kittygirl

I've been away for a while, also. I was banded on April 23, I believe the same day as BG. I did OK for a while but developed a bad bacterial infection (c. diff) after my first fill. It took them a while to diagnose it, and I ended up with two visits to the ER b/c of dehydration and related issues. A round of antibiotics took care of it once they IDed it, but it came back, more virulent than ever, this past weekend. Now I'm back on the antibiotics. INow I'm weak again. Also, during the first bout with the diarrhea, I called my surgeon's office to see if they could offer any thoughts. The nurse practitioner I talked to (after a 5 hour wait for callback) said 2 things that bothered me: 1) that people who have the lapband procedure do not develop lactose intolerance - that's only people who have gastric bypass. I know from this forum that that's not true 2) about the diarrhea I was having, she said it couldn't be related to the lapband. I never suggested that it was, but that statement made me think they're just covering their backsides, and makes me think their first priority may not be my health. I hope I'm wrong. I needed to vent about all of that, and I'm grateful to have a place to do it. I'm going for a fill tomorrow, and will try to discuss these issues with the surgeon. That won't be easy, as he's hard to slow down long enough to ask anything.:thumbup: Reading about Lisa's experience makes me feel lucky. What an ordeal she has had. Hope she continues to improve - she's lucky to have you Lili. Now, on to happier things. JT, I didn't recognize your Avatar, and started reading the post, realized it was you, and had to look again. Same with BG. You look like different people. I suspect that you feel as great as you look. So happy to be a part of the Bunny Brigade......

I'm a bit down today, and want to share my frustration here with some folks who might understand. I was banded on April 23. Since the surgery I have had some "digestive difficulties" which I chalked up to lactose intolerance. Those mushroomed into a full blown bacterial infection which took ten days to identify. My fever spiked, my electrolytes got dangerously low and I became dehydrated. I ended up at the emergency room twice in a five day period, before they finally determined that I had a c diff infection and started treating it. I know that these things happen, but the fact is that I never had any digestive issues until I had this surgery (I had weight issues, not digestive issues :eek:.) In researching this infection, after the fact, it seems that the Prilosec that was prescribed for me after the surgery helped to make my gut very hospitable to this awful infection. Don't misunderstand, I am still glad I had the surgery, but am not as trusting as I was a few months ago. It is disheartening to feel so weak after so much time has gone by, but that's the breaks. Its a journey, that's for sure. I'm gonna make it, as we all are. Thanks for being here, April Bandsters!

Thanks so much to you, 2911Plans, and to you, Myturn2bhappy, for your words of support. Right now I'm having a bit of trouble staying on course, and your kind words help a lot. We will all make it to our goals! Kittygirl

Paxie, Thanks for the reminder about the value of the band and all that comes with it. I know I could never have done it without the band either, even though I'm not getting a lot of restriction, yet. Still it has focused me in a way I've never had before. I like the ice cream analogy. I have the Realize band, too, and have not had any pbing or the "slime" that people talk about. That's a blessing right there!

It is funny how different our bodies are in terms of where we lose weight. It was comforting to read that others felt they weren't losing in the waist. I have been thinking there was something wrong with me. I feel very blaoted, and my belly is really sticking out I've lost two or three sizes at the top, but only one size at the bottom, though that's mainly because of the waist situation - the hips and thighs of the pants are getting looser. Its coming off, just so sloooooooowwwwwwlllllllllyyyyyyyy.

