sld21

Aug 9. Band to bypass

Although you will ultimately lose more weight when you cut the alcohol out of your diet, if you must, and I like to have one socially or every now and then, I stick with gin or vodka mixed with sugar free cranberry and a splash of OJ, or Crystal Light. Low to zero carbs, and 1 or 2 won't kill your efforts. But this sparingly. I do not do anything carbonated, beer, champagne, soda, etc...it just puts too much pressure on me and it is openly frowned upon in banding. My big concern that I see across responses is that people feel the need or even desire to deal with stress(work, family, school, etc) and correlate it with drinking. To be drinking 2-3 drinks 4 or 5 times a week....no matter how you put it, is A LOT. Stress should never be the reason you drink. I bet you use to eat when you were stressed, and you see where that got you. You have just substituted one thing for the other and I'd rather be fat than a drunk. I am neither...goodbye 120lbs, hello size 6. Stress is ultimately alleviated with relaxation techniques(hobbies, me time, sleep, rest, etc) or exerting it out physically through exercise. So why not kill two birds with one stone and when you are stressed from your so many figure positions, take your unhappy behind to your fancy gym or equipment, work the stress out and lose weight as a result. Drink if you like socially but definitely do believe that you need it to relax...scientifically it just doesn't work like that. I don't earn six figures or more as I am a public school teacher(so I should). I also am a special education teacher, so I teach students who are the lowest in the school and are emotionally and behaviorally difficult. I sometimes complete 15 hr days, plan until midnight, up back at 4 to be back at 7 doing it all over again. I am also working on my second masters/last rank. So I know stress.....

How many banders have had to have their gallbladder removed after banding or losing a ton of weight. I have lost 96lbs in the last 14 months and now have to have it US and tested tomorrow cause of some minor irritation. I was just curious because I did some research on it and its common.

I may have dislodged my port on that one.... This has been the funniest thing that I have read from the actual comments to the rude advice on a help forum...extremely entertaining. But in all seriousness.....no I don't have any issues...been banded almost two years and I have lost 108lbs. Yeah you can feel the port if you push on it...hard...but no biggie. Gagging has nothing to do with being banded,, why would it? If you gag now going down then you gag afterwards. The only problem I could see is if you did decide to swallow and you were tight and actually got stuck(sometimes even liquids can get me if I am extra sensitive during hormonal times) but since I don't do it and my husband doesn't want me to (not to say I haven't;)) I don't have to worry about that because that stuck episode would just be...gross. Actually the sex, although has been great, its even more mind blowing now(I bend a way lot more cooler and I am more comfortable on top(but as a big girl you couldn't tell me nothing:) I also feel him differently (I will spare you the wonderful details) Now go and do it and quit your worrying:)

Well I'll put my two cents in.... January makes two years out for me. As of today I have lost 107lbs, at normal BMI..my weight is close to your goal (153). I eat relatively healthy just mostly Protein and small portions. I fit in my daily sugar free or no sugar added ice cream (don't necessarily follow my lead). I still have a cookie or a piece of chocolate(don't "normal" people?) I just don't indulge every day. I also work out consistently which helps me fit into my 8's(thank you very much). I do keep a pretty restricted band but I eat several times a day. I went to my dr today for a UGI(a little bit of heartburn and his normal thing to do two years out) My band has not slipped, in perfect position just was draining the barium a pinch slow, so I opted for a .2 removal. I have 10CC in mine. Heartburn not so bad now. Did I follow my drs orders? Somewhat...his was never finite....I did what my mind and body said I could...I still do. But do I "heed" his advce, sure thing...sometimes very carefully but you still knows what works for you. I was eating scrambled egg whites in my full liquid phase (when I could eat eggs) I told him, he said it was fine..you know what you can or cannot do. But then I can understand what Elcee is saying. Drs are there to help you...it is smarter to take their advice and follow it.....you will have your whole life to eat solid foods and while it is difficult now...so is obesity. You are going to have to take control over what you are feeling, whether it is hunger or your head and decide what is best for you. I don't think that you were trying to validate your choices but if you were you need to be confident in the choices that you make whether its food or life in general. If you make poor ones and post them, expect the feedback. But I honestly think that you are doing fine(even though you may not be following your drs orders) and since your not and something goes wary...then you at least have something to reflect on. My dr told me today to stay on liquids for a few days but he knows that I never do. I know my body. I have had a cookie from Whole Foods, some chicken noodle Soup from Whole Foods with a half of a an avocado chopped in it...I made shepherds pie for dinner and at a cup of that and a cup of sugar free ice cream...I feel fine. And this would be similiar to my normal daily routine. But say I started getting stuck once I left and I had not followed his advice...then I have no fault to blame but my own.

I am almost exact to you...I am 5'6...155 though I float between 152 and 155 this past few weeks. I wear a 8..small and medium tops...and just recently bought some Calvin Kleins that were a 6 though they have stretch to them. I can get 6's on and almost buttoning but still a bit too uncomfortable for me. I figure I'll be there soon enough so I am truly not rushing it...my 8's have me very satisfied and yes I have a large amount of skin(thank God for Spanx)

even after surgery....I'm a year and a half out..and bm are irregular...I sometimes only go once or twice if I'm lucky a week. My doctor states it is normal. Less food in..less food out. Every now and then I need a laxative to get rid of the constipation if I feel really backed up.

