judie

Hello Benhamgal: Meeting with the nutritionist was excellent! First you will receive a booklet that has lots of info about the lap band and how you will eat before and after your surgery. It really is very informative and goes into detail about the do's and don'ts of eating, or the preparation before surgery and after. Also she will go over the details of the book with you, and she will ask if you have any further questions. It was a lot to grasp in about one hour, however, once you get it home and read it more closely, you will understand it better. When you go to meet your surgeon (the consult) he will also give you another booklet with lots of info about your surgery. This was so helpful to me! I wouldn't go back to my old eating habits now at all!!! Wishing you well with your meeting and to your good health! Best Regards, Judie

Hello NeverB4: I am not a singer, but a clarinet player at our church. You are right, it does take extra effort when you are obese, my problem is holding out the air and cutting off without getting too winded! Since I have been banded (Feb. 26th) it is easier to breathe, and to hold out my tones. Thank goodness for the band! Not the musical group, ha!! They are o.k. but you know what I mean. I don't have to worry about standing up playing - since we all sit while playing. I am glad we don't stand very much. I have played in church groups for over 25 years, and this is the first time my breathing is so much easier. Didn't realize how much extra weight could affect the capacity of the lungs! Wishing you well with your singing, and your WL progress! It's great we have the band to help us get healthier so we can better serve Him! Judie

Hi Cb11213: It's great that you have lost 28 lbs so far! Keep up the good work! By the way, you have excellent reasoning about food. You have to be mentally geared up for changing your eating habits. That means giving up certain foods that cause you to still remain heavy. The band is a great tool that can help you eat the right portions, thus causing a significant weight loss. Reasons for success with my band: (1) Feeling good about my weight loss accomplishments with the band. (2) Learning how much and what to eat (for good health). (3) Sharing with (other bandsters) what I have learned so far during this experience. Wishing you well! Judie

Hello Jennifer71: Hope you get approved soon! Sometimes there is a waiting process, however it is worth the wait! The lap band surgery will be such a great tool. It is the best thing I have ever done! I have been over-weight most of my life also. My doctor recommended this surgery for me. I had my surgery on Feb. 26th. Since then I have lost 39 lbs. I feel so much better and am looking forward to buying new clothes soon. Wishing you great success, Judie

Hello Pug: Sounds like you are anxious to get with the program! I was banded on Feb 26th. This was a good number for me- I was 26 when my daughter was born, lived on 26th Ave., our daughter was born on the 26th. My surgery went really great that day! If you are eating too much, your band will let you know. Just remember to chew chew chew! I learned to slow down too. I was a very fast eater. Do you eat on a small salad plate? This helped me lots! Great to meet you, Pug. Wish you well! Judie 291/currently 250/Goal 175 I leave you with this quote on self-control: "Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power".- Seneca

Hi Insky67: It's not going to be that difficult on the pre-op diet, if you keep something in your stomach every two hrs.:thumbs_up: I made it o.k. doing that. Keep busy, too. That will help. Before you know it you can eat again! Remember to focus on the reason you want the lap band surgery in the first place... You can do this! A quote on experience: "Life consists in the alternate process of learning and unlearning, but it is often wiser to unlearn than to learn." - Bulwer

Hi Goodbyefood: Congratulations on your lap band surgery! You have made a terriffic choice and your life will be so much better for it! Yes, I experienced those tight feelings in the center of my chest. It is just your body trying to adjust to having the surgery. Many people have more gas than others. It will "pass", pardon the pun!! Just remember to walk but slowly for about a couple of weeks. That will help the gas also. I still have gas in that area. When I get up suddenly or just bend over to pick up something off the floor, I have to belch! I was banded on Feb. 26th. Guess that will always be an issue. Wishing you better days ahead! Judie

Hello Gloucester: Glad you are here! All of us have gone down the same path, asking ourselves, is food so important? Now I realize that food is only for nourishment. Take some deep breaths. It is going to be o.k. Wishing you the best, Judie

Hi Heyyou1968! Since I have been banded in February, I have lost 39lbs. It is so exciting looking in the mirror and seeing a happy thinner me! My husband loves the way I look!!! It is just a matter of making up your mind-sticking to your convictions! Ask yourself: Can I continue living the way I am right now? Do I feel my best? Can I say that I am as healthy as I can be? Your health is the most important thing and should be if you are to be the best wife and mother you can be. Speaking of climbing the stairs, I do this daily and used to really dread stairs. Now it is so much easier and is not painful now! Remember that time will be on your side. Also remember "The best is yet to come!" Good Luck to you!:thumbs_up: Judie

