StephM

Not exactly before and after, but here is before and during. Sixty pounds down from the first pic to the second.

In December, there were some posts regarding "What I've Learned from my Band". Some of them were very humorous, but each and everyone of them was so true! So, I went back to the December chat and compiled a list of those "I've Learned"s and added the few posted on March chat, and here's what I have come up with (sorry for any typos)... I’ve Learned (from my Band)… Compiled from the members of the Lap-band Talk - 2006 ABC It's not the first bite that's a killer - It's the second or third If you can drink it for Breakfast, that's a good option In the morning I better drink something warm before I eat - Otherwise solid food, no matter how much I've chewed it, will go down like the Titanic Soup with lunch or dinner helps relax the esophagus and reduces PBs - A glass of wine does even better I will never be bored with my band Just when I think I know my band - I don't Sometimes I can eat breakfast - sometimes I can't - Ditto for the rest of my meals If I get really hungry - Forget it I'm getting stuck What "Oh crap, I'm about to burp up this food" feels like Random stuff like candy corn is impossible one day, and smooth and easy the next Losing weight feels SO GOOD NSVs (Non-scale victories) can feel even better than losing weight I never know from one day to the next what I can eat or how much Just when I think I need a fill, the darn thing feels tight again It really is a learning process - Learning the band - Learning how to eat to live - Learning how to lose weight I love my band but I'm also quite afraid of it I don't have to panic if I have a setback (ie: overfill, weight gain, etc.) - I can still succeed My defeatist attitude doesn't help I need to work with my band and pay attention to what it likes and doesn't like (ex. it doesn't like bread... so stop trying to eat it!) It's my friend and it's doing its job. Even though you now eat small amounts you still need to pay attention to what that small amount is I will ALWAYS subscribe to the "I wonder what band I'll wake up with today" syndrome I absolutely LOVE my band - I never want to go anywhere without it ever again - It was the best thing I have ever done for myself I still have to watch what I eat - If it's hard Protein my band tells me when enough is enough - Ice cream?...not so much Sometimes I still want to binge and stuff myself - The urge remains unfortunately, but the capacity just ain't there I never have golfball/PB issues with people who know I'm banded – It’s always with people who don't know - LapBandLaw? I've learned you can quickly say "I need to go grab a tissue/glass of water/tampon" and bolt, and nobody really cares - Unless you're gone a really long time in which case, go for the "female problems" defense My band has an attitude - If it doesn't want chicken it won't let me eat it, but if it wants chicken tomorrow it lets it through just fine My band isn't a miracle – It is still going to take time and a lot of work I have to get fills for it to work - It isn't giving in to admit I need one A size 16 at one store is NOT the same as a 16 at the next That blueberry NutriGrain bars are really good – They make a great breakfast and defend against fast food if they live in my purse. Never go shopping with my mother – I wind up spending too much money When my left shoulder joint starts hurting, I should stop eating The scale will continue moving in the right direction, as long as I don’t give up

Has anyone seen pebbles or clarityseeker lately? I was just reviewing the December thread and ran across their names and thought we haven't heard from them in a while? Pebbles? Clarityseeker?

I too went for an unfill today. To all of you who have been miserable and think an slight unfill would help...DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET ONE...you will feel 1000000000000% better!!!

If anyone needs help with this, you can email (sdmorton@nccsfl.com) me the pictures and I will post them for you. Steph

Well, I can finally say, I really do believe Bandella is working!!! ******The Day Before Surgery ***********6 Months and 10 Days After Surgery** Anyone else going to share befores and durings???

