Tulip

I've been away for a few days, but not because I wanted to. Last week my computer started running real, real slow. I tried to reboot and it wouldn't do it. This laptop is only 1 year old with warranty left so I figured it would be okay. Tech support couldn't get it booted even in safe mode or to run diagnostics, so I had to wait and restore to factory. I lost all my files, taxes and favorites. Boohoo... I went to get a hard drive back up immediately and have been working to get all my software loaded back on. Sorry I haven't had a chance to catch up with how everyone is doing. I'll try to get time to read later. I just wanted to jump in and say hi. I had my first fill yesterday and it went just fine. Before the fill I would eat a small amount of food but get hungry again in about 2 hours. I have had pretty good restriction up until 3 weeks ago, and lost most of my 22 pounds during that time. In the last 3 weeks I have lost 2 more pounds. I wasn't sure about getting a fill since I was still losing, but went ahead because I was hungry again so quick. The doctor requested I stay on liquids the day of the fill. My appointment was at noon and I requested a numbing shot before the fill. All of my appointments for this first year are free so I told the PA I did not want to be too aggressive on this first fill and would rather come in again in a month if I needed another one soon. The fill did not hurt. She placed the needle, and put in 1.2cc into my 10cc band. I then stood up at fluoroscope and drank some barium and watched the action on the screen. It went very slow through the band, so the PA took out .2cc because I asked to not be too aggressive. I am self pay and do not want to PB or slime or risk a slip or pouch dilation, thus I am taking the conservative approach. After removing the .2cc, she again followed the fluoroscope and there was a tiny bit of restriction. I was asked to drink half a bottle of water in waiting area to make sure I didn't have any swelling or problems. I was then allowed to leave and given instructions to stay on soft foods diet for 48 hours before returning to solids. I still can feel content with a small amount if I chew a lot and eat slowly. The full feeling last a bit longer than before, but I noticed it more this morning. I can see that some of you are doing some exercising and walking. Good for you! I'll read and catch up and come back to post again tomorrow. Terry

Audree – don’t ever, ever feel guilty for making the great progress that you have made. You are the one dedicated to follow the bandster rules and are the one working hard to achieve your goals. I love to read every one of your posts for the inspiration and encouragement that you offer to everyone here. I pledge along with you to help one another along this journey with our bands, whatever their names may be. Pam, I don’t know that I could honestly answer all of your questions just yet since I haven’t even had a fill yet. Most of the January bandsters are either newly banded or they were banded earlier in January and are waiting until the first fill, like me. At this point I don’t have much restriction and am limiting my portions by choice. I do get hungry again within a couple hours, but I hope that with fills that situation will chance. I think I do know what restriction felt because of how I felt right after surgery. I was able to feel completely full with very little food. I did not feel deprived. I do not view banding as one MORE diet. I view this as a long term tool to help me stop gorging on food and eating way too big of portions at a time. That alone will help contribute to my weight loss. As I have begun to lose weight, I feel better and WANT to get out and walk, exercise and move a lot more than before. I am motivated to make this work. Audree gave an excellent answer to your questions, but wanted to add that we really don’t have the sweet spot restriction yet ourselves. <O:p</O:p My doctor said the average excess weight loss for lap band after 5 years was 50%. He said he could not predict on an individual basis, but that was the average in the latest study. He showed examples of many with 100% excess weight loss, and some with 20% excess weight loss. <O:p</O:p In just over 4 weeks I have lost 21.5 pounds since banding. I feel that I have followed my doctor's instruction and am trying to stay on track. I do want this to work and am motivated. I am happy I had this surgery and would do it again in a heart beat. <O:p</O:p Terry <O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p

Wow! 38 pounds lost, that is great! I am nervous about my first fill next week. I hope they use the flouroscope too. Terry

Tonya, have you lost 33 pounds since banding? That is really great! I bet you see some weight lost next time you weigh. I don't have any restriction but am trying very hard to make good food choices. I am still using a salad plate for dinner, and can stop after my portion is finished. My problem is that I get hungry again about 2 hours later. Terry

I thought this was a good question too. However, there is one more wrinkle to the answer. My husband and I have a health care reimbursement account through work (also called flexible health plan). We have pre-tax dollars taken out of paycheck, and can use those monies to pay for out of pocket medical costs ($12,900 lap band). That means I have saved an amount equal to $12,900 X my tax rate. Then I am not able to claim as a medical deduction because I paid for it with pre-tax dollars. I wouldnt have qualified for much for excess over 7.5% anyway. This is a better deal for me, because my tax rate is higher than 7.5% Terry

