ofps

Hey everyone, Just thought I'd pop in 2 see how everyone was doing....2 yrs later. Wow! I see most of you doing quite well. Unfortunately, I'm not where I thought I would be, although doc says 'not bad'. I'd like to change my ticker, but forgot how....can anyone help me out here? Started at 325, now 215. Was only 3 lbs from onederland, but botched that up. I've discovered HOW to eat pretty much whatever I want. Breads, cakes, cookies, oriental food, fast food and anything else. It's not just how you eat, but what you eat with it, and the method. Wish I hadn't found out, but I did. Now I have to STOP IT! Got another 1/4cc in again. Doc won't put anymore in than this. Last time I was this tight, I had trouble with reflux almost always, but lost weight. This time, I'm eating less, but the same stuff. Wish I could excercise. I'm going in next week for right knee implant. Already did the left knee twice. (I'm hard on knees) I also have RA and need infusions just to stay mobile. Above ground pool was crushed by trees this last winter, and will need professional to just move the trees. It's all I can barely do just to walk a short distance. Have an idea I'd like to run by you'all. What do you think? I've been toying with the idea of writing a lapband book with recipes, ideas, comments, kinda telling the story of what it's like to be banded using personal experiences. Think anyone would buy it? let alone read it? I haven't seen any lapband books like that out there, have any of you? Keep up the good work on your goals! Later, Barb

Tracy, I was banded last June 2006. I missed one day of office work. Couldn't lift, but could sit and do office work. Tallgrass is on the web, can't remember the address, but search for Kansas Lapband, or Lapband Doctors in Kansas. They are in Topeka and several in the clinic, really nice and good. I haven't had any trouble since surgery and never regretted a day. Lost 110 lbs so far, another 100 to go. Good luck. Barb Unrein

Barb, I too am going through this after my 2nd fill last Tuesday. I have a medium band, first fill was 2cc's, was eating too much, then asked for 1/2cc more. He said to go real easy, but didn't have to do liquids. I find that I have to do liquids in a.m. and noon. Can't get anything through. I've thown up over 4 times in the last week. The silliest things so down, popcorn, crackers, small and only a couple bites of crisp lettuce, and of course ice cream (that's a no no). The things I think will go down, won't. Creamy eggs, noodles, meats get stuck. Once I had chix nuggets @ Wendy's and they went down with a lot of sauce. Even sometimes water doesn't want to go down. Don't have any explanation for this either. Tonight, I took it real slow and managed 5 bites of Al Fredo noodles w/sausage bits, 1/2 a deviled egg, and that was my 1/4 cup for supper. I think we just have to give it some time and go slow and careful like the doc said. Good luck! PS: popcorn went down last night, but I don't recommend eating it in public!!!!! or at all. (We went to the movies) ofps

Think the scales problem is pretty universal. I'm going through the same thing now, nearly 2 1/2 weeks with no weight loss. 2nd fill was a week ago, and doc said I didn't have to go back to liquids, only a 1/2 cc fill. I'm experiencing that only certain foods will go down. Alot I can't eat, and then very little when I do. My clothes are looser, and I'm getting more active, so even though I get exasperated at that scale, I must be doing something right. I think we just have to hang in there for a while to see some results. (I know, I want it fast too) ofps

I've only got it stuck twice. I refused to vomit at first, then just gave up and relaxed and it came up. Second time, I leaned over and stuck my finger down my throat and it came up easily. Don't recommend this procedure on a regular basis. But after I tried everything I could do to get it to go down, then I knew it had to come up for relief. From this I have learned what I am able to eat, and NOT. Still on soft foods after being filled 3 weeks ago. Going for 2nd fill next week. Can do only soft foods or real crunchy, nothing inbetween. Hope you don't experience this again! ofps

Wow! I thought I might be alone with this problem. Finding out I'm not, I'm a little relieved now. Kayford, I too can't eat, except mush during the day. I'm hungry for supper, but still have to watch what I eat, and not fast. I've tried eating a couple bites of cottage cheese before the real food, and that seems to help. Water does not. Have to stretch the stoma before the real food can go through. Filled 3 weeks ago, and still on soft food, but about a cup at a time. Going for another fill next week. Gained 7 lbs last week. Not sure how. Do hope eventually that I can eat real food. This is a slow process and I get frustrated frequently. Also noticed that if I'm upset about anything no matter how little, it makes a BIG difference whether I can eat or not. Used to just ignore it and jam in the food, now I have to go without until I settle down. Sooooo different! ofps