Jennifer Tell us what ever is on your mind at anytime. That is what we are here for. Support is support...Lap-Band or life. Hang in there girl! Steph

I live mainly on cottage cheese, hearty Soups, fish (NOT over cooked..very moist), ground beef (high fat..makes it more moist), malt o' meal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, black Beans (mushed), and my favorite, Jello-O Marbled Dessert...recipe below. For breakfast, if I'm even hungry, I grab a High Protein Slim Fast since that's about all that will go down until noonish. Just keep trying differant things. Some days I can get scrambled eggs down, others I can't. Good Luck, Steph Jello-O Marbled Dessert 1 box sugar-free Jell-O favor of your choise 1 (8 oz) container soft cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons Spenda Prepare Jello-O as directed on box. When almost set, beat with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Beat in cream cheese and sour cream. Set aside. In another bowl, beat whipping cream and Splenda until soft peaks form. Fold into Jello-O misuture, allowing to marble. Spoon into dessert dishes and chill for 2 hours. Serves 8 From: www. better recipes.com - Submitted by: Zan Brock NOTE: I use the full fat stuff because I am usually below my 1000 calories at the end of the day, but you can lower the calories/fat if needed by adjusting the products you use. This is so good, my husband prefers this over ice-cream many nights!!!

Thanks Robin for the encouragement! After a few days of purees, I had my first "normal" dinner tonight. We went to Ruby Tuesday's and I had the broccoli and cheese Soup and the lump crab cake. I ate VERY slow, taking small bites, chewing them to death, and I felt great after dinner. I think I am back on the wagon and ready for another 56 pounds!!!

Andi: You are NOT a failure. You HAVE lost 15 pounds and not gained them back. I agree with getting the book "Weight Loss for Dummies". It is a book that I still refer to at least weekly. Another good one is "Lap-Band for Life". Both these books will help you make wise choices, and review the band "guildlines" with you. It sounds like you are doing many things I have been doing lately, big bites, not chewing, PBing often, blah, blah, blah. I just posed on another thread that this past Sunday I started coughing up "coffee grounds" looking stuff. Talk about scared s*itless! Well after doing some research I concluded that I had irritated my esophugus more than ever and had probably broken a few blood vessels. Sunday evening I put myself back on thin purees and am feeling so much better. The hunger I had been feeling over the past month, while gorging myself, is also gone. Don't let yourself get to this point. If you are hurting or even feeling uncomfortable when you eat, change what you are doing. You can not tell me you enjoy eating when you feel like crap. Here are my suggestions: 1) Get to your doctor for a fill. If they don't want to give you a fill, find another doctor. When I think I need a fill, I call my doc, and get in within a few days, explain why I feel I need a fill, and then get one. No one at my doctors office ever questions why I haven't lost more weight, etc. I have been banded 6 months now and have had three fills. Fills are NOT a bad thing and are another part of the tool we much manage. 2) Once you get the fill, follow the EXACT post fill diet (liquids, purees, mushies, what ever it is). This will help you get back on track. 3) Sit down and reevaluate why you originally got the band. What your goals are and how you are going to acheive them. Make a renewed committment to yourself and your band to continue this weight loss journey. We all mess up at times and need some guideance. 4) See a counselor if you are getting extreamly discouraged/depressed and don't think you can do this on your own. There are counselors out there that work strickly with bariatric patients. You have done a great job by coming to LBT to talk about your difficulties. That is what we are here for. Good Luck!

Here I am, to spill my guts to my very bestest band buddies. So, I hit that five months post surgery mark (last month) and thought I knew everything, and could do everything. Well, I have finally realized, I am STILL banded and Bandella is in full control whether I want to admit it or not!! For the last month or so I have been taking big bites, not chewing, eating whatever I want, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, PBing at least every other day...blah, blah, blah...all the stuff they tell you NOT to do. So this past Sunday I started coughing up "coffee grounds" looking stuff that smelled horrible! Of course I became terrified and I started reading posts on LBT and came to the conclusion that my esophagus was seriously irritated (dah!) and I had probably broken a few blood vessels in the esophagus thus causing the "coffee grounds". So I put myself back on thin purees Sunday evening. I am still on purees and think I will stay there through at least Sunday. I am feeling 100% better and actually think I feel better now than I have over the past few months. I am pretty sure I haven’t done anything bad to the band as I have great restriction and very little hunger (kinda like right after surgery). Yesterday and today I have been taking a serious look at my weight loss and have renewed my commitment to myself for the continued journey. I guess, sometimes we just have to get to the end of the rope before we can go any further. So here I am feeling like a new bandster, except one that knows what to expect! Anybody else hit this wall yet or am I think only one?

