My First Post - Long time Bandster

[lucyxyz]

Hi there,

I was banded in April 2001. I lost 85 lbs and hit my goal. Until last year, I had only required one fill. Then we decided to try IVF to have a second child. All was well until about a month into the meds, when all of a sudden I couldn't swallow water. So after a series of unfills, I finally had to be completely unfilled. I got pregnant, all was well, then at four months along, tragically lost the baby. We tried one additional time, I got pregnant again, but unfortunately again, miscarried. It took several months for my body to finally rid itself of the IVF meds before I could start the process to refill my band to the right level. Unfortunately during my unfill stage, my cravings for all things carbs returned, and I'm now up approx 25 lbs. We've slowly been increasing the amount in my band, and I'm almost back up to what I was for those 6 1/2 years that I was perfectly filled. The carb cravings are still tough, and I'm learning all over again how to eat while banded. It's funny, I think I fooled myself into thinking I'd conquered this weight thing, when obviously I hadn't. We're set to leave for Maui on 1/30 and at 175 lbs, I'm not exactly excited. And to top it all off, my FAVORITE soap opera couple of all time broke up, so I'm pissed about that too, so it's been a tough month Anyway, wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I'm now back on the wagon. No matter how long I'll be banded, I know that it's an ongoing process, one that I can never again take for granted.

[Rhondasue]

Hi there,

I was banded in April 2001. I lost 85 lbs and hit my goal. Until last year, I had only required one fill. Then we decided to try IVF to have a second child. All was well until about a month into the meds, when all of a sudden I couldn't swallow water. So after a series of unfills, I finally had to be completely unfilled. I got pregnant, all was well, then at four months along, tragically lost the baby. We tried one additional time, I got pregnant again, but unfortunately again, miscarried. It took several months for my body to finally rid itself of the IVF meds before I could start the process to refill my band to the right level. Unfortunately during my unfill stage, my cravings for all things carbs returned, and I'm now up approx 25 lbs. We've slowly been increasing the amount in my band, and I'm almost back up to what I was for those 6 1/2 years that I was perfectly filled. The carb cravings are still tough, and I'm learning all over again how to eat while banded. It's funny, I think I fooled myself into thinking I'd conquered this weight thing, when obviously I hadn't. We're set to leave for Maui on 1/30 and at 175 lbs, I'm not exactly excited. And to top it all off, my FAVORITE soap opera couple of all time broke up, so I'm pissed about that too, so it's been a tough month Anyway, wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I'm now back on the wagon. No matter how long I'll be banded, I know that it's an ongoing process, one that I can never again take for granted.

Hi Lucy,

Welcome to the site......it is wonderful to have some veterans on here, especially with so many years of experience. Please feel free to write more about

your experience, for us newly banded ones.

Where did you have your surgery and what did you do to have this long term success and keeping your band healthy and working for you.

Rhonda

[lucyxyz]

Hi Lucy,

Welcome to the site......it is wonderful to have some veterans on here, especially with so many years of experience. Please feel free to write more about

your experience, for us newly banded ones.

Where did you have your surgery and what did you do to have this long term success and keeping your band healthy and working for you.

Rhonda

Hi Rhonda,

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. I was considered a light weight as I'm 5'8" and was about 220lb at my time of banding (of course I didn't think I was a lightweight).

I worked extremely hard after banding. Protein is successful for me. Some body types respond to a low carb, higher protein diet (a semi Atkins formula) and I'm lucky enough to be one of them. I made the immediate decision after banding to remove as many carbs from my life as I could.

I completely stopped eating bread, rice, potatos. These are my trigger foods. I ate candy occasionally, creamy soups and even the occasional milkshake, but if 6 days a week, I kept to my regimine of small portions of protein and walked my 3 miles a day, the weight came off and stayed off. So, when I was unfilled after 6 years, of course bread was the first thing I wanted to eat. So I indulged in deli sandwiches, and bowls of rice with butter. These were the things that due to my band, I simply couldn't eat during that time. I soon found out, the control I lacked prior to banding was still there.

So, I was at 2cc's for the 6 years, then nothing for almost a year, gained the 25lbs, and I'm now back up to 1.8cc's, and will go back up to 2cc's probably by the end of next week. I have some restriction, but again for me, I have to eliminate the bread, rice etc., from my diet, and the 2cc fill makes it virtually impossible for me to slip up.

You guys will do great. It's a great tool, but still requires work. It's not like RNY, but you can get it under control without further surgery. Hang in there!

