Band_Groupie

Look, I can't say what would happen with you even if you'd been able to stick to a diet, but here's my experience...I have been able to stick to many diets; I've even lost 30-50# at a time, many times over...my problem is that I feel like I'm starving and when I've lost the weight, it just comes back...and trust me it gets harder to lose the older you get. So, I've been a "failure" as well, even as a 'successful' dieter...if people here could lose the weight and keep it off we wouldn't be here...we all go through feeling like a failure and that we've had to resort to such a desperate measure. I think it's the ones that don't feel that way and lightly go into this thinking it's an easy fix that don't do as well. You get that this is a last resort, which means you'll work hard for the changes needed. -BG

Trina- I can't get the thumbnails to work (dumb computer), but even in the mini size I can tell the difference! Lookin' good! -BG

This IS an investment in your family...the best kind...you'll be around to grow old with them, and they need you healthy and happy. There's nothing you need that's more important than that. It's natural to feel guilty, as it's probably the first time you've put yourself at the top of the list, but use that as your motivation to make the band work for you the best you can. You're getting nervous as the date draws near and that's expected. You will succeed because you have a family that needs you to succeed. Hang in there! -BG

It must be tempting to try and drink something like you would do for the Dorito! Good to know it's that bad so I won't panic when it happens....thanks!

Yeah, if you watch the video (linked before) she said that there's a daycare at her school and she intends to go back this fall. There's a whole lot of CRAZY to go around here...the mom, the dad (donor) who apparently is her friend and she hopes will be in their lives (he's overwhelmed with news of the 8 mom says...wonder why), the grandparents, the clinic who apparently implanted 6 embryos many times over and knew she had 6 little ones when they implanted the last ones, the psychiatrist who treated her (or didn't) for depression...

Did you see the mom on the Today Show this morning? She said she's always wanted a big family to make up for the fact that she was an only child and the isolation she felt in a disfunctional family. She suffered years of depression before realizing her dream to become a mother. She said she used the same clinic for all her pregnancies and was implanted with 6 embryo's this time and about the same all the other times. She said she will be able to afford supporting her family once she finishes her schooling (this fall) and she also says she intends to stop her life to attend to the needs of her children. Here's the video link. msnbc.com Video Player

Lovely- Weight loss; every doc/insurance is different (I'm only allowed to lose 10 pounds ttl. or I'll be under the 35 BMI). Most experienced docs now don't have problems with any sized liver (at least that's my docs view), it's easier for them if it's small (so the diet is still worth doing), but if you have a doc these days who can't do the procedure because of the liver size I'd be worried about their skills. I'm not sure what the anesthesiologist told you (I'm with you, I don't need/want to know the details)...I've only gotten the usual 'risks of general anesthesia' lectures. Trust me...you'll count backwards to about 98 and be out. My 13 year old just did this and he was fine too (everyone in my family has been under at least once now). Just remember not to fight it trying to wake up as you'll be really groggy...relax and you'll be able to focus as it wears off (DH kept trying to open his 100# eyelids and fought it trying to wake up after...we kept trying to tell him to relax and sleep, but those slits kept opening...funny to watch)...my middle one says it was the best sleep he's ever had! You'll do great! -BG

