TracieR

It is unfortunate that a lot of the posts on here are negative but it is just people that are looking for tips, motivation or trying not to feel alone. There is a Lap Band Success Stories thread on here too! I tend to stick to that when I need some motivation. My experience with the band has been positive. Sometimes I get stuck at the same weight for a couple of weeks and I just keep at it until I see the scale move. If I look back over those times, I can usually see what I have done wrong - slacked on working out, made bad choices with food or just needed to switch up exercise and food choices. I know that is not everyone's experience though. I keep at it everyday -that is what the band has given me. Instead of giving up the band has been a great tool in allowing me to start over with good/healthy choices everyday! Keep positive and I'm sure you will do great!

That was so fun to read! I know exactly how you feel - I feel awesome too! About the bones, I "found" a bunch too! LOL! Good for you! You look fabulous!

I did a lot of ricotta with sauce and melted mozzarella - basically pasta-less lasagna, refried beans with melted cheese, turkey chili, scrambled eggs with cheese, and chicken salad.

I started with a trainer about 2 months after surgery. It was the best thing I did. He pushed me to do things I would never have thought. He came to my friends house 3 nights a week to begin with and we split the cost. I did that for 5 months. I just recently switched to going to the gym and started using the trainer there. The gym is great too. I love the trainer I have now too. I've been lucky to "click" with both of my trainers and really feel like we are on the same page. The trainer has definitely kept me on track and made working out not so overwhelming. It is definitely an investment but in my opinion totally worth it if you can swing it financially! Good Luck!!!

1. Sometimes I can - sometimes not! Depends on how tight I am. 2. Mind didn't fade Everyone is different though! 3. I tell everyone that asks. I haven't had any negative feedback. (to my face anyway ) 4. YES! Follow what your doctor says and exercise! You will do great! 5. I've read there is a low profile port - don't know too much about it though 6. I'm sorry to say that I can't do chicken breast. Again, everyone is different though. I eat a lot of seafood now. 7. I think so...my band limits the amount of food I can eat so I think it won't let me overeat and put the weight back. But you have keep up with your after care (fills, diet, exercise) 8. The alcohol will slow your weight loss. I count calories, so you could save your calories for it. I say whatever works for you 9. I started with centrum chewables and now take a regular multi vitamin. I have no problem swallowing any pills now. 10. I started out a 46 DDD and now am a 42 D. Unfortunately they are kind of saggy! YUCK! Oh well, I'll eventually have to get a boob job! I have had a very positive experience. The exercise has helped me the most. Good for the mind, body and spirit! Good Luck to you!

Thanks for the tip of the Just the cheese cheddar Snacks. I got them in the mail on Friday and they helped me over the weekend curb my carb cravings. Those little snacks are just salty cheesy goodness! YUM! Thanks again!

Call your doctor and ask if you can switch it up and then follow what they say! Good Luck!

I was banded on 03/08/2011 and was 371lbs the morning of my surgery. I was a tight 26/28. Today I am 270lbs and a size 18/20. Down 101lbs in 7 months. I have worked so hard and feel wonderful. I want to lose another 100 and then will decide my final goal from there. Good luck!

10/15/2011 - 270 I had a fill a week ago so been pretty tight and eating small amounts. Only made it to the gym twice this week though. next week will be better with that...super happy about the 4 lbs though!

I don't think it matters basic or standard - I was just stating what I have. I will ask at my next appointment as well as follow up with BCBS.

That sounds like stuck to me! I avoid white meat chicken unless its in a chicken salad or boiled in chicken broth until it falls apart. Dark meat works well for me.

I think it is a great idea! I wish I would have done it. I need almost everything new and can't afford it! So I buy a couple of things I really need (pants, bras, and underwear) and everything else is really baggy! Going to check out thirft stores this weekend!

I ordered a couple of yoga pants from Old Navy in plus size and Danskin from Walmart also in plus size. Not much selection in the stores, much more to choose from online. Thanks for all the suggestions! I am going with the layering idea to keep from jiggling too much!!!

I ordered a couple of yoga pants from Old Navy in plus size and Danskin from Walmart also in plus size. Not much selection in the stores, much more to choose from online. Thanks for all the suggestions! I am going with the layering idea to keep from jiggling too much!!!

