Leaderboard

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!! It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you! The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life! I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!! If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!

My approval was really quick. The coordinator put my information in the system on Jan 9 and blue cross approved it immediately. I received my approval letter on the 11th. However, I had a 270 day waiting period that is up march 2. The 14th is the next available surgery date

My Pre-op went great!!! I met my surgeon, Dr. Reilly and he is wonderful! He made me feel at ease and answered all of my questions! His scale actually had me weighing 6 pounds less than my home scale. I bought a new one after that and surprise that one had me six pounds less also! But I registered with the hospital and they were awesome also! I am fourth in line and have to be at the hospital at 8:30am and she said if all went well I could go home by 3pm. I also met the bariatric coordinator and she was awesome also. She gave me so much information. I have two packets of pre-surgery info to read tonight. Wow it is getting so close and feels real now. I am ready to get the surgery part over so I can start my new way of life.

OK, I got my port fixed and my first fill. I asked the doctor how much my band holds, and he said it is a 14 cc band, he added 6 1/2 cc today. I have to admit, having my port turned back over was an interesting experience to say the least. It was NOT painful, my doctor was gentle and made sure if I felt any pain he would add more novacaine. It was strange to feel him moving and tugging in my stomach and to raise my head and see him examining my port. He did my fill before suturing it back in. I am now having my protein shake for dinner. I can feel a little restriction but its a good feeling!!! I'm a happy girl now

The first month or so after surgery I had soreness and pain around my port site. Remember they had to make a place in your abdominal fat to secure your band to so a little soreness and pain is normal. That is one reason they tell us not to bend over(from the waist, squat instead) the first six weeks post op. Also no heavy lifting. As far as chocking and difficutly swallowing, everyone is different. All surgeons have different post op diets, some keep you on clear liquids and full liquids longer. Mine allowed me to eat solids after 10 days. I had to use my pain medication off and on for the first week to 10 days and the medication for nauesa for the first month. If you really feel uncomfortable, call your surgeon, that is why we pay them the big bucks. Your surgeon or office should be avalibe to answer your questions and concerns. The pain does get better and you barely notice you have a port unless you bump it. Some times my panty hose or a skirt or pants that are to tight can make my port hurt. When was your surgery? Have you been back to your WLS for posp op check up? Good Luck!

I think I lot of us are grazers if we are honest with our selves. Eating from the pots while cooking,(that doesn't count because it's not on the plate or a hand full of chips or cookies. And also if no ones sees you eat it, it doesn't count ,RIGHT! I sometimes find hardest part of the day is evening time. I do right everything down as I eat it all day long, I have an app on my phone so I can record if not at home with my computer and if I can't log on to my app I write it on a post it note. This may seem obsessive but we have to hold ourseveles accountable and that is hard. I have planned snacks during the day that I include in my daily food intake, they are always protein snacks. I do notice if my band is working right, I don't think about grazing as much it is when my band needs adjusted that I seem to have more issues with grazing. Remember, we are trying to change life long bad behavior with food and it is not going to happen over night. Write it down, no matter how small. Those bites add up. Good Luck!

Drinking wth Lapband can sneek up on you very quickly. I have a one drink rule and only after I have had some food. There is a reason for my rule. I had an experience last year around this time of the year. We were out with friends and I had eaten my usually small portion but had a large portion of wine. Thank goodness I was with my husband and good friends or it could have been a diasaster. I really never had thought about it before that night, I knew the potentional to become quickly intoxicated was there, but had no idea how fast it could sneek up on you. Just be careful and make sure you are with friends if you drink outside of your home.

Yes! You are going to get intoxicated a lot more faster than the "normal" person. I was told by my md it is because we eat a lot less calories than a non-bandster. He said "it's okay to drink just do it at home the first time" I was sooo scared. Now I'm okay, I do get drunk a lot faster. I have found if I pace myself I'll be okay. I have a drink, then one pint of ice water, another drink (the same as the first one....or not lol ) and another pint of ice water etc. I always end the night with water just to clear my pouch out from anything that could be acidic (ie margaritas). Hope that helps

I feel like I see an equal of both positive and negative on here. Make sure you also read the blogs and like someone said above, the success stories. Iv'e lost 45 pounds in 10 weeks, so I believe I'm a success thus far. I would do everything the same and do not regret my decision at all. Good luck and stay positive!

Congrats; you look awesome and great post!! How could you think that 90+ pounds wasn't a success?