A new member

oreo · January 14, 2006

Hi, I live in Hawaii and I had adjustible lap band surgery on 12/7/04. My pre-op weight was 242#, 232# at time of surgery. My doctor was Brandt K Lapschies and I was banded at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu. I had a very smooth procedure with no complications. My only problems were that I got sick on the Tylenol with Codeine which I was fed on my way out of the hospital, and Constipation due to Bariatric Advantage Vitamins.

I had great restriction from the beginning. I had my first (and only) fill in July, 7 months out, and it was only .8 cc. I was down to 165#, a 77# loss. I still have restriction, but I'm at a plateau and not losing weight.

Because of this I am really stepping up the exercise. I take Aerobics twice a week, Pilates once, and I just joined a woman's gym where I try to work out 4 times a week. At work I took over the recycling program so that I do a lot of walking. I work at the Honolulu Zoo and I have 42 bins throughout the zoo which I check a couple of times a week. I feel great, but I would sure like to lose more weight. My blood pressure is way down due to the weight loss, and I no longer have pain in my feet or my back. So far I am very satisfied with the results of this surgery.

I know that one of my problems is with my eating. If I eat meat I fill up very quickly, which is good. That is, if I eat it slowly. My problem is that when I get hungry I eat too fast, get sick, and then I don't want to eat meat again.

So what I really like to eat is:

fat free crackers - Kavli

salt free Peanut Butter I make at the health store (least amount of fat)

sugar free Smuckers strawberry preserves

Although it's not a really bad thing, I eat this at too many meals. But oh how I enjoy it.

My other favorite thing to eat is Kashi Go-Lean with skim milk. I usually start and end my day with a small bowl (about 1/2 cup). I enjoy it, the Protein is good, and oh how the Fiber keeps me regular.

I don't eat bread, or rice (a staple in Hawaii), diet soda (which I used to live on) or Pasta (which I really miss).

I occasionally treat myself with sugar free fudgsicles or Jello's new Sugar Free Chocolate pudding.< /p>

All in all, I do not feel deprived, I enjoy all of the benefits from my band, and I cannot understand why anyone would want a gastric bypass. I highly recommend the band.

Aloha, Paula Aurio