socalgal3

I've never been a fan of oatmeal. I like the Medifast Apple Cinnamon oatmeal better than the maple/brown sugar. I had some leftover from when I did Medifast, so I was just trying to use it up and not waste it. It is ok, but like I said, I don't really like oatmeal.

This is the latest photo of me from last Saturday with my 2 cousins. I am on the left(the tallest one) in the size 12 jeans! I'm trying to see a difference from my morning of surgery pic.

You may have some swelling just from the fill itself. This is why many doctors recommend liquids for 24 hours or more after a fill. If you have trouble with liquids, you may need to go back for a slight unfill.

Great job! Congrats! Those NSVs can keep you going when the scale isn't cooperating!

I haven't tried that one, but I had some Medifast Maple/Brown Sugar oatmeal this morning. It has 11 g protein and 5g fiber.

I am home and have been all week. I am off work due to poor air quality. My cousin was evacuated, but not me. They are getting a handle on the fires and many people have gone back home. However, MANY homes were burned, so many people have no home to go to. Several thousand are still evacuated and fires continue to burn. Bush and Schwarzeneggar are here today. There are fires in L.A. too. This is a regular occurance here, which doesn't make it easier, but we are familiar with the situation. Thanks for your concern. Pinky-Of course you can modify your goal. You are so busy with the move, etc. I haven't been exercising due to the smoke in the air. I do have asthma. But that is probably just me making excuses! I had a huge bloody nose yesterday. The worst I've ever had in my life. Probably just the extremely dry and smoky air. I have another possible roommate coming to look at my 2nd bedroom tomorrow. Have a good rest of week/weekend.

I'm glad you found a place you love Pinky! I'm off work today due to fires in the area. Nothing too close to me, so I'm safe. I've actually been 162 for 3 days in a row, so I'm claiming it. I bought some size 12 pants! I hope everyone is doing well. Have a healthy week!

I've been banded over 15 months and I have a very sensitive stoma and/or esophagus. My first fill was 1.2 cc, which was taken out due to an "irritated esophagus". The doctor told me to take Maalox 3 times a day. I then had a slip and revision surgery. When I healed, they gave me 1cc. Again, it was all taken out due to my esophagus being irritated. Now I have .6cc and have been pretty successful, except that everything seems to get my stoma or esophagus irritated. I gave up cofee, orange juice and pretty much anything acidic or remotely spicy. I do have allergies and post-nasal drip, so I know I was often tight due to this. I went to my regular doctor and she gave me a prescription for Nasarel first and now Flonase. I stopped taking the Flonase last week because I thought it was contributing to the irritation. I just wanted to know if anyone had any advice or a similar experience. I really don't want my fill taken out because I'm so close to goal, but having already experienced a slip, I don't want to risk being too tight. I can eat, but it feels like a sore throat way down low. I've tried Gaviscon chewables and Pepto to help soothe the irritation, but it doesn't really help. :confused:I'll call Dr. Ortiz's office if no one has any ideas.

I am a closet bandster. Only one friend knows. The only thing I wanted to say is that I am not ashamed. I am a very private person and I don't tell people my business as a rule. I have friends, co-workers and family who have had WLS and I'm sure they would be supportive. I have been fairly successful, so I don't think it has anything to do with a fear of failure. I just don't tell people my personal business. It is a personal decision whether you choose to share your experience with others.

There isn't really a set amount of fills. It is very individual. I was filled and unfilled twice due to being to tight. I only have .6cc right now which is nothing compared to many people, but it is almost too much for me again. Some people have 4cc in a 4cc band and feel like they can still eat. It really depends on you, your band, your body and your doc. You say you haven't fely much restriction-but you've had no fill. So, of course you have no restriction. You probably haven't stretched your pouch, but try to follow the rules so that it won't be so hard once you do have a fill.

Congrats on the NSV! I had one today too. I have a pic of me and some co-workers on my desk. A student was in my office and said "Who's that lady in the middle?" I said "it's me!" He said "I couldn't tell!" Of course I was 80 pounds heavier in the photo, so that was nice!

I would continue to measure your food( 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time), but this is what we call bandster hell. It's the time between healing from surgery and finding good restriction from a fill. I would recommend that you try to eat more protein and less carbs. Carbs like mashed potatoes/gravy and mac 'n cheese will make you crave more carbs. Try some yoghurt, protein drinks, blended soups. Does your doctor offer the services of a dietician? Did they even give you a diet/menu plan for post-op? Start walking or light exercise as soon as possible. You most likely haven't stretched the pouch so soon after surgery and with no fill, eating soft foods, etc. Just be careful, take it easy and hang in there! Good luck!