I have PCOS. It was the reason I was banded so that I could lose the weight and start ovulating on my own. I am 34 and never had regular periods unless induced. They have been pretty much like clockwork for the past 6 months and I have probably had 10 cycles since being banded 18 months ago. I have lost 108lbs. I exercise and eat decent. My husband has a male factor as well so he is being treated for it. We are still positive it will happen. My facial hair has lessened tremendously but I still find myself removing some stubble daily. It is just a lot less. I no longer have diabetes and do not have to take metformin but I do still take a smaller dosage because I credit it with my regular cycles. It can't hurt and gives me more flexibility in what I can eat.

I only jog about a mile or two 3-4 times a week on the treadmill or track. I don't necessarily love it (I will NEVER be one of those that love exercise), buts its the one thing that makes my fat melt. Basic cardio. I have always had to bust a sweat to see any fat move, band or not (although this has helped tremendously in portion control). I use to love the elliptical, swimming, etc...but its the walk/jog that does it for me. 30 minutes tops a few times a week. Not a major committment, just a tweak in the lifestyle. I have now completed 5K's, 10K and the ten miler. I have lost 108lbs in 18 months. It can be done. I was walking at the Y a week after surgery. My dog is an awesome workout partner. He walks and jogs (when a random squirrel doesn't divert his attention). Now I need to focus more on strength training but I hate it. But I need to tighten some of this flabby fat. My Spanx save my esteem.

I don't necessarily think that your too tight but its all how you feel. It is normal to not be that capable of too much solid in the morning. That is why so many people drink Protein shakes but this is not always the case. Some can eat because they have lighter fills. Usually if you are at your sweet spot you are satisfied with less. I can get stuck very easy especially between Breakfast and lunch. I have about 8cc in an 11cc band. I have been banded for 18 months and have lost 108lbs. Breakfast usually for me is a Protein shake/smoothie/yogurt/oatmeal. I haven't had eggs in a long time because they are too much in the morning. For example yesterday; I had a half cup of yogurt and a piece of granola about 9ish. It might have had a bite or two of fruit in it Lunch was at a turkish rest...so maybe 3 or 4 bites of meat, Soup and a pinch of salad...all that fit on a small saucer. I ate too big of a chunk (pencil eraser size is what you are supposed to) and got a minor stuck. Stucks dont really bother me, its quick. dinner I went to California pizza Kitchen with coworkers and had fish tacos....they are small and healthy and was able to eat the contents of both and a small cup of tortilla soup and 3 bites of tiramasu. I was actually surprised over how much I thought but it was pretty healthy and still was less on the scale this morning. This saying....I am pretty restricted until dinner which according to dr is normal..the band loosens up by evening. I think the chicken and half salad was about right.. If you could eat that without chucking, then you arent too tight. The fries are starchy and dense on the other hand and can cause sticking but since you ate them later in the evening, you had a better chance. That is why many bandsters eat light, healthy options by day(I choose stuff that is healthy that wont get stuck) and then eat a even more solid dinner.

Well I'm at restriction and do not handle salad very well. I end up picking and eating at the toppings. For example a grilled chicken salad..I am done at 3 or 4 strips. I have been banded for 18months and have lost 108lbs. I can eat pizza, but my one piece is usually pushing it, Thin crust does go down easier but bread is not a huige stuck issue for me, its usually protein if I have eaten too big of a bite, Iusually shy away from bread but I am not going to eat pizza and gnaw a little bit on the crust, That's the best part. I don't really eat it or a lot of it but I will dip it in garlic butter and suck on it. I mean geez if you are going to eat fatty pizza you might as well enjoy it, after all I'm lucky to get one piece in compared to the 6 plus prior to banding, so I am going to enjoy it.

amen!

Let' see..since I love it all...I can mention a few ways... Zucchini bread,,,fried zuchini(I mean come on we don't have to give everything up)....I like to grill it on the GF with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spaghetti squash can be scraped into strips just like Pasta and ate just like spaghetti. Squash and zucchini can be peeled, boiled and mashed just like potatoes with milk and butter. Zucchini cut thin and steamed or raw just a bit goes great on a sandwhich. Basil can be lightly fried into chips in olive oil and they are crispy and yummy. I love pesto; I use it as a sauce or on a wrap, etc. I had a wrap the other day with basil in the wrap bread part...it was strong and delicious.

I do the same thing. I am a teacher and at my previous district...they knew because I had to take the 10 days off..but I am going on my 2nd yr with a new district and never told anyone. I had only been banded about 7 months and had lost maybe 50lbs but they didn't have a side shot to compare to. Now I have lost 58 more pounds and they can tell a difference and they ask how I am doing right and I tell them I exercise (I jog for miles) and I eat right. I also was in their weight watchers at work program though I never kept the stupid points but had comraderie and good recipes. I did tell the meeting lady because she kept griping at me that I was losing more than a pound like her other people. I quietly pulled her aside and told her and made her swear to her secrecy. She looked at me in a condescending way which kept me from telling anybody. I would rather tell a waiter/waitress when I have to explain why I want them to bring me a box right away or they get concerned when it looks ike I didn't like my food or I share a plate with my husband. At least I won't have to face them again and not work with them. But do I feel like a fraud..no...its my business...my medical business and none of theirs. It's personal. I don't go around telling them how my latest pap smear went.

