S@ssen@ch

Ellen, I traveled a lot for my job at that time and for a handy soup for lunch I used those Campbell's Coup at Hand (the one's that come in the microwave cups). They're pureed and the only one that has anything remotely solid is the chicken noodle that has little round noodle-o's. I can't comment on the sugar content as I was not given such advice and didn't pay attention. They are rather high in salt, but if I was only eating 1 a day I figured it would be O.K. At home, I'd make the greatest creamy potato soup, sometimes with cheese. I also ate a lot of tomato soup and cream of broccoli. I'd think split pea soup, watered down slightly and pureed would qualify as well. Basically any creamed soup with no solid bits. Remember, full liquid is a liquid you cannot necessarily see through. No solids. Recommendation is that to have the correct consistency you should be able to sip it through a straw (milkshake). Even ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and thinner pudding is considered a full liquid. In fact, my dietitian recommended custard at this stage for Protein purposes. Good Luck,

Margie, Bandsters only watch sugar intake for caloric reasons. We have no malabsorption issues like the bypass patients. Therefore we are not at risk for "dumping syndrome".

Lotsacurves, I'm going to give you some words for thought, not necessarily an argument. I can totally relate to the lack of motivation to exercise and your feelings of wanting to give up. I was there, but long before I decided to get the band. I researched the band for at least a year before deciding. When I finally decided to get the band it gave me hope it motivated me before I even got it. While researching, I knew that I had to be sure that this was for me and this was something I was going to be able to live with. So many other things had failed me, I wasn't going to go through surgery and have THAT fail me too. So I literally went into training before I had the surgery. I did my best to eat like a bandster BEFORE I was banded so that the rules weren't so hard to accomodate afterwards. I lost weight and I used that as motivation to show myself that I could do it. I didn't start exercising regularly until I was nearly 2 years out from surgery. So when you're body is better able to handle exercise and you find one that's right for you, you'll do it and it WILL feel like a drug (it feels good believe it or not). Please don't go into surgery hoping that the surgery will somehow motivate you or kick start your mental gears into action. You'll have enough to deal with during recovery and learning how to live with your band. Go into the surgery confidant and knowing that this is for you, even if you have to take time and consider, learn about the procedure and it's post banding life. I've seen so many here and on other forums who get banded who seem to be shocked afterward, that it isn't quite what they expected. They're angry, they're disappointed, they don't know what to do because it's not working just the way they thought. Again, I'm not saying this to dissuade you or pick a fight with anyone. Only to think and to in some round about way, help you make a good decision for yourself. Good Luck,

I TOTALLY understand the "I have bones" thing. I find myself rubbing over them because it's such a weird sensation. I feel weird shopping in "normal" sized clothing stores. I feel like I don't belong, but I DO! I look down at my hands and wrists and feel like someone has transplanted someone else's for mine. Where did these fragile-looking things come from? I see my former "cankles" and think "wow, I have ankles now."

Betsy, In my own experience and observations I've found that you need to find what exercise works for YOU. If getting dressed and going to the gym is not for you, find something that fits you better. You may need to try out several things. DVDs at home, walking around the block, home exercise equipment, a regular routine with a FiTV program, who knows? And there are so many kinds of DVD's. I mean, there are aerobics, kick boxing, pilates, walking away the pounds, yoga, jazzercise, dancing off the pounds. The list could go on and on and is as long as one's imagination. Find what you like, what you can be consistent with. Consistency is the key. By doing it, you'll feel better and you'll notice the changes which will inspire you even more. Good luck,

The food should be gone from the pouch within an hour. However, the area of the stomach that was stimulated by the food and was told that you ate got "satisfied" and your body's chemicals and hormones are then working on digesting, breaking down and metabolizing that food. By drinking an hour AFTER you've eaten doesn't affect the food's presence in the system and you should still feel satisfied because of the fact that you're body's so busy doing those other things. Besides, that center that got stimulated by the food and told you that you were full is a little "slow on the trigger". It takes it at least 20 minutes to realize that you've eaten. Why would it realize you're empty any sooner than that? The drinking with the meals was described to me very vividly in this manner and it's stuck with me ever since: Imagine you're banded stomach as an hourglass. The food you've eaten is at the top of the glass and is slowly moving through because of the narrowing in the center. If you introduce liquids into the food, it makes the food a slurry and literally washes the food through the narrowing much easier than it would go through on it's own. Also, depending on you and your physical reaction to it you may just clog yourself up and cause yourself to PB. Best to avoid doing either one. The first scenario defeats the band. The 2nd causes you to lose your food and results in pain.

