ThinknHealthy

For many reasons, too many and long to explain, I've learned that unexpected delays in something so important often have a reason beyond our understanding at the time. Trust that your surgery will happen at the right time for you. Sometimes, the delay is what we need to prepare for the change in life that will come. Consider this time a blessing and make it worth your while. Take this time to get in better physical shape, start an exercise program, start learning about different weight loss programs and find one to fit your lifestyle. Research about this new tool you are getting. I promise there is still much you do not know. Use this website as a great tool to do that research. Find in your area others who have, or are getting, the lap-band. If you keep busy with these kinds of tasks, you will find the two-month delay will go by very quickly.

Well, I still have cravings. My stomach was operated on, not my brain. I agree with Cathy, the band is not meant to be a permanent punishment. Portion control is the key. If you enjoy spaghetti, you can continue to enjoy it, eaten slowly and in moderation. A small hamburger? If it is not a problem getting through your band, is something that you could have occasionally. However, if you are like an alcoholic with food, like "one is not enough" then probably staying away from the "one" is best. For me, I don't have a problem with eating one of my daughter's french fries and being satisfied.

Actually, I've been banded over 10 months and I haven't had the need to "throw up" at all. A couple times times a productive burb might have helped, I even tried to force myself to, but was unsuccessful, just some sliming. BTW, it is not technically "throwing up" or "regurgitating" but rather a burp preceded by the food that is lodged in your esophogus. At least, that's what I understand. So, dubbee, don't automatically assume this is something in your future. Also, it should not even be an issue until you start eating solids and start getting your fills and some restriction anyway. Just relax about it. When you get off liquids, and start eating food, remember to chew your food well, eat slowly, and stop eating when you feel a tightness in your esophogus area. Follow those rules your Doctor told you about. If getting stuck often becomes an issue tell your Doctor who may decide you are too restricted. Most important, be patient with yourself. Don't expect a rapid weight loss right away. You will get there in time.

Great suggestions Cathy. I'm going to try this. ALS: If I were you, I would first clean out my kitchen of trigger foods (i.e., ranch dressing). What gets me through the late afternoon hours is a Protein bar. Atkins, South Beach Living, Slim Fast, etc. all make some versions that are tasty and handy. This snack will make dinner less urgent and help you not to over eat. Most important thing you can do for yourself is get moving. I know, it is not what you want to hear, but you did ask for it. The weather is getting nicer out now so go out and start walking. Don't waste these beautiful Spring days stuck inside where all those food temptations are talking to you. Once you get moving, those positive expectations about how you are doing will come and you'll begin to believe you can get back on the wagon again. For me, when my schedule gets crazy and the days are grey and rainy, I can't get my walk in and that's when I start to struggle. This week, in Oklahoma, we haven't had a good day in a long while. This is the first week in months that I haven't exercised every day and counted my WW points. I feel terrible about it. I feel terrible about downing the leftover chocolate chips from a baking project last weekend. But, what I didn't eat is now in the bottom of my trash can. I went to the gym for an hour last night and I feel I'm back on track. Oh, I lost 2 lbs anyway this week, go figure! So now, drum roll please, I'm officially at 200 lbs (65 lbs lost). Onederland, here I come. I'm an expert at plateauing and moving on. They happen and they are almost always our fault. But that is good news because it is something we can do something about. You can get back on track. Get a plan (like Weight Watchers), get moving, get support, and get on with your journey. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can say goodbye forever to those pounds.

Yes. Your body is still healing. Your Doc should have explained this to you. Although some begin losing right away, it is also very common for it to take a while. Just be patient and follow the post-surgery rules. A year from now, you won't even remember these first few weeks.

Cathy is right. It can be hell during that time. You may be tempted to experiment beyond what the rules say you can eat. I caution you to stay on track. Limit your experimentation to new flavors, not new textures. Be patient with the band. This will not be your last plateau. Those will happen from time to time for varying reasons (my pattern is lose great for 2 weeks, gain a week, lose what I just gained, then lose great for 2 weeks, and so it goes). I'm okay with that. The trend is definitely "downwards." Right before my surgery, both the nurse and my doc reminded me that I can expect to NOT lose weight right away and that the weight loss will not be rapid. What they said turned out to be pretty true for me. Our body's metabolism slows down because we are not getting enough calories to sustain it. When your metabolism slows down, so does the weight loss. Give your bodies time to heal and adjust. Focus on that and on following those very important post-surgery rules. The time to lose weight will come. I hope you have some smaller clothes ready and in your closet 'cause you're going to need them before you know it.

