marypetunia

I am an original lap-bander and a little over 6 years out. My band is still in good shape as far as I know. I do find I can eat a bit more especially in the evenings and yes, counting the calories seems to be key for me along with getting back into a regular walking routine. I am still 145 lbs down from where I started, so even though I gained back some over the past 3 years, it's not like other times in my life when I put it ALL back on in a year or so after losing it.....so I'm VERY happy with my band! This is my first time back on the site in a long time, thought it would be good for me to get my head wrapped back around the disciplines of the band again. Thanks for being here everyone!

Happy to find these posts, was banded in January 2005 and have done well except the past year...started a new job last year and put 8-10 lbs back on now can't budge them off! Started Jazzercise in May, but no pounds off yet. Haven't been to my doc in over a year, i feel like Istill have restriction, just a few bad food habits creeping their way back in. THis website was my saving grace the first two years...It helped me SO much! Just venting, hope you all are hanging in there too. I refuse to let this get to me..I'm so happy to be where I am, just don't want to go back to where I was! Thanks for listening guys.

Hi all! Happy Spring!!! YAY for warm weather! It feels SO good to get back outside again! Just wanted to find out if anyone else was at the meeting Thurs night? I hadn't been for awhile but as always, the opportunity to talk about the band came up. Usually at least one person asks about the band since most of the conversation usually concerns bypass, and Thurs was no exception. Hope you are all doing well...post a note and let us know your progress!

Hi Larry, All of the classes take some time to go through. I'd say an average of 6-9 months from start to surgery. I took a year, but that was because I just couldn't lose the weight they asked me to while going through the classes so the surgeon didn't submit to my insurance until they thought I was ready. When you say you went to the first meeting, are you talking about the group meeting on thurs night? If so, the next one will be with Dr. Gitkind who will evaluate your personal situation, insurance coverage, etc. You won't see the srugeon until you've gone through all the classes, then you will meet with him and he decides when to submit to insurance. Once they submit to insurance, it's usually scheduled within a month or so, so it goes quick at that point. But be patient, it does take a while to get through it all but is SO worth it in the end!:smile:

Hi Larry, I absolutely LOVE my band! I was determined to make it work for me and it has. I was a QUANTITY eater...I knew how to eat helathy, I just ate too much because I never felt full. The band helped limit my quantity, I have to be very careful about the quality...very few carbs, lots of Protein and veggies...same as the bypass menus. They tell you it's slower losing weight witht he band, and perhaps it was, but I lost 160 pounds in 2 years. This past year I've been holding steady, and as frustrating as I sometimes think that is, it's actually a victory for me because in the past I would have gained weight, not maintained. So the band is stil doing it's job, as long as I do mine..eat right and exercise. My expectations were not to be really thin, I just wanted ot be healthier and "normal"...I think I've achieved that now and another 10-20 pounds would be nice, but not essential to my health. I could barely walk a half mile when I started, and this past Nov I walked a half marathon! Dr Kelly is wonderful from what I've heard. I met him once when I had some hernia issues and he was very nice. How far into the classes are you? Keep us posted. and ask any questions you want! I'll answer based on my experience. and read, read, read! That's how I educated myself before the surgery, I read everything on this website! It's full of people's experiences and strategies, etc. You are bound to get help here if you look. Keep us posted!

Benefiber tabs and Fiber One bars are a staple for me...

Hi Larry, Did you get to the meeting Thursday? I had hoped to be there, but didn't make it. I have high regard for Dr. Czerniach who was my surgeon. You may notice, depending on where you are int he process, that Lapband is not necessarily encouraged. The bypass is pushed more. I had to be very assertive about wanting the band, not the reccomended bypass. UMass is also doing a research study right now and looking for volunteers. It's called TOGA procedure. It's less invasive and instead of bypassing the stomach, they actually make a small pouch of the stomach and leave it attached where it should be. The procedure is done through the oral cavity, even less invasive than laproscopic! I've heard they've begun doing it already. Interesting...seems to be a better choice than bypass but to be honest, my band has worked so well for me I am VERY happy with it. Keep us updated and don't be afraid to post questions. The band works!!!!