What a great opportunity to see what experiences others are having. I haven't posted for a couple of weeks - I've been really busy but the major reason is that I've really been down about my progress. Now I can share my frustration, and maybe even someone else will feel supported by my experience. 1. WEIGHT-I've lost sixteen pounds since my surgery on April 23. Several weeks I've lost no weight, and I have found my weight fluctuates a lot. I'm trying to wean from weighing every single day. 2. FILLS- Realize Band. Have had one fill of 5cc. 3. RESTRICTION-I have very little, if any restriction. Had a bit for about a week after that fill, but now I have none. Sadly for me, my schedule is such that I can't get in for another one until mid-July. 4. RULES-I try hard to obey the rules, though sometimes I long for bread. I had a hamburger bun once, when I was stuck somewhere for a long time and my choices were hamburger or hot dog. No problem whatsoever with the bun, which was a bit depressing. I have no trouble with the "no Water before or after meals". I know I need to increase my water intake. I have always eaten shortly before bedtime, and didn't realize there was a rule about that until I was reading the posts on this thread. Of course I knew it wasn't good, but I have a lot of trouble getting to sleep, and somewhere along the line became convinced that carbs before bedtime helped. LOL 5. ANYTHING ELSE- Sometimes I don't feel like anything is different, as far as my body is concerned, since the surgery. EXCEPT, I now have lactose intolerance, which I didn't have before. I am hungry all the time, and feel very weak. I have a new job and am working 10 hours a day and travelling an hour each way, so that doesn't leave a lot of time for other activities. I'm single and live in an old farmhouse, so I have a lot to do around the home, which keeps me moving a bit. All of this will get better, as my wonderful employer is setting me up to telecommute. I notice big improvement when I am more active. I have a great elliptical machine, so maybe I'll get more than 5 minutes on it soon. I've had no NSVs, and though I know I've lost weight, it would be nice to think that someone has noticed. On the bright side, I know that I will eventually get to that sweet spot, like so many others here, and am trying to pat myself on the back that I haven't been gaining during the time where the band hasn't been able to help.

#142 Losing for me Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 58 Re: Independence Day challenge for Bunny Bandsters permalink Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 276lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 249lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 19 June --------------------- 259lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 14 June --------------------- 273lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 5 June --------------------- 207lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 19 June --------------------- 261lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 5 June --------------------- 285.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 196.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb -------------------2031b -----------------21 June ------------------191lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------21 Jun ---------------------- 173lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 11 June --------------------- 186lb --------------------175lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 14 June -------------------- 245.0lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb __________________

Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 29 May --------------------- 262lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 22 May --------------------- 280.5lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 22 May --------------------- 210lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 267lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 288.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 199.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb ----------------------2031b ------------------ 31 May ---------------195lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 22 May --------------------- 193lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb

My first fill story: I waited an hour for my surgeon. He had agreed to see me at noon after his morning surgery, because I'm in this travelling job, and its difficult for me to get off. Very nice of him. Anyway his partner showed up to fill a couple of his patients, and he contacted my surgeon, who was tied up in surgery. He said I could wait for my surgeon or he could do my fill. I jumped on that. He gave me 4ccs and had me swallow the Water, then the "stuff," we looked at the fluoroscopy screen and I saw the stuff passing through the band (so cool!) and he said I could take another cc. I said "Do it!" So now I have 5 ccs. I was a bit nervous, something that wasn't helped by the hour and fifteen minute wait, and I have to say feeling that needle go in is quite disconcerting, but not painful (they numbed the area first.). He had very sure hands, and really instilled confidence. (My own surgeon might, too, I was knocked out when he "handled" me .) I can tell I have some restriction, but guess I have to wait a day or two to find out how much. I'm so glad my more conservative surgeon was unavailable. I hope this will jump start my weight loss, which has all but stopped. And, I'm looking forward to some relief from the unending hunger! Everyone enjoy their weekend, and keep up the good work.

The last three posts have made me feel so much better. I've lost 25 pounds, but like Band Groupie, most of that was pre-surgery and the two or three days after. It has been five weeks tomorrow, and I've been ravenous for the past three. Despite that, I've only gone over 1000 calories two days, but simply cannot keep the loss going. Occasionally, I have to buy groceries, and that is the worst! I get a fill tomorrow, but my surgeon said he'd probably only give me 2 cc's. I sure hope its enough to provide some restriction, because my willpower is wearing thin. I suspect this is true for most of us: I wouldn't have needed the lap band if I could do this on willpower alone! Early, what you said really hit home - that's my experience, too! I think our ambivalence is normal. I'll post after the fill tomorrow, to share my experience with you guys. I'm such a sissy, and can't help being anxious about the procedure till I know what's involved. This forum helps so much!! Good luck to all!

