neatobandito

Congratulations to those who have continued to find success with their band, and those who have stumbled but found their way back on the right path! I went through a rough patch (an almost 6 month one), myself, and had a hard time not owning up to it, finding myself spiraling back into old habits. I was beyond frustrated when I realized the time I wasted, and the added progress I could've made. But I got over it and, really, all it does now is make me work that much harder and want it that much more. I'm coming up on my 1 year anniversary ("surgiversary", if you prefer) on the 17th, and even with the setbacks, have lost almost 80lbs. I finally FEEL healthier and am positive I made the right choice in choosing this tool. I look forward to reaching that goal, stopping to appreciate and celebrate the mini-victories along the way. Now, if I could just make it to one of the support groups...! I know a few people who are banded, but differences in lifestyles and scheduling conflicts make it near impossible for us to get together. But I'd love to find a way/time to interact on a more personal level with those who can truly relate to the bandster life.

rodriguezequal: Ah, I grew up in University Place! Miss it sometimes. And yeah, I'm already having trouble getting my butt there from West Seattle, which is even closer, so I know what you mean. Wish there was something more centrally located. I really need to get to one of the support groups, especially since I'm coming up on my one year surgiversary.

(Note: I was just reading a thread from someone asking about the consumption of Cookies and other sweets, when I realized my response was turning into quite the essay. I decided, since I was going to post a little hello/re-introduction message anyway, that I'd just move my response over here.) I absolutely agree that once you start eating the sweets, it's that much harder to stop. Vicious cycle. In fact, I'm just now coming off of a 3-4 MONTH stretch of eating sweets almost morning, noon and night. I was doing wonderfully for the first few months after being banded. I was eating healthier, diligently tracking almost everything that went into my mouth, drinking tons of Water, taking my Vitamins, doing more and more research, participating in forums, and watching the numbers of the scale steadily drop. Then came time for a family vacation. I told myself I'd allow a little "wiggle room" to enjoy myself and indulge, but that'd I'd still play it safe. The vacation didn't quite go as planned, for a handful of reasons, and I found myself falling back into old habits. I allowed myself candy, ice cream, cookies, baked goods, etc. When I got home, because I was still eating LESS, I continued to allow myself these things every once in awhile. Only problem is that when stress reared its ugly head, or PMS, or getting sick (when certain foods were harder to consume), I was far too permissive and actually justified it with "I deserve to..." and "Just one more, and then I'll get back on track after the weekend..." We've all been there, eh? And then I found that I had this almost insatiable craving for the sweets. I'm ashamed to admit there were more than a few shopping trips where I looked down into the cart and everything I'd tossed in was carb/sugar-filled, barely resembling real food. I completely slacked on vitamins, on drinking water (and when I did drink it was liquids with calories), on eating Protein, avoiding empty carbs, didn't follow-up with my surgeon's office, I stayed away from the forums because it was less painful to claim "blissful ignorance" rather than be forced to take a hard, realistic look at how far I'd backslid. I have two young children at home, and I'd been leaning on the fact that taking care of them was more important, rather than realizing I absolutely have to make the time to take care of myself as well. Thankfully, I didn't do much damage in the way of weight gain, and even managed to lose a couple of pounds in there. But I'm positive I could've lost a good 15-20 more by now had I snapped out of it sooner. It's taken some time, and I'm certainly aware that this is something I will struggle with the rest of my life. But I've re-evaluated, started taking more of an interest in whole foods and cooking again (hooray for the local library's cookbooks!), and am just getting back on track, in general. Sure, I'm disappointed and bummed that I'd allowed myself to behave in such a way. But it happened. And I'm ready to move onward and upward. I never thought this would be a miracle cure, that I'd get banded, never think about food again, and just watch the weight melt off as I happily went about business as usual. But I've come to realize that I'm someone who needs the advice, support, input and accountability of others. I'm grateful to have a couple of friends who were also banded, and are at different stages in things, that I've started to turn to for advice and support. Now I'm just trying to find a way to start attending the support groups for my WLS clinic, because I think that will also help. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble and share a bit of where I'm at in my journey. Congratulations to those of you who are on the steady path to reaching your goal, to those of you at goal and maintaining, and to those of you taking the steps to living a longer and healthier life. And for those who are struggling, for one reason or another, hang in there!

