Kathi

I used two factors to choose my goal: 1) I know I feel good at my goal weight 2) My doctor says that a band will normally help you lose 75% of excess weight. Of course EVERY person on this board would like to be thin and not at all past their "normal" weight range, but I think it is healthy to not have a goal that you most likely won't reach. If I go lower than my goal, then I will be thrilled. My dream weight is a whole 'nother story.

I can TOTALLY relate!!!! I joined Weight Watchers Online yesterday to help me track my food intake better.

My list of chocolate Craving Snacks is: Slim Fast candy bar (120 calories, 4g fat). I HIGHLY recommend their Chocolate Peanut Nougat. Slim Fast chocolate chip granola bar 100 Calorie packs of Fudge Stripe and chips Deluxe Cookies Hunt's Low Fat Chocolate pudding Sweet Freedom Chocolate ice cream bars. (alot of varieties) Skinny Cow Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich You have to watch out for some of the "Sugar Free" snacks because some are REALLY high in fat content.

Pre-Op I lost 7. Post-Op liquid I lost 7, but gained it back prior to my first fill at 6 weeks. I have lost only a couple of pounds in the last 2 weeks since my fill (a respectable 1.5cc in a 4cc band). My DR says 1-2 pounds per week, but I have found this to be not the case for alot of people who post on this website. AND alot of people do not appear to lose consistantly.

I personally would not even consider it. I know that they are trained by Inamed, but I am a firm believer in experience. If complications arise (band related) then I would want someone who knows what they are doing.

Try sugar, or peanutbutter. You are the first person that I have heard of who tied a bag over their head! :confused: I also seem to get them if I eat too quickly, too much or when I PB.

I am sorry that you had to suffer like that, but it is really good that you shared your experience with your thread. Alot of people do not realize that major complications can happen, especially when alot of doctors downplay the negative aspects. ((hugs))

I am a single mom, and most of my friends are guys (who I really don't discuss weight issues with)... So that leaves me with my mom and my sister and neither one was/is supportive in any way. In fact it almost feels like they are hoping that I fail. (look at my ticker, they are getting their wish) I think that alot of times when we hope for support from people in our lives, it just isn't there for us. Your mother's support would be nice but you don't need it. Nor do you need her approval for what you choose to do to your body in hopes of improving the quality of YOUR life. So don't make it an issue. Don't discuss your plans with her. I have found this site to be the best support system that I could possibly ask for.

Both my PCP and my OB/GYN were VERY supportive. Both of them actually thought that it was a great idea for me and the best choice of surgery... Now if I could just start to lose weight I could prove them right!!!!!

I am the Supervisor of the Animal Control Division for the city that I live in. I have worked here for 18 plus years and love it.... Well, honestly, I LOVE working with animals, but I could do without the people sometimes. We are treated really badly alot. We handle every kind of critter that you can imagine. Never a dull moment. I will be eligable for retirement here when I am 38 years old, so I am considering nursing or radiology for my next phase of life..... we will see. I am also a single momma to 4 kids....18, 13, 8 and 3. I have 3 boys and a tomboy. I am the luckiest person I know.

Thats a great NSV... In a creepy kinda way!

Cashley, My pre-band menu was similiar: Breakfast: Breakfast meal from a fast food place (chicken mini's, burritos) Snack: chips, or peanuts or something Lunch: Entree from a restaurant (ate it all, plus bread and salad) Snack: more chips or kudos bar Supper: Home cooked meal ( meat / Pasta, potato, veggie, roll ) Snack: Ice cream or brownie or something fattening. Even though I have not had ANY results yet, at least I feel better about what I am eating now: Breakfast: Protein shake Snack: 2 string cheeses Lunch: Lean Quisine or tuna or eggs Snack: yogurt or Protein Bar Supper: Small portion of what I cook for my kids. Snack: cheese I need more food ideas, obviously.:think

Francesca, Go ahead and vent. Get the anger out, then collect yourself and come up with a new "game plan" for yourself. You are serious about your own health, otherwise you would have not made the huge commitment to have WLS. Go back to researching what your new options are. Seek them out with an open mind, and know that you have a support system on LBT. ((Hugs))

Eileen, I just got my first fill last week. I was despirate to receive it because I had reverted to my old eating habits too. I re-committed myself to taking care of myself. I started diet journaling on "fitday.com" and I completely cut the sweets and comfort foods out of my diet (cold turkey) because I know that they were making me crave them even more. I know that all of this is easier said than done. But try. If you just can't hold off until July for that fill, then pay cash for it. It will be $200 well spent if it brings you emotional peace of mind. I will be thinking of you and your upcoming tests. Please keep us posted.

