beckn

Hi Leah, I have been feeling somewhat discouraged lately too. I had my band on May 12th. I lost about 15 lbs pre surgery and have lost about 8 lbs since surgery. I have had one fill. I am only able to get a few bites of solids before it comes right back up. I do better with the protein drinks but it is difficult not being able to eat with my family. I am only getting in about 800 cals per day and haven't dropped a pound in 2 weeks. I have been exercising every other day for 30 min. In the past if I ate under 1000 cals a day I dropped weight like crazy. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. My cals are good low fat proteins and I am eating zero junk foods. Occasionally I will have a 4 oz glass of wine. I have lost about 23 lbs since May 1st so I should be happy I guess, but I sure thought it would be more by now. I wanted to be under 200 for my son's wedding on July 19th. I now weigh 205. Help!! Becky

You do look mighty cute Phyl!! Becky

Denise, melting fat around my middle.....sounds good to me. I know that it usually takes a couple of fills to find the "sweet spot" I am learning as I go with the help of people like you and my fantastic surgeon. Meanwhile I am happy to say that my BP yesterday was 116/62!!!! It hasn't been that low in about 30 years WooHoo!! I am feeling fantastic and my emotional health has improved. I know that there will be ups and downs on this journey just as in life, but I know that I have you all to help me through and keep me truckin. Have a great day. P.S. Everyone say a little prayer for my surgeon who lost his home in a horrible fire that has claimed many homes in our area of Butte County, Calif. It has burned over 20,000 acres and at the last count 40 homes and one life have been lost. I pray that they will be able to contain it soon now that the winds have died down. Thanks, Becky

Hey Denise, thanks for the post. Now I understand why I wasn't losing much after my surgery even though I was following my doctors guidelilnes. I had my first fill a week ago and I have finally started to see some progress! I have good restriction now and can only eat very small meals at a time. I really reallly have to chew well and go slowly. Getting in my 8 glasses of water is still a challenge. I have been averaging about 4-6 glasses a day so I know I have to put more effort into that. I have also joined a gym so I am off to get my exrercise in ( which is like pulling teeth for me to go but once there I am glad that I did it) I know I have to work with my tool. Becky

Hi Everyone, just wanted to say that I got my first fill yesterday.....piece of cake. I can't take in much at one time now. When I made my protein shake this morning it took quite a long time to get it all down and I was full. I am supposed to do liq pro for 2 days then pureid for 2 then soft for 2 days then back to regular foods. I had 1.5 cc added to my 10cc band. It made a hugh difference. Now maybe i can really start losing weight. Becky

Happy birthday Lynn, welcome to the fabulous fifties. I am okay with aging as long as I do it healthily. I am hoping to kick this overweight thing so I can be active as I age. I am going to be 59 this month so I am hoping that when I hit the big 60 next year I will be at goal weight. I was banded 5/12 and will have my first fill on 6/11. If I can just loose 5 lbs per month I will be very close to goal. Lets all just keep encouraging each other to goal. I will be here for you and i know you will there for me. Best wishes, Becky

Hi Judy....welcome back! I am a fairly new Lap Bander. It has been about a month for me and I will have my first fill this week. I am struggling somewhat on the weight loss. I initially had some good weight loss at first but have had no loss for over 2 weeks. I hope things get better after my fill. I am trying to stay positive and focused. So far I have seen very few negative posts and that is why I keep coming back. I can't stand to be around judgemental people and will avoid them whenever possible. We are all in this together and I use this post for most of my daily information and support. I get on here every morning and evening. We need to support each other and give constructive information and opinions. It sounds like you are doing great and have had a great experience with your doctor in Mexico. I have suggested to my friends who don't have insurance to look into the surgeons in Mexico. Hope to hear from you again real soon. Best wishes, Becky

Thanks Gwen, that was a great post for all us regular exerciser wanna bees. Becky

Frisky, I don't think trying popcorn is such a good idea. It seems like something that could easily get stuck in the band. You better talk with your doctor first. Becky