It sounds to me like you need a fill.

Do NOT hide your depression during the psych eval. I thought I would be thrown out too because I was "psycho", but I actually think it helped my case. I have been on anti-depressents since I was about 12. Addtionally I was abused as a child which I thought would throw me out as a candiate as well. Well guess what??? I was approved with flying colors. She did mention that as a victim of abuse, I needed to watch that I don't sabatoge my weight loss down the road thinking I'm not worth this. She also suggested that I stay on my meds at least a year past the weight loss if not the rest of my life. If you are concerned, bring it up during your evaluation. I think as long as you realize you are depressed and are willing to get help you will be just fine. Good Luck!

Okay guys...another girl invading. After reading all 14 pages, I want to comment on two subjects that were brought up. 1) Ratio of women vs. men getting Lap-Band. From what I remember from my research, approximately 70% of Lap-Band patients are women, which makes only 30% men. I beleive this is due to women "typically" taking more of an interest/concern in their overall health situation. 2) Increased libido after weight loss. This is purely a psychological thing. As we loose weight, our self confidence increases, whether we recongnize this or not. I, as well as many other female bandsters, feel the same way after we loose just a few pounds. Just thought I would stop in and say hi and give you my input on two of your topics. I admire you all and actually find your thread more informative than many of the other threads on LBT. You all are just more open and ask questions straight out with out beating around the bush! You guys are ALL doing great. For those of you in your early stages of this journey, hang in there; it will ALL be worth it in a few months. Steph

While were confessing.... I have a mini Snickers bar everyday. They said we could still have the foods we enjoyed just in a smaller amount!!! I figure as long as I'm loosing weight, what is one going to do to me??? I love you all!

Kim, Hang in there, it really does get better! I am almost six months out and barely remember the pain after surgery! It is all worth it! My best advice...LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! I was VERY weak for about six weeks after surgery. I waited a week and a half to go back to work and then only worked half days for a week and a half. I found I would go to work (I have an hour commute each way) and then lay down as soon as I got home. I also found that my waist band tended to rub on my port site, so when ever I sat down I made sure to push my waist band down. Tylonol makes an Extra Strengh liquid that is very good for pain also. I thought I was going to get addicted to the stuff as I took it quite a bit those few weeks after surgery, but no problems with addiction. I also remember not being able to drink anything that was cold or hot. Keep everything room temp and you might have an easier time getting liquids to go down. I was on Clear Liquids for two weeks, which really allowed the swelling to go down. If you are having a lot of swelling, try the clear liquids for another week. Even today, when I get a fill, they tell me clear liquids for two days, but I actually do them for 4-6 days. Kim (and all you others recently banded), Bandit, will soon turn into Bandella ("Ella" for short) and she will become your best friend and help you acheive many goals. If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me. Good Luck! Steph

Josette: You are doing great!!! I have hit several plateaus and then actually started gaining some weight. Each time, I kept a journal for a few days, then looked at what I was eating and realized I needed a fill. Try keeping a food journal. I know it will remind you of your previous dieting attempts, but this time just look at what you are eating, not the amounts. Once you have journaled for a few days, review everything you have eaten. If you have made mostly smart choices, I would say it is probably time for a fill. If you have made some bad choices, try and make the necessary changes (we are here to help). Don’t stay away from us just because you don’t think you are losing the “correct” amount of weight. Remember, there is not a “correct” amount of weight as we are all different. Hang in there, and remember we are all here for you. Steph

Are you still losing 1-2 pounds a week even though you are eating more than you think you should be? If you are I would stay like you are. If you are not losing at least a pound a week I would say it's time to go in for a fill. If you are not sure, call the doctor. I'm sure they would be able to advise something over the phone.