[determination]

Hi there,

I was banded in April 2001. I lost 85 lbs and hit my goal. Until last year, I had only required one fill. Then we decided to try IVF to have a second child. All was well until about a month into the meds, when all of a sudden I couldn't swallow water. So after a series of unfills, I finally had to be completely unfilled. I got pregnant, all was well, then at four months along, tragically lost the baby. We tried one additional time, I got pregnant again, but unfortunately again, miscarried. It took several months for my body to finally rid itself of the IVF meds before I could start the process to refill my band to the right level. Unfortunately during my unfill stage, my cravings for all things carbs returned, and I'm now up approx 25 lbs. We've slowly been increasing the amount in my band, and I'm almost back up to what I was for those 6 1/2 years that I was perfectly filled. The carb cravings are still tough, and I'm learning all over again how to eat while banded. It's funny, I think I fooled myself into thinking I'd conquered this weight thing, when obviously I hadn't. We're set to leave for Maui on 1/30 and at 175 lbs, I'm not exactly excited. And to top it all off, my FAVORITE soap opera couple of all time broke up, so I'm pissed about that too, so it's been a tough month Anyway, wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I'm now back on the wagon. No matter how long I'll be banded, I know that it's an ongoing process, one that I can never again take for granted.

First of all, Lucy I am terribly sorry for your loss of your 2 babies. There are no other words to say.

And WOW what a great achievement in your weight loss. It helps us that are new to actually see the reality of how this band works and what a lifetime of commitment we are facing. If you do have any tips or suggestions to help us please let us know. Anne

[BandDiva]

Hi Rhonda,

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. I was considered a light weight as I'm 5'8" and was about 220lb at my time of banding (of course I didn't think I was a lightweight).

I worked extremely hard after banding. Protein is successful for me. Some body types respond to a low carb, higher protein diet (a semi Atkins formula) and I'm lucky enough to be one of them. I made the immediate decision after banding to remove as many carbs from my life as I could.

I completely stopped eating bread, rice, potatos. These are my trigger foods. I ate candy occasionally, creamy soups and even the occasional milkshake, but if 6 days a week, I kept to my regimine of small portions of protein and walked my 3 miles a day, the weight came off and stayed off. So, when I was unfilled after 6 years, of course bread was the first thing I wanted to eat. So I indulged in deli sandwiches, and bowls of rice with butter. These were the things that due to my band, I simply couldn't eat during that time. I soon found out, the control I lacked prior to banding was still there.

So, I was at 2cc's for the 6 years, then nothing for almost a year, gained the 25lbs, and I'm now back up to 1.8cc's, and will go back up to 2cc's probably by the end of next week. I have some restriction, but again for me, I have to eliminate the bread, rice etc., from my diet, and the 2cc fill makes it virtually impossible for me to slip up.

You guys will do great. It's a great tool, but still requires work. It's not like RNY, but you can get it under control without further surgery. Hang in there!

You are such an inspiration! I have wanted to hear from someone who has had their band for a long time. Thank you. I find myself really worrying that I am doing things wrong. Like, am I drinking too fast, or putting too much food in my pouch etc. I have only had 2 fills, I was banded in October but each time I have been I am lying there saying, 'is everything ok, I haven't stretched it have I." My Fill Dr. just kind of chuckles. Anyway, how long do you take to eat a meal and drink like a cup of coffee? Ofcourse I sip it, but should it get cold? LOL I guess I just wonder how long it actually takes for the food/liquid to go down to take another sip or bite? I defintely stop when I get full. I sit my fork down in between bites. I just worry, and I don't want to lose my band! EVER! I could have never lost 40 lbs in 3 months without it.

[lucyxyz]

You are such an inspiration! I have wanted to hear from someone who has had their band for a long time. Thank you. I find myself really worrying that I am doing things wrong. Like, am I drinking too fast, or putting too much food in my pouch etc. I have only had 2 fills, I was banded in October but each time I have been I am lying there saying, 'is everything ok, I haven't stretched it have I." My Fill Dr. just kind of chuckles. Anyway, how long do you take to eat a meal and drink like a cup of coffee? Ofcourse I sip it, but should it get cold? LOL I guess I just wonder how long it actually takes for the food/liquid to go down to take another sip or bite? I defintely stop when I get full. I sit my fork down in between bites. I just worry, and I don't want to lose my band! EVER! I could have never lost 40 lbs in 3 months without it.

