awoodrum

I'm glad I came across this! I really needed to read it.

Did 'starting over' still provide you with appropriate restriction? No injuries to stomach or band from vomiting?

Hey Veteran's

I'm 2 years out from lap band surgery and have been mostly unsuccessful. I've kept off everything I've lost, but I haven't lost much and I lose it inconsistently. Maybe 6lbs one month and no more for another few months then a couple and so on. It lies with me, not my band. I learned early how to cheat and never really broke any bad habits.

Is there anyone who was unsuccessful early on and kicked into high gear after having had the band a while? I would really love any and all feedback.

Thanks guys.

I think that it would be cool to keep a thread going of band-friendly restaurants. Places that have delicious and healthy foods or that allow adult customers to order off of the kids menu.

I can kick it off..

Cheddars- they're cool about letting me order from the kids menu

Pita pit- DELICIOUS and nutritious with lots of options.

I just noticed that you too visit Dr. Ray. As you are already aware, he and his staff are the best! Good Luck and congrats

I'm not a DR, but I think you should seek a 2nd opinion. Obesity makes it very hard to get pregnant, and can result in a high risk pregnancy. In fact, many lap band patients that aren't careful find themselves pregnant once the weight starts falling off quickly because their body is getting healthier. Also, recovering from a surgery with little ones at home wont be easy, the lifestyle changes were hard enough without kids. Once pregnant, your dr just empties the band to allow eating for 2. Also, as far as age goes, there are teenagers that get this procedure.

Some physisicians may not be up to date on how ammenable the band is to any stage of life-before kids, during pregnancy, and after. Mine knew nothing about the band.

If you are serious about considering it, just go to a consultation and ask questions. Like I said, I am not a dr, but the implication that the band interferes with pregnancy or that being young is a concern is blatantly inaccurate.

Good Luck

Dr. Ray and his staff did both my gallbladder removal and my band. You are in fantastic hands. There isn't a better medical staff, in my opinion

Hey all,

I'm 25 and have lost a noticeable amount of weight but not very much yet. I was wondering if anyone has managed to loose around 80 lbs and NOT be a saggy mess. I know this is terrible, but I almost think that being overweight is more attractive than being saggy. :-/

I am hoping that building muscle and being young will help..but I don't know.

Weight Watchers scale

My advice--at first only tell the people that need to know. I say this because the second you plateau or decide to eat something besides celery some people will jump down your throat. Some will also demean your accomplishments because you 'cheated' by having surgery. Those things are disruptive to the process. Just my advice.

I had very similar anxieties that you describe about the surgery and the process. I think I can relate because we are close in age, I was 23 when I started the process, 24 when I had the actual surgery done, and am now 25. I also felt a lot of pressure from my family to do this as well. I went into this telling myself that I was doing it to appease them, and that I was happy.

The reality is, you may just discover that you are terrified of taking this step because you don't know anything else but being overweight. Being the fat kid formed my outgoing and funny personality, because I knew at an early age that is how I would make friends. And being the fat kid made me excel academically, because I sure as hell wasn't going to be good at sports. I truly convinced myself that I was completely happy with the person I was, and I didn't even realize until I saw how great being healthy and thinner made me feel. And being healthy and thinner hasn't changed that I'm 'the class clown' or intelligent, it has added to that.

I started this journey as I was applying for summer internships. I went my old stand-by Lane Bryant for interview clothes. Of course, it was the only place I could find clothes, when I forced myself to buy them. I remember crying in the changing room because of my frustration to find clothes, and having to look in the mirror at myself. I decided then I was going to really dedicate myself to working with, instead of against my lap-band. Nearly 8 months later, when I needed interview clothes again, I cried in the changing room at the relief of not being disgusted in the mirror and actually feeling good about myself.

You shouldn't do something you don't want to do, but I think you should really think about WHY you don't want to.

Good Luck

The week I had my surgery I was a nervous wreck. The only decent rest I got was when they drugged me! I had no pain and very little discomfort, which was a huge relief. I made it through the liquid phase with plenty of Carnation chocolate mix. I would mix it with milk for more Protein, and it actually tastes good! Just make sure to have a few days worth of supplies (protein mixes, pudding, Jello, gas-x, etc) beforehand just in case you don't feel like going out. Good Luck!

Hey all--

I'm needing a workout buddy! Is anyone at IU or in the Bloomington area wanting to get together for workouts? I usually go to SRSC or HPER.

Let me know, it would be very awesome to get this going!

Lots of Water. Well blended fruit smoothies with Protein Powder, broth, french onion Soup (no cheese or croutons), the occasional milkshake. Not very creative, but like I said, I'm just not hungry

If anyone living in or near Bloomington, IN is considering the lap-band I whole-heartedly recommend Dr. Ray. He and the staff at the Center for Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery are the kindest and most competent staff I have ever dealt with. I was recently banded and other than some gas pains, I had no pain. Dr. Ray is such a warm doctor and his staff are as well.

Totally Recommend.

I was banded last week. I experienced some mild gas pains for a day or 2, but other than that just some mild discomforts.

I'm on liquids for another week, and am not at all as miserable as I thought I would be. I was prepared to be depressed over the mourning food. I haven't been hungry or lethargic. I'm sorry to be so optimistic to those that are struggling, but I haven't told hardly anybody and have to get it out somewhere.

Good Luck and thanks for listening!

I had my surgery this morning and am feeling pretty dang good!

I'm a bit lethargic from anesthesia and no food. I have had some mild gas pains but otherwise it's been a cake walk!

Good luck to anyone getting banded soon!

Hey all,

So most of the 'Post Op' threads are terrifying! Usually the ones that are age specific to the 20's are more optimistic and therefore put me at ease. I know that everyone has different experiences but I have some questions that I need totally honest answers to before I schedule surgery....

- how long until I can go back to class/work?

-how severe are gas/heartburn pains

-my boyfriend is extremely supportive now, but has anyone experienced that aspect change after surgery

-how long does it take to get restriction?

- would you make a different decision if you could go back and do it again?

Thanks for any ansers/advice!

I was wondering what the goal of the 6 month dr assisted diet is?

If you lose weight are you no longer elegible for the band?