Swan56

Wow way to go! I want to do 120 in a year so knowing it can be done is a HUGE help. Congratulations!!! and good luck with whatever surgeries you may decide to do.

I just wanted to say -- pay attention to the kind of protein that your body reacts best to. I know from previous diets that while chicken is my favorite protein, my body reacts best to eggs (egg whites). I obviously don't just eat eggs but I do purposely eat more eggs to make sure that my body gets a switch... that may help too. Good luck!

Happy one month bandiversary! Today is my one month mark too and I received my first fill today....

My surgeon told me the day of surgery that after surgery I could do anything as long as it didn't hurt. He is excellent and knows what he is doing. He has been doing general surgery forever but strictly weight loss surgery for 15 years - with lapband for about 7-8. I began walking on the treadmill exactly a week after surgery. I was in pretty good shape before surgery (healthy fat girl) but I was still pretty tired from surgery so I walked slower at less of an incline. I walk daily now and have been known to walk 2.5 miles or more on some days. I also do the elliptical (1.5 weeks post op) and Zumba (3 weeks post op). I began doing light weights on week 2 and now pretty much do what I want with weights - a month post op today. My mom (a nurse) was a little worried about the weights so I didn't do too much at first. Basically the weight training is to help with definition and skin. Everything I have been able to find says that lean muscle is what helps to tighten skin back up. So basically the goal is as little of that excess as possible.. lol. I wish you luck on your journey! Asking for advice here is great but always consult your surgeon as well.

Well I did get a fill today. They asked if I wanted one and I said yes. I feel like I'm going great but also feel like I can maybe eat more than I should be able to (but I stop myself). They put 2.4 cc's in my 10 cc band. Water goes down fine, protien drinks down fine. I won't know about much else until Saturday when I can start mushies. We shall see...

I have local government BCBS and was told by my surgery center that fills are paid for the first 90 days - after that my insurance company would be billed for additional fills. That is probably why your first 2 fills didn't cost anything.

Have any of you thought of seeing a counselor or therapist that works with WLS patients? I know that my surgery center has a meeting once a month with a licensed psychologist and it's only $10 per participant. I haven't gotten to the point that I need to "see" myself thin yet because I'm only a month post-op but I can totally relate to the comments. I think it all has to do with getting your mind healthy with your body. Many overweight people are overweight because of an addiciton or a traumatic experience. Weight often is a way to guard ourselves from things. But honestly, I have the opposite problem sometimes. Sometimes I don't think I'm as big as I am and when I see pictures I'm thinking, "WTH?" lol... and i've been big as long as I can remember. I think focusing on mental clarity throughout the process will help us all!

I'm sure you will read this all over the place but the first month is about healing and learning your band. I've been told that's the main focus and losing weight (in the first month) is just an added bonus. I lost about 9 pounds pre-op and when I went in for my check up two weeks after surgery, I was only down one more pound. I was a little frusterated but had been doing everything my doctor told me to do. Then the next week I lost 6.8 pounds and 12.25 inches. This week I'm back up a pound (assuming that's period weight). So basically, as hard as it is to do, try not to compare yourself to all the stories you read hear. I go the gym every week and have been since about 7 days after surgery. I have been lifting weights as well and my nurse told me that I may not see the numbers as much on the scale because of this but I am more concerned with size (I have a goal size) not so much weight. If that's what you're working towards, start measuring and keeping track that way. Then, if you don't see the numbers you want or expect on the scale you may get them in inches. It's just another way to stay encouraged and keep on track. Good luck!

They asked me about case management and I told them I would be fine without it. She did want to call and check on me a few days after surgery but that was fine with me. I just didn't want to deal with the headache of reporting and questions. I guess for someone that needs to be held accountable it may work well for them. I think it would be a pain for me as well... lol

Amber - I'm getting my first fill on Thursday as well. I am a little nervous but I don't think it'll be too bad. I'm a little nervous as to how foods that I've learned to eat pretty well will affect me after the fill. I guess we'll see. Good luck!

Well my information was all submitted to them by the surgeon's office on November 22, 2010. I got the approval call on December 7. I called the insurance company once or twice and kept steady emails with the surgeon's insurance specialist to make sure to stay on top of it. I would give them a call and see what they can tell you. Good luck!

