Sassy

Dolittle,

I'm curious why you think a 1 1/2 to 2 year out bandster have a "check-up"? If all is going well and we don't feel like anything is wrong, do you still think it should be done? - Just wonderin' after reading your last post.

CindyLou, You were right, I've gained 5 pounds. :lb20: I'm in a panic and told my hubby yesterday I was scheduling another "fill". I'm hoping I can get half of what was taken out, put back in, and that should be my sweet spot, I'm hoping for that anyway. I agree with your theroy that it's probably just a matter of becoming more hydrated, but anything over 5 pounds will be unacceptable to me. In fact, I think even the 5 pounds is pushing it. Thanks for your encouragement tho, every little bit helps.

Sounds like you are a planner. Good luck with all the changes you have facing you, and enjoy life. :bye:

I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Don't be alarmed if you initially gain a little weight....3 or 4 lbs...due to becoming more hydrated. At least a few of those lbs could have come from not having enough fluids. BUT...once you get back in balance I have a feeling your are going to start losing again. And getting those fluids down are going to make SUCH a difference in how you feel.

Yep, it will be baby time soon. The main reason I got the band was to lose weight and get healthy before having a baby. (and of course keep it off for a lifetime..)I want to start off health in the beginning. So I figure 2-3 more months of losing (hopefully 20-30 more lbs now that I have a good fill)...then 2 months of a holding pattern, then BABY TIME. I am going through some major changes at work (good changes) and then it will be a good time to shake things up a bit )

AngieB,

Cheyenne, all my life. Where are you now?

Sassy - I notice you are from Wyoming. I grew up in Wheatland, WY and lived in Cheyenne. Where abouts are from?

Valley Girl,

I see that you had a complete unfill in August of this year. Do you mind sharing why you completely unfilled your band?

Yeah, without those "stop signs" I would never stop eating....which is why I tell my friends the band is basically "forced behaviour modification" for me!

Sabrina:)

Hi CindyLou,

My "unfill" went perfectly well. They took .2 cc's out, and initially I felt I had lost all of my restriction with just that small amount taken out. However, since then I'm back to feeling the restriction I should be feeling without PB'ng, acid reflux, total exhaustion etc. Right now I'm feeling I made the right decision, I listened to what my body was telling me, and believe me it wasn't good. I may need to be a bit more aware what I'm putting into my mouth now, to avoid any weight gain, but we should be doing that anyway, right?

As I've stated previously, I don't post much, but I noticed you are going to be working on having a baby. How exciting - I wish you much luck.

how did it go today??

BrandNewDawn,

Thanks for the link. It was very informative, and a little scary. I go for my unfill today, in a couple of hours to be exact. Wish me luck.

Sassy >

Sassy,

Here is a link to this topic from last week:

http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=11038

Some good information in there. Take care.

I'm new to posting, but not new to the band. I was banded in November 2007, and have read many of your posts since then. Usually, if I search hard enough I can find answers to my questions.

I have a 10cc band, have had 4 fills since my surgery in November of 2007. For the most part, didn't see much progress until my last fill which was in mid-August, 2009. I've lost a total of 50 pounds since surgery, 30 of those since my last fill. I take full responsibility for how slow my weight loss has been because I wasn't getting fills like I should have. I continued putting off getting a fill in an attempt to save money, and finally woke up to the fact that without the proper fill, my initial investment was a waste. Ultimately, I would like to loose another 15-20 pounds, but if I don't, that's OK too, as long as I don't gain any.

Now, for the real reason for my post. As I said, my last fill was just one month ago, and I've lost about 30 pounds since then. I know I am over-filled because I literally can not keep anything down. I even have trouble with fluids, thus I'm pretty dehydrated. I know it's dangerous so I broke down and made an appointment for an "unfill" next week. My fill doctor will not be happy with me, I know. - It's only if you've waited as long as I have (nearly 2 years), to see real progress, that I would expect you to understand. I've known I've needed the unfill, but am so afraid that I'll gain some of the weight back. Anyway, can anybody tell me what the dangers are to the band if you remain over-filled? I'm quite sure I know what the dangers are physically if I continue down the path I'm on, but right now, I'd like to know if I'm putting my band in danger.

Thanks to anybody who responds, and congratulations to all of you who have succeded.

Thanks to Carrie for bringing up something that I have been dealing with, and it sounds like many of you have as well. I am approaching my one year anniversary for placement of my band. November, 2007 was when I got my band. I haven't been on the forum for months and months. To date, I've lost 22 pounds and have had three fills. - It looks to me like I'm "eating around the band" which is a phrase I've heard. - I've known a few people personally who have the band and ALL of them have been more successful than I. Twenty-two pounds in 10 months, what's wrong with me? Talk about ashamed and embarrased.

I just keep plugging along and trying to convince myself that losing the weight slowly, is better for me in the long run, but I certainly had myself mentally prepared for better than this. I'm pretty bummed about it, but at the same time, I blame only myself. I'm the one that continues to eat what I want instead of what I should.

I'm happy for all of you who have been more successful than I and will continue to watch the forum for all of your support. It does help!

Sassy

Thanks for the nice comments. I really do appreciate it. I hope reading my story can offer encouragement to someone. The thing that I've come to realize is that this band is just a tool...and even after making the commitment (both emotional and financial) to change your life...well, sometimes you have to "Re-Commit". I lost about 40 lbs in the first 6 months after my surgery, but then didn't lose another single pound (in fact, I gained 5) for a whole year. I finally had a long talk with myself and decided it was time to stop making excuses and finish what I had started...time to "re-commit" to changing my life.

I wasn't kidding when I said that I still struggle every single day...eating less, if you are eating junk...not so helpful. It is easy to "cheat the band". What has helped me is keeping track of what I eat. I allow myself once a week to eat whatever I want (which is usually sushi!!) and also it has helped me tons that I hired a trainer...I am actually enjoying going to the gym now and I've even started jogging (and like it)-- but knowing that I've paid someone to hang out with me and push me at the gym helps A LOT! I don't post a lot, because I don't feel like I've done a very good job with this thing...but, we're all human, and if it were that easy, none of us would have the band in the first place, right? I had really hoped to be at my goal weight by my 2 year anniversary date and am trying not to beat myself up that I didn't make my goal...gotta be realistic. I know I'll get it done...just gonna take a bit more time.

So, don't get down on yourself, if like me, your weight loss has been slower than you'd hoped. RE-COMMIT and finish what you started!! You really can do it...we all can!

Hugs from Cancun...

Kris

(re: OCC location in Cancun...even though it is still advertised on the website, there is no location here)

Kris,

Thanks again for all your great words of encouragement. You should certainly consider yourself a success story. Enjoy Cancun you devil. :-h

(

sassy,

i was just like you, i lost very little wt from nov 06 to april 07 --- i would suggest you start counting calories.. for some reason i though eating 2/3 less in food would make me lose but i was just maintaining.. i had to really cut the calories down to 1200 to 1400 a day to see any wt loss... i still have averaged 1 lb a week but now the difference is huge... hang in there a refocus.. thats the best part about the band - you can start over every single day and not feel so bad! you can do this.

kim

Kim,

Thanks for your words of encouragement, I most definitely need them. I admit, I thought the same way, that if I'm eating 2/3 less food, who cares what it is. I can't believe it doesn't matter. Who'd a thunk? After reading you and Kris' messages, I guess I have no choice but to totally change the way I've been thinking. Like you and Kris have said, refocus - recommit. I do worry that I may have "stretched" my band, but I say that only because of the amount of food I can still put away. (

I will keep in touch, tho I don't post often, to let you know If I've been able to grab myself up by the bootstraps and start over.

Thanks again for your comments,

Kris,

You are such an inspiration. You are a beautiful young lady and without even knowing you, I'm very proud of you. I wish so much that I could make a similar post. I was banded the first week of November, 2007 and to date have lost only 16 pounds. I have had one fill, which ocurred the first week of January 2008 and I haven't lost but about 2 or 3 pounds since then.

I'm pretty convinced that I must be eating around the band, and definitely know that I'm not getting proper amounts of exercise. I read posts such as yours and feel so happy for you, yet so defeated for myself. You'd think I'd get with it after investing so much money, which by the way was out of pocket.

You keep up the good work and enjoy your life, you deserve it.

You can go to Starbucks and order a fat free, sugar free latte; not as creamy as whole milk, but you can get used to it. The machine stuff will kill you though. The beer on the weekends will also kill your diet, plus the bubbles are not good for your band.

Hey Snowbird, Thanks for the advice, but I refuse to pay Starbucks price for a latte. I guess I'll just have to stop the "gas station" cappucinno at least until I've dropped more weight.

Ron, Where did you have your surgery?

I'm hugely disappointed to hear how bad the "gas station" cappuccino is for us. I haven't doubted that they probably have alot of sugar in them, but it has to be made with fat free dry milk. Have you ever seen them change the drink mix in one of those machines? It's all powder product mixed with hot water. I'm a little confused why they can be so bad for us. -- Other than the sugar. I guess the reason I'm posting this is because not only was I a diet coke junkie, but I'm a cappuccino junkie too. Now learn that I must give up my favorite coffee drink too? Hmmm! No wonder I'm not losing any weight.

Suzie,

You go girl, I'm proud of you. I'm scheduled for my band next Thursday the 7th. Your story helps with all the apprehension I'm experiencing. I'd like to chat off site if you are willing. If so, please e-mail me to let me know. Thanks, and keep up the good work. =D>

Hi Shanny, Thanks for your comments. I am going to TJ for my surgery on the 6th of November with surgery on the 7th. I have some concerns, nothing that everybody else hasn't felt I'm sure, but I know I'll be fine. I wish you much luck and great success.

Hi Sassy,

I sent all my paper work in this week and my deposite. I am scheduled November 16th in TJ. When is your daite? I too am scared. I have started the lliquids and doing okay. I am trying to focus on what this tool will bring, not how hard it is. So far I have lost 5 lbs. Not a great deal but it is a start. I so want to change my health and that is my motivation. I have also bought my ticket down south. Yikes. That means I am really going. I won't be too anxious until I have to leave and so thankful to have a friend come along. I hope you have a support group. Do you? I have several friends I have confided in but keeping my co-workers out of the loop. I will wait until they start asking or commenting. I don't want to feel I am being "WATCHED" and just want to enjoy the ride.

When I decided, I started eating all my favorites. As I have gotten closer to November 1st, I have eatten less and less. Now I am on the liquid protein. I have about 3 weeks. I am sure I can make it. I will endure this because I am worth it!1 Good luck to you. Let me know if you are going at the same time and same place.

Shanny

Great attitude Tammy. Are you having your surgery in Nebraska or elsewhere? I was originally scheduled for surgery on the 24th of October but due to the fires in San Diego they rescheduled me for November 7th. I'm still pretty scared about everything that has to be done once we have the band placed, but I'm willing to give it my very best attempt. Nothing else has worked for me.

Take care, and good luck.

I'm a newbie too! My surgery is out a ways--January 24. I'm a nurse so since the holidays are "just around the corner" this was the soonest date with the least amount of explaination. Not only am I a bit afraid of failing--tried Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, TOPS, Atkins,.......to infinity and beyond!!!.......but I've also met with some harsh criticism from any coworkers who do know what is pending for me. (If you had more willpower, you wouldn't be needing surgery OR even....If you can't even follow a simple diet--how do you expect to be a good role model as a nurse?---OUCH!!) My credibility has suffered in my workplace--but you know what? If I have to....I can get another job. What I can't get is another body without help. I have exercised and struggled for years--I refuse to be beaten down or defeated. I CAN follow a diet when I see results but I certainly can follow a program if I have a "buddy". I'm naming my Lapband "Lappy" the body-buddy. I have faith in those who have gone before me to open my eyes to the hazards and I'm sticking to the trail you all have forged! Ready or not---here I LOSE!

Hi all, I was originally scheduled for surgery on the 26th but got rescheduled due to the California fires. Has this happened to anyone else? Wow! Was that ever a disappointment. All the planning, fretting, etc. I do feel bad about the people who have been evacuated from their homes, and their issues are far more important than my surgery. Still can't help being a bit disappointed tho. I'm now scheduled for the 7th of November. I do hope the fires are under control by then.

Hey Dixichic, I'm not going to be much help to you, as my banding is scheduled after yours, on the 26th to be exact. I wanted to let you know tho, if you just read all the blogs on this site, most all your questions will be answered in one way or another. It inspires me to hear your enthusiasm. I'm excited about the idea of loosing weight and feeling better, but I'm very apprehensive about the whole thing as well. I wish you luck and great success.

Sharon,

I went along with my daughter to Dr Ortiz's clinic last year when she had her surgery. My insurance will pay for this surgery, but my husband and I are still going to Dr Ortiz. Hope that tells you how we feel!

Snowbird, I'm not sure how to read your comment, can you expand. When you say "but my husband and I are still going to Dr. Ortiz", it almost sounds like a negative remark. Am I reading something that isn't intended?

Thanks to those who responded, it really does help. It sounds like all we need to do to avoid PBing is to follow the instructions about eating slowly, chewing your food and not to over eat. Do we have to deal with the possibility of PBing for the rest of our lives tho? How do we know what foods are going to be a problem until it actually happens? Does that mean that eventually we will experience the PBing it's just a matter of time?

Wow! What exciting responses. Thanks to all of you who offer so much encouragement to us Newbies. =D>

Hi all, This is my very first post so bear with me. I'm scheduled for surgery in a couple of weeks, and I can't believe how scared I am. ( The whole reason we are here is because we don't know how to stop eating when we should. I'm afraid that even with the band, I'll eat more than I should, and once again I will fail at my attempt to be thin. Would someone explain what "PBing" and "Sliming" means. I'm sure it will all be explained to me once I get to the clinic for my pre-op and post-op, but I'm pretty curious now. I continue to read your blogs some of which give me strength and some that don't. I need as much encouragement as I can possibly get. I'm also concerned about getting through those three weeks of liquid only. Yikes!!!