kimmason, You're going in with a good attitude. And I must say, quite a bit of loss for just having surgery. I just weighed in last Wed. at 305 (won't weigh again until tomorrow) and I started at 330. You're doing great! My pain where the port is has just finally starting to feel better, was very painful before now and I was banded June 15. Everyone is different, but it just takes time to heal. Don't feel bad about the overeating before surgery. I weighed 275 before preliminaries and decided since I would probably never be able to eat certain foods, I went nuts. Went to restaurants that I knew would be a no no, made homemade breads, just ate until I was stuffed. Weigh in at the hospital was 330. That's even with the liquid diet for a week before surgery, and I only cheated twice. Hate to think what I actually weighed before I went on the liquids. Now I regret it, but it's in the past. I can't change that. Only the future. I had my first fill July 25, 1 1/2 cc. I still can't eat real solid foods. Only mushies, or blendered food. I'm hoping in the near future I can tolerate more real food, as I seem to have a need for it. By suppertime, I'm starving. Waiting is hard to do, but hang in there, take it real easy and improvement will come. For years I've had hope at attaining my goal only to fail and revisit my old habits. I can't do that anymore, the band has forced me back to what I should be doing, and I'm realizing how much I need this. ofps

Brenda, I weighed 320 when banded. I'm doing great. If you're really determined to get this, please check with other Dr's. My surgeon is about 2 hrs from here and it's not that big of a deal to go. I've only had 2 appointments since surgery, and 1 was a fill. I really feel it's worth it. Don't know what my BMI is, but I'm 5'2" and have a small frame, so it's high. Since banding, I've lost about 20 lbs, last night the scales said 299. Slow loss is good, and if you're banded and restricted, it may take time, but the weight will come off. Just because the stats for GNY is 1/2 time compared to lap band, doesn't mean it doesn't work. Good luck in your search, I'm sure you will find a doctor. ofps

I found out too this weekend, how stress and emotion can effect us. The only day I get to eat lunch with DH is Sunday. I didn't go to church (cellutytis) and he called after to say he was eating in town with friends. I blendered up some lunch and it wouldn't go through. PB's...lots...then I finally relaxed and it came up.First time ever for that. I felt I was tight before starting to eat, but like before, I tried to ignore it and procede. Now I know........don't do it! It was 6:30 p.m. before I tried any more food. Just had water. ofps

I had my first fill on July 25th. Dr had trouble finding my port and had to fill standing up. Since he had such trouble, we agreed to a big fill. He said my stomach pouch was about the size of a golfball, and to do liquids for 3 weeks. That didn't happen. After the 2nd week I had to try soft foods. Some worked, some didn't. I'm taking it slow and gradually eating more variety. I too am on antibiotics now. PCP has me on those huge capsules, hard to do, but I get them down, cellulytis in my legs again. For 3 weeks I didn't see a drop on the scales, but while that was going on, my clothes got bigger. Last week I lost 5 lbs. I've been told to hold the calories to 900-1000 per day. That's what I was eating when I was at my ideal weight........ages ago. My best 'food' so far is not a good choice, but I'm able to do flour chips and salsa, filling from enchiladas if it's beans and cheese. (I have never cared for a lot of Mexican) Mashed potatoes and gravy too. I have trouble with ground beef, but soft chicken works. The rest is pudding, ice cream, soft mushy, soup. I need to remember to chew, chew, chew, when I do food. So different. After reading some posts, I think most of us are on the same wave, and it makes me feel that I'm having the same experiences as most of you are. I have noticed that if I do more water, I loose more. And have given up weighing daily. Have a weekly chart that I post on. At my age, I can't remember everything! Keep up the good work, hang in there, and it will happen! ofps

Got my first fill on July 25. Doctor doesn't use fleourecent, and couldn't find my port. Took 1 1/2 hours before I was finally done, and had to do it standing up. Only added 1 1/2 cc, but told me my stomach was about the size of a golf ball. He wanted me to stay on liquids for 2-3 weeks. Before the fill I could eat about 1 1/2 cups of food. Now I've tried some mushies with good luck, but only about 1/4 cup. Liquids are 2 cups. I've also tried some real food, like soft chicken, hot dog, etc. Can't seem to get it down unless I use gravies, or sauces and grind it up. Hope it won't always be this way!!! Has anyone else had this problem since having a fill? From what I've read, most of you need more fill. Doc said he wasn't ever going to add anymore to my band! The weight isn't coming off, as the mushies have not been low calorie. Was hoping for meat and cooked veggies in small quantities. But that's not happened yet. suggestions? ofps

