kamicola

Hi everyone... it's been quite a while... but life is so busy when school is in and the holidays are now approaching. I am really loving life.... I can't believe the difference losing 62 pounds makes.... I have such a long way to go, but at least it is moving in the right direction. I am down 2 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes... although I like loose fitting clothing, it's a comfort thing.... so I might be down one more clothing size if I liked them fitting a bit more snug. I can finally cross my legs (that are now getting "skinny" as others tell me)... I have never had comments like that. I see the difference in myself and just hope things keep moving in the right direction. I don't count calories, but know a lot about food and know what things I shouldn't be eating or what things contain more calories. I don't cheat myself of the things I like, for example ice cream, but at least I eat no sugar added. My diabetes has been in remission since surgery so when I eat a few M&M's here and there, or some treat, my blood sugars don't go up... it's really weird. So as long as things keep going this way, I won't ever cheat myself... although I know the closer I get to my goal weight, I will have to watch calories more closely to maintain. I look forward to hearing from other May bansters! Kammi in Everett, WA 335+/273/175 3 fills... I have a 10cc band and I have 8cc's with decent restriction... can still eat most things, but just not very much. Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

Hi everyone, I just wanted to start a thread for those of you interested in alternative medicine and natural health discussions around aftercare with your LAP Band. I am not a doctor, but love to discuss this as I have researched and read a lot and have strong opinions in this area. I would love to hear from you if you currently use alternative medicine treatments and/or natural health and nutrition info or are interested in discussion more about it. Would love to discuss co-morbidities and how we can do things more naturally to help control them or send them into remission! What we discuss on this thread is not intended to take the place of treatment recommendations from your doctor, but it is to chat about taking care of ourselves after banding in a more natural, alternative way than traditional medicine. Please respond... I look forward to it! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

So, just thought I would pass this info on to you all.... I ran across a post a while back about these things called "Miracle Noodles"... supposedly zero calories.... so I found the website and actually there are a few places to read about them... so I got excited but they were incredibly expensive.... well I was at an asian grocery store today and low and behold they had them for CHEAP! They are a raw noodle (no need to cook) and they are made from Yams. They actually do not contain any calories, thus no carbs either. I bought some *just over $1 for a 7 oz. package) and fixed them tonight for dinner.... they are flavorless, you rinse the fishy smelling liquid off that they are packed in, then you dry them on a paper towel. I put them in a little olive oil and put some low sugar garlic spaghetti sauce and parmesean on them.... I thought they were great... the 7oz package filled me up fine and since they are neutral in flavor, they take on the flavor of whatever you make them with. So if you want a mock noodle with zero calories.... go visit your local asian market! I was impressed! Any questions, let me know! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/285/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

Hi everyone... I haven't posted in like forever, just busy! Anyhow... I just had myt 4 month bandiversary on the 27th of September and am down 50 pounds! I got my first tattoo to celebrate! I feel great, but am going to get another fill next weekend to bring my up to probably 7ccs in my 10cc band as I can eat pretty much anything. I did find these terrific noodles at an asian store... they are Yam noodles and have zero calories and zero everything.... they take on the flavor of anything you put on them... so they are bulk, but no calories... they are cheap at an asian store, but very expensive online... sold as Miracle Noodles.... go to an asian store... they have a fishy scent when you open them.... but rinse them and no fishy flavor.... actually a neutral taste. They are a raw food and are packed in a liquid. Just thought I would pass this info on as a way to save calories if you need to! I am loving life! Hope all of you are doing well! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/285/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

I think so... I usually buy it at Walmart Super Store... it's way cheaper and I do think it is by all the Crystal light stuff..... hope that helps! Kammi

Hope this helps on the nutrition facts on the Tide Me Overs.... it's not the best form of fiber, but it has to do for me right now.... sorry for the large text... Kammi Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 packet Amount per ServingCalories 30Calories from Fat 0% Daily Value *Total Fat 0g0% Saturated Fat 0g0% Monounsaturated Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0gCholesterol 0mg0%Sodium 20mg1%Potassium 0mg0%Total Carbohydrate 6g2% Dietary Fiber 5g20% Sugars 0gProtein 3g6%

I had surgery on May 27th.... after the IV came out the day after surgery, I didn't take any pain meds... wasn't hardly sore at all... I hate meds anyway, but my husband, mom and dad and I were all banded at the same time and none of us needed to take any pain meds.... everyone is different.... I only took pain meds or 3 days after my c-section 6 years ago too.... Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