I have no idea. My doctor made you sign a paper before surgery saying if your insurance does not cover your fill you will be charged $200-$250 (can't remember exactly). Well I have never been asked for a copay and when I receive my EOB it shows as Surgery and that the doctor receive $2000. Not sure how that works....glad that I don't have to pay though.

I have FEP BCBS Standard. On my EOB's fills are listed as a Surgery. My Dr. does not require a copay though. My doctor charges something $200 for a fill if you are a cash patient and my insurance pays something like $2000 per fill. CRAZY! I think that is why no copay - he is getting a fortune from the insurance company! What a racket!

I've been going back and forth, up and down the last month. I can finally say 100lbs is gone from my life never to be seen again! WOOHOO!! I have really worked hard. Exercised consistently. Listened to my Doctor. Keep looking forward and never look back. I don't beat myself up for the occasional slip up just start new with every meal. I weigh myself everyday but only record it weekly. When it is the same for a couple of days I know I have to switch it up (food and exercise) and I try hard not to get upset by the number. I have been successful with that. I need to weigh myself daily. It is a check in for me and it works. I know that is not right for everyone though, just what worked for me. I have really tried to stay positive through this journey. I look ahead to what new things I can try as I lose weight. I really want to go ziplining and skydiving! I want to have another baby. I want to shop in a regular store and not plus size. I want to cross my legs. I am so excited for what's to come in my life. Seven months ago I took the first step to living a happy and healthy life. While it has also been the most emotional and difficult journey I have ever been on, at the end of the day I love every second of my new life. I am so happy!

I tell everyone. I don't have any problem with it. I have never had any negative feedback, not too my face anyway! I feel like it helps to keep me accountable as well.

Congrats! You look awesome!!

My journey had been great. I am down 100lbs today! 7 months after being banded. It hasn't been easy but it was the best thing I ever did and would do it over a million times. The first month was tough for me. Very emotional. I was not prepared for the loss I felt, I mourned the loss of my best friend (food). I took it one day at a time and pushed through. I started working out with a trainer twice a week and on my own walking at least 3 other days about 8 weeks after surgery. That has really been the best thing I have ever done. I can officially say now I love it and feel the effects when I miss a day at the gym! Who would've thought? 7 months ago I couldn't comfortably walk up the stairs and now I can easily walk 5 miles. This is all my own personal opinions and I don't claim to know how others are feeling but my belief is if you keep eating right, following what your doctor says and exercising it will start to come off - even if it is slow. Sometimes you can go a week or two with no loss but just keep at it and it will all catch up. I always say this is a journey to save my life and it will come off as slow as it needs to - as frustrating as that is. Just keep at it. My new mantra is - Do you choose to simply know the path, or do you choose to walk it? (Hey whatever works!! ) I wish you nothing but the best of luck with your journey! It is the best thing I ever did for myself!! Best wishes!

I had to do a double take. I could've written this post 7 months ago. I think I cried for the first month after surgery. I felt EXACTLY the same way. I really felt like I lost my best friend. I thought what did I do to myself?Fast forward to 7 months later... I still enjoy food, although in a different way then before. My life has changed so much for the better. I get those "I'm missing out" moments once in a while but it passes quickly. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better everyday. Hope tomorrow is the best yet. "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

10/8/2011 - 274 Made the gym 4 times this week! yay!

Thanks for sharing Rachel! I ordered the cheese Snacks today. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Organic Pasta. It is low carb and high Protein. (It also pretty high calorie - I believe over 200 calories for 2 oz uncooked). I love it though once in a while - like when I have a serious pasta craving. Follow the directions on the box carefuly because if you overcook them they get mushy! I found them in the gluten free section of my Supermarket (Stop & Shop) Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars - I bought Raspberry. I think they taste great! They are 70 calories and 6 grams of protein per bar. I think they come in blueberry too. I got these at Stop & Shop too!

Mine is the same way. A couple of days before I get super tight. I just do soft foods for a couple of days!

Thanks everyone! i just went and got a fill today and found out I lost 8lbs this month! I was shocked. I've been an eating machine! I appreciate the comments. I wish you all the best!!!