Well guys, February is NOT off to a good start for me. I told my hubby Friday evening I wanted a divorce. In October I found that he had been looking at ads on an adult ad website and had actually sent a picture of himself (or parts of himself) nude. I have tried for months to "get over it", but I have decided I CAN'T be married to someone I don't trust. I did think about trying counseling, but I remembered back to marriage counseling, and all he did there was sit and look at a wall. We have only been married for two and a half years, and only have four cats (no children - thank God). We are still on speaking terms and living in the same house for now, so hopefully this won't turn into one of those nasty divorces. Things around the house actually seem a little less tense right now, but maybe it's just me since I finally got everything off my chest. I am scheduled for a fill tomorrow, but am a little nervous as my band has tightened tremendously since telling him on Friday. I can only eat a few bites and half the time they come back up. I am still going in for a fill, but a very small one I think. The liquid diet will probably help with all the irritation anyways. Please keep me in your prays, as I will need a lot of support over the next few months. You guys are the best! Love ya all, StephM

I have an appointment with my surgeon next week and am debating if I should get a fill or not. I haven't lost any weight in about 3 weeks, but I haven't gained any either (saying with the same 4 pounds). When I eat, I definatelly feel full very fast, but within a few hours I am hungrey again and have to find something to eat. Have any of you had this situation? Do you suggest a fill or not? ANY and ALL suggestions are welcome! Thanks, Steph

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I find that I get the feeling after eating more than I should have. I take about 7 pills each morning, without food, and have no side effects from them. My only suggestion would be make sure you are not over eating before you feel the throat burn and if you still think it is your pills, try drinking some milk (or eating) when you taken them. If you decide to drink milk when taking them, make sure the medication will allow you to. I have a cholesterol med that can not be taken with milk. Hope this helps! Steph

I found lapbandtalk a month or so before my surgery. This website allowed me to ask the dumb questions that you didn't want to ask in the support groups, as well as prepared for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I think by the time I was admitted to the hospital I could have performed the surgery myself!!! After surgery this site has been my saving grace. I was able to complain with others and listen and support others as complications arose, further prepareing myself for future bumps in the road (i.e. the first food getting stuck). Although I don't come to this site as much as I did pre-surgery and the few months post-surgery, I still do pop in from time to time to see how everyone is doing and look for posts regarding new situations with my band.

I am currently on the Wellbutrin and Lexapro and am doing great. I tried Effexor by itself a few years ago and gained weight like crazy overnight. I would say getting rid of the Effexor will allow you to increase your weight loss.

Hello everyone! It looks like we are all doing excellent!!! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. My company was sold back in September and I have been working 15-18 hour days pretty much everyday since then. Life with the band has definately been interesting to say the least. My first fill in October didn't do anything for me except make me understand what the "stuck" feeling was. Then I had my November fill (6cc total in a 10cc VG band). What a differance. I was barely able drink 8oz of Water and eat a jar of baby food a day for two and a half weeks (this was over Thanksgiving). I went to see my surgeon and he said that he thought it was stress and a long swelling time from the fill, but offered to take some out if I wanted. Well I chose to keep my fill and I am glad I did. Since that fill I have lost 14 pounds!!! YEAH!!! I am ready for the holidays. I find I am eating more junk food (chocolates, Cookies, fudges, etc.) during the day, but still losing weight. I am keeping under 1000 calories a day and 60g of Protein as instructed by my surgeon. Life is going pretty good. Having some depression from the holidays, but not from missing food. I actually kind of HATE to eat anymore 'cuz I never know what 'Bandella' (we call her 'Ella' for short) is going to do that meal. Oh well, it will always be a guessing game I guess, but I wouldn't change a thing about getting the band. If I don't "talk" to you before the holidays, please have a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year. Love ya all, Steph

I think what she is going through is normal. I have been banded since August, and some days I can eat/drink alot and other days I can't. There are alot of factors involved. For me when I am stressed I can't keep a drop of Water down, but when I am relaxed, I could eat a horse. My surgeon told me this is normal. The band will tighten and loosen. I would recommend your friend call her sugeons office just to make sure.