oldoneyoungagain

KS_sxychoc was going to reply to your earlier response last week about getting your first fill on 8/12. Was hoping I would see you as I went for a fill at 11:15 AM. on Thursday also, but was too busy to respond to let you know. You definitely did well with the weight loss. Keep up the good work. My fill I thought might be questionable because of the amount of weight I have lost "supposedly for my age" as no fill last month because of that issue and then lost another 2.5 lbs this month. But he did give me more, but wouldn't tell me how much. He just keeps referring that I'm not 18 anymore. I finally came back with "I'm not"!. You lucky girl, no band aid. Whether I bleed or not one gets slapped over where he inserted the needle. I think next month I am going to ask, if he puts one on, "is this to stop the saline from coming out". I love to joke with him. Hope you are staying hydrated if you are with the football team, I pretty much stay indoors in air conditioning as work 10 hour days and usually as it gets warmer I get colder and have to put a jacket on. Know you are busy, so keep up the good work with your weight loss. Stay in touch.

KarenIn-Happy belated dual Birthday. Isn't it just great to be a healthier you and feeling so much younger. Phyllser-Have a great time and a safe trip. Will-OMG on your weight loss that is fantastic. Keep up the great work. Now as far as I am concerned all is going great. I'm celebrating my 29th anniversary of my 39th birthday today (and with my lap band and weight loss I almost feel that age). Get to see if I get a fill on Thursday, right now though, really have to watch the amount I am eating as there isn't any restriction I can feel. Pretty much maintaining weight, I think, so hopefully this will trigger a fill. To all hope you had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend and a not too stressful week.

The pain will get better, just takes awhile to heal. And you are definitely correct, eating is boring, if it weren't for my stomach growling and biting at me, I probably would only be on liquids. Since you do fly, thought I would give you more food for thought. When I had my last fill, which was in June, I noticed it took about three weeks before I noticed the food hanging up in the throat, which I think is a form of restriction. With this in mind, I'm thinking when I fly in November to Germany, I'm definitely going to refrain from a fill from about the latter part of October until I get back in December. I have read and heard do not eat any food before flying or during flight because of the pressure that causes the restriction. Will take protein packs and crystal light packs to use with coffee or water while flying so as not to get too hungry. Whatever you do definitely keep your doctor informed, like mine said he would not be able to jump 5000 feet to help me with a stuck episode :rolleyes2:. Stay cool.

Good Morning KC lap banders hoping all is well with everyone. Did you enjoy the rain last night and the 70 degrees that came with it? I guess the upside to our recent heat wave is one of my co-workers just came back from Vagas and while she was there it was 117. Couldn't wear flip flops as pavement was too hot, had to put her tennis shoes on just to walk across the strip to another hotel. So I guess our little 110 heat index was mild compared to a temperature of 117. Well on a lighter note I went for another fill on the 15th (would have been #5) only to be told by the doc he wasn't going to do another fill since I was having some difficulty with food feeling stuck in my throat. I needed to practice eating small bites, etc. etc.. He made it a big issue I had lost 4 pounds since I last seen him (4 wks prior) and because of my "gender" and my "age" I had exceeded my weight loss since surgery so wants me to wait for another two to four weeks. I decided I'll go back in four. Then on 7/21 went to my PCP for a yearly physical and had lost yet another pound. I guess if I continue to lose a pound a week, fills are not going to be done. I am noticing that after my fills everything is fine the first week or two and then restriction. So no fills are okay as long as I lose but I don't want to get to a point where this stops and he has to fill and then issues occur two to three weeks later. Have three months to get things worked out. Made it quite clear at my last appointment I was flying to Germany in November and he went as far as to tell me to do only liquids while in the air as the band restricts from pressure. No food. Don't want to have the "no food" to be a issue while on the ground though. It could be this is my "sweet spot", who knows. The only way I know I am hungry is if my stomach growls and starts hurting. I never have head hungier and haven't for over two years. Well I have babbled on. Just hoping all is well with the rest of you here and around KC. Stay cool.

