catfish87

Been on LBT a long time. I considered myself a listener on here, and not a talker for the first three years. I've started posting recently, but never started a topic. But today I just had to do this. I started at my Band journey in 2009. I have never had any band issues, as some may know, I did have an installation issue that was corrected. ( And yes, like others I think I have the best doctor/staff in the world. ) So I was 324 miserable, unhealthy, tired all the time pounds when I started. I am so happy to say that today.... on 3/22.. I WEIGH 222 lbs on my scale. I haven't seen those numbers in over 20 years!! Over ONE HUNDRED POUNDS LOST! I will reach my goal of around 185 sometime late this year or early next, I don't care! NOW, after 3 1/2 years, this has become my life. I eat almost anything I want, I do exercise ( consisting 90% of the time of bike riding ) more than ever, and I feel better than I EVER remember feeling in my entire life. So, if I could say a word of advice to the newer folks who will struggle from time to time, its this: NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! If something isn't working, change it. Be honest and firm with your doctor. For me, a properly adjusted band, is the most important thing. I couldn't diet on my own....been there, done that. THIS THING WORKS! Thanks to all who have posted advice/encouragement/suggestions/etc. Just because we don't all agree on everything surrounding the band, we really are all after the same goal....to be healthy!

I have very few foods, if any, I "can't" eat. Brussel sprouts are almost always a problem for me...and I don't really know why. I don't eat sandwiches....mainly by choice, just not a real desire to. I don't eat much Pasta, or steaks often at all. But I can if I really want to. I should say, I rarely ever get stuck....maybe once a month, due to poor eating habits. Mostly what I eat is home prepared now. I'm always glad when I have to buy dishwasher tabs...means I'm eating at home more often. That used to be a real problem for me...I ate "out" a lot. sauces, gravies, butter, etc, etc... When I eat now, I don't limit my portions to any certain amount. ( 1/2, 1, 1 1/2 cups and all that seem like a diet to me....been there, done that.) I eat a much smaller amount than prior to getting my band correctly adjusted FOR ME. You see, I was never any good at PORTION CONTROL.....that's why I got banded! And it certainly works....now that it's properly adjusted. Some folks do great eating only a certain amount, but I failed many, many times trying such diets. Now I try and cook lots of veggies, fresh 95% of the time. Almost no canned goods. I use my crockpot quite often. chicken, pork roast, lamb shank, pork steaks ( I'd never heard of them til I moved here ) Homemade stuffed peppers, lentils/onion/ham pieces, corned beef. So easy, and tender, moist. I probably eat fish at least 5 times a week. Swai, catfish, grouper, halibut, flounder, cod. Grilled/blackened/even fried. It's my favorite solid Protein...and never have any trouble with it. Tonights meal = spaghetti squash with vodka sauce, oven baked cut up sweet potato/zucchini/onion medley with some EVOO/seasoning on them, a small amount of polenta, half an avocado......and homemade fruit salad for dessert. Pretty low protein dinner. BUT, I had quite a bit of fried fish (about 8 ounces) and a salad for lunch. I'll have a 40ish gram protein smoothie/shake around 9pm, three hours before bed. I didn't have anything except coffee until about noon today. That'll put me right at 80 grams for the day, which is my target over the long haul. Some days it's more, some less. I have used LoseIt! to track what I eat/exercise since Jan 14th...just out of curiosity, not as any limit. It works for me that way. Here's my avg's since then. Calories eaten 1858 ( I eat a lot ) Exercise 779 ( I ride a lot ) Net Calories 1079 it evens out As far as specifics I ( think ) I know now, that I didn't prebanding.... IT takes time to change our eating habits. And the most important is correct adjustment for the individual person...no two people are the same. Just because we may have different ideas of what the band is/is not supposed to do, we're really all after the same goal...TO BE HEALTHY! Best wishes to you for your success!

You going to start one for July?

