NewSho

At ease, troops. I think she's finally been shut up for good.:mad: She just left the room when no one would back her Anti-LapBand crap up. But man, I hear it all the time in there! :phanvan So I do wish more LapBanders popped in the Obesity Help Chat Room more often. Now whenever newbies ask LapBand questions instead of giving them horror stories (usually untrue) or telling them that it doesn't work for anyone (definitely untrue) - I've at least got the 'regulars' trained to at least direct them to the LapBand board or they give them my e-mail. No one there? That must be the "LapBand" chat room or something. In fact, there are about 35 people signed in to the Main Chat room now. The link is different for me cuz I'm an OH member, but here's the link I usually use to get there. You don't have to be an ObesityHelp member, nor do you need any password. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/chatroom.php

Truthfully? I eat almost all my meals out. :nervous So I figured out my Four Fave Foods are: 1. Seafood 2. Cheese 3. Fruit 4. Wine Therefore, my all time favourite Bandster meal would be one that combines all four. It's easy to do at either of my favourite Mexican seafood restaurants. So a glass of Real Fresh Sangria with fresh fruit inside always is a perfect opening. That combines my 3rd & 4th fave foods in one glass. Next, I love to be served a yummy mini-dinner of a delicious Queso Fundido or a Queso Fundido con Mariscos, which is a yummy seafood mini-casserole styled dip. (A sample Queso Fundido recipe, without seafood is here ) It's similar to a Mexican version of a Seafood Fondue (for a basic American version of Seafood dip - here's another recipe here). For those who like this sort of thing (please remember to keep to Bandster portions. I do, but I don't count calories, generally ) here is an easy Seafood Fondue Dip/Casserole that can be made in a Crockpot. The recipe is here. Whew, all this web site linking has made me tired. Doesn't looking up recipes count as much as actually cooking them does? Bon Appetit ! :hungry:

I like the idea and I love Alexandra's suggestion of "A Life in Maintenance" thread. Now if I can only wiggle myself down there... LOL. I think it's a welcome addition to our other helpful forums. I'm in!

Well, that's true. Healthy foods aren't what brought some of here, truthfully. I myself do eat smaller portions of what I was eating before, which was a varied diet of healthy and some "unhealthy" foods and I have lost nearly two pounds a week for the last six months for a total of 45 pounds down. Good for you! But 45# in six months might be based on your metabolism, amount to lose, and your own goals. Each of us sets individual goals and for some people, repeated bad food choices is NOT going to get them to their goals. And you've been banded, six months, correct? Well, just be aware that as your level of restriction increases that some of these foods (like pizza, or specifically, pizza crust, might not be quite as band-friendly. Everyone has a different way of doing what works for them. I don't count calories or carbs but I do know when I've eaten more than normal. Bottom line, I use my band as a tool - and I'm working with it, as long as it works with me. I guess that what's we all do, right?

As I've posted at great length, I'm not necessarily a fan of going to Mexico for surgery. The facilities, aftercare, and quality vary (here and abroad, of course) but you do lose some flexibility with having chosen a surgeon that's far away. Having said that, the only doc in Mexico that I'd ever consider, is Dr Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. He's fabulous, he stays accessible via phone, he's internationally renown, he's banded himself, he's easy on the eyes :nervous , and he has extensive American ties. Plus his patients are well-welcomed by US surgeons and frankly not all Mexican band surgeons are well regarded by their American counterparts. Sound harsh? Sorry I'm just being frank. So my vote is US based if possible, but if not, Mexico only with Rumbaut.

