Painter

Soccermom said "[ Shhhhhhhhh, but I didn't lose any weight pre-op, infact I gained a pound. I kept saying I wont be able to eat that again, and would eat it! I'm not a good example of pre-op! " Lol, you crack me up. I am fighting that now thinking in a couple of weeks I will get a fill and bread/pasta/rice won't be available to me anymore. It is so hard when you just love food. I tried 5 bowties last night and again really regretted it. When will I learn? Soccermom said "I am also on that time of the month right now. I thought it was over, but I guess not!! So I know that could be some of the weight also." I had a hysterectomy a few years ago so I'm never sure about my monthly but it seems like I have been PMSing off and on since the surgery. I think my body is confused and yours may be too. Soccermom said "I did email Dr. Miranda today, but have not heard back from her." If you don't hear back I would call. This has got to be incredibley frustrating and if you get too stressed about it you will only start that crazy eating thing to feel better. I know I would. Hang in there, I know it will kick in once your body settles. If you are keeping your calories down and it sounds like you are, it has to eventually start dropping. I read somewhere that sometimes you will see nothing for weeks then a huge drop. I'm talking to the "Big Guy Upstairs" for you. Don't give up! Cheryl

I feel your pain! It is so frustrating when you see everyone else just dropping pounds like crazy. My weight is dropping extremely slowly. I have a couple of thoughts that may or may not be any help. First of all how much did you lose pre-op? I think for myself that was a factor because I had lost 7 on a previous diet then 8 the week before surgery so I probably had already reached a plateau and I know with my body it takes a while before the fat burning kicks back in. Next I agree on the carb thing. For some odd reason carbs seem to make more difference in my loss than calories. I am watching both and still getting quite a few carbs but it is considerably less percentage-wise than my old style of eating. I also started charting exactly what I ate and how many calories it contained. You may be surprised and find out you aren't eating enough! Mamamichelle posted a link yesterday to sparkpeople.com which I have found really helpful. I don't think there is anything wrong with your band. But without a fill it is still a tool without batteries so to speak. What about the stress factor? That will load up water weight, anything going on that could cause this? And of course the old monthly visit messes things up too. One of my biggest problems (if you are shy don't read this one) is that my bowels are not co-operating. That believe it or not can add some weight. I may get shot for this suggestion but if you have no fat in your diet at all you will not be able to lose according to some experts. Make sure you are getting some good fat every day (in moderation). I have a friend who was banded 2.5 years ago and the first year (she didn't get a fill for over 6 months) saw very little loss but is now down quite a bit and hasn't gained anything back. She looks great and although it is slow for her she is really happy she got it done. That is worst case scenario and she is older than you so of course us oldies lose slower. I would try charting what you are eating and if it doesn't start coming off then call Dr. Miranda. She can probably be more help than anyone and is such a lovely soul I am sure she would have some suggestions. Anyway hang in there. I know that we aren't the only ones that are fighting for every pound. Cheryl

Congrats on your loss and the new banded life! You will do great. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Cheryl =D>

Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I think you are very wise to do it now rather than gain the hard won loss you already have. I made the mistake of waiting until I gained everything back and then some. The OCC is fabulous and you will likely meet several of your fellow bandsters in the lounge when they come to pick you up (I did). The whole experience for me was amazing and it was kind of like when I was in hospital to have my kids. Everyone is there for the same reason and it is kind of like a vacation. I don't know if you know what I mean but it is different from any other surgery because it is your choice. There were others who went solo and no one was left out. They throw the husband/friend/mom etc. out the evening after the surgery anyway so we all had to mix amongst ourselves. They allow you to use the phone toll free and there are computers to email if you wish. As for your friends I am sure they are worried/threatened by your decision. If they are true friends they will support you once they get over their surprise. Don't let that discourage you. Hang in there we are all here to support you. Cheryl

I have only been on solids since June 6th. I have found most things if I chew thoroughly are fine. Go SLOW. Last night I had pasta for the first time. I made whole wheat cause I had heard it is sometimes difficult with the band but since I've not had a fill thought this was a good time to find out. Well it is still in my stomach. No PBing but I am still full. I also ate too much (about a cup). I should have realized pasta swells in the stomach even without drinking water. It is now off my list for good as I know that once I have a fill it will come back to haunt me (literally). I also found apricots didn't work well. Everyone seems to be different. My brother-in-law can't eat rice and I have no problem (again still no fill so this may change). From now on I am going to eat half what I think I can then wait 5 or 10 minutes to see how I feel because last night I thought I was okay but within 10 minutes I was uncomfortable. Live and learn. Enjoy your first real food kiddo! I know it is exciting. Cheryl

I posted a Creamy Cauliflower soup in the recipe section but it is blended. The only thing is that Dr. Miranda had told me blending veggies was okay and I didn't know Dr. O said no blender until later. Anyway it is thinner than the campbell's cream of mushroom if you don't add much flour so it should be okay. I totally lived on it and it was the highlight of my day when I was on soups. In fact I miss it now that I am on solids, lol. Cheryl

I love your name! And I agree you are worth it! Glad to have you join in. I know what you mean about being afraid of success. I too struggle with that at times. I have been toying with the idea as suggested on one of the posts of getting some counselling to get over that hurdle. Keep up the good work, wow you are already doing great. Cheryl

