Cherylann

Hi! I have been procrastinating getting on-line. The last time I did was in May of this year! I realize now, how much I need the support! I was banded nearly a year ago, the 3rd week in Nov. "06. I went back to TJ in early Jan. for my follow-up and fill. I had lost 35 lbs. by May 07. I have not used this website to my advantage, for help, comraderie, etc. so here I am. I had another fill the end of Sept. (I don't remember the cc amount.) My problem is that I have had some problems in my life that I have taken medication for. The medication makes me want to eat, and relaxes my muscles to the point that the band almost becomes non-existent. I can hardly feel it, when I take the medication. When I went for my fill in late Sept. the Dr. looked at me really funny when I told her the date of my surgery. She later said that she would have thought that I would have lost much more weight! Well, the fill definitely made a difference and I have lost more weight. However, I still fight the food thing everyday. It seems like I'm subconciously always trying to beat the system.(The lapband system.) Anyway to make a long story short, I have found in the past year that warm foods go down well for me. And unfortunately cookies and other sugars go down very smoothly. And like you, the meats, green salads, and other foods that seem more healthy, don't go down as well. I think I am still in my former mind set, and trying to eat the same portions that I used to! Old habits die HARD!!! I have also done my share of throwing up! If you can only do liquids, stick with warm broth (like at the beginning-in the days after surgery). I also drink Atkins shakes. They are similar to Ensure, and I love them! You can freeze them in the can, let them thaw a bit, use a can opener, and eat them like ice-cream, without the calories of ice cream. Anyway, this whole mind set of smaller portions has been hard for me. But to make a long story short, try warm liquids and liquids that have vitamins and nutrients like Ensure, Atkins, etc. There have been days since my last fill that liquids were all I could have. That's when the weight comes off. (As long as you are not drinking high calorie liquids.) Take care, and good luck.

PAMMIE, Great pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us. I am a scrapbooker, and didn't even take my camera with me! Thanks again. Cherylann

Hi Rochelle, I had lapband surgery on Nov. 20, 2006. I've never been happier. I would do it again tomorrow. Yes, it is a daily struggle to overcome my bad eating habits! I did not do a lot of research before my surgery, so I sort of went into the whole thing blind. However, I felt good about having a tool to help me control my eating habits. I understand your feelings about being a failure. I have been afraid of that too. Especially when I found out that sugar (my comfort food), goes down real easy!!! Sugar has always been my problem. That's why it is important to follow the diet plan that Dr. Miranda (the nutritionist) sets up for you. If I eat like she told me--protein first, vegetables, fruit, then carbs last...at each meal, you will lose weight. I have not thrown up a lot. I have had PBing on occasion, but only when I overate, and was not careful. The surgery is a committment that I don't think you will regret. Just be super committed, and start getting rid of some of your bad eating habits now, so it won't be so hard on you at the end of February (when you start the pre-op diet). Good luck! Cherylann