Wow, that does sound scary. I'm sorry you're going through this, and I'll think good thoughts that things work out for you in the end. Take care and be well, lady.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy cottage cheese is with dill weed and sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to dip in it. If I'm feeling like something sweet, I'll mix slices of banana or canned pineapple. In terms of Greek yogurt, I feel fortunate to live close to some really great grocery stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, PCC...) that offer healthier/organic/whole food-type options. I often will get a few containers of The Greek Gods brand yogurt, honey flavor. It's a nice alternative to other sugary sweets (can be a substitute for ice cream, especially if you stick a container in the freezer) I've tried other brands of the greek yogurt, but this is my favorite. Also makes a nice, light dressing (tzatziki) if you mix some of the plain greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, garlic, cucumber, parsley, olive oil and a bit of pepper.

I'd say the most noticeable and unpleasant "side effect" for me is the pain in my left shoulder. It had gotten so bad that I've been seeing a massage therapist to help with it (and other, back-related, issues) Granted, it could be due, in part, to the fact that I have two young children who constantly want to be picked up and carried around. But I definitely noticed it get worse after my surgery in April, and no amount of rubbing, icing or OTC pain meds were helping. It's just now getting to the point where it doesn't seem to be as constant, and I really hope it stays that way.

Hi Nance! I was also banded by Dr. Michaelson @ NWWLS (about a month before you), and I actually had an appointment on 5/15 to get an adjustment. Wonder if I saw ya there? Looking at your ticker, it seems like you're doing well. Keep up the excellent work, and perhaps I'll see you at one of the support groups!

I was banded on 4/17 and had my first fill on 5/15. I currently take meds for depression/anxiety (Lexapro) and blood pressure (Atenolol). Since they're tiny pills, I'd usually just take them at the same time, no problem. But I've already forgotten, a couple of times, not to take a big swig of water with them, resulting in a bit of an uncomfortable bubble. So now I'm trying to remember to go more slowly and just deal with taking things one at a time instead. I'd say to go slowly, test the waters, and use your best judgment based on how you feel.

Hi Kjay524, I'm 29, 5'10", and from the Seattle area, too. I was banded on 4/17 by Dr. Michaelson @ NWWLS in Everett, and have lost a little over 25lbs. This forum is an excellent resource, and I'm so glad that I discovered it when I did. It's really helped me answer a lot of questions, given me some great insight, and is just a nice place to turn when you're feeling like there aren't a lot of people around who can really understand what you're dealing with. I wish you continued success on your journey!

Oh, wow. No wonder you were so upset. That sounds AWFUL. I'm sorry it was such a traumatic experience, and I really hope things go more smoothly from now on. I was banded by Dr. Michaelson, but I've seen Dr. Montgomery walking around the building. Audrey actually did my fill on Thursday, and the entire appointment was maybe 15-20 minutes long with the fill itself taking less than 5 minutes. I thought she was great, really informative, and easy to talk to. I have an appointment with Deanna and then two more with Audrey, in the coming weeks (thought it was interesting that they scheduled three of them so closely together, rather than waiting to see if I'd need another fill, but I appreciate that they want you to be on top of finding that "sweet spot" as quickly as possible) Best of luck to you!

I'm sort of in the same boat. Although it's not that I'm particularly unmotivated, I just feel like I'm not doing as much as I should be in the exercise department. I get out for a walk every day, with my two kids (one of whom weighs 18lbs and I wear him in a carrier while we walk), and play around with them as often as possible. I do housework (dishes, laundry, vacuuming, picking up after kids, etc.) every day, and lately I've been getting out to do more yard work (mowing, weed whacking/pulling, etc.) as well. So I suppose those are all good activities, and certainly nothing to sneeze at. But at the end of the day, I'm just wiped out from everything else and feel like I need to have some sort of actual regimen started now.

I admit to morbid curiosity here, but I suppose people are already grossed out enough (re: bandaid surprise). Thankfully, the worst thing I can presently recall finding in my food was a cranefly in my Chinese chicken salad, from a local restaurant. I'm sure we've unknowingly been subjected to much worse (as I think of the movie "Waiting")

Actually, this varies. I had my first fill (5cc put into my 10cc band) last Thursday, and when the nurse finished, I asked if I needed to follow a special diet of liquids for the first day or two, followed by mushies, easing back into more solids. She said that as long as I could get it down, it was fair game. (Well, not everything is fair game, of course. Staying within the normal limits of the Protein first, then veggie, etc.) So this is something you'll want to ask about, since it sounds like it's up to your surgeon's office.

I'm a SAHM to a 4-year-old and a 10-month-old, so following any sort of post-op lifting restriction definitely wasn't easy, but I did my best for awhile. I do wear my 10-month-old (who weighs around 18lbs) in a carrier, but it's mostly a back carrier and the straps/waist belt haven't bothered my port site, thankfully. If I weren't able to wear him, I'd never get anything done around the house! I've noticed that it's actually easier to carry him now that I've lost more than he weighs. Kinda puts things into perspective.

