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Maybe I'm just here for moral support, hopefully someone will turn a sympathetic ear my way. Here goes... I was banded in May 2007, at the time I weighed 330 lbs. By September 2007 I had lost 90 lbs and weighed 240 lbs. I never got a fill because I was losing weight so good, I figured I'd wait till I needed it. Then I got pregnant... Over the course of the pregnancy I gained a whopping 10 lbs, but when I weighed myself a week after baby I weighed 235. I had the baby in May 2008. The story is sounding good so far, right? Over the past 6 months I have not gotten a fill and some lbs have crept back on. I now weigh about 253. I know I need to schedule a fill but, I'm scared! :rolleyes2: I've never had one and I'm paranoid now that all my regular eating over pregnancy and the past six months has broken the band... you know - a flipped port that's somehow infected plus a stretched pouch and all sorts of things I have made up in my head. I just keep thinking it won't work or something is going to be wrong.. Any words of motivation so I can call and schedule my fill? My goal is to get to 200 lbs, although 180 would be really nice. Thanks for listening... Maryum

It sounds like you're on the right track, both nutritionally and mentally. I had to eat between 800-900 calories a day to lose and now in maintenance I'm between 1200-1400 a day. Only you are going to know how much you can eat and still lose, so log your food and pay attention. Even the doctor and nutritionist are going off of guidelines that don't consider what works for your particular body. Some folks need more and some need less. Until you heal completely, I wouldn't worry too much in any case. Just focus on pushing liquids, staying hydrated and getting as much Protein as possible. The rest will follow. I'm 19 months out and eating more than one egg scrambled with cheese in a sitting is tough. I do 2-3 ounces of protein if it's fish or chicken but if it's beef I manage even less. I don't have a lot of protein options where I live so I tend to make up the slack with protein coffee or tea in the morning. I like to see my protein levels at 90+ grams a day. Congrats on putting away the scale. It's hard to do. Once you get to the point where your realize that you won't see a loss every time, and that the scale is simply a tool to keep us accountable and NOT a measure of our success you'll be able to weigh daily without driving yourself nuts. Until then it just makes life a rollercoaster. You're doing great so far. Don't stress about the food. I didn't start really hitting my calorie/protein goals until 4-6 months out. ~Cheri

The fullness hits me abut 5-10 minutes later and then I'm feeling really bad! I wish I know exactly how much I can fit without getting that sick feeling.

I am doing much better with the emotional hunger. I still can miss the fun foods, but a taste has become enough for me. The band really works in that way. I think that the band is certainly a great tool, but time is the mind setter. I set little goals and next big goals. I don't even focus or look at the ultimate goal. I also had planned on getting through all of my clothes and giving them away before I wasted money on clothes I would shrink out of, but I started feeling frumpy and unkept, so I went on a shopping spree and feel great again. Ready for the next goal! Take Care, J 2/13/06 Pre-op 289 3/13/06 Surgery 280 10/28/06 242 (next little goal - break 240, next big goal - hit 225)

i can gain easily of up to 10 pounds per liquid...it happens...and it will go away

Mine did, but keep in mind that doesn't mean yours will. Some people continue the struggle, just with a little mechanical will power. For me, pre-op, I looked forward to eating. I would get exited if we were going to a buffet and hope they had certain foods. I f we planned a vacation, I would instantly wonder what kind of foods they had. Food helped me pass time - if I was watching tv, I was also eating, regardless of hunger. If I was studying, I had a bowl of chips with me. Etc. Now eating is pretty much a chore. I could count on both hands the times I've truly felt hungry since banding, even when I'm getting ready for bed and haven't yet eaten anything. I'm just not hungry anymore. This has been very liberating, because even though hunger rarely spurred my overeating, it was definitely a factor (OMG - I'm hungry?! I better go eat a lot because that's HORRIBLE!) I call it my shift from "live to eat" into "eat to live" -- I finally get what all the psychos who say that mean. As for cravings, I don't believe in stopping them. I think that denying a craving does more harm than good. If I want something, I have it - only now isntead of having ALL of it, a piece fills me up. If it's something I am craving but I just can't bring myself to give into, I will look for a healthier alternative. I love Peanut Butter. Sometimes I will crave a peanut butter cookie. Sometimes I will have the cookie, but sometimes I'm too tight, or they aren't available, or I have to buy 20 (which means I'm eating 20 or throwing 19 in the trash), so instead I will make my Protein drink with peanut butter in it. When you have a strong craving, and don't do something to address it, IMO most of the time it becomes a bit of an obsession. And when you tell yourself you can't have it, or try t ignore your obsessing, is when you "crack" and binge on it... whereas if you'd just eaten the damn cookie, all would be ok. :smile:

I was banded in July 05 and I just had my gall bladder out last week. I wanted it taken out at the same time but the doctor said no, there were no stones and he wouldn't take it out. So almost 7 months later I had to have a second surgery. The pain I was feeling preband was in fact my gall bladder, not stones but it wasn't functioning properly. I wish I could have had them at the same time, the second surgery was a bit harder then my banding. I am just starting to feel like myself again, 10 days later. After my band I was up and about within a few days, by day 5 I felt like a million bucks. Be glad that they are doing both together, that sounds much easier then 2 surgeries back to back. ~Mandy

Hello!! I'm still checking to see if anyone has been banded at Harper Hospital by Great Lakes Weight Loss team? I've scheduled my band date of 10/7/08 and am so ready to get there to get it done. I'm coming in from Chicago.

I am eating about 1000 calories and I have lost 10 lbs. I am having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch. I have lost a total of 10 lbs.

I've been denied by atena . I don't wanna give up I've been crying since may 21st <---------------- surgery date it just not fair ive been heavy all my life fear of dying at age 55 like my dad 10 years from now. I've been heavy all my life have bmi of 39.5 high cholestral high blood pressure I know there r people who have written letter and got approved I need help who do I write it to and a little help and ideia what people put in their letters.please and yes I'm begging for help here I have atena

I am a QSR restaurant manager and am wondering when I can expect to go back to work... no surgery date set yet, just completed my sleep study. I am hoping for the week after Turkey Day. I work 10 hour shifts and am on my feet the whole time. Anyone out there who also manages a QSR restaurant...? What should I expect when I return to work..?? I was originally told 2 weeks...now I am hearing 3-4 weeks... I do not have STDL and really can not afford to take so much time off... But I do not want that to be a reason for me to regret my choice to have surgery.

You are not butting in . . . One morning I had this awful pain under my boobs, right across my chest. It was a dull pain. It lasted for about a hour and a half. It went away then came back for like 10 minutes later that night. It felt like a heart attack but I knew it wasn't because I had no other signs. I called my dr. and they said sounds like gall bladder - you need to get a ultrasound and sure enough - I had lots of stones !!! My RNY dr. did my gallbladder as well. I had the stones way before my RNY surgery. My dr. also put me on meds to prevent stones after RNY but since Ihad them already I stopped taking the meds.

For all October surgeries, what are your stats? Had surgery 10/21/13 HW: 384 SW: 380 CW: 338

Sleeved 10/21 HW 250 SW 247 DAY Of SURG. 236 CW 219.5

I got rid of everything as of last weekend I'm 14 months post op and I had more things in my closet that I couldn't fit than what I was able to wear. I had sizes from 22 down to 10's so as of now I only have things in my closet that I can actually fit.

No, my mother (who's the same size I was before the surgery) already got dibs on all my fat clothes....lol. Plus all I really wore at my biggest were yoga pants/capris and skirts with stretchy waistbands! I can still wear most of these 40 lbs down, although I think 10 lbs from now, they'll be way too loose.

I went shopping at our new Kohls yesterday, I tried on about 10 things, 1 thing fit, it was a skirt. I'm in between sizes. A 16 is too big and a 14 is too snug for me, though it would probably be ok for the younger girls, LOL. I'm opposite of you Alex, the top is my larger section. XL are still too tight, but 1X hangs, oh well, at least I'll be comfy in my 1x and out of the 2X.

I am 3 weeks Post-Op, and am excited to eat some soft foods.. but am feeling sluggish, and tired... Do I need more portein? I getting about 50-60 g a day.. but, maybe not as early as I need it. It seems like about 10 am I cannot stay awake. I have not had any Protein yet, I usually get some about this time... Or could my blood sugar be too low?

I feel your pain, although I was only banded on 12/30/10. I am having difficulty with my motivation to follow the stupid post surgery diet and fell off the wagon in a big way this last weekend. I am back on the straight and narroy with the liquid diet today. Still no motivation. And exercise is a huge issue for me. I used to exercise all the time, but as I have gotten older (and fatter) that gusto is gone. All I can suggest is that you start with your diet and go through the beginning diet again, working your way up to solid foods. Maybe with that and an adjustment to make your stoma tighter, you will find things move again. i just have to not be in the same room as my husband when he eats. He is on the Atkins diet, but he cheats regularly... in front of me. Also, have a friend who you trust come over and clean out your pantry and freezer. Give them a list for the grocery and some money and stick to it. I was an accountant before I retired. Our budget has gotten much better since I started this process. We no longer eat at restaurants except once in a great while. And we only pay cash for such splurges. Our grocery bill has shrunk significantly as well. And while our pharmacy bill has not yet budged, it will before much longer as I am the one taking 90% of the pills. Just attack it as though it were your financial budget and you just lost your job. Cut out everything that is not needed or good for you. Bring only in those items that add value. Take that trusted friend with you for walks or, given your recent weather, work together to shovel snow. Working out with someone with you makes things easier and you can be each other's support. I purchased a membership at 24-hour Fitness. It is pretty cool as they have multiple treadmills, recumbant bicycles, machines, etc. They also have indoor pools, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. All in all, not a bad deal for $199 per person per year. It is WAY cheaper than the YMCA membership. And they have specials for 3, 6, or 12 1-hour long sessions with a trainer. We are all in this together. (and I know all too well that cheesecake is wayyy to close to the "soft" food description). I won't harp on your smoking. You will make that change when you are ready. What about support groups? There is Overeater's Annonymous, Weight Watchers, or some other support group. Even AA works. An addict is an addict. And we are addicts. Our drug is food.

Yup, that friggin pizza smell gets me every time. And have you seen how many commercials there are for pizza, seriously? Only 10 days out, cannot even think of pizza right now.

Not sure where I got this from.. somewhere that I was doing research on.. but thought it might be useful for this thread. Increase Your Chances of a Good Fill The following suggestions are good rules of thumb and will greatly increase your chances of getting a good fill. 1. Be sure you are very well hydrated when you come in for your fill appointment. That means at least 6 to 8 full glasses of liquid every day for at least several days before the fill. (Remember, Water is your friend). Drink especially well the morning of the fill. If you're flying in, it can be much harder to stay hydrated, so take an empty drink bottle and fill it after you pass airport security. TSA rules state you can bring an empty water bottle past the TSA security check point. Bring some of those "to-go" packs of Crystal Light, they’re ideal! Ask the flight attendants for a refill of your water bottle, pop one in, and then you will have plenty to drink. (Hint - If you flying in for a fill, while you're on the plane, grab a couple of those white barf bags. It’s good to keep one in your purse or car, for "emergencies".) 2. Do not to have any solid foods for at least 6 hours before the fill. Don't eat a huge or late dinner the night before. If you're having any trouble (reflux, possible slip, etc) please have nothing but fluids after dinner the night before. In some cases, food can still be in the pouch for 12 or more hours. ANY food in the pouch will make it impossible to give a good fill, or get a good fluoro 3. Don't drink COLD fluids for an hour before the fill. That will shrink your stoma and give a false fluoro reading, and a poor fill. Room temp fluids are fine. Let the ice in your drink melt and hour before a fill, and then you'll have room-temp fluids to drink right up to the fill time. 4. Avoid getting a fill during a menstrual period or a few days before an expected one. During this time, girls are usually retaining water, and the fluoro will not be as accurate, and the fill will not be either. 5. If at all possible, hang around for at least a few hours after a fill. Don't run right back home or to the plane. It takes the normal swelling after a fill 1-2 hours to develop, and by that time you might be too tight and need to come right back. 6. If you fly in, If at all possible, stay overnight and catch a plane out the following late afternoon or evening. If you are too tight, this will allow time to get a small unfill before you leave. This is not very convenient, but sure beats having to possibly return to TJ in a few days, on short notice, in pain, and at high last-minute plane fares! This is "prevention!" Overfills are not common, but they DO happen, even under the best of conditions. Be prepared, and think about this overnight stay. Test your fill the next day before you leave. 7. After a fill, please have liquids only for at least 24 hrs. This allows the stoma to rest and heal. Then, a day of soft foods, then back to regular foods. Full liquids are fine, no need for clears. Remember, if you staying over night test your fill before you fly out. 8. Review the eating and food guidelines again before every fill. You’ll need to refine your eating more and more with higher fill levels, and there will be less and less room for goofs. As you reach a higher fill level, you'll no longer be able to "get away" with things you might have before! 9. Please don't get a fill if you are having ANY trouble with the current level of fill. This means ANY regular pain, PB or barfing more than maybe once a week at the VERY most, not able to get enough calories in, not able to drink enough, able to eat only soft foods or fluids. More fill will NOT help, and will make things worse. Discuss all this carefully with your doctor. You may even need an UNFILL, to keep your band and stomach safe. 10. First fills are routinely given at 6-8 weeks after surgery, but only as you need them. Many people do, some do not. Your doctor will help you decide if you need a fill, just ask. There is no rush for fills. Too much can very easily get you in trouble, and you end up further "behind" than if you had gone slower with fills. 11. Give a fill at least 2-3 weeks to test it. Some fills don't "settle in" for a week or two, and sometimes more. Your weight loss is what determines how a fill is - not any feeling of restriction, necessarily. 12. One of the most important things in determining if a fill is good is choosing proper band foods. Soft foods, liquids, junk foods, sweets, etc, will NEVER be well-restricted, and will never tell a thing about having a good fill or not. Only solid foods give useful info. A good test meal is 2-4 oz of solid meat or chicken - be sure it's soft and moist - and about 1/2 cup veggies. You should be able to eat about a cup of food (no less) and this should keep you satisfied (NOT "FULL", but simply "satisfied, not physically hungry". for about 3-4 hrs. 13. Plan regular meals. A good fill will keep you satisfied for 3-4 hrs, but no longer. If you are hungry 5 hrs after lunch, it is not because you have an inadequate fill! Regular meals at planned times are important for a number of reasons; including avoiding snacking, maximizing your calorie burn and normalizing metabolism, which is essential for weight maintenance later on. 14. Learn to recognize YOUR "soft stop" sign. Common ones are chest tightness or "fullness", a sudden runny nose, a single hiccup or burp, an eye twitch, back pain, left should pain. All mean the pouch is full enough and we should STOP eating, even spitting out the bite that may be already in our mouths. If you do not, you could progress to the "hard stop" - slimming, pb, barfing. Please remember that good fills are very elusive, even with highly- experienced docs and fill people. There are just too many individual factors involved that the docs cannot control. Even the fluoro is only a clue, and not entirely accurate - for some of the reasons above. It usually takes 3- 5 fills to slowly and safely creep up on a good level, and they can be safely given a month apart. Trying to go faster with a bigger fill is not the solution, and the stomach rebels at big sudden fills. The goal of the first few fills is NOT to achieve a good restriction, but to gradually get your stomach used to some pressure so you can tolerate a GOOD fill later. SLOW and GRADUAL is the key! Going slowly with fills can be frustrating, but is well worth the wait to avoid problems. • After a “fill” you are on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours; then, soft for 24 hours; then, regular food o Clear – juice, water, broth, miso Soup, tea - no salty or iced drinks. o Soft – V-8, yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, (no ice cream), pureed Soups, squash, apple sauce. • Call me if you are unable to sleep lying down due to reflux to schedule a slight “unfill”. Do not talk yourself into “working through the reflux”. • Eat Protein at every meal; eat your protein first in order to facilitate proper digestion of this complex food. • Eat three meals daily or six small meals; do not snack – ¼ to ½ cup per meal • Drink water instead of mindless munching (add lemon to water) between meals. DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS 45 MINUTES BEFORE AND 60-90 MINUTES AFTER YOUR MEALS.• Make sure your bowels are moving daily with ease not effort • Add Fiber into your diet if you are not having complete bowel movements – 1 tablespoon ground flax seed• Have some form of movement every day for 30 minutes • Avoid white flour and white sugar products • You are not allowed to be on an ice cream diet • You may not lose weight if you’re not eating enough • Eat slowly between bites; take small bites; sip your drinks. • Chew your food slowly • Throw out all the junk food in the house • Don’t buy anymore junk food • Eat organic as much as possible to avoid increasing exposure to false hormones, antibiotics, and other toxic substances • Join a support group, Curves, or weight watchers. • Stop eating after 7:30pm during the summer; and 6:30 in the winter • Keep working on the mental emotional component to comfort food eating • Schedule another fill when your portion sizes increase to “old day” sizes or you are feeling hungrier earlier then you remember. • Journal about your feelings, keep a food diary, create a collage of what your future looks like and hang it in your room. • Create a collage of images you want to let go of and burn the collage. • Laugh every day RECIPES FOR AFTER A FILL Master Cleanse Drink (adjust lemon, ginger and cayenne to taste) 4 oz of apple juice Pinch of cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon fresh grated ginger 4-8 TBls of Lemon juice 4Tbls of Maple Syrup or Honey Pinch of salt top off the blender with filtered water Blend till mixed Strain and drink ½ - 1 Quart a day SMOOTHIE: FOR DAYS WHEN YOU ARE ON SOFT FOODS AFTER A FILL OR UNFILL - A 24 HOUR REQUIREMENT FOR POST FILLS AFTER LIQUIDS. 2-4 oz of apple juice or Rice or Soy Milk 3-5 ground almonds 1-2 teaspoons of flax oil ¼ cup of frozen fruit ? berries, bananas, mangos, papaya 1-2 Tbls (or packet) Protein powder (I use a Rice Protein which is hypoallergenic and tastes pretty good) ¼ teaspoon Bee Pollen (do not add if allergic to bees or huge environmental allergies) ½ - 1 teaspoon of chlorella or spirulina

Made it to second goal, which was to be down to what I was when I got married. 230.6 this morning, and 19.4 lbs until my next goal. Which is to be down 50lbs. I know it will take longer to get the 19 off than the last 35.4 lbs, but I know I can. I'm almost 7 weeks out ( will be on Tuesday).

Hi my name is Donna and I'm post op for 19 months now and I was told by my surgeon to leave all of the carbonated stuff alone because it takes up room in your pouch.

with exercise I found something I loved - running. We were having a chat online about it the other day on another non lapband forum and I have two friends there that share my love of it. Anyway someone else piped up and said that you dont need to run, fast walking is fine and that she used to be a size 10 at 6ft but she ran ran ran and went to the gym etc and was very intense and that she was happier now that she'd given that up. I thought to myself "she just doesnt get it". Honestly, you dont run to lose weight. If you make yourself go out there and get it over with to lose weight its not going to be fun and it is going to be a chore to keep going. You run for the pure love of it, to me weightloss is a side effect, not my primary aim. If you can find something like that, its easy to keep going. Other stuff (like good food choices) you just do and do and do and then do them some more. I find 10 months down the track, I finally feel those things starting to become habit.