~~Sami~~ *.
Sami and Ali are my two boys' names... not my name. I've had three different profiles here on OH since 1999/2000.... and I keep losing passwords.
Anyway, I had a Lap-Band placed in June 2001 in Monterrey Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut. I chose Dr. Rumbaut for a few reasons:
1) Band was in FDA trials at the time (was approved like June 1st), and I couldn't get into one here in the States
2) Dr. Rumbaut was one of the most experienced BAnd surgeons in the World... and trained the US docs for Inamed. Still is one of the most experienced. Still trains docs.
3) Rumbaut had a Band himself.
Incredible experience. Excellent surgeon. Excellent care in Monterrey. It's a big teaching hospital, so everything is up-to-date. Same Ethicon-Endo equipment as one finds in the states. Excellent nursing staff. Excellent care. I don't speak a word of Spanish (except Dora/Sesame Street Spanish), and it wasn't that much of an issue.
The biggest issue one faces getting Banded out of the country is follow-up... and follow-up is key. You must get regular fills. Ideally with fluoroscopy. You may need one as often as every 6-8 weeks. I had about 7 during my first 1.5 yrs. I paid anywhere from $350-$650 per fill. Costs have come down now (usually around $350), but it is still an issue.
Some US docs are now quite competitive with Mexican surgeons... and offer packages which include fills for a year or two. Highly recommend a practice like that.
I was unfilled for two pregnancies. Gained 55 pounds with each and lost it soon after (no fills). Did develop gestational diabetes during both pregnancies... managed with insulin during the first one and glyburide (off-label) during the second.
Best part of the Band for me was giving up the diet mentality. I ate healthful real foods and lost weight. Finally felt full. Was able to eat an appetizer and walk-away satisfied. Also, I learned to love exercise. Even though I'm still a relatively big girl, I adore it.
If you're thinking about starting an exercise program, here are some ideas:
1) Buy a pedometer. Track your steps per day for a few days and see where you're at. Then add 500 steps per day each week until you hit 10000-12000 steps.
2) Consider a personal trainer; however, work with one with the goal of becoming independent. So... work with one for a few weeks... and then gradually decrease. Make sure you're learning from your trainer how to properly do the exercise, work the machine, etc. "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips offers a good work-out guide.
3) Think videos. Collage Video has a great selection.... staff which makes recommendations... and clips you can view online. Also look on eBay and Amazon for used tapes. Netflix has a few as well that you can rent.
In terms of super-easy, great for beginners, I like Leslie Sanson's Walk Away the Pounds Express. However, I found that the 1 and 2 mile videos were pretty useless. Look into her 4 mile and 5 mile tapes. Tell yourself that you only have to go to 1 mile or 2 miles (counter on the screen)... but often times, you'll find yourself completing the workout.
Tamilee Webb has a good weight training series called "I want that body..." 15 minute workouts. Can do arms twice per week, legs twice per week. Excellent instruction.
TurboJam (www.beachbody.com, but check QVC for cheaper prices) is a really fun energetic kickboxing workout. More advanced choreography.... but after a few times, you'll get it. Even if you're not perfect, do the moves you know how to... or make up your own moves.
Yogawise, all of the Yoga Journal tapes are great. Kathy Smith always had good stuff... yoga, pilates, weights, aerobics.
Also consider daily, functional stuff.... so look into an exercise ball chair instead of your regular desk chair (gaiam.com has one)... or use a regular stability ball. Try sitting on a stability ball while you watch TV rather than the couch. Park further away.... use the stairs.... limit your TV and Computer time or at least wait until you've done your daily workout before vegging out.
Cookbook Recommendations:
Try one new light recipe per week. Even if you only like 10% of them, you'll have 5 new light recipes that your family loves each year.
* "Fast Food Fix" by Devin Alexander. Lower fat, calorie versions of fast food favorites, including frappucinos, cinnabons, etc.
* Any of Cooking LIght's books
* "The Best Light Recipe" by Cook's Illustrated
* "Before and After: Living Well After WLS" See bariatriceating.com for free recipes
I also love both of Marc David's books. He's a nutritionist and psychologist. www.marcdavid.com Try his "Slow Down Diet" for some insight.
Find a surgeon (and his/her staff) that you can work with. If your doc puts you on a low-carb diet (?! Pet Peeve of mine), and you can't stick to it... then work with the nutritionist on a plan that you can stick to. Maybe the nutritionist will be OK with your counting points a la weight watchers... or just tracking calories or whatever as long as you get your protein in. If your doc wants you on a liquid diet pre-op to shrink your liver, and your'e not sticking to it... then ask what are some alternatives. Can you do it for a shorter time period (some do two weeks, some one day, some no pre-op diet).... choose high protein, low carb solid foods over liquids... or just follow any diet as long as you try to lose xyz pounds?
If you find you're eating too fast with your Lap-Band (or whatever form of WLS you have), look into the Power Seed. It's a little device that blinks (or beeps) every few minutes to tell you to take a bite. It also has a different blink/beep every 15 or so minutes to tell you to take time to evaluate your fullness. www.powerseed.com
Remember, it's unlikely you got to be MO without having some issues with food. Counseling may help. Journaling may help. OA may help. One of the toughest battles you'll face is dealing with your head hunger. BUT you can do it!
I'm thinking about revising my Band to VSG as I'm tired of the fills... and things getting stuck. That's on hold until my youngest is weaned, however.
It's really frustrating watching people get the surgery, lose a ton of weight... even get close to goal... and here I sit. Little guy is still nursing but not as much for calories... so I may be able to consider having the operation around Dec/Jan. Of course, I'm wondering if we want to have any more kids. If so, it's probably better to have them before surgery... as it wouldn't be a good idea to get preggers for at least 18 months after...and then I"d be nearing 40. -sigh-
