laurenlee

....except my husband of course. not even my son knows. weight has always been an issue with me. whenever i see family and friends after any length of time, there is always the initial once over weight assessment. my father always says i look like i've lost weight which is his way of mentioning it when he and i both know it isn't true. there was a time when i thought maybe he imagined me heavier than i actually am. i've never been comfortable talking to anyone about my weight or my struggles unless i'm at a successful time and, of course, those times aren't long lived. it's as if everyone is just watching and waiting for me to start gaining. and i only chat to my other overweight friends, clearly realizing just how unrealisitic it is to try to ask a normal weight person to relate. during this entire pre-op process, i've been complaining about stomach and esophagus problems. i've mentioned how it's hard to eat some foods and how other foods get stuck. i've had esophagus tests and endoscopic tests and it all coincides with my stories. i am having hiatal hernia surgery at the same time i'm being banded. i'm telling everyone i'm having hernia and esophagus surgery at the same time. they are keeping me overnight. so far it's working. when i start to lose weight, i'll just say there are foods i can't eat and foods that get stuck and i will say the only advantage is weight loss. this is not because i'm embarrased to admit i need a surgically impanted device to sustain will power. it's because i don't like talking about my weight. and i get embarrased easily when i get attention, especially from men. what are you telling people?

Hey guys, i thought this was a place to seek advise and support. I posted a question on October with over 213 views and only 1 reply. The subject line was HELP! Is it because we are 10 months post op and most don't need help? Well, I can admit, I am at the most critical point where I need the most help. I haven't found my sweet spot yet, foods I SHOULD eat are harder to eat than foods I SHOULDN'T eat and I am at the point in my dieting history where the weight starts to creep back on. I come here for help, advise and support. It is hard for me to ask for help and the lack of replies makes it harder. So, if anyone has any advice to the questions I post, please reply. And, if for some reason, you aren't replying, let me know. Thanks.

Scenerio - I just ate a hot dog cut up in small pieces. It took me 20 minutes. I did not drink anything with my meal. I feel like i am full. I also feel slightly stuck. I am burping a little but I am not going to regurgitate. It doesn't seem like the full feeling will last long enough. Did I eat enough? Then again, if I wait until I am physically able to drink or eat another bite (about 20-30 minutes), will that be enough time to have passed that my brain will think I am full? Is this how it is supposed to work? Is it uncomfortable or saiety? Diagnose and Vote and Thanks

Scenerio - I just ate a hot dog cut up in small pieces. It took me 20 minutes. I did not drink anything with my meal. I feel like i am full. I also feel slightly stuck. I am burping a little but I am not going to regurgitate. It doesn't seem like the full feeling will last long enough. Did I eat enough? Then again, if I wait until I am physically able to drink or eat another bite (about 20-30 minutes), will that be enough time to have passed that my brain will think I am full? Is this how it is supposed to work? Is it uncomfortable or saiety? Diagnose and Vote and Thanks

I agree with Enchanted. Your breakfast and lunch equals a low estimate of 65 grams of carbs. Then you have a Protein bar which is often higher in carbs. I've been told to stay within 30-50 carbs for the day. You are hungry about 2 hours later because you aren't eating protein. Swap out the cereal for eggs or cheese or, one of my favorites, scrambled eggs With cheese. Have steak if you want, roast beef, turkey; all good protein choices. when you are hungry, eat protein first. discover cheese sticks. they are easy to grab and go, and handy. grill a tray of chicken wings and have them on hand for when you are watching tv. great finger food that you can eat slowly and no one notices. email me if you want more. good luck ;

it's sunday night, i'm watching the football game, and i'm bored. i'm bored with all the food i've been eating the last 6 months. i just came back from the grocery store and realized i'm bored. had i realized it while i was IN the grocery store, i could have bought something new. but noooooooooo - i didn't think of it until i got home. what to do what to do..... protein suggestions please?

