JenniferJS

Awww, Dawn, thanks! I'm slowly becoming more comfortable in front of the camera and not just behind it. (I'm a photographer) And thanks for your input on the never ending protein issue. Makes sense.

Hugs,

J.

Jennifer,

I like your new avatar picture. Very pretty. I remember your post about the protein. Once you have been on the forum for a while, you will realize that the protein bullet/protein shake is pretty much a constant. Someone is always asking how much is enough/too much.

I think that there is just so much confusion about how much is enough protein. The other thing I think is that people are supplementing protein in the morning when they are too tight for real food. The last sub-set of posts seem to be from people who are working out 6 and 7 days a week and their trainers are recommending 100 grams of protein a day.

We are supposed to be eating our protein, not drinking it. But, people are going to do what they feel is right for them and their particular style of lap band management and that is okay. It is a learn as you go program.

Dawn

Hi there I registered my trip back in January and also prepared a contact/info sheet for my family I was leaving behind. I think most do. I didn't think to share this info so bless you for doing so! It will be helpful for those with upcoming travels.

A number of people have expressed concerns about traveling to Mexico. I did some research and I will be cautious, but I am not concerned. However, my family is still concerned, so I created an OCC Info Sheet in case of emergency. It contains a map which shows the location of OCC and Hotel Lucerna as well as contact information. It also contains US Consulate information.

The OCC Info Sheet is a PDF and you can download it from:

http://www.fathomservices.com/occinfo.pdf

It might also be a good idea to register your trip with the US Department of State at:

https://travelregistration.state.gov

I asked this same question about a month ago. I didn't understand why people were consuming the protein shots. When I tracked my food on sparkpeople.com, I was surprised to see the numbers add up (protein, carbs, etc.). I don't think I need the protein shots and haven't bought them. However, I do sometimes wish I had them on hand, when I'm having a day where everything seems to be getting stuck. But a BOOST protein shake usuallys works just fine. I enjoy it and it gives me 15g of protein. I may buy the shots at some point, tho..maybe when I start working out extra heavy?

I'm curious to know. Why are you girls taking protein shots? Is it that you're not getting enough in your normal diet? Or is it that you're not able to eat properly? I'm just curious to know, because if you're eating your 3 meals a day there shouldn't be a need to consume extra protein.

Hey Sabrina...let us know Good luck, hun!

I'm going for my third fill today. I'll let you know how it goes!

Sabrina:)

Yay for bewbies!!! I have implants and LOVE THEM. I got them when I was at one of my skinniest weights. (I was never 'skinny' but at 5'9 I think I was like 170lbs when I had them done 5 years ago.) Wow, cannot believe it's been 5 years! I had a few bumps in the road with PS - My left implant never 'dropped' so the surgeon went back in to make the pocket bigger to acommodate the implant. I was less than an A cup prior to the boob job. Then last year, my implant ruptured. EEK! It wasn't a result of impact or anything...as a matter of fact, it just started shrinking! One day, I was drying off from the shower and realized that my left one was significantly smaller than my right. I had the surgeon replace it (Mentor covered the actual implant - I only paid surgeon and anesthesia fees).

After reaching 240 lbs (my decision weight for lapband) - they are not as pretty and perky as I'd like. So I will probably get a lift or go bigger or something once I'm at goal weight. A gift to myself

I'm all for PS - if it makes you feel better about yourself, heck yeah!

To the OP, I'm happy to hear you had minimal discomfort and are doing well. Again, YAY FOR BEWBIES!

xo

Jennifer

AHahhahha! It was my TOM (guys, stop reading here! lol) - so I kept my panties on and put those on over it. I woke up with just those paper panties on...hah!

Gives me hope!

SUPER BIG HUGS BACK TO YOU, ROBBYN! Read my post above for the details

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Jennifer))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

)))

I want to hear how things are going after the fill too!

Hugs.

Hi Diana! I have lived in FL my whole life

So first fill down! Where do I start...guess I'll just ramble about like always.