This is from another LapBand forum - and is written by a knowledgeable PostOp. I will re-post it, and credit her with it. Why The Band Might Be Right (or Not be Right) For You By Nancy aka OperaKatz Others have already posted why the band might be a good choice...it's been a good choice for me...over 2 1/2 years out, down 156 lbs, zero complications. Here are some reasons the band may NOT be a good choice for someone (because as much as I'm a total advocate for banding, there's no 1-size-fits-all WLS because we're not all the same ... If you have a very slow metabolism (get it tested if you're not sure...BMR (basal metabolic rate) test - a machine you breathe into for about 10 minutes and the only accurate test out there. If you, due to metabolic issues, cannot lose on a sensible caloric level (1200-1500 cal/day) the band is probably not a good choice. If you have esophagal motility issues (and your doctors should be looking for those during any pre-op period), neither the band nor RNY would be good options. The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or the Duodenal Switch, neither of which rely on pouch/stoma sort of restriction, might be better options. If you are obsessed with the idea of rapid loss, the band is not for you. Rapid loss isn't anywhere near as safe or healthy as slower weight loss but some folks can't turn off their inner child that's demanding NOW NOW NOW. The band is not for the impatient. If you are expecting the band to be the bouncer of the stomach club (in other words, force you to stop eating or make food choices for you) the band is not for you. The band's job is basically hunger management...allows you to satisfy physical (never head) hunger on a sensibly-portioned meal and keep physical hunger from returning for 3-4 hours once properly adjusted. It's not there to punish you for overeating. If you aren't a big fan of lean Proteins and a wide variety of vegetables and fresh/whole foods, and would prefer to eat small portions of the stuff you're eating now (if you're eating generally over-processed unhealthy foods), the band is not for you. The band works wiith good healthy foods. There was someone recently who refused to eat any vegetables and wanted to basically eat ground beef all the time and pizza, etc., and assumed he could lose enough just reducing the portions of that stuff...bad idea to get the band....frankly, bad idea for someone like that to get ANY type of WLS...we have to at least WANT to change our eating habits beyond just portion. ...You should not just research the band and RNY...The DS is a great option for some people as well, and the VSG is gaining more momentum as more surgeons are starting to perform it, so all the major options should be examined to find the best fit for your actual needs...which means getting really honest with yourself about why you're morbidly obese and what you need to change. Everyone has their own set of issues, both physical/medical and behavioral/emotional to sort out. Well said. This is a great procedure but it's not right for everyone. The LapBand, the RnY bypass, the DS (or "Switch") and even the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy are good procedures. Do your research and hopefully you'll find which one is right for YOU. Good Luck.

AWESOME. What an incredible achievement, Alexandra. And the photos tell a remarkable story of your journey. You are inspiring to many, many Bandsters. Man, when I think of how much weight I would have gained in 3 yrs if unbanded, then it makes me even more grateful. Congrats again.

LUV YA LOTS. :cool:

((( HUGS )))

Well, many many LBT members like myself have had port switches or port replacements. If you do a search for "port revision" you'll find quite a few threads with lots of good details. It's not as involved as the original surgery, so do your research and you'll be more comfortable with the option. Good Luck.

In fact, I thought about this all day yesterday. There is a guy in my 'social circle' who I was friends with and realized that maybe we were kinda attracted to each other. Harmless fliriting, but it's clear to me we sorta talk on a different level now than before. But the thing is, I've starting losing the majority of my weight since I met him. And as our friendship grows (I've found true friendship to be a better base for any 'relationship', at least for me) I think it's great we're taking lots of time to get to know each other better. On the other hand, however, as I get smaller I wonder: OMG, is he only going to fully 'make that move' when I'm at/under goal. OMG, am I going to ONLY feel comfortable 'making that move' when I'm at goal? If we do get together later, will I think it's ONLY it's because I'll be smaller then? It's tricky because I really will feel awkward about dating any man who watched me lose and then approached me once I'd lost the weight. In fact, they probably won't have a chance. As for the guys I meet at/near goal, obviously they get a pass. I do realize not all men are attracted to heavier women. It's not fair, but it's a fact I face as a single gal. I think SleepyJean's comments are very insightful for that reason. When women say "Oh I was 300# but my husband/boyfriend/sweetie met me and loved me no matter what ' - then that TOTALLY has not been my personal experience.:cry Nor have I been with someone who 'stood by me' while I gained a significant amount of weight and loved me anyway. Oh, no. I haven't seen or experienced any kind of men like that. So I'm speaking from my own experience when I say men are definitely paying wayyy more attention to me as I get smaller in size. I was cute before but because I was overweight, the number of potential suitors was greatly reduced. Now, I guess the field is opening back up. :rolleyes I wouldn't knowingly date someone who I knew waited til I got smaller to approach me, but guys I met during the process are kind of in a 'Twilight Zone.' While we get to know each other, I'm still (hopefully :phanvan ) losing... so where will that leave us? Trust me, I am mentally wrestling (the only kind of wrestling, I'm doing ) with this. It will be interesting

It's just the trademarked name for this educational video. I would think PreOps would find it helpful. I think it's good that it explains that it's not a "Quick Fix." It also says that "LapBand surgery significantly changes your life."

I'm single & childless, and I eat almost all my meals out. Even still, the whole thought of those "All You Can Graze" places is kinda repulsive to me. I never ate beef, pork, red meat before banding so buffets aren't my style. From "Golden Corral" (which I call the "It's NOT O.K. Corral" & the "Golden Feed-Bag" or Chi-Chi's, which I call Cheap-Cheap or any of those spots - their type of food wasn't my favourite type before banding and they're simply useless to me since banding. The only place I even encounter buffets much is Vegas - but I'm just not a buffet lover. So if I'm there alone or with a friend, I steer us towards regular restaurants & cafes. Now on my last trip to Vegas I went with a larger group and found they like buffets. I either ordered a-la-carte or shopped while they ate & ate. At this restriction level, I just can't eat enough to justify a $22-$30 buffet of stuff I don't like. Now a $30 or $50 meal of things I choose from a menu? :hungry: Great. I'm on it. But as for my card, I don't remember ever showing it for a meal discount - I just order child's portion or ask for menu suggestions. It's just not a big deal for me, anyway. But for whoever threw their Inamed LapBand card away? The card Inamed provides (it's often in the new LapBand patient packet) is NOT for restaurant discount reasons. It's so that other doctors and emergency personnel can understand your new slightly-altered anatomy. It is very helpful: all my other non-WLS docs have a copy in their patient files for me, and I make sure they put one in my hospital patient file when I go for non-WLS procedures like PS, or my sinus surgery. I don't want anyone intubating me without understanding I'm banded. And yes LapBands don't go off in regular walk-through metal detectors but they can 'go off' when airport or other security personnel use hand-held metal wands, at least 50% of the time. Often the authorities assume it's my belt buckle but I know it's my Silicone Freeloader, LOL. Just my .02.

Ah yes. Needless to say, no one remembered to post a picture of the actual pose. For those not familiar with various Yoga techniques and poses - here is a link. http://images.google.com/images?q=Downward-facing+dog&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images Hope this helps. It sucks to feel 'stuck'. Soft tortillas just don't work for me at my current level of restriction. As a Texan who eats Mexican food (oh, daily, just about) I've found that crunchy beats soft - in the bread & tortilla game. So I can eat well-toasted tortilla chips or nacho chips - but I leave the soft, gooey tortillas alone. Good Luck

We've been watching your numbers go down, down, down - BIG CONGRATS TO YOU!

How about: Don't banded people have a lttle string hanging out of their body all the time? Don't they put a scope down your throat, each time to adjust it? They have to go into your belly to adjust it, right, because that's where the hole is?