I guess I don't understand what you mean by no restriction. If you're feeling your food move through the band, I'd say you have some restriction. Restriction is a very subjective thing. Some need to feel as if they can only eat a few bites before feeling full to believe they have "restriction". Restriction to me only means that you feel satisfied for an extended period of time. My doctor gives an approximation of 2-3 hours. It also means that you feel full with smaller meals, but that's not necessarily meaning that you can only eat a few table spoons. I can eat up to a cup or more and I'm absolutely fine with that. I feel I'm eating healthy portions and making better decision but I can still eat the things that I enjoy (only in reasonable quantities). I feel things moving through my band if I've eaten a high risk item for me, like bananas or if I've eaten and not chewed well enough. It can be painful depending on the item and the size. I change my position, occasionally hold my arms over my head in a stretch and in extreme cases will take a couple papaya enzyme tables to help break whatever it is up. I have NOTHING, no fill whatsoever in my band and am still losing weight, still feeling good and still doing well. Everyone's journey is different. Everyone's sensations are different, but if I were you I'd be leery about getting too tight if you're already feeling things move past your band. Being too tight comes with bad side effects. I've been there and am absolutely much MUCH happier being unfilled.

I'm so glad you brought this up. As much as we try to tell ourselves that we're not alone, it certainly feels that way when you're looking into the mirror and your mind interprets what you see differently than what is really there. I've had BID since..........well forever. When I was 285lbs, I knew I was fat but I had no idea how big I really was until some horrid person showed me a photograph of myself. It was then that I decided I couldn't live that way anymore. Now that I'm 197, I know I'm less. I feel less. I feel good. I can see it when I look down despite the sagging boobs and loose skin on my belly or between my thighs. But when I look in the mirror it's just not the same as when I see myself in photos. I've learned not to think too much about it and focus on my clothing size, how it fits and how well I'm moving. Because I can move so much better now than I did when I was bigger. I agree with the others. As far as naked, who cares what I look naked as long as my husband is still interested. Although I must admit I'm a little repulsed by my own sagging belly skin.

Healthy to me is not having to worry about malabsorption for the rest of my life. Healthy to me is having the ability to make choices about what I eat and lose weight in a slow, steady manner. Healthy to me is to be free of joint pain, sleep apnea. Healthy to me is to be able to walk without being winded. Have sex with my husband comfortably. The list could go on. Have I slimed, yes. After 2 years I have NOT PB'd. AND, I don't necessarily consider PBing an unhealthy thing. I would consider it a reminder that I've either eaten too fast, too much or a food item that did not agree with my band or fill level. I consider BARFING or VOMITING unhealthy and therefore allowing gastric juices to enter my esophagus. Lap Banded patients are at risk for reflux which also does this, but hopefully with proper after care and behavioral changes reflux can be avoided. Those of us "well-minded" and well-informed individuals have researched and become knowledgeable about the band, it's lifestyle changes and the expectations that we should have and that we should make of ourselves. Other than out and out unhealthy states such as illness and injury, Health and unhealth can be subjective.

Open forums are just that.......OPEN. For those who post, they open themselves to the opinions and comments of those interested enough to post their replies. Both good and bad. Personally, I have found this site invaluable both in information and support. Whether I post or just lurk, I enjoy reading and commenting where I feel I can help. I would like to believe that those who post a helpful comment, whether they are pre, newly post op or seasoned veterans, they are posting out of experience and a genuine desire to pass their information on. And if not, it's always a great place to socialize. dislexi reminds me of an old post that was probably deleted because it got very heated........people like this are called "trolls". Always stirring up controversy and trouble in public forums.

