Kat817

There is a lot to research about prior to deciding on a Dr. Whether that Dr. be in the USA or elsewhere. You not only need to find a Dr. with proper training, and credentials, find out how many bands he has placed, etc. You also need to find out WHERE he operates. Research the facility! Many are operating in clinics. Not hospitals. Find out what arrangements are if you have a complication. This is surgery!!! Wherever you have it, life threatening things can happen--find out if the facility your Dr. will be using has the means available to save your life! When I was banded, and it was in Mexico, we were walking the halls (which I did a lot) when all sorts of commotion took place. It ended up that there had been an assassination attempt on the vice president of commerce or some such office (April 25, 2006 Mexicali MX). They had brought the shot men in to operate on them. There were Policia all over the place! They treated us with utmost respect. I felt like, if they brought them there to save them, then I was not far off in my research of the facility! And they both lived, we were told! Take ALL aspects of your surgery into account. If someone is picking you up at the airport to drive you over---find out their qualifications---some of those drivers are scary as hell!!! And remember you will be riding back to the airport following surgery---keep in mind you will have sore incisions---ask about the comfort of the pick up! This is an easy surgery in my opinion and experience, but it is surgery all the same and should never be taken lightly. Some Dr.s put people on here to do nothing more than lure customers. We all deserve better than that! Do your homework. I realize price is a major consideration, was for me too----but it was qualifications, experience, staff, location for surgery, hospital staff (language for instance), transportation, willingness to help me plan and locate closer aftercare---that made my decision an easy one in the end. Kat

Sounds to me like it is time for a get together with all parties involved. If Auntie wants it her way, let her talk to the girls, etc. Let her inform Cheyenne that the only reason she was picked was height, not looks. If you feel strongly about it, then stick to your guns, and let them hammer it out with Auntie, do not let her make you the bad guy. I also agree with Mandy---a week away for a fitting? No way! My decision would have hinged on that from the beginning. Who is footing the bill for that? Where will they be staying? Who will be with your young DGD 24/7? Do you know the others going for the fittings? I may be alarmist, but you know nothing about the groom to be's family that might be there. The fairness of the situation, I can see both sides to and could be swayed either way. The safety of the child is not something I would give an inch on. Good Luck Carlene---I am afraid you may need it! Kat

Sounds like a reasonable explanation for them to me. You need to realize at least for awhile if she sees you eat at all she will be asking questions, because your eating WILL change. You will be restricted to liquids, then to mushies for several weeks following. Then it will be a matter of trial and error. Keep this in mind if you are going to be in their company for say Easter Dinner.... Once you have healed, and begin fills, you will go back to liquids following the fill for a day to 3 days depending on your Dr. And you will have to carefully and cautiously add foods to your diet, seeing how each reacts. It is not a hard thing to do for me, but I think keeping it from my family (which I understand WHY you are doing) would have made it really difficult. Now when we go out with family or friends (mine ALL know!) I order a meal with the rest of the group, and I eat, I just eat much slower. Actually sitting my fork down and waiting between bites. In the end I am full about the same time they are, but I have over 3/4 of my meal left to take home. This could raise some eyebrows if no one knows. So it might be time now to start talking about the new diet you are going to start---be proactive at reducing their comments as opposed to being reactive when it is happening. Something about the hormone fluctuation, the anesthtic, something(!) makes many people emotional following the surgery...and you don't need to be caught off guard trying to cover your tracks--and getting upset by it. Start taking walks with the kids, and if you are around them now, don't eat---make your excuses NOW!!! Then feign whatever female issue you have in mind (my sister in law explained her band as a D&C), and use it to maybe help your diet along.... If they see you start the changes now---the exercise, the eating changes, they won't try to connect them to the sudden female surgery. I feel like I should be singing "I've got a secret!!!" Kat