Thanks Janet, I needed a little kick in the *#@% today. I am going to focus on the good things that have happened for me since the LB. One thing, I am having a new appreciation for the yummy taste of good wholesome foods. I have done so much of the Jenny Craig fake foods that it tastes so good eating normally in smaller portions. Last night I tried something that didn't settle very well though. I made a nice green salad with low fat vinegerette dressing (just a touch for taste) I made whole wheat penne pasta with organic basil marinara sauce and low fat chicken meat balls. It was wonderful and I only had a small portion but I had the worst stomach pains all night. It must have been the ww pasta I guess. This is really a learning experience. Tonight I am planning grilled salmon steaks, grilled asparagus and grilled red potatoes. I will concentrate on small bites, chewing throughly and small portions. I got on my eliptical machine for 10 min and will walk my dog in the park later today. Oh I almost forgot....I better start on my water, I am a little behind. I am trying not to weigh everyday but I still do it. Maybe I should throw the old scale away! I feel better after being on this site. You all keep me honest and my head in reality. Baby steps! I guess I was focusing on trying to be in my onesies for my sons wedding. I am 208 today and my son's wedding is July 19th. I know the thing that will make me look the best on that day is a big smile and a positive attitude. My family loves me just the way I am and I am a very lucky lady. Thanks for the boost....I needed it! Becky

Hi Yvonneb, I have been feeling a little discouraged lately too. During the protein drink phase I lost like crazy but since eating foods I have not dropped a pound. I am eating about 800-950 cals per day, getting good proteins, no junk foods, plenty of water, increasing my exercise but nothing is happening. I had my LB on May 12th and I will have my first fill June 11th. I hope the weight starts to come off because I am starting to feel like one of the low percentile too. I am trying to keep a good attitude. I think today I might just go back to the protein drinks only for a couple of days and see if anything budges. Glad to hear that the fill wasn't uncomfortable. How did he access the site? Did he use xray or ultrasound or just by feel? Becky

Hi Dandy, Yes I have been feeling the same way. Just lately after I eat I feel some pain and pressure at my port site. I kind of sit way back in my recliner and put a little pressure with my hand at the site and it relieves the discomfort somewhat. I am wondering if it is gas pains. I am having my fill on Thurs and will discuss this with my surgeon then. I know that I have been eating a little more than when I was first banded. I am kind of glad that someone else is having the same experience. Not that I wish anyone any pain or pressure, but maybe it just means that it is normal. Becky

Hi Frisky, I have to say that this has been my challenge too. I still want to eat fast and take big bites. I was banded on May 12th and will have my first fill on 6/11. This morning I really concentrated on chewing, chewing, chewing. I had 1/4 cup egg beaters with 1 link chicken sausage = 150 cal and 20 gms protein. I made myself eat slowly. Now I feel full and satisfied. I realize that the old habits will take time to overcome and maybe never so I have to be conscious about how and what I am eating. These posts have been so helpful to me. I feel like I am on this site all the time too for support. I haven't made it to our local support group yet. They are the first Thurs and last Wed of each month and I have not been able to go because of work. I know if I didn't have this site I would be lost. Thanks for all the helpful posts. Becky

Even better!

It is the little things in life that mean so much. Wishing you happy bubble baths forever!!!!! Becky

Hi BeckyO, I can only speak for myself but I have no regrets about having the LB. The whole experience was pretty easy for me. A few days of discomfort is so worth the fact that now I have a tool for life to help me control my portions. I hardly realize that I have the band until I forget and eat too much, then it just kind of comes back up. It is a great behavior modification tool. I have been in many social situations lately with lots of food and drink options but I am able to join in the festivities and just have a small amt of the foods. I think this is just a liberating experience. I don't feel deprived in any way, just in control. I feel better mentally and physically since I had my LB on May 12th. I will have my first fill June 11th. It all comes down to you making your own educated decision and then letting go of the fear and just go for it! If you decide this is not for you then be ok with that decision. I am so happy that I went for it and have no regrets. Best Wishes, Becky N