On 3/31/2007 I hit ONEDERLAND! Legitimately. I've been there temporarily after a bout of the flu in January but it was hard to celebrate when I felt so crappy (literally). I am officially 197lbs! and I've stayed between that and 198 for 2 weeks now. When I got there it was quite amazing. One week I was 200.5 then the next I was 197. I had to weigh twice and do a double take. I was floating on cloud 9 for the entire day and damned if I had anyone to tell. My hubby was at work. My best friend wasn't available and my other "friend" would only rain on my parade by telling me things like I'll only gain it back. So I celebrated by getting a new hair do and dancing all the way there in the car. I see that my last entry was a while ago and I've thought many times to update but I haven't really had much to say. I've been plodding along the Lap Band trail. In January I went back to Dr. Curry and had a complete unfill (yes, I've lost weight UNFILLED) due to the ongoing reflux and inability to sleep lying in a mostly laying position. I've come to realize that I was causing some of the problem by eating a little too much, too fast and the pain that I was experiencing was food stuck. Go figure. Someone who's been banded this long just learning what it's like to have something a little stuck. I still haven't PB'd (not that I'm complaining). The last time I slimed was in the summer when I was really tight. I still get a little of the reflux if I sleep on my back and especially if I overeat. I see it as a payback for being bad. I've started a new exercise regime. Yes, me exercising. It's kind of a cross between yoga and pilates. It's called Egoscue and it's very relaxing. I don't feel like I'm working, but man am I sore the next day if I concentrate and do it well. Sometimes as a treat, the teacher even goes over some basic Thai Chi. I'm walking better, more erect and I am so much more flexible. Which has extra benefits.:guess If anybody's interested in what I'm eating.......pretty much anything I want. I'm following Dr. Roizen and Oz's recommendations and I've tried to limit high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and bleached flours. So, I eat whole grains and anything that is as natural as it can get. I read labels. I have a small amount of nuts as a mid morning snack and it really does quell any deep hunger so I don't grab any chips.

On 3/31/2007 I hit ONEDERLAND! Legitimately. I've been there temporarily after a bout of the flu in January but it was hard to celebrate when I felt so crappy (literally). I am officially 197lbs! and I've stayed between that and 198 for 2 weeks now. When I got there it was quite amazing. One week I was 200.5 then the next I was 197. I had to weigh twice and do a double take. I was floating on cloud 9 for the entire day and damned if I had anyone to tell. My hubby was at work. My best friend wasn't available and my other "friend" would only rain on my parade by telling me things like I'll only gain it back. So I celebrated by getting a new hair do and dancing all the way there in the car. I see that my last entry was a while ago and I've thought many times to update but I haven't really had much to say. I've been plodding along the Lap Band trail. In January I went back to Dr. Curry and had a complete unfill (yes, I've lost weight UNFILLED) due to the ongoing reflux and inability to sleep lying in a mostly laying position. I've come to realize that I was causing some of the problem by eating a little too much, too fast and the pain that I was experiencing was food stuck. Go figure. Someone who's been banded this long just learning what it's like to have something a little stuck. I still haven't PB'd (not that I'm complaining). The last time I slimed was in the summer when I was really tight. I still get a little of the reflux if I sleep on my back and especially if I overeat. I see it as a payback for being bad. I've started a new exercise regime. Yes, me exercising. It's kind of a cross between yoga and pilates. It's called Egoscue and it's very relaxing. I don't feel like I'm working, but man am I sore the next day if I concentrate and do it well. Sometimes as a treat, the teacher even goes over some basic Thai Chi. I'm walking better, more erect and I am so much more flexible. Which has extra benefits.:guess If anybody's interested in what I'm eating.......pretty much anything I want. I'm following Dr. Roizen and Oz's recommendations and I've tried to limit high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and bleached flours. So, I eat whole grains and anything that is as natural as it can get. I read labels. I have a small amount of nuts as a mid morning snack and it really does quell any deep hunger so I don't grab any chips.