Awwww---poor him, and poor you!!! It will heal---and you will NEVER live it down!!! My DH and I buy each of our grandkids little wooden rockers for their first birthdays. My granddaughter was sitting in my living room with her Mama and I, and she happened to turn a bit sideways, and stuck her little leg out under the arm, then she leaned to far forwards, and fell out---it broke her leg! We are in ER, and the Dr. comes in and says yes it is a fracture, my DD bursts into tears, saying "She is just a baby and I already broke her!". Being so young, within 2 weeks there was no sign of a break on her Xrays!!! We still tease my DD about breaking the baby! I DO NOT remind her that I bought the danged chair!!! My nephew was play wrestling with his Grandpa, and he twisted his ankle and broke it, now he teases him all the time, that he will break the other leg. These things happen, and all you can do is go on---try to make light of it---you are both going to be ok, that is the important thing!!! Hugs to both of you and prayers for his quick healing!!! Kat

Depression is not uncommon following surgery---I too was in tears over things that prior to surgery would have just pissed me off!!! I think when we get our heads filled up with the idea of banding, and our hopes locked in on the bodies we hope to have, it is a shock to find ourselves still in a place we don't want to be! It will soon be changing---and you know the pain you felt, you know without a single doubt, that you will NEVER EVER purposely make someone else feel like that woman made you feel. You are a better person. Hang in there---you are on your way now!!! Welcome to bandland! I do have to say it is a much better neighborhood than the one you were in!!! Kat

Hi Molly-welcome to LBT!! I will send you some info on the ticker in a PM if that is ok. I have it typed up and just copy & paste the info! You and me both looking forward to warm weather---we are getting a glimpse of spring this week, and I am loving it!!! Hang out, tell us about yourself!! We look forward to getting to know you! Kat

Whichever airline you choose, if you feel you may need an extender, ask for it AS you board. When you are boarding and the attendant is standing there greeting you, ask for a seatbelt extender, and she will reach right over her shoulder and hand it to you. The people already on board are busy stowing luggage, and settling in. And those behind waiting to board, can see or hear nothing! IF you wait, until everyone is seated, and realize you need it, the attendant has to walk back to the front of the plane, and back down the aisle with the extender, in full view of everyone now waiting to take off. If you find once you are seated that you don't need it, just slip it in the seat back pocket, and no harm done. I was given this tidbit of advice as I was flying out to be banded. For years I suffered through the "all eyes on me"---so I tried it---I cannot tell you the difference it made, I was relaxed from that moment on! Enjoy your trip!!!! Kat

I don't in any way mean to say not to eat healthy---but you also need to keep in mind a realistic eating plan for you, and for the remainder of your life! I do my best to choose the foods that are best for me, but also foods that fit into my life, and that of my family. I cook one meal. If it is just DH and I, I may cook a piece of meat, and a single veggie, and we are fine. But if I have all the kids here, and we have a giant spaghetti feast, or a Mexican meal, I will eat it right along with them. When we go out to dinner--I try to balance it out. If I have been eating "good" at home, then I might splurge a little, and have something with more carbs for instance. But if I know I have been not eating so well, I will have a salad, and keep in mind, the going out is a treat---not the food. I am not cooking, I have good company... I do plan ahead. When I cook these days, I always have leftovers!!! I bought several packages of the sectioned plates during last summers picnic supply sales. And when I have left overs, I fill a couple of plates, pop them in the food saver, then into the freezer. I eat these for lunch, or if DH is working late. It keeps me with simple to fix meal--without it being full of all the preservatives they put in TV dinners. Plus then I load the plate the way I want with mostly protein, then veggies, and only a few carbs. I can also be assured of enough gravy or whatever for my meat. I buy zip lock bags whenever I find them cheap, and use them to break down large bags of almonds, otherwise I tend to munch aimlessly on them!!! But I also snack on things that are not good for me--chips etc. The difference is, I only eat a few bites now, so I refuse to beat myself up over it. I am tired of thinking about every bite I take, so I don't. I eat less---I move more....and I have a much healthier way of looking at what I eat and when I eat it. It works for me, without feeling overwhelming--like diets always felt. Kat

I would also ask for a very conservative fill. If you need more when you return you can get it then,, Much easier than being in a foreign country, and in a serious health crisis. Why borrow trouble? I would also take my Inamed packet (or whatever you have from your band) with you, just in case you DO need medical care. Then they would have the phone # etc. to get info about your band. Good Luck, have a wonderful trip!! Kat