Audree, is your goal weight based on BMI, or your past experience with what you feel comfortable with? I'm not sure where my goal should be. My family doctor feels that at my age I should be healthy with a weight that is heavier than I think is my goal. I might be basing my goal on when I was in my 20's, so my goal might need to change as I get closer. Right now I am concentrating on mini-goals. Like, I have lost 20 pounds, and my next mini-goal is another 20 pounds. I know the next 20 will take much longer. For me breaking this up into smaller goals is easier. Terry

Denise, I'm old enough to worry about wrinkles. And I do. I think my chubby face is why I don't have more than I do. I was disappointed with my eating over the weekend too. I woke up this morning with a determination to make up for the weekend over the next couple of days. I made much better choices for food today, drank extra water and dragged myself to the gym. After dinner tonight I took my dog on a long walk through the neighborhood. I'm going to try to do the same tomorrow. Terry

Thanks Jane for the encouragement and permission to skip weighing. I think I'll need to wait several days. I do need to remind myself this is a not a quickie diet, but long term journey. Still, I was disappointed with myself. I did much better today. Terry

Ask any questions and hopefully someone can answer. I am still newly banded myself, but have been reading this message board faithfully. My first fill will be in one week. I feel like I made the right decision to have lap band surgery with Dr. Spivak. He is easy to talk to and seems to really care about the health and well being of his patients. His office staff have been extremely helpful too. Terry

Kim, I'll be thinking of you and looking for your first post back from the bandlands. Terry

Well, today wasn't my best day as far as watching what I was eating. I have almost no restriction now, and go for my first fill on Feb 12. Today was a Superbowl party, with lots of snacks, food and deserts. I stuck to refried beans with a little cheese on top for appetizer (licked it off a tortilla chip). Entree was fajitas and I ate the chicken meat and some more beans. Then disaster with the deserts! A tray of different cheesecakes, chocolate cake, Italian cream cake, and oreo cheesecake. I had one bite of each. Yikes! This isn't why I had surgery. On a positive note - I did go to the gym and walked on treadmill and used weight machines. I'm afriad to weigh tomorrow. Good nite, Terry

I would send a card to each team with a personal note thanking them. Terry

That is a great attitude. You go!

I thought I'd check in since yesterday was the day that I ate the most ever since surgery on Jan 8. My sister had a retirement party at a really nice place. They had appetitzers, soup or salad course, entree and then desert course. I nibbled at each course, but think I really ate too much. I didn't get sick, PB or have golf ball feeling, but still know it was too much. breakfast - protein bullet lunch - 4 tiny bites of crab legs, a few sips of tomato soup, about 6 oz of grilled red fish, one shrimp, and 2 bites of Italian cream cake. BAD, Bad, bad. I did take tiny bites and chewed really well. dinner - 4 oz yogurt with unflavored Unjury protein Didn't get to the gym but managed to do a 10 minutes dance exercise DVD. I need to make up for yesterday starting today. I am dressed for the gym right now. Terry

Mary, I'm glad you are starting to feel normal. Because of the different post-op diets, I was tired of hearing that I shouldn't eat Jello, or cottage cheese early after the surgery. I always measure my foods before putting on plate, and so far feel good. Terry

Kimmie, will be thinking of you on Monday. Let us know how you are as soon as your are able. Terry

I had a pretty neat experience today too. My sister had a retirement party and I put on a snug, but stretchy pair of jeans that are one size down from pre-band. I then dug out a top that I wore a year ago. At the party my daughter (doesn't know about my surgery) said Mom, you look like you have lost weight. Then she said, no I think it is because those clothes fit you bigger. You look better in fitted clothes rther than those big tops you have been hiding in. Anyway, you look nice today. I just said thank you while chuckling silently to myself. I've decided that if the time comes when they (daughters and close family) ask how I am losing weight I will tell them. But not before. At the luncheon, I ate some grilled red fish. Out of 20 people there my entree was served last after some people had finished their food. I ate a small amount, and then asked for a to go bag. No one noticed anything out of the ordinary. Anyway, I just wanted to share this. I was thrilled. Terry

I am able to eat soft solid foods, including cooked fish, well cooked vegetables, etc. I had some leftover fish the next day for lunch and that did not agree with me, but the night before I was fine. I think the second time the fish was too dry. I didn't PB, but could feel the bite sitting at the top of my chest for about 5 minutes. That did NOT feel good at all. I now make sure that I dribble Water, lemon juice or something on my fish to moisten it. When I get to regular foods, I'll probably keep doing this for a while. The veterans say that eating with the band is trial and error. I think they are right. We are going to have to figure out what agrees with us. What works for someone else might not work for me. Let us know what you eat and how you are doing. I'll be interested in the real food tests. Terry

Hi, Kimmie also started a thread for Dr Spivak patient support on the Lap Band General Discussion area. I went over there and joined in their messages. Thought I'd let you know so we can all be in the same place. Terry

I also posted this message below. I hope to meet you there: I heard about this support group, and sent an email to Wanda Chase to register for the first meeting, on March 13. Most of you probably already know about this, but I didn't get any information on this at my seminar or consult: ATTN:ALL PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE PATIENTS OF DR. HADAR SPIVAK!!! This is a flyer that is given to all the patients at his seminars. Dr. Spivak's bandMD -Wellness Program START DATE IS MARCH 13TH AT 7PM, AND WILL BE EVERY TUESDAY THERE AFTER!! The program is designed to assist in the emotional and physical aspects of post-gastric banding surgery and to maximize weight loss. Director- Wanda Chase My name is Wanda Chase. I am 41 years young and I had the LAP-BAND Surgery one and a half years ago. Before my "Life Changing" surgery I weight 330 pounds and my health was rapidly declining. I already had severe lower back problems requiring the input of metal screws and rods and I experienced major knee problems. I was not healthy before surgery. My blood pressure was high and I was on medication for it. My cholesterol was elevated, and I had symptoms of diabetes. After losing my mother 10 months prior to my surgery from an aortic dissection (resulting from morbid obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease), I felt I had to do something for "ME" or I was going to die. I made the biggest choice of my life and had the surgery done with Dr. Spivak. Today I have lost 130 pounds and I take no medication. I am very conscious of everything that goes into my body. I feel very healthy, strong and I exercise everyday. I am very excited to be involved with Dr. Spivak's bandMD- Wellness Program. Over many years, I have tried many diets and programs and failed. I finally found something that works and I want to share my story and give people help and prospect. Because I have experienced a lot of what you are going through. Just a brief over view, ant the wellness program we will have many topics of discussion on exercising properly, portion control, nutrition, the mental aspect of weight loss and much more. We will have guest speakers on a variety of issues. We will have a fashion trade to help in the clothing aspects. We will also have "Self Challenges" through out the year as well as an incredible event, "The NEW YOU" Holiday Celebration Ball. We have a Yahoo Communication group set up for discussions as well. This is just to mention a few great events and benefits we have in store for you. I can definately tell you.. that Dr Spivak intends to reward the best performing and participating patients with great prizes!! The Wellness Classes will be held every Tuesday Night from 7pm to 8 pm at Dr Spivak's office 1200 Binz suit 1470 over looking down town Houston. The parking is free, right across the street from our building, very accessible. Our "Fashion Trade" will be held the last Tuesday night of the month from 8pm to 8:30pm after the class is over.We have designed the classes small, so you do not feel like a number, we are small emogh to were everyone will be able to know each other its more personal. Dr. Spivak bandMD-Wellness Program is free and is one of the many benefits you will receive when you choose Dr. Spivak to perform your "Life Changing" surgery . You will become part of the bandMD family and will help you any way we can. You must register to our program by calling the office at 713-520 8900 during normal work hours to RSVP. If for some reason you cannot make it, please call to cancel your reservation to allow someone else to join, and then we will see you next week!! We all love our children, but this is "YOU" time. Please make arrangements for a friend or family member to care for your children for the time you are at the program. This will assist in the program being more productive in the time we have. I greatly appreciate your cooperation with this. I look forward to meeting and visiting with each and every one of you! Sincerely, Wanda Chase Director- bandMD-Wellness Program Email: Spivakbandmd@yahoo.com More Info: www.lap-surgery.net - - - - - - - - - - Terry <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

LOL, I started a thread over on Lap Band Support. But this is fine too, thanks Kimmie. Here is what I wrote on the other thread: I was banded on January 8, 2007 at Park Plaza. The surgery went well. I had more pain than I expected for the first 3 days. Couldn't get in or out of bed by myself, and gas pains were awful! I'm much better now but still have an occasional gas pain in my left shoulder when I sit for over an hour. Approaching 4 weeks this coming Monday. That means I am still on soft foods, and have lost 20 pounds! Yea! I called to get an appointment for my first follow-up and fill for Feb 12. I am ready because my hunger is returning. I don't want to gain any weight back that I have lost. Terry <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Oooh yummy. That sounds good. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations on the weight loss! You are doing great! Are you getting hungry at all? When is your first fill? I am finding that I am starting to get hungry about a couple hours after eating. And I know I can eat more than 5 oz at a time. My first fill will be on Feb 12. I have ONE pair of pants that I think are too loose. I had a box ready for storing my clothes that I outgrow (positive thinking here). Anyway, one pair of pants in the box. How nice to see something actually go in there. Audree, I appreciated your message about the life of the band. That is something that has been in the back of my mind for a while. Terry

I think 12 pound loss is good in such a short period of time. I know what you mean though because at the beginning the pounds were melting away. It does look like you are eating within the guidelines. I still feel a little restriction, because I can't eat real fast, but I can eat more than 4-5 oz of food at a time. Also I get hungry within 2 hours of eating. I have found that the longer I wait after eating to drink anything, the longer the full feeling lasts. Are you drinking with your meals? I hope they do that xray at my first visit to make sure I haven't overeaten and stretched out my pouch. My cousin said she could tell some additional restriction with her first fill, but she REALLY noticed a big difference with her second one. She is 3 months ahead of me. Glad you are joining the support group. I hope to see you there on the 13th. I plan to go once a month also. Terry

I heard about this support group, and sent an email to Wanda Chase to register for the first meeting, on March 13. Most of you probably already know about this, but I didn't get any information on this at my seminar or consult: ATTN:ALL PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE PATIENTS OF DR. HADAR SPIVAK!!! This is a flyer that is given to all the patients at his seminars. Dr. Spivak's bandMD -Wellness Program START DATE IS MARCH 13TH AT 7PM, AND WILL BE EVERY TUESDAY THERE AFTER!! The program is designed to assist in the emotional and physical aspects of post-gastric banding surgery and to maximize weight loss. Director- Wanda Chase My name is Wanda Chase. I am 41 years young and I had the LAP-BAND Surgery one and a half years ago. Before my "Life Changing" surgery I weight 330 pounds and my health was rapidly declining. I already had severe lower back problems requiring the input of metal screws and rods and I experienced major knee problems. I was not healthy before surgery. My blood pressure was high and I was on medication for it. My cholesterol was elevated, and I had symptoms of diabetes. After losing my mother 10 months prior to my surgery from an aortic dissection (resulting from morbid obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease), I felt I had to do something for "ME" or I was going to die. I made the biggest choice of my life and had the surgery done with Dr. Spivak. Today I have lost 130 pounds and I take no medication. I am very conscious of everything that goes into my body. I feel very healthy, strong and I exercise everyday. I am very excited to be involved with Dr. Spivak's bandMD- Wellness Program. Over many years, I have tried many diets and programs and failed. I finally found something that works and I want to share my story and give people help and prospect. Because I have experienced a lot of what you are going through. Just a brief over view, ant the wellness program we will have many topics of discussion on exercising properly, portion control, nutrition, the mental aspect of weight loss and much more. We will have guest speakers on a variety of issues. We will have a fashion trade to help in the clothing aspects. We will also have "Self Challenges" through out the year as well as an incredible event, "The NEW YOU" Holiday Celebration Ball. We have a Yahoo Communication group set up for discussions as well. This is just to mention a few great events and benefits we have in store for you. I can definately tell you.. that Dr Spivak intends to reward the best performing and participating patients with great prizes!! The Wellness Classes will be held every Tuesday Night from 7pm to 8 pm at Dr Spivak's office 1200 Binz suit 1470 over looking down town Houston. The parking is free, right across the street from our building, very accessible. Our "Fashion Trade" will be held the last Tuesday night of the month from 8pm to 8:30pm after the class is over.We have designed the classes small, so you do not feel like a number, we are small emogh to were everyone will be able to know each other its more personal. Dr. Spivak bandMD-Wellness Program is free and is one of the many benefits you will receive when you choose Dr. Spivak to perform your "Life Changing" surgery . You will become part of the bandMD family and will help you any way we can. You must register to our program by calling the office at 713-520 8900 during normal work hours to RSVP. If for some reason you cannot make it, please call to cancel your reservation to allow someone else to join, and then we will see you next week!! We all love our children, but this is "YOU" time. Please make arrangements for a friend or family member to care for your children for the time you are at the program. This will assist in the program being more productive in the time we have. I greatly appreciate your cooperation with this. I look forward to meeting and visiting with each and every one of you! Sincerely, Wanda Chase Director- bandMD-Wellness Program Email: Spivakbandmd@yahoo.com More Info: www.lap-surgery.net