lindas0809

I'm pretty boring and do the same thing almost everyday - I just vary my main course. I take a greek yogurt, a string and then either leftover protein from dinner, soup, hummus & crackers. I just discovered that those tuna pouches are awesome; they are drained, are 2.5 oz which is a good portion, have 90 calories and 14 grams of protein. I keep a few of those in my desk drawer for emergencies.

First of all, I would say do your research thoroughly on both proceedures. Make a pro/con list about what you like/dislike about both proceedures. Then talk to your Dr. and get their OPINION. You do not have to do what they say, but they will advise and hopefully listen to you. My surgeon recommended RNY for me(because I have type II diabetes), but I knew through the research I had done (and knowing several people with RNY) that I wanted the band and fought for it. I have been banded for almost four months and I'm doing great - I'm off my diabetes medication and have lost about 35 lbs since surgery. I am happy with my decision, but it's a personal one. Good luck!!

I've had 4 fills and I'm up to 9 cc's in an 11 band (getting close to the sweet spot). I've never been required to have liquids after a fill. They just told me if I have a problem to go to soft foods. I've never had a problem so I just eat my normal meals.

1. After Lap Band is it hard to sleep at night? Can you comfortably sleep on your stomach or your side? It took me a about a week to sleep in my bed, after that I had no problems - I sleep on my side every night 2. Gummi Vitamins yes or no? YES 3. What is everyone's exercise routine? Is everyone hardcore for daily exercise? Walking - not hardcore 4. My main problem is that I NEVER feel full, even after I eat. Will the band help me FEEL full on just a cup of food sufficiently? Once you reach restriction, but bandster hell takes a while... 5:A lot of my extra weight is in my hips and thighs. Does this weight come off last after stomach weight? I'm bottom and surprisingly I've lost a lot in my hips and thighs. I think it's different for everyone. 6: Anyone have the band for over 5 years here? Any long term problems? No, 3 months 7: Do you find that you are satisfied on eating less by feeling full after wards. Yes, I'm finally getting restriction and feeling full. Good questions! Godd luck in your decision!

[quote name= I think its natural to judge how you may feel by reading how other felt. I just had a few bad days but things have turned around[/quote] I was concerned after surgery that it took me a while to recover. This site is great for support, but it does make you compare yourself to others. I would read how people could go back to work two days after and I was barely functioning. As long as you talked to your Dr. and you're feeling better - go at your own pace. Good luck!!

Oh I love new blogs!! Great thread.. Mines in my signature.

Good luck! I have Aetna and they approved me in 3 days - hopefully you'll get a quick answer too. One note-for some reason Aetna had me coded as being on COBRA insurance even though I was employed(we got it straightened out). Anyway they told me I was approved whether it was COBRA or not. So maybe if it needs to be October you go always go COBRA for a month. It's expensive, but worth it for surgery.

I agree Lands end suits are the best. I have two that are really flattering.

Hi! I have an 11cc band and had my fourth fill today. I am up to 9 cc's - not sure how my restriction will be now, but I did have a little breakdown at my appointment today. It' s hard have a lot of fluid and not have the restriction others have with half the amount. My doctor told me not to panic, everyone is different and I am close to my sweet spot. Hang in there!

I am right with you. I was banded in June and have had 3 fills. I have 8.5 cc's in an 11 cc band. With so much in you'd think I'd be there. I can feel some restrict and have has some tight episodes (not stuck, but not quite). I can eat more than a cup and more importantly it doesn't stay with me - I'm always hungry in about 3 hours. I get another fill next week - I know I'm close, but getting anxious to hit my sweet spot.

Thanks for the challenge! I'm in - I need it, I haven't lost in awhile.

Hi retrochic! I'm glad to hear you're doing your research and know that it's still hard work with the band. With that said, I think it's great that you are taking this step. I have battled my weight for most of my adult life and wish this had been available when I was your age. This site is great and there are also a lot of great blogs that can teach you a lot. My blog link is below and I have links to a lot of other great ones on it. Good luck with everything!

Hi, I'm Linda and I'm a scale whore. I weigh morning and night and track my weight on multiple trackers and websites. I think it's better that living in denial of my weight like I used. I'm proud to be a SW. www.lindasbandwidth.blogspot.com

I had coffee two days post op and have 1-2 cups a day now. My Dr. didn't have any problems with it as long as I'm getting my water.

Hi! I live in Elkridge, MD. I would be interested in meeting. My hospital has once a month group, but it's hard to get to them. I'd be interested in a clothing swap too.

I'm glad to hear you're back on track. I hope you're first fill goes well.

I only had liquids the day before surgery. I had mine done at a large research hospital and they had recently stopped requiring the long pre-op diet based on studies they had done.

Hi Jenn! Welcome, I hope you can find the support you need here. The insurance process is frustrating, but it's worth it in the end. Good luck- keep us posted on your approval.

Keep your spirits up! If you read posts on here you'll see that most of us struggle with insurance or Dr.'s offices(or both). It took me 10 months to go from seminar to surgery and at one point I almost threw in the towel. I'm so glad I didn't- two months out I'm feeling good and changing my relationship with food. Good luck!

Mia - The insurance process is so frustrating!! Once mine was finally submitted I got approved in 2 days - so maybe that will happen to you. I see you're in MD. Where are you having surgery? Good luck!

Don't push yourself- wait until Christmas break(even though it's hard). I was shocked by how long it took me to REALLY recover. I could function two days later, but couldn't have worked.

It sounds like you both need to get another fill and work on finding your sweet spot. Until you hit that you'll feel hungry - no matter what. I've had two fills and feel some restriction, but know I need more. Once you get there it should kick start your weight loss. I'm hoping to get there soon myself. Good luck!

I don't - my NP told me the shot for the lidocaine hurt more that the fill needle. It really doesn't hurt with numbing.

Jennifer, Thanks for starting this thread, it's interesting to hear people's breaking points/motivation. I'm sorry for your loss... My reason was being diagnosed at 36 with diabetes - I had always been fat, but healthy and suddenly I could see this affecting my health. I have a 4 year old that I want to see grow up and be healthy and active with. My Mom(who I am blessed to have around) has battled her weight her whole life has told me several times that she wished she had been able to do this at my age. I listened to her voice of experience and got my band.

Belly, I just sent you a PM.