tessiekay

Banded July 1st and I've lost only 15 lbs since (but lost 25 lbs pre-op). I'm on my 3rd fill and I feel that I'm very close. I have Realize (9-11 cc, not sure) and first fill in August was 3 cc with little effect. 2nd fill (1cc) early October had some effect. At times I could eat absolutely everything and other times I learned the true meaning of PBing and Sliming :thumbup:. There was a learning curve as my band and I came to some agreement. (Mostly I had to learn...band stood firm LOL). I had my 3rd fill (1 cc) mid November and now I'm starting to see how this whole thing is going to work. I feel restriction most of the time, but still seem determined to test all the limits LOL. I'll learn I guess. I have another fill scheduled at the end of december that I guess will be very small if I have it at all. I'm hoping that will be the one that brings me to the sweet spot (insurance is covering 100% until Dec 31.)

I'm with you Saraboo....my port has been obvious since day one.....not real happy, but what can you do? It's worth it so far. I'm not so young anymore and definitely not a bikini person, so it's worth the alternatives as far as I'm concerned. I started out at a 35 BMI, so I never had those worries that it moved or disappeared or whatever...It's right there and I can see it and feel it quite easily. :thumbup:.

I'm in the super-secret camp as well--and it's working out just fine! My mom (leery at first but supportive) and very best friend (skinny and 100% supportive from the start) and significant other (the one that sees the scars on a regular basis!) are the only ones who know. Significant Other was always 100% supportive, but I have to say the improvement in an already awesome sex life hasn't hurt :thumbup:. My boss knows I had surgery, but was told hiatal hernia repair (as it turns out I DID have an undiagnosed significant hiatal hernia that was repaired during LB surgery). I requested that the surgery be kept to "need to know" as I felt uncomfortable having people talking about and inquiring about my condition. My boss respected that and no one is the wiser. When the weight loss was noticed I did let my boss know that the doc recommended a little weight loss to increase safety in the surgery and since it was not an emergent issue I took advantage of the excuse to drop a few lbs. (I lost 25 lbs pre-surgery). I agree with the recommendations to have one or two close folks know about it, but with the exception of my significant other I rarely discuss the band. My mom and best friend are supportive and inquire as to my general well-being just as they always did before surgery. I subscribe wholeheartedly to the concept that the bulk (excuse the pun) of this weight loss journey is going to be my own responsibility and that the band is just my constant aid/reminder. I do have some sense that once I get to my goal and maintain for awhile I may be more inclined to let more folks know. I can see that my journey could be an inspiration for others....but I'm not quite comfortable yet with revealing. I've heard WAY too often about all the folks everyone knows who had WLS and put the weight back on. I'll be much more willing to talk about it when it is EXCRUCIATINGLY obvious that the LB can be a successful tool.