Hi Flowerfli: Who knows? Documentation and paperwork proves what? That you can or cannot do the lap band? Whatever they require, just try to satisfy them. It will pass, and you will have some experience and develop self-discipline. I too went through the same thing! Somehow I just wanted to get all that overwith so I could get my surgery! I guess the moral of the story is: If you want it bad enough, you will do whatever it takes. Since Feb. 26th I have lost 39 lbs. Maybe you can say I was "tempered" for this daily on-going life style change. It's not as bad as it sounds. Time really went by fast and before you know it, your approval will be! Wishing you the best! Judie

Hi Mandi Jo, That is great news! Judie

Hi Boobar: Since my lap band surgery (Feb. 26th) I have modified my diet by eating lots of Protein (73 gr. a day). I eat about two tablespoons of stewed veggies(lightly salted w/sea salt and 1 tsp. promise). I pressure cook my meats. These are boneless chicken breasts, rump roast, lean boneless butterfly pork chops. I use Mrs. Dash for seasoning and 2 tsp.(sea salt only). I also add minced garlic 1 tbs. to my meats before cooking. Also light salt Kikomann's soy sauce (about 4 shakes) This adds lots of flavor. I usually get grilled or broiled fish when eating out. I used to weigh my food portions, but as you get into the 2nd month you begin to eye your portions. You can use your palm size to measure, and put on a small salad plate size. I do not eat breads of any kind. Maybe a cracker or corn chip sometimes. No sugar of any kind, it only causes you to crave more! I have done well eating out. I have the carry-out container brought with my meal and I dip most of it out first(except for about 1/3 the meat and three spoons of the veggies). I will have two more meals from that. It saves money that way! The most difficult to do is drinking with my meal. I used to drink before, during and after. Now, I just get a childs' to-go cup. I drink some small sips when I get home-within 1 hr. of when I had my meal. You just learn to drink in between meal times. With my exercising, it isn't a problem to drink my Water amounts. So far I have lost 39 lbs. I look forward to buying new clothes soon! My husband really likes the new me!! Hope this helps! Judie

Hi Ericalyn: Anytime we try to do something different and "face the unknown" it is hard! Look at the end result, you want to be healthier and slimmer. Ask yourself am I worth it? Will my husband be proud that I did it? Can I go on the way I am currently, Healthwise? I had my surgery Feb. 26th. I picked that date because that was a good number for my husband and myself. We used to live on 26th Ave., I was 26 when I gave birth to our daugher. She was born on the 26th! I had 8 mos. to mentally condition myself for this surgery! It went so smoothly, too. I had no pain! I was just dried out from not having Water for several hours. Want to know the best part? It happened so fast I didn't even realize that the surgery had been done! It is going to be the best decision you ever made. So far I have lost 39 lbs. and I look forward to each new day. Just keep a positive attitude! That will take you a long way! I wish you well, Judie

Hi Mandi Jo: Sorry about your abscess. It just means you will have more time to mentally be ready for your surgery! Make the most of your time and remember to keep a positive attitude. Your body will heal much faster, too.:rolleyes2: I will keep you in my prayers! Judie

Hi Becky: You know the saying, "The best is yet to come". Waiting for your approval will only allow you to mentally prepare for your surgery! I had to wait 8 mos. before my insurance was approved, however it was some paperwork glitches- office and fax technicalities, etc. Remember to keep a positive attitude while you are waiting, and to keep saying it's for your better health. I have done really well, no pain meds after surgery, or any really serious complications. I had some minor soreness and was really dried out from not drinking anything for so long. I lost a pound each day for about two weeks! Then when my doctor told me to go to soft foods, it was easier. Time will be on your side! Since my surgery on Feb. 26th I have lost 39 lbs. now. I had my first fill about 3 weeks ago. At first I didn't realize it, then about last week I began feeling really full so much sooner. You will also learn about portion control. This is really important! I am looking forward to buying new clothes as I have only two sizes smaller in my closet. You will be amazed how much better you are going to be feeling! Best Regards, Judie

