Knockouts March '08 chat!

[NukeChik 1]

I had my second fill today. I have no idea what my cc count is in my band, my doc won't tell us that stuff! I know that I have more restriction now. I just hope it lasts. My next fill is scheduled for April 1st. I was worried about weight loss on the scale, but I lost 6 pounds in about 28 days, so I'll take it!! I'm hoping that this fill will help bump my weight loss up. I've started the Couch to 5K program so that should help also!!!

[kcintx 0]

This is a good thread.. I read all of it, and find I'm not the only one.. Thanks Ang!! I guess sometimes we need to hear from someone else whether we're doing good or not.. This morning, hubby called me skinny.. I smiled so hard!! He's never called me that, even when I truly was a size 8.. I cried on the way to work.. This is going to be the new me.. cravings for sugar, wanting that slice of bread, seeing donuts dancing in my dreams!! It's going to be ok.. I can do this.. Easier than before, I have support, I have all of you and I have this great band that is going to keep me in check.. My incision boo-boo is sooo much better today, every morning its getting closer to being closed.. So I'm looking at the calendar for a fill date. I can't wait.. I think at some point during the day, I eat something fast, big mouth full, just to see if it will hurt.. to remind me that its there.. Soooo, I work in a small medical dept of a large system.. I got the lady to xray me!! AND ITS SOOO AWESOME, I HAVE A PIC OF MY PORT AND BAND.. I brought it home and hung it in the bathroom, so I can see it!!!!!!

Nukchik.. good the fill.. 6pounds works great!! way to go....

[dianegoe 0]

I haven't allowed myself anything sweet since the surgery. I am afraid that if I do then I will crave sugar again. It seems easier not to have any, then have to go thru that again. I just take it one day at a time. But I had my first fill last week and he put 2cc in and I felt no restriction. But I wasn't sure it was in the band. I went back yesterday and he added 1 cc and I feel restriction now. I am going on a cruise next weekend and I told him I do not want to be able to eat alot. So he gave me another fill. I was feeling hungry and I did not want to feel hungry. Now I felt better today. I think we paid a lot of money for this tool and we should make it work for us. If we aren't feeling restriction then we need to let the Drs. know. I just don't know if you get over restricted can it happen days later? I waited a week with no restriction. And as soon as I got the 1cc yesterday I felt restriction. I am happy with the band. I have lost about 25# so far. I do not want to fail again. Good luck to everyone. My Doc gives a little local before fills, so other than a little sting from the local, I don't feel anything. But last week I thought I felt pressure when he injected the saline. This week I did not feel it. So I wonder if it was in my skin last week and not the port. He says no. Diane

[RedTulips3 0]

Just 3 servings of something with sugar in it had started my sugar cravings again.

It's amazing how such a little amount can bring back the cravings. I've had that experience before, but not from one sugar drink.

Girlie, can you tell me some pointers to doing something similar to what you are doing with Atkin? I've never done Atkins before and it seems to be working for you - do you have any base tips on where to get started? What kind of things do you eat for breakie/lunch/dinner? You are doing so fabulously keep up the awesome work and to lose all that weight before surgery is awesome!!!

Wow that is crazy! But interesting because my sugar craving mode has been kicking in full force lately and I wonder if I drank or ate something not realizing that made it do the same.

I am a big fan of Atkins. I've never done South Beach or anything like that so I can only tell you what I do. The reason why I like it so much is that my physical cravings for sugar/carbs completely disappear! Before doing low carb, my eating was a cycle of constant carb cravings and blood sugar highs and lows that I couldn't escape. Pasta is my favorite food but I have no desire to eat it.

You can read some of the articles on Atkins - Atkins and/or read the book to understand how it works. Basically, the first 2 weeks (called induction) you keep your carbs below 20 grams. You don't have to count calories or worry about fat. The 20 grams come from the carbs that are naturally in non-starchy vegetables.

The first week can be really hard because your body is still craving the carbs. After that though your blood sugar stabilizes and the cravings go away. Your body naturally is stays satiated longer by Protein and fat and so you end up eating a lot less too, so even though you don't have to count calories, you end up eating less calories.

Pre-band Breakfast was a slimfast low carb shake or eggs. Now it's just a shake because it's easier. lunch is a salad with tuna or turkey/chicken with full fat dressing. dinner is chicken or meat and vegetables. snack is almonds, low carb Protein Bar, sugar free jello/pudding or sugar free chocolate. Pre-band I kept my carbs as low as possible and basically did induction the whole time so I could get off as much weight as possible before surgery. If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

I was also exercising and I am still exercising. It definitely definitely helps with weight loss 100%. I started out really slowly and just added more when I felt I could handle it.

Such a low carb plan isn't for everyone. I see plenty of people here on LBT who eat all foods and rely solely on counting calories or don't count calories at all and just stop when they're full. I just had my first fill tonight so I'm just starting the search for the "sweet spot" journey. If I find that I can add some carbs in like whole grains and oatmeal and such and still lose weight then I might do that, who knows? We'll have to see.

[RedTulips3 0]

Hey fellow Knockouts! How's it going?

A few days after my first fill last week, I was able to eat everything I was able to eat before and just as much. I found out that I do have some restriction because I had my first sliming experience this week.

I was eating a slice of deli turkey and I must not have chewed it well enough. I freaked out because I've been so careful about chewing my food as to avoid PBing for as long as possible. I got a tightness in my chest, but I thought that it was stomach telling me I was full. Of course this had to happen at the end of my lunch and as I was on my way to my next class. So there I am standing in a crowded elevator and the slime starts pooling in my mouth and I have no where to spit it! I got out of the elevator,found myself a tissue, sat down and tried to relax.

Luckily, after 5 minutes, it finally passed and I breathed a sigh of relief. I got off easy this time. Now I am being super careful with my chewing. Nothing else has happened since then and I hope it will stay that way for a while!

[AlisaH 1]

Hi Knockouts!

I have my first fill today so I am a little anxious, not so excited about going back to all mushies for the next couple of days, but hopeful to have more restriction as right now it is really minimal. I'll be leaving in a couple of hours and at least I am going into the weekend!

Wish me luck!

Alisa

[Chrisann 0]

I realized this morning that my next fill is next Thursday, and I will be on a liquid diet for my nephew's birthday party on Saturday and on mush for Easter Sunday.

I was on liquid for all the Christmas parties, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and had my surgery on New Years Eve. So, I am missing another holiday....:angry_smile:. I am cooking for both the party and Easter.:cursing:

[MamaJava 1]

I realized this morning that my next fill is next Thursday, and I will be on a liquid diet for my nephew's birthday party on Saturday and on mush for Easter Sunday.

I was on liquid for all the Christmas parties, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and had my surgery on New Years Eve. So, I am missing another holiday....:angry_smile:. I am cooking for both the party and Easter.:cursing:

This just goes to show how totally different everbody's surgeons are. After my fills, I'm only on full liquids for the remainder of my fill day, then soft foods the next day, then back to regular foods on day 3. It's gotta be hard going to functions while on mushies or liquids. I remember that right after my surgery, it seemed everybody wanted to invite me to special dinners or birthdays or anniversaries...UGH! :cursing: Even harder when you gotta cook for any of them. (((HUGS)))

[Ang1982 4]

RedTulips - thanks for the Atkins info, I am definitely going to keep that plan in mind. My general plan is - I am counting calories but not really counting more like - watching calories. I do not want to count calories for the rest of my life on everything I eat so I am trying to make wiser choices in food and to eat premeasured amounts or stop when full and then if that doesnt seem to be cutting it then I am going to reevaluate the plan.

Sorry to hear about your slime episode, that does not sound fun at all. I am not looking forward to my first one thats for sure.

I have had my first fill on Monday and yesterday/today was my first days of eating "normal food" after the "liquid stage post fill". Last night I had an omellete for dinner that went down good, not a big piece, I made one big omellete for my DF and I and I cut a small piece off the end. I didn't even finish the last two bites because I was starting to feel full and stopped eating. I am trying to teach myself that if I get that kinda full feeling I do not have to finish my plate because a) the food is there and :biggrin: it tastes good. Today for lunch I was invited out to the Pub with some of the ladies at work - they make a fantastic chicken quesadilla that comes cut in 3 sections. I ate one section for lunch and I feel full. I packaged up the others to take home and I'll have another section for dinner and feed the other piece to the DF with whatever else I'll make him.

So with my first fill, I think I do have restriction as eating 1/3 of a quesadilla did fill me up (same with my small omellete) but I don't think I have a whole lot - while I am careful to chew I do still take what I would think is larger than would be required with great restriction type bites. But, it's a start!!! :smile:

[NukeChik 1]

Hey guys,

Sorry to hear about your slime episode Red. I haven't had a really good one since my first month. An overcooked shrimp just didn't agree with my band. They had an argument and I ended up in the powder room.

I'm really working towards the workout goal. It has really helped me to have the deadline. I think I'm on track to make it! I actually worked out 3 nights in a row this week. Thats really kinda unusual for me. I know we are expected to do it 5 times a week, but I really lay it on. I'm up to being able to run for 2 solid minutes on the treadmill so far. I also bought a bosu ball. I had went through some classes on them before and really like it. It also burns a ton of calories. I'm still a little leary about bouncing on it though. I've tried to read the literature and see if there's a weight limit and I can't find one. Oh well, most things will usually accomodate 250 lbs and I'm actually below that now.

My weight loss has been super slow, I think its mostly my fault. I'm having major issues with afternoon hunger. I do so well at work with a small Breakfast and low cal lunch, then when I get home I head for the chips or cheese and crackers. I can't eat them like I used to, but its still calories that I shouldn't be having. I've tried adding a Protein shake about 2 o'clock, it seems to be helping.

I have had 2 fills and no restriction yet. Don't get me wrong, bread is pretty much out of the picture now. Until this last fill, I hadn't really experienced what is was like to "fill" my pouch. I can do that now it just empties to fast. I have another fill on April 1st so maybe that will do it and I'll get some restriction.

I'm also really concerned with my docs lead time on fills. A lady I work with (she's been banded about 2.5 years) has been needing fills and they've not been able to get her in till 3 weeks later. That concerns me so much. When I went to my consult my surgeon assured me that they would be aggressive with my fills and weight loss. I hope that starts to happen after this 3 month regime. They set you up on monthly fills for the first 3 months. Even though I have no restriction they won't let me come in till my monthly appt. That ends on April 1st though, so I'm worried I won't get any restriction from that fill either and then will have to wait another month or more!!:biggrin:

[Jill Talbot 0]

Howdy-Doo Knockouts!

Life is good here in Chicago. I was banded on January 14th and for a good two months after, the weather was brutal. I hoped for lengthy post-op walks with my lovely dog Sally, but the temps and wind chill made that impossible. Our walks were reduced to minutes, so Sally could do her business and we could run back inside (I'm in a condo).

During the deep-freeze I went to my local "Curves" five times a week. As I write, it's been 72 hours after my first fill (1CC). My appetite and thoughts of food/cooking is zero. I find this to be so powerful.

Watching The food Network has always been a weekend morning routine for me, and it still is. I love the artistry of some (not all) of the on-air chefs….without the stomach grumblings that once led me to a fattening weekend lunch.

To the contrary, I look at each finished product on Food Network – and I wonder how hard and long I would have to chew it. This would astound my pre-op self.

Best of luck to you all!!!

[BensonRN 0]

Hi Everyone I am so glad everyone is doing well. Has any one heard how Greeneyz is? I hope well. I have lost 34 lbs since this whole journey has began. 2 episodes of PBing after my first fill. I got 2.5 cc my first time. I got pretty good restriction. I am going to call today and schedule my second I feel like I am ready now. It has been about 3.5 weeks. I am 1 pound from onederland. Very excited. I started working out last week.. I went 4 times. My goal is 2-4 times per week. I really am glad I did this. It has been hard but it is worth it. Good Luck every one, Talk to you soon.

[Ang1982 4]

Hi Everyone I am so glad everyone is doing well. Has any one heard how Greeneyz is? I hope well. I have lost 34 lbs since this whole journey has began. 2 episodes of PBing after my first fill. I got 2.5 cc my first time. I got pretty good restriction. I am going to call today and schedule my second I feel like I am ready now. It has been about 3.5 weeks. I am 1 pound from onederland. Very excited. I started working out last week.. I went 4 times. My goal is 2-4 times per week. I really am glad I did this. It has been hard but it is worth it. Good Luck every one, Talk to you soon.

1 lb from onderland! WOOHOOOOO very exciting :shades_smile: keep up the great work.

[MamaJava 1]

Just got home from 2nd fill today. He added 2 more cc's for a total of 5 altogether. I'm really, REALLY hoping this does something for me. Still not losing weight, and working out 6 days per week, eating fantastic and journaling everything that crosses my lips. I'm pissed, and getting more pissed every time I weigh myself and the scale doesn't even budge.

He said if there is still no weight loss after this fill before my next one (April 16), then he will run some metabolic blood work on me again. I think he's as frustrated as I am, even after he and the nutritionist reviewed my food journals and can't find a damn thing wrong with what I'm doing. I even track my weak moments when I don't do so well and they said that shouldn't be affecting me negatively since I'm doing so well overall.

I don't know. We'll see what happens now. :confused2:

[Ang1982 4]

Just got home from 2nd fill today. He added 2 more cc's for a total of 5 altogether. I'm really, REALLY hoping this does something for me. Still not losing weight, and working out 6 days per week, eating fantastic and journaling everything that crosses my lips. I'm pissed, and getting more pissed every time I weigh myself and the scale doesn't even budge.

He said if there is still no weight loss after this fill before my next one (April 16), then he will run some metabolic blood work on me again. I think he's as frustrated as I am, even after he and the nutritionist reviewed my food journals and can't find a damn thing wrong with what I'm doing. I even track my weak moments when I don't do so well and they said that shouldn't be affecting me negatively since I'm doing so well overall.

I don't know. We'll see what happens now. :confused2:

Oh girlie how frustrating! Is your band a 10 cc band? so you are now 5cc in a 10cc? Hopefully this fill works great for you. Continue to work it the way you have been as you are doing great with working out, journaling and whatnot. *big hugs* hope this fill is a success for you. Hang in there!