Yeah, I can't wait till I can throw all my old granny panties away and get some sexy ones from Victoria's Secret!! Ha Ha....Not!! But at least some cute hip hugger panties. I haven't had any weight loss for a couple of weeks but my clothes are getting loose too. I am bagging up some to take to the next suport group. They have a clothes exchange. Becky

Hi Boo Boo, I have noticed that all my aches and pains are going away too. It is so wonderful to wake up in the morning and not be in pain. That has been an added bonus that I wasn't counting on. Yay fabulous fifties! Becky

Janet, I always appreciate your imput. You have time and success under your belt (a much smaller belt I might add) I would rather be eating foods than the protein drinks anyday. I have been having scrambled eggs, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, ground turkey patties, low fat yogurt, lowfat string cheese, mushed up beans, humus, a little mashed potatoes from time to time, tuna with a little fat free mayo. What other protein choices do you suggest? Are there any of these that I should not be eating? I know the potatoes are probably not a good choice but I have the small red potoes and mash them up with a little skim milk just once in awhile. What about the South Beach pre made fozen meals in a pinch, like to take to work sometimes. I have been walking my dog in the park in the evenings and using my eliptical machine at home but I haven't been consistent. The exercise factor has always been a hugh challenge for me. I am going to ride my bike today for 30 min. I know that my sister and I can't always work out together. Once I get started at the gym I know that it will be up to me to go on a regular basis. My plan is to go before work 3-4 days a week. If I wait until after work I can always find an excuse not to go. Instead of sitting in the morning sipping coffee and reading the newpaper I can go to the gym instead. I always enjoy it once there but it take alot of mental talk to get my butt in gear. Thanks for taking the time to listen and advise. I value your opinion very much. Becky

Hi Teri, enjoy your vacation, sounds like a lot of fun. My goal this week is just to exercise more, have a protein shake in the evening because that is my tricky time too, and try to stay off the scale for a week. Thanks for your post. Becky

I am trying not to be frustrated with myself too. Since I went off the liquids and have started eating I haven't lost any weight in about 2 weeks. I initially could only get in about 500 cals per day and have worked up to 800 cals per day but I notice myself wanting to snack again and have things I know that I shouldn't be having. Last night I went to a wedding shower for my soon to be daughter in law and I had a margarita and chips, ham, and a little cake. I ended up having to run to the bathroom to throw it back up. It is not really throwing up, it just came right back up. Today I have told myself that I will only have protein drinks until this evening. I am throwing a 30th birthday party for my son. I am just going to have a protein drink before we eat and then just have a few bites. I am going for my first fill on 6/11 and my sister and I are joining a gym this week. Becky

Yeah, I remember how hard it was at first to get out of bed. I would roll onto my side and then push up using my arms then swing my legs to the floor. Once I was up I was fine. I am now able to sleep on my tummy and side instead of my back. I use lots of pillows to support my back and one between my legs. It does get easier each day until it is just a memory. Becky

Hi Ada, after what you have been through this will be a piece of cake. You are only in the operating room about 60 min and one night over in the hospital. The incisions are tiny and heal up pretty quickly. It is really important to get up and get moving as soon as possible to prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. They gave me heparin injections to prevent clots and sequentials ( leg booties that massage your legs). They also give you anitbiotics IV to prevent infection. I was back to work in one week and doing well. Everyone is different. I am 58 years old so I'm not a youngster. I am feeling so great and in control of my eating portions for the first time in 50 years. I feel like exercising again which is a major change for me. I just don't see any negatives about this proceedure. You will get a lot of support and advise on this website. Do your research and find your comfort zone. I would recomend this to anyone who has health problems due to obesity. Best Wishes to you on your journey. Becky

WOW, Marie I was thinking about joining a gym but maybe I will look into the Wii Fit. Do you need alot of room? I have just a small den where my t.v. is. How much does it cost? Becky

Yes, i would love to hear some good protein sources that go down easily in these first few months after LB. So far I am doing well with cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, ground turkey, yogurt, scrambled eggs, tomato soup with some protein powder or cottage cheese added, tuna fish with a little light mayo, and of course the old standby, protein smoothies. Any other ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Becky