Fill itself, totally easy, painless, quick! (Oh and super cute fill doc! Is that a requirement for bariatric surgeons? It must be. I swear!)

I'm having some trouble with solids (well the good for you solids - junk goes down easy!) Not that I eat junk often but sometimes its tempting to have chips because they just go right down, no problems! I wasn't even a chip eater before lap band...weird! I cooked on a weekend and packed my lunch - tender meat and a veg each day. I can only eat maybe 1/2 cup of food (still not measuring!) Most meat is just to difficult and gets stuck (which is kinda did before my first fill anyway, so not that new). Now I know why people look for alternate protein sources! Now it makes total sense! Oh, I love fish - its always tender and tasty but I've learned this is one food I DO NOT NEED TO CHEW THOROUGHLY - it just gets too dry after so much chewing. It seems to stay more moist with regular chewing (still super small bites of course).

Veggies seem to go down okay (MINUS ASPARAGUS! It WAS a fav). Veggies just take SO much chewing!

I have been getting belly aches ALOT! Not anywhere near my pouch or port. They are very low (almost could be menstrual cramps but they are def not). That is so strange to me. I'm regular (thanks to BENEFIBER!). White wine will cause a belly ache every time so I've switched to red only and have it just on occasion.

So far I've PB'd twice (once before fill with pork chops that I wolfed down - DUH ME!) and then after fill with the asparagus. UCK!!!!!!! GROSS!!! This has made me SOOO TIMID about food. Which is good (don't even wanna bother with most stuff cuz I hurt just looking at certain stuff like bread, cake, meat..etc.) I do spit alot cuz things get lodged for a few minutes. I attribute that to not chewing good enough and not enough time between bites. There is such a learning curve with this band! I understand that restriction means getting full faster. Restriction is not PBing and sliming/spitting.

Maybe a pound weight loss But I'm not disappointed...I know where I'm lacking (exercise!)

So, I told you I would ramble!

Thanks for checking in on me!!

Hugs!

Jennifer

Hey Jennifer!

So you went for your first fill-- how is it going?

(Your picture looks just like my college room mate, way back when. You didn't go to Ferris State in MI, did you? )

I hope all is well--Diana

I saw that you are from South Florida...as am I. I just wanted to reach out. I did not travel alone (I convinced a very good friend to come along). However, it was a beautiful experience, a great trip. I was scared as well but it was pretty tame! I think you will be fine. What airline? Flying into SD airport? The two drivers for the OCC are FABULOUS. They know we are nervous and are somewhat supportive (they were quiet). They will treat you well. I felt that if anything were to go wrong, they would 'have my back.' But again, it was very very tame. Nothing weird.

The small area of Tijuana seemed fairly safe. I refused to go anywhere but the hotel and clinic. Oh, well I did venture out to Starbucks across the street from the hotel...the only scary thing was TRAFFIC. You feel like Frogger (from the 80's video game)...lol....I think someone said that on here...lol.

I will pray for you. You will do fine. I had my surgery January 19, 2009. So my experience was recent. I think the scary new reports stem from the Texas/Mexico border. I have heard very little about the borders we crossed. That is not to discount any violence that does occur there. Again, I really think you will be fine!

On to your new life.....! Now go and get banded! Have fun!

BIG HUGS!

Jennifer

Hello everyone!!!

well as you can see in my ticker ill be banded in a few days, but thats not the problem, the problem is thats now that my surgery date is just a few days away it finally hit my mom that Iam actually going through with this and now shes scared to death of me going alone to TJ she keeps telling me of all these bad things that can happen and to postpone the surgery untill I find someone to go with me, which is something I dont want to do since I waiting for years for this day to come

but all that stuff shes been telling have me thinking now and I am having second thoughts about going, so I just want to hear from others that like me went alone and came back home safe, I just want to know everything will be alright and that I shouldnt be scared of traveling alone to OCC

Thank you so much for reading!!!

Yeah!! Love it! I had the same thing recently....its AWESOME! Good for you on your weight loss.

I don't know you but I do know that you are an amazing man and you have a very lucky wife. May each step of this process be that much brighter having each other for support, love and encouragement! Hugs!

