coloradobanding

First of all, don't beat yourself up about eating a few "no no" foods now and then..we are all human..and this is..again..normal. I am NOT saying eat whatever you want and don't eat healthy, what I'm saying is that you know what to eat, so eat it the vast majority of the time. If you eat something you shouldn't..don't fret..just REALIZE what you did, change the behavior and move on. It is SO easy to say.."well, I already messed up so why not eat a dozen more donuts and whatever else." DON'T DO IT!! Just go back to the foods you are suppose to be eating and file the "no no" incident to memory and try not to repeat. What helps me is the have quick access Protein meals around. I really like the Hormel fresh meals (chicken breasts, turkey stroganoff, etc. in the meat dept. at Super Wal-Mart). They are quick, low calorie, low fat and high protein. It is important to have items available quickly so that you can easily choose good over bad. I keep my "cheat" foods as healthy and proportionate as possible as well. SmartFood Popcorn comes in 100 calorie packs. When I REALLY feel like potato chips or real buttered popcorn, I grab a little bag of this instead. The best choice?? NO! Bbut CERTAINLY better than a bucket of buttered popcorn or a half bag of chips! I also keep the pre-packaged apples slices packs around at all times. This and a little bit of Peanut Butter often cure my "sweet tooth." When this doesn't cut it, I have a few of the "trick or treat" sized Kit Kats that I can grab in case of emergencies. Again, the best choice? NO! do I eat these every day or even every week? NO! But when that chocolate demon gets in my head, it is ceratinly better to have 2 bites rather than a king size. There are all sorts of demons and temptations we have to overcome EVERY DAY!! How I choose to deal with them might be TOTALLY opposite of someone else..but this is what works for me. I know many bandsters that would totally FREAK OUT if I told them (gasp) I have chocolate a few times a month. They might accuse me of not following the rules and be shocked. Truth is, it would be FANTASTIC if I could give up chocolate 100%..but I cannot..so I minimize the temptation the best I can. For me I could NEVER give up chocolate 100% so why would I set an unrealistic expectation? I personally don't..but I do give it up 90% of the time..which IS attainable for me. I think what is most important is to focus on your eating habits, what you can do well (maybe walking) and what you do poorly (for me giving up chocolage 100%) and make it work the best it can for you personally. A friend of mind that also has the lap-band is shocked that I drink a diet soda a day or two here or there...you would think I had another head growing out of my ass..lol. My response is...maybe not the best choice, but I do it in moderation and it works for me. If you "fall off the wagon" learn from it, grow from it and keep fighting. Don't beat yourself up and feel horrible. You're human and it will surely happen again. It's not how we fall that defines us...it's how we get back up!

I totally agree that everyone should share whatever they want. I just have to clarify...you are exactly 17 days post op..right? You say you were on liquids for 2 weeks right? You had invasive surgery less than 3 weeks ago right? Without any further research would it be reasonable to surmise that the weight gain would be from surgery and a full liquid diet? I believe so. Your doctor SHOULD have given you realistic expectations but by your anger and comments it is CLEAR the/he did not. Well, now you know. How you choose to proceed is completely up to you. I would be upset as well if my doctor didn't give me detailed information..but I also did MONTHS of research for myself before making such a HUGE risk of surgery..and everything everywhere states pretty clearly what the expectation with the band is. I find that many people just take what their doctor has to say and runs with it...NOT ME!!! Not to sound rude..but your expectations are not going to be fulfilled as you had thought..I would regroup, educate myself and start again with a positive and fresh mindset. No need to dwell on what cannot be changed in my opinon..best of luck!!!

I definitely see what you're saying...family can be a pain in the ass! Sad thing is, they probably think they're helping you..ugh! Educate them! Tell them that their words and actions are not helpful and TELL THEM what the real expectations are with the Lap Band...they probably think, just like many others (even those that have had the surgery) the outcome should be different or faster. Sit down, tell them how you're feeling and what support you need from them. Assume less...ask more! You don't want to "ignore them" you NEED them to understand and help. We've all treated our obesity oureslves and just turn a blind eye to comments or suggestions...NO MORE!!!! You are STRONG this WILL BE successful but at YOUR OWN PACE!! If you TRULY embrace that and talk about it with confidence, you will be SHOCKED how those around you will change and be supportive!! Not ONE SINGLE PERSON mentioned how much weight I'd lost or "how good I looked" until 8 months POST OP!!! I kept waiting and waiting and waiting...and working and working and fighting..and then one day...BAM..EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE just POURED the compliments on me and it felt SOOOOOOO GOOOD!!! ALL the HARD WOrk, all the COURAGE and DISCIPLINE paid off times 1000. It is HARD but it is SO worth it!!!!!!!! KEEP FIGHTING!!!!

