silvers320

She will change her tune in about 6-12 weeks as the lbs start to drop and you become horny like a 12 year old boy. The crack of dawn wasnt safe around me.

See Jim what happens is the guys start a tread and then the women take it over - the next time you know there are flowers all over the place and we are taking about periods! There are men here, different the minority - both because we are mostly likely banded in smaller numbers and a society believe that weight is a woman's issue. As far as the cheese - you will find most people on here will say - check with you doctor. So say no cheese, only low fat cheese etc. I eat cheese, when I was doctor shopping it was important that I found a doctor who was on the mind set that you should be able to eat anything you want - just in much smaller amounts. I used the liquid phase to really learn about food, portions, intake etc - I wasnt eating so I had time on my hands. Like they say A little knowledge goes a long way.

Who would ever think surgery would be the easy part??? But the fact is, for this it is. The lifestyle part is hell to master, but can be done. This board and its people are great, so welcome!

Only you (and the doc) can decide if its time for another fill but here are my thoughts: 1. Eating some pizza is fine- eating a whole pizza is a problem. If it was a one time mistake fine, but you can't continue the same behavior as pre-band and expect different results. 2. You acknowledge that you are an emotional eater. Did you get sufficient counseling to deal with these issues going forward? If not maybe that should make that call. 3. You acknowledge that you would allow other people to shame you into eating less food - see point #2 :smile: 4. Eating only one meal a day DOES NOT WORK. I did it for years and it does not work. You have to train yourself that your health is worth 30mins 3 times a day to eat. 5. I suppose you could go get a fill - but what happens the next time you have an emotional issue, if you haven't addressed the root of the problem? Not trying to preach but you asked for support. Its a battle but it is win-able. Good Luck

It took me over a year for insurance approval during that time I think I was so focused on approval - I never thought about the actual operation. In the days following the operation - I had a ton of doubts - "Why did I need this" "I can do it without outit " "Why did I put myself thru it". Again I think this was mostly because I was ill-prepared for surgery and hadn't found this website. Now - almost 9 months later and a port replacement (which meant 2 surgeries I hadnt counted on), I have no regrets are all. It's not a cure all but it works if you are willing to make changes.

I am not a doctor but here is what I can tell you. My first port became infected and was removed - leaving the band in tact for a month and 1/2 while I healed. After the second port was installed - I experienced some issues and discussed with my doctor leaving the band in place long term without a port. So it is possible. The port removal was a less then 20 min operation, if my insurance hadnt covered it - doc said he would have charged me $1,000. Good luck.

Funny I had Aenta and they required 5 years worth of proof of my BMI. I still ended up denied and appealed both to Aenta and the state insurance department and won. Point being there is hope. I would think if you can get the medical records from the earlier years that would help your case.

I can relate. I threw up Mexican on a street in NYC and up muffin on myself on a train. I think the train might win as the those worst LB public display ever. I vowed then that I would never eat anything "new" in public again. What I learned later was that it wasnt the newness, it was the fact that I waited too long to eat. I need to eat ever few hours, if I wait too long- I want to scarf it down too fast and then it wants to come back up I have been doing this and it seems to work for me.

I will admit that the pain from my 1st surgery was worst then I thought, I think I had underplayed the pain in my head. Bending, wearing a belt, pants all presented problems I hadnt counted on. Thankfully I have a job that I can go to dressed like a bum. Lasted about a week. The second surgery (a new port) was less painful from a body standpoint but way worse in terms of gas. Also lasted about a week.

John - good luck its right around the corner. I think you will find your goal is within reach. I was 296 and thought 200 was a believable goal. I learned how to re-eat, added some work outs and couldn't happier with the results. Good luck

Pre Band I was anti breakfast and would eat 2 huge meals in a typical day. Now I avg 5 small meals a day including a breakfast. I have to admit that breakfast makes a difference. Some days a drink a protein shake on my way to work and nuke egg beaters once I get there. I know for me I feel better when I plan my foods - I think its easier not to have to think about it during the day. From a guys point of view this felt "very old lady" like. I am have very little fill so I am not sure my amounts are right on for every one. In terms of foods - lunch meat, peanut butter on a slice of wheat bread with an apple or a banana. Tuna fish, Canned chicken.

When I first got mine I noticed a couple of changes. I always struggled to get up in the morning, sleeping with the CPAP made it easier to get up with the clock. Pre-Cpap I would "zone out" sometimes at work worse sometimes driving. This stopped once I started using the CPAP. I dont know about energy - people keep telling me I should feel more energeric with my weight loss and yet I don't??? Maybe it will come one day

First if the doctors nurse was that passionate about you having the bypass, I would discuss her lack of professionalism with the doctor (assuming she isnt a personal friend). I think most people pick the lab band for the following reasons: 1. Its less evasive with a shorter recovery time frame. 2. Its reversible 3. Its adjustable. 4. None of the dumping issues that come with By pass. That said it is still a surgery with risks. But I am with you, I couldnt think of a reason to have bypass

Here in NYC about 6month to a year ago they passed a law that all chains restaurants (I think you have to have over 15 locations) must post calories at a place the customer can see BEFORE they order. What a difference having all the facts makes. One of the few times I feel the government got it right!

