sara7venus

I was somewhat of a binger, especially on days when I had high levels of stress going on. I have had to deal with my food issues very head-on, and I decided to pay attention to what it is that makes me want to eat. I have made a conscious decision not to let food control me; when I have an urge to eat something that I shouldn't, I think it through from a logical standpoint, and usually just wait until the urge passes. I'm at a very good level of restriction now, and I'm feeling more in control than ever. It's awesome! I will say, though, that I've made many lifestyle changes that take a lot of work. I track EVERYTHING I eat, without fail. This helps me logically assess what I should and shouldn't be eating. The emotional part of it has gradually become a different habit. I do something else! I'm really happy!:rolleyes2:

Maybe it's best if you just don't discuss your surgery with your family, if they're not supportive. I made it a point to keep my surgery a secret from almost everyone I know (except my husband and parents), simply because I was afraid that I would hear all the unsupportive crap that everyone has to say. "It's the easy way out". Well I'm here to tell you that having the band is NOT easy. It's the most difficult thing I've ever done! It is a whole different lifestyle. And you CAN make bad choices with the band. The band doesn't stop ice cream from going down, and it doesn't stop cookies, either (for the most part). I just got to a good level of restriction with my 14cc band, and I am now eating roughly 1100 calories per day, while not being hungry AT ALL. This would simply not be possible without the band. If I were eating this many calories previous to having the band, I would be going nuts from hunger, and would probably be unable to concentrate on my work/daughter, and have little or no energy. This way, I am totally satisfied eating a VERY small portion, and I don't have that need or want to keep eating. I just CAN'T eat anymore. Feeling stuffed after eating a hardboiled egg is an awesome feeling! I have lost 30 or so pounds since June, and I feel GREAT. You can't change your families' minds, but you can decide not to let their opinions affect the decisions you make. You are more important than that.

I had the same thoughts that you've mentioned, about the band... This was several years ago, when I was first married. I was scared to death about getting it. After I had my daughter in 2006, however, I realized that my health is more important than to just LOOK good or feel good (even though that's important too). I need to be around for my children. I don't want to have gestational diabetes with my next pregnancy. I want to stave off diabetes and heart disease for as long as possible. I am WORTH it. Yes, I have accepted that there are things about me that I can't change. I have a weakness for anything with chocolate in/on/around it, or anything made with heavy cream and eggs BUT, I also have learned to accept that I am who I am because I LOVE who I am. And I deserve more than to cram myself into a seat on an airplane. I deserve to be able to buy any clothes I want, and to look damn good in them! I have lost roughly 35 pounds since my surgery in June, and I just had another fill last Thursday. The band is now the tightest it's ever been, and it's definitely more effective than it had been! I am eating around 1100 calories per day, taking my Vitamins, exercising, and enjoying every minute! I am not hungry every second of the day anymore, and I'm not feeling deprived at all. I have so much more time to focus on the really important things (which are NOT food, by the way). I am focusing on enjoying my 2-year-old daughter and my husband. I am focusing on excelling at work. I am focusing on having men opening/holding doors for me and people actually treating me like a human being. I am enjoying this! I know that you have to be psychologically prepared for it (definitely!!!), but I'm only 31. I am surprised that it takes some people until they're in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s to make this decision. I am looking forward to living the best years of my life the way I should be. I should be healthy, happy, and beautiful (I already think I'm a beautiful person - this is how I came to the realization that I deserve so much more than what I currently have). But this is a choice, above all. It's definitely been a transition for me. I was a slow loser, at first. But the tighter my band has gotten, the more weight I've lost. The more weight I've lost, the more motivated I've become. The more motivated I've become, the more dedicated I am to making this work for me. It's a positive cycle of positive change. But, in the end, I *want* to do it. No one told me to do it; no one suggested it to me. I was self-pay for my surgery. I took a loan from my 401(k) and sold some stock (turns out selling was the best thing I could've done, judging from the current economy!). I have the will, and the desire to achieve my goals. And someday I WILL weigh 140 pounds (or less, even). I know this. The lap band will help me get there, but I'm the one making the decision to work hard to get there. You need to make that decision for yourself. If you're happy being the way you are, that's great. But it honestly doesn't sound like you're happy - at least not from what you've written. You need to decide what is most important to you, and for your personal happiness. Does food *really* make you happy? I think if you look deep down, you'll find that it doesn't make you happy. I had to come to a lot of really difficult realizations about myself, including that I just can't eat certain foods. I can't. Not just because they're not good for me, but also because I can't control myself when I eat them. It's just the way it is. I can accept that, and change things in order to control that aspect of my personality/life. It's my choice, and my life - just as it is your choice and your life. I wish you ALL the best. Take care. We are all here for you, no matter what your decision is. Regards, Sarah H.

