Catherine55

Hi! I think it's normal to be having big feelings at this stage (or any stage!) of the game. You just committed to a huge change and are just getting used to it. Don't worry -- figuring out what and how to eat isn't that hard, and you'll have the hang of it before you know it. To find out about the emotional stuff, I'd recommend checking out other bandsters' blogs. There is a link to mine below, and I have links to a bunch of my favorite ones posted on the right margin. That was a huge help for me, and it might be for you, too! Also, I wanted to say to take your measurements and a bunch of before photos if you haven't already -- you will definitely want them later! Best wishes, Catherine

Congratulations to you both!! If you haven't taken your measurements & before photos, be sure to do that today! You will want them later. :thumbdown: BTW, I posted about what my surgery was like at the beginning of my blog, in case you're interested. It went really well and was much easier than I had expected. I hope the same is true for you both. Congratulations -- you have so many great things to look forward to! Best wishes, Catherine

Congratulations, Christine!! You have a LOT to look forward to this year!! :drool: Be sure to take your measurements and a bunch of "before" photos if you haven't already -- you will want them later! Best wishes, Catherine

Hi, Bob! Here are my answers to your questions. Feel free to take a look at my blog if you want info. about how the surgery went, etc. (you'll want to go to the beginning). 1. How will the LAP-BAND® help me lose weight? It lets you be satisfied and full with smaller portions. It also stops you from overeating. 2. What kind of diet needs to be kept after the LAP-BAND® is installed? You should focus on eating Protein first. But, by and large, you can eat just about everything once you are banded. You just eat less of it. I stay away from breads that get gummy after you eat them, and sometimes it’s hard for me to eat hamburger without getting stuck, but in general, you can have a little bit of anything you like. The best part is that you will be satisfied sooner. So, if you are someone who tends to eat quality food -- but too much of those foods -- this is a really great solution. 3. If I/We/anyone can’t maintain a diet regiment before the LAP-BAND®, how can we expect that it would be any different after the LAP-BAND®? Well, it sure has been for me. I’ve dieted a million times before. Like you, I’d take off weight. . then put it all back on and more eventually. With the band, however, I have been able to follow the rules and succeed for two years in a row (and counting!). I’m in maintenance now, and it’s very easy for me. I just keep on doing what I’ve been doing all along. My problem was overeating good food, and now that I have this tool to stop me from doing that, it's surprisingly easy to keep my weight constant. (I do work out regularly now, too, which helps a lot!) Also, I am definitely a fan of nice wine as well. One of the things about the band that I really appreciate is that I’m still able to enjoy wine or cocktails. Of course, at 80 pounds down, I can’t drink as much as I used to! 4. Are there medications or supplements that need to be taken after the LAP-BAND® is installed? I take Flintstones Vitamins (chewables). That’s it. 5. If insurance covers the procedure (I am investigating that with my insurance right now), and there is a problem with the device such as a leaky port, who covers the expense of fixing it? I don’t really know the answer to this, since I was self-pay. I think most insurances would cover a problem, but you can call your provider and ask what their policy is. 6. Are there other manufacturing defect problems that can occur with the LAP-BAND®, and if so who absorbs the cost of repair? I have no information about this. 7. I am noticing the number one side effect of the LAP-BAND® is nausea and vomiting. Is that a temporary problem or an ongoing problem? It’s not a side effect. Actually, nausea doesn’t occur. What happens is that if people don’t chew well enough, or their band is super tight, they may get “stuck,” and the food will either work its way through. . or come back up. When this has happened to me, I have always had about 1-2 minutes where I look normal on the outside, but know that I'm stuck. So it’s not a problem to get to the restroom gracefully. The interesting thing about this “vomiting” (which people call a PB. .or a “productive burp”) is that the food only is coming up from the pouch above your band, so it doesn’t have stomach acid in it. In other words, it isn’t as gross as actually throwing up, and doesn’t (sorry if this is gross) taste like throwing up. 8. Is there any restriction on drinking alcohol when you have a LAP-BAND®? Not really. I have wine regularly and cocktails once in a while. You shouldn’t consume too many liquid calories whenever you’re trying to lose weight, so that’s the guideline most people follow. Also, you would never want to be hungover to the point of having to vomit, since that might be bad for your band. But, wine and cocktails in moderation are fine, according to my doctor. I wouldn’t have had the surgery if that wasn’t the case. I hope that helps! Honestly, I am a big proponent of this surgery. It's helped me so much, and I can't imagine ever getting too my goal without it. This has made the weight loss much easier than dieting alone (not that I haven't worked hard -- just that it didn't feel as frustrating and I wasn't hungry and feeling deprived all the time). Best wishes for your success! Catherine