Barbara, I don't get the 'full' feeling either. But I can feel filling up and know when that 'hurt' feeling is near. I think that means 'full'.? So I quit eating. About 10 minutes later I really get the 'hurt' pain and know I've eaten too much. Then I get scared that I've stretched my upper stomach.Then next time I do a recap of portion size and do better. I too am using the 'scared' method. Probably the reason for the gain is no water. or very little. I'm going to have to force the water. It's so easy for me to grab a can of chilled beverage than to get a glass of water. I put some water bottles full in the freezer, and some 1/2 full. Now I just grab one and run. I haven't tried corn or popcorn or even nuts. Guess I got the idea we couldn't have them yet or something. But the lettuce is great. I was so hungry this noon, we went out to eat. I wanted a chef salad, but DH kindly reminded me that I probably couldn't eat that much, so HE ordered one and some chicken strips. I ate less than a 1/4 of the salad and one chicken strip. I wish the hunger would be equal to the amount I can eat. AFter my fill, I'll have to really watch the amount I order. Could be some of the gain was fluid too. If I don't have the water, I don't loose the water. Seeing how much most of you have to loose really brings me down cause I have so much more to loose. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great the pounds are coming off and you are changing sizes for the smaller size, just wish I was too. Keep up the good work and I'm sure your motivation will rub off on me soon. ofps

I used to get that feeling quite a bit when I started foods. When I took smaller bites, it helped but didn't go away. If I mixed the food with sauces it also helped. Finally I just had something a little softer, or just liquid. I go for my first fill next Tuesday, and am apprehensive about it, since I've had this when open all the way. I've had this before I had surgery, and I just flushed it down with drink, but now I can't do that. I was told that there is a ledge in the esophagus that sometimes doesn't go down when it's supposed to, or can be enlarged. My mom has always had this problem and she's never been banded. But she learned early on to only take small bites. I'll keep watching the posts and also try to remember to post after my fill. I'm so glad there is a place to get info and feedback. ofps

I've managed to gain 8 lbs! overnight! Can eat almost anything, of course the sauces are needed for most of the meats. I had an ultimate chicken sandwich and side salad at Wendy's tonight. Only 1/2 the bun. Lunch is always slim as I'm not that hungry, just a small salad today. I just started salads again, and have had no trouble. I really missed my lettuce. That's still small in comparison to what I used to eat. DH noticed that too. My port area is still not healed. I go for a fill on the 25th. Does anyone know...will they do the fill if I'm still not healed? I really have some mixed emotions about getting a fill. REad posts and don't know if I want it, or if I'm just apprehensive about actually being about to loose the weight and finally acquiring some hope in all this. I still have a lot of swelling in my left side where the port is, so I will definitely do liquids for a day or two and not jump into food too quickly. ofps

thanks for making me feel a little better about the donuts thing. DH didn't take them with him, but I left them alone after that. DesertMom: You sure have lost the weight. Think you have it more together than you think. Losing Girl: Don't worry about where you start. I'm 5'2 and 320 was my starting weight. We didn't put this on in a month or 2, and we can't take it off that fast either. Taking that first step is the hardest, but proudest. I've had a lot of swelling lately. and some pain. Feels like I'm 9 months pregnant, but baby isn't moving. 5 weeks post op. Anyone else have this? My first fill is the 25th. Don't think I'm overeating, average 4-5 lbs loss per week. I'm ALMOST in the 3's!!! my first goal. ofps

Whats wrong with me??!!!!!!!!! I'm so upset with myself. I bought a bag of those tiny cho donuts for DH to take on his fishing trip tomorrow. and wound up eating 1/2 the bag! Now I hurt and wonder why!! Now that I found out I can eat pretty much whatever, I'm going off the deep end! There may be a chance I learned my lesson, but I've said that in the past more times than I can count. Does anyone else have this problem? Am I the only one who binges?Now I'm afraid if I do this again, I'll stretch my UPPER stomach!? I think I just wanted something sweet and didn't want to bake, but I'm not really sure about that. How do you'all curb your cravings? ofps

Ladytonya, I too have lost great, only to gain in back and more. It's discouraging at first, but can be used for a new enthusiasm to start over with more determination than ever. I agree with Wheetsin about the Atkins. I did that and lost about 45 lbs. It's hard to stick with after a fashion for me, cause once I eat, I ate more. I found I lost more over a longer period of time having the idea that I wasn't going to EAT anything, and went on www.Cambridgediet.com It's all liquid, but has all the vitamins and nutrients that you need, comes in many flavors, including soups and oats. With different flavorings noone has to have the same flavor for a week! It also gave me astounding energy after the 3rd day. (another encouragement for me) I've done the diet twice. Once over 20 years ago, and lost down to my ideal weight, then last year and lost 40. You can look for other doctors, but it's to your benefit to loose before surgery. The less you weigh the easier to recover. I speak from experience here. Before my surgery, I thought I would never get to eat some things again and so I used that time to EAT, and gained way too much. Now I find out I CAN eat them, and have the 40 extra pounds now to loose. You may think you have way more to loose than some of us because you're starting weight is more, however, with your height and final goal, the pounds lost are probably about the same. I have over 200 to loose because I'm so short! Hang in there. I know you can do it!!!!! It's worth the effort. ofps