I have never been too tight, but I CAN tell you that it sounds like you definitely had some food stuck! Sliming is just un-fun. AND it ain't pretty. Best of luck - it sounds to me like you're too tight, but you probably haven't slipped. Slippage usually happens when patients go way too long with a band that's too tight. Try to keep in mind that having a band requires maintenance ... You will probably need to keep going back for fills/unfills for several years. That's why I'm really glad that I like my surgeon! Take care, Sarah H.

Joiful, I understand that it must be frustrating not to have restriction, but I kind of find it hard to believe that the 9cc's in your band are still there. Your Dr. should pull all the saline out to confirm how much there is before he/she decides whether or not to give you more fills. No one here is against Tom - I want Tom *and* you to both know the feeling of early satiety. I realized after I got the band that I wasn't as much of an emotional eater as I thought - my surgeon confirmed to me that I have a large stomach ... But he also told me not to get too hung up on it. I have had four fills, and I feel that I am ALMOST at my sweet spot. food still goes through too fast, but I am definitely able to go for longer and longer periods without eating, AND without feeling hungry. I strongly suggest that both you and Tom check out Melissa McCreery's emotional eating seminars. She addresses the issues people face regarding emotional hunger, and how a person's brain begins to see emotional need as physical hunger, when it is *emotional* hunger and need that should be addressed. Try to have an open mind, and address issues that might be preventing you from feeling full. Part of this process of losing weight is just acknowledging that we are imperfect, and that we just are who we are, for better or for worse. Self-love should be uncomplicated, but it's not. Just a word from someone who has been through many many painful episodes of self-discovery. I am who I am, and I love who I am ... I hope you find that for yourself. Best regards, Sarah H.

My doctor also advised me to wait a year before getting pregnant, due to the bodily changes happening, and learning to eat with the band. I am not pregnant right now, but I am 4-months post-surgery, and can't really see myself having morning sickness! It has been wonderful for me not to have heartburn and acid reflux since my surgery, and I can't imagine what constant nausea must be like, with the band! I know someday I will know (I have one daughter now, and we plan on having more), but I'm really glad that I haven't gotten pregnant so far. I think, personally, a year is just enough time. Hopefully by next June I will have lost at least 60 or so pounds, in addition to what I've lost already. That would be awesome. As far as the ginger soda goes, go for it. You're pregnant, and I know how morning sickness can be. Do whatever you need to do - no one will be judging you! Haha ... Take care, Sarah H.

First and foremost, you need to drink Water for #2 to be easier. Drink drink drink!!! If you're not eating, you should be drinking. I try to drink at least one or two cups of water/propel between meals. Also, eat your vegetables. Eating meat with hardly any bread/grains/veggies will constipate you every time. Try taking benefiber before your meals (you might want to think about also taking some anti-gas meds too, which are also stool softeners). I hope this helps. If the pain gets worse, you should call your Dr.

