louisem

Hey Sabrina,

I have the Wii Fit though right now I don't have much time to use it. I really liked the yoga and the balance games. I did some of the exercises too and they were OK. I also have the game Rayman Raving Rabbids TV party which is hilarious and you can play with your kids. It doesn't seem like exercise while you are doing it but your heart rate does go up and your arms can be sore the next day. It works with the regular controllers and the balance board.

Also if you are looking into different gyms in the area I joined She's Fit and I love it. It's cheap, women only and they have a TON of cardio equipment all with individual TVs. I did 50 minutes on the eliptical trainer watching What not to wear and didn't even notice the time going by!!!!

Louise

I received my bodybugg a couple of days ago, set it up (easy easy easy) and have been using it. WOW! This thing is so cool. Better at my food with it as well, since it is a food log also. Thanks so much Louise for telling us about it. I love it!

So glad you're loving it. I've been in and out of town for the last week and a half, travelling to conferences so I haven't been able to use mine. Can't wait till tomorrow to get back into the swing of things. I thought about bringing it with me but I was too afraid of loosing it.

Was looking at the UCSD website for post op diet stuff just for sh*ts and giggles and saw a list of foods to avoid after lapband. These foods were my most favorite "healthy" foods ( . Has anyone had a problem with these foods and what is the reasoning behind avoiding them?

"Foods To Avoid

After you have transitioned to solid foods, you should try to avoid certain foods. Such foods include, but are not limited to:

Dried fruits

Asparagus

Pineapple

Rhubarb

Corn (especially popcorn)

Grapes

Nuts and seeds (walnuts, whole peanuts, almonds) "

Did it say why you should avoid some of these. I think the dried fruit might have more to due with the sugar content and the nuts might also be due to the calorie count but I am not sure. I due know that corn is currently the devil but I haven't had popcorn since my 3rd fill. Before then it was fine. Now I haven't bothered trying . I think asparagus, pineapple and rhubarb might be because they are fibrous and some people have problems with very fibrous foods?

The problem is that everyone is different and you really have to do trial and error of what works for you. Eg some people can eat pizza, where as some (like me) can only eat the toppings.

And Louise, I wouldn't worry too much about being tight in the morning. I know you are new to restriction, but that is perfectly normal. Most of us have protein shakes or other soft stuff in the morning (yogurt, oatmeal, cream of wheat). At least for me, my days of pancakes or bacon and eggs have been over since the second fill. Going out for breakfast was my favorite meal and I miss the family doing that together on weekends, but I don't miss the 60 pounds I've lost!!! If you can eat okay the rest of the day, I wouldn't keep getting unfills. You will naturally loosen up as you lose weight and your stomach shrinks.

Sabrina:)

Thanks Sabrina

I'm actually not worried about not being able to eat in the morning. It's actually pretty convenient as I hate making breakfast. The problem has been that I have difficulties even drinking some mornings. I'm more worried about dehydration than anything else and have been a bit dehydrated the last couple of days. I went out and got some gatoraide yesterday and I plan on loading up on fluids at night to try to see if I can tough it out. PBing on liquids in the morning is a bit of a pain though and I haven't been able to do oatmeal in the mornings no matter how much water I add.

I'm just going to make sure I have a water bottle with me at all times while I am away and sip all day. On the positive I have lost 6 pounds in two weeks so things are moving in the right direction at least.

Louise

I have a San Francisco contact as well. He has a few offices, one of which is in San Mateo (about 12 miles South).

http://www.gastricbypasssanfrancisco.com/a...an-mateo-ca.htm

I know he does fills. Before I found the OCC, he was my surgeon.

Thanks!

Good luck on your surgery!

Thanks for the reply.....

The problem with me is not that I don't exercise, it is quite the opposite. I run on my elliptical machine everyday at least 1.5 miles, and sometimes maxing out at 4.5 miles. It's just my intake of calories that is holding me back. I understand the lap band is not a quick fix, but it's not like I sit on my a#@ all day long and don't put forth any effort in trying to make a change. So I know the lap band will be just what I need to start up my weight loss. I'm sure if you worked out as hard as I do and received no results at all, you'd feel just as stressed and frustrated with the situation. Honestly $7,000.00 is a lot of money and I wouldn't be spending it if I thought that this is something just exercise could fix. Honestly I’m kind of offended by your reply. I don't mean to be but I’m tired of people saying that I just need to exercise more or that I don't exercise at all.... "It can help you battle the reasons why you are over eating, not eating healthy and not exercising." Your reply almost sounded like something my fiancé would say..... he is totally against this surgery and just constantly nags and pushes me to work out harder, which in return.... I do. Exercise is just a tough subject for me.