If you can't eat any solids (other than the ones that are notoriously hard with the band), then I would go for a slight unfill. I think that 2cc is really alot for a first fill in our 4 cc band. He gave me 1.5cc and I am completely feeling restriction and FINALLY loosing some weight. You have to be able to eat, plus you don't want to get into a cycle of up-chucking then liquids.... It is not good for you or your band. Give Dr Rincon a call and see what he says. Let me know.

I speak from personal experience that no one should parent a child that they do not want, or are not able to care for (emotionally or physically). I believe that to put a child up for adoption is to show true love to the child by wanting what is best for the child out weigh the parents emotional needs. Do what is best for the child. I understand love and concern for your SIL, but the child is the main concern. Best of luck, and keep us posted.

I hope you are feeling better. I was there with you when you got your fill... I was last in line. If you are still having difficulty getting mushies down (even though you should be able to eat solids by now) I would go get some unfill. He was really aggressive with you and Michelle's fills and maybe it was a tad too much. I got a little less (1.5cc) and I am definately feeling plenty of restriction, and with plenty of food that I can't eat. let me know how you are doing. Kathi

Kristin, Are you O.K??? I hope you got in to the ER and got it checked out. Please let us know. Kathi

O.k... I can completely understand from what happened to me!!! I am now a little over 6 weeks post op. I was starving and eating like a horse until my fill last Thursday (1.5cc). I weighed in on Thursday, same weight as the day of surgery. It was really a big downer, but all I kept thinking was that I would soon be a "loser". So far the fill is helping, but I could just be swollen again and I won't be able to tell for sure for a couple of weeks. I'm crossing my fingers. My best advice to you is to keep up with your Protein intake, eat very little carbs and really avoid anything with sugar in it. You may be in the same boat as me, but we can make it through this. When we finally hit our "sweet spot" all will be right in the world and it will no longer require me to take two trips if I ever need to haul ass.

My stats aren't so great, but here is one of us who isn't loosing yet... 1st appt / surgery date / current / goal 265 / 255 / 255 / 180 got my 1st fill yesterday, so hopefully I will be a "loser" soon.

I just had my first fill yesterday... I am all gurgly with my Protein drink this morning, and it is pretty funny to hear it gurgle down. People at work are getting a kick out of it. I am crossing my fingers that this fill helps get the weight loss started, I have not lost anything except the pre-op weight. It is pretty depressing. Have fun at your reunion. Go for something special to wear. I understand that you wouldn't want to spend alot on the outfit because it won't fit you for long, but you only have a 20th reunion once.

I was told that soda, or anything with carbonation will expand the stomach and can cause the pouch to dialate. I was always told that it is definately off limits permanently. I am allowed caffine, per my nutritionist.

Hi to all, I was banded on April 19. I lost about 7 pounds initially, but gained all of it back. I am so hungry all the time. Everything I eat goes right down. I get my first fill tomorrow and I hope it gets me going. I can hardly wait. I will post soon to let you all know the progress.

I am 6 weeks post-op and my port site was tender and hurt when I walked or drove over bumps, etc... until 4 weeks post-op.

I totally agree with Cashley... I am pre-fill ( I get one tomorrow ) and I was ABSOLUTELY not told by my doc that I would be SO friggin' hungry. I am completely not restricted and have had to really work at not eating everything I see. I do read alot of lapband support sites, so I know that I am not alone with the failure to loose these past couple of weeks, but had I not prepared myself I would have been freaking out by now. I was also told to expect weight loss in these past few weeks ( by my doc, not this message board ) and that only happened immediately following surgery but I have gained that back.