I am a true lover of Beans now that I am banded.... tons of Protein as well as Fiber.... this is a side dish I often make so I don't want the carb side dishes.... 1 can of refried beans - any kind, I buy the highest protein and fiber brands and those that avoid adding soybean oil.... stay away from soy!!!! 1 small can of chopped Chillies (they are not hot at all) Shredded mexican cheese (I buy the big bags at Costco), put about a handful in, I love cheese... you add more protein too with it.... Then I microwave it until all the cheese is melted.... it is so delicious, even my year old daughter loves it! Hope that helps. Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

Cheryl... are you banded? If you are, you should know what a fill is... but if you are not... a fill is when they inject saline through a port that "fills" up the ring inside your band to restrict the opening into the larger part of your stomach... you want restriction as then your new pouch will get full and you will feel full more quickly and off of less food, which will therefore cause you to eat less and lose weight. However, as I have learned over the course of the past few months after being banded and successfully losing over 40 pounds so far, even at a perfect fill "sweet spot" level, it still takes an incredible amount of will power and smart choices when it comes to eating... you can till stuff yourself, eat way too much and cause issues around the band.... or eat the wrong types of foods that give you calories, but not a lot of nutrition.... it's a learning process for everyone and everyone responds differently to the band and needs to learn how it works best for them.... for anyone who thought that just getting a band would solve the weight issue miraculously (and believe me I have met those that do believe that), are far from correct and will most likely suffer emotional issues along the way and may not be successful with the band.... the most important thing about any weight loss surgery or eating plan is to educate yourself about nutrition, needed daily nutrients, proper ways to eat, and deal with the emotional issues behind your past lifelong habits of eating that led to obesity. Good luck to all of you... the band is a wonderful tool... take care of it and yourself! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico - self-pay

I find it very hard to get all my fiber in, even with supplements when I avoid cereal.... to get all my fiber in... here is what I do.... Chewable Fiber supplements.... 2 tablets = 4g of fiber... I take it 3 times per day for a total of 12g of fiber Start my day out with Go Lean cereal (not the Go Lean Crunch).... it has 13g of protein and 10g fiber for a total of 22g of fiber when combined with the above supplements.... Then I drink 1-2 South Beach Tide Me Over's in my water.... they each provide 5g of fiber... I try to get two in per day... that brings my total fiber up to 32g per day.... That doesn't include my veggies that I eat as well.... usually spinach sometime during the day.... So I estimate that I am at about 40g of fiber per day... which is ideal.... it just takes being aware of what you eat.... all of the fiber I take in is totally enjoyable and a mix of soluable and insoluable which is necessary as well. It's hard, but you just have to understand what you need and how to get it and make it a habit.... Also.... just from drinking the South Beach Tide Me Over's.... I put a packet in 32 ounces of water as less than that is too sweet.... I get in 64oz of water just from that...... I try to hit 100oz though everyday. It's all hard, just be aware..... the protein of 70-90g per day seems pretty easy.... I just make sure what I eat has good amounts of protein.... the Go Lean is a good start with 13g.... then I eat a lot of tuna fish or canned turkey/chicken (they contain TONS of protein)... then a chunk of meat for dinner.... Hope this all helps... I love reading other people's ideas too! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

I really don't like exercise... but now that I am down 40+ pounds it is becoming easier and less hurtful to walk.... but... to keep me motivated I am going to take a "Love to Exercise" hypnosis class through my local parks and recreation.... I am hoping that it will pompt me to get out more and move! The one thing that I have learned more than anything about the band is that it really is only a tool... it still takes as much self control as I needed before.... it just helps a little bit more with some physical responses when I mess up.... but it is still very hard work.... it's a mental thing and educating ourselves about truly proper nutrition and how to take care of our bodies in all ways. Good luck to all of you! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

