JazzyJude

I agree with Doo. Even though my hubby agreed with me having the band surgery, although it was ultimately my decision, and I've lost a lot of weight thus far, he is happy for me. He does jokes around about losing me to another guy (yeah right) but this is HIS thought and some times he is serious. Men don't beat around the bush, they say it how it is and that's that. But, we have a good relationship with one another and when he sees the 'results' of me losing, it's for BOTH of us. You just need to communicate with each other. Not to keep peace, but to LIVE and ENJOY your lives TOGETHER! While the women go into details of things, men goes straight to the issue and do it ~ but talking together makes a compromise harmony of things, and he feels he is included with your decision. I include my hubby with everything I do and you know what, it's a good thing with me! I know I need clothes but don't go on a shopping spree...but he 'sees' this and he WANTS to buy my clothes and he brags to others. You understand what I am saying? Your weight loss journey is just yours alone...it's involve with everyone around you. Just know that you are not alone in this and I wish you the best with your band surgery! First step is admitting you need help and you are getting it! ((HUGS!))...Jazzy!!

Angela - I so hear you on this! When I read the threads and the replies back, my jaw just dropped! I couldn't BELIEVE how these folks think it's ok??? It just goes to show you how Dr Ortiz is adamant in following his regime in losing weight. His staff is prepared, experienced, and knowledgeable about the lapband, and are committed for the utmost of your health and benefits of the band for your life. It's been over 8 months since I've had a soda pop and you know what? I don't miss it! There are other drinks that benefits me more than drinking carbonated drinks constantly. I know that I can now have one, but I am not interested in them. I like NOT having a bloated stomach, NOT having the sugary substance in me, NOT having the headaches, and so on. Having one occasionally is ok if I want one but it's not in my near future right now. All I can think of is plain water, hot cocoa, crystal light, fruit juices, coconut water... As far as the food goes, it's amazing their pouch can withstand what they are eating?? I mean, we have a addition smaller new stomach now, and since I've never tried it and stuck it through thick and thin, HOW can you eat all that and not upchuck it all?? I don't have room for what they all eat! BUT, then they don't have restriction either and I guess they can eat it and not feel it. But still!! The whole purpose of the band is to eat smaller portion...right? Anyway, I stopped reading further and didn't leave a comment on that thread for fear I would be bombarded with all the nasty replies of being a 'miss goody shoe shoe'...no thank you! I am in this band journey for me and will share my success with others, who wants the same goal as I am and is determine and serious to "get going and pump up!"...like to all of youse! (smile)

I had one PB episode and that was enough for me to pay attention from here on out. It all goes to being prepared...real simple. Once you've been banded, you need to remember to do 'your' part of the process as the band does his. You've got to remember always to take the 'extra' care that others don't have to worry about. You've paid good hard earning money for this surgery, so make the best of it. Here's a few simple guideline to help: ~ cut your foods into smaller pieces, almost a dime-size ~ take smaller bites from those 'hand held' foods such as a hamburger, hot dog, sub sandwiches, granola bars, chips, etc ~ CHEW, CHEW CHEW very well before swallowing ~ eat slowly and enjoy it...don't be in a rush or be distracted ~ STOP when you start to feel full and put away what you cannot eat for later Any of these guidelines can cause a PB or sliming episode. Just be mindful at all times...

The opening from your newly pouch to your old stomach is about the size of a quarter. A rule of thumb I have is to not take any pills or capsules larger than the opening of a water bottle. My largest capsule is my fish oil too and I have no problems take it...and I've had 3 fills already. The trick in taking capsules is to make sure you 'wet' your throat first, so that the capsules won't 'glue' to your throat walls, where you want to continue to keep drinking like there is no tomorrow! I personally take my supplements with hot cocoa, milk, or even when I have a protein shake. The thicker consistency makes a difference with me and the pills/capsules goes down smoother. Then I follow with drinking water or crystal light drinks. Hope this helps...

I live in San Diego and Dr. O did my surgery...and my son, my daughter in law and her sister, AND my grandson. So, this should tell you something! He and his staff are amazing. You will never have a good surgery experience until you go to OCC. It's incredible. I met Dr. O before my surgery and we chatted a bit and off we went! I could go on and on with this. I go to OCC for all of my fills too. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and they give you 3 nights free stay at the Lucerna Hotel. There's a few people who had their surgery on a Friday and went home on Sunday. Just make sure you take the time to do some quality aftercare, like when you did for your daughter. Good luck with your decision...but know if you have your surgery with Dr O, people will be in awe of you, as he is the BEST!

Hi Babe ~ what I like about Turbo Jam is that you can be at any weight and go as slow as you want. I started at the beginning and progress up. I still do the beginning even now as I like to concentrate on the moves. For example, they may do a total of 15 and I was only able to do like 8. But that is ok. I started doing Turbo Jam at my heaviest at 272 lbs and I muddled through it...BUT I didn't give up! I did just the first stage until I thought I could go to the next step. Check to see if this is available at your local library and try it. Mind you, at first I thought NO WAY! But once you start it and continue, it's a piece of cake and you go at your own pace. I now find myself doing some of Billy Banks and Turbo Jam on my breaks for a few minutes and just jam it up! 10 minutes here and there is all you need to get in a little exercise and it sort of revitalize me too. Hope this helps...

I had my surgery on a Wednesday, enjoyed my stay at the hotel and relaxed until I went home on Saturday, and went back to work on Monday. I could have gone to work on Friday as I, too, have a desk job. I didn't have any 'pain', just some discomfort with the surgery gas and just walked and walked and less than a week, I was fine. I knew I needed to have good aftercare from surgery and I am glad I did it this way. The first week after surgery is important, as it's a good start in both healing and to get to know your band. Being prepared beforehand is the best suggestion I can give you and allow time for you to adjust to your new lifestyle change, which is WONDERFUL thus far for me!! As long as you don't sit for long periods of time and keep moving (take lots of mini walks, stretching your arms up and down, etc) to get out the surgery gas bubbles you may still have in you, you will do fine. Everyone is different and react differently. I like what Lisa said regarding past surgeries if you had any. Good advice. The band surgery was the easiest for me, it's the aftercare you want to focus on. As for vitamins and supplements, I continue with the chewable Centrium Multi-Vitamin and switch off with the Gummy Vites to prevent any jaw aches I've heard some had. I continued to take fish oil, Biotin for hair prevention, Vit E, dissolvable B12 tablets, Fiber Choice twice a day, Tums for extra calcium when I need it. I have 3 fills to date and so far I haven't a need for any liquid meds. The capsules do not dislodge me at all. A rule of thumb is to not have any pills or capsules any larger than the opening of a water bottle, as this is about the size of your opening, from your new pouch to your stomach. Hope this helps...

Mona, so sorry to hear of this and wishing your sister a speedy recovery. I don't know when she was banded but hopefully she has learned enough of the bandster living that she will continue to focus on it as though she was still banded. You will still be a great supporter for her and you will let her see the positive in this turn of her life. God bless...

Sweeite - you were a bandster from the moment you came out of surgery (smile!). Go slow and easy on this fill. Even though it's your first...treat it well and remember your portion control and stick with it. Drink at least 8 (8) oz of water every day. Do lots of walking, which for some, can curb your appetite, as it does for me. Make it a habit to cut your foods into dime-size so you won't PB or slime. Take the time to eat every morsel and chew real well. Like Lisa says, you may not hit your sweet spot just yet. For most, the first fill is like a 'primer', where you receive your fill and your stomach is tighter because of the band being filled. Well, both the stomach and band are totally upset at you and you may feel some restrictions or tightness. Ride it out by drink your water and have full liquids until the swelling goes down. This will give your body and band time to adjust the new tightness. When it's time for your next till, it will happen again with the same tightness and you will again learn to know what is good or bad to do and what to eat. Write down how you are progressing. Attain some small, reachable goals for yourself to keep the focus going and to move forward with your success. Good Luck Lori and welcome to Bandland! Jazzy!!