Try the 100 calorie packages of the Chips Ahoy. They start out with a crisp texture, but much up completely in a few chews. They helped me get through it!! There are times all you can do is suck it up---but always ask, if we have any ideas, we will be glad to share them!!! Hang in there---you are through the hard part!! Kat

WoooHooo Heldie, way to go, the 9th will be here before you know it!! If you have any last minute questions or concerns, feel free to ask! We will be anxiously awaiting your return as a full fledged Bandster!!! Welcome to LBT, I think you will find the support, friendship, and information here invaluable! Glad to have you here! Kat

Jenn--there are just a few issues with banding and alcohol that you need to keep in mind (not on your vacation--not trying to rain on that parade!!!). #1. alcohol is empty calories, and flows through quickly---with no nutrients. #2. We have to be very careful not to swap one addiction for another...food for alcohol. We used food to celebrate, to mourn, it was always there for us, and when it suddenly isn't able to be anymore, it is pretty common for us to substitute something in its place, be it exercise, or booze. and #3. Once you reach good restriction, if you have anything else in your pouch, alcohol can be sitting in the small space for some time, and it is not kind to delicate tissues, so has been linked to ulcers. This is not to say you cannot go out and have a drink, or several! I have a margarita quite often at a little mexican restaurant we go to--it may be affecting my weight loss when I do it, but we have a nice evening, and it isn't a daily thing. I wanted the band to live as normal of a life as possible---and that for me includes occasionally having a drink, or a glass of wine. I may go months between them---but I don't want to be told I can't!!! Bottoms Up!! Kat

I agree, I would go back to liquids exclusively for a day or so, and if you have trouble drinking--it is time to unfill a tad. It isn't uncommon---being unable to truly see the band, it is a chance we take. From what I read, and from what my sister in law said, the slight unfill, and she was good to go again! Good Luck!!! Sliming Sucks!!! Kat

http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/buy/vht/extreme_smoothie

sorry the link isn't working....will see where I located it and try again. It is called VHT Extreme Smoothie. It has 35 g. of protein per can. The Vanilla was excellent. They also have chocolate, mocha (made with decaf), and a praline something I wanted to try. To order them online is about $20.00 for 12.....so I would like to find singles to try first. I will look for the right link....bbl Kat

You can look for this in your local stores, I have found the vanilla---and love it!!! I wish my local store had other flavors. I filled out a request card---we'll see!!! http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/b...treme_smoothie Your body will lose rapidly at first, then slow down, as your Water weight is eliminated, and your metabolism slows down. Your body senses the injustices done to it through surgery, and holds on to everything it can to heal properly, especially since we cannot take in the foods it thinks it needs in order to heal. Eventually, as your body adjusts, and your activity level picks back up, and believe it or not, when you can eat a bit more normally, the weight will start dropping again. Fills will help without a doubt. Keep in mind, you are healing....when you get to a point you can work your band---it will be a huge difference. Relax a bit, don't get discouraged, and focus on your health as an overall, not just your weight! Give your body what it needs to heal. Then when you are healed jump into the weight loss! Kat

I used regular Skippy peanut butter in some of my protein shakes. I have not attempted it with anything else, because I always had to have something to drink with it before---and since that isn't an option, I have kind of shied away. I took a tiny bite of one of the round crustless peanut butter & jelly sandwiches that one of my grandbabies had the other day---but it was a tiny nibble, to encourage him to eat---not me!!! I would say if you can eat it without drinking, it would be a great protein source, and a nice strong flavor, which goes a long way towards satisfaction. Let me know how it goes. Be super cautious with the waffle as well---breads sometimes tend to swell to bigger proportions once they are eaten, and cause some serious pb's.....so whatever you do---proceed with caution! Tiny bites----rest a minute between, and really see how it feels. I mean a minute---at least 60 seconds---let it go down and see how it feels. It is always easier to quit than hurt! Kat