I have had 2 fills as I metioned above.... it wasn't until just today (2 weeks after my fill) that I have issues with scrambled eggs... I still am not convinced I do have problems, but this morning I tried to eat them and two times had to make myself spit up in the sink... after the second time I gave up and didn't finish.... but everything else goes down fine.... I hope I truly don't have an issue as I love the Protein I get from those Omega 3 eggs! Kammi

oops... here is my email address kamicola@yahoo.com

Hi Sheri, My husband and I were banded on May 27th and my parents were banded on May 29th all by Dr. Kuri of this year. We all had a positive experience and are all doing well. You will love him and you have nothing to worry about.... if you want to talk more in depth or have any questions, you can email me directly at any time. Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/295/170 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I didn't feel any restriction at all with my first fill.... my fill person gives big fills if we want them.... so with my second one I definately felt it... it may not last, but so far, it's lasted a week. I am very tight in the mornings and it takes a while for me to easily get anything down and I do have a lot of pain in my chest if I don't do things the right way. Once I let the intial liquids or whatever get through, then I am pretty good to go.... I do have to take tiny bites and chew chew chew and not over eat and I am stuffed on 1-1/2 cups of food. It does take some time for people to reach their sweet spot and even when you think you are there it could go away after swelling goes down. Other things like your period each month could make you tighter when you initially weren't. Kammi in Everett, WA

Stephanie... That is rediculous... I wouldn't believe that as a general rule... 7 or so years ago, when my husband and I had tried to get pregnant, I went to an OB/GYN for lack of bleeding issues.... she put me on birth control for 3 months to regulate my period, then I went off of it and went on Clomid to get my ovulatin cycle going... I was probably about the same weight, and there were not any issues... however.... the Clomid was not successful... it was not until I went on a strict low carb (less than 20 grams per day - of veggies... no bread products or potatoes or anything like that) and got my blood sugars tightly controlled and after one month I was pregnant for the first time in my life at age 30. It was a year after trying Clomid, so I don't think that drug had anyting to do with it. I kept my blood sugars tightly controlled during pregnancy, only had to take small amount of oral diabetic meds and had a problem free pregnancy... I did have a c-section only because my doctor wanted to induce me as the last few weeks of pregnancy could take a turn with being a diabetic and since my daughter's lungs were fully developed (confirmed through amniosentisis), she induced me, but it didn't take, so I went c-section, problem free. With all the reading i have done on PCOS, there are ways you can eat to relieve the symptoms and often that can trigger fertility. Are you banded yet? If not, I would hightly recommend that you either wait on banding for a few years or you get banded quickly if that is your decision and then lose a significant amount of weight first, then get pregnant... the last thing you want is to finally get pregnant after all this time and then have possibly major complications due to your weight.... you are young, so I would say choose the health option first, get yourself healthy, then get pregnant... but that is me... I am 37 now and wanting to drop 50-75 pounds before I get pregnant again.... I am down 38ish since 5/27/08 when banded... so I am half way there! Good luck! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/297/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico - Self pay