Dear Karen, I had my breast lift (reduction) and arm lift done November 20. I had questioned whether I should do it, but after seeing the results I will absolutely say "It was worth it!" I actually cried (a GOOD cry) when I saw the results, I actually felt "normal" and "girly" for the first time in many many years (if not ever in my lifetime!) My PS took off almost 6 more lbs of skin from the top (including my back) andnow I don't feel like a "melted candle" anymore under my clothes. I even have a waist! I thought after having almost 14 lbs removed during my panni surgery in March I'd be all set, but the top needed just as much reconstruction. Iam THRILLED to have done it and the scars are minimal on the arms, certainly better than the hanging skin I had. To me it was a fine trade-off. Hope this is helpful to you in making a decision! Just know that whatever you decide it is for YOU and YOU are worth it! :Yawn:

Hello all!! So sorry I missed the last meeting, I was at UMass, just in surgery! Dr. Lalikos did "round 2" of plastics for me last Thursday, giving my upper body the lift it needed after all my weight loss. WOW, what a difference! She is an amazing surgeon! I had a breast reduction, arm lift (brachioplsty) and she tweaked the new belly button she gave me in March with the abdominoplasty. I'm home and doing great! I am actually feeling really "girly" for the first time ever, since I' have been big all my life and never really a "normal" shape. It took about 7 1/2 hours and she worked really hard to get the huge rolls of excess skin reduced from my back as well. My swelling is minimal and I feel SO good! YAY! hope you are all doing well, let me know how you are!! Mary:thumbup:

Hi amm! Good to hear from you, it will be nice to see you next week? Don't beat yourself up...if you're doing the Wii fit, THAT is a wonderful combination with your eating!!! Don't get discouraged, if you've really been working out alot, you may be building some muscle and burning fat, but it's not showing on the scale because muscle is heavier than fat. HOwever, if you know you're eating isn't in line with what you should be doing, the addition of exercise and getting back to watching the foods will REALLY make a difference. Have you had anyone take body measurements for you? I found that really helpful when I hit plateaus, my shape was changing, even when my pounds were the same. Looking forward to seeing you again! Hi Healthy!! Sounds like you've got some good apointments going on, so glad for you! Glad you found this site too, you;ll get lots of info about just about any question you ever have about the band! LOL! The good, the bad, and the ugly too! LOL! Just keep reading, you'll find what you need, especially encouragement from other's success stories. It helped me alot. Hey Kathryn Rose! Do you want to walk some evening? I'm usually available, you can email me here or call anytime! Hope you're okay, remember, things WILL work out, one day at a time. Be good to yourself, you are deserving of all good things!!! Especially happiness and good health!! :thumbup: See you next week?

Hello dear lapband friends! I am walking my first half-marathon in November! Who'd have ever thought it??? I am walking with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is a link to the letter I have posted online. Please feel free to pass it along to anyone you think may be interested in reading it. http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/seacoast08/mballotte The Lapband was the best decision I've ever made for myself! From someone who could barely make it up a set of stairs, to actually looking forward to walking 13.1 miles...is nothing short of a miracle for me. Hooray for all of us who are getting healthier one step at a time!:thumbup:

Dear Gotta, Thank you! Yes, you WILL be healthier, you are well on your way by just making this decision for yourself. Congrats on your consult...hopefully you'll have a surgery date soon! I remember thinking the day of my surgery...today is the FIRST day of a whole new life! And it was! Blessings, Mary