Hang in there! Give the other doctors a shot on your post-op care before you give up with the band. It's such a great tool, and you've already gone through the trouble to get it installed. Driving out of your way for a fill will be worth it once you get things up and running. Do this for yourself. You deserve to be happier and healthier. Best wishes, Catherine

My advice is to hold back the passive aggressive comments and let things settle a bit. It sounds like you guys maybe had a few snarky conversations and need to either get back to being nice to and supportive of one another, or just move on and stop communicating. I'm sure it's hard for your heavy friends to see you move toward goal and that they feel badly about themselves in comparison. Maybe you remind them of this just by looking better and being healthier, rather than through your words. It's a tough situation. From your post that I quoted from above, it sounds like you would do better with them if you stop talking to them about the band and weight. And, if they "food police" you at events, try ignoring them and not reacting. (The whole "You can eat THAT?!" thing is so obnoxious!!) Good luck to you! Catherine

Honestly, I've pretty much been eating the same -- but less -- since I started this process, except that I don't really eat much bread anymore, and I gave up diet soda. I was always a reasonably healthy eater. . I just overate a little bit every day for many years and packed on about 80 extra pounds over time. I find that eating the way I eat works really well, and I've also gotten really into exercise during the past almost-two years since my surgery. If you follow the bandster rules most of the time and make an effort to work your band, you will surely succeed with this surgery. Good luck and best wishes to you!! Catherine

Hi, Sarah Marie! I was stressed before my surgery too -- I even cried about it and thought about backing out. I am so glad that I didn't (and I was self-pay too. . also didn't meet my dr. until I flew out for the surgery). The thing that helped me the most is that I wrote out a pro/con list of why I was doing the surgery and what I was afraid of. Once I put it down on paper, my choice was so incredibly clear -- and when I had moments of doubt, I'd turn back to my list. I even brought it to the hospital with me on surgery day. Here is a link to a post I wrote out for a bandster friend who was having some doubts. There is a link to my pro/con list on that page, in case you want to check it out. I hope you find this helpful. Wishing you all the best, Catherine

Hey there! October is a great month for bandsters! :thumbup: I was banded on October 23, 2008. Sending you best wishes for an easy surgery and lots of success!! Take lots of before photos now & take your measurements -- you'll want them later! Catherine

It depends -- but usually, I just have one egg if I'm scrambling. Catherine

Don't worry!! You will be fine by Halloween! I was banded on October 23 (in 2008 though!) and I was at a masque ball by Halloween. I had been really worried about the timing with the holidays too, but it was totally fine. Feel free to check out my blog -- I wrote about everything as it was happening, and your date is only 2 days behind my surgery day, so you can get an idea of how you will feel on Halloween and Christmas. (You can go to the beginning by clicking on 2008 in the column on the right hand side.) Hope that helps!! Totally go for it. Best wishes, Catherine

Drink more Water and up your calories tomorrow. Honestly, that usually did the trick for me. But, sometimes I'd have to wait for TOM to come and go to get the scale moving. Don't worry. . it always moves again! BTW, have you taken your measurements? If you just started a more rigorous exercise regime, you may well stall for a few weeks (6 weeks, to be precise) as you build lean muscle mass. After that, it should fall off with a vengence though! It's totally worth sucking it up for the 6 weeks to get through that phase. I hope that helps! Catherine

I had to post b/c I was an October bandster, too! October 2008! Ladies, you are in for an amazing year. :blushing: Be sure to take lots of "before" photos and your measurements. You will want them later! PuppyBandit, I only had to do a 3 day pre-op diet -- was totally fine. I think it varies quite a bit from dr. to dr. Sending all of you October Bandits best wishes for much success!! Catherine

I didn't have any trouble with this at all, and I don't know anyone who did. I think the other poster's comment about letting your dr. know that this is a concern was a really good one. The surgery was actually a lot easier than I expected, as was my recovery. I wrote all about it at the beginning of my blog -- feel free to check it out if you're interested. Best wishes, Catherine

Half & half in my coffee! I only have one cup a day about 5 times a week, and I just feel like it's not worth compromising given how different the taste is! I haven't given up too much of anything though -- it's the portion size change that has really done the trick for me. I love my band! Catherine

I'd gone up to a 9 from an 8 1/2 when I got to my biggest weight. Now I'm back to 8 1/2 -- and all my shoes from 2 years ago are too big! Oh well! I think it's pretty common. :tongue2: Your width is likely to change a bunch too -- it will probably go to standard width by the time you get near your goal. Freaky, huh?! Catherine

Jacqui, I am very sorry that you are going through this. I was so happy to see your second post about the positive news from your doctor. I am sure that is helping you to keep your spirits high and your thoughts positive. You've already shown that you have incredible willpower and both mental and physical strength, and I'm sure that will help you get through this treatment and to beat this cancer. Actually, you've been a huge inspiration to me already, just from all of your success with the band and your good outlook and perspective. I will definitely be thinking of you, cheering you on and sending positive thoughts and wishes your way. Best wishes, Catherine

