Maintain balance in my life - it's not always about work!

Today I went to my surgeon for a much needed fill.  He noted that I had cancelled my last FOUR appointments, and we reflected on why the band can fail.

1.  In a very FEW people, the band is rejected.  Some people cannot handle an implanted device of any kind.  This is extremely rare.
2.  In a very FEW people, their body will have some type of reaction and intolerance to the band can build up.  Reasons vary.

The majority of band problems are caused by the following, in no particular order:

*  Too tight band, for too long.
*  Regular PB's, or vomiting; which are an indication that the band is too tight, or that you are eating big bites without chewing well.
*  Chew and spew (the act of chewing your food and spitting it out).  Your body needs the nutients of actual food.
*  Too many extreme fills and unfills.  Slow and steady will allow your body to get used to the band and the fill.  Patience is good.
*  Drinking with meals.  This washes the foods down, and allows the bandster to eat too much on a regular basis.
*  Carbonation can be a problem for some people, especially if they drink carbonated drinks while eating.

I'm sure there are more causes, but these are the ones we discussed.  My surgeon is very clear in that the band or any other WLS is a tool.  All WLS requires behavorial changes, whether it is eating, or drinking, or taking extra vitamins for life.

The band is not a quick weight loss solution.  It is a tool that will help us change our habits so that we can live a more normal life.  It is up to us to follow the basic bandster rules. 

1.  No drinking with meals, or for an hour afterward. 
2.  Eat solid protein first, then veggies, then complex carbs if there is room. 
3.  Drink at least 64 oz of water per day.
4.  Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
5.  Stop eating as soon as you are satisfied (very different from the old feeling of being full).
6.  Avoid liquid calories.

When I first thought of getting the band, I came here.  I read posts, and asked questions.  There were a few people who would patiently answer any questions, in a positive manner.  They reminded me of the rules every day.  It was rare to see people with problems back then.

Then more and more people got banded.  Personalities rose and so did online conflicts.  I believe this was because the band was still relatively new, and many surgeons did not provide the best after-care.  Lots of differing opinions.  So people would argue that it wasn't necessary to follow the rules, as there were no RULES. 

But you know what, band family? These simple guidelines work.  We were overweight for years prior to surgery, and developed bad habits.  Those don't go away just because we have surgery.  We have to change as well.  And we should be responsible enough to help each other during the hard time.  When a newbie comes out and says they ate a lot of pizza two weeks out - well that is a bad thing.  That likely won't hurt at the time, but it's a chink in the wall.  If one keeps tapping away at the wall, it will crash.

We owe it to each other to be supportive, but to also remind each other that certain behaviors can be dangerous.  Maybe not at the time, but over time they will be.  And I can give you lots of example of this.

In the words of Nancy D., someone who helped me so much in the first year; "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.”  It’s time for me to take this as my mantra, so that I can get to goal.  And I plan to spend more time on the Lap Band forum, helping those who are new and asking questions.  We CAN do this!

http://www.quizopolis.com/spring_fairy_name.php

It has been a strange week, that has flown by quickly.  I need a haircut and will do that today.  Headed off to Dallas tomorrow to see my mom and take her shopping and such.

I am wearing the coolest shoes ever today - so unbelievably comfortable.  I wanted (don't laugh) some gladiator sandals but need comfort and good for walking.  So I found some Earth sandals that met my needs and they totally rock.


My iPod is one of my favorite toys - I have thousands of songs on it and listen to music all day long.  Without the iPod I'd want to sing and my co-workers wouldn't appreciate that!  Mine is red of course.

I love this new forum, all the people are great.  I still go other places but this one feels like home.

My son is doing his best to convince me that Obama is the right choice - I am a Hillary fan so that has led to some interesting discussions.  He could have been a lawyer or lobbiest with his powers of persuasion.  I will see him at the end of April when I go to the DC area on vacation. 

My other son should be moving to Texas with his wife this summer - I am so excited!

And to leave you with some questions to ponder...

* If a man said something when he was all alone in the woods, would he still be wrong?

* If nobody buys a ticket to the movie, do they still play it?

* When you own a piece of land, how far down do you own it?  To the core of the earth?

* How come glue doesn't stick to the inside of the bottle?

* If you pass gas and burp at the same time, does that create a vacuum in your tummy?

* If your primary surgeon suddenly died during your surgery, would the secondary doctor work on you or the doctor?

* What does it mean to be 'head over heels' about something?  Aren't we always that way?