I've been cyclilng since about last Feb ( 2012 ). I was around 250 lbs when I started. I bought a couple different "cheap" ( think K-mart ) type cruiser/ maybe 5 speed bikes. Rode them a couple times and took them back....very uncomfortable! I had a friend that rides A LOT take me to a bike shop.....what a difference! Theres about three main types of bikes you might consider, depending on your terrain, and budget of course. First would be a type called a "comfort or hybrid" bike. The sit more upright, and as the name suggests, lots of folks find them pretty comfortable. Your weight should not be an issue with a quality ( think $350-700 range ) hybrid. Giant, Specialized, Trek and many more manufactures make a LOT of different models. They are good on paved and/or small crushed stone trails. They are a bit heavier than a road bike, but can still provide a good workout in varied conditions. A good all around beginner bike in my opinion. Then there are road bikes. Expect to spend between AROUND $800 to well over $4000 for a NEW, good road bike. At first, they may look uncomfortable due to the position you ride in...more bent forward. But for me, its actually MORE comfortable, no strain on your back! I personally ride my road bike 95% of the time ( a USED TREK I found at a steal of a price at my local bike shop! ) It's just so much more comfortable to me and the workout is MUCH, MUCH better for me. Then there are mountain bikes.... and I can't offer any opinion on them. What I will offer is this. If you are serious about riding any more than a few minutes here and there, its absolutely in your best interest to find a bike shop....EXPERTS at finding one that fits you properly! Nothing....repeat...NOTHING, is more important on the bike than a proper fit. Some shops may charge you to "fit" you for a bike, ITS WORTH IT! You can take their advice, buy from them, or look around on places like craigslist. There are HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of bikes on it in my area. Lots of folks buy on an impulse...then use it for a coat rack, or a dust collector. Expect you may pick one up for half price of new...sometimes less! But going to that bike shop will give you a good idea of the type/size you are looking for. I started as I mentioned, cycling last spring....and after a couple of miles I was winded...tired! But I stuck with it...one mile becomes two, then three. Just like any other form of exercise I suppose. But then a funny thing happened....It really doesn't feel like exercise to me. I enjoy it! About three weeks ago, I did my first Century ride, 100 miles. This month, I've cycled a little over 600 miles...and 28,000 calories!! But it all starts with one mile....Best of luck to you!

I'd add that just because your surgeon/doctor removes the saline and checks to make sure it's "all there", doesn't necessarily mean you are going to feel correct/any restriction. If you haven't had a fluoroscopy, I'd recommend having it done. Although you did say your doctor told you your " stomach is super tiny "....did he see this, or was he guessing? Just my experience...

Thanks to TPops for this thread to log cycling activities this month. Last ride for the month of June: http://connect.garmi...ivity/335680330 Distance: 15.51 mi Time: 51:00 Avg Speed: 18.2 mph Calories: 959 C June totals: Count: 22 Activities Distance: 602.73 mi Time: 39:49:21 h:m:s Avg Speed: 15.1 mph Avg HR: 136 bpm Avg Bike Cadence: 71 rpm Calories: 28,380 C

Todays first ride: https://connect.garm...ivity/335430175 Distance: 18.33 mi Time: 1:21:19 Avg Speed: 13.5 mph Elevation Gain: 28 ft Calories: 945 C I only need 13 miles for 600 during the month of June....I think I'll get that in this afternoon.

Sometime back some of us on here were discussing company's that offer an "incentive $$$" to their employees for completing a well being assessment/biometric screening. I did boycott for a couple of years....but, then figured what the heck. So yesterday I go to this at work and they do their screenings....all the normal stuff, height/weight/bloodtest, etc. I completely forgot about the required 8 hours of fasting before the bloodtest....but, they said they'd do it anyways. Keep in mind about 2 hours before the test, I had two ribs, half an ear of corn, some broccoli salad, AND homemade fruit salad. When the machine spit out the results, the nice lady goes....."you said you just ate two hours ago?" YEP. She sent me over to this table of health coach professional's.... to explain my results to me. Coach me. After the expert looked over my numbers, she said my sugar/triglycerides/cholesterol ratio/glucose/BP all were "GREAT"! "but you could stand to lose a few pounds"............then I pulled out my phone, and showed her a pic of where I was when I started this journey. Her jaw about hit the floor.... LIFE IS GREAT!

Todays ride: Forgot my Garmin 26 miles 2:00 Hours ~ 900 calories

Simple....kick em to the curb! This is your life......enjoy it!

Thanks Anna! It really is great!

Congratulations!

Friday check in: Only two more days this month! Keep pushin' June totals Count: 19 Rides Distance: 542.69 mi Time: 35:37:02 h:m:s Avg Speed: 15.2 mph Avg HR: 136 bpm Avg Bike Cadence: 71 rpm Calories: 26,476 C

I'd suggest maybe he was referring the the procedure where they simply fold a small portion of the stomach over the band and attach it with a couple of stitches. To help secure it in place. Thats very common now. Plication is different than that. Very few surgeons currently even offer plication.

Hi my fellow Wildcat fan! I'm gonna suggest a couple of things...obviously, just my opinion. Maybe the reason you eat that bread and rice now, is because you have adapted/learned to chew better and have slowed down your eating? I seem to remember not too long ago when you got a fill and were having difficulty with some of those foods. So possibly, you've just adjusted to this restriction level. Concentrate on making the best food choices, and let the band help with quanity. If you end up with more than a cup...don't stress as long as it's good food choices most of the time. Maybe a small tweak is in order....only you and your doctor can determine that. Hopefully, this next suggestion comes across the way its intended. Encouraging. If you really want to break that plateau, you must find something, whatever you can do, to increase your cardio activity. Safely, under direction of a professional, there is something you can physically do to increase your heart rate and burn those calories. KICKSTART that metabolism into high gear! Maybe its only 5-10 minutes the first little while...build slowly, increasing only when you can safely do so, but get that heart rate to whatever your doctor will allow. The rewards are so worth it! Best wishes my friend!