I also had concerns about breastfeeding and the surgery, because I know that a decrease in calories can mean a decrease in milk production. But I was banded on 4/17, had my first fill on 5/15, and my 10-month-old is still happily nursing away and seems to be getting enough.

Haha, that was pretty much my though process, too. I do remember struggling to keep my eyes open, and really fighting to come out of the anesthesia for a few minutes at first. They had the oxygen mask on me and I remember them saying my name and making small talk. I forced myself to get up and walk to another part of the recovery area, and keep my eyes open, acting more alert than I really was at that point. Because of this (and a fussy nine-month-old in the waiting room), they let me leave earlier than I was expecting.

I was prescribed Lortab elixir and an anti-nausea pill (starts with a "p", can't recall at present). Ended up only needing to take the stronger pain meds a few times, so I have half a bottle + 1 refill leftover.

Oh, man! I completely forgot about tonight's, and I don't think my husband could make it back in time to watch the kids and/or accompany me. Looks like I'll have to shoot for next month's. :wink2:

Banded on 4/17 and going for my first fill on Thursday, 5/15.

Uh oh. I go for my first fill on Thursday @ NWWLS (I was banded by Dr. Michaelson) I was thinking it was going to be a breeze, and I've been looking forward to it, since I've admittedly put a bit of weight back on since surgery (on 4/17). Now I'm worried...

Hi Lise - Everything went well, and I'm 4 days post-op. I haven't had any major complications *knock on wood* and am just working on healing properly. My port site is pretty sore still and stings when I move a certain way, but it's not too bad. I'm just wondering when I'll actually start to feel hungry, since right now it's a bit of a struggle to want to eat anything. So far, the only things that sound remotely good are popsicles, gatorade g2, Water, the occasional bites of Jello... I've had 1/4 cup of Soup here or there, but even that doesn't taste great. I tried to drink one of my leftover Medifast shakes, but couldn't bare to choke down more than 4 sips. Guess that's just something that'll change once I'm further along? I've bookmarked your blog and will definitely follow along. Thanks!

I'm currently scheduled for banding on Thursday April 17th - less than two days to go! They called and rescheduled my surgery from its original time of 8:30am, and I now have to leave the house around 5am to get there in time for my 6am check-in. Kind of brutal, since I have two small children to get in gear as well, but I'm willing to do what it takes to see that things stay on track. Since getting a surgery date, I've gone through the whole range of emotions, but seem to have finally settled on excitement and eagerness. I've been doing my pre-op diet of 4 Medifast shakes and a Lean Cuisine (though it's been more like 2-3 shakes a day) for about a week now, and I've already lost 15lbs! I may just go into this surgery having met one of my goals (of being under 300). I've been reading the LBT forums for a little while now, and am so glad I found this place. Such an amazingly supportive group of diverse people, with a wealth of information to share. Anyway, I'm a rambler and could probably go on and on here, but I'll just wish everyone the best of luck on their journeys. Take care! Highest = 330 / Starting = 315 / Current = 300 / Goal = 150

Thanks for the well wishes! I'm now on "the other side" and have my lap band in place. Surgery went well, didn't take as long as I thought (granted, I remember taking deep breaths and then was sitting in recovery, staring at the clock, an hour and a half later... heh) and I'm doing pretty good. There are a couple issues I plan to call my doctor's office about tomorrow, though I'm sure it's nothing. Other than that, just some soreness (like I've done a few hundred crunches) and gas pains, but I have just about everything I'd need to combat any of those types of problems. I've been up and walking around as much as possible, which was recommended, and I truly believe makes a difference. I'm sure that the next best thing in feeling better will just be time. I'm already down about 20lbs from when I started my pre-op diet on the 10th, and I hope to see that trend continue. Best of luck to everyone on the rest of their journey, and to those who are just getting started!

tarrn13 - Congrats, and thank you! MollyMolly - I haven't attended a support group yet, but definitely plan to start going. (Most likely the evening one, due to scheduling conflicts with the earlier times.) I'm all for getting to know more local bandsters, however, so we may just have to set something up. I'll definitely update with how I'm doing after my surgery on Thursday. Thanks for the kind words! :biggrin:

My surgery is coming up on Thursday (4/17) and I've been a bit nervous, though mostly excited at this point. But I have a 4-year-old daughter and a 9-month-old son that make something like this a bit scarier. I just keep reminding myself that the slight risk associated with this surgery is nothing compared to the risk of remaining at such an unhealthy weight. They need their mama here and healthier. Best wishes to all of you! You'll do wonderfully.