Bmaz

Hi Maryann- I'm just curious... how old are you? How tall? What occurs to me in reading your story is that you must feel so much healthier! I mean, weights, and walking, and focusing on what you need, doing the things that keep you fit. I'll bet you could name dozens and dozens of things, movements, etc. that you couldn't do 3 years ago. Keep up the good work! Beth PS I once put on over 10# of muscle by swimming and working out- in under 2 weeks! The scale went up and the clothes size went down. Personally, I like to measure with other things besides the scales.

Wow! I feel like I'm always bringing up the rear.... Banded May 11th, have had 3 fills and only lost 22.5. I swear I've got the metabolism of a banana slug! I'm also having trouble feeling full- I feel like I can put way too much in there at any time. Maybe next time I'll ask for a quick floro with the fill. Anyone else slow losing out there among the Mayo Banditos?? I want to be brave and keep checking in- Beth

Hi everyone! I lost 2.5 this week, but I had GAINED last week. I can just spin off track sometimes. I've had 2 fills but can tell I need a little more restriction because I can eat 2- 21/2 cups or so. We are all so different for all having the surgery in May! I'm a good testimony to the fact that this doesn't just make weight loss happen- I HAVE TO WORK THIS LIKE A TOOL! Beth

This thread is an interesting read- helped me! I did notice on your last post that you had breakfast with a solid (egg) and drank decaf and hot water. My nutritionalist says to avoid "wash out" by NOT drinking anything 10 min. before meals and 1 hour after. Keeps the food in there longer. The liquids will also take up space that is needed for food. I agree with the comment on getting enough calories that your body doesn't go into survival mode holding onto every molecule of fat and liquid you've got stored or have just eaten. If you can get at least 100 calories in, first thing in the morning, your metabolism will fire up and stop being so stubborn! At first this felt like "wasted eating" to me- I didn't want it, didn't enjoy it, didn't think I needed it. But changing this one thing caused 1) I was genuinely hungry for lunch (that felt good). 2) I started being hungry in the morning first thing (that was weird) and 3) I was way less likely to crave anything at night (That felt like a miracle!) Beth

I'm down 2lbs this week. Got my first fill yesterday (7-2). I'm not sure if I have enough restriction but feel more pressure if I eat normal portions. I can go back in a week if I am able to hold more than a cup pf anything solid. Beth PS- In the tickerfactory saga.... I can't find what my signature page is. Someone is going to have to COME OVER HERE TO MY HOUSE ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST AND JUST DO THIS FOOL THING FOR THIS FOOL!!! :eek:

What kind of strange things? I've noticed that some people want to connect so badly, or keep the conversation going, or get your attention, that they will say random things. YOU may actually be out there in the world more than when you were hiding in your fat, and so you're seeing more of everything. Just look at it this way, you're just so darn attractive..... it's like moths to a flame.... :thumbdown: Beth

This is an awesome thread with so much experience, strength and hope! I agree with the comment about updating us on these struggles- the good, the bad, the ugly. All of us on this journey need what you (old timers) have. Thanks for sharing, and as I go for my 1st fill next week, I can't hardly imagine what being a more normal weight will feel like. Beth

WAAA... I GAINED a pound this week! I could feel it happening- a few days of spinning out and thinking I'll get it back together tomorrow... I did LIVE through this week (on the plus side). I just might have to kill 3 out of 4 of my staff to get me moving again. JUST KIDDING I know I am responsible for my choices, no one else. That includes throwing that ice cream in the trash. Beth Thanks Spidey for the help- I'll try again. I might now know what "copy to" means....

Hi all- I am a sober alcoholic and sick of the whack game. I was banded May 11, 09. No restriction since I've healed, but I have a much greater awareness of what I eat and WHY I eat it. Banding has yanked that "eating for comfort rug" right out from under my feet. I'm so ready though- if I'm uncomfortable or bored or stressed, so be it! I just pray I don't think of new and different ways to self destruct- ha! Beth

Hey Spidey- I can create my ticker, I just can't get it to come up on my posts. Computers really frustrate me! When my kids were home, I could get all the help I needed. Anyone over the age of 7 would do.... Anyway, thanks for taking the time and care to jump in and reply to people's posts. This is a great forum! Beth

I noticed your surgery date along with your 1st fill. I'm having to wait almost 2 months for my 1st fill too! I wonder why it is done so differently between doctors. Any ideas? I'm a little nervous that I won't be able to establish a good "fill rapport" with my surgeon. I'm trying to talk my primary, who is 50 minutes closer, into learning how to do the fills. Good luck in the wait! I'm there with you. Beth

I seem to be stuck at 238. I was 251 on surgery day (May 11). I get 1st fill July 2nd. Right now I can eat any amount of anything- kinda scary. Can't even tell I have my band. I didn't plan on this... Can anyone help me with the ticker thing? Apparently I weigh zero. I can't seem to get to the page to change it. :tongue: Beth

