Kat817

I typed out my nice long post, and went to double check my mileage for Darcy (who does not have to worry about that with what is going on with her FIL) and promptly closed the wrong window, and lost it all!!! AARRRGGHH!!!!!! Will try again tomorrow.....prayers for Darcy & her FIL, and Di and her in-laws, and may Bambi RIP....(((hugs))) you guys are such great DIL's---they should be so glad to have you! Thanks for the new thread Sherry---and BIG thanks for directing me to it---I needed that!!! Kat

I agree that the Dr. and his experience matter, but it DOES matter with the facility and whether or not they have modern medical technologies available to them. There are Dr.'s doing lap bands out of small clinics. If you have a bleeding issue, or any number of problems that can arise during surgery, especially a surgery most of us go into being morbidly obese, you need to be sure that the facility has the ways and means available to the surgeon, on the spot to help save your life! A Dr. cannot carry with him all the things that may have to be used to save your life---I stand by my belief that the facility needs to be researched as well. However I mean no offense to Randy and his opinion, and do not wish to argue with anyone, that is totally not my style. Just wanted to point out WHY I believe it is important. Kat

There are many, many Dr.'s in Mexico---they do not sound like the same Dr. to me. Be sure to research thoroughly not just the Dr. but the facility they use. Get that particular Dr.'s stats for complications. Find out how many bands they have placed---speak to former patients. Find out info about them from places other than their own site! I am not anti Mexico Dr.'s---I used one myself---but I researched for months before reaching a decision! Your health --- even your life is what is at risk---do your homework!!! You may have already done all this, it just worried me that you thought it might be the same Dr. is all! Good Luck! Kat

Janice, I will be totally honest with you---sometimes not having the ability to truly binge---is frustrating as hell! But you do learn to "binge" differently, so to speak. Tonight I ate Girl Scout Cookies...where as before I could have eaten the entire box---tonight I had 3 small cookies, I nibbled at them as opposed to popping them in 2 bites...and I was full, I had actually taken 5 (these are small mint cookies), but after 3 I was done. You do devleop a different mind set---at least I have, and that is all I can speak for. I was banded last April, and since it was Spring, I was able to be outside. During the healing phase, when I would get the "drive me out of my mind wanting to eat" stuff going on, I would leave the house and take a walk. Not long after me being banded, my DH had some serious health problems and required open heart surgery for a valve, and he had to walk---so we walked A LOT! It made for a good habit. Now in the evening when the urge to snack hits, is when I hop on the eliptical, or the treadmill. When the weather is better I will once again be outside. You do learn to turn the feeling into something else. I now actually enjoy making my heart pound, and my blood pump---which was never the case before! There are times the "head hunger" takes over still---my pouch is full, but I want to EAT!!!! It is hard sometimes---but I can now look down,(sounds stupid but it's true!) at the zipper and button on my jeans, and remember not long ago, I only had elastic waist pants, and I can see how even though my stomach is still my biggest problem, it is going away. Where my size 24 belly used to be is a size 14 belly now...and I can usually get past the urge to eat. That works IF I am already full!!! If I haven't eaten, I have to make a concious effort to eat something filling and "safe" a handful of almonds or a piece of cheese---makes me full til the urge passes. Believe me---if I can do this---so can you!!! Kat

I was self pay and had mine done in Mexicali Mexico, by Dr. Aceves. I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience. The surgeon, his staff, the hospital, their staff---were all wonderful!! I would not hesitate to take my own Mom or Daughter to have it done if they were to need it.... Kat

They were my first outside meal following being banded. We didn't even attempt to eat out when I was on liquids, but when I moved to mushies I met DH at work, and we ran to Taco Bell for lunch!!! When you move to the next stage, Wendy's chili works really well too!!! Looks like you are doing great---keep up the good work!! Kat

And I for one missed you Susan!!! And missed your opinions! Glad to see you again...how's the back? Kat

Awww Beannie if it were only that easy!!!! I am about 50 miles from the "4 corners"....but for miles beyond, in any direction between AZ & NM it is reservation. No Trader Joes I can guarantee!!! Closest I can try is Albuquerque, and it is 286 miles!!! Might follow a Schwans suggestion and check it out....I only wish we had more options. I am in a town of about 7,500, and only 10 miles from one closer to 75,000...but it is not the clientelle as a general rule to lure that type of business. I could go to any grocery in town and buy fresh MUTTON---gag me!!! But fish----fuggedaboudit!!!!! Thanks for thinking of me tho!! Kat

