Drifter

For what it is worth, I was told by a dietitian that drinking lots of water does help with loose skin. Of course, every dietitian I know advocates for lots of water, but evidently it helps keep the skin supple and flexible, better able to shrink back to size. My .02. Drifter

I logged on today - to ask the same question. I have noticed small changes (tighter) after exercise, but nothing worth mentioning - until yesterday. Yesterday, I did a long abs workout with situps with weights, sides and about a 1/2 hour kickboxing workout (also targets abs). This morning, I woke up and, as expected, as a little sore (good sore) in my torso. But, what really got my attention, was that I was MORE restricted than I have been in some time. I have been thinking about a second fill, but if I remain as I am today, I will not need one. Drifter PS - just spoke with my doctor's office. They say that abs and kickboxing type of exercise can cause a small movement of the band and some swelling. Nothing to worry about and no reason not to do these exercises, but some restriction might occur. Still not sure about the 2nd fill.

I am in the liquid phase and need some suggestions with liquid that will assist with constipation? Prune juice or something else? Thanks, in advance, Drifter.

Diva: The pain has pretty much gone away. Even at its worse, wasn't that bad, about a 5-6 on a scale of 10. Also, went away when I started using some minor pain meds. I can still feel the liquids passing the band site, but it no longer hurts. My doctor and I discussed the sizes of band before, and I agreed that I wanted the Medium size if he felt, once he was inside me, that it would work. Kind of a caculated agressive approach. Doing great with swallowing now. Just some port incision pain, easily controlled with pain meds. If fact, I will be trying to just use over-the-counter stuff today. Dont worry, it gets better soon. Best to you. Drifter.

Greetings Fellow August Bandsters: I was just wondering if I may be the first of the August bandsters. Recieved a medium size, band at 7:00am on August 1, by Dr. Montgomery in Everett Washington. What a great company. As a self-pay patients, I had done alot of research before chosing NW Weight Loss Surgery. NWWLS has there own surgery center, they can keep there costs down. They were very friendly and very experienced. They decided to use the Medium size band. This has resulted in some restriction, together will some small pain about 5 seconds after swallowing. It's not that bad, and I think the Medium size may have some long term advantages. I am hoping that I can go right into weight loss and not need a fill for some time. Also, some normal swelling at the port site. However, with the pain meds, ice and some warming pads, I am doing well. I am drinking gatorade and Atkins pre-made shakes. They are going down, but not without some pain when it hits the band site, about 4-5 seconds after sallow. That lasts for about 2 seconds then goes away. So, I have been able to drink over 36 oz of Fluid per day. Keeps getting better by the hour. Just have to learn to drink in small sips. No desire for anything more solid at this time. There is some hunger, but I think it is all Mind-Hunger. I will keep you posted. Let me know if you have any specific questions. (Not that I would have any great knowledge, but can tell you what is happening to me.) Good luck to all. Drifter

I have used HMR Meal Replacements shakes (HMR 800) with success in the past. Unfortunately, the weight always came back after I stopped. http://www.hmrprogram.com/foods.html I am using them now for my 10 lbs pre-op diet and they are working well. Just wondering if anyone has used them Post-Op during the liquid or mushy phase? I cannot see why they would be a problem. They do have some thickness and bubbles from blending, but not bad. Thanks in Advance, Drifter.

Getting banded in August. I was wondering if anyone is or has used a food grinder during the mushies or latter stages. Looks there are three types: 1. Food processors (big, electric and expensive) 2. Hand operated Baby food Grinders - like Kidco Baby Food Mill 3. Battery or cord operated Also, just say this one: Zojirushi CB-AA10WB Battery Operated Handheld Gourmet Grinder http://focuscamera.com/sc/froogle-lead-1.asp?id=964601733&rf=froogle&dfdate=07_17_2006&sid=491350812 Anyone using one of these. Are they worth the cost and effort? Seems like a good thing to me. Thanks, in advance, Drifter.

fsc- you should be losing weight. The calories you are taking in are set. If you are using the right # of shakes, you WILL loose weight. Email me off-line and I would be glad to discuss with you. Drifter

Greetings All - I would like to do some research on long term use of the band, say beyond 15-20 years. Of course, most of this will come from Europe or Australia. Can anyone lead me to a site or link with some long term data? Thanks, in advance, Drifter.

Stephanie - I have yet to be banded, but have alot of experience with liquid diets. I have done both Opti-fast and HRM programs where you drink only liquids. They are very hard to do at first, but you can get used to them after a while. They also really work for weight loss if you stick to it. I am doing it now to get ready for my surgery and to prepare me for post band. The key is not drinking too much at a time. You want your stomach to get used to the smaller quantity - to shrink, if you will. Therefore, don't drink your liquid meal, then drink alot of Water at the same time. Try to regulate so you take in the same amount of liquid at all times. So, drink 10 oz of liquid meal and then wait 1 hours before you drink your water. Use multiple small drinks. I was on these programs for up to 3 months, and yes, it did get easier after the first 10 days. Some people were in the program for over a year and stuck to it. Problem was - You know what I going to say - they (like me) could not keep it off once that starting eating normal food. That's were the band will come in. Good luck. Email me if you need more info. Drifter.

Greetings from a new guy (second post). Here is my question, with some background. I am 51 years old with a 39 BMI scheduled for lap band surgery in early August. I have always been physically active, but over the past few years, my weight has made it near impossible. My hope is that the weight loss from the band will allow me to increase my excercise level and do things like a 10 mile run, go on a 7-day backpacking trip, maybe someday, even run a marathon. The problem is - this activity will require the intake of 3000-4000 calories or more in one day. So, my question is, can a person practically intake 4000 calories a day with the lapband? If yes, how would you do it? I am hoping some of the forum members are distance runners or backpackers and could provide some practical tips. I want to try a 7-day backpacking trip in Idaho in mid-September. Thanks, in advance. I really appreciate this forum. Drifter.

You know, I was re-reading my post and realized that it sounded a little arrogant. Here is this new guy who hasn't even been banded yet, talking about "running marathons" when others struggle with exercise and weight loss. Actually, my question was based more in the unknown fear of not being able to do those type of activities after the band. I am afraid that it might be impossible to get in enough calories, as a banded person, to ever be able to achieve those goals. I know that doesn't make much practical sense - because without the band - I will certainly never do those things in the future. Anyhow - thanks for any replies. I appreciate the help. Drifter

Greetings from a New Guy - I am 51 and will be banded on August 2. I am currently at 255 but want to get down to 175. I have been lerking on this site for some time. I have really appreciated this forum - all the information and advise. I credit all of you for helping me decide to proceed with lap band surgery. One question, please. I am ready to give up any food necessary, but will truly miss my "red meat." Yes, I know all the bad things. What can I say? I reallly meat. So my question - Is anyone eating red meat and if yes, how are you cooking, cutting and chewing to make it work? Thanks, in advance, Drifter.

You guys are great. Thanks. It does sound like an individual journey, but also great to see that some of you can enjoy meat. It also seems that better cuts of meat, cooked rare to medium are easier Gee - that sounds rough!:hungry: :clap2: You know, where I am now, if you had all said, "no way" I probably could have accepted that too. I am ready to make a lifelong change. Thanks, again. Drifter