I have tried all of the unjury Protein Powders. The only thing that I do is make sort of a shake/smoothie. I put in a banana with 1/2 cup Water one scoop of protein, chocolate or strawberry and blend. The I add ice until thick. (The reason I use water zero calories vs skim milk which is an additional 40) Also use frozen fruit, thawed then use either strawberry or vanilla. Not into the unflavored as much but do keep a container on hand and mix with coffee, or sometimes will get SF instant pudding using 1/2 pkgs to one cup of skim milk for a shake of whatever the flavor of the pudding might be. Or use the powder with skim milk, add a flavoring of your choice and ice blend until smooth. Also, I have used chocolate with SF hot chocolate Swiss mix using hot water and that is good in the winter. Unjury also has recipes on their website. Hope this helps some. PS I have the chicken broth also, and use it when I have fills, since the regular chicken broth contains no protein. Down fall is Unjury cannot be heated above 130 degrees or it will clump.

I will be 68 in two weeks and was banded on 3/17/10. Wish this had been invented at least 40 years ago.

Totally agree about the KC heat and humidity. All we need is some sand and you would think we were living in Florida or the Gulf states (without the oil). Heat I can definitely handle but not the humidity. Even in my "thin" days couldn't handle it. ladykcusa I really hope you are in a gated community, I'm totally scared anymore to travel out in the evening. I broke down brought a treadmill, so put on a headset and listen to books while walking. Just be careful and definitely stay cool.

To your first question-multi-vitamin probably does but not have enough of the actual daily requirements since the doctor actually gave me the pre-printed list of all the various vitamins supplements I needed to start taking prior to surgery, and a multi-vitamin was included. Of course my age, my medical conditions, also play a part in depleting my body of these vitamins so now I invest in them. Believe you me, I do know what you mean about "bang for your buck". Have avoided buying any of these, except prescription drugs, all my adult life except for Omega 3 (I didn't eat fish and I knew it was healthy for you so this was the subsitute) which not only helps the heart but your memory so have taken large doses of that for years, just not in liquid form. This does have a fishy taste with a little lemon but after taste is not as bad as when I was taking six capsules of it per day:scared2:. To your last question-Go up to the upper left of this page (make sure you are logged in) click on "user CP", once that populates to next page scroll down the left side until you find "edit signature" click on that and then you can add everything below the weight loss ticker. Glad to be of help and hopefully it is helpful, and by the way, no question is stupid, it is the not asking that is stupid :smile:. Stay cool today.

tigermomof3 and KS_sxychoc-Hope you don't mind the oldoneyoungagain butting in. Do want you both to know that I'm glad to hear you are both doing so well so soon after surgery. That is totally fantastic :scared2:. Don't know where either of you had your surgery, but the vitamins/supplements list that was given to me included Omega 3 (I now take a liquid form as caps are to large to swallow), vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium citrate, potassium, multi-adult vitamin (I get CVS band of the chewable which taste like gummy bears) & magnesium all of which I cut in half in order to swallow except for the multi-vitamin. As I still eat fruit (even though my dr would rather I not), I don't take it, but vitamin C would be another. Never been a firm believer in taking vitamins as always felt I ate correctly (even though it was too much of everything):smile: but for some reason my body depleted vitamin D last year and it was a horrible :tt2:. I had body cramps for about six weeks until the doctor figured out what happened. So now that my food intake is so much less, I decided I needed to invest and start taking these that the surgeon recommended. Anyway I've babbled on enough so glad to know you are both doing well and well on your way to a healthier you.

ladykcusa - You've done a fantastic job also with your weight loss. You were banded about three weeks prior to me and what I was told Thursday when I went in for a fill (Not):cool: that with the 22 pounds I've lost since surgery (four pounds since I last saw him) I'm ahead of schedule for weight loss for "gender an age" so no fill. I politely informed the surgeon that my age was only on paper, and I wanted to get to 18 soon:rolleyes2:, that didn't work either. So congratulations on your weight loss keep up the great job. Phyll - 125 lbs is OMG statement as is kll724 size 10. Both of you have done a super job and you both had to worked really hard to achieve this. Super Great Job. I've never, never, been a size 10 and I can only hope I can lose what you have Phyll. Then I might be a size 12. I really believe, achieving our "sucess" at weight loss that we will get there maybe a little slower then those that are younger, but our success will be a lot longer all due to our maturity and patience. We are like a fine wine, we just get better with age:cheers2:.

Thanks for the explaining, I was wondering why by doctor just gave me tenths of a cc on my last two fills and now I know.

I was banded on 3/17/10 and will be 68 next month. Surgery for me was a breeze, as I definitely have had more painful surgeries. The pre-op diet wasn't a problem, but different doctors have different diets. I just knew it had to be done if I wanted a healthier life. I haven't had any problems yet even though I have 4.2 cc's in a 10 cc band. Haven't reached what they call the "sweet spot" or green zone but hopefully it will be soon. So to those who are going to have surgery, good luck. You are on your way to a healthier you.