There's nothing easy about this. You have got to get over this and be happy with your new self. You don't have to answer to no one.

it will slow down...way down..once you start eating solids. There will be times that you question why you got this thing because you won't understand why your weight is stalling. But hang in there, get your fills, get your restriction and pick the healthy foods like protein and then green stuff. I also can't stress exercise enough. It's the only reason I allow a little junk in my life, though not overboard.

I understand that Spanx are expensive (I think they are $40 at Lane Bryant and such). But its cheaper than plastic surgery and the best $40 you will ever invest. I feel like a brand new woman in mine. It's the only thing besides jewelry and accessories that I can buy in Lane Bryant, as I have lost 108lbs in the last 18 months..from a 24 to an 8. I am loaded with skin and will remove it one day (hopefully after having a baby) You should be able to fit the 1x or xl spanx (I always get one smaller). They last forever when taken care of like lingerie. Mine though typically get a lot of holes from my nails.

I understand only being able to go to who your insurance approves. I try not to be too skeptical of my own dors but there are somethings that I just have to figure out myself and not follow their orders to a T. Not everything people post on this website is accurate as well but if you find multiple posters from all around the country posting similiar responses...its probably a bit more accurate in your case..the 3 bite thing. If I can only eat 3 bites its usually because I am too tight. You're doing fine, just take what people say with a grain of salt, including drs. Try it, if it doesn't work, modify it.

Every post that I have seen you respond to with your doctor's advice further embeds in my head that your dr is a quack...no you...you're a perfectly reasonable person, I'm sure. But your dr(nuts)

Just because you get stuck on a certain type of food doesn't mean it's going to happen every time,,,timing, temperature, texture, size, bite, etc play into getting stuck...so technically no food is out for me except I steer clear from eggs...I love them but want them for Breakfast and since I am tighter in the morning, it's just not happening. I sometimes can get a piece of bacon or nibble on toast. Maybe I should try eating them for dinner. I have about 9cc in an 11cc band (I think). I have lost 107lbs.

Redbull is carbonated as well. I personally have issues with carbonation, occasionally and I mean very occasionally can I handle a sip. It puts an extreme amount of pressure in my stomach and makes me honestly feel stuck. I loved a Red Stripe or Bud Ice before the band. It has been a year and a half now and I have yet to finish one whole beer. I am not a wine drinker unless they are sweeter and although carbonated, they are bit less than beers. I also let mine sit for a while, it bothers me less--warm. I will also drink, gin or vodka mixed with cranberry or OJ or whiskey/amaretto/ midori sours. Ever since banding, alcohol is harder for me to consume for some reason..good thing I am not missing out. Before I could handle at least a few with friends......I have not been drunk or barely tipsy since banding, so one drink can make me fuzzy or not.

So it may be stupid to post this but after I was working out today and getting ready to go to the sauna in the locker room....I wrapped the LITTLE white towel that the Y provides to members and it covered me and tucked in. Back in the fat days, it was one on top barely and the other on the bottom not covering my tush and me rushing to my locker to hide and change quickly. I strolled today......with a little smooth in my step. Thought I'd share what 18 months has done for me. Maintaining my 105lbs off...normal BMI, would like to lose 5-10 more but the dr is satisfied if I am. 260 then, 155 now. Weirdly wonderful! The band does work and to all you naysayers.... but I do understand the struggle but with persistance and perseverance and getting rid of yours and others around you defeatist attitudes....it can work. I promise.

I believe in it....some thinkers even claim numerology has some biblical connections to it. One story.. husband was born on 7/20.....his best friend passed away on 7/7/7...at exactly 7:20 with him sitting by his side. Thought that was interesting.

I posted this idea on another post a couple days ago...it got me through my liquid/mushie stage.....I pureed anything I cooked that sounded good.

and you can take almost anything and puree it into a liquid...I rememeber making tacos for my husband when I was on the soft pureed stage. I took some of the taco meat, cheese, salsa and refried bean and whirled it around. It was delicious, taco soup and filled me up. chicken or tuna salad can be blended....you can also add the chicken flavored unjury to soups to up to the Protein content. Its like adding chicken broth to any soup, doesn't change the flavor that much. I lived on Wendy's chili at the time(now I rarely eat it) Luckily my surgery was done in a January and its cold. We had many soups for a couple of weeks. I bought a soup cookbook to experiment with different ones (though I'm a helluva soup maker) I made heartier ones for my husband and blended mine. I love french onion, tomato, minestrone and creamy chicken for the fast ones. I love making homemade potato, broccoli and cheese, minestrone. A steak and potatoe soup would be really good blended up.