Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot

[luvsrocks 0]

Been reading the remarks from us all. I am not banded yet. Still researching. I have been trying to force myself to eat slower and chew better in preparation for the future. Its much harder then I expected it would be. I am not a fan of PB or any other such thing so it will be good reinforcement for me once I am banded. Thanks to all the good advice and info I am getting here.

Chell, I'm with you! Don't even want to think anything about the PB & slime thing. I had 10 weeks to prepare for my surgery date and I tried small bites, chewing more, no drinking during meals, eating slowly, it is hard. Pre-op I never made it through a meal following all the rules. Now? It's easy because I know the consequences. Not to say when I'm really hungry that I don't have to really work at it, I'm only 10 days out, but it is different when you have your new band friend in there.....big difference for me. I'm amazed that I can tell when I'm satisfied...shocked that a small amount is ok & I enjoy it so much more than before. But still don't have a handle on when my stomach is full...working on that. I know there are many challenges ahead, but I'm thrilled with my decision.

Best wishes in your research & decision. You've come to a great place. Lots of info and straight forward talk!

[NM Sunshine 1]

Been reading the remarks from us all. I am not banded yet. Still researching. I have been trying to force myself to eat slower and chew better in preparation for the future. Its much harder then I expected it would be. I am not a fan of PB or any other such thing so it will be good reinforcement for me once I am banded. Thanks to all the good advice and info I am getting here.

Getting banded was one of the best things I have done for myself in years. Practicing the habits that will be forced on you after banding, and once you reach that 'sweet spot', is super wise. I didn't do much change until my 2ed fill. Then my band had a mind of it's own and imposed a swift punishment when I disobeyed (in the form of sliming, PB's and puking). Began to feel like an anorexic until I began to listen to the band.

Hey all if my cartoon shows then I have figured out how to do it......Get it??????????

[docsly 0]

I think I have found a niche. I am waiting for approval but I think I am ready for this. I am 61 so looks like I might be a little over the 50s but who cares. When I get started, I will begin to feel and act younger I know. Some really great advice on this forum!

[docsly 0]

What a great resource for her. This is the neatest forum. Everyone is offering such great advice to everyone.

[phyllser 3]

I think I have found a niche. I am waiting for approval but I think I am ready for this. I am 61 so looks like I might be a little over the 50s but who cares. When I get started, I will begin to feel and act younger I know. Some really great advice on this forum!

check out the new thread for 60+, too.

[IndioGirl55 32]

I think I have found a niche. I am waiting for approval but I think I am ready for this. I am 61 so looks like I might be a little over the 50s but who cares. When I get started, I will begin to feel and act younger I know. Some really great advice on this forum!

Docsly - it the 50's is the new 30's then heck the 60's are the new 40's (OMG I LOVED MY 40'S)

What a great resource for her. This is the neatest forum. Everyone is offering such great advice to everyone.

I would say that this site is the BEST - it is where i got all my info prior to being banded - this is a great place for support it's open 24/7 - and someone is always willing to help...

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Sometimes I feel like I am bulimic. I have to admit that sometimes when I

end up throwing up my meal, I think to myself "I didn't need those calories anyway"

[Road King 0]

OK I have 2 days to go. The surgery center called me yesterday afternoon and my surgery is scheduled for 9:00 Thursday. I have to admit I am nervous, but most of all I'm excited. I want to thank everyone for the info I have gotton from this site. I am ready to move onto the next phase of my life. Thanks again everyone.

[poodlecamper 0]

Hey Luvsrocks, sounds like you're doing really great!! Yesterday is the first day I felt "normal"--no constant burping, which hurt.

Today I start full liquids--appears my group is fairly strict. Just had my first Isopure shake, but only allowed 1/2 strength. I am so tired of sickening sweet clear liquids--but at the same time, I'm a little nervous about advancing after the gas I suffered.

food question: I've heard eggs can be hard to eat, and I love scrambled eggs. Anybody have any experience with Eggbeaters, do they cause PB's like whole eggs?

[NoMoreYoYo 0]

I attended my seminar last night and will finally get a doctor's consult soon and find out if my insurance company will require a 3 or 6-month diet. How ridiculous - I am sick of dieting, that is why I want to get banded!!! If dieting worked, I would need the surgery. Whatever. I will jump through their hoops since they are paying and I consider myself fortunate that I have insurance that covers WLS.

Anyway, the seminar was a dual seminar and covered both gastric bypass and lap band. The doctor was definitely a little biased towards GB because he has seen better results with it and has been doing it longer. OTH, when he listed all the post-surgery complications and problems, I know someone who has had GB that has one or all of the complications listed. I know 4 people I work with who had GB and they lost a lot of weight but are struggling with their health - anemic, ulcers, etc.

I know I will lose slower with the LB and may only get about 50% of my excess weight off but that is 40-50 pounds and I will feel 200% better. I want to KEEP this weight off, not just lose it. He had some interesting statistics - only 3% of the dieters/exercise group keep their weight off, compared to over 80% with WLS. He said even if patients gain some back he has never seen anyone gain all of it back unless they were unbanded. He talked about the "hunger" hormone ghrelin that spikes when you diet and causes you to be so hungry that you eventually break your diet. The GB suppresses this hormone and the LB does not, but the LB works by getting you to stop eating sooner.

I asked about what causes erosion and slippage and he said they really don't know, but he has never had a slipped or eroded band. He uses the Inamed AP band and says he is extra careful to stitch it in really good and he thinks this may be why his patients have fewer problems. He says he has heard of other surgeons who do not put in as many stitches.

The doc (Dr. Garth Davis of the show Big Medicine) also said he doesn't believe in filling super tight and thinks some of the problems are from patients with too much fill. They get frustrated when they hit a plateau and get another fill to boost their weight. Sometimes this is what you need (he said 4 fills were average) but it can start you on a cycle of vomiting and irritating your stomach if you are too tight.

Anyway, just wanted to share with someone who has been down this road ahead of me. I don't personally know anyone who is banded so you guys are all I got!:biggrin2:

[IndioGirl55 32]

Sometimes I feel like I am bulimic. I have to admit that sometimes when I

end up throwing up my meal, I think to myself "I didn't need those calories anyway"

Denise - I agree I think we get a little obsessive on the joinery - on my monthly thread - I posted the question is a fill most physiological or physical - I want a fill but I don't think I really need one - I will pb if I eat too much or too fast - but am full on 1 - 2 cups food - IMHO I don't think only eating 1/4 to 1/2 c per meal is very healthy.. I think we just want this weight gone now... I know I just want to get to the point of maintaining I worry about the whole - keeping your band so tight that you can't eat just to lose weight - that's no diff than being bulimic or anorexia.. Its the obsession issue I guess - I worry about abusing the band - but I don't think my doc will let me - since he wouldn't give me a fill last month - go tomorrow but have lost about 6 lbs in the last month so he may say I am doing ok and don't need one -

OK I have 2 days to go. The surgery center called me yesterday afternoon and my surgery is scheduled for 9:00 Thursday. I have to admit I am nervous, but most of all I'm excited. I want to thank everyone for the info I have gotten from this site. I am ready to move onto the next phase of my life. Thanks again everyone.

It's normal to be nervous - It helped me not to eat the day before surgery

I will keep you in my prayers for a safe surgery & speedy recovery.

Hey Luvsrocks, sounds like you're doing really great!! Yesterday is the first day I felt "normal"--no constant burping, which hurt.

Today I start full liquids--appears my group is fairly strict. Just had my first Isopure shake, but only allowed 1/2 strength. I am so tired of sickening sweet clear liquids--but at the same time, I'm a little nervous about advancing after the gas I suffered.

Food question: I've heard eggs can be hard to eat, and I love scrambled eggs. Anybody have any experience with Eggbeaters, do they cause PB's like whole eggs?

I eat both but prefer eggbeater as they have half the calories (I add a little cheese & shaved ham and veggies and make omelets )- I can eat them both with no problems - but that being said you will find that what I can it - you might not be able to - it's so diff for everyone - I eat rice every nite for dinner - never had a problem - I read where alot of people cant tolerate it... It's a trial and error basis to find out what you can and can't tolerate.

The doc (Dr. Garth Davis of the show Big Medicine) also said he doesn't believe in filling super tight and thinks some of the problems are from patients with too much fill. They get frustrated when they hit a plateau and get another fill to boost their weight. Sometimes this is what you need (he said 4 fills were average) but it can start you on a cycle of vomiting and irritating your stomach if you are too tight.

IMHO I think both bypass & lapband have there issues - I just didn't want to rearrange my inners - I agree with the super tight fills causing problems from what I have read and my doc had indicated. Also I think doc's push bypass cuz they make more $$ and for some it's is better than the band - especially those who have a big problem with sweets...

Also - I really think that they are doing a disservice to us telling us that we can't be 100% successful in getting ALL our weight off. If you have a mindset that I can't then you won't - but if it's I can then you will - I am a real believer in postative affirmations - Please don't think you will only get a limited number of pounds off - give your self a goal and strive for that - don't settle for less. You are women - you are strong - you can get it off...:rolleyes2:

[NoMoreYoYo 0]

IMHO I think both bypass & lapband have there issues - I just didn't want to rearrange my inners - I agree with the super tight fills causing problems from what I have read and my doc had indicated. Also I think doc's push bypass cuz they make more $$ and for some it's is better than the band - especially those who have a big problem with sweets...

Also - I really think that they are doing a disservice to us telling us that we can't be 100% successful in getting ALL our weight off. If you have a mindset that I can't then you won't - but if it's I can then you will - I am a real believer in postative affirmations - Please don't think you will only get a limited number of pounds off - give your self a goal and strive for that - don't settle for less. You are women - you are strong - you can get it off...:rolleyes2:

I don't want my stomach cut on and intestines re-routed either, which is why I am choosing the lap band route.

I agree with the mindset, but it is hard to stay positive when you have failed at so many diets.:tt1: I know this is not a diet, but right now it feels the same to me.

Thanks for your encouragement - it is much appreciated!!!

[southerngal_07 0]

Hey Everyone,

I will be 8 weeks post op on this Friday. I went for my second fill this afternoon. I have lost 24 pounds. I am very pleased. I go back in two more weeks to get my third fill. I haven't posted in a while but I read all the post every day. Indigo you still inspire me. I love your positive ways. Keep up all the good work. Brenda

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hey Everyone,

I will be 8 weeks post op on this Friday. I went for my second fill this afternoon. I have lost 24 pounds. I am very pleased. I go back in two more weeks to get my third fill. I haven't posted in a while but I read all the post every day. Indigo you still inspire me. I love your positive ways. Keep up all the good work. Brenda

Brenda

Congrats on 24 lbs GONE Good Job...

If I could only inspire 6 yr old gs

You already had a 2nd fill - that's fast Ok i see you go every 2 weeks -My 2nd fill was my sweet spot - but it has loosen just a tad - go tomorrow and need just a tad - but I have lost about 6 lbs since the last time I went on 12/21 - So pray he will fill me...

Good to hear from you... Keep us posted and just say Hi..

[luvsrocks 0]

Hey Everyone,

I will be 8 weeks post op on this Friday. I went for my second fill this afternoon. I have lost 24 pounds. I am very pleased. I go back in two more weeks to get my third fill. I haven't posted in a while but I read all the post every day. Indigo you still inspire me. I love your positive ways. Keep up all the good work. Brenda

24 lbs Gone! Wow! You are doing great. What do you think is your biggest challenge so far? I miss seeing your posts too!

Keep up the good work. You must feel so good.

Carol