KS_sxychoc-So glad to hear you are doing so well. Totally understand regarding those first few days not being hungry or thirsty. It will eventually all come back as you heal. Continue taking care of yourself. Glad to hear from you.

Good luck. Remember to drink (sip) fluids, have Gas-x on hand (I used the strips), benefiber is something else I had, plus a mild laxative (didn't use it though). Take your pain medication (if you need it). I also slept in a recliner for a week, my thinking was that I'm not totally reclined then the gas/air would not travel as easily to the left shoulder that everyone complains about. Gravity has it uses in this case:lol:, don't know if this works for everyone, but after having some other surgeries to me this was a breeze. I only used pain meds for 24 hours starting at 7:00 PM the night of surgery. And once again, don't be concerned about any weight loss for the next six weeks. This is the time to heal. So good luck on your journey to a healthier and leaner you. Please keep us updated.

How it was explained to me is that they need to shrink the liver which has a lot of fatty tissue. The liver is over the stomach and it has to be moved in order for them to do the surgery. Too large of a liver no room to get to the stomach, surgery can then be cancelled.

Great tool, isn't it? Woooooooooow with the weight loss what a great achievement. Keep up the good work and you'll be to goal in no time:waytogo:

Just banded 3/17/10 at age 67, 68 in August. Think there are some out on the thread that have even been older, so don't really believe your age will be a problem. Because the Cardiologist, pulmonologist and PCP said without this surgery I probably had about five years remaining the surgeon had no problem with banding me at 67 and I'm like Froggie D. If I continue with the way I feel now, think when I get to goal should feel about 29 :smile2: Anyway, that is my goal. Only regret, wish I would have done this sooner. I also had my gallbladder out in 2001 but it was laparoscopic surgery, surgeon had no problems with the band surgery but your surgeon will determine if the scar tissue will be a problem and should let you know. Wishing you all the best, but don't worry regarding your age, you're still young .

Froggie D-Happy Birthday a few days early, but come on you are doing so great your should be feeling at least 20 years younger:thumbup:. What you have accomplished so far I envy you. I was hoping to get off my six blood presssure meds, but only one so far, and think I'll be stuck on insulin even though by diabetes is well under control, just so insulin resistant. Just want you to know, I'm in your corner yelling bravo, bravo, :smile2::hurray:keep up the good work toward a healthier you.

Need to ask you all a question. Are any of you having problems with feeling cold? Every since my band I am noticing that I'm constantly cold. I do realize as we gracefully age there are problem with our body thermostats. But I cannot believe that I could go from not having an issue and wake up from surgery and under blankets when it is 75 or so degrees inside. Will be bringing it up to PCP next month, but thought I would ask you all first if any of you have noticed this.

Went out to see if Redbox had Book of Elli or is Eli, anyway they don't. So, if you have watched Legion KS_sxychoc let me know how you liked it. I'm going to have to have something to watch on my days off as definitely nothing on the tube at night. Plus I stay confined on holiday weekends. Hope you enjoyed.

btrieger, realize this is a little late for a reply to your message here, but I was banded on March 17, 2010 and think what you have done for March bandsters is fantastic. I also read some of your other threads and totally enjoy them as you are very informative and helpful. Think it will be great to track March bandsters' progress as we continue our journey to a better and healthy "us".

Understand where you are coming from about staying busy which helps keeps the mind off food. Plus, you definitely are doing the right things. I was fortunate as from the approval date to surgery date was just about two weeks. Plus, I'm stuck in a chair for ten hours a day at work with just two breaks so I can't get anywhere to get a snack. But you will make it through this, I thought I couldn't, but I made it. Now that I've been banded I'm scared to go to a movie, I love buttered popcorn (even though it not real butter) mixed with candy hot tamales :tongue_smilie:and I don't feel I have the willpower to avoid not stopping at the concession stand. It is totally easier for me to void things like donuts, pie, cake, etc but not buttered popcorn. But do watch DVD's at home. Blind Side was excellent and watched Shutter's Island which was very intense but I enjoyed. Hubby couldn't figure it out, but then he can't sit still more than five minutes, and it was a movie you really need to stay focused on. Going to try and get Book of Elli next week and see if someone can stay in his recliner :woot: as he said he would like to see that one. If not, then me and the weenie dog will watch it together. Here is two thumbs up for weekend :smile: as I know you will succeed with the pre-op diet. I know you will, I know you will. And here are a few more to keep you going until surgery. :thumbup::thumbup::frown::thumbup::bolt::thumbup:. (I thought I clicked on the smiley with two thumbs, I guess I couldn't count, I'm sorry). Just remember we are here to support you and keep you headed in the right direction anyway that we can.