On my six month anniversary of my surgery, I dropped into the 160s for the first time in 20 years. I can hardly believe it. Six months, 60 pounds, 10 pounds a month. I am thrilled and terrified all at the same time. I have been here before. And then I wasn't. But, this time HAS to be different. This time WILL be different. I am different. This surgery has made all the difference in the world. This is no longer about food. This is about LIFE. h230/c168/g160

I was banded April 1st. I have yet to eat any bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit or cereal. These are known refined sugar carbs that my Dr. says I cannot have. I'm not sure if I'll ever have them again. I know this: Carbs DO NOT satisfy my hunger AT ALL. If I am hungry, truly hungry, I should eat (or drink) protein. I strongly suggest you do not start with carbs especially if you are just getting into the mushy stages of food. Stick with scrambled eggs (with or without melted cheese), egg salad, cottage cheese, stuff like that. You'll fill up fast and won't trigger a carb craving. Good luck!

i wouldn't wait to see your dr. i would go in immediately. i can't guess what is wrong, but clearly something isn't right. good luck!

you're right. it's a slower process than we all expected. but i think it's a good thing. i think it's giving my body a chance to get used to each level of weight loss rather than plunging down. it also feels like it will stay off this time. i have been successful, but i don't consider myself a success just yet. i am scared to death that this isn't forever. i am buying clothes that are in the front of my closet, dreading the day when they might be at the back, never to fit again. I haven't been a size 12 in 20 years and i almost can't believe it. i have lost just over 50 pounds since surgery April 1st. i am within a few pounds of my doctor's goal; within 15 pounds of where i want my highest point of a realistic range to be. another 20 would be best. i am looking forward to somewhere seeing the words "results not typical" associated with my success. you are right. this is a slower process than we all thought. but that's ok. it really is. i think the physiological restriction is something that will never change. as long as i stick with the right foods, i will be ok. i also think, seeing as surgery was a last option for me, and being a self pay client, i have more invested in this than ever before. how much of a failure would i be if i let this opportunity slip away from me? i feel incredibly lucky to have this chance and i am not going to blow it for anything. i am feeling SO much better and everything i put on is big on me and people are starting to notice and although the attention is a bit uncomfortable, i am so much more comfortable. i almost can't believe how wonderful things are compared to january 2009. a truly new year.

BMI is 29.9 down from 37. I am clinically overweight.

First of all, I'd like to say something to Angie and to anyone else to whom this might apply: You are not failing at the band - the band is failing you! the band has a specific function. it is meant to create a sensation of saiety (sp) (fullness) with less food. if it isn't doing that, it isn't functioning properly. sure, we can eat our way around this band, but that isn't the initial point. it is a point, but for later. i was fortunate to have this life changing surgery April 1st, making me 71 days post op. and for those counting, my practice looks at 90 days out to have adjustments close to where they should be. so stop being so hard on yourselves and take advantage of this adjustment period to figure things out, including your head. even if there is some serious sabotage going on, you still have a chance. because you still have the band. anyone who isn't friends with their doctor should get another doctor. do not declare defeat. fight for the results promised to you when they were selling you on this procedure. you haven't failed. (stepping off soap box) 1. WEIGHT highest 228 surgery 4-1-212 5-1 - 204 (2 lbs a week) 5-26 - 201 (you do the math) 6-8-09 - 196 (2 lbs a week) 2. FILLS-in a 10cc band 1) 5-1 - 2.5 cc 2) 5-26 - 2.6 cc = 5.1cc 3) 6-8 - 1cc = 6.1cc 3. RESTRICTION- none until the 3rd fill. i think i've got it. when i don't eat slow enough, i physically cannot eat another bite for a few minutes. PERFECT. so i slow down. i can't drink as fast as i could before. PERFECT. 4. RULES-here's where this process will be different for me than any other time i've tried to lose weight. i will break the "rules" life happens. so how do i account for the times and incidences and still make this work? THAT is the job of this medical staff that has my life in their hands (and mine in my stomach). 5. ANYTHING ELSE when i go in for a check up (and a fill) i tell them all the things i am able to eat that i don't want to be able to eat. i could down 6 Biotin pills all at once. i ate 6 oz of steak and another 7 oz 3 hours later. that's when they looked at each other and said "she needs a good fill". if you don't succeed, THEY haven't succeeded. they didn't keep their promise. i want the physical restriction promised to me. that's what i signed up for. that's what i paid for. that's why i'm doing this. there is no failing, because there are no other options for me. i hit bottom and there is no where to go but up. so stick to your guns ladies. tell them you are capable of eating in a way that will not help you lose weight. tell them you need them to make it so you cannot physically fail. on a side note, let me say this: at the initial office visit, i met with four different staff members. on four separate occasions, they all told me "ya know, you can eat your way around this band..." until i heard it (4 times) it never dawned on me to even try. I admit, with all due respect, I looked each one of them in the eye and in no uncertain terms told them : "hey, i'm not fucking around here." I'm not here to learn HOW to eat my way out of this. i'm here to learn how to use this to my advantage. on another side note, let me also say i realize after reading these posts that i am one of the lucky ones having little or no complications. the worst part of it all has been left shoulder pain post op for 3 weeks and now if i eat too much or too fast. it's a good signal for me to stop when i feel that. i am happy to say i might have found a good fill point with this last visit. i had 8oz of steak in front of me tonight and could only eat half. i had an entire box of Green Giant brussel sprouts in butter sauce before this last fill, made it again and couldn't come close to finishing. so this is good. my practice is overcautious with a very gradual approach allowing the stomach and your system and YOU to get familiar with this process. USE THEM to help you. i've had alcohol, and counted it (i'm a food log nut). i had 16 oz of 2% chocolate milk. and i counted it and didn't go over for the day. and that's going to happen sometimes. so here i am deep into week 10 (your typical weight loss program) and as my motivation starts to waver as patterns show, this is when we figure out how to live with it. someday i'll have to figure out the "why" but for now, i am still optomistic. so keep your heads up ladies, and hold the doctor accountable for some of this. work with him, be honest and let life dictate how you can use the band to help you the most. sorry for the long long post, but i felt it important since so many of you are blaming yourselves for what might not be your fault. keep your head high and we will succeed. hugs knewme

my story is the optitomy of stupidity. i did not weigh enough with a BMI of 33. BMI of 35 with any comorbidities and i thought i'd be covered. even slouching to deduct a full inch off my height and i was still under. i didn't imagine i wouldn't have bariatric benefits. so, stupid stupid stupid me gained 15 pounds - yes double digits - 15 pounds only to find out i do not have bariatric benefits......i never cried so hard. here i was already overweight and i gained 15 pounds for NO REASON. how stupid is THAT??? so here i sit, 25 pounds down from my highest (and ugliest) after being banded April 1st. I try not to imagine where i'd be if i hadn't gained (for no reason). did i mention it was for no reason??? ughhhhhh first fill may 1st. i can't wait -- i'm hungry......

Banded April 1, first fill May 1. and, Jay I was told nothing 2-3 hours prior then liquids for 2 days....didn't realize it's over a weekend for me - ah well, who cares. can't wait. hungry!

I was banded April 1st. I went on mushy foods April 15th. I forgot about that April 17th and had a pice of chicken. 3/4 way through I remembered and realized I ate without restriction. Nothing felt like it was getting stuck. I admit I was full after just one piece but it made me think: I am able to eat that because I have no restriction? I'm scheduled for my first fill May 1st.

BANDED APRIL 1, 2009 I woke up from surgery with left shoulder pain and it let go at about day 10, returning here and there on occasion. i was so bothered by it because i couldn't take a deep breath which helps with recovery. i am a swimmer and all i wanted to do was take a deep breath. it still hurts a bit on occasion, and like someone above said, it might come back. pain meds help and when you're done with those, tylenol helps. also, i used a heating pad which helped a lot. it gets better. good luck.