You're taking the right steps to make this happen. Be patient with the process. Be patient with yourself. And remember, you are getting a tool. You need to educate yourself on how to use that tool. Read a lot here on what to expect before and after surgery. At the same time, understand that everyone's journey is different. In time, you will find yourself the expert and will be dolling out advise to others who are embarking on making that "Big Decision." May God bless you as you continue to make these baby steps.

You know her better than we do. It is probably best to tell her something but on her level. You could explain that Mommy needs to have a simple procedure done that will require her to be on a special diet for a while. As you are getting closer to the surgery, explain that Mommy will need a little time to rest after this simple procedure. You could say "you know a cool thing after I have this done is that I will start losing weight and will be able to take you and your little brother to more places and we will have more fun together." Will you have an overnight stay in the hospital or something? You might arrange for her to spend the night (or day) with a friend or relative, something that would be fun and take her mind off what you are doing. I sent my 12 year old to church camp that week (it was in June). She wasn't worried at all. I called her after the surgery and it was like "okay Mom, gotta go, see ya later." Kids are easily distracted but do pick up on our anxiety. If we are worried and in turmoil over something, they do pick up on that. Best to just let them know something just so their active imaginations don't invent some other awful thing that is going on. Let her know that you are excited to have this procedure because it will make all your lives so much better. Let her share in your excitement.

I think this is one of those answers that begins with "it just depends." As you know we are all different. Definitely it sounds like you are in hell. When you start eating real food that will definitely help, whether or not you have a fill. Some people find they can lose weight just fine without that fill. Those people have enough restriction right off the bat. That didn't happen for me. At my first fill, I really was happy with my weight loss and what I was eating so I almost didn't get a fill (I thought I was in that green zone) but I was wrong. Weight Watchers was doing most of the work. It has taken 5 fills for me to get to that green zone. Now I use both Weight Watchers and the lap-band. Just know that it should get better when you start eating real food. Don't take it too fast and don't test your limits too much. You should be fine.

I certainly can relate. Some times it is just not a priority. The good news is that you have that handy tool already. It is time to get it out of the toolbox and learn to use it. Exercise is critical. For me, I had to suck it up and just do it. I've always loved to walk, but in Mid-January, that wasn't much of an option most days, so I showed up to the gym one day and got busy. I haven't stopped moving since. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging or anything because I truly believe that it really makes the difference. Exercise has so many benefits that out weigh any possible reason you can come up with to not do it. My reason not to do it was my crazy schedule. You've got your own reason. What ever that reason is you need to re-think.

I remember going to a seminar years ago on adoption from China. That was the first step in adopting my wonderful (now 12 year-old) daughter. Taking those first few steps are so important. One time I heard something like "you don't know if you can fly until you step off the cliff." Until we take that risk, step into the unknown, we don't know what we can handle. You can handle this. Go prepared with some questions for the doctor, that will help them remember you. Have fun.

As with this whole experience, it depends on the individual. There is no better answer. Good job on losing those 5 lbs. You may experience a slow down in the weight loss but you will eventually come to a steady "average" weight loss. Sounds like you are doing the right things. Keep up the good work and be patient with yourself. You will get there in time.

Take some slip-on shoes and roomy clothes to the surgery. As soon as I woke up, the nurse wanted me to get dressed. It was strange to have someone help me with my bra. I remember her saying "just how many hooks do you have on this bra anyway?" (there were 5). She was a hoot. I think I would take an iPod or something to listen to music on. I like listening to books myself. No ibuprofen before or after surgery. It thins the blood and can cause bleeding. Also, they told me no red colored Jello or food either. Get up and walk as soon after the surgery as you can. You'll do great. You've got a good list there.

This is very great advice. For myself, I had lost nearly 100 lbs (just on Weight Watchers) about 5 years ago when my mother passed away in 2003. Suddenly my cheerleader was gone and I found I had new priorities as I took on the role of caretaker for my Dad. There was little time to grieve and less time to worry about what I put in my mouth and how much I exercised. Slowly the weight crept back up. Now I've adjusted to those new responsiblities and have put myself back as a priority with the lap-band and other tools. It did take time though and I did have to forgive myself for taking that time to heal and adjust. And my Dad? Well he's turned out to be a pretty good cheerleader too.

