sugrbear

Ok, here is my 2 cnts worth, Stop, take a deep breath,, if it isn't the middle of the night when this "hunger" hits,, get out of the house. I knew when I made the decision to get the band I had to change one other major thing. Get out more. I don't work outside my home, I have no family within 1700 miles, no connections here, I move every few years. When I travel back east to my kids and grandkids, I am on the go non stop, but when I am home, I am the complete opposite. I knew I would have to find reasons and ways to get out. I go to the gym, I go to the library and check out old books for sale, I go check out flowers at local nurseries, window shop, I love thrift stores,, I garden, anything to get me away from a tv and out amongst other people even if I am by myself. Go to a bookstore, the park, I go fishing. It has really helped me lot. I dont get pre-occupied by food or eating. Since I don't know your Dr rules for eating I would say, call them again and tell them what you are going thru, ask them for more specific help, my Drs guidlines allowed me to adjust my food choices so I was liq for only 48 hrs, then mushy real food to real food chewed well in small bites. I have yet to have restriction even after a fill, and you may not even after several fills. Everyone is different. If you continue to have overwhelming issues of feeilng hungry and out of control, I agree with other posts, you should consider speaking with someone further that can help you sort out those issue in a private personal setting. Lastly, don't damage your new pouch or esphogaus. Remember what they told you could happen if you ate too much or the wrong foods too soon ? We can stretch our new pouch, cause reflux issues, aggravaite other medical conditions etc. etc. Take care of yourself and your band ok,, good luck newbies.

I was banded in March and I made the decision not to tell anyone except my husband because bless his soul, he handed me the cash to do this. But I talked to him about keeping this between us and other bandsters and that is it. I feel like I have the personal pressure of wanting to succeed because of the finances involved, if it isn't the right thing for me, it won't be because I cheated. Next, I don't have much family, those I have love me unconditionally and would be sad they aren't here to support me right now. they all live 1700 miles away. The honest truth is, I did this because I needed a tool to help me. When and if people ask are you losing weight, and how, I can honestly say, I am working my butt off, and eating better and making better life choices. Any of us that have been banded now know how true that is. You really do work at this. I feel like the band just has made the work easier and gives me a feeling of accomplishment because it isn't coming back!!!!!!.. When my husband forgot our agreement and told the ladies that work for him and didn't tell me, I was disappointed and caught off guard the first time I went to his offices and I got, "how do you feel", "you look good", and didn't know why. I found out later, I now don't really want to go back in because I feel like they are going to be looking to see "did she loose any more", wondering if I lost enough, etc, . they are nice ladies, but It feels very odd now. I probably won't go in for a while. We will see. I will see my family in late June and that will be nice. They know when I work out I can lose weight, but now they will notice when I leave and come back in August and November I am smaller not larger. yeah You do what you are comfortable with.

Oh yeah, coachcher, that would be for the entire conference,, and if for any reason that would change and my husband has to cancel coming, I would be happy to share the extra bed with another single lady at that time. Thanks Sugrbear

coachcher, put me down for a double room because myself and husband would be coming, we both use c=pap and prefer not to share a room with other people,, I am going to a support meeting tonight and will take this inform with me to pass on for you. ok,, catch up later, sugrbear

I exercise 3-4x a week in a gym and the other days I try to stay busy and active. Before my band, I didn't have the energy, I was too tired and felt defeated trying to lose weight because I knew I would just gain it back, but now I have a whole new approach. I like going to the gym now, even on days I don't feel so hot. Its too hot to work out and walk outside here in Texas so in a gym is the only way I will do it. I prefer not to melt away,, haha. Probably half the bandsters I know work out, half don't .

I also saw your friends invite on this site, but I don't really understand how all this works, when I quite working with computers in 92 everything was DOS and I hate computers, give me the old fashioned way to do things,, anyway I tried to respond to it. but have no idea if it worked, I dont want to put my yahoo email open to all lapband responses because it overloads my site. So for now I just try to find this thread every few days and check it out.

coachcher, I saw your dates up for the convention in dallas this october, it sounds great,, I am still learning how to use this site, very confusing. I thing I opened my email for this thread so we will see if it works,, if not you can contact me at jlmyers@dsmyers.com to provide additional inform regarding convention etc.