It sounds like you're dong great. That was one of the hardest things to get used to once I was filled appropriately. We'll always be the last ones at the table, and we'll always get stares and odd looks in restaurants as it could be 10 to 15 minutes in between our first bite and our second to see if all went well with the first one. I wouldn't worry about liquids. I've always drank them as fast as was comfortable. I've never had a slip and I've had some pretty hairy BP sessions from time to time. Around my period I get much tighter which I believe is normal for some. I STILL haven't mastered the small bit and chew chew chew thing as deep down we're still the same people Our bad habits got us into this situation in the first place, so as long as I do my best 90% of the time the other 10% isn't easy to undo. Exercise was the real key for me. I had ruined my metabolism with my yo-yo dieting over the years, so I made a point to come home from work and go for a walk every night. I'm fortunate to live in California, so weather wasn't a factor. A brisk walk burned off those lbs. I haven't picked that habit back up so my weight loss is stalled currently even re-filled. Much of this is emotional (as I'm sure you guys know). If your head is in the right place, your body will follow.

[JazzyJude]

It sounds like you're dong great. That was one of the hardest things to get used to once I was filled appropriately. We'll always be the last ones at the table, and we'll always get stares and odd looks in restaurants as it could be 10 to 15 minutes in between our first bite and our second to see if all went well with the first one. I wouldn't worry about liquids. I've always drank them as fast as was comfortable. I've never had a slip and I've had some pretty hairy BP sessions from time to time. Around my period I get much tighter which I believe is normal for some. I STILL haven't mastered the small bit and chew chew chew thing as deep down we're still the same people Our bad habits got us into this situation in the first place, so as long as I do my best 90% of the time the other 10% isn't easy to undo. Exercise was the real key for me. I had ruined my metabolism with my yo-yo dieting over the years, so I made a point to come home from work and go for a walk every night. I'm fortunate to live in California, so weather wasn't a factor. A brisk walk burned off those lbs. I haven't picked that habit back up so my weight loss is stalled currently even re-filled. Much of this is emotional (as I'm sure you guys know). If your head is in the right place, your body will follow.

Lucy ~ you've no idea how your post means to us newbies. Like Anne mentioned, so sorry for your losses.

I, too, was banded in Oct, just 3 days sooner than BandDiva and we've been neck to neck in what is happening with ourselves and our bands. I've had my 2nd fill on Dec 20 and I am amaze at how I am still restrictive...some days tighter due to stress with my job. Wetotally appreciate you posting the good AND the bad. These are the true statements I like to hear because it's the reality of it all.

Thanks for sharing Lucy!!! I sure hope we hear from you more often! ((Hugs!))...keep us posted on your progress and good luck sweetie!

[litlady]

Hi Lucy-

Thanks so much for sharing with us; you certainly have been through a rough patch. Hopefully, you are back on the smooth road again. It means so much to hear from an experienced bander. When I read six years, I had to stop and think. Intellectually I know my band is forever but my fatself is talking away in my head saying, " we can go get the ice cream; a little bit won't hurt..." My emotional self is being about 6 yrs old and telling me to get thin and then we will be able to eat anything. Your post made me stop and think about the life-long commitment I have made.

Sue

[crazycoolbutterfly]

:lb5:

Lucyxyz, I would like to say thank your for taking the courage to post some of your intimate and very sad part of your life with us. I am so sorry to hear about our babies, I hope that one day you are blessed with a wonderful, healthy baby. As for your weightloss, that is ASTOUNDING, you have done an excellent job with yourself. I'm sure your trip will be fun and don't focus on your faults, but on your success. You have done it once, YOU CAN DO IT again. Take care and keep posting, support is available 24/7 here online.

:lb9:

[lucyxyz]

:lb5:

Lucyxyz, I would like to say thank your for taking the courage to post some of your intimate and very sad part of your life with us. I am so sorry to hear about our babies, I hope that one day you are blessed with a wonderful, healthy baby. As for your weightloss, that is ASTOUNDING, you have done an excellent job with yourself. I'm sure your trip will be fun and don't focus on your faults, but on your success. You have done it once, YOU CAN DO IT again. Take care and keep posting, support is available 24/7 here online.

:lb9:

Hi Guys,

Just checking back in, glad I could offer you hope and the truth about what this thing we have in our bodies is all about I'm back up to 1.8cc's, and will probably go back in after we get back from Maui and fill it back up finally to the 2cc's that I lost all my weight on. I have restriction, but I've gotten good at 'eating around the band' so I need my real fill. Good luck to all of you, and if you have any questions I can help out with, don't hesitate to give me a shout out!!