This didn't happen to me but I've read of many who experienced restriction right away. You may be one of those lucky few. I think they experience fairly fast weight loss. I didn't get helpful restriction until my 4th fill. Until then my weight loss was slow. Now it isn't fast but I'm happy with the rate of loss.

First, since you have had the feeling of food getting "backed up" you know that you have restriction. In addition, sometimes it take days before you actually feel the restriction that an adjustment gives you. Since you have had a fill, you should be through that bandster's hell period. What I suggest is I'm sure what you already know but just haven't done it yet. This is simply the point where you realize that the rest is up to you. So here's what you need to do. 1. Keep a journal of what you eat (several online journals are available) 2. Keep your calories between 900-1200 and no less. 3. Exercise daily (30-60 minutes) with some days cardio and some days weight lifting mixed with cardio 4. Drink lots of Water 5. Get your Protein 6. yada yada yada .... you know the drill The important thing is making losing weight a priority and just getting busy doing it. You know what you have to do, you just have to determine to do it. The band is a tool. But just like any other tool, you have to learn to use it. Maybe you've seen others use it but the tool is in your hands now. It will take time to learn to use it well and to learn to use it in a way that is comfortable and efficient for you. Be patient with yourself through this process.

I can eat popcorn but it does fill me up real fast. I used to be able to eat a whole 100 cal mini bag but now it is difficult for me to do so. Be smart and stay away from that movie theatre stuff. That fatty stuff greatly contributed to a long plateau I had a while back.

That is absolutely FABULOUS!!!! I'm getting close myself. Isn't it nice to know that you'll never see that "200+" number again? You've worked hard and deserve a big hug. So wrap those skinny arms around yourself and get one from us!!!

Hey, vacations happen!!! Did you have a good time? Whenever I go on vacation, my diet does too. I usually gain more than 4 lbs though so you are doing great. You've lost 51 lbs for crying out loud!!! The first thing to do is to forgive yourself. So you gained a little weight. That is just going to happen from time to time, it's not a big deal. Are you determined to get back on the band wagon? If so, dig out the pre-surgery diet plan you got from your nutritionist and review it. Mine had me drinking a Carnation instand breakfast in the morning, a half-sandwich with salad at lunch, and a light dinner with no carbs, a drink of milk, and another carnation instant breakfast before bed time. Try doing a week or so of that kind of plan (or one you're happy with) and write everything down that you eat. Also --- this is important --- GET MOVING. If you are not exercising already start NOW. Start with a little and gradually add more every day. The exercise is not only burning calories but it also burns all those negative feelings that can creep up on you. When you are moving you are taking charge again. I had a 10 week plateau that I was able to get off by doing the things I've suggested. I think if you have a plan, you can do it.

This may be controversial but I suggest that those who have problem with hunger between meals plan a small snack to tide you over. That's what I do and I'm still losing. Mid morning (about 3 hrs after breakfast) I'll have a fat-free yogurt (100 cal). That keeps me satisfied another couple of hours until lunch (Lean Cuisine). Usually about 4 pm I'll have a protein bar that will keep me satisfied until dinner. In the evening about 9 or 10 I'll have another small snack. Even with the snacks I'm still usually less than 1200 cal per day because my meals are small. This may not work for you but I'd rather snack and eat smaller meals than be so starving a mealtime that I over eat or eat too fast and then get very uncomfortable. Find the system that works for you though.

If you look at my weight loss chart below, you'll see a 10 week period where I didn't lose a pound. What did I do to get back on track? I did go back to a pre-banding diet for about a week and then started posting my food intake on Weight Watchers (my diet plan of choice). I also bit the bullet and went back to the gym (I had been paying $50 a month for two years and never went -- stupid huh?). Now I either go to the gym or take a 3 mile walk 5-6 days a week. So, I hate to be tough on you but it is time to get tough on yourself. You have the tool, it is time to start using it. YOU just have to decide to.