I think that regardless of having a psych exam, you are going to face some issues throughout the band process. I didn't have a psych exam as I was banded in Mexico, but I have seen people post on this website that they lied during their psych exam. So, even if you are given the green light for surgery, it doesn't mean you have "done the work". I know there are plenty of people who say that they just "like to eat" or were "always hungry" and have no emotional issues around food, but no matter how much research you do, how many books you read or message boards you frequent, there will be some surprises along your band journey. I am not saying anything negative against anyone. I just think that if you have RNY, Lap-Band, VSG, you probably hit a point where you were near the end of your rope and would do almost anything to get the weight off. I know people get denied for surgery due to depression, etc. and those things may get so much better with surgery. I guess my point is, it isn't easy and no matter how prepared you think you are for surgery, it is part of life with ups and downs, surprises and expected outcomes, exceptions to the rules, etc. There are good days and bad days, but for most people, the overall ride is better than the one they were on previous to surgery.

I remember when I went from "Obese" to "Overweight". A very good day. Now if I could just get to "Normal". Congrats on being obese! haha

By sick, you mean you are PBing? I would say start at square 1. Make sure you take small bites, measure your food and chew, chew, chew, eat SLOWLY-literally put your fork down between bites or get up and walk around between bites. If you are in a PB cycle, you may be swollen. Try doing liquids for 24-48 hours to reduce internal swelling. Once you get a week or 2 without a PB, schedule a fill with your doc. Head hunger is a tough one, but KEEP BUSY is my best advice. Go for a walk, clean your house, catch up on a hobby you've been neglecting! Make sure you drink all of your water! Keeping hydrated can help with hunger. Hang in there! This CAN work for you. Don't give up.

Where are you reading the mixed reviews about the Lap-Band? What are your main concerns with banding? If it is hunger, just know that with a proper fill, your hunger is GREATLY decreased. I get hungry, but no where near the ravenous beast that used to live in my belly. I love the Lap-Band commercial because that described me(the lion) so well. A little bit fills me up now. I still have to learn to stop eating as a result of head hunger or because something just tastes good, but the band has helped me a lot. Even though I have experienced a slip, I am VERY happy with my band. Best of luck to you in your decision.

I totally agree Wheetsin! I kinda have that complacency thing going on. I told someone recently that my weight was "good enough". But really, I want to reach my goal. I want to lose these last 15 pounds. I know I can if I try harder, but right now I'm maintaining with little effort. We are all hard on ourselves, but honestly, Juslosin....you have come SO far in the past year and inspired so many people on the board and maybe that is pressure too. Just keep plugging along. I know the feeling that if you relax for a week or 2, it will all come back to bite ya in the rear. The motivation will come back and hopefully soon. But just make sure to take care of yourself!

I was walking almost right away. Try just walking around the block. Maybe some simple yoga/pilates or stretches on a mat. It depends on how you feel and what your doctor recommends, but walking is a great start! Ask a friend to join you if you are having trouble getting motivated. Or if you have a dog-walk with it! Good luck to you!

Have you tried other protein mixes and drinks? There really is a difference in taste between the products. You may have to try several before you find one you like. If you are able to take larger swallows of water, go ahead-just don't chug! Have you tried Lactaid products to help with drinking milk? Or soy milk? It is hard at first, but with some experimentation, you will be able to find products that you like and can tolerate. Sometimes it is overwhelming trying to get in all my protein, water, exercise, vitamins, fiber, etc., etc.!! But it will become second nature soon enough. Hang in there! Good luck!

I drink my liquid vitamins every day through a straw. I have a spoon/straw thing because the vitamins settle in whatever I mix them with, so I stir and sip. I drink normally for all other beverages throughout the day, but I have no problem with my straw!

Welcome to LBT Mike!

Mitchell- Even though I have suffered a serious complication(slip requiring additional surgery). I am still very grateful to have my band. I think the complication actually helped me because I almost lost my band and realized how bad I needed to keep it. Sure, there are days I miss my ex-best friend-FOOD. Sure, there are days I don't want to exercise or chew, chew, chew and chew some more! The day I pay my surgery bill always sucks, but I spent more over the years on diet foods, products, books, etc. But, those are trivial things compared to being healthier. My knees don't hurt like they did, my back doesn't hurt, I don't get out of breath going up the stairs, etc. It isn't always easy, but it's always worth it!

Where is everyone? I got my water, protein and vitamins in today, but no exercise. Have a healthy weekend people.....wherever you are!!

Good to hear from you! I'm glad the band is still working for you and you are happy in your new life. Stay safe and healthy!

Laura- you should post these under Before/After pix and under the June 2006 thread so more people can see your success! Congrats!