kellyjoiii

TO ALL OF YOU (Post-op, Pre-op, Banded, Non-Banded~you get my point) I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU :cursing:. This forum has been a godsend to me, and with the daily struggles which plague my life, I thank YOU. The stories you bring are enlightening and help me greatly. It is nice to know that no matter what, I am experiencing the same difficulties and triumphs that you are. It feels good to know that you ALL help me, daily (shoot, hourly because I spend so much time on here..pushing aside my responsibilities,:ciappa:). If i never say it again, please know that I look up to you and your journeys, your difficulties and successes. You help me to utilize my strengths and acknowledge my weaknesses. Through you, I have realized that I am human and cannot do it alone. So again, I state.......THANK YOU.

Tricare has specific co morbidities they look for (if you do not have a BMI of over 40. If it is over 40 (typically) they will approve you. They typically only do it with a BMI under 40 with High blood pressure, diabetes, or DIAGNOSED sleep apnea. This is what I have heard anyways. I have a girlfriend who has a bmi of 40 with no other problems and just had the surgery done three weeks ago. I myself had a bmi of 39 but had HBP to go with it. I got the referral and then went to a dr (non-network at that) and had the surgery 60 days after my start. That was April 29th. They paid for both of our surgeries. Good luck to you and dont let them push you behind. Stick with it...appeal and I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Bandster Hell is the time you are banded until you have a fill. (And from my understanding- this can be even after a fill when you still do not have much restriction.) It sucks, but gets better with every fill I think. I am sitting at 4ccs in my band from my first fill...and feel like I can eat an elephant (although it is more like a small dog ) Good Luck! There are many new terms for us bandsters!

I may be passing on the wrong information here, but I was told that swimming is a FANTASTIC total body workout. I too, like you have not incorporated exercise into my daily or weekly life for that matter. Starting the week after next I am going to start water aerobics twice a week and Weds. I will be doing Zumba-Possibly even Saturdays too. I have put myself last for so long, that I am done with it. Craigslist is awesome! You should be able to find a Dbl jogger..and hey, maybe if you put it in the livingroom, you may be more apt to go out with the lil ones:tt2:(this never works for me!) Good Luck!

It's interesting how your tastes can change when they put a Nike Air Stomach in you. I LOVE THIS...*swiping it*

Ohhhhhh, I cannot wait to get some of these! Thanks for the info!

Tanya, We have all dealt with these issues. I say wrap your head around the fact that eventually you will have to eat "regular" food again and just GO SLOW. If it sits right, it does, if it doesn't then note it and move from there. Something that doesn't sit well with you now, may sit better later on. If it gives you a problem sweetie, just try it again later and continue with your liquids/mushies or what ever you should be doing. It is like a baby learning new foods I think. Everyone is different and what I can handle may not be what you can handle. It's scary, no? I have been having a hard time with "head hunger". Good Luck honey! (ps...good luck with the sleeping issues too, I have nothing on that one, but will say that a few times a week, I have problems too. I just dont know if mine are associated with the band/eating or my psyche. Are you maybe eating something with sugar or caffiene in it later in the day? Maybe examine the last choice you make for hidden sugars?)

I am actually really torn on this subject. After reading some people's comments, I think you should be allowed to do it. We have an extra tool to limit our portion sizes, but typically, does the weight fall of if you are not eating right and exercising? I still have to count calories, and I think it is just different with the amount of calories one person has. So, in essence I am saying like many others...say I chose to do the program and in the meantime.....utilized medifast or some diet like that. Is it unfair to others that this is what I choose? I choose a program that boasts 800 calories a day...is this much different than having the band? I would have to say that the "prize" is worth more than any "prizes" they could give you. If you are working hard and exercising to lost the weight (just as many of the other non banded people are) how is that dishonest? My banding is my business. That being said, am I not allowed to utilize things that other people who have not made this decision are? I don't think that is fair either. There are so many variables to this discussion. I think it is a personal preference, and one only you can make. Good Luck.

I had this same problem~ I drive three and a half hours to my doctors. They did not give me any info, so let me tell you from experience. I stopped an hour out form my appt and got something to eat, a breakfast sammie. I ADVISE not to eat.....even if they say you can (though I don't think many do) He put 5ccs in and I couldnt even get water dwon without throwing up. They took out 1 cc and I was bummed but instant fixing! I wish I would have known this too before my fill! Good luck with it!

You need to talk to your doctor. Although it is something you don't want, I think a little fluid removal is much better than the risk of a slipped band. Vomitting every day is not good! Let us know how things go! You need to get it taken care of before your band slips.

I too went last wednesday for my first fill. I can eat more than I should, but am trying to "diet" before my next fill July 7th. They put 5ccs in my 10cc band, but had to take 1cc out because I couldn't even keep water down. I threw up like five times when they filled me. I hate that he took 1cc out, but am ok with it now. I will just bide my time and go from here. I just ate cottage cheese with sugar free peaches and "love" to hear the sounds made when the food is emptying. I am having a little difficulty with bread though, (I KNOW, not a bad thing...just stay away from it) and am trying to stay away from it! I still have a difficult time wrapping my head around it all. I am only down 21 since surgery and have been fighting the last three lbs up and down. I hate this part, but I got fat over years and am trying to remember that in five weeks 100lbs is not going to melt off of me.

I too am on regular foods. I have had a few swtuck episodes (eating meat too fast) and have lost 20lbs since being banded on the 29th of April. I went this past wednesday for my first fill and he gave me 5ccs. I tried and tried to get water down, but threw up like five times. Went back in and he took out 1cc. SO, I have 4ccs in my band right now. I have been sticking to 1/2 cup of food and doing well. I haven't really lost any this week (except water weight) but that will change. I need to step up my exercise next week. I love this life though, although it is hard to wrap my mind around it sometimes. I am off to have a smoothie for lunch! Good Luck ya'll!

My surgeon and the class mentioned something about becoming lactose intolerent after surgery. Maybe this is the case? Try some lactaid, or even those little pills that help to break down the lactose in the foods you are eating, really what can it hurt to try? Maybe this is the case? K

adagray, How did WW work for you, do you still follow it? How do you do it? Just break your points up into three meals and two Snacks? Very curious about this, as I have been thinking about doing WW (flex or core) for a while. I am holding at 16lbs in three weeks lost...nothing to shake a stick at I know, just curious if I can up the losses a little. K

A total inspiration to us all! Suebydoo, I too am only down 16lbs (fighting with a two lb fluctuation) and going for my first fill on the 2nd of June. I look forward to losing a little more when I get my fill. I know though, 16lbs is nothing to shake a stick at.

My dr is doing a live webcast of GBP htis week on the net. Although this is not the LBP, I thought it was cool that this info is being put out to educate and show what goes on during weightloss surgery. He is also going to take live questions over the internet during the procedure. Here is a clip on it....the surgery is going to be at Baptist Hospital in Miami, and I think it may be tomorrow...but I am not sure. Look it up..if you are interested. Dr. Anthony Gonzalez is doing the surgery. It is exciting to me. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37230571/ns/local_news-miami_fl/

My dr is doing a live webcast of GBP htis week on the net. Although this is not the LBP, I thought it was cool that this info is being put out to educate and show what goes on during weightloss surgery. He is also going to take live questions over the internet during the procedure. Here is a clip on it....the surgery is going to be at Baptist Hospital in Miami, and I think it may be tomorrow...but I am not sure. Look it up..if you are interested. Dr. Anthony Gonzalez is doing the surgery. It is exciting to me. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37230571/ns/local_news-miami_fl/

My dr is doing a live webcast of GBP htis week on the net. Although this is not the LBP, I thought it was cool that this info is being put out to educate and show what goes on during weightloss surgery. He is also going to take live questions over the internet during the procedure. Here is a clip on it....the surgery is going to be at Baptist Hospital in Miami, and I think it may be tomorrow...but I am not sure. Look it up..if you are interested. Dr. Anthony Gonzalez is doing the surgery. It is exciting to me. Woman to Lose Weight Live on the Web - News- msnbc.com

I like everyone else am ready to start my journey for the elusive "sweet spot". I agree with some of you that the band really makes me sit back and think about my choices, and therefore, almost MAKES me choose better. I go for my first fill on the 2nd of June, and am a little apprehensive. I was banded on the 29th of April and I drive 3 hours one way to the dr. I am so afraid that I will be too restricted and have to turn around and drive back. OR other end of the spectrum, they will not put but 1cc in me and I will still have no restriction. I am ready to stop being hungry every two hours. I have been making more protein choices, but have to say that my head is getting in the way as it wants chips, or bread, or potatoes. I stay away from them though. I am having a graduation party on Saturday (my DH and I are both walking for our AA's after so very long and time to celebrate) but am choosing to make some low carb items so that I can endulge but not over indulge. A bar-b-q is going to be tough. It is all good though, I just need to keep thinking about the 15lbs I have lost thus far and continue on. Good luck ya'll and I look forward to continuing this journey with you all! :w00t:

Ok, I know, I know, slow and steady win the race. I am so ready for a fill, some days I am hungry all day and some days I am not. Maybe it is because I am having softer foods on some days and it empties faster? Here is my question. I was banded on the 29th. I am down 14lbs (YEA ME) but I was wonder how many of you eat. Do you do high protein/low carbs(south beach), High protein/no carbs(atkins), WW, what are some of you doing? It is such a curve in figuring out how to maximize my weightloss. I know I am not going to lose 85lbs in the first three months, but alas, like I said, I want to try to maximize my weightloss. I am going to the gym today (trying to get into that habit is so hard, when you have been so lazy for so long). HELP. Any help would be greatly appreciated. K:blushing:

I just want to start off saying Thank You for all of your posts, especially yours Betsy. You are so informative, and a big contributor to all of the threads. I welcome the gentle reminder about South beach and Atkins. I remember doing atkins a long time ago and eating a lb of bacon for breakfast (I know, not the correct way at all) and learning to lower my calories with the protein intake still being high. And complex carbs are the only kind of carbs I eat now. Higher amounts of protein help me, and I am trying my best to stick to it. So far it is working and I am down 15lbs in 19 days. I go for my first fill on the 2nd of June ( I am in what ya'll call bandster hell?...is that correct?) I can't wait for more restriction. It is a learning curve, I know. One day at a time. Agian, THANK YOU.:w00t:

I had that happen with my little one. I used steri strips for about two weeks. Finally, it closed but it seeped for a while. Just keep it clean, it will heal. And if it looks pussy get in to see the dr. K

I so needed this. You are an inspiration. I figured mine out (yes, I am only a few weeks out...) BUT I am averaging 4.86 a week. THAT is a fantastic number. Keep up the good work and keep us posted!

This sounds to me like night cough and reflux (I have not experienced it) but maybe you are too tight? I have read that some people get this when they are TOO restricted. Maybe call your doc and see if her can remove just like a half cc? Good luck and keep us posted! K

I am so glad to be reading this post. I go for my first fill on the 2nd and am a little apprehensive. I wanna keep up on how you are doing, (ok a little selfish on my part..lol) so as to see how it will go with me. I KNOW, I know, that everyone is different and every dr is different. I am afraid they aren't going to put enough in (as I drive three hours to my drs. one way) or put too much in and I have to go back in two or three days. Oh well, guess we shall see. Good Luck honey, let us know how it works once you get on solids. K