Hi Jazzy, You might want to check with your insurance carrier about weight loss surgery and their own required BMI (with or without comorbidities in order to qualify)...they may have a specific BMI range that could be different from another insurance. I was fortunate to have BCBS which has been great for me. They approved my band surgery right away. I also got approval for my panni removal the first time submitted but paid for just the "muscle tightening" myself since that is considered cosmetic and not part of the pani surgery by BC. Dr. Lalikos was great and I highly recommend her! I also have insurance approval for a breast reduction and am scheduled for November 14!!! BCBS approved it so I'm going for "plastics-round 2!!" I am opting to do my arms at the same time, but I will have to pay for those myself since they are not covered by insurance as a medical necessity. you've done a great job losing weight so far! Just be sure to check with your insurance about the BMI qualifications. Hope you're having good luck with your job hunt! :thumbup:

Hi Robyn! Hope you made it to the meeting, if not, maybe the next one! Hi Kathryn Rose! SO good to meet you!!! It was a pleasure, and I can't wait till we meet again at the next meeting! So cool that we live close...call me if you'd like a walking buddy some evening! I'd be glad to meet you. let me know when you feel like your fills are "kicking in." Hi Amm...Missed you! Looking forward to the next one when we can chat again. Hpe you're doing well! Hello Yvonne! So glad you found us too! It was great to meet you Thursday night and THANK YOU for stepping up and asking about the band during the meeting. Bandsters are usually in the minority so unless someone asks a band related question, we don't always get a chance to say, "Helloooo....I have a band and would be glad to talk with anyone who has questions!" LOL! Congratulations on your walking regime!! Walking has been a GREAT help to me during the past two years. As to your questions: No, there was no special "diet" required beforehand. As to "stocking up"...LOL, I actually ate way LESS than I ever dreamed after surgery, but good suggestions for directly after include: sugar free popsicles, Laughing Cow cheese bites (soft and good Protein in beginning), plenty of Water, broth Soups (I strained out the noodles, etc. when on liquids afterwards) and Carnation Instant Breakfast or other Protein drinks (nice to have some on hand that are fruity tasting and water based, instead of milk based...you get sick of the CIB pretty quickly...). Protein requirement after surgery is min 45-60 grams per day, unless you are over 5'8" then it's over 60g. (Milk is a good source and I'd make "frappes" with my protein drinks and ice in the blender.) Once you met with the surgeon, HE will submit to your insurance based on whether he feels you are ready to move on to that final step. It won't be until you complete all the other requirements. This is the BEST decision I ever made for myself, and based on your positive attitude, you'll feel the same way soon. Blessings, Mary

Hi Kathryn Rose! I'll be there about 5:30...I'm 5'3 wear glasses, dark shoulder lenght hair, and wearing a pink button down shirt! Hope you get this before you leave! Hope to meet you. Mary

Welcome to Robyn (how did your appointment go?) and Amanda! Just a reminder about the surgical discussion group meeting that meets Thurs. Aug. 28. The meeting is open to all post-op Weight-loss patients AND anyone else who just has questions, etc! Hope you can come! Hi Amm, So sorry you will be missing the meeting, I was looking forward to seeing you again this month! the fill will definitely help. I am definitely going to be there, so anyone new who'd like to chat, please let me know and we can hook up! I'd be happy to arrive half hour early and spend some time with you. I am 2 years and 8 months out from my band surgery, 160 lbs lighter, and SO much healthier and happier! It was the BEST thing I ever did for myself.:thumbup: Looking forward to meeting any other bandster who attends the Thursday meeting!

I can get there earlier too! Awesome amm! Good for you!! I felt good after my appt with Dr. C this week too....finally dropped 4 pounds after being plateaued for 4 months. I got a fill which will help too. Looking forward to talking with you too, I'll look for the knitter!