I appreciate this thread as it has caused me to reflect on the times in my life when I was overweight and was tempted to and perhaps at times did actually query someone about their improved appearance and/or weight loss. From my perspective at the time I know that my questions were never intended to be intrusive (though I can see now how they might have seemed so), and certainly never malicious, but rather driven from a desperate sense of being out of control and searching for anything that might help me. I can give folks the benefit of the doubt now, but can see how this can be a problem for those that it causes anxiety for. I'm taking that lesson to heart! Fortunately for me, I do seem to find the questions/attention motivating...in fact it was a little weird for me recently attending a function (reunion) where the majority of folks had not seen me in 5 years or longer and would have no idea of the recent change. It took a bit for me to realize that I was just a "normal" person....something that I'm going to have to get used to. I can't tell you how many times I had to stop myself from saying something really ridiculous about how I've lost over 40 lbs. For all I knew thosee folks remembered me as being skinnier that I am now:rolleyes2:. I must be really fortunate (or insignificant) though:tongue_smilie:because not a lot of people seem to comment on my weight loss....those that do actually ask for a number get a very casual response: "Oh...I guess it's just a bit over 40 lbs.....but you know I've been working on it since March!!!" Those are the same folks that will be the ones to ask how I did it. Besides my medical team, only 3 people are aware that I was banded (another discussion entirely on the rationale for that decision...but I wouldn't change it), so the answer to their question is still an honest (but slightly incomplete) answer. I say that the first thing I did was cut out all sodas (diet) and started drinking more Water. I tell them that I TRY to eat better, focusing on Proteins and low carb and moderate fat and TRY to stick to healthy foods since I also TRY to eat very small meals as slowly as I can manage. For anyone that asks about exercise I am also honest....:thumbup:...that I really need to do more than I do (practically nothing-sigh) and that if I did I'd probably be doing a little better on the weight loss. So far no one (that I know) has questioned my methods, though I have one friend who was banded and knows that I was considering it that might suspect....the behaviors are obvious to another bandster...but hasn't said anything. I have one coworker who is NOT overweight, but is very health/diet conscious and we "talk diet" regularly. She has no idea that I had surgery and our talks are more or less a confirmation and accountability for both of us on our individual journeys. I guess my point is that everyone who is on this weight loss journey and is successfull has some "tool" to help them along, whether it be faith, will-power, a body that cooperates (which I did NOT have) or a Lap-Band®®. Sorry...I seem to have gotten off track, but feel much better now. Thanks for the indulgence with my venting!

Started the process at just barely a 35 BMI. I lost 28 lbs pre-op and another 12 in the 5 weeks post surg. I've slowed to nothing and very much looking forward to a fill at my docs visit on 8/14.:wink:

Well...only my mom, best girlfriend and my significant other know I had surgery. For everyone else I tell "the truth"...they ask what I'm doing and I say "eating right"....or if I'm inclined for more detail I tell them that I started by cutting out the soda and drinking more Water and that I'm sticking to a low cal, low carb, higher Protein, moderate fat meal plan- eaten SLOWLY in very modest portions. What part of THAT isn't true??? I laid groundwork with the only coworker who would be likely to notice a change in eating habits as well as any weight loss. About 2 weeks before surgery I had already lost >20 lbs and I made sure she noticed and we talked about it. As she wants to lose a few lbs herself we have "bonded" on the healthy eating wavelength. It is great motivation for me to stick to the plan. If anyone asks her about me she will tell them what she knows...that I'm working very hard at eating correctly. I also let everyone who asks know that I have been working at this for several months and the weight came off slowly, but it seems I've finally hit the magical amount where it is obvious. As far as I'm concerned I'm losing weight by doing the same things everyone else who wants to lose weight should be doing. I've lost 40 lbs so far without any kind of fill, but I know that sooner rather than later I'm going to need the help the tool provides to stick with what is working so far. Not telling others about that is just a "little white lie of admission", but really none of their business. It's just a little more extensive and persuasive tool for motivation than a weight loss group membership :wink:

My BMI was barely 35 when I started the process in March. I was approved mid-April, and by my surgery date 7/1/09 I was down 30 lbs. I've lost 12 more since surgery (4.5 weeks). I don't even see the surgeon for post-op check and to discuss a fill until 8/14. At this point just 4 1/2 weeks post op I'm so happy to be at least halfway to goal and well into "one-derland". The weight loss is definitely slowing now, so I'm quite sure the next half isn't going to be as easy. I'm looking forward now to really start working with this tool.

