doubleg71

I have finally made it and I got to tell you, it is better than I thought it would feel. It is exactly 5 months to the day that I had surgery and I have reached it by losing 69 lbs...:thumbup:. I know many people who read these posts and try to make that decision in their life whether or not to "Go for it" and get the band...I am here to say that I would not change it for the world. I remember the day that I actually started considering the band...I was watching "True Life" on MTV and there was this younger guy who had lost over 100 lbs. with the LAP-BAND®®. He was battling the urges to take Fluid "in and out" of his band because he thought he could control his eating habits but found out he couldn't. I began asking myself, "Is this the direction I need to go in order to lose weight?". I studied, asked questions and made the final decision one year ago (June 09). Seems like it was just yesterday, so for those of you who are thinking that the process seems so long, it really does go by fast! I have a 36 waist (on the last hole on my belt and they are fitting very loose! Woohoo). None of my shirts have an "X" in front and I am proud of my accomplishment! If you ask me what was the biggest thing I learned during this change that I never learned before was simple "Calories in, Calories out"...it is that easy! So many of my "diets" I tried before were unsuccessful because I never paid attention to the caloric intake like I do now. I still have a hamburger w/Cheese (Once a month), still have a donut (One every once in a while) and I still enjoy a beer (Ocassional only). I know I have conquered the PHYSICAL aspect, but I feel confident that I have the MENTAL part in check as well...because I have NEVER had a fill to my band. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and only use the band as a tool. It keeps me honest by letting me know...slow down and chew (still PB sometimes and have only gotten stuck 2 times...both at work but nobody around to witness...Whew!) I just want to thanks to everyone on this site...for making the move, sharing their stories, keeping everyone motivated during the hard days and cheering on the good ones!:smile: I THANK YOU!

My xiphoid process protudes as well....I just haven't seen it in so long, I thought if looked funny at first! The Xiphoid is the cartilage part at the bottom of your rib cage...(many people use it to reference point during CPR). I have also found my hip bones as well! I kinda like it. I think the next bones I will discover are the cheek bones on my face...I am beginning to see them! good luck

First things first..don't feel sorry for yourself, feel happy that you made this move to improve your life. Secondly, I personally had surgery on Jan. 20 and have lost all my weight (66 lbs.) with absolutely zero fills. I found a healthy meal plan that worked for me, incorporated exercise into my routine and have not found it necessary to get any fills. My weight loss has slowed to a healthy 1-2 lbs. per week and I feel totally great! I have read many posts on this site to know that some people have better luck with fills and some don't need as many fills to accomplish their goal. I chose mind over matter and have come close to reaching my goal. Keep your spirits high and don't let the little obstacles hinder your progress. Whenever you feel down or need motivation, come read some of these posts to keep your spirits high. good luck!

All the time...No problems. I waited until I was eating solid foods but never had a problem with it. I would use one only if you feel comfortable. Good luck!

Hello everyone...I was banded on January 20, 2010 and I am down 26 lbs. since surgery (46 lbs. since Jan. 6th). I truly feel better than I have in a very long time. I went to see my PCP about 5 weeks ago and he told me that my cholesterol was nearing normal levels and blood sugar was in check...but still had some more work to do and wants to re-check in mid April. I am officially into my old "skinny" close and will need to invest in smaller clothes the smaller I get...Glad to have this problem. I went from a 42 waist to a 36 waist (comfortably...without sucking in the gut to button my pants). I have inspired many people at work and have had many compliments on my commitment and dedication to my goals. I had one of my co-workers ask me to write down what I have been eating on a daily basis because her boyfriend is the size I use to be and is wanting to lose weight too...I gladly wrote it down for her. Of all the things that I have experienced, the only thing that aggrevates me is the fact that I have an enormous amount of energy and seem to be sleeping less. I usually go to sleep around 10:00pm and I wake up around 4 am...wide awake and I don't have to be at work until 7 pm. I guess I am getting better sleep because I might not have the sleep apnea like I use to (can't tell because I am asleep and can't tell if I still snore like I use to). I decided to begin my gym membership again and do morning workouts to try to burn this extra energy that I have been expereincing. I have only had one stuck episode since beginning my journey...and it totally caught me off guard. I was eating some eggs and sausage and I guess I just didn't chew a piece of sausage enough...STUCK!! It came up quick and fast but took about 3 good heaves before it just stopped. For a split second, I just went back to my old ways of chewing and forgot to chew very well...Lesson Learned. I have NOT had any fills and really don't see a need to unless I see myself not losing weight or see myself losing control with my eating habits...but I just don't see that happening but you never know. I hope everyone else is having the success I have been experiencing....good luck to everyone!!

I had my surgery on 1/20/10 and I know that feeling you are feeling. I followed my doctor's order until I felt that I was ready to allow myself to eat a little more than he suggested. Today, I am happier now that I followed the rules and I suggest you do the same if you really want to work on the mental aspect of this journey. I still find myself feeling guilty if I eat anything that resembles "unhealthy". I have never stopped losing weight since the surgery and continue to lose 1-2 pounds per week with diet. I just keep the portion control of anything considered "unhealthy" in total control (unhealthy to me is a hasbrown stick with my eggs or 10 tortilla chips with some salsa). I have not had any breads, pasta, cookies, sodas in the last 2 months...and you know what...I really don't miss them as much as I thought I would. I have really made up my mind that I don't need to have those things in my life...There is still a mental journey to take along with your physical journey and don't let the guilt de-rail you...just know this is not an overnite fix.