First , congrats on your loss so far. Good For You! But, we need some basic info Dimples. You must have the Vanguard 10cc band, right? But if so, and your doc is only giving you 1cc per fill - then you're only at 3cc's. That's kinda light after 3 1/2 months, so no wonder you are struggling not to eat too much. :hungry: You're not getting a chance to use your tool properly. You might not feel any 'real' restriction until you get a few cc's more. It does often take a few more fills to get to your sweet spot with the Vanguard band, so I guess I'm disappointed to hear your doctor is 'rationing' out your fills. I would try talking very frankly to your doc and letting him know that you feel very underfilled and are definitely working but need more help. As for your family, this is a bit tougher. I know that even years later, my family still doesn't fully understand how the band works or what I should or shouldn't eat. You can't change that entirely but you can gently remind them that 'you know I'm trying to make better food choices now.' That way, you aren't nagging them or complaining, you're just trying to make better decisions about what you eat. They mean well, so just be upbeat and very firm with them. Over time, when you get better restriction, it will be easy when they offer you seconds or pass the bread basket your way.

Has a kickin' new Avatar Very hot mama! :clap2: I can't believe how different she looks. This one has a Naughty Girl edge to it - like Jane Fonda in "Klute" (must be the bangs) or a British spy heroine like from "The Avengers" or something. Keep up the excellent work.

Dr C actually seems pretty congenial, and his qualifications are not in question. He's a real life, licensed doctor. But man if you thought Dr.C was harsh (I honestly don't see it) you would not have been pleased with Dr.P (in Michigan) who also used to take time out and visit this site occasionally. Actually I've seen Dr C on this web site and other surgery forums (like O.H.) and I thought his answers were clear, concise, and to the point. I guess I appreciate the docs even taking time to help out patients - considering the overwhelming majority of us are way too far to be considered potential clients. So they have to be doing it because they really think good medical info is important. Very cool thing for doctors to do. :clap2:

The story about free TT's for skin donation is pretty much an urban myth. I saw the actual news clip of the woman that RHCPGirl mentioned but hers was a special case. We're pretty much on our own for TT's and such. But it's worth it (especially if the insurance pays for all or part or it.)

Sunsett - No they don't require you to be at goal for 18 months (heck some people don't even stay 'at goal' that long.) But most Plastic Surgeons will want you to be a stable weight, at/near goal (or as close as you're going to get - within 20# is reasonable, I've been told) for best results. And I applaud folks brave enough to get major PS done abroad, but generally I'd feel more comfortable being close by so I can get follow-up care right there. I do understand the international prices are better, of course, but that's a lot of work to have it done so far away. (Even my friends who work for airlines get work done in Mexico and other places, but if they have a complication, they never have to face issues like 'being able to afford' or 'being able to schedule' a quick flight abroad.) It still seems as if it's challenging though.

Inamed (the U.S. Band manufacturer) has a free one if you ask their Customer Service for it. It's teal and says "I'm With The Band" and then the Lap-Band on the back. Luv it, and luv the price! ( FREE )

CONGRATS! I thought of you Nana when I saw this video. This is my new favourite Film Clip of the Moment. Hey, you were belly dancing long before it was cool, right? http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8727982958432422589&q=shakira+hips+don%27t+lie&hl=en

I know how frustrating it is to not have enough restriction. So I agree, make the appointment now. Unless hormonal changes during your cycle affect your restriction, then you're probably right that this is where you are going to be.:phanvan Take it from a long term Bandster, this tool does not work as effectively without whatever your personal level of restriction is in place. What ever that needs to be for you, that's where you have to get. Now here is my crazy sounding idea (and you can shoot this down if it's not feasible.) I hate to hear that it's a 5-hour drive each way, so I think I would try getting there early - maybe taking some time in the city- shopping, running errands and then trying to have a snack before leaving town (nothing heavy after a fill, of course.) That way you'd have a better idea of exactly where your restriction level is ... and then you'll know BEFORE you take the long drive. I wish you tons of luck.

Wow, Celeste, I bet this is a challenge. We often find it difficult to follow band rules here, but you're half a world away. How about Post Op care? I assume you get fills when you're in the US, right? But are there African doctors with LapBand experience and familiarity in general.