I too was self pay, partly due to the hoops that my insurance (USA) was putting me through. When I look back on it, if I was still fighting with them, I would have 3-4 more months on their supervised diet, and then the rest of the hoops. As it sits right now I am within less than 40 pounds of my goal weight....the thought of not even having gotten started yet is horrible. I am so sorry you are dealing with this!! I know it isn't cheap, but is your health going to make it through their time line? Sad to say, but it may be time to explore other options financially. I am sorry your sister has had a hard time with her band. Keep in mind they make improvements in medical procedures on a daily basis---band placement and procedure as well. I will say a prayer for you, hoping you get an answer. I can feel the pain in your post. ((hugs)) Kat

Well I'll tell ya those single digit friends you want to make??? Be careful of them---I got there, and seem to like them so well I just keep hanging around!!! But you are right, they are much easier to get along with than the 80's & all those other groups!!! Keep up the good work!!! Kat

Awesome job Patty---so inspiring!!!! Enjoy your day and the new you!!! Kat

Hi Jane!! Welcome to bandland and to LBT!! Come over and say Hi at the NJ thread---there are actually a few from NJ there!!! They welcomed me and several others who are nowhere near Jersey!!! A GREAT group!!! The scale at the bottom is called a ticker---there is a thread dedicated to putting one on---if you can't find it let me know and I will PM you with a walk through of how to do it. Once again---welcome!! Kat

The whole "fresh factor" is my problem, living in rural New Mexico, the only fresh fish we get are river & lake....trout, kokanee (sp?) salmon, bass, walleye trout, and some catfish. They are not plentiful in the stores fresh---so we get it ourselves fishing, and snagging salmon in season, but otherwise we are out of luck. I know people who ice fish---but we aren't ones to do it. So it is mass produced, box fish for us through the winter if we want fish. Rivers and lakes are full of bottom feeders, but they taste fishy and nasty---not gonna eat that!!! Kat

Hi Susan- I have no regrets about being banded at all. Let's see, the best thing about it, would have to be the feeling of control. I can control my eating, I no longer feel hungry, and I don't gorge myself, and binge...it allows me to feel less self concious eating in front of people in a restaurant. I can move so much easier now with over 80 pounds gone. I can buy clothes in the Misses section of any store---no more Plus sizes. I have gone from being Morbidly Obese, to Obese, and now to being Overweight---someday even the Dr. will say I am normal!!! The worst part---other than waiting way too long to get it done, and get on with my life...would be.....hmmmm this is much harder!!! I would say the excess skin----and knowing a TT is gonna have to happen. I would have loved to have lost the weight and looked like a before and after you see in magazines.....but my after isn't so pretty!!!! Kat

Sometimes figuring out how to navigate a new board is hard!!! Looks like you got it now!!! Kat

I too have had a scale plateau that has lasted for quite some time. However as I have increased my workouts, I have seen a drop in both inches, and in my body fat ratio. I have not lost weight, but have dropped from a size 16 pants to a 14, originally pre band they were 22/24! I feel better with the exercise---and figure when it comes down to it, in the end, only the Dr. and I will see the scale, if my clothes look better on me, and I feel better, then it's ok. I have read of many plateaus lasting months....guess we are part of those stats now!!! I always wanted to belong to a clique----don't think this is the one I wanted tho!!! Hang in there---imagine all the health benefits you have gained losing the 70 pounds! Continuing to eat healthy is the goal---not just for weight loss, but to learn how to eat in a healthy manner, as a normal way of life. I do not diet in any way...I do not restrict any foods. I try to live by the motto----all things in moderation. I am terrible when told I cannot do something, or cannot have something-I fixate on it!!! So knowing if I want it, I can have it, helps me. I still have good restriction, so even if I go ahead and eat something loaded with carbs, I can't eat much of it---so there isn't much harm done! I very well could have broke this plateau, IF I had dieted or "behaved"!!! But for me this is my life, this is how I intend to live the rest of my life, and I do not want to diet forever! I agree, amybe you need to let go of the stress, and enjoy your 70 pounds. One of the many wonderful things about these bands---it will be there waiting for you when you are ready to give it another go....and so will we here at LBT!!! Kat

Congratulations, welcome to bandland, and to LBT! Kat

Wow---I didn't have that band rule either! I try to limit my liquid calories because they pass through and don't leave me full for an extended period, but I still drink pretty much anything I want. I don't do carbonation, but I gave it up before banding. I was told no drinking with my meals, protein first, limit my carbs, and sugars, small bites, chew well....but was never given a list of rules. It amazes me how varied the Dr.'s stance on all of these issues are!! Pamla, I think having things ready and waiting for you when you come home frm surgery, is an excellent plan. I used my pre-op time and did some taste testing of the different drinks. I don't know if it was for that reason alone, or if it gave me something to "do"...shop for more post op things!!! Do you have asurgery date yet? Kat