I am constantly surprised by my fellow bandsters!!! I was fully prepared to see many posts telling me I was wrong to be so direct..TOTALLy the opposite..thank you!!! To address a couple concerns.... For those with people around you that know you had surgery (exactly why I didn't share it with hardly anyone..many still don't know) and constantly ask "how much have you lost" or say "I thought you would've lost more" or whatever other nonsense..here is my advice...EDUCATE THEM!! Tell them something along the lines of "This is not the same surgery as Gastric Bypass, the weight loss is much slower and healthier which is why I chose it. I choose to eat and live a healthier a lifestyle." That is of course the calm and cool way to respond to an idiot...another would be.. "Please don't monitor my progress, eating habits or weight loss. It's obvious by your comment that you have no idea what you're talking about or how harmful your comments can be to my ultimate success. I would appreciate no further input but would appreciate your support." (just finished communication course or that latter comment would have been much more "colorful" lol) My point is, this journey is SO HARD without the additional stress others put on us. You MUST take that negativity out of your life SOMEHOW so you can focus on the hard work ahead of you. However you need to do it...just do it! Since many don't know or were told differently by their doctor...AVERAGE weight loss with the band is 52lbs per YEAR!! You will have many that lose more, and many that lose less, but that is a good gauge of lap band weight loss. I have been banded for over 15 months and STILL have not lost that much, but I've lost a LOT and that is what I focus on. I am THRILLED with my loss thus far and continue to fight each and every day-I will NOT fail! It may take me 4-5 years to lose what I want...but I will lose it. I'm in this for the long haul, not the next 6 months. All this to say is that you need to have INCREDIBLE confidence in yourself and your journey and don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING slow you down from achieving YOUR Goals (not their unrealistic goals, YOUR GOALS). You CAN DO THIS and you ARE WORTH IT!!!

Dearest Amey... You are a TRUE inspiration!!!!! I have a very strong will, but seriously doubt I could've done what you did. In the face of adversity, stress and tragedy, you stuck to your guns and made it through!!! You are so ready for this journey!!! I'm happy your son is OK and sorry for the loss of the baby. Keep up the good work!! YOU WILL be able to eat comfortably in a restaurant again..don't worry about that!

If you had asked me this question the 1st week after surgery I would have said it was the worst decision I've ever mad in my life!! Today..THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE!!! The things I would change.... Not comparing myself and my weight loss to anyone else-VERY self sabotaging!! Would have done it 3 years sooner!!! Other than that..NOTHING!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND!!!

The band is definitely not for everyone! My husband has plantar fasciatis and I know how debilitating that can be. Perhaps the reason he suggested RNY over the band was due to your particular situation. I've seen plenty of people successful with both the band and RNY. If my insurance had covered it, I likely would've picked RNY but am SO glad I didn't..I LOVE MY BAND!! It is a difficult journey but definitely worth it. Do a LOT of research, read this forum (a lot of it) and make the best decision for you. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

It TRULY breaks my heart to hear about all my future soon-to-be bandsters with little or no support for their journey. This is something you need to do for YOURSELF and NO ONE ELSE!!! No one else is there with you whle you're crying because you're miserable, no one else is there with you when you look at your naked body and start to cry, no one else is there with you when you feel so horrible about yourself you don't want to get out of bed. Guess who the only one who is there? You!! You can put on your "happy face" for all to see, but we ALL know how awful being overweight is. I can tell you that I am SUPER LUCKY to have a FULLY supportive husband and cherish that every day. BUT if he was not supportive, I would've done it anyway and likely abandoned him for someone who would support me. I have my own body, my own mind and my own life that ONLY I am accountable for!! I WOULD NOT give up having surgery FOR ANYTHING..it was the absolute BEST thing that happened in my life other than my family. I hope you all find the strength within to do whatever needs to be done to be successful on this joureny. It is NOT easy and you can use all the help you can get!!

To OP, congratulations on your surgery and I'm glad you're doing well!! Can't believe you're walking already..GREAT JOB!! I couldn't walk (or get out of bed) for 3 days, but began my workout routine exactly one week out of surgery and never looked back. The first couple days after surgery were the hardest, but each one has been easier and better since. Best of luck to you!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is a LOT of weight lost for one year--WOOT WOOT!!! I too work with my band in my own way. I follow the basic rules..getting my Protein in is #1 a close second is exercise! I cannot believe how strong I am..unreal! Other than that, I don't follow any rules. I eat healthy moderate portions, make good food choices and move as much as possible. I too cannot eat a hamburger, but will one day dammit..lol I am happy that I can occasionally eat pizza and bread with no issues..just have to know what mood my band is in for the day. I have lost nowhere near 100lbs and have been banded 4 months longer than you. Just goes to show..everyone is different. I'm thrilled with my weight loss and will be at my ultimate goal by 2012. I have 85lbs to lose total, so I will never see 100lbs lost..I'm glad you did though..AWESOME!