I don't think that sounds right. You should be able to do what you need to do. I wouldn't pay that Dr. anything further, until you discuss it directly with him. When you start feeling unnecessary pressure like that, there's something wrong. I once had a Dr. tell me that he was going to put me on Phentermine, and that my "insurance won't cover it", so he'd charge me $60/office visit (instead of the $20 co-pay w/ BCBS), and that he would supply me with the Rx instead of Walgreens, because Caremark wouldn't cover it either. Needless to say, I never went back to see that Dr., and proceeded to look into getting the lap-band surgery. I have now had 4 fills, and am losing 2+ pounds per week. I have never felt pressured, one way or the other, from my surgeon, or anyone in the office. I was charged a flat fee, and I have not been asked to pay any more. Best of luck to you! -Sarah H.

It's really amazing how much difference the band makes, once it starts getting more full. I've been an emotional eater, too, but these days I have to really focus on it and make sure that it doesn't get the best of me (I still have my moments, but nothing too serious!). Anyway, it's awesome, to me, that it is possible to NOT be hungry for such long periods of time. I can't say that I never have head hunger, but just the early feeling of satiety and the length of time I feel full has really changed my perspective and helped me find ways to fill up my life with things OTHER than food. It also helped me realize that I was less of an emotional eater than I thought. I have a 14cc band, and my surgeon confirmed to me that I have a large esophagus and stomach. I guess that explains the large appetite! Haha ... My surgeon also said not to get too hung up on it :thumbup: so I'm not ... haha... It just makes sense now! Best of luck, DesertRose! -Sarah H.

Hi there. I was banded June 19. My weight loss was slow, at first, but now it's about 2-3 pounds per week, since my last fill. I had 4 fills in a 14cc band, so I'm probably at 6 or 7cc's. I have a little restriction, but I'm exercising and following the plan to the best of my ability. I eat lean meat; a lot of chicken and turkey. I also stay away from soft foods, except I do eat yogurt/drink a yogurt smoothie once in a while. It actually helps me stay fuller, I think, because it actually has Protein. I don't eat cheese (except for low-fat or in very small quantities). I also just try to eat low-carb. Rice and Pasta are definitely off-limits, and I eat LOTS of veggies. I hope that helps!

Jodi, I don't think anyone is "siding against Tom". We have all been where Tom is (as far as gaining weight goes). I think that Tom's Dr. should definitely give him another fill if he wants one ... but looking at it from the physician's perspective, maybe she doesn't want him to hurt himself by overeating or eating too fast (because - let's face it - it HURTS). If Tom is having pb's after eating bread, then his band probably *is* working. I'm at 6cc's in a 14cc band right now, and I feel *a little* restriction, especially in the mornings. BUT I'm losing 2+ pounds per week, because I watch my caloric intake, and I journal every bit of food that goes into my mouth. I'm not eating enough to *gain* weight. There must be a couple of things happening in Tom's case - one, his band is not working (yet), and two, he's eating enough to *gain*. If Tom had maintained his initial weight loss, his Dr. would likely be far more willing to give him as many fills as he desired. I do know that my surgeon will not give fills to people who have gained weight, and I think that makes sense (outside of any major health issues that might cause weight gain, such as taking certain medications). I'm on Tom's side, and I want him to do what's best for him, which is to lose weight. Sometimes thinking realistically is the best way to think, instead of placing blame in one place, which could possibly be ill-founded belief. If we all blamed lack of weight loss on our bands, we would probably have not lost any weight at all. Most of the weight loss is up to each of us, not just the band. That's really all I'm saying, not trying to be for or against anyone. Best, Sarah H.

Hi there. Is there anyone in the Lake County general area? I'm in Grayslake, and have run into a couple of Lake County bandsters, but it'd be nice to meet some more people, just to have a network of people who are in the same boat as I am in. It'd be great to get together for lunch sometime!