Hey Dana! I one of those exercise DVD queens hubby dubbed me! LOL BUT, I like a variety so I won't get bored. Here's a few of what I use most days (I some times would use dumbbells or bands with them too): ~ Turbo Jam! by Chalene Johnson - I totally LOVE kickboxing and this really helps with the whole body cardio. I do this morning and night, every day...very exillerating and you really work up a sweat and heart rate! ~ Walking DVDs by Leslie Sansone (like Angie uses) I walk EVERY morning with her, between 1 to 3 miles, before going to work. She has several you can choose from and I got mine from Target/WalMart ~ 10 Minute Trainer by Tony Horton (might be the same Angela is talking about?). I love these quick 10 minutes exercises...and can do these ANY time. I got this from Beachbody. ~ DON'T LAUGH...but I still have Richard Simmon's Dance videos and totally love these. I use them as 'warm ups' in the mornings before I do my strength and cardios. It just put you in a happy mood! ~ Slim in 6 - this is an oldie but goodie for me. You sure work up a sweat on this one too. I got this from Beachbody. ~ Tae Bo with Billy Banks. He has several videos and they are all great! My fave right now is his Bootcamp. Prepare to have a towel to wipe off!! lol Here's a couple equipments I have at home: ~ Stair Step Master by Reebok, I believe. I use this every other day. Great for the legs, calves, and butt! ~ Bender Ball - I do this about once a week...it really works on the abs! I alternate between the ones above every week for a change. Hope this helps you...((HUGS!!)) Jazzy!!

Thank you! But look at you! You've come so far in such a short time...I remember listening to your advise as well and took heed of them. Way to go! ((HUGS!!))...Jazzy!!

Aww Carrie! Thanks and I try to help out as much as I can...you are doing great too! Just remember not to focus too hard on the food part and just focus on life itself...((HUGS!))...Jazzy!!

Here's a thread we all can add ideas to. Some of these protein ideas and actually make great meals too. So, I will start and then if anyone can think of others, just post them. Here's a few... ~ CHEESE: Cheese sticks or cubes, Cream Cheese or Peanut Butter on celery and add raisins for potassium, ~ FRUITS: Apple slices with peanut butter, cheddar cheese melted, or with flavored nut butter, such as cashew or almond; berries with ricotta cheese, which you can sweeten it up by it self and then add other fruits with it; any fruit with cottage cheese (even tomatoes) ~ YOGURT: Add peanute butter to plain yogurt; freeze your favorite yogurt or protein shake made into frozen popsicles; try both the Fage greek or Italian yogurt for dips for veggies or chicken, instead of sour cream - very high in proteins ~ NUTS: Almonds, cashews, walmuts, flavored/spcy nuts, etc; sliced blanched almonds with ricotta cheese ~ MEATS: Jerky (beef, turkey, or chicken) homemade or store bought; chicken pieces, deli meats wrapped around a dill pickle slice; tuna or sardines on crackers ~ CRACKERS: Wheat Thins, Special K crackers, cheese and crackers, soy chips, ~ BARS: Luna bars, Quaker granola bars, Oh Yeah bars, Special K bars ~ EGGS: Hard boiled egg; deviled eggs ~ OTHERS: Quinoa is pack with proteins! In addition, I sometimes have a protein shake after exercising, within 30 minutes, to aid with the muscle mass I do to firm and tone. Remember ~ it's all about portion control. Making these snack "grab-bits' ahead of time would help you not over eat ~ but eat in moderation. Some tips to share: 1. Portion your food ~ use those 'snack-size' ziplock bags. Don't bring, take or eat out of the the main bag/box. 2. Eat mindfully the foods you eat ~ take the time to enjoy the snack. Don't be in a rush to eat it, for you may over eat. 3. Try to limit the simple carbs ~ which they can make you want more! 4. Plan your meals with dense proteins ~ to prevent you to snack often. 5. Drink your water ~ as it is a natural appetite suppressant. Also, use those 'to go' flavored drink packets. 6. Plan your weekly menus in advance ~ to choose wisely what you eat and track your calories intake. 7. Post your meals on a calendar in the kitchen. 8. Make a "Vision Collage" and post it nearby where you can view at all times ~ it's a great motivator! 9. Goals ~ write small, reachable ones; note your achievements, and rewrite new goals to conquer.

Hi Angie! On fire? Not quite...but I sure can 'spark' away! I feel quite elated. I try to post as often as I can to suggest, give stern talks, give useful tips, and post my journey..because that's what motivates me too. The others have been doing this and it's awesome, the teamwork we have here; the commarderie. Mind you, what works for one, may not work for you...but in you get the idea and I try to work with it and see how the idea or whatever, works for me. I am going to try to get those pics and my measurements too, which is the dead give away as to what I was! I am slowing down in the scale number because of the muscle mass I've been building up. BUT, the inches is where I am losing and THAT is what counts for me. I don't do the scale weighing until I am required for my challenges weigh in days. Keep the focus!