I am 6 weeks post-op and I have lost a total of 42 lbs since beginning this journey and I have not been happier. I have really learned to limit myself to healthier choices and I also keep active by walking 45-60 minutes, 3-4 times per week and I go bowling on Saturdays...keeping my metabloism working by eating 4-5 times per day (small meals and nutritious snacks. I am back to wearing a 36" waist pant and comfortable in X-Large shirts. I have steadily lost 1-2 pounds per week. I visited my PCP 2 weeks ago and he told me that my cholesterol had decreased significantly but still had a little way to go...so he wants me to return in 6 weeks to see if I was able to lower it more so he would not put me on any medication. I know this will happen since I plan to increase my exercise by the time that I return to see him. I hope that most everyone is as happy with their choice as I am.:biggrin:

Totally Normal...You should just keep up your doctor's recommendation. You will probably not feel restriction until after you get your fills. Most, if not all, of your restriction is due to swelling and/or any fill material you may have been given during surgery. You will become more hungry as the days go by and you return to regular food again. As for your port, generally it is located near the larger incision near your belly button and I feel mine all the time. Sometimes, there is still some soreness but overall I don't even realize that I had surgery. I am sure you will have other questions but always check back with this site because there is a lot of information of this site...Good luck on your journey

I would say that this is totally normal for you to be hungry as heck!! You had restriction due to the swelling inside and the band being tight around the swollen area. I am four weeks post-op (1/20) and I haven't this good in a very long time. I have not gotten a fill yet because I have not stopped losing weight since surgery (2-3 lbs. per week) and the diet plan I have been on seems to be working without the fills. I am scheduling my first post-op visit soon and will probably get my 1st fill then. I really don't miss the food I use to consume and it doesn't seem hard to keep eating small portions for meals (5 oz. per meal). I wish everyone the best and continued weight loss.

I am just curious and would like everyones opinion about getting my first fill...I am 3 weeks post op and have been feeling great...as a matter of fact I have been steadily losing about 3 pounds per week since my operation. I am suppose to be going back to see my doctor (I assume for a fill) after week 4 but I am not sure whether or not I need it! I have been logging everything on dailyplate.com and have been taking in 800-1000 calories every day. I don't find myself hungry all the time and if I am hungry, I will have a drink of water, eat some greek yogurt, or just find something healthy to snack on. I have begun having the creamy soups and today I moved up to grilled salmon...which I only ate half and felt completely satisfied...I wonder if I should return for a fill or just wait...Thanks for your advise in advance!!

I don't know whether my doctor put any saline in during surgery...forgot to even ask that question. Currently, I am in the mush stage of the post-op diet. My daily meals consist of (EAS Advantage Carb control for Breakfast...S.F. Jello pudding @ 10am., chicken or Tuna salad lunch or baked fish with mushy broccoli @ noon, and a EAS shake again for dinner @ 5pm). I drink approx 40 oz of Water during the day, 16 oz. of Crystal Light per day. I have been averaging about 60-70 grams of protien and 40 grams of good carb average per day. In week 4, I go to one shake per day and two sensible meals per day (Turkey,chicken or fish) with Veggies. I agree with you in that "why would you mess with perfection" because I feel like everything is working better than I ever thought it would. I plan to call the doctor tomorrow and see what they suggest. I really appreciate your advice...Thanks and good luck with your journey!!

I called my insurance company today and asked about fills and they told me that they are covered if "medically necessary"...does this mean that they are covered or what? I am not sure who deems them medically necessary or is it just the process? please advise me of your experience with Cigna..Thanks

So today I called my insurance company (Cigna) and asked them if they cover fills and they told me that they are covered if "medically necessary"...Just wonder who is the one who is the one who judges this and is this another way of insurance companies trying to make you pay more OR are they covered because the doctor recommends it??? I appreciate any info on this matter.

I would definitely NOT get gastric bypass...The good lord above is a master plumber...and you DON'T reroute the plumbing. I honestly would see how it goes for a year or so to see if you can keep everything you have done going forward...I think I would wait!! Good luck on whatever you do.

I am 11 days post-op and I know your situation well. I began eating some creamy soups (creamy chicken with herbs, campbells) and 2 tblsp. of peanut butter added to my protien shakes...just to have the feel of something more than a liquid. I am about to enter my third week and I get to mushies this week so I am looking forward to something besides the broths and liquids. I honestly would follow whatever your doctor told you to do and it will come around faster than you think. I am feeling great and have lost another 8 lbs. since surgery by following the instructions, entering my meals and activity each day into dailyplate.com. I find the peanut butter really helps you last longer between shakes and I have not had any problems with hunger at all. If I begin getting hungry, I have a S.F. Popcicle or drink some water or just go to bed if necessary. It looks like you had a really hard recovery with naseau so I wouldn't push eating too much right now and keep your plan going..Good luck!!