There's so many angles here. I agree with Jachut in that "everything in moderation" was my motto until the last few months. It worked for me, then I hit a plateau and my weight loss stopped. Do what you feel is right for you and what works for you. I agree with Mousecrazy in that your Dad probably had the best of intentions. Especially since he's seen what you've gone through to get where you are so far. Your mind set is on the defense and will be for some time. Someone also was kind enough to mention that Proteins will keep you feeling satisfied longer. That's true as well. My position at this point is that you had this surgery for a reason. It's only a tool. It only works as hard as YOU work IT. You must also make necessary lifestyle changes towards a healthy lifestyle. That's not to say that you can't have that pizza and breadsticks once in a while. But I wouldn't make a habit of it. IMHO, that would be defeating the band regardless of your fill and restriction level. Whats has worked best for me is making small changes over time. The changes are easier to incorporate into my life. This from a person who really resisted exercise and now looks forward to it. I still allow myself the occasional treats, but I limit them and know that I make the best decisions I can on other occasions. Good luck to you on your journey,

I'll be 2 years out April 4th and I have NEVER experienced an honest to God PB. I have vomited related to stomach flu and some gall bladder issues, but never related to eating, over-eating or the like. (Cross my heart and hope to die).

TexasRose, Believe me, you are not alone in the struggles with motivation and as for sensation.......well, we all have our different sensations. There are similar descriptions of how we feel, but basically we all feel them very individually. It's funny that you say you've lost your motivation and the timing of it is where you are because I myself lost motivation right around the same time you did (possibly a little before). I was stuck on a long plateau and got really down on myself and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Some of my old habits started creeping back in. I got a really tight fill and that seemed to make everything worse. I didn't have a lot of PBing but darn did I get some reflux. I've had all the tests and my pouch seems to be fine (Thank God). Fortunately, I had some intervention of fate that led me to Dr. Roizen and Oz. I really learned some healthy eating habits that I could put to good use and I've (FINALLY) started exercising regularly. I wish I could give you a magic pill or inspirational words to pull you out of this slump. But know that you are not the first, you are not alone and you are not the last. Know that you can come here for support. I did. It helped me to remember why I had the surgery and helped keep me from jumping off the cliff of binging all together. I would highly recommend Dr. Roizen and Oz's YOU: On a Diet. No, it's not a diet. It's an explanation of how the body works, why we eat and how to eat healthy for life by incorporating very small and reasonable changes. It's what helped get me out of my rut, inspired me and helped me to lose about 15 pounds since December whereas I was stuck for about a year. I hope this doesn't sound too much like a sales pitch. That was not the intent. I guess I just wanted to let you know that with online support like this, you're never alone. So many others are experiencing exactly the same things as you or have at some point. Don't give up. This is the best place to come when you need support and encouragement.

I agree with faithmd, liquids in=liquids out. Once you start more solid food, the diarrhea will stop. You can take immodium, but IMHO you'd risk being constipated once you progress your diet. Unless it's a real problem, such as you feel you're putting out more than you're taking in or you're getting dehydrated from it, I'd recommend just putting up with it the best you can. It's just a bump in the road to a healthier you. Good luck,

I agree, you should probably call you doctor. This sounds like it could be one of two things. Either you got the stromboli stuck. Hence the foaming, vomiting and pain. Then what happens is your stoma swells and causes further problems and difficulty getting anything down. My recommendation, if this is the problem......... Once you have passed the offending item (or have had to have it removed) do liquids for a while to give your stoma a break. And in the future, have some papaya enzyme on hand at all times and use them if you're going to have some "higher risk" Proteins. OR........ (and since I didn't know what stromboli was I had to look it up) It appears a stromboli is a high fat food. You could have had a gall bladder attack. When I had a gall bladder attack, I had all of these same symptoms. I felt like I was going to explode and the pain sometimes went into the right side of my back. It felt like something was stuck in the center of my abdomen and the pressure kept getting worse. I vomited, but it was all mucous and foam. If these symptoms sound more familiar to you, ask the doc to check your gall bladder while he's examining you and don't let it go on too long. Good luck,

When you're having a procedure such as you're describing, the entire area should have been prepared with an anti-infective such as betadine and yes, the same needle is re-used as a standard. What we're talking about is having a fill, taking the needle home then coming back to the doctor's office with the needle that has traveled to and from and picked up any host of organisms due to the fact that it has had body Fluid on it (it's now an optimum reproductive place) then reusing it. This would be like having the above procedure you described, coming back a month later and having the doctor use the same needle he used a month (or more) ago. I've heard of re-use of insulin needles within your own home and on one patient. I wouldn't recommend it, especially since the cost of them is low. But the reuse of a fill needle....I wouldn't do it. It puts your skin, your muscle, your port, your tubing and your band at risk for growth of any number of organisms. And with the increase of antibiotic resistant bacterias, I just can't recommend it.