I know there is another geeky bandster out there somewhere that can help me out. :eek: I'm struggling to find the perfect application to track food, water, nutrition, exercise, etc. In order for me to be consistently compliant with tracking I need to have something that I can use on the iPhone. I started out pretty well recording my food manually, but the honeymoon is officially over in just 3 weeks....I'm sliding off track with recording my intake and I really wanted to have excellent records to present at my first appt post-op (6 weeks). Since I'm also finding myself at my first (and I'm sure not the last) plateau this past week, I need this info if/when I need to consult with nutritionist. The ideal app would be something that can be used on the iPhone, that has an adequate (and ACCURATE) database of food nutritional info (restaurant, brand name and common foods), and that can be backed up or synched with a web application. I'd like to be able to record water and perhaps even vitamin, calcium, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, exercise...but the accurate nutrition is the main thing. I know that a lot of folks use Daily Plate. It would work very adequately, but it seems that I can't use the mobile app unless I have a paid account (did I mention that I need to find something reasonably cheap :laugh:). I'm willing to pay for an app, but not an annual membership. I've tried a couple of iPhone apps, but the one that will export to a spreadsheet doesn't have a very good database (as in many of the foods have no values for protein :thumbup:), is not very friendly in the export function, and requires some workaround to be able to record water & other liquids). The other app is working fine, but doesn't have any way to synch, save or print/export the logs at this time. It's database is better, but still limited. All of these take some time to build up the personal collection of custom foods, meals, etc, so I'd like to find something I can stick with. Can anyone help a sister out:confused:

I did a pretty thorough search and reading reviews of the not so good aps lead me to Lose It. I'm working with that one now and the only complaint I have is that there is no way to synch/print, etc. The info states that they are working on it though, so perhaps I'll just stick there for now.

Hear Hear! Being upset or correcting or retaliating against rude behavior is just such a waste of MY PERSONAL TIME. I wouldn't even consider bothering unless the person was someone near and dear to me and even then I'd have to consider whether it was worth the effort (i.e. it really may not be malicious and can be overlooked in light of the relationship). That helped me get through a 30 year relationship with a sometimes less than thoughtful mother-in-law Your best support person(s) are not going to behave that way and if they do....just come on here....we're a sensitive bunch

The sippy cups are definitely the thing I appreciate the most. I have 3!! :thumbup: Any cheese lovers out there still on liquids? Try the Campbells condensed cheese soup (for cooking) and dilute with clear chicken broth to thin it down to whatever consistency is right for you. It has no chunks, so no need to strain, and is sooooooo gooooood after those clear liquids!

Today is day 8 post surgery (7/1) and I have to say I'm doing great :drool:. I had a bit of problem with the shoulder/gas pain for a couple of days (and a headache to go with it), but that passed after a couple of days. I was able to sleep in my bed from the first night, though shifting position was a bit of a problem the first couple of nights. As of several nights ago I am able to sleep on either side (I rotate) and get up out of bed with very little discomfort at all. I'm still on liquids for another few days, but have been able to consume pretty much anything (allowable) with no problems. I've been using a sippy cup to try to train myself to "drink small". I'm going to be ready for some mushies REAL SOON though...(where's that emoticon for STARVING?). I've been focusing on the Protein and doing well with that, but still having a problem getting more than 700-800 calories a day. The doc's ok with that as long as I'm getting sufficient protein and Water though. I lost a significant amount (28lbs) pre-op and when I went back to work at about 30 lbs down all of a sudden everyone seemed to notice that I had lost weight. No one there knows I had surgery, so I told them "the truth" that I had been working on my diet since about April and I guess I finally just hitted that point where the loss was noticable. It was very satisfying and encouraging though. On a more intimate note...pending "issues" with the significant other have been successfully dealt with as well. (wink wink):thumbup: My best wishes to all my other early July bandster buddies that your first week is going well.

Oh yes... I meant to report that I weighed myself the morning of surgery and every morning after. Day 1 I had gained 5 lbs (all fluid). Down 3 lbs on Day 2 and on Day 3 I am back to my surgery day weight. Looking forward to many more losing days :smile2:

Day 3 done....No pain meds since yesterday afternoon...only the port incision is still tender, but I'm amazed at the improvement in movement in just 24 hours. I feel as if I've done NOTHING but sip sip sip for 3 days and still having a problem getting quite all of the protein/liquid that I should. No problems with getting/keeping anything down though. No problems getting in and out of my Honda Accord today. My biggest problem so far is figuring out how to get rid of all that gunky yellow stuff they paint you with. I feel like I'm scraping skin off !!!!! Last night I slept well, but dreamed all night that I had either just inadvertently swallowed something solid or was just about to, or was worried that I might have and had to stop and review everything that had gone into my mouth. Very busy night. I'm very optimistic about getting back to work next Tuesday.:smile2:

Hope you continue to feel better Juniper (and all my other July 1st buddies!) To answer about the fluids, etc. I didn't even begin to worry about it the day of surgery. I know that I was given at least 4 bags of IV fluids...(and I believe it ....peed like a crazy women for the next 12 hours!!!). Yesterday (1st post-op day) I felt like I sipped (Clear Liquids only) constantly and at the end of the day managed only about 44 grams of Protein and about 50 oz of liquid. But I was never nauseous or received any kind of internal "warnings" that I was overdoing it. A little scary - I was sure that I was going to have to be very very careful to not upset and that was not the case. I think what might have helped the most is that I am using the Playtex toddler size sippie cups. They hold about 9 oz of liquid, are insulated, and are plain so they look like anyone elses thermos mug. I remove the inner plug that makes it totally spill-proof (have to suck too much to get liquid) and without that it is just perfect for getting small sips. I feel like that really helped slow me down while I was so desperately thirsty. I also bought a package of toddler spoons for eating....I practiced a lot with those pre-op. Today I'm onto full liquids and I'm shooting for the full 80 grams of protein and 64 oz of liquid. It will be difficult because my instructions are also to start with 4oz per hour. Heck...I can suck down 4 oz in about 2 minutes, so I'm really going to have to watch it . Pain wise.....my last dose of anything was yesterday at noon. I still feel a good bit of pressure in my upper chest and especially the left shoulder . I've had a headache pretty much on my left side of my head since surgery, but it never gets any worse (my migraines are alway on the left side), so I'm thinking it must just be pressure from the gas??? Does that make any sense? My taste tip for the day: Luigis Italian Ices (sugar-free). I am partial to lemon, but they have strawberry as well. Hang in there everyone....we're on our way now

Banded yesterday (7/1) and everything went just like clockwork..no unexpected surprises. I arrived at 8:30 am and went to the OR at 11am. They never did tell me when my scheduled time was...just when to be there. I think that might have been better because then I couldn't fret over whatever was causing a delay. I woke up in recovery around noon. My only discomfort there was tremendous pressure in my upper chest/shoulders from the OR gas, but I was expecting that, so I wasn't alarmed. They gave me a good bit of morphine to settle that down. The only other issue was that I kept drifting off to sleep and then my oxygen levels went down...I kept trying to make myself talk to keep myself awake. Awake=Deep Breathing=Good oxygen levels=Happy Nurses. I was still pretty groggy in the step-down room, but my friend was with me there. I had a vague sense that I could possibly get nauseated if I moved around too much and I received 2 doses of Zofram and one of phenergan to get that settled down. Of course that made me sleepy....they did a chest xray also, but I'm not sure of the reason for that. I finally got up and walked (and used the bathroom) around 4:30pm and then headed home shortly afterwards. Overall it was a very good experience. The hospital staff were all exceptionally pleasant. Everything was so serene, that it was almost sorta kinda like a spa atmosphere (but not as luxuious). I didn't sleep well last night, sort of drifted in and out. My only pain today is the port site. That feels fine unless I move and then it feels like I'm ripping my innards out. I think that is to be expected and I'm sure it will resolve soon enough. Oh...just remembered...the surgeon told my friend that I had a rather large hiatal hernia that he repaired, so I guess some of my pain could be from that. I have not yet experienced any issue drinking liquids....as dry as my mouth was I had to remind myself to just SIP. Today will be Clear Liquids again and then on to full liquids tomorrow for about 10 days to 2 weeks. I hope everyone else's experience was as good as mine. I look forward to hearing everyone's surgery day story.