I believe the feeling you are getting at this point MAY be food slowly passing through the lower esophagus, not yet into the pouch. Many people have some problem with this. You might try a few drinks of a warm liquid (tea, coffee...) prior to begining your meal, it sometimes relaxes the muscles allowing you to eat more normally. Also make sure your first bites are very small and chewed really well. Without having good restriction yet (and if you can eat more than say 2/3 -1 cup of food, you have not made it to optimum restriction), losing 21 pounds is Great!!!! Remember 1-2 pounds a week is recommended....and it hasn't even been 8 weeks for you---so anything over 16 is bonus!!! You are doing great! Kat

Don't fret, you are perfectly normal! Most of us had the same experience! In fact it is so common, it is referred to around here, as "Bandster Hell". It is that time period when you have a healthy band in place, and no restriction to help....it usually begins when you are still on liquids only, and will continue to be as difficult as former dieting was until you can get some fill. Now that you CAN eat food (and that is an excellent sign) choosing Protein packed food will help with the hunger, as will getting in plenty of fluids, just not while you eat. Avoiding the carbs and sweets right now would be helpful, mainly because the more of them you eat, the more your body craves them. The protein will keep you full longer, and is released into your system in a manner than keeps blood sugars regulated better. The high and low spikes of blood sugar works in conjunction with cravings---and hunger. I said earlier it is a good sign that you can eat normal food, because that is usually one of the requirements for getting your first fill. So now when your healing is far enough along to satisfy your Dr. you should have no trouble getting the fill. When you do get it, be sure to follow the Dr.s plan for returning to normal eating. It is very normal at this point to wonder why in the world you got this stupid band, it isn't doing anything!!! And you are right, it isn't currently doing anything to help you lose weight. What it IS doing is settling in to a good position. When you get your first fill you still may not feel big differences. A lot depends on how aggressive your Dr. is on first fills. I had to slow down after my first, and it was 1.25cc. in a 4 cc. band. A month later I went for my 2nd fill which was just a half a cc---but I got excellent restriction from then on, I have not had an adjustment now in over 7 months---it changes completely then!!! I can truly say to you I have not felt hunger in over 7 months. It is so much easier to make wise food choices when you aren't starving. When you are full in a matter of a few bites...and you don't feel a need to run to the fridge 5 minutes after leaving the dinner table! Hang in there---you ARE normal---but you will get through it, and when you begin the fill process, your band will step up and help!!! When it gets tough, log on---we will try to help! Kat

Welcome Jane! Wherever you post, we are glad you are here!!! It is good as Mrs Husker said to see some long termers!! This is an awesome site for support, and I am sure you will be called upon for some advice!!! Hang out, get to know us, we look forward to getting to know you! Kat

If push came to shove, I could give up the occasional drink I have---but DO NOT get between me and my Mexican food!!! I love it, I eat it all the time. I had Armadillo Eggs tonight---aka stuffed jalapenos!! Hot an Spicy foods, are no problem. Neither have the few drinks I have had been a problem. I have changed, and when I have a drink, I do not have any carbonation.....but I lived!!! I would do what YOU want....YOU are paying for it....YOU have to live with the body alterations if you opt for the mini....YOU should have the final say. Good Luck!!! Kat

I just saw the ad on TV for it this week---is it any good???? Kat

Congratulations!!! You are right, it will happen FAST!! But just think it means the weight will be dropping that much sooner!!! I was banded in April of last year, and I think April is a great month to be banded, it is Springtime, and you can begin a walking plan...and enjoy the rebirth of all the plant life!!! There is a thread dedicated to April '07 bandsters...all of you with April dates for surgery. I belong to the April '06 group, and it has been one of the best things about my band---the special friendships I have formed! It is also nice to have someone to talk to that is in the same healing phase as you are...Go check out the thread. Us '06 bandsters are going to help you '07's in any way we can!!! Kat

Keep a bottle of water with you at all times to sip on (not when you are eating of course)...it gives you something to do with your hands rather than snacking....and the water fills you a little. Just remember that this time is the most difficult, and you ARE doing it!!! You ARE getting there---soon you can start the fill process, and it will ease up. Staying busy helped me, as did doing things that require my hands so I couldn't eat!!! As for sleeping on your side, just try it, and if you can great!!! If not---give it a day or so, then try again....you might try a pillow under your belly (if you have a belly like mine it helps) for support. I have no problems now sleeping on my side, even on my belly, but it took awhile. You are in what they refer to around here as Bandster Hell, you have a band in place, with no fill, and liquid diet....it is hard, but we all survived it, and so will you!!! It is of the utmost importance that you follow the Dr.'s orders as you recover, the band is setting into place, and you don't want to risk that. Just hang tight, it will pass....and soon you will hardly remember it! Welcome to bandland, and also to LBT, we are glad to have you here!!! Kat