Woo Hoo! You look awesome girl. You are an ispiration to all of us. Cheryl

As others have said don't beat yourself up now. I wasn't perfect either. I remember chewing up a piece of cheese and then spitting it out because I was so sick of not having anything that tasted good. Anita has good advice about reading the doctor's forum. That will scare you into submission, lol. Truthfully it is very hard but make sure you aren't eating the same soup day after day as that will kill your efforts because of boredom. I was making a cauliflower soup but it was "blended". I didn't realize at the time that was a no, no but you could dress up a legal one with some velveeta and sour cream as suggested. Try buying soups with some flavor and dress them up if you have to. We're here for you! Cheryl

Go read the Doctor's forum that really put the fear in me. Cheryl

I don't know about after fills but wanted to respond because I was feeling exactly what you are a week ago. I was banded on May 16th. I was losing about 1 to 1.5 per week and was getting very discouraged. I was sure I was going to be one of those people who fail at this. I have started losing alot faster now and I haven't had a fill yet. I think that for me my body was kind of in shock. I was looking at everyone else's weight loss and thinking that I should be down at least 30 pounds in a month. That just isn't reasonable for me. I just wanted to encourage you. Don't lose hope. Your system may just be catching up as you have really had a good loss so it might take a while for your body to accept that and move ahead. Hang in there kiddo. Cheryl

Welcome Holly, It is nice to meet you. Good luck on your journey. I have learned so much from this forum and the encouragement from everyone is such a boost when you are low. Cheryl

I found Centrum chewables in Canada and they aren't too bad. I was also pleased that I only needed 1 per day. Cheryl

Wow Kim you have come so far! I was amazed when I saw your before picture. You look wonderful (and alot younger too). Keep it up girl. Michelle you are amazing as always. Cheryl

Hi Trudy, I'm also from Canada. I live in Calgary, Alberta. Good luck and you won't be sorry. I was banded on May 16, 2008. Things are going well. The clinic in Mexico is awesome and as I'm sure you have heard Dr. Ortiz is a honey. Very nice and also easy on the eyes. Don't worry you will be impressed with their efficiency and the care you receive. Cheryl

So sorry to hear about your illness. I had no idea about the tomato ban so thanks everyone for speaking out about it. I'm in Canada also. Guess tomatoes are off my list for a while, grrrr. Cheryl

Great tips! I totally forgot about my grill. I'm dusting it off and using it this week! The sweets thing is soooo true. I have cut them out the last few days and wow I feel better. Thanks for posting. Cheryl

Hmm that's interesting. I have a friend who was banded a couple years ago and she insists that if she cut back too drastically her weight loss would stop. I've always heard that the body goes in to starvation mode with less than 1000 calories. It is interesting that he stressed the type of food being important. Maybe that is the key. Cheryl

Wow, I want that dream too! Sounds like you are believing it will happen (which is supposed to be a really good thing). I am trying to start visualizing that too so my mind will believe it and work towards that goal. =D>

I'm with Kimra, took about three weeks. I was frustrated too because it seems to pick up any little bit of dust and looks like you haven't bathed in ages. Not to worry it will eventually go away. I finally rubbed gently with a towel after a shower to get the last of it off. Cheryl

Thanks everyone! I feel much better. My mood is really wacky since giving up my pacifer (food). Guess I should jump on the counselling band wagon. Will you are a sweetie thanks so much for taking the time to encourage us. Cheryl

I got a report from Andrew which was rejected by AB Health care because I didn't fill in the part C areas that were blank. I redid the form and haven't heard anything back which I take as a good sign. I haven't received a refund yet but I only sent it off last week. I also haven't called Dr. DesCouteux and wasn't aware he needed anything before he would do a fill. So you actually gave me more information that I had to give to you. Thanks everyone for answering this. Cheryl

Thank you so much for responding. I know it is almost embarassing to admit that it isn't dropping off at a really fast rate like many of the other people are seeing. Maybe because I am older (51) it will take longer. I think I'll start using the treadmill tonight and see if that jump starts me. Congrats on starting a step class that should help. I hadn't thought of using Metamucil. Might be an idea for me too since things aren't moving like they should some days. You are right it is alot of money to just give up. I won't get a fill until around July 11 since my son's wedding is on the 5th and I am doing the photography and all the food for the reception. I don't want to risk not feeling well. Thanks again for the encouragement. I don't feel quite so alone. Cheryl

I need some encouragement folks. I was banded on the 16th of May and have only lost 3 pounds since surgery. I was down 7 but gained back 4 when I went on solids. Everyone else seems to be losing alot more since banding and I am barely making any progress. I am cranky and moody (can you say withdrawl) and not losing doesn't help. Please forgive me for venting I know it isn't anyone's fault I just feel as though I should see more progress. I am eating much less, chewing lots and not drinking with meals etc. My only confession is that I am not getting much exercise. Any of you out there have similar experiences and are now losing even though it is slow? I need some hope. Thanks, Cheryl

I hear ya. I figured out what it will cost me today and the first fill will cost me 2 days travelling and around $900 with the cheapest flight I could find and the cost of the hotel and fluro. I love the OCC but I just can't afford to spend that much if I can get exactly the same fill here for a couple hundred and not have to travel. I am very sad as I was looking forward to going down for my fill. Guess it's gonna be here instead. Apparently they do 1.5 here as well (Canada) so not much point in travelling other than to see everyone. ( Cheryl