Yesterday I had my NUT and Pulmonary appointments at the hospital and then my PT appointment. The NUT one I’ve really been looking forward to as it seems like each surgeon’s NUT here has different plans for patients to follow, so I was anxious to see what my diet would be (some NUT’s diets here seem a little crazy to me). I’ll have to tell you that I came away VERY happy. Here are the basics of my plan: PHASE 1 (1-2 wks) Goal is hydration (64oz fluids). Clear sugar-free liquids, skim milk, fruit & vegetable juice (all these count toward liquid ttl). Start chewable multi-vitamins. NO protein goal (she says you have enough nutrients stored that you’re fine for a week or two), NO protein shakes. PHASE 2 (about wks 3-4) Goals to transition to food, increase nutrition. Use all phase 1 foods (64oz. liquids) plus mushies. Eat 6 small meals with portions ¼-1/2 C, and only eat for 30 min. No liquids 1 hr. before, during, and after meals. Protein – at least a few Tbs-up to ¼ C/meal, then other mushies. NO protein shakes. PHASE 3 (about wk 5 or 6) Goal adequate nutrition and weight loss. Continue liquids rules/amounts, 3 meals no snacks, <1200 cal, <1.5 C ttl. per meal. At least (per day): 6-9oz (about ¾-1C) protein, 1C Vegetables, 1C fruits, 1.5C grains/starches, 3tsp Fats. NO protein shakes (not expected to meet all these amounts/goals until about week 5). Avoid: high fat/sugar (in moderation and add to cal. for the day), stringy/tough/course foods you can’t tolerate (may be able to eat if you chew very well). So here’s why I’m so happy with it. I’m basically following the new food pyramid (with smaller amounts/cal. to lose the weight) so it’s a very balanced diet. Basically no healthy food is completely off limits unless you can’t tolerate it (i.e. Raw celery may be too stringy, untoasted bread may be too doughy, but some CAN tolerate/eat these). I hate most low-fat condiments so I just need to use less and figure the cals into my daily totals. Did you get that I don’t HAVE to drink Protein Shakes…EVER, and she said even though they’re protein, they are high in calories compared to the satiety you get from them…they are sliders so you will feel hungry way sooner than with a food protein (I couldn’t understand why people are still drinking these years later, but whatever works for them). So far, this was the diet I was hoping for. Just healthy eating in smaller portions! We’ll see about the pre-op diet when I go to the pre-op class. Pulmonary was simple as I’ve been to this Specialist before. I have Adult-onset Asthma and found out at the same time that I am very allergic to everything environmental (diagnosed with both in ’07 after 12 weeks of bad coughing...more debilitating than you think) and after several misdiagnosis’. My lungs have been so much better with my daily meds. Sleep lab is a pre-op my surgeon requires. My PCP had already sent me this past fall to the sleep lab as I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and my Dad has very bad sleep apnea (apparently I just snore a little, no apnea). Once I started the next month on meds. for my chronic migraines one of the side effects from that drug is deeper sleeping, so that’s helped me a lot with getting back to sleep (I think the back/shoulder problems I have wake me up, so maybe the PT I’m doing will help as well). So two more pre-ops down, and only the Cardiologist visit next week and then my Pre-Op class left in April! Oh, I got my neck and shoulder x-rays back before going to the PT yesterday...small amount of arthritis/degeneration in my shoulder, no problems with the shoulder blade, and the PT was right, the main issues are in my neck right where she thought (C5,6,7). I have arthritis, bone spurs, degeneration, one bone that has slid back a little and disc space narrowing which is pinching the nerves...that's what gives me the pain in my shoulder, down my arm and the numbness in my hand. The neck...which doesn't really bother me...who knew?

