SBNYC

I have a friend that has been banded for two years and she eats popcorn all the time with absolutely no problem. I've been banded since April '08 -- and I've been eating popcorn with no issue either. In fact, it's become one of my favorite foods. It has never gotten stuck and when I go to the movies I can eat popcorn and have a soda (at the same time as opposed to not drinking with meals). Granted, I can't and don't want to eat a large popcorn:biggrin:! Imagine my surprise when I saw popcorn on one of the lists of "tough" foods. My other friend who is banded has no problem either. It may be one of those things where some people have problems and some don't. I'm at 8.1cc of a 10cc Emmi band which is pretty tight for me and I can still eat it.

I live in the city so obviously NYC is my choice. Unless it was in Northern Jersey -- I doubt I would attend as I'm not keen on leaving the isle of Manhattan for a day trip.

Ara is absolutely right about not judging our weight loss to others'. When I read these posts I want to jump out the window (only kidding...). Some of you have lost in the first month what it's taken me to lose since the end of April. There are so many factors: age, heredity, lifestyle (exercise), stress and so much more. The bit to concentrate on is that we've all done something to change. A friend called me brave for having the surgery -- which took me by surprise. Others have thought me vain. In the end, it's how I feel about what I've done -- and that's proud.

HI...I was banded by Dr. Kurian too -- on 4/08. I haven't been yet but have been wanting to go as well. I'll keep my eyes open here to see if anyone else posts....It's the 3rd Wednesday of the month, right?

I saw that clip but they said it was an experimental procedure and it wasn't for lap band. It was a less severe method of doing by-pass surgery. My doctor insists on a two week pre-surgery all liquid diet to help de-fat the liver and make surgery easier -- and with fewer risks. She also has a technique of putting in an extra stitch to secure the band which supposedly cuts down on slipage.

I'm 46 and was banded 4/08. Throughout my teens and 20's I was always slim with a tendancy gain if I wasn't very careful with what I ate. I started to steadily gain (and diet to lose) in my mid 30's and after having my child at 34 it was a real up and down. What finally sent me spiraling was a bum thyroid and a sedintary lifestyle. I wanted to get banded 4 years ago but I wasn't big enough and didn't have enough co-morbidities. Finally at 46 with three co-morbidities (high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar plus thyroid malfunction) and a BMI of 36 I was approved. I've never looked back. I'm 30 lbs down and 65 more to go. It's a the best tool ever invented.

Yes, the phlegm thing has happened to me many times with my last fill (8.1 in a 10cc band). My take is that the food gets stuck and the saliva builds up and is unable to go down. Once you throw it up it usually allows you to swallow. As for the Pavlov reaction....I've been there. The head wants to eat but the body doesn't allow it. Believe me, it gets easier from that perspective.

First of all, it sounds like you've gotten reprehensible care from your surgeon. In the practice I went to there is a specific program -- meaning that from the start you're screened. Step 1. Attend an info session where everything (pros and cons) are thoroughly explained. Step 2. Visit a nutritionist and psychologist to talk about what to expect. Step 3. Online overview of the procedure. Step 4. 2nd visit with the surgeon. Step 5 Surgery and overview in the hospital day after surgery. Step 6. Monthly visits to the surgeon (first several post-op are covered by insurance) to have fills. Thereafter, the doctor does my fills and there is a co-pay. Step 7 a monthly support group at the hospital led by the surgical practice -- different groups for different stages. That said.... I have had my 4th fill and it's hard. I can't eat fruits and vegetetables (except for a slim few) and this was my favorite thing to eat. Lots of proteins are tough for me except fish and shellfish. I can eat very little in the morning or afternoon and best at dinner. I got a lot stuck these past 4 weeks and it's been miserable -- so I understand your pain. I'm in restaurants a lot for work. My hunger is coming back but I do believe it's because I'm not getting enough "real" protein in the way of real food -- not shakes. However, I know it's a work in progress and I'm hoping it will get better. I'm banded 6 1/2 months and I've lost 30lbs -- not a lot compared to others on this forum. I have a friend that took a year to lose 85. I'm hopeful. Before you give up -- try to find a good practice and some real support. You've come this far -- not to be Pollyanna-ish -- but you owe it to yourself.

Yes, thank you for this positive message. I'm also glad that it's something we're discussing. I've often thought about how few "old timers" there are out there. I would hate to think that the band has a time limit... I know of a few people who've had slippage but have been able to repair the band and move on.

Hi...I had my surgery on 4/28/08 in NYC. I had a very positive experience with no complications or issues. I haven't yet attended a support group because my schedule doesn't allow -- but I do feel the need to speak to other bandsters. Most of my weight issues began about 10 years ago although I always had to battle to maintain my weight (I was 130-150 most of my life) until I had my daughter and developed thyroid issues as well. High blood pressure, high blood sugar were starting and leading me down the same path as my dad -- which ended in triple by-pass surgery for him. I saw that as my future. I have about 65 pounds to lose -- I've lost 30 since surgery. My biggest problem now that my band is really tight -- is that I can't eat anything until dinner time. Anyone else have trouble?

No, it's been four weeks! The first couple of days is always liquid and then soft foods -- per the doctor -- so it's hard to gauge. I've had a few rough days, for sure. :thumbup: I think it's getting slightly easier. I am seeing the doctor for my monthly visit -- I know I won't need a fill.

Hi all...I am six months post-op, banded on 4/28/08 by Marian Kurian at NYU Hospital (she's in practice with Drs. Fielding and Ren). Had a very positive experience and virtully no pain. I took pain meds overnight in the hospital and Tylenol when home. I stayed home a week -- mostly because I was weak and tired. My incisions healed pretty well -- except for my port which took a bit longer -- they're starting to fade now. I've lost 30lbs -- I'm a slow loser. Until my last fill (8.1cc out of a 10cc band), I felt very little restriction. It's been 4 weeks since the fill and I have had a pretty rough time. It's a lot of experimentation and was hoping to pick up some sage advice here... Can someone tell me how you find out who has answered your posts -- without getting annoying emails everytime from the administrator?

I have a friend who experience hair loss....but it has happily grown back. She lives far away so I can't tell you the timing of when it was lost and when it grew back. However it is back, thankfully. I also thought it was related to protein intake. I'm pretty sure that's what the books and doctors told me. In the case of anorexics, they grow hair on their bodies the more weight they lose because it's the body's way of keeping itelf warm. Seems counter intuitive to lose hair -- but who knows!

Do you feel 70lbs is worth losing? If you don't feel the urgency then don't do it. If you feel you reserve way too much mental anguish over your weight and would like it gone -- then get a band. I looked at banding as a magic bullet -- and there is no such thing. Even though I consider it easy -- it's not a cake walk in terms of daily life. My BMI was technically too low to get banded but I started having co-morbidities that I didn't want to take over my life. I had 80lbs. to lose -- and yes, I totally feel that it's been worth it. I'm 30lbs down. I had surgery on 4/28/08.

I think it's different for everyone although I would say that white meat chicken, bread and shrimp are probably universal. I do have certain foods that I avoid now -- like anything with a skin (some fruit, for example) but I have a bigger issue with swallowing anything until dinner time. It's all tough for me and so I drink protien drinks and have soup. It's really a learn as you go process.