Jennifer

My wife and I were banded on Feb 27. We must be two of the seven you are talking about. It's been an awesome journey so far. My wife and I were talking last night about this decision. We don't regret a thing! It's amazing to see the changes taking place in our bodies. I can tell my wife is losing weight every day. She was smoking hot before, but now....WOW! She makes me drool and slober alot. She has told me to quit licking the windows when I look in on her at her shop. Sorry I digress.

Today is the first day for us to go from clear liquids to creamy liquids. I didn't think I would be looking forward to the transition as much as I am. We went to the store last night to decide what kind of creamy soups that may interest us. Tonight its Creamy Brocolli! Music to follow I am sure.

This morning I decided to have an ooooooh sooo creamy vanilla protein shake. It tasted really nice compared to beef boulion broth. But...(and this is where it is great having a mate who is on this same journey) my lovely and talented wife reminded me of something Dr. Ortiz said the day of surgery. Challenge yourself with the band, see how little you can eat and be satisfied. Make yourself work with the band. So....I took small and slow sips. In a few minutes I had managed to drink a little more than half of it. I felt satisifed and put the rest in the refrigerator and walked away. I read an article not long ago that said a lot of people "think" they are hungry when in fact they are dehydrated. After staying on nothing but clear liquids for a week, I can say I never once was truly hungry, but I have stayed very well hydrated. As Dr. Miranda said, have some liquid with you all the time, always sipping. For me that has been having broth, water, green tea, crystal light drink mix, sugar free cider, watered down fruit juice, and black coffee on hand most of the day. Thats what I have done so far. I am 7 days post op and down 17 lbs. My hottie wife is down 16 pounds.

I'm guessing that BP'ing means Bingeing and Purging. It does sound as if she is getting the lap band to prevent that horrible cycle. I guess even at goal weight and all that exercise she does and all that nutrition info she harbors, she is still struggling? I'm not sure either. I have noticed that during my short time on this board I've run across "psychologists" and exercise gurus basically advertising their profession here. It is smart marketing, we are their target audience. I am skeptical about them, personally. But maybe I'm wrong, maybe they are posting to benefit themselves as well...and not in any sort of financial way.

PIC! PIC! PIC! PIC! Soooo happy for you - 50 lbs is a huge accomplishment!

I have had zero constipation. However, I have made Benefiber a part of my daily routine since my pre-op diet days. It is a wonderful product and I will take it every day forever, I think. I am perfectly regular. {who knew I'd ever be sharing my BMs with the world wide web?!} lol

Ohhhh BIG HUG, babe! Soooo sorry you are feeling this way. But like the other 2 replies..you have not had your fill yet! Go easier on yourself. Sending love...

Isn't it so weird how we are so very very critical of ourselves?! You look amazing and have changed quite a bit and it is hard for you to accept mentally. It is a very difficult aspect for some, this change physically can really mess with us!

Great job and just keep doin' yo thang, girl! You will start to acknowledge your changes soon, babe, I'm sure. Let it sink in....

Its all good!

:D

You cannot change a lifetime of habits in 8.5 weeks.

PROFOUND!

Love this.

This is a process, for sure.

OH wow....I really enjoyed your post. I, of course, deeply sympathize with the loss of your mother and the haunting dress. In that order ; )

Isn't it funny how we are all here with different stories to share but all with a similar theme...

BIG HUGS

There is some back story here.

On 3/12/07 at 294 the moon, stars and sun aligned. I lost weight and I was motivated. I logged every bite, lick and taste.

Fast forward to June 08. My best friend is engaged to be married, I'm her Maid of Honor and my mother and I go dress shopping. I weigh 212.

So, they bring out an 18 and it fits me okay, but since my mom and I knew I was losing weight we purchased the dress in a 16 (which did fit). After all the wedding was in September.

The moment, moment, moment I pay for and pick up the dress, my friend calls me and says the reception hall was accidentially double booked. Yikes. The wedding was moved to March.

And did I mention my mom, who I consider the best in the world died.