Yesterday I had my NUT and Pulmonary appointments at the hospital and then my PT appointment. The NUT one I’ve really been looking forward to as it seems like each surgeon’s NUT here has different plans for patients to follow, so I was anxious to see what my diet would be (some NUT’s diets here seem a little crazy to me). I’ll have to tell you that I came away VERY happy. Here are the basics of my plan: PHASE 1 (1-2 wks) Goal is hydration (64oz fluids). Clear sugar-free liquids, skim milk, fruit & vegetable juice (all these count toward liquid ttl). Start chewable multi-vitamins. NO protein goal (she says you have enough nutrients stored that you’re fine for a week or two), NO protein shakes. PHASE 2 (about wks 3-4) Goals to transition to food, increase nutrition. Use all phase 1 foods (64oz. liquids) plus mushies. Eat 6 small meals with portions ¼-1/2 C, and only eat for 30 min. No liquids 1 hr. before, during, and after meals. Protein – at least a few Tbs-up to ¼ C/meal, then other mushies. NO protein shakes. PHASE 3 (about wk 5 or 6) Goal adequate nutrition and weight loss. Continue liquids rules/amounts, 3 meals no snacks, <1200 cal, <1.5 C ttl. per meal. At least (per day): 6-9oz (about ¾-1C) protein, 1C Vegetables, 1C fruits, 1.5C grains/starches, 3tsp Fats. NO protein shakes (not expected to meet all these amounts/goals until about week 5). Avoid: high fat/sugar (in moderation and add to cal. for the day), stringy/tough/course foods you can’t tolerate (may be able to eat if you chew very well). So here’s why I’m so happy with it. I’m basically following the new food pyramid (with smaller amounts/cal. to lose the weight) so it’s a very balanced diet. Basically no healthy food is completely off limits unless you can’t tolerate it (i.e. Raw celery may be too stringy, untoasted bread may be too doughy, but some CAN tolerate/eat these). I hate most low-fat condiments so I just need to use less and figure the cals into my daily totals. Did you get that I don’t HAVE to drink Protein Shakes…EVER, and she said even though they’re protein, they are high in calories compared to the satiety you get from them…they are sliders so you will feel hungry way sooner than with a food protein (I couldn’t understand why people are still drinking these years later, but whatever works for them). So far, this was the diet I was hoping for. Just healthy eating in smaller portions! We’ll see about the pre-op diet when I go to the pre-op class. Pulmonary was simple as I’ve been to this Specialist before. I have Adult-onset Asthma and found out at the same time that I am very allergic to everything environmental (diagnosed with both in ’07 after 12 weeks of bad coughing...more debilitating than you think) and after several misdiagnosis’. My lungs have been so much better with my daily meds. Sleep lab is a pre-op my surgeon requires. My PCP had already sent me this past fall to the sleep lab as I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and my Dad has very bad sleep apnea (apparently I just snore a little, no apnea). Once I started the next month on meds. for my chronic migraines one of the side effects from that drug is deeper sleeping, so that’s helped me a lot with getting back to sleep (I think the back/shoulder problems I have wake me up, so maybe the PT I’m doing will help as well). So two more pre-ops down, and only the Cardiologist visit next week and then my Pre-Op class left in April! Oh, I got my neck and shoulder x-rays back before going to the PT yesterday...small amount of arthritis/degeneration in my shoulder, no problems with the shoulder blade, and the PT was right, the main issues are in my neck right where she thought (C5,6,7). I have arthritis, bone spurs, degeneration, one bone that has slid back a little and disc space narrowing which is pinching the nerves...that's what gives me the pain in my shoulder, down my arm and the numbness in my hand. The neck...which doesn't really bother me...who knew?

Holy cow Michelle...5 hours, that must be a new record! Hope the pain goes away soon, and that the biopsy (lymph node?)comes back OK. You've got your band!!! -BG

Now there's a list! ...and I was just thinking she could say 'I'm eating half as much so I can be half as big.' Or 'My doctor has me on a special diet.' (all true) Eating like this won't be any whackier than what I've done on other crazy diets (would they even blink an eye if she ordered only grapefruit every time?)? I'm thinking my REAL friends will be glad for me that I'm eating less and losing weight...and who cares about the others! And if I don't want the appetizer, I'll order what I want, thank you.

Alison-130# in 15 mo. WOW! (Good thing you're only 39, you just made the cutoff for wrinkles...LOL!) Seriously, you're an inspiration. Lena- Shar Pei...Teddy Bear seams...LOL, what a visual! Wendy-You crack me up "body parts mixed up". So I've got the huge butt, guess my face will be fine then! If not, I plan to embrace my new wrinkles and my new health (not to mention not having to wear a 'shower curtain' ever again)!

Lb, Thanks, you're right! I hear there's a Club, with coffee and cosmo's...wanna join (I think mel can get us in)? -BG (Hope you're rescheduled soon)

Dear Abby, I used to read your article as a teen, but you've dissapointed me with this one...this is just so, so wrong. -BG at LBT P.S. I feel a little better now that I figured out that it was actually your daughter who wrote this answer. Tell her she needs to be a better listener...Mini-Me told you she'd preferred not to tell; she did not say she felt ashamed or guilty; and have you seen the size of appetizers lately (OK, maybe this one would help), but if you look for the real question it's there...If I don't want to share everything, what do I SAY that will put others at ease? DEAR ABBY Advice Feb. 5, 2009 DEAR ABBY: I am an obese woman who had the lap band procedure done three months ago. I am now able to eat only three or four ounces of food at a time, and I am starting to show some major weight loss. What do I say to people with whom I go out to eat when they think I am being finicky or snobbish for not eating my entire meal? I have gotten some pretty weird stares, and one of my co-workers believes I have an eating disorder. Abby, I would prefer not to come out and say that I have had weight-loss surgery, but I don't want people worried about me either. Any suggestions? -- MINI-ME IN TEXAS DEAR MINI-YOU: So many people in this country have serious weight problems, I see no reason why you shouldn't be frank about what you decided to do about yours. It's not shameful, and it should not be a guilty secret. People who know you well will find out eventually. However, if you are determined not to reveal that you had the surgery, when you eat out in restaurants, order only an appetizer. That way less food will remain on your plate.