Hello KC bansters-Hope all is well with you in this "warm" city. Please keep yourselves hydrated if out doors for long as want to read your threads. Nothing new on the home front for me. Still not taking off those pounds, so trying to figure out how to jump start the old metabolism, as feel it went to sleep. Having to keep a journal for the next month of what I eat. Love doing that (NOT) but I'm bound and determine to kick start that metabolism whether it likes it or not. On the positive note I was told that I have lost 25% of the excess weight. So guess, all is well in that area. Just want to see that continued weight loss of at least one pound per week until I'm to goal. So that is what is on my home front. Don't go for another fill until July 15. Hopefull, I'll drop a pound by then, or I'll just have to weigh naked at the doctors office.

Way to go leslie06, on the road to a better you. My choice was either KU or Malley, got in to see the surgeon with Malley faster than at KU, so went with Malley. I use to work at KU in fact eleven years quit when I got married in 2000 and moved down to the Springfield MO area. Went to work there for a Clinic associated with Cox South. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

KS_I actually cannot speak as a patient of Dr. Malley as I selected Dr. Hitchcock who is with Malley Surgical. That was because prior to his association with Malley Surgical he was an associate professor with KU Medical Center and I had worked there during his tenure. He was actually a bariatric surgeon with Shawnee Mission, prior to Malley Surgical, teaching KU Interns. So I knew his 25+ years in bariatric surgery would be helpful to me with my health conditions. But I will say I have heard nothing but praise regarding Dr. Malley. To me this is a great group. Now I had my surgery at New Hope Surgical Center as an out patient. Was scheduled for the surgery about two 1/2 weeks from the date the approval from the insurance was received. Once I received the pre-op diet in the mail I went on it, which was two weeks. As first I thought I couldn't do it. I was allowed two protein shakes (I use Unjury which is online) and a Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine for dinner and of course water, water, and more water. In the end I didn't have a problem with the pre-op as I thought I might. I seen the surgeon a week before surgery. The day of the surgery, 3/17/10, all went well. I arrived at New Hope, 435 & Nall, at 6:30 AM. Was escorted to my room and the nurses (two of them) actually started preparing me for surgery scheduled at 9:00 AM. My surgeon stopped in three times before surgery to check on me and to see if I or my husband had any questions. The anesthetist checked in twice before surgery and asked if there were any questions. Then at 8:45 AM I was wheeled into the operating room. I remember looking at the clock at 9:45 AM when the anesthetist awoke me telling me that I had done just great. I was back in my room. He again checked on me a little later and the surgeon checked on me at least twice more. During this whole time still had the two nurses checking on me. About 11:00 AM or so had to have the fluroscope, which is nothing actually, to make sure the band is in place and not leaking. Shortly there after had to use the "girls room" and once that was complete was released to go home. Home and in my recliner at 2:00 PM. In fact I slept in the recliner (my choice) for the next week. Had some discomfort, and used the pain medication and gas-x for about 24 hours starting around 7:00 PM that evening and took the last dose of pain medication the next evening about the same time. Nor did I get sick to my stomach, as some patients do. I was off work for a total of 10 days, there again my choice. Now in regards to the mental challenge. To me it was like my dieting for the last 40 years. Yo-Yo. Should I do it, should I not? What are my choices, die in about five years or prolong it. You see I had failed with dieting so many times that I had become comfortable with my size because of the failure attitude, scared I would fail at this also. (I totally hate getting on the scales because of the failure mentality I have, but I'm working on it). I know that the band is only a tool, but with a little work, I will keep the weight off, prolong my life and stay productive. More than I was able to do in 40 years of dieting. Would I make this choice again if I had too, you bet I would in a heart beat even if there were no health issues. With just the few pounds I have lost, definitely have more to go, I haven't felt this good in six years and I was feeling like I was 85 years of age prior to surgery. Just three months ago I was that woman in the go-cart in Wal-Mart and now I out distance my husband in walking. Oh, what a change this has made in my life. My decision for LAP-BAND® is also based on the fact, if necessary, the band can be removed. Don't really know if this will help you, but I hope so. Again this is a great site to ask questions, to research, etc. You are doing right by asking so you can make the right choices for "you".