BakoGal

Hello Gaby- I was banded in Bakersfield over two years ago, with what I feel is good success. Can I answer any questions for you?

Laughing Cow Low Fat Cheese. It comes in pre-measured triangles. 35 calories each. It is a great substitute for cream cheese and can be mixed with seasonings as a topping for chicken, potatoe, bread, or broiled on top of veggies. I like to saute mushrooms with garlic and a splash of white wine. Stir in a wedge or two of the Laughing Cow cheese and it is very satisfying.

I buy a lot of the the boneless, skinless chicken breasts that come frozen an a package from Costco or Sam's club. I have found that if you put the frozen breast on the grill, over indirect heat, and cooked slowly that the meat is very tender and moist. I season the meat about halfway through cooking with salt, pepper and a little garlic powder. Right before removing from the grill I add some bar b que or grilling sauce. cook it in and it has lots of flavor, and is very satisfying.

Laughing cow lite cheese (35 calories in a wedge) with few low fat triscuits and salsa. Sometimes I subsitute the salsa with Simply Fruit (no sugar added) jam.

Are there any "symptoms" of a flipped port? Was there pain or discomfort? Or did you just discover the flippin thing during your fill appointment?

Yes. I read the book and I followed some of the ideas to loose 20 lbs pre banding. Acutally, I think it really made me more aware of head hunger during those months pre banding. Thought I did not count calories I just stopped eating when I was not hungry and savored my food more...just as I do now.

Maryland- How long have you been banded? I am curious how soon after banding that you were able to drink carbonation?

5.8 I wll be happy WHEN I get to 170 which puts me in a size 12 or 14. I think I will be happy to be below 170, but I can't even remember when I weighed less that that!

Since we are all different, what foods did you have to permanentlhy give up since being banded? :hungry: I am wondering what foods that either you can't get past the band, or just upset your stomach since banding.

I have flown 4 times in the last week with no problems. Didn't feel any different than flying "pre" band. I ate and drank on the plane also.

What are/were your favorite Non scale Victories? Especially the surprise victories.... Here are a couple of mine Clothes that were way too small are now way too big.- I tried on a pair of too small pants, hoping that I could at least get into them, only to find out that they were too big to wear! Total happy dance. Crossing my legs again!

Next month you should be the first one to the meeting...an leave the armless chair for someone else!! Congrats on your NSV!!!!!

No real pre op diet. I lost about 20 lbs on my own prior to surgery. Just liquids a couple of days before my surgery.

If I am really thirsty during a meal I take a few sips and I fell that I get more full with a drink. I have never felt that the food was "washed" out of my pouch nor had hunger come back more quickly. I spoke with my Dr. about it, and though he does recommend no drinking 30 min before and after, it can be different for everyone, but you have to pay attention to how you really feel. I also can depend on what you are eating. Softer foods can get washed out more quickly, while more dense foods won't move as fast.

Gas -X strips or tablets for Gas.... they were my saving grace!!! Good luck!

Congrats!!!! Great Work and enjoy your new life in Onederland!!!!

I am only at seven weeks out today and have had no problems and have not yet had a fill. Sometimes I wonder if there is a band in there. I started on mushies one week out and progressed easily to "real food". I am able to eat anything, but I do get full quickly. I can eat about 1 cup of food, but I am making good choices, and with the help of the band I am full on good healthy food. A green salad at lunch will fill me for the day and the extra chewing has made me enjoy my food more. Even though my weigh loss has been slow since banded (2 lbs a week) I am satisfield because the change has not been so great that it impacts everything I do. I can go to a restaurant with friends (who don't know I'm banded) and all they notice is that I am eating slower...and that I have lost weight!!!

I had electrolysis treatements over 10 years ago and have been thrilled with the results. None of the hair ever grew back. It is not a one time procedure. You have to go regularly until the hair stops coming back. It can be painful, but there is an anesthetic cream available by prescription called emla. I used it and felt nothing. My esthetician could not believe how painless I was. She was able to turn the machine to a higher level which may be why my results are so long lasting. Cost averaged to about $1 per minute. I went in 15 minute sessions 1 time a week for a few months. You can tan with it..I did , I have no scars whatsoever (from the electrolysis) My skin was a bit irritated immediatly after the procedure by in a few hours it was fine. Just ask around and get a good recommendation.

I agree with Melissa Lea. I felt it was a personal medical issue that I did not need to share with anyone other than 3 people in my immediate family. I am at 6 wks, and the only thing anyone has notice about me that is different is that I have lost weight!!!

Has anyone watched this series on Discovery Health Channel? Its about a bariatric center in England. They perform many Lap band procedures. I find it interesting to really see other Lap Band patients and the impact of the surgery on their lives.

When I reach goal I want to go on a trip because I want to finally, for the 1st time in my life, wear a swim suit, or shorts without having to feel self consicious.

I am only 5 weeks from surgery and feel complete normal. The only pain I have is if I really press hard on the scar near my port. Other than that, I don't feel like I have any physical restrictions. Everyone is different, but based on my own experience, I would be planning a trip to Disney!!! Checking with your Dr. is also a good idea. Better safe than sorry!

Gas X chewables or strips , liquid Tylenol. Loose cotton, sleeveless, dresses, it will be really Hot in PV at this time of the year Good Luck on your surgery!

I was worried about the same thing. But I wore my normal underwire bra from the hospital. Never had to buy a different bra and had no problems. The incision that I have under my bra was only about 1/8" or less and only needed a band aid.