BANDED APRIL 1st 2009 try reclining. don't sit upright and try not to lay flat. all that pressure on your incisions can hurt. i agree with Parrot -- WALK -- slow little walks. i was one of the lucky ones walking within an hour after surgery and walking the halls of the hospital every chance i got while in there overnight. at home, i walked a lot. each time i walked a little further. it actually felt good to walk. it felt better to walk than it did to sit or lay down in some ways. admittedly, i was tired but each time i felt better. if you continue to have pain at level 7, call your Dr, and, yes, never have surgery on a friday. weekend staff at hospitals aren't the best and dr's are harder to reach. you'll get through this. the suggestions here are good ones. good luck.

not sure what you've tried but check these out: Atkins and EAS Advantage. try putting it in a blender with a bit of milk. it makes it thick and a bit richer and might change the texture enough if that is why you are gagging. if you don't have a blender, may i suggest the MAGIC BULLET?? it's fantastic!! good luck

from what i understand, they need to see documented weight loss within the last 2 years. double check with Aetna that you have bariatric benefits. if not, you don't need to do the 6 month documentation. if you do, join WW for 6 months - start now - and that counts. good luck

I am on Day 27 of 28 days without food. I get to eat on Wednesday and part of me is afraid to. To start, I haven't lost weight in 5 days. How can it be that if I am not eating, I am not losing? I keep an obsessive type of food log and I know that I am getting in enough liquids, at least 70 gms of Protein, around 30 carbs and around 30 gms of fat. So, i can't do anything more. Is it possible that my metabolism is shutting down? eggs for Breakfast wednesday morning. I can't wait.

Welcome Kara I don't blame you for being scared. I was, too. I am 15 days post op and am doing great. I know how daunting it is to think that you aren't going to eat any food for awhile. It's amazing that we can muster up the will power to do that. I wondered, if we have enough will power to do that, why do we need surgery to lose weight? I actually asked that question at a pre-op seminar and the Dr said "I couldn't have PAID you to come here and ask that - that is the BEST question anyone has EVER asked" and the answer is.....(drumroll) ..... we have the will power - we've lost weight on restricted diets before - we can do this - BUT - we cannot sustain that kind of will power for a lifetime. that is what the band will help you do. TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH: Protein drinks will save your life. Some of the better ones are: Atkins, EAS Advantage, Muscle Milk. Drink one of those and you are not hungry for awhile. Truly not hungry. It's amazing. And SO healthy. My nails are growing, my hair is thicker. It's just great. They are about 1.75 each (4 pack for $6.50) better prices at costco, watch for sales etc). sugar free Jell-O is fun to eat but it won't do anything to help you if you are hungry. Sugar free popsicles - same thing. I admit, I haven't had dinner with my family in a month (my requirements were 14 days pre op and 14 days post op). That was hard. We didn't go out during that time if it involved a meal as so much of our social lives are wrapped around food. but, that's ok. it isn't for very long. If you are in the right mindset, and if you've come this far, you must be, you can go a bit farther and do this. Feel free to email me anytime. And good luck!!

are you having any protein drinks? are you getting enough water? i saw a post on april 6th - when are/were you banded?

thanks guys for the posts - update i am down 1 pound today making my weight loss since last wednesday 2 pounds. 2 pounds in less than a week and i'm going to have to be OK with that, aren't I?

Hey Jay Thanks for posting. I'm not sure I understand what your post meant, though. Are you saying you don't get on the scale because of what you've eaten lately?

I am almost 2 weeks post op and have gone 27 days without a bite of food. I am most proud to say I haven't cheated once in 27 days. The only way to survive this pre and post op period is to drink protein. Atkins, EAS Advantage, low carb high protein drinks. Even try www.pwlc.com and click on nutritional supplements. check out the drinks, orange and strawberry they are great. the hot chocolate is fabulous. low carbs and high protein and very filling. expensive but healthy and worth it. you will not be hungry!! Good luck and, again, don't cheat. This is the time to practice compliance. Get in the right mindset. If you can do this, you can certainly be complaint when you are living with the band. Start right and end right doing exactly what you are told to do. This is my big chance to finally accomplish a goal that has been a burden all my life. Stick with it and good luck