Disclaimer...I don't have it. It wasn't offered when I got mine in 2009, but the results look very promising. Heres one surgeons website talking about it. http://drsimpson.net/Gastric-Plication-weight-loss-surgery/iLap-surgery/iLap-surgery-new-hope/iLap-surgery-new-hope.html " Lap-band surgery plus Gastric Plication may be the perfect surgical combination for super morbidly obese patients. Because Gastric Plication causes a quicker more complete satiety, the patient can eat much less food. The lap-band further limits the amount of food that can be initially ingested. But its most important job is to heighten the sensitivity of the nerves at the top of the stomach. Those are the nerves that send the signal to the brain that you are full. So the combination of Gastric plication with Lap-band surgery results in fast satiety with much less food than the individual surgeries. iLap surgery is a double restrictive procedure that is adjustable to keep it working over the long run as is required by super morbidly obese patients. It can result in the same weight loss as the Lap-band over gastric bypass. But the small intestine is untouched and completely intact so it will deliver all the nutrition and energy in food consumed by the patient. The energy a super morbidly obese person desperately needs to get on their feet and move. Lap-band and Gastric Plication surgeries can be reversed because none of the stomach or intestines are surgically removed. Because both surgeries are less damaging than gastric bypass, recovery time can be much shorter. Physical therapy and exercise may be able to be done sooner after surgery and with more intensity, possibly improving the patient's prospect for living." Best of luck in your decision!

I don't drink soda, but have no problems with a carbonated beer a couple of times a week. And no, my doctor doesn't agree with it. There are lots of surgeons...some of the most touted/referred to on here, say "as much as you want" regarding diet soda. I really would like to understand something though, maybe it would change my mind....and I'm being 100% honest and not sarcastic. Here's my question. If you are so tight that CO2 bubbles can't pass through your band.....are you really gonna be able to drink the liquid in the first place? Or EAT for goodness sakes? That doesn't make sense to me. Carbon dioxide gas can't pass through a band opening???

Since I was gonna be crunched for time today... I pushed for some quality time. Todays ride: http://connect.garmi...ivity/334075058 No dogging it today Avg HR: 159 bpm Distance: 15.01 mi Time: 49:27 Avg Speed: 18.2 mph Calories: 948 C

Too bad everyone who's feeling "discouraged" can't read this post..... think about what you wrote here. You went in feeling discouraged....afraid you weren't losing fast enough. Was this really going to work for you? Then....you had someone (in your case it was your doctor...the PROFESSIONAL) tell you that you were doing good. Had already surpassed THEIR goal....and "this made me EXTREMELY HAPPY and no longer discouraged" You're "excited and determined!" Sometimes thats all it really takes is that positive reinforcement/encouragement. ( notice I didn't say coddle....just encourage/help ) Thats one reason why I come on this site now....to hopefully encourage others....just as previous successful bandsters have encouraged me to NEVER, EVER give up! CONGRATS!

Certainly a call to your doctor is in order. BUT, maybe.. you irritated your band area over the weekend and just need another day or so of clear liquids to let some inflamation go down. If you can't get clear liquids down....you should do your best to be seen NOW....like tonight or tomorrow at the latest. dehydration is nothing you want to mess with....IMO.

From my experience, the most important thing would be to ask your surgeon if he/she does fills using fluoroscopy? Without it, they are guessing if everything is ok, restriction levels, etc. Hopefully, they will have the machine in the office.

I wouldn't worry too much about it...I'll bet once they can SEE it....they can hit it. Seeings as how they did manage to "find" it the first time...hopefully it hasn't flipped over. I never understood how that happens...( port flip ) although you do read about it on here at times. From past posters, it appears to be a simple fix though. Just one more reason I'm glad my surgeon has the fluoro machine in the OFFICE. Although mine is easy to find...now. Best of luck to you on your continued success.

I think it does really boil down to moderation... I eat fried foods ( fish ) at least once a week now. BUT, I don't have fried french fries, hushpuppies, and all the other fried things WITH it. And not 3 or 4 plates full, like in the past. If I had the mindset that I could NEVER have something, I'd probably want it even more. I've heard several people over the past few years on here talk about they "can NEVER have this or that"....and they keep repeating it.....makes me think if they just had a small amount (a normal/healty portion), they wouldn't crave it. It works that way for me. A couple of weeks ago, I went to a local carnival/fair and they had some of the best looking and smelling DEEP FRIED OREO's....I really wanted some. I know they are not healty....but I wanted some. So, I did get an order of them....and the following day I rode a hundred miles on my bike! And as Missy said...it's working that way for me too. Enjoy your life. If you're losing 35 lbs in a month, I wouldn't change a thing! Congrats!