John337

Last time we took a tally (1536 lbs !!!), we started around Sept. 2009. So many have made great strides that I think we need to take an end of year tally. ADD YOUR NAME AND TOTAL ...........CONGRATS TO ALL !!!:blushing: John - 114

Hi Guys - I've been off line for a while. Holding at 216.....You all are doing great......... Ann - By next week you will break the 100 lb mark.....I can see it.......:sad:

Ann - You are so right.............Stay on top of the PA and push to see the surgeon. You're right. You didn't come this far not to have 100% success........... Trisha - Dr. Kurin is still at NYU. The practice is so busy but what I really ike about the group is that they really pay attention to you and listen to you. Learning to eat slow is such a task for me as well. There are days I eat slow without thinking and then there are meals I start off taking a big bite and thank goodness I catch myself :smile2: so not to get stuck. I constantly remind myself to take small bites ( dime size) and eat slow. I try to get into the habit of putting my fork down in between bites. Even that is hard to do......... OLD HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK...........But we will change!:confused: Good luck............

Hi Ann - It really drives me crazy when a Doc or PA says - "Exercise more" instead of listening to the patient. You are basically telling the PA that the LB is loose and should be tightened a little as you can eat 2+ cups of food. Exercise will not stop you from eating 2+ cups of food. While we all can agree exercise is part of the solution , so is adjusting the band so that we eat 1-1/2 cups of food and we're satisfied for 4-6 hours. I can honestly say the Docs at NYU really listen to the patient and adjust the band accordingly. I think if you feel an adjustment is necessary then the PA should listen to you and make the adjustment. :confused:

WOW -- CONGRATS.............You're doing so well.......Keep it up.:smile2::thumbup::eek:

Thanks Ann and HG........ Ann - Where's your updated photo???

John 114 Donny 117 Danielle 80 Rebecca 45 Gaye 42 Ann 91 Tammy 52 Carrie 80 sapphire12305 78 total = 759

You are not a failure..........35 lbs is good......Asking for help and guidance is even better and shows you want to succeed. A couple of questions - What size band do you have? How many cc's are in your band so far ? Last fill was when ? Do you eat only 3 meals a day? how much Protein do you eat at a meal? Are you exercising? how much? I suggest you get back to basics............Lap Band Basics......:smile2: Eat 3 meals per day. ( 4-5 oz of protein per meal)....If you are not satisfied for at least 4-5 hours after eating, it's time for a fill. You should exercise every other day......a little weights & a little cardio. Be in contact with your Doc....He needs to hear how you are doing. You should lose ( on average) 1-2 lbs per week. You need to get the band to work for you.... Good Luck......You can do it....:thumbup::thumbup:

Congrats on your decision to have the LB Surgery. I had mine on 5/11/09 @ NYU as well. The Docs, Nurses and staff are GREAT ! Be strict on the liquid diet. You can do it. I woud have GAS X strips in the house. When you come home, you'll still have a little gas and these strips REALLY help. Walk around the house or apt as much as you can. It makes you feel that much better. Stick to the post op liquids and soft foods as their protocols state. You'll start to see a difference right away. It is truly amazing..... If you have any questions, drop me a message......... Good luck.........you're in good hands........:smile2:

I agree with Sue.......DO NOT CANCEL your appt. Explain the situation to your Doc. He will understand. You definitely need a fill and it will help you get on track. Eat slow and chew, chew chew........ Good luck with the LP and your daughter's illness.

My new profile picture was taken 12/20/09......Down to 220-223....... Time for updated photos......Come on Mayo Banditos........:smile2:

Hi Ann - Skinny Santa did well........I had to wear extra clothing and extra stuffing but I was able to be Jolly Old Santa......:smile2:

I've been maintaining for the last couple of months. However, just after Thanksgiving I got the flu. Went to the Doctor and was advised since it has been 36 hours with the flu, the medication would not work other to shorten my time that I'm sick by one day so he didn't give it to me. Well - I was down for the count for 7 days. Lost 8-9 lbs in one week. Becaquse I wasn't drinking fluids ( never mind food) I picked up a bladder infection that almost put me in the hospital. Went to my LB Doc and had an unfill so I can gain back the weight I lost from being sick. ( Got down to 214....but really looked bad). Gained back my weight and will have a fill on 1/14/2010 to maintain. What a month...... Went thru the holidays without one cocktail.........Still on antibiotics for the bladder infection. That's OK - Still happy to be 220-223..........