I was banded May 11 and will have 1st fill on July 3rd. I hope it brings some restriction, but I know it may not. I am wondering how it is decided to do another fill, how much to put in, whether there needs to be more, or if any needs taken out. Do our doctors simply depend on us to let them know what we are feeling as far as restriction? Can you tell within 24 hours that there is not quite enough saline in there? Do some doctors have a straight protocol/formula that they follow? Thanks for answers! Beth

Surgery date May 11, 09 (251.5) I'm down 11 lbs- 240. No fill until July 3rd (my doctor is out last 2 weeks of June)

I was banded May 11th and quickly lost 12lbs. 1st fill June 30th. Today I lost control and ate like I used to. I felt uncomfortable but not sick or in pain. I hope I didn't stretch anything, but even more, I hope this isn't a start of a spiral (also old behavior). My energy was low today- running on too much and wrong kind of food, no doubt. I didn't realize there would be a "diet" white knuckling phase after surgery. Maybe now I am more prepared for that. Thanks for listening! Beth

Sorry- I couldn't gain it back. I tried but that old behavior was sickening to me, both physically and emotionally. I kept pressing the bariatric co-ordinator who said not to worry about it. That answer has never worked for me, not one time! So I kept expressing my concern and she gave me the BMI 35 with co-morbidity protocol. No problem with insurance after all. Beth

I was banded Monday, and so, so sore. Also hitting those painkillers like a skid row drunk! The gas does hurt, it has nowhere to go and has to absorb into tissue since it is free floating in abdominal/chest cavity. Moving does help, but HOW LONG until it goes away?? I am surprised at the length of the port incision- 3 inches? jeesh. Also had to come home with catheter - I have a rebellious bladder that goes on strike whenever it's traumatized. So I'm taking it easy at home b/c I can't see carrying my pee around in a purse- ha Beth

Miranda- When I was in the middle of "Oh my gosh, I'm going to be ineligible due to taking off these 5 lbs," I kept telling the nurse to order me in some cheesecake- QUICK! Then I got to thinking about what a good time I'd have actually trying to GAIN weight! Thus my journey....straight into disgust and nausea! I just could not do it- I figured out that I've come to far..... THAT'S MY HA HA Beth

Hi- I had the exact same issue, the exact same BMI (40) that I was tottering around with. At one consultation, my weight had dropped me to a BNI of 39. I pressed them about it and they said I could hit 35 if I have a co- morbidity, I have Sleep Apnea. I don't know what you have and not familiar with that acrostic, but I was told not to worry. Everything went fine with insurance for me. Beth

Hi all! I just got home from the hospital, me and my new body part are getting along fine. I have no restriction yet- some soreness and swelling, and 6 entry sights as well. All went well. More later! Beth

My surgery is May 11th & they've not given me specifics on pre-op diet. I'm eating like it's my last meal over here and not feeling too good. :smile2: I'm assuming this is normal, but then again, that would be a FIRST for me!! Should I be more pro-active with getting directions from my surgeon? We are awaiting authorization, which shouldn't be problem from their experience with my insurance. Thanks! Beth

Wow everyone- thanks for the encouragement. What's funny is that I'm actually a pretty healthy eater as far as food choices....but I have an amazing gift for QUANTITY EATING. I had weaned off most junk, but kicked back in once surgery was set. Anyway, I appreciate the responses- thanks to all of you post-ops that check this pre-op board to help us out!!!! :smile2: As far as scheduling prior to authorization...all I know is they have worked with so many patients that carry my insurance, they are confident there won't be issues. Thanks again- Beth

So Monkey... was your liver too thick (causing your postponement) because of anything you did, or did not do, prior to surgery? I understood that the pre-op diet is to enable your liver to be as small as possible. Beth

I have been trying to practice the changes I will be making after banding. Sipping water regularly will be a big change from my typical "realize I'm dry as cornflakes then tank up on 16-20 oz. of water" approach to staying hydrated. I am also trying to chew 30 times and not just pop any little thing into my mouth. Imagining my "food crutch" gone is a real eye opener- stress eating is more ingrained than I thought. As sx date gets closer (5-11), I'm falling into "the last meal" syndrome- eating all sorts of crap and thinking about how I won't be doing this much longer..... any takers on this post? How did you prepare mentally/emotionally? Did the changes stress you out? Beth

Surgery date 5-11-09. I am not on a pre-sx diet yet. I've been advised to prepare by implementing some of the changes that the sx will require me to make. Sipping water slowly & regularly is going to be a big change. I go go go until I'm so thirsty, then tank myself up on 16- 20 oz. of water. I am practising chewing well and not eating between meals. Trying not to stress eat is an eye opener! The closer I get though, the more I find myself behaving as if I'm having my "last meal." I'm overeating all sorts of crap and telling myself I won't be doing this much longer.... Any takers on this post? How did you prepare mentally/emotionally? Beth