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Powerful, and I recieve it. I truly needed that, surgery is right around the corner. If he brought me to it he'll bring me through it.

Your nutritionist should be the one you listen to. You need at least 1200 calories. This is determined to be your, and most women's , basal metabolism level. This meaner its the amount of calories need by your body to perform basic and necessary functions such as maintance of body temp. People think because they are eating less then this they will lose more, this is not the case. What actually happens is your body goes into shock and acts as if the last food it recieved is the last food it will get, it goes into survival mode and immediately converts this into fat. So while you may be working out, everything you pit into your body is turning into fat. If this makes sense it will be really helpful in the future. I was wondering why I wasn't losing weight when I was only eating at max 800 calories, but when I bumped it up the lbs melted off.

Wow B-52 that's fighting talk and I like it. Unfortunately everyone doesn't have your no nonesense approach to the lap band and I'm guessing... life. But certainly the problem with a lot of lap banders is they have been misled that it's a 'set it and go' weight loss solution, but it isn't at all. You do still have to make sacrifices, but that's life. If you want that body to die for and you are desperate for a solution (which by the way you should be to opt for weight loss surgery at all) then you've got to do what it takes. Think of the lap band as a tool to get what you want, it's not a solution in itself, but you have to work with that tool to get results. Good post B52

Dont worry it will come off...Just follow what your doctor tells you and everything will be fine. The first month is all about healing and adjusting. I know your past that know but the weight will come off.

I say make small goals and then move down as you go along. Plus your surgeon can give his/her opinion too. Cheri

Hi Alexis: Congratulations on your decision. First let me address the "easy way out" line. I would have those family members watch the online seminars for this procedure and make sure they know what you're going to have to go through. This is not an easy way out...it is a tool. Its a tool just like excercise or Weight Watchers or the phentermine. It just happens to be a surgical one. You will still have to watch what you eat, measure your foods, excercise and follow doctor's orders. Okay...now that I have that off my chest (and I apologize if it seemed rude).... I was back at work about 6 days after my surgery. I am 4 weeks post-op and still am careful about certain things. My incisions have healed on the outside, but every now and then, I still feel a twinge here and there that I attribute to the abdominal muscles/nerves healing. As for excercise, after the first week/ 1 1/2 weeks, my doctor told me I could do light excercise and that if it hurt, to stop. However, your doctor may want you to do something different. This a journey. Some days will suck (like the few after the surgery when all that gas they pump into you makes you feel bloated) but there should be more good days...like the first time you step on the scale and see a HUGE hunka pounds gone...or putting on a pair of jeans that fit...or when out of the blue someone looks at you and says "wow, you look great!" There's the day that you realize you've done more in the excercise department than you ever thought you would...or when you realize that you're actually full from a 1/2 cup of food. What ever day it happens to be, I personally think its worth it. It has been for me so far. and...you have other bandsters here to support you and answer your questions and to cheer along with you. God bless you and keep us posted on your journey!

My doctor seemed to lean more towards bypass because weight loss was faster. He said you have to work harder and exercise with band. After going back and forth for several months I opted for the band. Just didn't want my insides rearranged. I know you hear a lot of problems with the band, but I have also heard of a lot of problems down the line with bypass. I guess nothing is perfect.

Kelly - welcome! I'm a NW girl myself. I grew up down the road from you in Kitsap county. I currently live in Idaho but all of my family are still in Washington. I'm so happy for you that you are going to be able to get the LB. I'm still in the 6 month pre- op phase myself but am losing nicely. It is a learning curve and I didn't Like the wait either but like you I understand it. It will be exciting to watch your journey! This is a good place to come for encouragement and mental preparation.

Hi there! I am down in Portland and am currently waiting to see if my insurance approves or denies. I am turning 24 this year and I decided I had already spent the last 6 years doing every diet under the sun without any long term accomplishments. I wish you success on your journey!

I wish you the best of luck. Much like you, I didn't seek out my pcp before making my decision. My hubbie isn't really chatty either. I didn't even tell him I was considering wLS until I had made up my mind. We have good insurance through Screen Actors Guild or else we wouldn't be able to afford it. I have run into a little jelousy but people who really care about me will love the healthy happy me and I surrender those relationships to God. I don't really spread word about my surgery but if someone asks I tell, just because I saw it as an easy button for people with money before I did my homework on it, maybe I can help someone not count themselves out. This site is awesome and people are informative, eager to share their experiences very candidly. Good luck to you. Know that everyone here is different but we all got your back!