There's a ticker tutorial right here on LBT...have fun! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker...ictures-41782/

Here's another recent thread on LBT http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/pics-info-new-realize-c-band-83453/ And Here Is a Post- Question and Answer to it from Dr. C (same doc), from the OH site Post Date: 1/2/09 7:50 am On January 1, 2009 at 12:20 AM Pacific Time, Spoken4 wrote: Hi Dr. C, I am scheduled for my banding next week and my doc offers both the lap band and the realize band. I'm having a hard time finding differences between the two and was curious as to your opinion. Of course I would want to chose the one that would offer the best results with the least rate for complications! Thanks in advance for your expertise! Currently I'd probably recommend the Lap Band, I like it about 55%/45% over the 1st gen Realize band. There is a new Realize-C band coming out soon, we have already put it about 20. I think it makes them both equal in my mind as there are some improvements to the C. Your surgeon probably does not yet have access to the C however. Trace W. Curry, M.D. -- Lap Band, Realize Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy I did my own research and decided on the LB (I had a choice of LB or the old Realize that most surgeons still offer, I did not have an option of the new Realize C). Do your research and pick whatever is right for you, obviously they all can work well.

I'm in the low BMI group, but just wanted to say hi, and welcome! Can you please send Spring this way? 1 degree here this morning...17 now....brrrrrr (what I wouldn't give to see a palm tree...even with frost on it!) -BG

Sorry in advance if you don't want to look at graphics (I know many people don't want to know what their innards look like)....OK, back from Google...I only knew hernia's as sticking out your abdominal wall, usually low down and you can feel with your hand. I kept thinking "how could so many women on LBT have groin hernias, and why were they only found with LB surgery?" (Obviously I'm not getting wiser with age...you're a wise wise woman!) But now I see the hiatal one is actually internal (I know they both are, but this one is where you can't feel it). This is making more sense now that they find these when they put in the band as it's right where the esophagus joins the stomach. What the heck is that stomach flap valve thing? Does the LB get placed below that? This 'normal' graphic has way more 'anatomy' on it than the pics I saw in my three seminars I attended (looks almost like we already have 2 pouches before the stomach)! Well, at least I'll know what it is if they say I had one LOL...wonder what the percentage is they find w/LB surgery? Thanks for bringing this to my attention! -BG

mel,....ahh...medium...(daydreaming)....and CLUB?!!! You mean there's a CLUB? I'm IN! ...fif...fif...fift...fift...fifty. Going to have to get better at that (as I'm sure it's the secret password to get in...right?). Does this club have matching pointy shoes and teeny designer purses (if you tell me matching canes, or walkers, I'm out...and that goes for red hats too)? -BG PS- Do they serve cosmo's at this club?

Does being 'stuck' feel the same as when you get something stuck in your esophagus...you know, when the Dorito goes down sideways, whole (sorry, I'm a visual person)? Or is it worse? -BG

Absolutely follow your docs plan! I should say, I don't know what the pre-op plan is yet (sorry, thought your 85 gr was a post op diet), as I've only met with the NUT about post-op so far. Post-op I have to get 60-70 grams of protein, but all from foods/milk, and she doesn't expect me to get to that goal until week 5-6. I'm pretty sure the pre-op won't include shakes either, but I'll check.

Wow, Sweet Spot with no fill! Awesome! What's up with all the hernias...doesn't it seem like a ton of people here have them? Why don't they know about them? I'm going to have to google this as I'm not sure why people get them...just thinking aloud. -BG

I'm always amazed by the differences in these diet phases. I don't have to do protein shakes at all...ever. -BG

Hang in there girl...you'll start turning the corner soon! Take it easy and rest! -BG