I have a local fill center... I did a day of liquids and a day of mushies... I didn't actually eat or drink much the day of and after my fill.... I have more restriction in the morning and when I start each meal... but I sometimes am doing better with more solid food than liquids... it's really strange. I haven't PBd or slimed, although a few times when something was stuck, I forced a burp up and some slimy stuff came out then I was able to eat more comfortably. I have the same restriction as the day of the fill.... maybe it will loosen up, but the weight has dropped 4 pounds in 4 days so I am not complaining and I am not hungry... eating 1 to 1-1/2 cups of food and even got down some chicken last night.... so I think I am going to ride this little bit of tightness out... it's a good reminder to eat tiny bites and chew chew chew... if I get that stuck, uncomfortable feeling, I just ride it out, it takes 3-4 minutes... then I eat fine without any issues for the rest of the meal. It's a new experience! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/296/ 180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I had a little bit of this right after surgery, but within two weeks it was pretty much gone... I believe it was a combination of gas and tightness due to swelling... as you heal though both get better. The gas x strips will help as well as a heating pad on your chest... warm liquids sipped slowly may help as well... warmth loosens your stoma (which is where you are feeling your pain)... good luck to all of you! I had my 2nd fill 2 days ago and finally have restriction... but do get that same pain if I eat too big of bite or don't pay attention.... Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/298/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I had my 2nd fill this past week.... initiallyl right after my fill when I drank the glass of Water to "test" it I felt it gurgle down... it went down, but gurgled... I definately felt different. They were a little concerned and wanted to possibly take about 1/2 cc out, but I wanted to ride it out. So two days later, I am just moving on to instant oatmeal for Breakfast and was able to get down refried Beans last night.... those didn't seem to cause me any problems, although in the morning I am tighter... my first few bites of oatmeal hurt, but then I just let it pass and very awaringly nibbled on the rest.... and chew chew chewed! I got the rest down without problem and am not PBing or sliming... so I think I am going to ride this out.... I just think finally I have restriction and it's something to learn to live with... as long as I can get food (solid food) down and get my water intake and not hurt or PB or slime... I must be at my "sweet spot". Anyone think differently? Would love to hear if I might need an unfill. Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/298/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I just got my 2nd fill yesterday... got 3 ccs in my VG band (10 or 11 ccs I think) last week and had NO restriction... but had to have a fluro to get to my port as it was deep and hard to get to... but with this second fill... they didn't have any problem getting it... got another 3 ccs yesterday and feel LOTS of restriction... considering going back tomorrow for a slight unfil of about a 1/2 cc... but tonight when I ate a side order of refried Beans and cheese, I ate slow and tiny and it went down without problems... so I think I may wait it out a little while.... I still haven't PB's or slimed since surgery... so maybe what I am just feeling is good restriction... was a little uncomfortable to drink last night or today, but maybe that was just due to swelling.... I will try instant oatmeal for Breakfast and canned chicken for lunch.... So I don't know if I am at my "sweet spot" or not yet, but at least I have restriction so I am close!~... I hope! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/298/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Hi everyone! I just got my second fill yesterday.... I am up to 6ccs in my VG (11 ccs I think) band. I am pretty tight today! My first fill didn't do anything... which I expected... but POW! This one did.... I am contemplating going and getting a tad out, but tonight it is way better than it was yesterday and today.... I actually got a plate of (side order) of refried beans and cheese down... after gagging on water today.... so I may wait it out. I do see what restriction is now and how important it is to take small sips/bites and chew chew chew.... I lost 4 pounds since yesterday... but I am sure getting a little down will change that.... just thought I would share... I still haven't PB'd or slimed and hope I never will! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/298/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Also, you can try coconut fiber/flour... it is four times as high in fiber as oat bran and twice as high as wheat bran without the glycemic effect that the grains have.... your blood sugar won't raise nearly as much and it is so darn healthy for you too.... you can use the coconut fiber/flour in things like your yogurt or such.... I also have a cookbook called "cooking with coconut flour" by Bruce Fife.... made the best pancakes too! It doesn't contain wheat gluten so it isn't sticky and is band friendly.... chewing on dried, unsweetened coconut is a good way to get fiber too..... here is a link below on coconut fiber.... hope you enjoy like I do... of course if you are one of the few that is allergic to coconut, this won't work for you. Kammi in Everett, WA Coconut Dietary Fiber: A New Dietary Supplement

Make sure you are getting 30-40 grams of Fiber per day and that helps tremendously... they make splenda packets now with one gram of fiber per packet.... you can buy fiber sprinkles and add it to everything... then South Beach makes the "Tide you over" drink packets and they have 5 grams of fiber per packet.... Beans are great Protein as well as terrific fiber.... include them in at least one meal a day...... do a google search for high fiber foods and that will help you understand some more things that you need to eat everyday... if you eat way too much fiber you could still stay constipated..... 30-40 grams is perfect... most americans only get 10-15 grams per day.... so up your fiber! It's also essential for good health! Kammi in Everett, WA

That is why when you get banded, it's the time to start habits that train your mind psychologically so when you are restricted, it isn't a head game. First, only eat off of small plates.... get used to seeing a small plate with a small amount of food, even if you initially go back for seconds.... but your brain sees that small plate with small amounts of food and learns that that is normal. Then, before you eat, take the largest sniff or two of your food. It is scientifically proven that your brain thinks you have eaten some already if you smell it first. Then make sure you are drinking lots of fluids, especially a big glass of ice Water or crystal light type right before your meal... your tummy will be more full and you won't eat as much. If you also think you are an emotional eater, you might want to consider some addicition or food counseling... a friend of mine did that and it helped considerably. As far as the cravings for sugar.... if you do a strick 2 weeks of Protein (low carb) drinks and only high protein foods... then really your cravings go away when your body goes into ketosis... that is PART of the reason that my surgeon requires us to do a liver shrinking diet before surgery.... not only to remove the fat from your liver, but to also get you more prepared for eating the band way.... if you are strict with it, it really does take your cravings away... I have none now for over 2 months! I can even eat a small piece of chocolate or a small desert and not want more and actually it kinda makes me sick.... I was addicted beforehand. Kammi in Everett, WA

ooops my signature line said "335/203/180" That would be AMAZING Weight loss! It should read "335/302/180"