Carol, Thank you so much for jumping in with advice on the milk thing! I will buy some Lactaid tomorrow. Looks like I'll be on the milk products for another couple of weeks, so I'll get much opportunity to use them :laugh:. I'm nervous about the fill but excited at the same time. It will be nice to have some restriction, as an aid to the willpower thing........ kittygirl

:rolleyes2: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 7 May --------------------- 269lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 15 May --------------------- 287lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 7 May --------------------- 216lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 275lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 292lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 288lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 209lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 17 May ---------------------- 199lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 7 May --------------------- 195lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 259lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 249lb ------------------- 229lb __________________ Slowly but surely........... Kittygirl

Hi fellow Bunny Bandsters. Its been a while since I posted. I've just entered my 4th week post op and am still on mushies. Am having difficulty getting enough protein without overdoing the dairy, which I think is responsible for substantial gastric distress (I'm trying to avoid being too graphic). I'm scheduled for post-op exan and fill on May 28. I guess I'm in bandster hell, because I'm so hungry, but am keeping my calorie intake under 1000 a day. The weight loss has slowed a lot since the few days post-op, but I'm trying to hold my own till the first fill. I've lost three pounds in two weeks. I sure hope I get some restriction on the first fill. My doctor uses the fluoroscope for the first fill, and told me I probably wouldn't get more than 2 ccs. I got the Realize C band. I'm doing some free weight work for my arms, and using the elliptical when I'm home. Exercise is a challenge during the week, as I'm working out of town Monday through Friday. All the posts here have been so much help to me as I've gone through the early stages as a bandster. Hope everybody is doing great. Keep working it! kittygirl

Barb, I was banded on the 23rd, and my stomach swelling is pretty much gone, though occasionally the port site aches or is uncomfortable. It sounds like you have exactly the same wounds that I do, and my port site is below the left breast also. I am concerned about the hunger. I had lost 20 pounds (which includes the pre-surgical diet weight) as of a week after surgery, but I am so hungry now, and am having a lot of trouble keeping my eating in check. I added lowfat cottage cheese about 3 days ago, and am eating a lot of it. It only keeps me feeling full for about 45 minutes. I guess this is what they call bandster hell. I'm still over 3 weeks away from my first fill. Hang in there! kittygirl

:thumbup: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 276lb ---------------------- 256lb NY Lady -------------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 253lb ---------------------- 233lb Lingling--------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JayTee---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? MrsMitch -------------------- 20lb -------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? ALuv82---------------------- 35lb ------------------ 297.5 -------------------- 1 May ------------------- 297.5 ------------------------ 262.5 Band_Groupie -------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Kaner ----------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Scoobydoo ------------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne ------------------ 15lb --------------------- 296 -------------------- 1 May --------------------- 296 -------------------------- 281 Hopeful41411 --------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? IsabellaP84 ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hannah Jay ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ---------------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie ------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Poconomom -----------------20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2Bhappy ------------- 30lb --------------------288 ------------------ 1 May --------------------288--------------------258 DMChef --------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ---------------- 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Doodlebug11 ---------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? tcbgirl ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? twinmamma1130 ------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------------15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? kittygirl --------------------- 22lb --------------------- 203-------------------- 1 May --------------------- 203? -------------------------- 181 JukeBox81782 -------------- 40lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Losing for me -------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Early ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? labbandgirl2009 ------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Pottergirl------------------- 20lb--------------------- 280lb ----------------- 1 May------------------- 280lb ------------------- 260lb shakia90 ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 285 -------------------1 May --------------------- 285 ----------------------- 265 txdj ----------------------- 20lb---------------------- ? ---------------------1 May --------------------- ? --------------------------- ? ThinWithin ------------------20lb---------------------- ? ---------------------1 May --------------------- ? --------------------------- ? Help1977-----------------20lb----------------------251.8-------------------1 May----------------------251.8-------------------231.8 __________________

Sorry about the font change. If someone knows how to make mine look like everyone else's, please fix it. I'm lucky to be able to post at all, with my limited skillset - but I do want to participate.

