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Also, bypass patients have much trouble with vitamin an mineral absorption! You drop the weight faster... Too fast which can be very dangerous!

Eh, I don't think you should be expecting to get stuck....or feeling bulemic. That type of behavior can lead to a slipped band if you keep it up. Sounds like you need to concentrate a little more on what you're eating. I doubt you're too tight, but chicken nuggets just may not be in the cards in your future. I know very few bandies who can eat fried ANYTHING....much less dry chicken. I've found that with chicken nuggets (or anything FRIED or FAST FOOD for that matter) gets me stuck every time. Stick to grilled/baked/broiled lean meats...go for sauces to help them to be slick, take small bites, and chew chew chew. After meat, go to your veggies, but stay away from the stringy ones like asparagus--they don't go down well for me. Hope this helps!

Hello everyone. I am approx 2/12 years post op and having issues with my lap band. I did lose weight, not all but still happy with my results. Started slowly slipping into bad habits and eating a lot of slider foods. I only had 2 fills if I remember correctly and never went back due to hectic work schedule and thinking everything was okay. I was long, long overdue for a fill but had not made an appt yet. Fast forward to approx 1 month ago and all restriction is gone. Used to get full faster, couldn't eat a lot of different foods and breads were never tolerated well. NOW I can eat Everything and Anything as much as I want. I just had a barium swallow test and band is still in place and esophagus looked fine. I'm wondering why I had some restriction and now nothing. Any ideas or similar experiences would be really appreciated. Also Happy New Year to everyone in 2011.

I can eat all of that stuff. For me it is more the size, speed and chew of the food I put in my mouth. To big or to fast, it comes back up. Bread is my difficult item.

I posted an update on my process in another thread, but I also wanted to do a new thread because I have even more news! In the other thread, I posted this: Well, I just checked my email, and the coordinator from the surgery center said that she thinks my phentermine program will be fine. So now, I get to schedule my surgeon's consultation, psych eval, and nutritionist's eval. Hopefully, I can get all that done as soon as possible, along with the pulmonology thing, and have everything sent to insurance within a week or so.:biggrin1: This is all happening so fast all of a sudden. It seemed like it was dragging along, and now it is like whoosh!:faint:

Wow. That is great. I should have waited for the semester to be over with, but I am not patient. I also was thinking about if I walked across the stage on Dec 16, I would be down a few pounds if I went ahead with it. lol But I have decided (again) not to walk this time. I will probably walk when I complete my master's degree. We will see. Good luck to you. I hope it all works out nice, fast and smooth.

I know exactly how you feel, I lost over 120 lbs, but because of all of the compliments, particularly from men, I totally freaked out. I had all of the fill removed from my band and proceeded to regain each and every pound and then some in less than a year!!! I couldn't shove the garbage into my face fast enough. I was obsessed and ate myself back into oblivion. Not to bright. Instead of confronting my issues, I reverted back to just covering them up with food. Stupid me, I still had to confront the issue and finally did. By then it was too late about gaining weight back, so I had to start all over again. Thank God I have the band, because I went back in early August and had a great fill done. I have steadily lost weight since then am proud to say continue to lose almost on a daily basis. Sure I do slip from time to time, but I just restart right after I fall. I cannont tell you how much freedom I am feeling from this weight loss. Unlike before, I am paying close attention to each and every benefit I receive from the weight loss. I am actually looking forward to getting my weight down, which is something I never really did before. I am no longer afraid to feel sexy and attractive to the opposite sex. That's a very big deal to me. I wish you well, please if you need to get counseling, do so. You have worked so hard for so long to keep yourself hidden, it's time to shine, you so deserve it. Cindy

Hi everyone! So I started my diet today before surgery. Breakfast- slim fast Snack- pudding & snapple Lunch- slim fast Snack- Jello Dinner- 2 fish (not fried in a pan with lemon juice & Water & season) 1 can of beets Total 820 calories I must have 1000 or less. So far I'm doing great.