As the other poster said, it really varies a lot! I was a private pay patient, and from my first inquiry to my surgery, it took under two months. My preop testing occurred the day before my surgery. I know that sounds fast, but once I'd made up my mind, I was ready to get going. I'm now almost 2 years post-op and am loving banded life. It's totally changed my life in so many positive ways. I hope you have the same experience. Best wishes, Catherine

Leigha -- you look fantastic! And a size 4 -- wow! October 23 will be my second bandiversary! What a great ride it's been! My goals for this bandiversary are to beat my time for last year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (a 5K). I'd like to be into the 140s, but my body just doesn't seem to want to lose any more weight! Still, I feel fantastic, hit my initial goal, and am in the best shape of my life. I wore a bikini all summer at the beach and felt fantastic! Who knew at the start of this process that I'd ever get there?! Nice to be on this thread with my fellow October bandsters! Catherine

Hi, Jamelyn! Here is my take on your questions: 1). Yuck . . I never liked pureed food. Like the other poster above, I stuck with mushies like mashed potatoes or refried Beans with cheese, cottage cheese blended with a little skim milk, etc. I also bought some organic baby food during that phase. . the fruit ones were pretty good! 2.) It's normal for your loss to slow down before you get to restriction, and for you to feel hungry. That's called "Bandster Hell." Your calories are really low though -- I might up them a bit, but your focus right now should just be healing. 3). Yup. Totally normal not to feel restriction, and yes that will change after you get a decent fill. It took me four fills to get to good restriction, and the number varies for everyone. I hope that helps!! You have such a great year (years!) in store for you. Be sure to take your measurements and before pics if you haven't already! You will want them later. Best wishes, Catherine

Yeah. . she has no idea what she's talking about!! I've lost 1/3 of my bodyweight and know quite a few other bandsters who have gotten to goal already. I'm glad you didn't let that misinformed person discourage you! Best, Catherine

Knowing what I know now, I'd go ahead and do it before the vacation. The recovery is pretty easy, and 25 or so days out, you'll be fine. Also, even if you're on "mushies" by the time of your trip, it's not that hard to find things to eat. And hey. . you'll probably be in Bandster Hell during your trip (read: able to eat and hungry, with no restriction yet), so it's not likely that you'll even have a problem getting stuck or finding food you can eat while you're away. Congratulations on your decision! I think you'll be glad to get going with the band sooner than later. Be sure to take lots of "before" pics and your measurements if you haven't already. You will want them later. Best, Catherine

Congratulations -- you're nearly there! Not sure if you've read about "Bandster Hell" yet, but there will be a time after you're banded when you're back on real food when you will be hungry and can eat pretty much as you used to before. Once you get a fill, you won't be able to do that. I just found it kind of comforting to know that getting banded wasn't going to feel like some kind of prison or something. Also, I wanted to encourage you to take a bunch of "before" photos and your measurements now. It's pretty amazing to look at your progress as you go along. I wish I'd taken more "before" pics. Seeing my measurements get smaller during plateaus also really helped me to stay focused. That is awesome about your wife being 100% with you. I hope you have all the success you want and more! :thumbup: Catherine

What made you choose the band over bypass? For many of the same reasons mentioned above -- I didn't want to alter my anatomy in a permanent way and I didn't want to deal with malabsorption issues. What has been the key to your success? Following the bandster rules more often than not, taking joy in this process, blogging regularly, being proactive about my care (getting fills, etc.) and exercising. Have you had any loose skin issues? (I have heard that lap banders have better skin "snap back" because of the slower loss... have you noticed this)? No, but I had only 75-85 pounds to lose and am in my late 30s. For me, everything (and I mean everything. .) snapped back into place. Thank God!! But even if it hadn't, I'd still feel better now than I did with 80 extra pounds on me! Do you all exercise a lot more then pre-op.? Yes -- and I love it now. So much easier to do once you take off some of the initial weight. Have any of you had issues with punctures? No. I haven't even heard of anyone having that. I've been lucky to have no complications (knock wood), but I do know a few people who've had to have a flipped port fixed. None of them have said that they wish they hadn't gotten the band though -- they just get it fixed and get back on track. I hope that helps! There's a link to my blog below if you want to check it out -- you can read about what the whole process is like, and how the surgery went (go to the very beginning for that) if you're interested. Good luck with your decision! I hope that you wind up enjoying this process as much as I have. It's such a pleasure to feel free from feeling badly about my weight. Best wishes, Catherine

Congratulations!! That is so exciting! Just wanted to tell you to be sure to take your measurements now & write them down, and to take some before pictures! You will want these things later so that you can see all of your great progress! I put together a post with some other advice for new bandsters and am including a link here -- hope it's helpful! Best wishes for the approval and your success!! Catherine