Yes, I do let the weight interfere with me.... I’m sure most people do! Going from a size where I was comfortable to a size where I’m insecure in less than a year is hard to deal with. I was 178lbs., I loved how I looked, I partied, dated and was just living my life like every other 20 year old. I became pregnant, had a beautiful daughter....but now I am stuck in a rut still "eating for two." That is why I want the lap band to restrict my intake, to use in aiding my weight loss along with my already strenuous workouts. I’m sorry coming off so strong but this is such a sensitive subject for me....I work out everyday and see no results....it affects me, I know. It has put a major damper on my relationship with my fiancé and I’m missing out on all of my daughters "firsts." I went from wearing a medium shirt to a 2xl, from a size 12 pants to a size 22... It's hard for me. It's upsetting, embarrassing and hurtful....

Thanks again for your reply, even though I disagree with certain comments made, I'm sure it was meant with only best intentions... but like I said... I'm am just very sensitive about the situation.

Hi Paula,

I'm sorry that I offended you. It wasn't my intent. My comments were in general terms and not assuming that it is exactly the same for you. In general, people (specifically me) eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don't exercise enough which is how they become over weight and maintain the weight.

I'm not against the surgery obviously as I have had it, but it isn't easy and things can still get in the way of loosing weight and get you down (personal experience speaking). I wish I had known about some of the other tools that I suggested in advance of my surgery as I think it would have made the journey easier. If you make poor food choices before you have the band it is still possible afterwards, something that has delayed my weight loss in addition to some medical issues I've faced since my surgery in December.

Having the band can be an emotional roller coaster, and my suggestions were only to provide alternatives that have assisted me if you financially can't swing the band. The book in particular focuses on making good food choices, not so much on exercise. The reason I like the bodybugg is it makes you accountable for what you eat during the day. Neither are the end all and be all, but if $$ is an issue they are a tiny fraction of the cost of surgery and might help you out while you save up or arrange financing. Like I said, I wish I had them before my surgery.

All the best

Louise

Louise have the Fill Centers USA # on hand. They have a new center in Novato which is close to SF. The doc's name is Dr. Altschuler and she's great. She trained at the OCC. =) Have fun it should be great weather in the Bay.

Karen

Yeah! Thanks I was trying to figure out where the heck they were as I wasn't familiar with the locations.

I checked the forecast and the weather looks almost perfect. Not too hot, not cold. Perfect for my first trip there.

Thanks again

Louise

Hi Paula

I can relate to where you are as I was around the same weight when I started this journey. I am concerned that you are letting the weight interfere beyond the physical aspects. In my opinion it is really important to accept yourself no matter what your weight is. Something that is much easier said than done ;o)

Keep in mind that the lapband is not a quick and easy solution, it's just a tool that we use to help us with our struggle.

If it really isn't an option for you right now financially (I don't know anything about insurance etc.) I can recommend a book that my fill Dr recommended to me. It's called "The Beck Diet Solution", written by Dr Judith Beck who is a psychologist. The book is intended for use with any diet or health regime and is based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It can help you battle the reasons why you are over eating, not eating healthy and not exercising (like so many of us struggling with weight). My fill Dr recommended it in conjunction with the band but it is meant to be used in conjunction with any HEALTHY weight loss plan.

I'd also recommend a Bodybugg if you are at all technically savvy and can afford the $200. It allows you to accurately track your exercise and food intake. I love it, but it isn't for everyone.

Good luck

Louise

Hi all

I'm heading to San Fransisco on Wednesday for a conference and staying through Monday. I am currently a little too tight but my restriction is variable. I have troubles eating in the morning but am able to in the evenings. Anyway I am worried that I might tighten up more while away from home and I was wondering if anyone has the number of a fill Dr in San Fran that I could keep on hand just in case of emergency? I thought about getting an unfill before going but I just don't think I will be able to swing it in time.

