saraincincy

Hi All, I haven't been on in a while, busy with life. I was banded on Jan 11th and just had my second fill last week. I'm down about 25lb which I feel great about (no pre-op diet, lower BMI). I have a question about Sliming v/s PBing. It seems like since my 2nd fill I am much more restricted and even after 2 bites of Oatmeal, I find myself bringing up salavia (I guess that won't go through?) Is that what is considered PBing? I know you need to try and stay away from PBing, and i'm not really throwing anything back up~ no food. It's just like nothing can get threw. I know this may be to detailed but I'm not sure if I should go back for an unfill, the last thing I want to do is cause a slipage but not sure if I'm just going through a learning curve. I know I need to learn to slow down and eat MUCH smaller bites. I feel like it is great that I finaly have restriciton but not sure if it is to much. Is this normal? Sorry to ramble but any advise would be great. You guys are the best. Congrats to all the great losses! Sara

This Week is the 8 week mark. I have already had 2 fills almost 3 weeks apart ( just because I had strep) and finally feel some restriction. Not complete restriciton but a more, ecspecially in the morning, I just took 2 bites of Oatmeal and started sliming ( I hate that word). But by tonight after work I will be hungry and able to eat almost anything, Well anything legal and way to much of it. My goal this week is to stay away from carbs, not that I have tons but do find myself reaching for the kids stuff when they have a treat or at work a cracker or chip. I have lost about 25lbs in 8 weeks and I have to say it is the "easiest" 25lb loss ever, Not that it was easy but it seems the band changes what you crave. For the first time in a VERY long time that I am not obsessed with food and junk. I now eat a lot of things I would have never imagined me wanting, Tuna, Turkey Chili, Salad with grilled Chicken. I am very glad that I choose this path, I believe it will for ever change me. I just wish the fear of slipping and erosion was not so intense. I know if this were to happen it could really affect the future of our marriage for even the surgery has taken on a major affect on our fianances. I often feel selfish for making this decision but at the same time think that because of it I have such a greater chance of leting my kids know what a healthy self esteem looks like and that is priceless.

This Week is the 8 week mark. I have already had 2 fills almost 3 weeks apart ( just because I had strep) and finally feel some restriction. Not complete restriciton but a more, ecspecially in the morning, I just took 2 bites of Oatmeal and started sliming ( I hate that word). But by tonight after work I will be hungry and able to eat almost anything, Well anything legal and way to much of it. My goal this week is to stay away from carbs, not that I have tons but do find myself reaching for the kids stuff when they have a treat or at work a cracker or chip. I have lost about 25lbs in 8 weeks and I have to say it is the "easiest" 25lb loss ever, Not that it was easy but it seems the band changes what you crave. For the first time in a VERY long time that I am not obsessed with food and junk. I now eat a lot of things I would have never imagined me wanting, Tuna, Turkey Chili, Salad with grilled Chicken. I am very glad that I choose this path, I believe it will for ever change me. I just wish the fear of slipping and erosion was not so intense. I know if this were to happen it could really affect the future of our marriage for even the surgery has taken on a major affect on our fianances. I often feel selfish for making this decision but at the same time think that because of it I have such a greater chance of leting my kids know what a healthy self esteem looks like and that is priceless.

150$ out of pocket w/ Dr Curry in Cinciny first visit is 300$

I was just banded in Jan 07, so I would by far say I'm an expert on this. Before surgery I was VERY worried about not being able to eat good food and enjoy food ( my husband is a professional chef and we are both very much foodies). I find the biggest difference is I no longer want cheese burgers and fast food like I did, do I still have a bit of "bad" things like pop corn at the movies or a couple M&M's with the kids yes but I find it is still working for me, overall my choices have been MUCH better and I am just now getting to the point of feeling some real restriction. I have lost 25lbs in 8weeks and I am happy with that. Yes many people have lost more and been stricter with there choices but I think you need to find what works for you. If I was only eating 600 calories a day I would not have the energy to be active like I am and there for build muscle back up which then leads to more calorie burning. Any way I don't mean to be long winded but I think that it is possible to lose and live a normal life, I eat salmon, Salad's from McDonalds (grilled chk) Wendy's Chili, lot's of Tuna and wheat thins for lunch, lots of fresh foods not processed. I have lost 10% of my body wieght with not a preop diet and very lienent post op diet, I have yet to feel hungry and believe that I made a great choice. I just wanted to add to the mix that there can be a "real" life after the band again I am not saying I am a pro and that I know how everyone is but this is my story.

Hello all, I remember seeing on here that a couple of people that paid out of pocket or even Mexico Bands got fills covered by insurance? Does any one have any info on this, like what insurance companies covered it, and how did they send it through? I am getting my first fill this week and would love to know if it is a possiblity to send it to insurance as a specalist procedure? I have United Health Care which is supposed to be pretty good about covering band ( and would of coverd mine if my company didn't have a discloser on weight loss surgery). I was banded in Mexico, and plan on using Dr C in Cincy for the fills. Thanks in advance, Sara

Nope they wouldn't even send it through ;( Oh well. Maybe I will be a lucky one and won't need many fills. Crossing my fingers.

Welcome C.M. You may want to jump over to the "January Bandsters" (If you haven't done so already) lots of people in the same spot and a great support system. I was banded about 4 days before you but luckly found this board before hand and it has been a great help. Congrats on the incredible loss, even though I'm sure it's been a tought road. Sara

I am in the same boat, I'm trying to make what I do eat a protein which seems to help with the hunger but really the only proteins I can handel is Tuna and Eggs. I have never liked Tuna and all of a sudden I'm eating it twice a day. I hate to admitt it but I have also been eating way to many illegal things~ Wheat thin crackers with my Tuna, baked lays with my Tuna, handful of kids pop corn. All things that I shouldn't be able to eat but manage just fine :phanvan At least soft bread's (a bite of a soft pretzel, bite of pizza) definatley are a no go, one bite and It feels like a lump which makes me stop. What are you eating, have you been able to eat ANYTHING or just to much for your liking of legal things. When are you going to go for a fill? I am thinking about trying to aim for 5 weeks instead of 6 but we'll see. At least I am still losing. Keep in touch it's good to see someone in the same exact spot. Sara

Hey Carole, I had my band done the same day as you and have lost the same amount so far. I guess we are true band twins Hope all is going well. Sara

Today almost to the minute 2 weeks ago I had surgery. I must say that the recovery has been pretty easy, at least once I have gotten home ( and not running through customs and ATL 2 days after surgery!) but there really hasn't been anything I couldn't or can't do, I probably shouldn't have been holding my big baby 4 days after surgery, but what am I to do leave her in her crib? Eating is getting a little trickier, ecspecially when I am out. I need to figure out how to work around that, I LOVE eating out, it is one of my biggest pleasures in life. I also love being on the go with the kids or even for a little alone time. How do you spend the evening in a book store and movie theater when you can't eat anything they have besides a bottle of water and maybe a latte? I really also find it hard because many of the things they say are on the O.K list I refuse to eat ie... Cottege Cheese, Tuna. I'll have to try and make a plan to have on hand things I do like for on the run. But even then I know how I am I get bored easily with soup in hand and protein shakes. I know this is just the begining and at this point I am probably just grieving the foods that I will probably never be able to have again. I'm thinking that I may try a little Salmon this weekend for Superbowl Sunday. Erik makes the best grilled salmon, my diet for week 3-4 is soft foods still but even now allows for a little more give. At least that is a big change from last year with feasting on chips dip and hot wings. I have yet to get on the exercise band wagon, just getting back into the normal routine has been hard enough with very little family time due to my new work schedule. My goal is to walk tonight at work on breaks and be prepared with dinner at my desk and Mp3 player and walking shoes. No more excuses.

Today almost to the minute 2 weeks ago I had surgery. I must say that the recovery has been pretty easy, at least once I have gotten home ( and not running through customs and ATL 2 days after surgery!) but there really hasn't been anything I couldn't or can't do, I probably shouldn't have been holding my big baby 4 days after surgery, but what am I to do leave her in her crib? Eating is getting a little trickier, ecspecially when I am out. I need to figure out how to work around that, I LOVE eating out, it is one of my biggest pleasures in life. I also love being on the go with the kids or even for a little alone time. How do you spend the evening in a book store and movie theater when you can't eat anything they have besides a bottle of water and maybe a latte? I really also find it hard because many of the things they say are on the O.K list I refuse to eat ie... Cottege Cheese, Tuna. I'll have to try and make a plan to have on hand things I do like for on the run. But even then I know how I am I get bored easily with soup in hand and protein shakes. I know this is just the begining and at this point I am probably just grieving the foods that I will probably never be able to have again. I'm thinking that I may try a little Salmon this weekend for Superbowl Sunday. Erik makes the best grilled salmon, my diet for week 3-4 is soft foods still but even now allows for a little more give. At least that is a big change from last year with feasting on chips dip and hot wings. I have yet to get on the exercise band wagon, just getting back into the normal routine has been hard enough with very little family time due to my new work schedule. My goal is to walk tonight at work on breaks and be prepared with dinner at my desk and Mp3 player and walking shoes. No more excuses.

Cindy, I just wanted to say that there is a huge variety of Post Op diets, some Dr's do allow for meats on the 2nd week. Mine also allowed for tuna and chicken that is very soft. Just saying that to each his own. One does not mean that it is better than the other. I have yet to see any evidence that eating meat to early with hurt your band. I'm sure if this was the case that Dr's would not allow it. As for the emotional attachment I couldn't agree more, we all got our self and if we don't change our steps we won't end up very far i'm sure.

I am 2 weeks Tommorow and really do feel pretty back to normal, yes I have some slight port pain when I pull it or move the wrong way but nothing enough to let others know about. My stomach muscels are much better. I had an easier post op diet, but really by choice stick with soups, yougurts, oatmeal and very normal easy to get things. I don't think you would have any problems at all. Jump in and do it the sooner you'll be ready for summer :mad:

Hey Amy I hear you on the fiber thing. I went 14 Days! after surgery not going, not fun. I am now a daily Oatmeal eater,~ at least until I get burnt out on it. Did you guys know that Cinnamon is a appietiet ( I know I spelled that wrong) suppressent. I have been adding just splenda and Cinnamon to a runnier Oatmeal and I almost have to be reminded about lunch. Congrats to everyone on the Awesome wieght losses already. I wasn't going to wiegh in for a while but had a Dr's Appointment today and they kind of made me. I'm down 10lbs (maybe more but I didn't wiegh right before surgery) which I am happy about since I didn't have a pre-op and only really a week of full liquids after. I also had a great drop in blood pressure which I am excited about. O.K sorry to rambel. Hope everyone is having a good hump day. Sara

Went to my Dr today, mostly because I went off of medication before surgery and needed to get back on something now that I am eating again (couldn't handle it with just liquid diet also it was making my B/P go up). I went last Dec 7th (5 weeks before surgery and 7 weeks ago today.) I am taking the last time I was there as my official before surgery wieght (even though the I'm sure the 5 weeks inbetween then and surgery I gained at least a couple pounds~ with all the last supper meals I got in) I wieghed 267 then I am now 257. Not bad for no pre op diet and really only one week of no eating. Another great accomplishment is my blood pressure was running high 180's/high 90's. Today it was 124/89! yahoo, the bottom number is still high but I think sometimes that has to do with being in a Dr's office b/c at home when I take it is closer to low 80's. I know that I have had MOSTLY liquids and also for the past week oatmeal and yogurt for almost 2 meals each day but I am hoping that I can keep it where it is or lower. I feel good today, physically and emotionally. I usually HATE going to the Dr's, ecspecially the scale but for the first time in a year seeing improvments gave me a boost. Last night was my first night back at work and it went O.K~ (long as always, but O.K). I had my Cream of Tomato soup with a little bit of l/f shredded mexican cheese on top really just a sprinkle, but I was satisfied all night, I usually make it about half way and then run to the vending machine for some comfort grazing but last night I didn't even think about it. My goal for the rest of the week is to get some good music on my MP3 and walk the garage on my lunch. I really need to work on getting some steps in, by the end of the day I am so tierd with being with the kids all day, house stuff, Logan's homework, dinner ready just in time to get out the door for a full shift at night. Off to put the girl to sleep and maybe if I'm lucky a 30min nap :bathbaby:

Went to my Dr today, mostly because I went off of medication before surgery and needed to get back on something now that I am eating again (couldn't handle it with just liquid diet also it was making my B/P go up). I went last Dec 7th (5 weeks before surgery and 7 weeks ago today.) I am taking the last time I was there as my official before surgery wieght (even though the I'm sure the 5 weeks inbetween then and surgery I gained at least a couple pounds~ with all the last supper meals I got in) I wieghed 267 then I am now 257. Not bad for no pre op diet and really only one week of no eating. Another great accomplishment is my blood pressure was running high 180's/high 90's. Today it was 124/89! yahoo, the bottom number is still high but I think sometimes that has to do with being in a Dr's office b/c at home when I take it is closer to low 80's. I know that I have had MOSTLY liquids and also for the past week oatmeal and yogurt for almost 2 meals each day but I am hoping that I can keep it where it is or lower. I feel good today, physically and emotionally. I usually HATE going to the Dr's, ecspecially the scale but for the first time in a year seeing improvments gave me a boost. Last night was my first night back at work and it went O.K~ (long as always, but O.K). I had my Cream of Tomato soup with a little bit of l/f shredded mexican cheese on top really just a sprinkle, but I was satisfied all night, I usually make it about half way and then run to the vending machine for some comfort grazing but last night I didn't even think about it. My goal for the rest of the week is to get some good music on my MP3 and walk the garage on my lunch. I really need to work on getting some steps in, by the end of the day I am so tierd with being with the kids all day, house stuff, Logan's homework, dinner ready just in time to get out the door for a full shift at night. Off to put the girl to sleep and maybe if I'm lucky a 30min nap :scared:

Susan, I feel the same way, I (as probably many of us) am and have been for a long time addicted to food. It is hard to get your head around the idea that you will be satisfied with 1/4 of the amount that you used to eat. I think it will come with time and of course we will all (O.K most) mess up along the way, but now when we mess up it just isn't a nother pound or 2 it HURTS! I think in time we really won't have to put as much thought into it, it will be second nature. I for one didn't want to have to be on once again another Diet, I have been down that road SO many times, I truly am changing the way I eat, if not always the right choices at least it will be in very small amounts. I also just bought a podometer so I can try and reach 10000 steps each day. It's actually been eye opening to see how many steps my normal day is lacking! and has pushed me, I am not a big exercise person but hoping this will get me moving. Good luck, Sara

O.K first I want to say that yes I did eat meat, and yes my Dr did give me the O.K that week 2 we could have soft Chicken and Tuna as part of our post diet. Was it right~ or what most people are on, no and I now know. I will not being doing meat for a couple of more weeks. I didn't even plan on eating it but it was there and I had the O.K on the list so I did. I lived I learned, I won't be doing it again anytime soon. Any whoo, I have finally been able to turn over in bed and up out of bed with out complaining of my stomach muscels but also started yesterday with my 10,000 steps a day routine~ go on ask me how many I got in. That's right under 2000! It was my first day with the podometer and I wanted to see what my average day accumulated and boy was it a shock. I have thought about joining the rest of the January group in South Beach Diet but, I have been on and off South Beach, Diet workshop and Atkins for the past year. I don't want to be on another DIET I want to change the way my life is, and I really don't have a choice any more so why put a diet on top of it. BUT I am going to change my activity level, I plan on reaching for 10,000 steps a day or 70k a week. It's actually kind of fun to see ways to get more steps in, If by the end of the day I'm not where I want to be I turn on TiVo and start doing my walking tapes in front of the T.V or another brilliant Idea would be to actually go to the gym we pay 80$ a month for and use it for something other than a recreation center for the kids. I am back to work today for the first time since being banded and no one there knows, I'm glad I found the strength to keep my mouth shut but at the same time it once again makes me feel alienated from another group. Last thing that I have been throwing around inside my big head is the idea of trying to get to Vegas for the Reunion thingy~ not for a the social side of it (for Godness sake me be social :scared: but for the fact that it will be exactly 6 weeks and I could get my first fill there instead of going all the way to MTY again, plus I could probably do it in one day and come home that night~ so It would be totally free. I'll see how the flights look tongiht at work.

O.K first I want to say that yes I did eat meat, and yes my Dr did give me the O.K that week 2 we could have soft Chicken and Tuna as part of our post diet. Was it right~ or what most people are on, no and I now know. I will not being doing meat for a couple of more weeks. I didn't even plan on eating it but it was there and I had the O.K on the list so I did. I lived I learned, I won't be doing it again anytime soon. Any whoo, I have finally been able to turn over in bed and up out of bed with out complaining of my stomach muscels but also started yesterday with my 10,000 steps a day routine~ go on ask me how many I got in. That's right under 2000! It was my first day with the podometer and I wanted to see what my average day accumulated and boy was it a shock. I have thought about joining the rest of the January group in South Beach Diet but, I have been on and off South Beach, Diet workshop and Atkins for the past year. I don't want to be on another DIET I want to change the way my life is, and I really don't have a choice any more so why put a diet on top of it. BUT I am going to change my activity level, I plan on reaching for 10,000 steps a day or 70k a week. It's actually kind of fun to see ways to get more steps in, If by the end of the day I'm not where I want to be I turn on TiVo and start doing my walking tapes in front of the T.V or another brilliant Idea would be to actually go to the gym we pay 80$ a month for and use it for something other than a recreation center for the kids. I am back to work today for the first time since being banded and no one there knows, I'm glad I found the strength to keep my mouth shut but at the same time it once again makes me feel alienated from another group. Last thing that I have been throwing around inside my big head is the idea of trying to get to Vegas for the Reunion thingy~ not for a the social side of it (for Godness sake me be social :bathbaby: but for the fact that it will be exactly 6 weeks and I could get my first fill there instead of going all the way to MTY again, plus I could probably do it in one day and come home that night~ so It would be totally free. I'll see how the flights look tongiht at work.

Ouch, Susan I so feel your pain. I was just thinking that I need to get my work bag stocked with things like soup in a can and they even have instant oatmeal that is sugar free that isn't bad (Brown Sugar). I am going to have a hard time at work being at at a desk for dinner time, I used to just pick up a subway or sandwich but now, I'm not sure what I'll do when on the run. Is there anything we can eat from a drive through? The only thing I could think of is a Baked potato from Wendy's. It is nice that I am definately going to save some money, but need to have a back up plan always ready. Hope the rest of the day goes better Susan. Sara

Well, I have been back one week and have pretty much back to life as normal. Unless you count the sleeping almost 13 hours last night, but that was due to nipping some Tylenol PM at about 2 in the morning b/c Er woke me up when he came to bed and I couldn't get back to sleep. I have been kind of debating with myself if I should detail my expierence on her about the whole trip to MTY. I go back and forth on my feelings about it. I know that I am a picky person and have worked in the medical field for years so I may be biased, but at the same time I think people should know what they are getting into if they do go to Mexico (or at least where I did) what they are signing up for. I think I will sleep on it a couple more days and then update. If anyone wants any one on one info please feel free to send me a private message and I will gladly respond. As for living the Banded life, I already ran into one of the hardest issues which is eating to much and to fast and getting stuck. Tonight I ate way to much meat and ended up paying dearly for it. Literally I thought I was going to have a heart attack and wanted to throw up so badly but couldn't. I now know what being stuck or PBing means and I am afraid that I learned it a little to early, hopefully it didn't hurt the band. I'm off to bed.

Just my 2 cents but If you do go to Mexico, choice a hospital not a clinic! At least for me that was the hardest thing about the trip, the culture shock of the clinic.

Well, I have been back one week and have pretty much back to life as normal. Unless you count the sleeping almost 13 hours last night, but that was due to nipping some Tylenol PM at about 2 in the morning b/c Er woke me up when he came to bed and I couldn't get back to sleep. I have been kind of debating with myself if I should detail my expierence on her about the whole trip to MTY. I go back and forth on my feelings about it. I know that I am a picky person and have worked in the medical field for years so I may be biased, but at the same time I think people should know what they are getting into if they do go to Mexico (or at least where I did) what they are signing up for. I think I will sleep on it a couple more days and then update. If anyone wants any one on one info please feel free to send me a private message and I will gladly respond. As for living the Banded life, I already ran into one of the hardest issues which is eating to much and to fast and getting stuck. Tonight I ate way to much meat and ended up paying dearly for it. Literally I thought I was going to have a heart attack and wanted to throw up so badly but couldn't. I now know what being stuck or PBing means and I am afraid that I learned it a little to early, hopefully it didn't hurt the band. I'm off to bed.

Hi girls ( is it all girls on here?) Just wanted to update with my BIG mistake. I was given the O.K to have soft foods on Friday, so I've been doing well with mostly yogurts, soups, shakes, a couple bites of soft veggies. Then tonight hubby (who I will instert is a Chef) decided to beer can roast the Chicken (the one I bought to make some soups with!) it smelled so good all day roasting away smelling up the house, and yes even though my little paper says Chicken (moist) is an O.K I never really planned on eating it, But there I was making the kids plates up and a little nibble here a little there, along with a big cup of soup (roasted pepper and black bean along with a tiny bit of l/f shredded cheese). Well you can see where this is going, I had a major stuckage (is that even a word). I thought I was going to die, I paced the house for a good 15min and lifted my hands above my head and tried anyting I could . My lesson is learned, I am sure I didn't chew it well enough or slow enough. I am just praying that I didn't do any permenant damage to the band. So my advice is even if you don't "think" you have much restriciton with out a fill trust me you could and probably do! No more meat for me for a LONG time. Sorry for rambling. Sara