Thank you Christy! Yes, isn't it amazing!?! I am REALLY listening to my body and band, as they really guide my days. Now that I know 'what to look for', I now can go about my day's activities and not focus too much on the food part. YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! You just have to have the mindset and be prepared. I learned from the very beginning what the do's and don'ts are and I committed myself wholeheartedly to it. If I stayed on track, then I knew I was going to be successful. Mind you, I've fallen off the wagon a few times, but I just got up, brush myself off, and moved forward...every time. It's paying off and I feel great!

Thanks Lisa! You've been a great help to me, as you were one of the people who had helped me get started. I truly appreciate you still coming here on the forum and share with your success. I just never thought I'd would follow, as I can't believe I am in this position to tell all thus far. It's amazing, isn't it?

Thanks Anne! I wouldn't be this far if it weren't for the band! I am keeping the focus with the band and so far, we are going places!!! LOL!

Remember, everyone is going to be different on this one too. At first when we were all banded, we were to eat 1/3 of what we use to eat, as we didn't have any restrictions as there were no fills in our bands yet. After a couple of fills, you will notice you will be tight, due to the restriction of the band, so you are encourage to not over eat, but eat at least a cup of food in total, which the ratio would be like this: ~ 3 to 4 oz (1/3 - 1/2 cup) of protein (meat, eggs, fish, chicken, beans, nuts, turkey, ham, etc) ~ 2 oz veggie/fruits ~ 2 oz carbs/starches (potatoes, rice, pasta, breads, crackers, etc) Now most of the time, I cannot get to the carbs at all, but could eat a little more veggie or fruit and that is what I do. MEASURE your food...it has helped me in more ways than not, especially when I think I am hungry, which I really rely on protein snacks a lot. Hope this helps...

Hi All - my 6 months bandiversary was last week, April 8...just been busy since. I wanted to share and keep you abreast on my journey thus far...and well, I am over the half way mark ~ unbelievable! I am truly going for an amazing ride now, as I am now heading DOWN the slope from the mountaintop I'm on! 61 pounds gone...FOREVER, never to be seen again! I've totally changed my ways of eating, thinking, and doing now. I am more focused on the fitness rather than eating. In fact, food is the last thing on my mind. I am now doing THREE (3) challenge teams on SparkPeople (2 Biggest Loser and a Harry Potter one - such fun!). I now walk between 5 to 7.5 miles a day, depending if I have strength training or not. My goal is to do the 5k walk, non-stop. I can do 3 miles...but then I start to huff and puff! I am doing so much, I am hardly at home and I am really enjoying life right now! It's awesome! I really never thought I'd be so deligent and committed as much as I am determine to do so now with this lifestyle change I'm on. I've tried foods I've never had, done things I would never even looked at, and met oodles of new people whose been blessed to be part of my life's memories. My current newest mantra ~ "One tiny bite at a time, one baby step at a time, one pound at a time, and one full day at a time". Come Sat, May 2, I will attend the HUGE SparkPeople first conference that is coming to San Diego and it's going to change my life...literally, and I just can't wait. I will be meeting other bandsters there as well. So, it's going to be awesome. I wish I could do pics on the computer, but I still don't know how yet and it hasn't been my top priorities to do. BUT, I've been taking my monthly pics and I have them in my little tiny diskette! (smile) Thank you all PMs and emails, encouragements, and friendships. I truly love my band, my band brothers and sisters, and, of course, I can't thank OCC enough for my new life! Be well...

Congrats to you Sarah! Aww...that is just awesome news...you in no time, you will be feeling the feet pattering around in your tummy! Enjoy the moments!

LOL...too funny Sabrina...thanks for the laughs! OK, I am guilty of buying cookies from my granddaughter, who is a Daisy...which means I've got another 8 years or so with her selling them...groan! BUT, I do eat them! Yes, I treat myself to the thin mints ~ ONLY (2) and that's it. I can do this because I know that I can have more...later. But, there IS a catch. I have to have an 8 oz glass of water FIRST, then do some form of fitness...walking, Turbo Jam, household duties, whatever...THEN I can have the (2) cookies. Sometimes, by the time I do all that, I am not hungry for them anymore....which either annoys me because I felt I wasted my time to do these things OR feels great that I did my water drinking, got some chores that needed to be done, and felt elated I didn't eat them right away. But don't stop eating your favorites...just know you need to be mindful of how much you eat. If you are going to have a 'treat'...RIGHT AWAY, cut your portion out...whether it's two cookies, a sliver of a pie, 1/2 cup f real ice cream, whatever, and put the rest away where it belongs, away from your reach. Then take the time to eat it slowly, ENJOY your treat and relish the goodness of it without feeling guilty. Life goes on...