Congratulations Mandyb! I had my first NSV today too. A good friend's sister-in-law saw me today for the first time in a little over a month and said, "Are you losing weight?" "You look great!" That was so good to hear. She's this adorable, chipper, active, in great shape nurse and it was great to hear a compliment from someone on the other side

Congratulations. I think 20.8 pounds in 4 weeks is tremendous. I'm a little over 3 weeks post op and I can't imagine being at that next week so you're doing better than me. Luckily I don't compare myself to others and suggest you don't either Keep up the good work!

Good for you Meg. I'm 3 weeks post op. I too was surprised at all the energy I had after healing despite how little I was actually taking in. It's an amazing feeling. I also felt restriction immediately but the more I healed and less swollen my stomach was the less I had. You may not have that issue. I go for my first fill next week (thursday). I hope I hit my sweet spot fairly quickly. Good luck to you on your journey!

I never once considered gastric bypass - the cutting of my internal organs just didn't appeal to me. My doctor asked why I had decided on the band and I said because it's the safest tool you got. He said, "Yes it is the safest but can be the least effective." That almost made me question myself. Just make sure that you have the determination to make the band work for you and it will. I'm 3 weeks post op and so far I love mine. Oh and with the 2 - 2 1/2 hour drives - my surgery center suggested stopping every 30 minutes to get out and walk around to lower the risk of blood clots if you have a longer drive. Plus - the walking will help with the gas. GOOD LUCK!

Hey Jamey - i think a lot of people question the surgery days after. It will get better! I didn't have it easy like a lot that I read on here. I wasn't up cleaning my house the next day or anything lol. But I allowed myself to heal and slowly started doing cardio a week out. I go to the same surgery center as you and while Dr. Morton isn't my doctor - i can tell you that I think everyone at that office is wonderful. They will take care of you and after you heal you will feel great about taking the steps to a healthier life. Good luck in your journey!

I started on the treadmill about a week post-op. I walked at a slower speed (1.6) the first day at a 3 incline for 30 minutes. Each day I would add a little speed. I'm now walking anywhere from 1-2.5 miles a day fairly quickly (atleast 2.8 speed - 3 weeks post op ). But please talk to your doctor about exercise. We are all on different levels and each doctor has different preferences. Mine told me I could do anything after surgery that "didn't hurt." I was pretty active before surgery (a healthy fat girl). Not everyone is and needs to work up to a level that is safe and effective for them. There are different levels (heart rate) that go by age. There are aerobic levels, cardio levels, weight loss levels... you should be able to find this online or your gym will have it. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to stay in the level that will benefit you. Good luck!

I was told I had a hiatal hernia but during surgery - my surgeon discovered that they must have seen something else because he didn't find any hernias. But i have heard a lot of people have them and came out fine.

lol @ all the sex - good for you! I also call the plus size stores the "Fat girl store." But I would still have to shop at one right now -- but I'm not shopping for anything new right now unless it's smaller

When I had my first "stuck" episode it was in my chest. It was very painful. I wanted to drink but actually discovered that burping helped a little - no throwing up any food just "sliming." It happened to me because I was not chewing enough or took too big a bite - lesson learned. No thank you

Kylie - choosing to have wls is a very personal choice. It has to be one that is well researched and thought out by you. You're going to be the one that has to make a life-long committment to your band. You have to commit to following the diet and following dietary restrictions even before you "feel" restricted. Personally, I've only had my band for 3 weeks and i love it. I can already see a change in how I feel and I haven't even had my first fill yet. I eat differently because I chose to make this work for me. I go to the gym to help maintain muscle so most the weight I lose is fat. Do your research and then, if you can tell yourself that you're ready to make a change in your life for better health then I'd say go for it! There is TONS of support here. Good luck with your decision

Hey C.J. Congratulations on the weight loss - what a great thing! The shoulder pain is most likely gas from your stomach being blown up during surgery to allow the surgeon to work. I had in for a little while but it did go away. I suggest the Gas X strips. They helped a lot. And obviously staying active will help to push some of that gas out... lol. Good luck on your journey - you're off to a great start!

And if you were on any pain meds with surgery - that can cause constipation too. I know I didn't go for like a week after surgery.

YAY - congratulations everyone! Way to go.

WOW - way to go!!!