:laugh: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? NY Lady -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May ----------------------? ------------------------- ? Lingling--------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JayTee---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? MrsMitch -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? ALuv82---------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Band_Groupie -------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Kaner ----------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Scoobydoo ------------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne ------------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hopeful41411 --------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? IsabellaP84 ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hannah Jay ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ---------------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie -------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Poconomom ------------------20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2Bhappy -------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? DMChef ---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ---------------- 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Doodlebug11------------------20lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? tcbgirl -----------------------15lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? twinmamma1130---------- --20lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? mi_illusion_st--------------15lb------------------------?--------------------1 May----------------------?---------------------------? kittygirl---------------22lb----------------?-------------1 May--------------?-------------------?

Hi All, My forum skills are rather primitive, but I really wanted to reach out to VADarlene, who is having her banding tomorrow. If you're out there Darlene, know that we're all cheering for you. I'm sure you'll do great! They were great at Roanoke Memorial. I had my banding on April 23 and am going back to work (a two hour drive) tomorrow. I'd like to have another day or so to rest up, but this is a new job and its critical that I not miss any time, so off I go. Once I'm there, I'm there through the end of the week, so there won't be a lot of driving after that - just riding a desk! I'm doing great, other than the gas. Am hoping that will subside soon. I confess I haven't been taking GasX or anything for the gas, but will start tomorrow. I've been walking every day, which does help. I am hungry all the time, but it appears that this is normal for a lot of folks, so I'm taking it minute by minute. I haven't had any pain meds since Thursday night, so I should be OK to drive. I'm no stoic, I just didn't need really have any pain, other than mild discomfort while lying down. Good luck to all who are being banded this week! :laugh: Kittygirl

Hi All, I had my banding yesterday and an overnight stay at the hospital. It wasn't too bad, other than getting up at 3 am to head to the hospital. I'm home and hungry - definitely a good sign I think, since it means I'm recuperating. Off to bed now - more later.

Hi to everyone, I've been thinking about lap-band surgery for a while, so have lurked a bit on this site up till now. Finally, I realized that time was a-wasting. and I got moving. My BMI is 38, but I have some co-morbidities. My surgeon's office told me that they would submit my paperwork, but tried to gird me against the disappointment of being turned down. My insurance is with Anthem (Blue Cross) Covacare of Virginia. Less than a week after I had my last appointment on their protocol (visit with their dietician), I was approved. Anthem rocks!:cool2:

VaDarlene, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have a new job and went out of town last week for training. I didn't take my laptop, so have been out of touch. Sounds like you'll be having your visit the same day as my surgery. I hope yours gets scheduled soon. I'm so ready to get this show on the road, though I'm a bit nervous as well. I lived most of my life in a larger metropolitan area, and have a fear that the docs here don't have enough experience. I know that's silly, but there you have it. I have lost about 5 pounds during the first 10 days of the pre-surgery diet, but have four more days to go and am hoping for a couple more. Stay in touch, and good luck. Kitty

Hi VaDarlene, Its nice to know there's someone from the area on the Board. I have Dr. Bruce Long from the same practice as Dr. Lucktong. I haven't actually met him yet, though he spoke at the Seminar. Have you actually had an appointment with Dr. Lucktong yet? My date is April 23. I hope your diet goes well. I'm thinking that I feel a bit better today - I started my diet on Thursday - but its tough. We can do this! And it will be worth it. Stay in touch! Kitty

I'm a newbie, but have been a lurker for a while. This week I had good news, I was approved and am scheduled for the 23rd of April. Another April Bunny Bandster! I am three days into the pre-op diet, which is not completely liquid, thank goodness, but I still have a whale of a headache! Has anyone else had this and found anything that helps, other than medication? I can take Imitrex now, and its doing the job, but in five days, I'll need to be med-free, and would like to have relief then, if needed.

Fitflab25, I'm in Roanoke. Have you been banded, is it giving you a good result? Right now I'm going through the pre-surgery diet and have a constant headache, in addition to the plain old hunger. I'm hoping maybe my body (and especially my head) might adjust to the new diet after a day or two????