I made the decision not to tell anyone in my family about the surgery for several reasons. My husband of course knows because bless his soul, he handed me the cash to have it done, since I don't work any longer. Anyway, I felt like I had put a certain amount of pressure on myself to succeed with the band since my husband worked so hard to give this to me, if it isn't going to work, it can't be because I gave up or didn't try. My daughters would actually be very supportive but live 1700 miles away with my grandkids and this was something I didn't want them worrying about right now. They can't be here physcially for me and I know they would want to. I also didn't want the other people I know back there and here wondering, did I lose weight, how much, etc etc,, I don't want it to be a consuming thing. I recently told a newbie, learn to "live" with your band, not be "consumed" by it, which I think could very easily happen, especially in the beginning when we are just learning how to live with it. I also truly beleived before I got the band, it was just what they said, a "tool" and I was going to have to work my butt off even with the band. So as I lose weight if people ask me how I am doing it I am going to simply say, I am eating better, living better, taking better care of myself, because you know what I am. My husband and I discussed this, and he really thought I should tell my girls, but we didn't, later I found out he forgot we decided to tell no one at all, and I walked into his office several weeks after surgery to "how do you feel?",, "you look good",and didn't understand why, he has 10 women who work for him,,, turns out he told them about my surgery,, It upset me he told them, it has made me not want to go back into his office because I dont want them to look and wonder, etc,, you know what I mean. It is an odd feeling, and I know these girls,, they are nice,, but it seems strange now. anyway,, that was my way to handle it.. Maybe later I will change my mind, who knows only time will tell. So far I was banded on March 28, had my first fill on April 24 and am doing great, I have lost steadily since day one, and am happy. I work out 3-4x week and have had no negatives yet. I eat well, food I like and feel no restriction but am losing.

I couldn't stomach the idea of blending meat in a blender either, how gross that sounded. I don't care much for protein shakes although on busy days I will make a small one to make sure I get all my protein. I found by mashing real everyday food I felt more like I was having a real meal but I wasnt hurting my band or stomach because it was mashed and small portions. Now, I dont have to mash, I just take very small bites, and chew well and I can eat wverthing everyone else is eating just in smaller portions and I don't use the fattening margarines etc. Eating out has not been an issue because of this approach. I get a small serving of something I like, or an appitizer, eat only what I should, give my husband the rest or take it home. Later I realize this may change when it is time for a 2nd fill and the restriction level changes but each fill you go prepared and see what happens.

I have posted responses to this same question before, for me, I mash everyday foods, breakfast I have scrambled egg, I mash carrots, broccolli, sweet potatoes, spinach, beets, when I say mash, I mean with a fork to a small consistency then I make sure I take small bites and chew really well, I love most all veggies but they have to be fresh or frozen, so I just made sure they were steamed or cooked just well enough I could fork mash, season and eat. For protein, I like canned chicken of the sea skinles boneless pink salmon, it is moist and mashes down better than tuna, I add a little mayo, and it is great, I also use baked tilipia, baked chicken, cut up very small dark meat mostley, chew really well small bites,, I eat probably 75% fish now 25% chicken, turkey or pork. I have fresh fruit, love black raspberries, strawberris, canteloupe, banana, so I take tiny bites, chew up again real well, swallow. The first time you try any new food of course take it slow until you know if you can tolerate it. So far I have had 1 fill, I have no noticable restriction but have been steadily losing and can eat everything I have tried, yes, bread, pasta, all meats, veggies etc, but I use common sense. I stay in my portion size and do not push the envelope. I don't feel the urge to eat things I no longer need or over indulge in foods that are not healthy for me. I hope this helps you. It has for me.

If you check the labels on the soups you are eating, plus the protein drinks, you may be getting more than you think, remember you can't absorb more than 20grams at a time, but a scrambled egg has either 6 or 9 grams of proteins, don't have any right now to ck,,, bean soups have lots of protein, a slice of cheese,, etc, a small spoon of peanut butter (I use about 9pm if I feel a little hungry,small) canned salmon mashed up, again, just read everything your eating to see what actually has protein in it and then supplement it with the drinks if your short on total for the day.