My original surgery was covered by insurance but about 5 months out my port became infected and had to come out. I was told that I would have to wait to have a new port put in - which meant I risked not being covered by insurance. So I asked what it would cost - $1,000. The doctor said that port replacements are much faster, easier to do. He said he would be in there 15 mins and I swear he was. Thankfully was still covered so it mattered less. I find it had to believe that any medical professional would not treat you for an infected port because you didnt pay upfront. You might have to pay upfront to have it put back in, but you can die from an untreated infection. As far as normal - I have seen people on here fills covered for 3 months - some for 6 and some for a year. Much like the pre op and post op diet - most of it is set by your doctor and not any governing standards body. I would discuss you concerns with the doc, and ask him how he has dealt with follow up issues with other self pays. The pre op testing, and hurdles are the worst part - don't let it side track you, unless you are really looking for an out. The benefits are so worth it!

I agree with everything that Kartman said. For me I didn't want to be told there are things I could never eat. If I want a cookie - I have a cookie. But now I eat one or two - not a bag of oreos in a sitting. Couple of other things Early on I measured out my food. This helped me learn what a portion should look like. I had no idea and the food industry in the US doesnt help. Also don't allow yourself to eat next to the fridge. Measure out what your going to eat - put the food away and eat. I find if I leave the food out, I eat mindlessly. Think about why you're eating. Are you actually hungry or is it for lack of anything better to do. If so find a hobby, take a walk - drink some water.

Sure why not

I was a carb freak. I would do Atkins and last a day - 1.5 tops. I was on liquids for two weeks after surgery and was so worried about screwing up my band - that a stuck to the liquids hard core. When I moved on to solids I really didnt have the same carb "high". I do notice on days when I eat more carbs - I want more carbs so I try to really avoid them. The good news is that I do crave them the way I once did thanks to the band. Good Luck

Before- no real experiences, it had taken so long for me to get insurance approval that I think I wasn't sure it was actually happening. After- you will be in some pain for a day or two. Wearing a belt was tough for me for about a week. If you live along, put the things you will need where you can get them without bending. After that pretty smooth sailing. Good Luck

Every person is different and I think how much you are willing to change your lifestyle effects what % of your excess weight you will lose and to some degree the speed at which you will lose. I have lost about 79% of my excess in about 7 months. I think if you search the board you will find a ton of successful losers. The issue of not being filled until 6-8 weeks is fairly common and while a lot of people have a tough time - they make it thru. I cant help you with the GERD because I have never had that. You have to be comfortable with what ever you chose. I knew passed on the risks, and # of people who regain the weight that GBP wasnt for me. Good luck with what ever you chose.

Wow and I thought I was having some issues! I don't really have much advise but I am having some similar frustrations. Was banded 7/25 - Had no issues until October when had some swelling and leakage from the port site. I was told it was nothing to worry about by the covering doctor (regular was on vacation). When I saw my regular doctor he told me I was infected and it had to come out. So back to the hospital, port comes out. I get felt with huge whole in my stomach so it can heal on its own. On 1/9 I have port put back in. I go back to the doctor on 1/25 and have a huge hematoma - again nothing to worry about. A couple of weeks later I am in extreme pain - I go see the doctor and he is convinced that it is headed to infection. So I get put on antibiotics daily which requires a daily trip to the hospital which is 1.5 hours away every day. We are headed to the second week of this fun!!!! On the plus side I have lost about 100 pounds, put I would like to move on with my life already. I think that is what has me so pissed. Anyway - no words of wisdom, other then the Band does work and is well worth all the efforts. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Really? I saw it about two weeks ago and thought it was more Lifetime movie then something up for an Oscar. I just felt that the characters hadn't been developed. I like Sean Penn but I thought the guy who played Nixon had a much harder job. I mean everyone knows Nixon and that guys performance was spot on. I don't know if Penn's was because who knows Milk - no disrespect intended to the Milk fans. Not trying to be an A** - just telling you what I thought

It kind of funny, as I have controlled my food issues - I seem to have more control in my life. I spend 2.5 hours each way commuting so maybe that plays into it. Here are a couple of things that work for me: 1. Plan your meals on the weekend. This saves the multiple trips to the store during the week, because you gave thought to what you need. And the money you waste picking up things you don't really need on that trip. Not to mention the end of the day battles of "Whats for dinner" - which can be a time waster. 2. Make meals that you can cook once and eat twice with. The food network has a show called the Quick Fix. Check it out to get the concept here. This is a huge way to get free time back. 3. Start small- If you can squeeze out 30 mins each weekend day and then add one week day at first. Maybe that night is leftovers and you use the time you would otherwise be in the kitchen!