I had my surgery on a Monday and was back to work on Friday...I have a desk job.

Swallowing gume with or without the band is not a good idea...but especially with the band my Dr. said swallowing it could be very very hazardous. I was scared to death to chew it for about 6 months, but chew it often now. I am just VERY mindful of NOT swallowing it!

There have been similar threads like this over the year plus I've been on LBT. I am happy to say that many of my previous "wants" are now my reality but wanted to share. #1 buy clothes off the "normal" size rack and NOT Lane Bryant!! (DID IT!) #2 Not have the dreaded red ring of horror on my stomach after wearing pants that were too tight (DID IT!) #3 Excited about buying a swim suit (DONE!! Have 5 swimsuits that I LOVE and look great on me...no swim dress type either) #4 Going to the Water parks with my family (our favorite pastime) and not worry about my fat hanging out of everywhere (DONE!) #5 Being able to work out hard and not be rushed to the hospital (CHECK!) #6 Live a longer life for my children and future grandchildren (in progress!) #7 Not wear ANY clothes that have an X or a W along with the size (CHECK CHECK CHECK!!!)

Congratulations on your weight loss so far...don't give up!!! This is just the beginning and you're doing GREAT!!! The first thing I noticed is your diet. As Betsy noted, it is pretty high in carbs and not what my nutritionist would consider a good meal plan for a lap-band patient. I would seriously start completely over with your diet. Focus on fresh lean Proteins and veggies in moderation. Few, if any, Snacks and UP your Protein intake!! The MINIMUM for my protein daily is 80 and that is on the lower end usually. My doctor recommends a minimum of 60grams of protein a day but stresses 75-90 grams of protein per day. What I do is this. I ONLY eat (or drink) protein all day until I've met my protein goal for the day. Once I reach that goal, I can eat other things. I don't limit myself to anything once I hit my protein goal, but by the time I reach that goal, I'm usually not hungry at all. It really works!!! Walking is fine if that is all you're capable of doing right now. What I would suggest is to have a "sprint" a few times during your walk. A "sprint" in this example would be to walk as fast as you possibly can for 1-3 minutes then back down to a normal pace. Doing this raises your heart rate and speeds up your metabolism which burns more calories..it REALLY works!!! Best to you..DON'T GIVE UP!!! You're worth it!!

NO you are not overreacting!! I find that appalling that your Dr's office put off your visit for 5 days when you are CLEARLY too tight and miserable!!! I am SOOO blessed to have a very caring Dr's office and am lucky enough to never have had this type of problem. Your issues are SERIOUS and should be dealt with SOON!!! I would call the office and insist on being seen sooner and be a thorn in their side until they maked it happen. I would not just take their response and go with it...I'm sorry this is happening to you!! It is very surprising what just a 1/2cc can isn't it?

I can totally relate!! On my last fill (several months ago) I had LESS restrication for the first 3 days than I had before the fill...freaked me out! I literally thought of going back because I thought they took it out instead of filling it up. Well on day 3...BAM...MAJOR restriction!! I have to idea why it happened (haven't been back to the Dr to inquire) but it sounds very similar to what you had happen.

I am also a slow loser and PROUD OF IT!!! I do not have my band full to the point of following each guideline to a T. I have enough restriction not to feel hungry, but have no issues eating healthy, well balanced meals. I am SOOOOOO HAPPY being able to feel "normal" when it comes to eating, I don't mind losing slower than most. I don't PB, get stuck or slime and can eat dry chicken breast and broccoli without fear. I LOOOVE my band!!!

Please don't take this as anything but curiosity, but...how is that even possible? I have been one of the slowest losers on the Lap-Band planet, but I follow "the rules" and do what I'm supposed to do on a daily basis. I plateau for MONTHS at a time, but eventually still lose. I understand that for some people the band doesn't work, which is why I'm curious. Are you following the diet plan? Are you exercising and getting your Protein as required? If you have a band or not, if you are doing these things (and not eating around the band) you will have lost weight, period. I just wonder if you are kidding yourself and expecting the band to do all the work. We all know this is NOT EASY and takes a significant amount of determination and commitment.

You need to have realistic expectations. As every Lap Band doctor should tell you, the actual time it takes for Lap Band patients to lose all of their excess weight IS 3 YEARS. By your estimates, you are right on track! PLEASE DON'T compare yourself to anyone else! Just because someone else loses more, doesn't mean you are doing something wrong!!! We are ALL DIFFERENT and all lose or gain completely differently from someone else. You will sabotage your success by focusing on other's successes and not your own-you are not even 2 months post-op yet and you are doing GREAT!!! I didn't start losing anything for several months. I have lost on average 1lbs a week since banding and I work off like crazy and am very strict on food intake. I KNOW what I am doing is what's best for me and will give me LONG TERM success! Focus on what YOU have accomplished, not what OTHERS have!