That's a great point, kossde. Protein really is key to losing weight and staying full. Even though I have hardly any restriction, with the little restriction that I *do* have, if I follow the plan and eat my protein first, I *always* stay full longer. It never fails. Also, eating more *lean* protein is healthier than eating lean carbs. Protein calories are more dense - you can get a lot fuller on protein than you can on carbs. It takes longer to digest the protein, and uses more calories to digest. Enzymes in one's mouth start breaking down sugars the second they hit your digestive tract, and it hardly takes any time to go straight to your bloodstream. It also takes hardly any time to leave your bloodstream, thus causing a sugar crash. My secret weapon has been eating poultry, pork tenderloin (always extra lean) and veggies at both lunch and dinner. I also count calories. With my low level of restriction, I have to make sure that I don't eat too much. I also want to get into the habit of eating less, and eating the right foods. Tom, if you stick with it, you will overcome these small obstacles. The bottom line is that if you're eating less calories than your body requires to maintain its weight, you will lose. If you eat more calories, you will gain. The band is meant to help with the hunger that so many of us struggle with. Try to see it as a tool, and see yourself as the ultimate answer to losing the weight. Again - you *are* worth it. You have a son - he's worth it too. I know that when my daughter was born, I started seeing myself in a whole new light. I started getting honest with myself about my food issues. I thought I could be happy and overweight at the same time, and that is just not true. I thought I could continue to diet and that "this time I'll lose the weight FOR GOOD". It just doesn't happen that way for some people. I've had to work *really* hard to lose these 22 or so pounds, and even though it's hard, it's been a LOT easier since I got the band. I hope you succeed and find the answers you're looking for. Take care, Sarah H.

Vicki, that is an excellent point. I have a 14cc band, I've had 4 fills, and I've lost 22 pounds since my heaviest weight. I'm not feeling a whole lot of restriction, and I'm hungry, but I count calories like a madwoman, and eat as much Protein as I can. I know that I am on a downward trend as far as weight goes, but I'm really just at the beginning of this whole process. I can see how it would be easy to gain weight if I didn't measure everything I eat. Nothing goes into my mouth before I know how many calories is in it, how that fits into my overall caloric intake, and whether or not it's a good idea. I just don't eat sweets. I eat meat, veggies, and the occasional carbs/starches. Once I get to my sweet spot, I am hopeful that the hunger will subside. Until then, I am working with what I have, which is a little restriction and a lot of will to lose! Tom, I think you need to find another Dr. to oversee your treatment. I drive a couple of hours to downtown Chicago (due to traffic) to have my fills, and I can tell you one thing - if my Dr. ever withheld a fill from me, I would have some serious questions for him. Take an honest look at yourself - maybe you have eating issues that haven't been adequately addressed? I know that I have plenty of head hunger, but I'm learning new habits these days; it's a lot of work. I have had moments of feeling like, "Why did I do this?!?!", but it passes, and when I lose the next pound or two, I realize that it's all worth it. Check out my blog - Strength - The Lap-Band Chronicles - Tales of Joy I talk about my emotional eating issues, and kind of go over where I've been with weight loss, and where I hope to be. I know that the band is not the complete answer; it's just a piece of the puzzle. The rest of it is up to me. I wish you all the best, and that you get the support you need from your Dr., your family, and most of all, yourself. You're worth the effort! Take care, Sarah H.

Congrats on your surgery, and all going well so far!!! I was banded June 19th, and had my first fill on July 31st. I'm looking forward to my 2nd fill tomorrow, August 21st. I heard, for the first time (see above post), of someone's port "flipping"/"detaching". I can't imagine it would be very common, due to the port being embedded and sutured into the abdominal muscle wall during surgery. You might be right about some stitches popping open inside, although if any "pop" sensation happened to me, I would definitely call my surgeon. I would suggest that you call your surgeon/Dr. and let them know what happened. If anything was really "wrong", you'd probably at least be in pain (see above post), if nothing else. Try not to worry until there is something to worry about ... and definitely call your Dr. Best of luck! -Sarah H.

