the long, healthy life they have just created for themselves. Congratulations on the decision to change your life!

I do a 2 day on, 1 day off exercise routine. When I exercise I do 15 minutes at approx. 6 mph on the elliptical then 16 minutes on the treadmill. On the treadmill I currently do 2.5 mins walk followed by 2.5 mins jog at three sessions. I also spend about 10-15 minutes doing various weight lifting. I should make it clear that I can run 2.5 mins now as opposed to 30 seconds when I started. I could always do 15 on the elliptical, but started out at 3 mph. I’ve been exercising for about three months now. I’m really not pushing myself too hard, although I am burning 300 calories per exercise session. Also, my exercise routine is a bit shorter than other peoples because I have to make sure I don’t spend too much time at the gym. I’m the kind of person with about a 2 month activity-attention span. This means, I tend to dive into a new ‘activity’, obsess with it for 2 months, get over it and stop doing it entirely. Basically, if I don’t pace myself, I will exercise about 2 hours a day for 2 months, burn out and stop going entirely. My goal is to be able to jog for 30 minutes in a row so that I can get in 30 minutes of good cardio at home. That will mean that I won’t have to drive to the gym every day just to work out. Like I said, though, I’m taking it very slow. I read that couch to 5k thing a few minutes ago and it seems like I really need to step it up, huh? I might test myself next time I go to the gym and see how much I actually can run.

I suspect most of us are not at goal yet, but I think evaluating the ways your life has changed already can help motivate everyone to continue striving for success. This is an about me post. So please, tell me about yourself, how your life has changed, how you have become stronger, wiser, or even more pessimistic if that is the case. So, how has your life and yourself changed since getting banded? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My life has changed in numerous ways: <o:p></o:p> - My employees at work seem to respond to me better, I’m not just the B**** in charge but actually someone they want to speak to. <o:p></o:p> - I have ADHD. I think actually that hasn’t changed but no one ever knew it- who thought someone who was overweight could have ADHD? I hardly ever moved! But that’s wrong, I did move- I moved my hand from the plate to my mouth, over and over and over. <o:p></o:p> - My relationship with food has changed. I’m still addicted, but not nearly to the degree I once was. <o:p></o:p> - I have a neck! I’m quite proud of this fact. My triple chin is gone, double chin nearly extinguished and I have a neck, and bones. Who knew? <o:p></o:p> - I don’t dam up a bathtub when I lay down to relax <o:p></o:p> - I don’t get winded walking through a shopping mall <o:p></o:p> - I can exercise!! <o:p></o:p> - According to my eighteen year old sister, I’m generally ‘more fun’ than I used to be. <o:p></o:p> - I have less hair (I cut it all off) <o:p></o:p> - I can type better and play the piano better because my fingers are thinner <o:p></o:p> - I am happier.

I cut my hair short too! I forgot that part. My hair has been long since I was 10 years old and when I lost about 60 lbs, I went and cut it ALL off! Sometimes I miss the long hair, but not much :biggrin: I'm happy with it short

My real fantasies? Oh geez, I think I posted something like this before, but I bet it has changed since then (-100 lbs later)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> - Being able to jog (working on it)<o:p></o:p> - Walking down the subway train aisle without bumping into people<o:p></o:p> - Looking into the mirror and seeing me – not some obese stranger with a frown on her face.<o:p></o:p> - Going into a job interview without thinking I’ll be judged because of my weight<o:p></o:p> - Of course, shopping in the ‘normal’ size clothing stores (1 or 2 sizes away from that now)<o:p></o:p> - Looking healthy, feeling healthy<o:p></o:p> - Strengthening my self esteem. <o:p></o:p>

You know, I went with Lap Band because the thought of serious/major surgery scared me. Ultimately, I'm happy with my decision. I've lost 110 lbs so far and have 70 more to go. I was banded in April, 2008. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My step father had Gastric Bypass, but not for weight reasons- he had a problem with his stomach, so they had to remove a very large portion of it. I'd say he eats about what a normal, healthy woman might eat. He DOES have dumping syndrome - in that he can't eat sugar hardly at all. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> If I were you, I’d weigh all the options – talk to a doctor who specializes in lap band and a doctor who specializes in gastric bypass. Make sure you ask them the same questions, “How safe is this?” “What’s the 5 year success rate? The 10 year success rate?” “How dangerous are the side-effects.” “Why is lap band better than bypass / Why is bypass better than lap band?” <o:p> </o:p> Good luck with your decision! And either way you go, congratulations for taking the first step to a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Try standing up and walking around. Moving around always helps me.

Hi I'm Chanda- I'm 27, was banded in April at 321.6 lbs. I am now 220.2 lbs and moving forward happily I live in Wylie- right beside Plano. Congrats on the surgery!!

My grandmother saw me for the first time in 100 pounds on Thanksgiving. She didn't recognize me at first, but when she did, she started crying and ran up and hugged me. She hasn't stopped talking about the weight loss every since. It really feels nice to have that kind of response from someone so close to me. My younger sister, who has been living with me since before my surgery, still has moments. she'll walk into a room and out of no where go, "OH MY GOD, Chanda! You've lost SO much weight!!" It makes me laugh- I mean, c'mon- she sees me every day. Also, my employees are nicer to me than they used to be. They are all very young men so I cant really blame them for being a little shallow and transparent. :tongue2:

I really base my diet on protein, fruits and veggies, and mainly, low in calories.

I think each person is different. I honestly can't remember what my doctor advised. I do know, however, that if I try to drink and eat at the same time, it's a terrible, embarrassing, disgusting thing - so needless to say, I avoid it. I generally drink up to only a few minutes before I eat- I'm not tight enough for Water not to go immediately through the pouch. Afterwards, depending on what I eat, I may not drink for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or an hour- it all depends on how full I feel. Once I feel 'empty' again, it's ok to drink. Caution though: I dont know if this works for everyone; you are definitely better off listening to a doctors advice

Lucky you :tongue2: I actually gained weight immediately after my surgery. Have you had any fills yet? It took me two fills to start losing weight and three fills to REALLY start. I was banded in April and have lost 100 lbs so far. Don't worry It'll start coming off.

I had the surgery in April, 08. It was covered by Aetna Insurance; they covered pretty much all of it. I've had three fills, lost 100 lbs so far, and would do it again in a HEART BEAT!! No question- this is one of the best decisions I have EVER made for myself.

Sometimes setting goals helps motivate people. Maybe if you say, "Ok, today I'm going to walk a mile, but by the end of the month, I'd like to be able to walk two miles." You'll be more likely to direct your exercise and actually do it. For example, I have two goals: to be able to jog and to exercise away 400 calories a day. To achieve the jogging goal, I make it a point to jog a little each day, anywhere from two minutes to eight minutes (in two minute increments). To still burn 400 calories I supplement the jogging with elliptical or exercise bike sessions. Also, if you set a specific time of the day aside for exercise, you’ll have fewer subliminal excuses not to do it (I’m too busy, too much going on…) Good Luck- and remember, exercise sucks, but it does get a lot easier as you go.

Hey you know, Aetna approved me immediately. Of course, my BMI was about 55 (now down to 35) Do you have any comorbidities? I think even one would be enough. Have you had sleep tests for sleep apnea?