Oh....I so feel your sleepless pain!!!:tongue2: Today is my pre-op registration/visit with anesthesia (surgery tomorrow) and I could NOT get myself to sleep. I NEVER have trouble sleeping. I have a gazillion things to do today and really wanted to be rested. Also....for the first time really since I started a self-imposed pre-op diet in mid April and even through the 10 day "3 shakes and a lean meal" diet I went to bed really really hungry. 3am found me awake and hungry and today is Clear liquids only and I am REALLY hungry. Guess I'd better start sucking down that clear liquid protein:tongue_smilie:

Thanks for starting this thread Juniper. I'm in last minute mode here. I just put that last load of laundry in and my robot vacuum is hard at work, so I'll take a few minutes to update. I had my pre-op consent visit on Saturday. I feel so good about the teamwork there. I was there nearly and hour and a half and spent a good bit of time with the coordinator going over the consent and getting questions answered (I had printed out a list of about 15 questions). I visited with the surgeon himself for approx 30 minutes to go over my pre-op testing and I got to go over my questions again with him. Oh yeah...got my "before" pictures taken as well. Also confirmed I'll be getting the Realize Band. I've gotten my prescriptions filled. My surgeon covers the post-anesthesia nausea issue with a scopalamine patch which I'll place tomorrow morning (24 hrs prior to surgery). I also got my liquid pain med, Prevacid, and an anti-gallstone med. Tomorrow is the pre-registration and meeting with anesthesia. I'll find out my surgery time as well. That part is a little scary as this is the first time for surgery for me. My best friend is going with me and she'll be my designated driver/companion for Wednesday. Otherwise I'm ready....I'm stocked up on Protein supplements, Vitamins, Calcium, liquids, etc. I did all liquids today for the last day of my pre-op diet - ready for Clear Liquids only tomorrow. To echo Juniper: Here's wishing us all safe surgeries and speedy recoveries!! I'll be thinking about you guys and will report in from the other side :tongue2:

Thanks Amy. I thought it must have been something like that, but I came in somewhere in the middle and never could backtrack enough to figure it out. It's incredible how many posts there are on this site .

Just rescheduled this week for July 1st. I'm confused... Are there 2 July groups? I've seen July Jewels and July Freedom Fighters. What's the story?

July 1st for me (no time yet)

www.bariatricchoice.com It is the Bari-wise brand. I ordered a variety pack of the hot chocolates and fell in love with the raspberry and the amaretto flavors. I didn't actually try the cappuccinos yet-ordered them just because the hot chocolates were so good. Just be sure the Water is not too hot. I only microwave 45 sec to 1 min.

Juniper...I am also scheduled for next wednesday 7/1... Will you please come clean my house when you finish with yours :thumbup:????? I feel ready and terrified and full of doubt at the same time. Like you I've lost over 20 lbs since approval in late April. I sampled Protein supplements, Vitamins and calciums during that time and am receiving my orders this week for those that I liked. I found some 15 gram protein hot chocolates and cappucinos that I think are going to be my morning staples. I hope my tastes don't change after surgery! My pre-op agenda includes a manicure/pedicure and a visit to my favorite massage therapist. I guess I'll have to find time for Wal-mart, laundry and housekeeping somewhere. I've been on the pre-op diet since 6/19. My doc requires Clear liquids the day before, but I'm thinking I might go liquids only 2 day before and clear the day before. I've already made it a habit to sip all day on Water with some fruit flavored protein supplement. Best wishes!

Happylappy....did you get your samples, and what did you think? I guess it just goes to show how variable individual tastes can be. It's great that there is such a variety out there and samples are a wonderful thing. I've seen raves about unjury and Syntrax nectar for example. I bought a box of each Unjury flavor just SURE that I'd love them :thumbup: and wound up giving all but the chicken Soup away. Learned my lesson. For the Syntrax I've ordered the samples. I figure I can drink anything once :thumbup: so those 12 samples will help see me through the immediate post op.