Talk about rock bottom. So this dress haunted me. In dealing with my mother's death I started to put on weight, I stopped logging food, I started watching the food network (I didn't know how to cook) and I fell in love with the Barefoot Contessa, who looks a bit like my mom did when I was a child and the way I did when I was at my heaviest. I'll post a photo, I was a brunette then (and my mom was too).

A small off topic comment, when my mom passed away, she was a 5'9 blonde who weighed 135 lbs. She lost weight 20 years ago when my father died and kept her weight off.

Okay, so the Barefoot Contessa...beautiful, happy, charming and she got more and more beautiful. And I thought how wonderful it would be to cook and eat whatever you wanted (not that she does that) and just be who you're meant to be.

So I mentally, physically and emotionally wanted to weigh 300 lbs again. Yep, I wanted it. And I wanted it quickly. Crazy I know.

Despite the obvious, what was the problem with this? I had a bridesmaid dress in my closet that was a size 16 so I kept on being roped back in to who I used to be.

But as the months rolled by, I got sloppier and sloppier with my program. The dress was like a curse. It haunted me. I felt trapped by it.

So flash forward to January and a dress fitting. Yikes. 4 inches taken out on both sides. Oh yea, that was a mess. Had to find fabric...etc. And the simple solution of buying another dress wasn't an option, it wouldn't be in before the wedding.

Can you guess what brought me to my knees and commit to lap band? The dress.

So I commit to surgery and on 2/13 I see my doctor and he says that although two weeks of liquids prior to my surgery would be 2/16 I can start at any time. I mean I was 257 by this point and I didn't want to feel as if I was working in reverse so I started early.

Ah yea...start early and then go in for the final dress fitting...which of course is now 2 inches too big on either side.

lol

I know I know, I am happy but I think it's funny. This poor dress looks so odd. At least there is only one other bridesmaid and she was smart and didn't order her dress prior to the date change so by the time she purchased hers the material had been discontinued and replaced with something a similar color but different in texture...so we aren't going to look alike anyway.

My final final final fitting for the dress is Friday and the wedding is in 10 days. I've already warned the bride we may have to use safety pins to keep it on. She is very understanding but that is what best friends do.

Thanks, BrandNewDawn...

I plan to hang in there! I appreciate you sharing your experience with Dr. Romero...isn't that so weird that so many are told (or hear) different things!?

Thanks again!!

Keep up the good work.

When I went for my first fill after being banded, one of the first things Dr. Romero asked was if I had been eating and drinking at the same time because my pouch was "a little bit stretched." I could see what he was talking about on the flouroscope. I had been eating and drinking together some times but by no means had I been doing it every time and still he noticed a difference. Needless to say, I no longer drink and eat at the same time regardless of what the research says, I saw what he was talking about with my own two eyes. To me, it is just not worth taking the chance of ruining my band.

I usually wait 45 mintues to 1 hour to eat after meals but sometimes I need to wait longer than that because it is uncomfortable (painful) to drink. I do not know if there is still food in the upper pouch and the liquid is backing up behind it but that is what it feels like.

I had no restriction by the end of the 6 week period between surgery and my first fill. I could eat just as I had before surgery. Hang in there, you have to get some restriction going before you can really begin to see how the band will work for you.

Good luck

Dawn

Hi Barb

I get ya when you say a "good" fill. Altho I have big expectations for my first fill, I understand it may be my 2nd that will 'do the trick.'

I am fitting MUCH better in clothes...so I guess I'm doing some things right!

Thanks for the reply!

Hang in there, we have all gone thru the dreaded "Bandster Hell"!

It is that time between surgery and your first GOOD fill.

I say GOOD fill because it took 3 fills for me to even know what restriction felt like. I was banded 6-6-08 and did not get restriction until late August.

Then my body went into a platue!!! But all and all, the band is such a help. It will keep you from binging. I have only lost 40 pounds, but someone who got banded with me has lost OVER 100 so far.

Listen to your body and keep doing what you are doing, you might have lost a ton of inches, how do your clothes feel?

Keep up the good work and I hope you get a good fill on the 3rd.

Awwww MagnoliaGurl - Thanks!! SO sweet of ya!

I SOOO get ya about the "I told you so's" - I told very few people and did tell more people as time has gone on. I think they are looking at me like "well, uh, why aren't you skinny yet?!" But maybe it's my own insecurities (probably!) - I too had huge expectations about my weight loss but am realizing this will take a good year or more....and I'm becoming okay with that!

Ditto to exercise! Gotta get on that hard core!

Good luck, hun!

Jennifer, I could have wrote your same post myself!! I am 10 days behind you and I have only lost 10 pounds total since my surgery. I have not dropped one single ounce since starting solids.. I realize now that this is why I didn't really want to tell anyone about my surgery, because I know that I had HUGE expectations for my weightloss and I know that all my family and friends would too. So seeing that I've only lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks, I didn't won't to hear the "I told you so's"..

I have really tried to remain positive and not get stuck on comparing myself to everybody else. But it's hard not to look at what everybody else has lost at the same point I am at not be frustrated with myself!! I know that I have got to start exercising if I expect to get some more weight off..

I do somehow have some restriction, because I definitely cannot eat as much as I used to and I am getting full faster. I'm beginning to think that maybe my body is in starvation mode and is holding on to everything I am eating. I put my food intake into my spark people account and some days I am only getting 800 calories a day.

I guess the biggest place we differ is that I have somehow managed to not drink while I eat. What I do is to just not keep the things that I like to drink in the house, that way I'm not tempted. I do agree with you that this makes it harder to get all your water in for the day, but that's just life. Some days I am too busy to walk around with a water bottle in my hand. And just for the record, Dr. Martinez, Dr. Miranda and my local fill doctor all told me that drinking while eating will help the food slide through the pouch easier, but it will not stretch your band, so go figure!!

Anyway, thanks for posting this thread Jenn and I hope for both our sakes that this - dare I say it - tool will start working soon so I don't feel like this was all in vain!!

PS: Your picture is beautiful!! You are a really beautiful girl!!

I said I would stick to not drinking with food.

(???)

Well really, if you think about it, regardless of the reasons why, it still shouldn't be done. Whether food slips through or you stretch your band, both scenarios are not good for the band. So why risk it?

WHEW! Ckiki...thanks! You and the others give me such hope! Yay for restriction!

Jennifer,

I made a post similar to yours my second week of solids, so I know exactly where you are coming from. It's get very frustrating! I am on day 4 of my first fill, and I have lost almost 5 lbs. I had lost faith in the band during those weeks after starting solids, and started to question why I even did this, but all that changed once I got my fill. I know most on here say they don't feel restriction on their first fill or sometimes even second, but I know I am feeling restriction, and it's great. I am loving eating so much less and being satisfied and not being hungry again until 5 or 6 hours later (if even that) So my point is, just hang in there, don't give up!!!

Christy, your support always put a smile on my face

I've been great about not drinking with food today. I've learned that popping an ice cube in my mouth after I've finished with my food REALLY helps. Good luck, girl, and talk soon!

Hey Jennifer

I know how you feel!!!! I have only lost 7 pounds since SURGERY. That includes the liquid diet!!!! I started back to the gym last week and I swear my body just wants to hold on soooo tightly to this weight on me! I weighed 235 on surgery day and 228 on my fill day. GREAT

Hopefully once you get your fill, you will do better. I had mine last Saturday and so far so good on the solids. I get satisfied quickly with food. But get this - Today I actually got MAD at my stomach, I was so hungry and I got so full so quick and I wanted to keep eating! I was mad that I couldn't eat more - how messed up is that?????? lol

Just keep going by your guidelines and stop the drinking with meals, i've done it occasionally too but realized it was letting me eat more and thats not the point of the band - so I stopped. I do drink all the way up till the minute of eating though because I usually swallow a vitamin or some other supplement that has to be taken with food right before I start eating. I wait atleast 45 mins after eating to drink anything.

Good luck and dont give up - you can do this