Thanks

Louise

Thank you for the information of the reduced price at 24-hour Fitness. I ordered mine last night. Can't wait to get it. Thank you again for all of the good information!!

(For anyone else interested, a membership at 24-hour Fitness is not necessary to be able to order it from them.)

Yay for you! You're right, you don't need a membership to buy one. I actually picked mine up when I drove down from Canada to get a fill. That was just before the ladies at NWFM decided to look into a bulk purchase so I didn't have any other options. Unfortunately I don't think that 24hour fitness ships to Canada. At least I couldn't figure it out on their website.

Have fun with your new toy

I did find out yesterday that the meds im on does make you gain lots of weight. I had 1 shot of Kenalog in my back in January, Frebruary, March and April. I told the doctor I dont want any more I will do physical therapy instead and live with some pain if I have to. Well he looked into other non-steroidal meds for me and found on called Meloxicam. So we are going to try this for a while.

Wow, I'm glad you and your doctor figured something out. I've had back issues in the past and honestly the only thing that worked for me was exercise. hopefully everything will work out.

Louise

Louise,

I am glad that you have been to get through this time. After all of this with your studies and infection you have pulled through.

I know that my weight loss looks good, but believe me when I say that I have really been struggling this last month. I sometimes think that my fill isn't where it should be but then if I eat like I should I can hardly get the meat down. I have really struggled with the sweets and desserts. They all go down so fine. So I have lapsed back to my old habits and need to make a change. My will power is weak and I need to get it back.

This is such a journey and right now it is hard. You have been through the hard part and are now focussed on the positive. Keep it up.

Anne

OH MY GOD Anne, I just got back from a conference and am reading these posts and I didn't recognize your picture!!!!!!!!! You look like a whole new person.

Thanks for your support. You are doing amazing!

((((((((((((((((((((Louise)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you. Thank you for your post. I'm glad your doing well now and you're looking forward. I believe in you.

Thanks Robyn!

Got you--I let my hubby go deep sea fishing on our boat on Mother's Day (since I had gotten a fill the day before, we couldn't go out to eat as planned), so he owes me big! I think I found just the right thing for him to get me!! (haha)

Yeah for you. Since you are too far for NWFM you should look at 24Hr fitness. They have a sale on now for $199.

Hi Louise--

Which one did you get--digital display or no digital display? (Thanks for the info--this looks really cool!)

It's really only one model but you can get a additional digital display. I didn't bother with the display. You wear it on your wrist like a watch and I hate wearing a watch. Plus it costs extra (I think $50). I'm not even really sue what the display shows, if it is total calories burned so far, or calories per minute or what but it didn't seem worth the extra money for me.

Louise

I can eat breakfast in the morning but the rest of the day has been so hard. I just made a 4oz can of tuna with some mayo and couldn't even eat half. I get full so quick. I don't know if this is normal or if it is a problem. I have no problem with water but at the end of the day I get real bloated and gassy and burp A LOT lol.

I'm not an expert as I am relatively new to restriction myself but it sounds pretty normal. plus you really need to give it some time to know for sure because you body adjusts. I wouldn't worry about it, just make sure you can get enough fluids, protein and definitely your multivitamins

This one has me thinking now..... Maybe thats why I have been at a stand still for 4 months. I have been getting steroid shots in by lower back.

It could be. I would check with your Dr. My drops probably wouldn't have been much of an issue except for the high dosage. When you think about it though, the steroids are entering your body and even though they are injected into one location at higher doses they have to have some effect systemically I would think.

I finally decided to buy the bodybugg and since I have been using it for a couple of weeks I thought I would share my thougths.

For those who don't know what it is, a bodybugg is essentially a really high tech pedometer. Instead of just measuring your steps it also measures your temperature changes and galvanic skin changes (sweat etc) to accurately (up to 90%) measure how many calories you burn throughout the day. It works in conjunction with their website where you upload information from the bodybugg and log the food you consume each day. If a food doesn't already exist in their data base you just need to enter the nutritional information once and it automatically remembers it for the next time. Their website also has a questionnaire about your food preferences and builds a meal plan for you but I haven't really been using that.