AthinnerDenise,,I was touched by your last entry, I do not know your entire story as I just started monitoring this thread, but I do know family issues of these sorts can take the biggest tolls on our lives, I would say to you.. stop,, step back, take a deep breath and take stock of what you have already done, and don't worry if it has been good enough,, Do what you realistically can do and the rest will work itself out.. I really beleive God steps in and guides us in times like this if we remember to let him. I dont know your personal beliefs and would never want to offend you in any way,,, let god take your hand and lead you through this time, let him help you take this burden and lighten it. He knows where your heart is and what you have done. Don't beat yourself up over it. Is there anyway for you to have someone there assist you with some of the things you feel responsiblitiy for at this time? I know selling a home and personal items is very difficult but sometimes having a third party assist even if it means a small fee can ease the burden and emotional task it places on family to do this. I will keep you in my prayers.

willsmommy,,, if you don't feel you are ready for mushy real food, just back down to your liquids, and soups, liq protein shakes, yogurts, jello, sugar free pudding (if you can stand it),,,then slowly add the mushy stuff, like maybe for one meal at a time until you feel more ready. Cambells has a realy good Yellow Butternut Squash soup in the box which I found was perfect for this stage and taste great. .

willsmommy, not all surgeons put everyone on the same diet, for example my dr puts his patients on liquids for 48-72 hrs after surg then mushy food for next 4 wks so you can heal, I will say mash potatoe and gravy is not on the list to start. you shld be looking at things like, a scrambled egg, yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed broccolli, carrots, sweet potatoe is much easier and better for you than white potatoe, canned boneless skinless salmon with a tiny bit mayo, you want to be able to eat comfortably and heal, don't overfill your new pouch, you probably wont feel any restriction for a while and it can be easy to over extend it eating the wrong thing. Your dr may want you on mushy food, but stay away from white starchy food, yeast and gassy.. go protein first,,then veggie, then if room fruit. right now make sure you mash, chew slow and very well, I would stay away from graveies and sauces for now too. You need to get use to just having the band put in and healing,, and your mind is adjusting to your band too remember. Good luck, but definately call "your" Dr office and clarify what they want for "you" on their program. then put a plan together for yourself. ok, goodluck

Hi all, I just found this thread tonight and decided to join in the posts. I was banded March 28, 08. I started out at 214lbs and lost 10lbs the month before surgery just to get myself ready. Since surgery I have lost another 17lbs. I am 52 yrs old, I have 6 grandchildren all back on the east coast in Md and PA. I work out 3-4 x a week doing cardio mostly, was doing some upper body with a trainer but they pushed a little too hard, they forget we are not as young as they are when we start out. anyway, just suffered a bad shoulder muscle injury so Dr put me on 8-12 week restriction no upper body work. So far the band has worked for me as a great tool, it has helped me with cravings, mindless eating. I was never a fast food eater or even what they called a bad eater, just too high carbs and a stress eater. Yeah sucks eating too much good food is bad for you. But since my band, I don't feel the urge to go for food when I am not hungry. I am satisfied with so much less. I don't have any restriction and have been able to eat anything I have tried but so far, knock on wood, I haven't had the desire to push the envelope. I have a 10cc band, and I have 3cc in it. As long as I continue to lose slow and steady I feel like I will do just fine. I have gotten a lot of useful information from the sites and from going to group meetings. I enjoy sharing the things I learn and that work for me with others. I will be popping in and out of the site and hope to learn from many of you that have more experience living with the band. I will say this site is rather odd for me to figure out how to use. I have my email blocked due to the large number of emails I was getting flooding with, and it is not always easy finding these "threads" when you get back on. Any suggestions? Looking forward to talking with you .

tessa, I also use heating pads, but what has worked for me is hot mint tea, or biting into small, I do mean small candy mints, the sze of a pea, for some reason the mint helps move gas for me.