Hi - after my first fill, I didn't have much restriction - my second fill is coming up this Thursday - so I basically chew everything really well, and eat until I feel restriction (which isn't very much). The only problem is that the food moves through too fast right now. I hope that my second fill brings me closer to my sweet spot! Best of luck! -Sarah H

2nd2none1 said: It is not true that low carb, high-protein diets are bad for anyone, with the exception of people who have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) or have trouble excreting Protein - most people do not have this problem! The only way that someone with PCOS is going to control her blood sugar is to eat less carbs. And when enough protein enters the equation, it equals better blood sugar control; this is a fact. Diabetics typically eat very low carb foods. Eating a low carb diet is a good alternative to taking Metformin, Glyburide, Glucophage, or any similar drugs. Of course, eating a pound of cheese and beef at every meal, or eating bacon and cheese with a side of tomatoes, is not good for a person. But eating a serving of chicken salad, a couple romaine leaves, and a slice of whole fiber wheat toast, is an excellent choice. There are many types of low carb, low GI foods that are very healthy, and I would urge anyone struggling with his/her weight to try eating low carb/low GI for a month, and see what the results are. I eat low carb, low fat (30% or less of my cals. from fat), and high fiber. I've lost 20 pounds since June, and I look forward to losing a lot more. Many websites will tell people that low carb diets are bad for them, and it's pretty obvious (most of the time) that these sites have specific agendas. There are many independent studies that prove that low carb diets (when properly managed) DO help lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, and assist with weight loss. It's up to each person to make the choice regarding whether that diet is right for them. Best of luck to you all! - Sarah H.

Hi all! I suspected PCOS post-pregnancy, when my weight went up to 289, and my cycles went up to 60 days, average. I was simply not ovulating, and having crazy mood swings. I talked to my Dr. about it, and he suggested losing weight and watching my blood glucose levels to alleviate it. I decided that, since I've been overweight for pretty much my entire life, the lap band is what I need. The pre-op diet helped me lose 18 pounds, and I've had one fill so far, feeling very little restriction. I'm watching calories and exercising, and I've lost an additional 2 pounds since my first fill (a week-and-a-half ago). I've ovulated twice since I lost the initial 18 pounds (since June 19), and have had cycles of about 35 days each. My blood glucose is also a lot better, post-banding, and I've been monitoring regularly since I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes. I got down to 240 in the 6 months after my daughter was born, but my glucose levels were still not as good as they are now. I don't know why, since it would make sense that the levels would go down as weight goes down. I have a hunch that this may be why I've been ovulating regularly and have been feeling so much better. Maybe that's why PCOS patients have better luck after banding? Just a thought.

I think that a high A1C test would be an indication for quicker surgery. But that's just IMHO. All the best to you, Sarah H.

My experience tells me that an esophagram/endoscopy combination procedure is indicated when a patient has had serious reflux/heartburn issues, such as when damage to the esophagus is suspected (patient suffers painful swallowing, etc.). This is really the only reason that your surgeon/dr. would ever want to do an esophagram, as it is definitely a more invasive procedure, and potentially has more side-effects (such as effects coming from having anesthesia, etc.). Just a tidbit for ya'. I hope you get your surgery in August! Best, Sarah H.

An ECG/EKG is an electrocardiogram, which basically is a graphic display and printout of the rhythm of your heart. Check out this link for some more info. on it. I hope that helps! Good luck finding the resources you need. I basically just called my local hospital (that works best with my insurance) to schedule all my pre-op testing. Your surgeon's office should be able to tell you at least one or two places you can go to receive your surgery. -Sarah H.

It is called an "Upper GI" to most of us, but what I understood from my Dr.'s order was that it was an "Esophagram" and "Fluoroscopy" with a Barium Swallow. My test was indicated because I have had reflux in the past, and my surgeon was probably trying to detect a hiatal hernia. My test went swimmingly, and no hiatal hernia was detected. Yay for me! It's really not a big deal; good luck with it! :thumbup: Take care, Sarah H. :biggrin2:

I was banded on June 19 and am having my first fill on July 31. I don't know what "PBing" is ... AUGH! Can you PM me and tell me what that is? Haha. I guess my morbid curiosity is my first priority... hehe... Take care, Sarah H.