So here is a breakdown of using the bodybugg

- It's comfortable to wear, I don't even notice it most times. I have had people comment on it when it is visible if I am wearing sleeveless tops but that doesn't bother me

- uploading information is really easy

- inputting my food log was slightly difficult at first but once I got used to their program it became simple and quick

-creating my program was really easy. I set up my goal weight, the number of pounds I'd like to loose per week, edited my target for calories (required due to the lapband as 1600 is just too much) and it gives a target for the number of calories to burn to get the calorie deficit I need to meet my goal.

Information you can see at a glance once all your data is uploaded

- total calories burned so far that day (use the mouse to get the estimate of total calories burned if you are sedentary for the rest of the day)

-total calories consumed (once you enter the info)

- current calorie deficit

- a break down of number of calories burned per minute for periods throughout the day (you can see the increase when you worked out or were active

A click of the mouse shows the following

- nutritional breakdown for calories consumed (calculates total protein etc.)

- Number of steps(this works slightly different than a standard pedometer and apparently isn't always as accurate on exercise equipment but it was very accurate for me on the elliptical trainer) - you can set a target but the default is 10000

- amount of physical activity in a day in minutes (defualt target of 30 minutes) -

You can easily show this information for today, a specific day for different reporting periods.

What I like best about this

- I am a total geek and I love information so this is perfect for me

- The accountability each day or what and how much I have eaten and how much I have moved

This probably isn't for everyone but it is a cool toy.... I mean tool. If you want more info the website is www.bodybugg.com.

BTW I was at Northwest Fill Management yesterday for an unfil (yeah I can drink water again) and they mentioned that they are organizing a bulk purchase to help out their clients that might be interested so give them a call/email if you are interested.

Louise

Hi all

I have read lots of posts about people who are frustrated about the slow pace of their weight loss and I thought I would share a bit of my "battle" so far. I was banded on Dec 15 '08 and everything went amazingly well. I had no complications, very little discomfort and an easy trip back and forth from Mexico. It helped that as a student I had 3 full weeks to recuperate before I had anything major planned.

The day my 3 weeks of fluids was up I came down with what we thought was an eye infection. After several weeks I received a diagnosis of iritis which is an inflammatory disease that can really only be treated with steroids and anti-inflammatories. The condition effected my ability to read, and as a student finishing my 4 year of a BA in preparation for applying to grad school I was very stressed. It also had the potential to cause permanent damage or blindness (thankfully it didn't).

I had my first at the end of January and my second the beginning of March with very little movement on the scales. I had lost a total of 14lbs since my surgery, most of that on the post-op liquid diet. Thankfully my fill doctor pointed out that I had been going through a very stressful time with little restriction and I HADN'T GAINED any weight, which in the past I would have easily gained 10 lbs.

I was still frustrated with the amount of weight I had lost on my last visit with my Dr. when he pointed out that not only had I not gained weight while stressed, but I was on steroid eye drops at a high dosage during that period and I really should have gained weight but was able to maintain. I can't believe I hadn't thought of that myself.

What I realized after all of this is I had reverted to my previous way of thinking, that I can't loose this weight, and that I started thinking that maybe this wouldn't work for me. I was focusing only on the numbers on the scale and not the big picture.

Now it's May, and at the end of April I was finally completely healthy again, I finished my term with a 4.0GPA (woohoo), and had my 3rd fill and finally got real restriction. I also bought a bodybugg, something I was putting off due to the cost, as an extra tool and a reward for surviving my semester. In the past 2 weeks I have finally seen movement on the scales and lost 4 lbs.

So the moral of the story is......things don't always work out the way you want. Sometimes things occur that are beyond your control and you need to re-evaluate what success looks like based on your actual circumstances. It's been almost 5 months and I've lost 20 lbs in total. I wish it were more but it's 4 lbs a month (1 lb a week) which is a healthy weight loss, something the lapband is intended to provide, not the rapid and (IMO) dangerous weight loss after bypass surgery. Logically I know this is true but part of my still needs convincing so I guess this email is to help convince myself as well as share with others.