I have been doing the EAS Advantage (chocolate) and adding 2 tblsp of creamy Peanut Butter which has 190 calories, 8g carbs (3g surgars), 8g protien, 16g of Fat...and it seem to be holding me over for alot longer than just the shake. just another option to your shake!!

I understand your worry because I had the same second thoughts as you did...I will tell you that everyone is different and how they lose weight. It IS a tool and only a tool to keep you honest and it can keep you from eating too much once you have your fills and get your own eating habits down. Don't try to beat the band or get around the band (not saying anyone on here is doing this) and you should be fine. Personally, I am only 2 weeks post-op and I feel absolutey great and just all around normal. I keep track of my food intake at http://dailyplate.com. You made this choice for a reason and have come this far...only you know whether it is truly right for you. I know I made the right choice because I spent this morning in my closet trying to see what I can wear again...and I was happy as hell to find out that I have about 8 more shirts to wear and 10 more that I am not far away from getting into again. Everytime I look in the mirror, I see the person I use to be coming back each day. It is truly exciting to see the lbs. come off just from eating according to my diet plan...and I haven't even starting working out yet!! My doctor told me that the misconception most people get is that the band is a Magic tool the does the work for you, when in reality it is just there to help remind you that you may be eating too much. I hope this makes you feel a little better about your choice and keep your eyes on your goals!

I have been having this hiccups spells that happen most of the times that I begin drinking or trying to take on liquids...Is this normal?? because they are uncomfortable to say the least. I am trying to drink all liquids at room temperature or warm to see if that helps but wonder if anyone else had them and if you can suggest anything?

:mellow:Hey everyone - I am on my second week post op and I was just wondering what everyone else did to get enough calories. My surgeon suggests that I have "thicker liqids" and can have things like S.F. Jello pudding, S.F. popcycles, vegtable soup w/o Pasta or rice, low sodium tomato soup...currently I am only taking in about 700-800 calories per day and burning about 1700 calories (per polar exercise meter) and wonder if any of you remember how many calories you were taking in. I am not sure whether or not I am taking in enough calories or am I doing good for being week two...Thanks for your help

Firedawg - Your going to have alot of temptations, especially when you are around the guys at the firehouse (if it is like I have seen how F.F. eat on TV). If you have a pre-op diet similar to most of us, then it may be a challenge to keep your energy level up doing your physical job. My pre-op consisted of 2 meals of a protien drink... muscle milk lite (low carb), 6-8 oz. of chicken,fish or lean beef and as many green veggies as you want (no potatoes or carrots). To drink, I could have unsweet tea, Water, crystal light, coffee with no artificial sweetners or any non-carbonated, non-surgar drinks for two weeks. I was hungry as hell for the first 3 days but learned to get use to the regimine. I lost 20 lbs. before surgery and it is now not that hard to say no to the temptations. This site has helped me more than anything with all the information you receive pre and post op. I really wish you luck and keep your eye on your goals...it can be done!!

I had the same question and so I went and "googled" what your intake should be to lose weight weekly and still get your nutritional values each day. What I got out looking is that it is basically comes down to "calories in, calories out" when you look at losing weight and that there are 3500 calories in 1 lb. of fat... if your goal is to lose a pound a week, you should concentrate on a 500 calorie defecit per day to meet this goal (500 calories x 7 days = 3500)...My curiosity was mostly how many carbs should you be consuming on a daily basis because I have REALLY cut out these in my diet but know your body needs these to make it. I read that a 2000 calorie diet should take in 250 g of "good" carbs (whole grain bread, cereals and pastas, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and vegetables) and AVOID "bad" carbs (sugary snacks, pastries, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, candy, cookies, greasy chips and most processed, packaged snack foods). I hope this help you and keep the good work...your looking great!!!:smile2:

Lamar44 - I had my surgery the day b4 you and I was fortunate to recover quickly and went back to work this Monday. I really began feeling really good by the weekend and just need to let your body rest as much as possible to decrease the swelling inside, which should bring back some of your appetite...I will say that you will feel better everyday and just keep walking,taking your meds like prescribed and drinking your Water and fluids to keep you hydrated. Dehydration may be causing you to feel nauseated. I am curious if you had any additional procedure done like a hernia repair during your operation?? Good luck and keep us informed.:smile2:

I don't know how long you have been banded but I had these severe hiccups 3 days post-op...and I know that pain. I spoke with my PCP today during a checkup and he told me that there are nerves in your esophagus that also go to your diaphram and the nerves are telling your brain that you need air....that is why you hiccup! They are difficult and my episodes went away the next day...and I have not had any since! I wish I had a cure option for you but I just had to deal with them!!! Good luck:sad:

I had my surgery on Wednesday morning...I went bowling on Saturday afternoon (bowled a 135). I wouldn't suggest bowling but I had a college credit to attend and I felt good enough to try it and I did fine. I went back to work today and had an accounting class this evening till 8:30p...energy was a little lower than normal but is seemed normal for a Monday coming off a vacation days. :wink: