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Kittycat

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Posts posted by Kittycat

  1. losing weight

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or ideas that i could use. I was banded on 4/18, and i was doing really well losing about 1 pound per day. However, for the last 2 days i have not had any changes and it look like i gain a pound. I am not sure if i am not eating enough and my body is going into starvation mode. This is my typical day

    morning: slim fast shake

    mid morning: protein water

    lunch shake

    afternoon: 30 ounzes of protein water

    popsicle

    dinner: shake

    popsicle.

    I believe is around 900 calories. I know that i am supposed to have at least 1200 calories per day, but i cant eat food yet. ANy help :((

    Hi Lock27,

    A pound a day is more than standard...generally it's 1-2 lbs per week. So I would not worry about stalling for a couple of days. However, if you don't eat/or take in enough calories, your body will go into starvation mode and your weight loss will stall indefinitely. Try to take in more calories if you can...best of luck Cathy

  2. 2 Month Post Op Pics

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    WOW WOW WOW!!

    OMG YOU CAN SEE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!! AND YES I AM SHOUTING!

    Your transformation is so inspirational and definitely makes my decision to do this the right one!

    In one month I will take before pics as well...and start my journey as a bandster on June 10th!

    Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and all of your knowledge.

    YOU GO GIRL!!!

    Cathy XO

  4. bad for your band

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    No soda????????? I drink 6 - 8 diet coke's a day - I know a total addict. What happens if you drink one?

    I am with you Jacqui1...and I learned alot about myself when I had the flu last week and wicked gas pains, I could not drink anything carbonated. I drank cranberry juice and water...and amazingly did not miss the diet coke at all...mind you now that I am feeling better I am drinking it again, but now I know I can do without it...if I have an uncontrollable craving, I will flatten it or swish and spit. LOL!!! It's the carbonation that stretches the band.

    As the other ladies have said, you will be surprised what willpower you will have to do the right thing!!

    Take care Cathy

  5. Proper fill key to success???

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I think the success depends on both, the right fill and choosing healthy foods. You can have the perfect fill and eat fries and ice cream, although you may be eating less than you did before, these food choices are not going to promote weight loss.

    Not to say that you can't have a treat once in a while, but on an ongoing basis the goal is still to lose weight and the band is a tool to help you eat less and digest more slowly. It's all about what you eat that counts.

    Hope this helps! Best of luck, Cathy

  7. Working with the band.

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Thanks Momof12,

    Question: Are you really a Mom of 12?

    My understanding is that the diet depends on the doctor...but from what I have been reading here....it's 3-5 days clear liquids, consumme, water, juice etc. and then onto non-clear liquids, such as creamy soups, yogurt drinks, anything that can go thru a straw for a week or so...then mushy foods, mash potatoes, yogurt, pudding, mashed veggies, etc.

    Thanks for your suggestions, much appreciated!

    Cathy

  8. Working with the band.

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Ladies,

    I am looking for suggestions for bring to work meals during the early stages of banding.

    I plan to take about a week off work after surgery, so that I will be past the clear liquid and well into the creamy soups stage of the post-op diet. I work in an office with a kitchen, fridge/freezer, microwave, water cooler.

    I would love some suggestions on what you bring to work for lunch.

    Thanks Cathy

  9. Making the WLS decision-Lapband vs. MGB

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I researched all options, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and lap banding. Even though you have have more f/up visits with the band, the surgery is less invasive and you recover more quickly. I was not keen on getting my stomach cut or stapled, which again lead me into the lap band direction. Lap band is considered permanent as the other surgical options are, but it can be removed, if medically necessary or if I choose to.

    The diet plan for all three options is not much different, the weight loss with the band is slower, which is also what I wanted to minimize loose skin and have the opportunity to exercise and create some muscle where the fat is slowly reducing.

    I live in Ontario, Canada, where gastric bypass and duodenal switch are covered by our provincial health care plan in Ontario...so I could get it completely paid for....but I chose to pay for by lap band at a whopping 15K. If that doesn't tell you something about how sure I am about the band?!

    Only you can decide what is right for you. Good luck with your decision.

    Cathy

  11. Starting My Preop Today

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Wow, good for you! I can't say that I have seen that reaction before, most people dread the pre-op diet. I like your attitude much better!! Good for you!

    I can't say that I will be looking forward to mine, but I am certainly looking forward to the potential of losing the weight in just two short weeks!!

    Best of luck and keep us up to date on your progress!

    Take care, Cathy

  12. Any scars?

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    I am getting my band on June 10th!!! But...here in Canada.

    I had gallbladder surgery a few years ago...and the incisions are very similar to the banding ones...and mine are faded and hardly noticable at all. I don't expect to be wearing a bikini even when I am thinner, so I am okay with my mini road mapping.

    There is scar cream available, I believe the ladies were discussing it yesterday.

    Best of luck and keep us up to date on how you are doing!!

    Cathy

  13. MamaMichelle

    in Weight Loss Surgery Testimonials

    Posted

    Wow, it's amazing to see the transformation!

    I never thought to buy a goal outfit or dress and try it on as I progress...that is a fabulous idea!

    BTW you look fantastic, I can't wait to see you in that dress, all dolled up for a evening out with your hubby!!! He better start saving for that night out!! LOL!!

    Take care Cathy

  14. Protein Water

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    I am in Canada and we do not have Special K Protein water, unfortunately.

    I do have another question, the tasteless protein powders...how many calories are they per serving? Do you had them to water or milk or food or all?

    I am trying research ahead of time and narrow down some choices.

    We do have protein water here. I guess I assumed that it would less calories than 50 (Sp K)???

    Thanks ladies, Cathy

  15. Walk, walk, walk

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Great news Paula Bee!!

    I know about pain, hips, knees and sciatica...my doctor told me to loose the caboose and my pain would reduce or go away...and you know what, I have lost 10 lbs, just trying prepare for the banding process and it has helped already. Even my breathing when I walk is better....so there is no doubt that weight has everything to do with how your body reacts. I am so looking forward to being pain free and being able to walk without huffing and puffing!!

    All the best Cathy

  16. Calling all June Bansters...Who has a June surgery date??

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Deb,

    Congrats to you. Quitting smoking and pre surg. weight loss too. You go girl.

    I had my surgery last year, this week. I too, had to lose some weight before the surgery to shrink my liver to enable the doctor to get in there, to the stomach easier. I was told I could use their Medifast or Slim Fast. I opted for the Slim Fast. I did it dilegently- no cheating, 4-5 per day, for 2 weeks before the surg. and I was down 20 lbs. The doctor was pleased. I still fill in with the Slim Fast daily sometimes 2 times a day- either breakfast or lunch. I don't care if it's cold or room temp. so I leave some in the car too. Just in case. I also leave either the "Slim Fast" protein bars or the "Zone" bars in the car too. I like the Zone bars better, they have more variety. They have fruit flavors that are great whereas Slim Fast has mostly choices with chocolate and or nuts, and I hate to say it but I'm not such a fan all the time of those flavors. At this stage I don't want to be in a situation where I am hungry and I am tempted to make the wrong choice or if there is no choice- like if there are only thing I can't eat cuz they won't go down.

    I am 55 yrs old. so when I had the band done I was 54. I was in the hospital in the am, they did the surgery at 2:30 in the pm. I was in recovery by 3:30, wide awake greeting my family. I had no discomfort during the night but I did take the pain meds, cuz why look a gift horse in the mouth- hey they offer, I take. Slept well, had nice vitamin water in the am, showered, dressed and by 12:00 noon my hubby was there to take me home. I had no gas as the others were speaking about. I wasn't even uncomfortable during the first week home. I healed very well and now the scars are very faint pink. And I usually scar heavily. There were 5 scars and I can only detect the one main one where the port is for the fill.

    I started out at 326 and I am down to 245. I am down 4-5 pant/shirt sizes. Even my ring size has gone from a 10 to an 8. So none of my jewelry fits either. My bracelets are all 8" and now I need 7". I can even wear a 15-16" necklace. I wish I was down more weight but I have severe arthritis and am unable to exercise. I no longer work at my secretarial job and am out on Social Security Permanent Disabiliy, due to my inability to sit for long periods of time. My doctor told me I would probably lose between 75 to 100 lbs and I would be very lucky if I made it to 100 lbs. But eh, like I said I am happy. I feel SOO much better. I have the will to be energetic but my back won't allow it. It slams me right into place. So I go slow. My blood pressure is down to normal and I no longer have to take any of my asthma medications. I used to get severe bronchitis and sinus infections. I only had one mild sinus thingy this year. I really feel like a new woman. When I meet friends from work for lunch they don't even recognize me. One even walked right past me at the mall when I was waiting for her and I had worked with her for 6 and a half years. . It is so funny to have that kind of reaction from people --so you won't be the one with the big rearend!! I had this surgery as a preparation so to speak for the back surgery that I so dearly need. I would not do it at 326. I was afraid I would die under the anesthesia. It is a very long surgery. So I'll wait a little longer and then after the holidays have the back done. I'll be the bionic woman then!!

    Just one question, Why is everyone over in southern CA going to Mexico for the surgery?? Is it less expensive there? Dr. Ortiz sure seems competent. He has done thousands of these surgeries just as my doctor has- as I had researched him too. My surgery was at Cornell Medical Center- New York University Hospital, in New York City, which is only 40 minutes from my home in the suburbs of Long Island. His name is Dr. George Fielding and he works with Dr. Christine Ren, who was on Oprah and founded the Weight Loss program at the Hospital. I live on Long Island and all the drs. I researched on the Island just were not as experienced and that doesn't cut it in my book. Esp. if they are cutting me!! Ha!!

    So Good luck to you and sorry if I chewed your ear off too much.

    Marylou

    Hi Marylou, you must be so proud, you have done so well!!

    Question about loose skin, do you have a problem with it? I am 45 and 275 and I am concerned about loose skin in my stomach, legs, arms and butt? I know for a fact my stomach will be an issue. Have you had any problems?

  17. Low BMI

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Only you can decide what you need.

    In Ontario, we have to pay for Lapband surgery, no coverage at all and you I believe you need to have a BMI of 30 and over to be considered.

    If you have had difficulty losing weight and keeping it off, you may be a candidate, however the band is a tool to help you make good food choices to lose weight and maintain weight loss....if you continue to make bad food choices, it won't work!!

    Best of luck! Cathy

  18. Oh, Dear!

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Wow, that looks invasive!!

    In Ontario , gastric bypass and duodental switch is covered by our Provincial health care, but Lap Band is not! Go figure!

    I could save 15K, but refuse to have my stomach cut or stapled. In addition, I wanted a slow weight loss to minimize loose skin.

    All the best to your friend, I to have well over 100 lbs to lose.

    Cathy

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