Louise

I've had the same questions after my 3rd fill, and yesterday I had to rush out to get an unfill in advance of a short trip this weekend. I like the restriction, but I couldn't swallow water for most of the day and it got to be too much. I think the first thing you need to do is wait a few days at least. My fill was almost 2 weeks ago and it was a full week before I started having problems with liquids. Even then I waited a couple of days and would have waited more if I wasn't heading to a conference this weekend where I am presenting so I want to be on top form.

It seems to be that restriction is more of a personal thing. Some people like and can tolerate being tighter than others. Once you have difficulties with liquids you need to be careful though. One thing I found that really helps and has been posted here before is drinking something hot in the morning to help loosen things up. My final decision for an unfill was yesterday when for the second day that didn't work.

Good luck

Louise

I'm right there with you. I didn't really have much restriction at all until I had my 3rd fill last week. What a difference it makes. I am with you about being concerned about getting enough vitamins and have been careful to take my multivitamin and a calcium supplement. After being stagnant for months the scale is moving again!!!!

Good luck

Louise

I was just looking at the Tim Horton's website to find out how many calories were in the soup I just ate (250) and decided to check on the coffee. A large double double has 230 calories!!!! I knew it would have some, but not that many. It also has 12g of fat. Yikes!!!!!!!! and I thought that one coffee a day wasn't much of an impact.

For you non Canadians, double double is Tim Hortons speak for a coffee with 2 cream and 2 sugar.

Anyway their website is really helpful if you are looking for full nutritional information. Anyway here is the link for any of you wanting to check it out.

http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/menu/nutri...calculator.html

Cheers

Louise

Hi all you happy bandsters how have been enjoying/dealing with "good" restriction for a while. I just had my 3rd fill last week and boy do I have restriction now. Before I did have some but I have never had any issues with PBing or sliming and for the most part could eat what I wanted just slightly smaller portions.

I had 1.5ccs in my first fill 1.0 in my second and .6 for a total of 3.1 in my 4cc band. Now I am REALLY tight in the morning. To the point of having to slowly sip coffee in the morning to loosen up the band to get liquids down. After a couple of hours though I seem to be OK. I've been able to small amounts of about half a cup like expected but definitely no more and depending on the time of day a little less. So far no real PBing or sliming but I stop when I start to feel tightness.

Anyway, is the extreme tightness in the morning something to worry about? Personally I don't really mind it. In fact I would prefer a coffee and a protein shake for breakfast in the morning if it keeps me full.

Any comments for those used to this level of restriction?

Thanks

Louise

PS the ladies at Northwest Fill Management were really great if anyone is considering them

Dr. Arsenau is BANDED????? That's the first I've heard of that! When? Where? What's his story? That's so exciting!

Sabrina:)

He was banded over a year ago in Washington. I think it may have been a full year since he lost his weight but I can't remember the details. You should try him.

I saw the ladies at NWFM today for my fill. I decided not to do fluoro because I didn't even have 3 cc's yet. They tried to add .8 ccs for a total of 3.3, but then had to take .2 out. Boy do I finally have restriction!!!!!

I also figured out why I haven't lost weight for my last couple of fills. I was on a steroid eye drop at high a fairly high dose for most of Feb and March. I didn't even clue in that it would effect me that way because I wasn't ingesting it. I think when I saw my Dr this week for a checkup he almost called me a bone head for not cluing in that it would at least reduce weight loss. In fact he said the fact that I didn't gain means that it is working!!!

Louise

I have booked a fill at NW for May 12th and coming home May 14th. I see you are in Vancouver and I am in Nanaimo. If you are interested we could look at going to gether and sharing costs? I am going with a gal pal of mine so we can do some shopping.

Let me know what you think?

Tracy

Hi Tracy, do you mean you are going to NWFM in Washington? I'm going this Thursday but just for a day trip. It's only 90 minutes from my place so I won't bother staying overnight. Plus I need to get my fill this week as I will be starting a new semester next week and actually UVic on May 14th for a conference. You might want to consider Dr. Arseneau out of St Paul's. I really like him and he only charges $150 for the fill. He's also had a band himself and works out of an eating disorders clinic so is very knowledgeable though he doesn't do the surgery himself.

Anyway thanks for the offer.

Louise