HK, That makes much more sense! I should have looked at the card more closely and just asked my DH, he was EMS and probably could have explained it too. I've had multiple surgeries, and don't think they've ever done that, but can't be too careful. I'm not letting anything interfere with this band!!! Thanks ofps

Good luck, Barb! Am interested in finding out what your lump is all about?? Tell us all. I'm having trouble with some food not wanting to go all the way down without drinking a little sip. Did they put something in the throat? I notice that I have to carry a card for EMS stating that they cannot put in an airway! What gives?

I too am a foodaholic. Have tested the band with various different foods, no pizza yet, but would love some. Rice is not good for me, nor soft breads. First fill is July 25. I have a medium band and have some restriction, but can manage to eat a fair amount of food when hungry. It's nice to know I'm not the only one testing the waters! I think it's like a kid trying to see how far they can get, before learning just how far! It's a habit and cycle that's been used for quite some time, and hard to break. I believe that when we've reached out goal, food will not be such a big issue. (I hope) Now my time is taken with, what to fix, what to eat, what to buy to eat, how to fix, etc, etc. Eventually, I'd like to just not think of it until it's time to eat. Those of you having need for B's. I've been drinking an 'XS' Energy Drink for a year now, one a day. No need for shots! You can check it out at www.Quixtar.com Many flavors, no carbs or sugar on most. I like Cran/Grape and Cherry the best. I have RA so NO immune system. They give me energy, and keep the swelling down, and just LOADED with all B's. The carbonated ones, I just open one the night before and it's still the greatest. Although carbonation doesn't really effect me. Wonder why we shouldn't have them? I'd also like a good restriction on my first fill, but am afraid of being tooooo tight. Don't know if Dr will use fluo or not. My large incision isn't healed yet, stitches came out of half so am still open. Started healing yesterday, but draining and open again today. With all my health problems, I had to do some talking to even get the band. RNY was out of the question. Thank goodness one Dr knew some of my health issues would go away if I lost a significant amount of weight! Keep telling us about your fills.................................... ofps

HI H, I usually check the 'Kansas' threads to keep up with 'who's' in Kansas with a band. Don't see much activity here, but would like to see more. Those in Kansas and banded, please post here! We'd like to know how you're doing, and exchange ideas, etc. I was banded in Topeka at Tallgrass. 5'2", Current weight 312, next goal to be below 300, final goal 120. ofps

Wheetsin, That's terrific! That's my first goal.............below 300! I've got only 15 lbs left and I'm there. Keep up the good work, and we'll follow you! ofps

Here's the link and web site for Tallgrass if your interested. www.empowereddoctor.com/doctor_index_377.html ofps

Wow, I can't believe it, there really is someone here in KANSAS on here! Was beginning to think no one was except the 'thread' of Hoehn. (no pun intended) My DH was really supportive before surgery, says he is now, but........ok there's issues. I was just banded on June 15. Returned to work the next day for several hours (office work) until I got my stuff done. Then again on Monday as usual. I've read others needing more time to recouperate. I think it depends on your surgeon and the procedure done. Mine went smooth (or so my surgeon said). I'm sure there are good surgeons in KC, but I went to Tallgrass in Topeka. They have a great package for cash pay, very personal physicians, and good nurses. Everything runs smooth. Dr even tends to linger in the room until he is sure he has answered your questions and concerns fully. (Never had a Dr do that) My surgeon was Brent Steward, but there are 4 at the clinic, one a female.They also have seminars on Saturdays. ofps

You are all doing so good, and loosing weight so rapidly. It's hard for me to tell just exactly what I have lost, the scale at the hospital showed quite a bit less than mine, and the doctors office shows more. I thinks the loss is somewhere between 12 and 15 lbs. since surgery on the 15th. I thought it would be more. At least I'm able to reach places I wasn't before, so that's a good sign. Not scheduled for a fill until July 26, so will listen to all your posts until then. QUESTION: those of you having surgery in Mexico....where do you go for fills? US local Dr? or back to Mexico? I go to Mexico for a rhumatologist, and almost went there to get banded, but decided because of the visits, I'd better stick close to home. ofps