I totally agree with Lisa wholeheartedly. You have to live on and not focus on food itself. I've only been banded for 6 months (wow - time has flown by!!) and I have learned a lot just recently on my new lifestyle. The band is only a small part of us but it teaches us to live healthier and to move on and to do the things we want/use to do or discovering new avenues into our lives! Like Lisa, I've rediscovered myself of what I use to like and do. Now I am living it. It's amazing if you let yourself go and at times, I catch myself giggling! Yeah...it's way too cool! Any before you ask...I will be 54 next month and couldn't be prouder of myself. I have the mindset, determination, and I am so driven to live the life I want. And to do that, I am motivated, positive, and committed to reach my goal. YOU can have this too, if you really want it...which is why you got the band! Like Lisa says, think way back to what you use to like, go and do, and go forward from there. I am finding I have a full calendar and I am enjoying myself immensely. It's AWESOME! Right now I am currently doing (2) Biggest Loser challenge and it's incredible. Afterwards, I am going to do the Harry Potter challenge. I am more focus on the fitness rather than the food now. I walk between 5 to 7 miles a day. I go to kareoke once a week, as well as dancing my night away! I did a "visual collage" for me to view every day and it inspires me. I scrapbook, quilt, do quilling, read all kinds of subjects, taken Tai Chi classes, currently finishing my EMT refresher training, taking a class on geneolgy. I socialize with the others and do what Lisa says, to order appetizers and have a drink and I am having fun with my friends, not the food. It's all fun now because I chose it to be that way and I am still focusing on my wieght loss by committing myself with the portion control, taking my vitamins and supplements. Because I am having fun, people are noticing and commenting me how happy I am, the more I seem to lose weight. I thrive on when people notices that I've lost. So far, keeping busy has been the trick for me, both mentally and physically...and this is a good thing for me. Good luck...you can do this! Jazzy!!

Lisa and Dana are right! There is nothing to worry about. I was banded 6 months and 2 days ago and I've lost a total of 61lbs thus far! Yeah!! For me, it took Dr. Ortiz 10 minutes to do the hiata hernia and 19 minutes to do the band and VIOLA! I'm done! I came out of recovery close to 10 minutes afterwards and was walking down the hallway, 20 minutes later! Yeah! It's awesome and believe me, you have nothing to worry about. Remember how you felt about getting the band and how excited about having it done? That elation? That is what you should be feeling right now. You are feeling the 'unknown' of what's going to happen...and that is perfectly normal and expected. Like Lisa says, don't feed into the negative and let your imagination run wild. Afterwards, you are going to wonder why you even thought to be nervous! Just relax and B-R-E-A-T-H-E! You are truly going to enjoy your journey...just get your mindset on the positives and move forward from there. We are all here for you...and congrats on making the best decision youve ever done for yourself...I know I have! Best of luck to you and see you on the other side! YEAH!! Jazzy!!

Welcome Lara. We would love to hear of your experience thus far. We're here for you. Grab a cuppa and browse through the forum and post any questions or concerns you may have! Keep the focus and believe in yourself...and watch the weight melt away! Good luck in your weight loss for you are going for an amazing ride now! Jazzy!!

I've used Maderma for the first 3 months and as well, Vit E. I alternated between the two daily, but used Maderna either once or twice a day. My scars, especially the larger one where the port is, is very soft and smoothe. I stopped using the Maderma, as I don't need it anymore. After showering, I use the Bio Oil for an all over body massage. I do keelp a small water spray with a mix of the Bio Oil and water and when I feel 'dry', I would spray mist myself and rub it in. To me, it's a good thing, as I feel I am hydrating the outside with it and drinking a minimum of 8 glass of water a day. I've also use Maderma for my old scars and the same thing, not as visible it once was and there is no darken of the skin, just soft and subtle now. I guess it just depends on the person how it reacts. I haven't tried the strips that Karen and Lisa mentioned...not sure if it works on old or existing scars...but will check into it.