Wow! It sounds to me as though you are too tight. Keep in mind while not being so tight, will let you eat more, it also will relax you some, and allow you to eat enough that your body will respond. It is in a starvation mode now, and while you will lose weight, it will be muscle mass, and you really don't want to lose that. You need to be able to eat a normal type of food to keep your body healthy. We all would love to be instantly thin, but we REALLY need to keep the health aspect in the fore front. Our relationship with food has to be compared to an addiction, in my opinion, I was/am, addicted. It is hard, especially in your situation to think of little else, because right now it rules every breath you take! When you cannot eat---is when you want to the worst. It is just like when our car breaks down, is when we want to go somewhere, or your hands are full of something when your nose itches the worst. We always want what we can't have---it is human nature I guess. I really do feel like you would focus less on food and eating if you weren't so tight. Being that tight can also lead to other issues, and cause you to lose your band. If you were to lose it now, you would not have learned any other eating habits that would allow you to keep the weight off without the band. I went through the bandster hell I mentioned earlier---same as everyone. I literally purged our house of food I couldn't have for a few weeks! I also made a point of getting up and taking a walk around the house or out into the yard...eventually down the road---whenever the urge to eat was just overwhelming!!! I missed favorite TV shows, because the urge to eat, and the commercials were just too much, so I went for a walk. Ironically the walking did me good---but my goal was just to get my mind off of food! I was not going to walk down the road eating---I could just imagine what people would have thought or said---and instead I imagined them watching the transformation of me....as I lost weight! If I owned a dog, he would have been one happy camper---I walked a lot!!! Short quick bursts around the block---but got away from where there was food. Then as I could I started putting out flowers, watering....anything, that was out of the house and away from the food. Soon the weight was dropping, and some of my habits had changed. The longer you stay away from the carbs and sugars, the easier it is. I would seriously consider a small unfill, until you can at least eat say tuna fish, or ground meat...something that will do your body good. You know how an alcoholic has a sponsor in AA---maybe that's what we need to start here. If you don't have someone you can call on to talk to and stay away from the food---you let me know, and I will PM you my #. This CAN be done without starving your body. We want to be healthy hotties!!! Consider it anyway.... Kat

Oh Mandy-I had forgotten!!! I used to love this, it felt so thick and filling, and was still ok!!! Mmmmm It has a chicken base, but is so much better than thin chicken broth. She's right guys---try it! Kat

Yeah Redfred, you are entering what we call around here---"bandster Hell". You have a band (yippee) but it is unfilled, and you are on a restricted diet!!! It is hell! Weight loss usually does slow down about now, and your workhas to begin. You have to call on all the willpower you hoped you would never have to employ again. Keeping your protein intake up will help, not a lot, but it will help some. Eliminating as many of the carbs, and as much of the sugar as you can at this point will help in 2 ways. It will help the weight loss to continue, and it will also ease the cravings for those type of foods. With carbs and sugars, the more you eat, the more you want. Once the habit is broke, it is much easier. Another thing to keep in mind, is that often times thirst is mistaken for hunger. Be sure you are getting plenty of liquids in. It will also help you feel fuller. Just remember not to eat with your food. Find some things you can eat, and like fairly well, and stock up--and have little else on hand for awhile. Yogurt, cottage cheese, soups, things along those lines until you get to add in regular food. Then begin with soft proteins, fish, moist dark chicken.... You will go back to eating these same things in the same slow additions patterns following your fill--so that your stomach has time to adjust to the change. Once you begin the fill process, you may still have time before reaching a point that you feel restriction. It is best snuck up on! I felt very little from my first fill, but the second made a major change. Right now, just plan on logging in and reading and talking, anything to take your mind off of the old eating habits. This site will keep you focused---just avoid the food porn sites!!! Hang in there---this too shall pass!!! Kat

I keep things simple during the day---I do cook for dinner when DH is here, but when it is just me, I keep it simple. For breakfast, I usually have a cup of yogurt with granola. I can usually eat about 1/2 of it. I take 1/2 out of the container, put it in a bowl,sprinkle it with granola and eat it the first day, then have the second half the next day or for snack later in the day. Sometimes I will cook up a sausage patty and throw a piece of cheese on it. For lunch I most of the time eat some sort of left overs. But also take a slice of deli meat, and either spread cream cheese on it, or wrap it around a piece of cheese. Soup is always easy, and I like it if it is a cold snowy day! A small bowl of cottage cheese with bell pepper chopped up in it, is easy. Snacks, I like almonds, or mixed nuts, I microwave pepperoni til it is crisp, and snack on it. The 100 calorie snack bags are handy and easy. Wheetsin told me how to bake freshly grated parmesan cheese to make cheese crisps, that we really like. SF pudding cups---a variety of things. For dinner, I do cook. I cook the same meals I used to cook, I just eat a lot less of them, and try to focus my meal on the Protein and the veggies, and less so on the carb part....which was ALWAYS my weakeness!! My DH is pretty much a meat & potatoes kind of guy, so I can usually keep us both pretty well happy! I drink tea or Water all day. I take my Vitamins, and I chew up Calcium chews. It is a pretty easy way to eat! Plus when you get a good fill level going on, the restriction, reduces or eliminates hunger, so that helps in a BIG way! I am so looking forward to the new suggestions that you get!! Have you went over to the April 2007 group and introduced yourself? It is underway and all of them are anticipating their upcoming surgeries. I am part of the April 2006 group, and we look forward to getting to know you 07's!!! Good Luck! Kat

I showered before leaving the hospital. I would simplyuse my head. As you have been told, no soaking, in the tub, pool, hot tub, anything for minimally 6 weeks he told me, I waited lots longer!! I was stitched, and was just told not to scrub the incisions, just to let the water run over them. I would not use highly scented shower gels or anything. I didn't think about it prior, so had made no plans-had nothing different on hand to shower with, so I used my granddaughters Baby wash---it worked fine. Getting me and my hair clean---made me feel ten times better instantly!! Kat

Don't let Julie make light of it (pun intended). She worked HARD this year. She has set goals, and achieved them, through hard work and dedication. She has worked her way up from being a couch potato (she doesn't mind me saying this, cuz I was one too!!!), and now she is running marathons! She has pushed and cajoled, and sweet talked the rest of us through down times---she has sent up many a prayer when ask---in general she has always been there, with her goal firmly in mind. She worked her band, and deserves this next step! I am anxious to continue watching her progress....even if all these April 2006-ers do make me feel guilty when I wanna re-visit the couch!!! They have been wonderful---and I know Julie will do great. We could all take lessons from her!!! Kat

Like socalgal said, this will help prepare you for the post op diet. Provided you do not have an excessively fatty liver which prohibits them moving it around and out of their way for surgery, a few slips will not likely cause a problem pre-op. Post op tho is another issue altogether. Post op, your body is trying to heal, and eating when you are not supposed to, before the stitches set themselves, can be disastrous. Adhering to the pre-op diet is good practice for the post op. When they place your band, they will bring the lower part of the stomach up and over the band and stitch it in place, using the stomach to hold it. The reason you are then placed on liquids is so that your stomach does not have to digest. When your stomach senses solids, it begins a kneading motion, to break the food down (digesting) and to push it through. But with recent banding, you have fresh stitches in the stomach, you do not want it moving like that, it increases your risk of a popped stitch, which can lead to slipped bands. Getting your head in the game early on is one of the biggest advantages of a pre op diet. You can do it---it isn't easy, but seldom are the things worth doing easy---and the band? It is WAY worth it!!! Kat

Wow!! Y'all make me feel so special!!! Thaks! I was just going to say to say to Lapband4meNOW, you refer to the band as letting you feel empowered. I love the fact that the scale shows a smaller number, and that I buy much smaller clothes---but I really love the feeling of "control" that the band gives me! Control over my own eating habits, and control over the hunger beast that dwells inside me---it is exactly as you say totally empowering!!! Kat marys, I hope you have good luck with the endocrinologist---maybe he/she can point you in a direction, or have an insight that a general practitioner does not, or even things a surgeon does not. I think it is a WISE move! I mean yes it is discouraging for you not losing any better, but there could be apsects of something that would affect your health in other ways. Things your children might need to know. I really think it is a good move. And know we are here for you--pulling for you to find some answers!! Kat