I'm so sorry to hear this is happening to you. I can only imagine how horrible it must be to live on soup. The chocolate......well, wouldn't we all like a little of that now and again-but all the time? I don't know. I'm curious. Do the doctors think that having your band placed too high may have contributed to this? Mine is placed too high and I often have severe pain under my ribs that seems to have nothing to do with eating. I can't really have much of a fill because I get reflux really easily. I think it's due to the placement of the band although I have yet to be able to ask my new doctor his opinion of this. Keep us updated.

Are you sure your surgeon isn't confusing you with RNY? 600-800 calories IMHO is too restrictive and could adversely affect your metabolism. By going to such a low caloric rate, you essentially slow your metabolism by telling your body you don't have enough to eat and it goes into starvation mode. When it does that, it will hold on to all nutrients you put into it kind of like econo-mode. My dietician always told me to get at least 1200 calories, probably not over 1500(if I could help it) and to make sure I exercise for 30 minutes a day. The added activity is what really makes the difference, not necessarily the limited caloric intake (although that is significantly less than what I was taking in before being banded, I'm sure). Yes, after banded your appetite is lessened. But to limit to 600 or 800 calories. You'll feel really deprived. That breaks down to 300 calories a meal (which isn't much). All I can say is that if you try to stick to the 600-800 calorie recommendation...........well, good luck. I couldn't unless I was sick.

Hey, I'm waiting for the visuals!!!!!!!!!!!!

I try not to take tablets unless they're broken into smaller pieces. I was told they needed to be smaller than a pencile eraser. As for capsules or gel caps, I have taken capsules (even bigger ones like antibiotics). But what I do is let them soften first. Either I hold them in my mouth until I know they have gotten soft or I put them in Water until I know they're soft. Then I drink them down with either room temp water or hot tea. I would think gel caps would do the same since it's the same substance that holds the medicine in. It's just not a capsule that you can open anymore. Also, a big helper that I've found with pills of any kind is to use a semi solid to get them down. Put the pill in pudding or applesauce and they slide right down-your throat and through the band. Nurses use this trick with people who have swallowing difficulties and I tried it because after banded I seemed to gag on my broken up pills. Once it had something to bind to, it even seemed more comfortable sliding past the band.

Who the heck cares what's "in style"? As long as you're comfortable and your own self esteem is at a safe level, I say go for it. If for some reason, you're self conscious about what you're wearing then it's probably not a good thing. All those d*mn sequends and pastels are one of the reasons I've learned to hate shopping. If it's not the hideous styles for larger women, they try to adapt the current fashions for the larger sizes and it just doesn't work. Don't you just love these low rise jeans that make you feel like your a$$ is hanging out whenever you sit or bend over? I won't even get into all the "cover up" disguises that make you feel like you're wearing some sort of shawl, cape or shortened version of a tent.

You didn't specify which side of the rib cage. Classic symptoms of gall bladder occur on the right side and sometimes/often radiate around to your back. Mine felt like an intense pressure kind of in the center of my upper abdomen. The pressure would increase to the point that I felt like I was going to explode. Now that I've got it out, I really don't get the pressure much. I get pressure in my left side in my stomach if I overeat or if food isn't moving down the pike as quickly as it should. But this is stomach related/band related, not gall bladder related.

What a horrid experience. Hopefully all will turn out all right post operatively for you. Iluvharleys brings up a good point, though. When choosing, remember that often times these doctors are providing the aftercare. Aftercare in lap band surgery is essential to long term success. Even those who choose to go to Mexico from the US must keep in mind that they will have to have a doctor to go to for fills, questions and potential complications. Be confidant in the doctor you choose and remember: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Know the procedure, know the aftercare, know your body, know the lifestyle required of you.