Wow! You have a lot of questions. The lap-band is just a tool. It helps you to feel full faster and you don't get so hungry between meals. Everyone's experience is a little different. For me, I am able to eat regular food. If I eat too fast I kind of feel a pain in my chest that reminds me to slow down. I'll put my fork down for a little while until the pain goes away, then I'll start eating again a little more slowly. If I ignore the pain because I'm rushed or distracted, it will take much longer to go away. Some people have PB's (productive burps), but that doesn't happen for me. So basically, you are forced to eat slower, using smaller bits, and chew your food well. Hmmm. That's a great tool. Remember, it is just one tool. You should take advantage of other tools too such as supportive family and friends, a diet and exercise plan that work for you (I like Weight Watchers), a positive attitude, and a faith that you are doing the right thing for you. Just to let you know, as you can see below, I've lost using Weight Watchers before. The difference this time is that before I ate the maximum amount that I could eat on the program. I used all my flex points and all my activity points every week. Therefore, my loss was more slow and I had a lot of ups and downs. It is different now because I simply find it difficult to even eat the basic 26 points a day I'm supposed to eat. I almost never use any weekly flex points and I NEVER use my activity points. So, I'm really eating less and I'm happy with that. Right now it is 10:00 at night and I've had 24 points and no desire to use that last 2 points of the day. That's the big difference for me. Also, it will be very difficult to gain the weight back again !!!! Hope this helps.

I'm so sorry you are having difficulty. I understand it is very difficult to not see the scales move for you while others seem to be losing tons. Please don't get discouraged. Having the band is really a personal thing because the experience is so completely different for everyone. There are a few things that you might try. 1. First, be patient with youself and the band. Sometimes it takes weeks for it to kick in. This is a long journey you are on and really, you've just started. 2. Start writing down what you eat. You stated that you "feel" you eat less than you used to. Well, you really need to know for sure. Make sure you are eating less than 1200 cal per day. For some 1000 or less works best but start at 1200 and see if that helps. 3. Make sure you are getting enough Protein. Your nutritionist should be able to help you determine the right amount of protein for you. If you are not comfortable with talking to a nutritionist, do a little google search. 4. Increase your activity level. It is absolutely true that the more you burn, the more you'll lose. Exercise has another benefit ... it just makes you feel good about yourself and gives you positive feelings about what you are doing and makes you feel more confident you can do it. 5. Most important, don't beat yourself up about this. Keep a positive and patient attitude. Don't let others discourage you. You have the tool you wanted. After another fill, or the third fill, or even the sixth fill, you'll start to feel that restriction that will help. Until then, it will be more difficult but you can do it. If you are a person of faith, just know that God will make it happen for you at the right time.

First, what you are feeling seems to be normal. Second, you should not be afraid to drink because that will not stretch out your pouch. In fact, drinking plenty of fluids is very important. Third, since you were just banded just about two weeks or so ago, you are probably on full liquids moving in to mushies? It is normal to get hungry at this stage as the swelling from your surgery comes down. After that swelling goes down, you may not feel any restriction until you begin to get your fills from the doctor. So do not expect to feel that "tightness" that you've heard about for awhile. Just follow the rules that the doctor has given you. Try not to test the boundaries of your band too much but do feel free to eat and drink ALL that your instructions say you should be able to. There is no benefit in depriving your self at this time. These first few weeks are all about healing, not about losing weight. There will be plenty of time for that later. So, enjoy some yummy creamy Soups, some healthy shakes, and other liquid calories while you can. However, do keep the total calories down so you don't gain what you've lost already. Welcome to this journey. I'm sure you will do great.

My daughter just turned 12 when I had my surgery. Keep in mind I am a single mom. It was important for me to make her a part of the procedure. She even went with me to the first seminar. She is very bright and has been an enormous help throughout the process. However, to take her mind off me going into surgery, I sent her to church camp that week and gave her a call after surgery to let her know it went okay. She wanted to see my stomach though as soon as she got back. That church camp timing worked out great. I did not want my daughter to think that she wasn't a part of this. All of my family and friends have been so supportive and I cannot imagine going through this process without their encouragement. Kids are much more capable of handling situations like this than we think. If you explain that you would like to keep the details of the surgery between the family and that they should not discuss with their friends, you might be surprised that they will respect that. Remember that the surgery is just the start of the journey. You'll have a long way to go. The support of all of your family will be vital to your success.