You need to have realistic expectations. As every Lap Band doctor should tell you, the actual time it takes for Lap Band patients to lose all of their excess weight IS 3 YEARS. By your estimates, you are right on track! PLEASE DON'T compare yourself to anyone else! Just because someone else loses more, doesn't mean you are doing something wrong!!! We are ALL DIFFERENT and all lose or gain completely differently from someone else. You will sabotage your success by focusing on other's successes and not your own-you are not even 2 months post-op yet and you are doing GREAT!!! I didn't start losing anything for several months. I have lost on average 1lbs a week since banding and I work off like crazy and am very strict on food intake. I KNOW what I am doing is what's best for me and will give me LONG TERM success! Focus on what YOU have accomplished, not what OTHERS have!

I really like the Special K crackers with my chicken salad!!

An unpopular answer to your question is NO..FILLS DO NOT HAVE TO BE NECESSARY to be successful on this journey!!! I hear the reply..."why would I want to have this surgery and a band if I don't get fills?" Simple answer...if you don't need fills, WHY GET THEM??? Some people (including myself) didn't NEED a fill for quite awhile. I had adequate restriction with NO SALINE at all...we are ALL DIFFERENT!!! When I got to a point where I needed a fill, I got one...but technically could've gone without. My most recent fill was exactly what I needed to reach my sweet spot (1.2 cc in 10cc band). But 2 people in my support group had NO FILLS at ALL and have lost EXACTLY what was expected!! Don't let anyone's opinions make your decision for you. If you feel like you don't need a fill...DON'T GET ONE, if you need more restriction...get one, we are all different!

Hi RC--you in Parker, CO? I am in Aurora :)I flew non-stop from Denver to Orlando, FL 3 weeks after surgery with no problems.

I think pretty much everyone has thought exactly as you are now, I know I did. I can also tell you that I plateau more than most and lose at a much slower pace. That being said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my band!! It has worked exactly as I had hoped and I wouldn't change a thing. I had realistic expectations and was PATIENT with myself, my journey and my weight loss. Don't fool yourself, this is not a "quick fix" it takes a lot of commitment and determination. Your lifestyle and eating habits WILL CHANGE and so will your outlook (for the best, but change can always be intimdating). It takes exercise, discipline and will power, just like any other diet. But having the band actually makes all those things achieve results; something that had alluded (sp?) me prior to banding. I too was afraid of a silicone band being inside me forever...but ponder this....if you kept the weight on, you would have pounds and pounds of fat on you forever...you could have diseases in your body due to obesity in your body FOREVER and you would have low self esteem, poor health and depression FOREVER if you continue to keep the weight on your body. When I considered all the things that I would prefer to have in my body and what it would alleviate...the band was a much more attractive option! I would say also, that unless you are absolutely certain about this surgery, I would postpone until you are. You need confidence, commitment and determination for this journey..and starting out with fear, regret or doubt will not give you the desired result. I would do this all over again if I had to, the BEST THING I EVER DID for myself by a long-shot. Best of Luck!!!

I totally agree with the title of the post and with several comments. I was literally at a complete standstill of weight loss from Jan 2010 to Mid March 2010. I was working out over 90 minutes 5X per week, watching what I ate and etc. I was banded January 2009. I too had the evil "hungry at night" curse. I would follow every single detail to a T during the day, but around 6:00pm my body would crave no-no's. I finally started losing again the 3rd week of March almost 12 weeks..UGH!! Then bam, 7lbs. I've been losing 2lbs a week since..but OMG, seriously it was NOT easy! My trainer gave me the BEST advice about a month ago that TOTALLY changed my metabolism...maybe it can help someone else. Since I did fine during the day, and the nighttime was my nemesis, he suggested I work out at night (I go to 24 hour fitness). So, I would come home, get my chores done, fix supper for my family, and then head to the gym. When I got back, I would eat or usually drink my last bit of Protein for the day (Muscle Milk light is my protein of choice). Then I would shower and go to bed. By doing this I am accomplising many things... 1. Not eating crap at night and alleviating the hunger 2. Exercising instead of eating when my body is usually in resting mode. 3. Getting my metabolism going by exercising and adding protein just before sleep, so I am burning fat/calories while sleeping. 4. Sleep like a baby!!! I have done this now for about a month or so and feel GREAT!!! Keep up the good work people, don't let plateaus discourage you!!!