Hi, I am new to this thread, and No kittykoo I cannot relate to your situation but as a newer bandster maybe I can still help, with all that has been going on in your life is it possible you have not gone in for a maintence check on your band ? If not it is possible your fill is down allowing you to take in a little more than you have been noticing thus putting on the 10lbs that concern you. This was something that my Dr brought up to us about long term care. I can certainly see how this could happen given all you have been through. I've been told often long term bansters after reaching their goal will stop coming in for 6 months check ups forgetting their band fill levels can reduce from leakage, or those oh so popular hot flashes causing evaporation etc. even a small reduction can cause a change. I will keep good thoughts for you about this. I am sure you will recieve many suggestions to help you resolve the issue.

Try putting a heating pad on your tummy or back to help move the gas,, it really does help,,I have had several laproscopic surg with gas I know, also I find hot mint tea helps or tiny candy mints helps me if you don't have quick access to gas x strips,, then go buy gas x strips and keep around for the first month. When you feel the gas start to build up in your chest, get up and walk a little that will help it move out, then go back to your heating pad. Good luck,, it will pass.

Yes, use a heating pad, on your back, side, stomach, where ever you need it. Also use a pillow to support your stomach when sitting, or laying in bed on your side, I had mine so I could role my left leg onto it and the side of my stomach was supported also, it helps a lot. It does get better. I also used a back support I had for a few days over my shirt when I felt like I needed a little more support. Just for a few days. You will see a noticable improvement every few days, everyone is different, don't worry, you are not a wimp. Relax, that helps, too.

Sorry no post this week, Seems the last day I worked with my trainer just to get back on track, she managed to work me too hard and pull major muscles across right shoulder, collar bone, kneck, according to my orthopedic surgeon I am off all upper body workouts for apprx 8 weeks, pretty badly damaged, can't lift r arm over head etc,, anyway, did get cardio in 3 days, treadmill 25 min each day,, elliptokill! 2x's15 min 1x5 min, arm pain couldn't take anymore,, was in pool did laps 2 days 20 min each day, did hip ad/ abductors,,so I am staying on track, Dr says I can stay in pool, and keep up cardio,, back to see him in 4 weeks . Got hit with mild food poisoning also,, just not my week. Next week is a new week Have a great weekend.

Good luck, I am Dr Spivaks patient also, yes I think he is great,, you can email Wanda at spivakbandmd@yahoo.com she is always willing to answers questions for you. Dr Heller gives talks at her support meetings every so many weeks, I havn't been to that one yet but I am sure I will meet him at the next one. I was only banded in March.

I know someone who was going to him, and was not happy with the whole process, they had her go thru several months of liquid diet delaying her surgery, only then to tell her at begining of year they would no longer participate with her insurance, that was last straw for her. She found new Dr she loves, with in one week of seeing him, he had her approved and her surgery done, she is very happy now.

I bought the supplement Biotin, and have seen a significant improvement in hair loss and my nails are growing, something I have never had, I was losing hair before surgery and now looking back ever since my diagnosis border line diabetic and had to monitor myself, watch carb improve protein, so when I did surgery I started taking Biotin, is only like 2.50 a bottle in walmart where vitamins and supplements are and you can crush them. I would try that.

You sound a little high to me. Breakfast seems ok, but lunch and dinner seem like you should be at 3-4 oz,, I would also ck the fat content and carb level on the stew. I havn't read a can since i was a kid, but you dont want to be getting to much fat or too high carb. You want some carbs, but right now your protein is first. Check with your Dr and nutritionist. You probably need to cut back a little. Right now you are still healing even though you may feel great, you need to let your insides heal real well so your port and band stay in place. Don't over do it. But definately follow your Dr instructions, they are all different.

Sounds like a great event, I'm in from down here in Houston, I'd be interested in hearing surgeons talk about some of the problems some of the bandsters have encountered like the flipped ports, slippage, like more details on detection, solutions, etc. I would also like to hear from bandsters that are old hats at this, those that have gone the distance and how they stayed on course for years,,,and those who changed course say and decided to change their initial goal and why (+&-) to help us newer bandsters prepare for those later years. Coachcher, can I check on the status of your plans by checking the site? I have my email blocked, was getting flooded by far too many. Thanks, looking forward to a convention.