What if you approached it along this line. "Mr. (or Mrs.)___________. I wanted to talk to you about ___________(little boy). I was just a little bit worried because he wont eat what we are serving at school. I know some of the foods we serve aren't liked by all of the children, but for the most part they go over very well, are very healthy and we only use fresh ingredients so we know the food is of the best quality. Is there something we could do to help him try the foods we serve so that you don't have to go to the trouble of taking him out after school. I'm sure that must be expensive, and we all know that some of the fast food restaurants don't offer the best quality foods." If there was some way to get the father to think that it was his idea... I don't know what I'd do about the whole family being obese though.

First of all welcome, good luck and congratulations. There are pros and cons with everything, so far I don't really have many cons other than I can't eat the amount of certain things anymore that I'd like to lol, but then again this is also a pro. Many people have complications, many do not, many succeed, many do not. But so far, almost a year out, I have no regrets. Some days it's a struggle, some days I couldn't be happier. It is no magic pill and it does take work, but I never forget why I did it, it's truely been a life changer (and saver) already, and I'm very happy with the results so far. To answer some of your questions... How difficult was the surgery? It wasn't very difficult, I was asleep lol. But seriously it's a low risk surgery, but there is some risk as with any surgery. I woke up and a few hours later I was on my way home, with no problems. How long was recovery? Everyone is different, I was up and moving around the next day. I was full of gas so I had to be, plus moving around quickly after surgery helps you heal faster. It's usually a very fast recovery time for most people. How long were people out of work? Some people are back to work in less than a week, some longer. I was greatful that my employer gave me 3 weeks no questions asked, they were very supportive. Although when I went back I did have some port pain from sitting and rubbing against the desk in my port area, and some pain from my bra rubbing one of my incisions (I don't think you'll have that problem lol). I was fine when I was up and moving around, it was the sitting and desk rubbing that really bothered me. I was also very tired when I came back, this was probably because I was getting used to eating such little bits and from being a slug for a few weeks lol.. Yes I milked my surgery and was lazy for a while. What did you tell people when they asked about the weight loss, and did you tell anyone before the surgery what you were going to do? I told who I felt was important enough to know. I didn't hide it but I also didn't go around volunteering information. It was and still is on a need to know basis, if someone asks I'm honest but if it doesn't come up I don't talk about it. It really is a personal preference, some shout it from the rooftops, alot of people don't tell anyone but close family members and sometimes no one at all, to each his own.

Four ounces of chicken broth with hot sauce added, four ounces diluted apple juice, and one ounce of Jello....and it took me over two hours to finish it all. I am dreaming about the pureed stage! Can't get here fast enough.

Okay, I'm one of those people who NEVER ask for help. (I know it's suppose to be okay). But if I have ever needed energy sent my way, it's tonite!! I'm ending day 11 of 21 days of Opti-fast. I havent cheated, not even a little bit, which I'm very proud of, but I'm kinda losin it now. I've never been a big sweet eater (but I'd take ya down for a big mac, or slice of pizza.. lol) so these chocolate and vanilla shakes are getting sooooo horrible. I have only 10 days to go till surgery, then I'll say bring on the chicken Broth!!:hungry: It just feels like that seems so far away and the thought of drinking opti-fast for 10 more days....... I'm so sorry for _itching and complaining but I'm going insane. Any encouragement and of you guys can spare would greatly be apprecciated. Oh and to top it all off my 17 year old daughter is driving us crazy. A few weeks ago I would have gotten mad at her and ate 4 lbs of chicken wings, now I have to find something else to do:angry .

Hi Everyone, Today I woke up and thought to myself, its my bandiversary!! Yeah! Its hard to believe that it has been one year since I have been banded. For the newbies, the time goes very fast even though the liquid phase feels like it will never end!!! Gosh, where do I start? So many good things have happened to me with -120 pounds lost forever. THese are the highlights: I can run up a flight of stairs without even being slightly out of breath. Last year this time, I could not walk up a flight of steps without stopping 3 or 4 times to catch my breath. It would take me 5-10 minutes for my heart to stop pounding in my chest. I flew two times on an airplane without extenders and even crossed my legs the second trip! I had not flown for several years and would have anxiety attacks and cry before getting on a plane. I am no longer embarrassed when I go to restaurants or food establishments. I can fit in the booths and I no longer measure distances between the seat and the table. When I think of all the time and energy I exerted thinking whether or not I would fit in chairs or booths, it was exhausting. I exercise regularly 3x a week with a personal trainer and do 1 hour of weight lifting, eliptical and circuit training. Who ever thought I would like exercising? I no longer have skin problems, edema from my knees to my ankles, borderline diabetes and hyperinsulinemia and borderline high blood pressure. I rode a horse and he survived! Went from a tight 28 pants and 26 shirts to size 16-18 pants and size 14-16 on top.!! I am now smaller than my husband and at my lightest weight in 18 years! I made dozens of new friends like Donali, Alexandra, Kellymoos, Michelle, Kimberly, Jill S. and so many others here in my local DFW support group, obesity help, smart bandsters, lapband talk and graduate bandsters that it would not be possible to list everyones names. I have never had such a strong support network of people who understand what its like to live as a banded person and the struggles of obesity. FOr all of you and the ones I did not mention, I am eternally grateful for the support, the transition clothing and for the daily pep talks when I had problems or questions. I have decided to modify my goal weight and aim for 168-170. That leaves me 44 pounds to get to a weight I can live with pre- plastic surgery. I know that we dont have this surgery for vanity reason and health is the primary goal, but why not aim for the stars? Thank you everyone for your support. Hugs, Babs in TX 334/214/170 -120 6/23/03

I posted this in response under another thread, but since it got so long I decided to cut and paste it as a new thread also.... Hang in there....It DOES WORK.... LAST CHANCE???? My Health was deteriorating fast! My family history was grim, having lost both my brother and sister from obese related illnesses...sister was the worse going through amputations, cardiac and other circulatory surgeries, infections, and finally renal failure....they flat out said she had too much going on to qualify for kidney transplant. I started down the same road, diabetes out of control, my blood work was all over the place, nothing was normal. Had clogged arteries resulting in one hart attack, had to undergo cardiac surgery... My PCP was very blunt and honest, told me I was a walking time bomb and did not have long to live. Stated if I could but loose 50-60 lbs, this would all start to reverse itself. It was my LAST CHANCE! Knowing that I have tried every diet under the sun, and failing miserably at every one of them, He recommended weight loss surgery and referred me. WLS was my LAST CHANCE! That is why I have never taken this lightly...full steam ahead...I can care less what others think, let them find their success. I found mine!! NO WHINING HERE I want this band to do the maximum performance, everything I anticipated.Would not settle for anything less... And it did!!! Lost over 100 lbs in a year......all my illnesses have been reversed...no more medications or insulin injections. I go to the gym every chance I get. (it's 4 am as I'm typing this, will be at the gym at 5) My hunger/cravings are in check, have no interest in food or eating most of the time. And when I do eat, the band limits my portions, making it impossible to overeat or binge. Also, when I do eat, all I do is eat wisely, making healthy choices. No more diets, no more calorie counting..... Does not mean I don't enjoy the treats in life...I do! It's just that I don't make a pig of myself...all things in moderation thanks to the band... Head Hunger....perfectly normal, but it goes away eventually....I have gone out of my way to purchase something I was craving, only to throw it away after one or two bites..... The band turned my life around...all my Dr.'s are astounded...(and I have/had a lot of them) I do not, have not, any weight loss goals...how can I ??? I was OBESE because of a lifestyle of bad eating and being a coach potato....NOW my lifestyle has changed, and the reverse happened, I went on the opposite direction and lost weight until I was back to what my body determined was normal...where it should be for someone who eats right and gets plenty of exercise. Maintenance?? I don't get it...I have been on many, many diets so I understand what maintenance is in terms of dieting programs. But I am not on any diet program....simply put, because of WLS, my eating, what and how I eat, has been changed...and it will stay that way for the rest of my life....it is the New Normal for me. So there is nothing I can do differently. I suppose I could get Fluid taken out of my band, to allow me to eat more, larger portions...but that makes no sense to me. Why would I want to do that? I was fat-obese because I ate too much of the wrong things, I am now at optimal weight with very little body fat% because I eat less, way less, and eat good wholesome healthy foods...it's that simple. Sprinkle on top of that fat burning exercise and there you have it. (notice I said fat burning, not calorie burning) I should say, concerning my health improving and illnesses reversed, a Heart Attack, (MI) the damage is done to the cardiac wall - muscle and cannot be fixed, and with this, there are 2 medications I will take for the rest of my life.... BUT that does not stop me from running 3-5 miles 5 days a week, and strengthening what I do have.

I second Vera's caution about the quickness of weightloss. Please do not set yourself up for disappointment by thinking you will continue to lose 20 pounds a month. I'm not saying it's not possible, I'm just saying it is unlikely. But fast or slow, you will end up where you want to be. The journey is more important than the destination!

Just be careful and remember to eat slow. I still have issues figuring out when I am going to be full. I go from hungry to full very fast.

mine took just under 45 minute. the doc said it was super fast b/c i did a good job on my preop diet. um. :rolleyes

I did the same. I am 11 days post op and my hubby still doesn't know. The recovery has been so easy he hasn't even a clue what I did. I plan on telling him after the holidays, don't want to ruin Christmas. I think once he can see the results and how easy my recovery was (since he hasn't noticed any difference in my behavior) he will not be as mad. I just told him I am on the newest fad diet, a liquid fast. He is just like...whatever. I was freaking out up until I came home from Mexico, then I had to calm down. After the surgery was done it was a huge weight off my shoulders. I have been sleeping like a baby everynight since. I have never told a lie to my hubby so I know we are going to have to work throught that part together. Good luck with your decision. If you want to read more about my ordeal, check out the lower bmi thread, there were a lot of supportive people who gave a good bit of advice to me.

Our bands are very fickle - one day you can eat something and the next day you can't - and everyone is diff too. I am lucky I can eat almost any food (haven't tried a sub sandwich just cuz I know that's too much bread) I eat shrimp, scallops, crab, steak, pizza (rarely) steak, chicken, pork, rice, Pasta etc Key to eating - small bites (size of pencil eraser) eat slowly and chew chew. But I have had problems when I eat too fast and don't chew and my bites are too big - old habits can be very hard to break especially when you sit down to a meal and you are hungry...

Yes Elizabeth i did get the clerance today and faxed it to my drs office. Today is the day the surgeon calls me. I am waiting for that and i started my preop diet. I had half a banana and a slim fast 1 2 3 for breakfest gotta say tasted good and i am pretty satisfied.

To all of you who thought you were getting a fill and didn't: look at it as another learning experience. You will be thankful for it later. It IS hard to learn this new way of eating and living life. But you will; it takes time. After some time has passed, you'll learn to trust your new tool; and know if you are slow, it's okay. Probably you'll find that you are slow sometimes and fast others, and maybe you'll even learn to love it when you hear your stomach growl! Hugs to all of you! Cindy

40 pounds is a lot!! I am proud of you!! Imagine how much harder back surgery recovery would be with 40 extra pounds to haul around! I want you to think about this, if you lost a ton of weight at once, your skin is not equipped with the elasticity to bounce back and shrink up at that same fast pace. Then you are stuck with wings under your arms and a saggy pouch hanging farther down your abdomen than you belly actually was. You would end up having to have surgery to remove the skin and I hear it is rather painful and full of complications. Take pride in your accomplishments so far and remember that this is a life long journey, just be healthy!!

Wow, everything moved so fast for you! 66 pounds is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for replying so fast. I'm sorry to say I still do not know what to do. Sue, I live in northern part of Idaho the Dr. is in Coeur d' Alene. 2hrs. or I could go to Seattle for follow up care after going to Mexico. I have to small children in school so its not easy to just leave on a 7hr trip. I don't know of any one who has the lapband here. If anybody has any more advise I will take it. You all gave me things to think about. Sue thank you for the article. It freak my husband out a little. Tina

I'm no expert and might be way off base, hopefully someone else will jump in, but I don't think that is true. From what I understand, if you lose weight really fast and are not getting in the required protein, you're body will lose muscle and not just fat, which of course is bad. In my personal experience, I am able to lift more and carry it further, but that is probably due to exercise. Now, I am not consistently lifting the weight you are, so maybe it makes a difference. It wouldn't hurt to run the comment by your surgeon and/or ask your coworker for more information. Good luck!