Hello Dosnyc: It's only natural to fear "the unknown". I know how it feels to have to wait for approval. I had to wait for 8 mos. before all my paperwork went through. You know the saying, "It was worth the wait"? I began my journey in the Spring of 07! Trying to lose weight for those months prior to my doctor suggested the lap band procedure. I was scheduled for my surgery on Feb. 26th 08. Since then I have lost 41 lbs.! It is amazing to see the results in the mirror. Looking forward to buying new clothes soon. Have no regrets! Your better health should be your first priority. I had type II diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Since my surgery I am only on half my diabetic meds. Also on 1/3 of my high blood pressure meds. I feel sooo much better! Know that a better you will be the results of using self-control on your journey! I leave you with this quote: "Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power". -Seneca

Hello BrandyII: Your cravings are just that! The more sugar you eat, the more your body requires. How long since you were banded? It would probably be good to ween off of sugar altogether. Ever tried Somer Sweet? Have you heard of Suzanne Somers? Go to Suzanne Somers.com for details on her sugar substitute. It is great! This product is all natural. I use it in my herb teas, and decaff coffees. I have found that substituting real sugar, your weight loss will continue naturally. Wish you well, Judie

Hi Mandy Jo: How important is your health to you and your husband? Maybe you need to just show him by being determined to become healthier! Afterall that is a pretty good reason to me! Are there other family members there for you for support right now? If so, let them know about your surgery and what you want to do. It is always good to have family in your corner! Wish you the best! Judie

Hi Willowcrown: It is possible that your body is trying to hang on to your weight. Sometimes the body goes into safe mode so that it can survive the changes in the food we eat. Meaning it doesn't want you to lose weight! Don't worry! Continue doing what you are doing, as a matter of fact, congratulations! You are really determined so hang in there! Keep a positive attitude! Tell yourself in the mirror, you are worth it!!! Not going to stop now!!! Maybe you need to add Fiber to your diet. Sometimes that could be the problem. Get you some benefiber. Wish you well! Judie Banded Feb 26, 2008

Hi Keepinfaith: I am also an Alabamian! Where are you in Alabama? I was banded in February. You should be eating mostly softer meats, turkey lunchmeat, or cooked chicken either grilled, or baked. Also you can have canned tuna. All in moderation. Not more than 2 oz. I have been fixing stewed veggies. Only a couple of tablespoons along with your meat. Remember to eat your Protein first. I don't eat many carbs. No bread at all! Remember not to drink with your meals, or drink afterwards for at least 1 hr. I have lost 33 lbs. since my banding. After your fill, you will notice a huge difference. Your hunger will go away! You will feel much fuller than before. It's like do I ever get hungry? I wish you well, let me know how you do! Fello Alabamian Judie

Hello JBFlorida: It's just wonderful hearing from so many "southerners"! I remember my pre-op time. I was really getting anxious to have the surgery! Your progress now will help you as you are decreasing your caloric intake currently. It is hard when you were eating more food. The adjustment will be easier and will help your stomach adjust to the smaller amounts! I will be praying for you!

Hi Nip50: That's great! I look forward to hearing from you from time to time. Oregon? I've never been there, have heard it is really beautiful. It is lot like Alabama (farming, etc.) Have you learned to like turnip greens? They are really a great fiber food! Anyway, I wish you well.

Hello Diane: I can't believe this! Sylacauga!! Anyway, my doctor is Dr. Tim Christopher in Shelby County. He is the greatest! Where will you be having your surgery? If I can give you any tips, let me know. Quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one". _Emerson

Hello Diane: I can't believe this! Sylacauga!! Anyway, my doctor is Dr. Tim Christopher in Shelby County. He is the greatest! Where will you be having your surgery? If I can give you any tips, let me know. Quote: "The only way to be a friend is to be one". _Emerson

Hi Bama Belle: You will like the clinic. Hi I'm Judie from Helena. This is where I go for my follow up visits! Don't know Dr. Stahl, but the nurses are great there. My doctor is Dr. Christopher! I was banded on Feb. 26th. You will also love Shelby Hospital it is fantastic! I have lost 33 lbs now. I had to wait for my surgery for over 7 months. Paperwork glitches! Hang in there! I leave you with this quote: "Patience and time do more than strength or passion". -La Fontaine