Dear Fergie, It's never too late to succeed with your band! You still have the tool in place, you probably just need to brush up on your band habits, like those suggested above, and get another fill if you need it. You are not a failure unless you fail to keep trying...I think every one of us has a long history of dieting, losing, gaining it back, then feeling like a failure..However, kudos to every one of us (including YOU) for NOT saying it's the end, deciding to try again, and again, and again if necessary. It's taken me a lifetime to find this band which is working well for me. I had given up many times along the way, but SO glad I gave it one more try!! You will too. You can do this, I just know it!!! When you need help, just ask! This site is so full of wonderful people who are great encouragers. Soon YOU will encourage others too, I can just tell! After all, it tookg reat courage to post how you were feeling! YAY! First step over ....now one step at a time to good health!! Blessings, Mary

Hi All, Just a reminder there's a meeting at UMass tomorrow at 6:00 (Thursday July 24). Amm, I'm looking forward to meeting you at 5:30 (Sorry, I wrote 6:30 in last email) in the auditorium. Anyone else who'd like to meet us is welcome!! Mary

To reiterate the last post, please don't wait too long. Being too full is NOT good. :scared2: Bad acid reflux can be hazardous to your health AND to the band! I was too full once and had the same problems, I suddenly developed a lung infection which I believe may have been caused by aspirating at night. Being too tight can also affect your nutrition as well...when I'm too tight I tend to eat "mushies" , often comprised of carbs like mashed potato, instead of good protein and veggies. Your fill should be at a level that makes eating good foods possible, but with restriction to the quantity noticable. Try not to eat past 6 or 7 in the evening while you're waiting to get an unfill, and sleep with your head up if possible. Tighter is not always better. Keep us posted! Mary

Hi Amm, YAY! I'll look for you at 6:30 in the meeting room next Thursday, July 24! If anyone else can join us, feel free!!! I've always found that talking out what's going on helps me get back on track or find another path that works... it will be really nice to meet you!:thumbdown: Mary

Hi Amm, I wasn't sure if we could get in early, but if we can, why not?? I' m good with that, not going to the caf is better for me too, just thought it would be a place to sit. I'd even be happy to meet outside on the lawn . Do you want to shoot for 6:30 in the meeting room?? It will be nice to share a bit with each other. I've learned that even the simplest suggestions can sometimes spur me on and encourage me during the month. Hopefully some others will join us. Mary

Hi Mich, Congratulations on your banding date!! It will come up soon, and you'll be on your way! That's exciting! It will change your life! To Lucy, Amm, Mich, Kathryn, and any other bandster out there who's reading this....would you like to get together the next meeting date at UMass about a half hour early , maybe in the cafeteria? It would be nice to meet you all face-to-face. Or maybe after the meeting for a little bit? I'm willing if anyone else is... Looking forward to meeting some of you! Mary:shades_smile:

Hi All, I was SO sorry to miss the June meeting, I had another commitment I just couldn't change. I hadn't heard about the post-op meetings, sounds like a good improvement to follow-up. I dont usually miss a meeting, but just couldn't help it this month. I go specifically to be at least one succesful bandster who others can talk to. AMM, so glad YOU made the meeting, I'd like to meet up with you next one if possible. There is no question that bandsters ARE different than the bypass patients in many ways, and they NEED threir own peer group help...They took a survey a few months back about what we'd like to see or have changed at the Thurs meetings, and I wrote a whole litany of thoughts regarding bandsters... nothing has changed thus far but if others speak up, maybe it will! My first 2 years I was online with bandsters all the time to get that support. I really didn't get it at the UMass group meetings, but I DID find a great band-buddy there who has become a great friend which was certainly worth going to the meetings for! :biggrin: I've been plateau-ed for over three months now (since my panni surgery). Have started counting calories again this week, hope it helps nudge the scale again since I've added lots of activity the past month with the good weather. WATERMELON is my best friend this summer!!! :smile2: I'd really like to lose another 20 lbs before the end of the year. Have a WONDERFUL holiday weekend all, REMEMBER, there are many more holidays and cookouts in your future in years to come...THIS one can be a good eating experience if you plan well and it WON't set you up for guilt later....(I hate when I do that to myself :biggrin:) I'm going for Protein, veggies, and fruit...the rest will be there when I want it on another day! HAPPY FOURTH! Mary:patriot: