magpel

Snowbird, How'd you get your insurance company to pay for the lap band?

Hey Sara! Great to hear you're doing so well! I think you did great on your pre-op diet! I only lost 4lbs on my pre-op :-( Since being banded, almost 2 weeks ago, I've lost 10lbs. I sure hope this weight loss continues. I know it comes off fast in the begining since we aren't really eating anything, I am commited to a new way of life, and my husband and kids will join me in this journey. We'll start having dinner at the dinning room table, instead of the couch. This will allow us to focus more on what we eat, and how we eat, instead of just eating while watching tv. I know that's a big one for me. I can totally snack while on the couch watching tv for an hour. Snack NO MORE! If I have a snack, I'll prepare it, and sit at the table. I think these few changes are going to be great helpers for me. I'm sorry Kyli got sick! I hope she's better! Peace, Maggie Banded 2-15-08 10lbs gone -60 more to go!!

I am a massage therapist, too. I had my band on 2/15 and have not returned back to work yet. Mostly because wehn I first got home I over did it with picking up my kids, etc. I was planning on taking at least one week, but scheduled 2 weeks off. I may go back to work next week, still not sure. I'm feeling much better, but realize that I don' t have as much energy as I should, and know that will transfer into a massage that has less than 100% intent. Since I have my own buisness, this works for me to decide when I go back. I've come down iwth a cough/cold/fever - so I've got zero energy right now. I may decide to see a few clients next week. But I'll make sure to take it easy. Good luck to you. Peace, Maggie

I've been taking Benefiber 3 times a day and have (thank god) no troubles with constipation!

THanks Dolittle, I'll search for your topic!

I agree with all the ladies here. I'd say put it off, keep on track with what your'e doing, and see what happens. If I could have lost the weight without surgery, I would have. I just had my 2nd baby 10 months ago, but while I was pregnant, I only gained like 3lbs. This was because my starting weight was so high, I didn't put any on. So after I had him I lost a few pounds, but I put it back on, and them about 15 more, not paying attention to what I was eating while having a newborn, and a tot. Before I had my first baby I was about 50lbs overwieght. After having her I put on about 15 extra lbs. Then I had my second and did the same. My goal is not to be skinny, but curvy and confident. I'm the gal that hates to work out becuase I am overwieght. I firmly beleive that when I loose about 50% of my goal weight I wll be much happier working out, and am just sucking it up now and doing lots of walking. I'll start going back to the gym in a few weeks, and hope that working out will allow this weight to come off a bit easier. Why not give yourself the opportunity to loose this extra weight. Worst case - you get the surgery later. Best case, you take it off yourself, and with that extra money, you take a fun family vacation! Good Luck to you. Peace, Maggie

Hi Kylis Mommy! We met while you were walking - I was waiting. I showed you pics of my little ones on that digital keychain. How are you doing? I'm sorry to hear you had a few bumps in the road (as I did). How's the weight loss going? Are you able to take pain meds yet? Crush them? I've got a nasty cough/cold right now and I'm crushing asprin to help. Thanks for sharing your experience. Peace, Maggie

Thanks for explaining that. Would you mind sharing where you got the information? I've been looking all over the web for that information - band size, ect, and have been unsuccessful in finding anything. Thanks again.

I also heard that you may never need a fill. It was told if you are loosing weight steadily you would not need a fill, the way the band was placed, it's already restricting how much food you can eat. I'd love to get more info on this, too. Peace, Maggie

While I'm not as experienced as Cynn, what she says certainly makes sense. I was banded under 2 weeks ago, and I've already lost 9lbs. I know everyone looses some weight right in the begining, and once back on solids it will be much more challenging. My plan is to drink eight very low caloric drinks or just plain old water. I don't think that is going to be a problem. I think my thing is salty food. I love salty over sweet. I've always been better at taking care of other people, making sure they are eating right, or offering healthy alternative. This is MY time. It's time for me to love myself as much as I lvoe others and show my body the respect it deserves. Can I suggest that you might want to hold off on the 2nd fill for a few weeks and cut out those sugary drinks - see what happens. If you really need something sweet, maybe you could try Crystal Light? I'm not sure how many calories are in one drink, but I think it's relatively low AND you'll get your sweet tooth coated. Also, maybe eating your meals off of the salad plate, instead of the dinner plate. OR maybe even spend the next few weeks eating lean cuisine or one of those healthy frozen meals - just to get you back on track. Good Luck to you, and all of use out there. One day at a time! Peace, Maggie

I'm only one week post surgery and I'm taking Protien Whey Powder. I mix it with 6oz of water and some Benefiber. It's really tasty. Who says you can only have 12oz to of liquid a day? Is this post surgery? How far out? Even when I was in the first week, I was drinking much more than 12oz of liquid a day. I was having at least 3 cups of chicken broth a day, plus water and fruit juice. I think I should be getting 50g of protien a day. Each protien drink I make has 24g of protien. I usually have two each day. You can also add tofu to anything - it blends great in chicken broth, your protien shakes or anything. It's a great source of protien! Peace, Maggie

So I never thought to ask the doctors - how long post-surgery do I have to wait until I can take a nice hot soak in the hot tub? I've been looking for info online, but can't seem to find any information on hot tubs and post surgery. Anybody? I'm really feeling a bit achy, and would love to spend 30 minutes night unwinding with a nice hot soak before bed. Thanks in advance if you have any information to pass along. Oh, also - I'm pretty excited, I've already lost 7lbs, just 8 days post-op! While I am starting to get a little hungry now and then, I'm doing pretty good. I think the hardest thing so far for me is to not be as active with my kids. I've got a 10 month old and an almost 3 year old and the baby always wants me to hold him, carry him, etc. My 3 year old wants to snuggle all the time! This has been so hard for me. I over did it the first 30 hours or so I was home, and paying for it now. Peace, Maggie

I'm not sure why you are getting so upset. This was part of my overall experience. I'm going to leave it at that. There is nothing gained by going round and round. We disagree. That is fine. We both have the right to our opinion. Good Luck to you. Peace, Maggie

Thankfully this Forum is for people to share their experiences. This was part of my experience. Much Peace, Maggie

Alicia, After talking with her, she told us there were no health issues, she was just unahppy with the extra few lbs she had put on due to menopause - I've already stated this. I only spoke what she told our group. She was not overweight. Her wanting to loose a few pounds is completely different from people who struggle with the extra 75, 100, 150, even 200 extra pounds. You must see that. If you felt you were carrying an extra 15lbs would you start working out and watching what you eat, or get the lap band? That's my point. She indicated she didn't go much in the way of working out, and her health was good - just going through menopause. It's possible she wasn't truthful with our group when we asked her why she wanted this surgery. I am just telling you what we were told. There is no need to be dissappointed in what I write. I only wrote what she told me, and my opinion. It's mine, and I own it. I am not resentful of her decision. I am disspointed that a medical doctor would agree to do this weight loss procedure on someone who had just a few pounds to shed. That is what you should have focused on. I apppreciate your opinion. I respect that you have your own thoughts. I think you are missing the point that she told us her story, and I just wrote what she told me when I was sharing my experience. Good Luck to you. Much Peace, Maggie

Hi Kate, I was told I could go to cream soups on day 6. I'm not sure if they tell everyone the same thing, but the nutritionist will give you guidelines of what you will need to do. I got the ok to eat ground up soft food 3 weeks post surgery. Week 4 is when I get to go to solids again. I will say that Post-Op really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I built it up to be something way more intense. The first week I only felt hungry for one day - day 5. I realized that I had not consumed enough liquids, which was likely the cause. I'm now on cream soups, protien drinks, still enjoying broth, juice and water. It was really strange how full I was after about 1/3 cup of soup. I'm happy to share some of my meals. I'd love for a MEAL BLOG to be started. We can all share reciepes that are healthy and tasty. Good Luck to you, girl. Much Peace, Maggie

Mona, Thanks for your reply. My stroy was intended to by read as just that - my story. I appreciate your comments. Snowbird, Thanks for your reply. Of course I'm happy with my decision to have the Lap Band. As I've stated before, I'm simply sharing my experience while there. I've been in the hospital a few times, and know sometimes things take time. I was simply recounting my expereince at the OCC, nothing more, nothing less. I hope you can appreicate that. Well wishes to you all. Much Peace, Maggie

Michelle, THANK YOU so much! I was feeling a bit attached. I thank you for respecting what I had to say, and let it be my experience. Have a blast while you are there!! A tip - I brought a jar of sodium free chicken stock powder and enjoyed that in my hotel room the day after I was banded. I just heated water in the coffee pot and had instant chicken broth! The hotel sells a bowl of broth, for like $5 or $6 a bowl. This was much cheaper. I saved my money and went shopping instead. I look forward to hearing all about your experience. Much Peace, Maggie

Grace, I beleive it would be unfair to misrepresent my journey. People are reading on this Forum to hear other people's experiences, have questions answered and share their stories. I'm simply doing the same. Would people rather have me lie? My comments about other peoples business --- I've done months of research on the Band, where to go to have it done, asked all my questions and was satisfied will all my answers. The gal I talk about - she made it our business when she shared why she was there, that she had to convince them to do the surgery, etc. She was not a canidate, as far as a canidate is define by the specs of being banded. That is a fact. Wanting people to only share the 'good' is just saying you don't want people to be aware of everything. I feel is was very fair, kind and honest in my writings. After your band, you are welcome to write about your experience. I pray that people don't come at you questioning how you felt and what your experience was. It's not a very good feeling to have people imply or say that your feelings are not your own. I am doing well. I'm healing on schedule. I'm out walking a few miles a day, and looking forward to being completely healed.

I wouldn't say that my experience was unpleasant. I'm just sharing what I did experience. I would still do it all over again. My journey has just started. Good Luck with your trip to the OCC, and I wish you all the success. Much Peace, Maggie

God4me, I'm a bit confused. I almost feel like you are attacking me for posting my experience. This was MY experience, and this forum is open for all kinds of posts. Of course I am focusing on my healing, health and future, but please don't discount my feelings. They are mine and I own and honor them. I never said anything nasty or horrible about the folks at the clinic, or the clinic itself. Nor did I say they didn't do a good job performing the surgery. I simply told my story, as others have told their stories. I wish you the best tomorrow. I have no doubt that you will be great, and I wish you luck in your journey. Much Peace, Maggie

I am confused by your comment of the surgery in the US. I will add that if I had this surgery in the US and was sent home the same day, I would have my family here to check on me, and make sure I was walking, etc. I am merely sharing my experience. I'm not suggesting the nurses did not check on me, I am saying that when I was awake, I didn't see any nurses. No one came in and asked me if I'd walked, or anything like that. Much Peace, Maggie

Hey girl, The shakes at Costco I was talking about are already made - they are the Kirkland brand, and I love them! A side note -- I am a mommy, too. I've got a 10 month old and a 2.5 year old. I'm am constantly trying to keep up with them. I make sure to find time to cook a meal, and have leftovers. Also when the kids go to bed I try and take care of lunches, etc. Some nites I'm not so successful, but I try -hehe. My soup receipes - no perfect measurements, sorry. I can tell you that last night I made roasted chicken and steamed broccoli for the hubbie and kids, so I used the leftovers for soup. Cream of Broccoli/Chicken Soup - 1 large roasted chicken breast (spices on chicken-ground clove, cinimon,cardomon, black pepper) - you can just roast with a little salt and pepper) 3 cups of organic (or homemade) chicken stock 2 cups steamed broccoli 1/2 cup light half and half 1 tbs of fresh ground black pepper 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbs flour Heat the stock with broccoli, salt and pepper for just a few minutes, cut up the chicken breast into cubes. Pour the broccoli and stock into blender, add the cubed chicken. Blend for about 30-45 second (until smooth). In the same pan, you can slowly heat up the half and half. Once heated pour the blended mixture into the pan and continue to cook for a few minutes. Mix about 3 tbs of cold water with 1 tbs of flour. Once it's mixed well, add to the soup. This will thicken it up a bit. Taste to see if you are missing anything. Cream of Mushroom Soup - (I have loads of Morel mushrooms already cooked and frozen, ready to go, but you can add any good meaty mushroom-porchini would be great!! - avoid white button mushroom) 1 cup sauted mushrooms (saute with 1/2 finely diced onion, 1 clove finely diced garlic, and 2/3 cup chicken stock) (start with about 2 cups diced mushrooms) 2 cups organic (or homemade) chicken stock 1 tbs of fresh ground black pepper 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp celery seed 1/2 tsp of garlic powder 1/2 cup light half and half 1 tbs flour Heat the stock with the sauted mushrooms, add all spices. Put in blender and pulse for about 20 seconds. Heat the half and half for a few minutes, add the blended mushroom/broth and heat on low for about 15 minutes. Mix about 3 tbs of cold water with 1 tbs of flour. Once it's mixed well, add to the soup. This will thicken it up a bit. Taste to see if you need anything. That's it. It took a little less than an hour to make both soups, and now I've got a weeks worth of soups that are good for me. Happy Cooking, Ladies. Much Peace, Maggie

I'm not suggesting it's ALL about the mighty dollar. But I (as all of the other surgery patients) was just so shocked that she was getting banded. She told us she had to convince them for 2 weeks to give her the surgery. I can't beleive that you (any of you) would go for the Lap Band if you were in need of loosing 15lbs. Really - after talking to her, hearing hear talking about it - you would question why they agreed to give her surgery. There was a gal there waiting for her fill, and she was making comments, too, on how she didn't understand why this gal was getting the Band. I'm not suggesting they are not nice, and kind. I'm just sharing my experience, recalling what happened from the time I landed until the time I got home. Clynn, honey I take no offense. We are all free thinkers. I know you had an awesome experience at the clinic. I think that's great!! Much Peace, Maggie

I have had the Costco version and they taste great. (pre-op) Post Op I purchased a Whey Protien powder (chocolate flavor, of course) that I mix with water. It gives me 24 g of Protien per 6 oz drink, and it's low in calories and fat. There is no soduim in it, either. I would suggest using that instead. You can blend it with ice -even a banana and have a yummy shake, that is filling. Can I suggest something though --- With all the time, energy and money you are going to be spending - you are going to relearn how to eat. Maybe you can take a little extra time for yourself to make sure you have time to eat a proper meal. I found that I was always taking care of someone else, and leaving mySELF behind. The diet shake would curb my hunger (pre surgery) and soon after I would head for the drive through. I found on the days I took time for mySELF and planned my meals, I was much more satisfied and was eating better. I'm only 6 days post-op, and ready for my cream soups. I spent about an hour last night making some homemade cream of mushroom and cream of broccoli/chicken soup. I took control of my soduim intake by making my own soup. I also took control over the fat content with the cream. I just had my first little bowl - I was very satisfied with my meal, ate just a little and feel great knowing that making it mySELF, knowing what I just put in my body - that in itself was very satisfying to me! Good Luck to you! Much Peace, Maggie