I've been maintaining for the last couple of months. However, just after Thanksgiving I got the flu. Went to the Doctor and was advised since it has been 36 hours with the flu, the medication would not work other to shorten my time that I'm sick by one day so he didn't give it to me. Well - I was down for the count for 7 days. Lost 8-9 lbs in one week. Becaquse I wasn't drinking fluids ( never mind food) I picked up a bladder infection that almost put me in the hospital. Went to my LB Doc and had an unfill so I can gain back the weight I lost from being sick. ( Got down to 214....but really looked bad). Gained back my weight and will have a fill on 1/14/2010 to maintain. What a month...... Went thru the holidays without one cocktail.........Still on antibiotics for the bladder infection. That's OK - Still happy to be 220-223..........:mad:

hallelujah.girl - Good to hear from you. Don't be fustrated......It takes a while to get use to the new way of eating..... Small bites does mean small. I cut my meat no bigger than the size of a dime - nickel and chew, chew chew. Put the fork down while you chew. Eating 4-5 oz of Protein should hold you for 5 hours. If not, time for an adjustment. You definitely should not be able to chug Water......I sip water. If I try to chug even one gulp it hurts like hell. I would go for the fill........

I too have hypothyroidism. I've been taking Lexoxyl for a couple of years now. Was banded 5/11/09 and it has not effected me at all. Good luck on your journey.............

If you have good restriction, you should only be able to eat 4 oz of the hamburger.....( no bun or spuds ) You might need a little adjustment. If you eat 4 oz of Protein and hungry after 2-3 hours, you need a slight fill. Good Luck.........

WOW - I read your post and my mouth is still opened. I can't believe what I am reading. You and I were banded in the same month. Who did your surgery? I can't believe the swallow test and follow up didn't show the band wasn't even attached to your stomach........ Can you say " MAL PRACTICE " ........This is the most severe case of negligence / mis-diagnosis that I have read. Your latest surgery - What the band properly placed around your stomach? May be time to seek a new Lap Band Doc and then see a lawyer. I'm shocked at how you were treated all of these months. Don't give up....Find another Doc and stay with the journey...

John - 114 Donny-117 Danielle-80 total - 311 ***Don and Danielle - FANTASTIC !!

To tell you the truth.......It is a little SCARY..:ohmy:..... Granted , I wanted to get back to my goal weight and not be 214 as I looked really sick. It was easy to gain it back. I can't wait to see the Doc on 1/14/10 to tighten up............

To all the Mayo Banditos - It has truly been a pleasure sharing this experience with you......The good, bad and even the ugly........ It's been a heck of journey this past year but we're all doing great. Being able to discuss the process and how we're doing has been a huge help................. ****** HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL *****

Since losing weight from a bad battle with the flu, I was able to get an unfill and now I'm back to my original goal range. 220-223. Will go for another fill on 1/14/2010 to tighten the band a little, then I should be back in the zone to maintain.

Once my surgery was approved, I started a 1,000 calorie regiment. Also, 3 weeks before surgery I had to go on a liquid Protein diet. I could have 7 of these drinks a day. Each was 110 calories and 17 grams of protein. I really was satisfied. Pushing the pre-op diet I lost 50 lbs and post op I lost 70 lbs. ( surgery was 5/11/09) I'm now on a maintenance mode. Remember - this is a life changing journey not a diet. You'll do fine. It's ok to be nervous. I was . I think we all were. The biggest challenge has been and remains to chew, chew and chew......AND EAT SLOWLY..... I think the most difficult part to the process was the month after surgery. They call this bandster hell. You are hungry and could only have liquids following surgery( for 2 weeks) followed by 2 weeks of soft foods. You'll get past this without a problem. Once you start getting fills and feel restriction, you'll feel great.........while losing weight. ps - immediately after surgery, for a few days or so, you may have bad gas pains. Keep Gas - X strips handy...THEY WORK GREAT to relieve the pressure.......... Hope this helps. Any ??, send me a note........GOOD LUCK !!:thumbup:

CONGRATS .............:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: You are doing great.....74 lbs is excellent....keep it up....or should I say down...lol..lol... Have a Happy Holiday..........:thumbup: