Sandra S

I pan fry talipia coated with ground flax seed. It is a little crunchy and very good.

I'm at goal after 10 months. Loosing weight can be addictive, though. I am disappointed when I get on the scale now and don't see a loss!

You know how amputees have phantom feelings in the removed parts? Well, I have phantom fat. I feel like a fat person in a Halloween costume! When I see myself in pictures, I look thin, but the mirror says "fat person". My husband wants me to stop loosing so that I don't have to buy more clothes!

Have a good trip. I just got home from an air trip. I was a little scared because I had read that the band gets tighter because of the pressure. I felt nothing different, I'm happy to say.

Hi

I'm 62 but getting younger and healthier every day since lap band surgery . We may loose more slowly than the youngsters, but we will get there!

I am 6 months post banding. Where I was once very black and blue, I now have gray discoloration. I've asked the surgeon, but he doesn't know. He suggested going to a skin doctor. Since I will never wear a bikini, I really don't care. But I am interested in knowing if anyone else has this.

I've never had a problem before or after banding. Keep on doing what works for the both of you. The calories aren't enough to matter. I want to know how many grams of Protein I'm getting from my "snack."

Before surgery I was on 125 mcg of thyroxin. I am now at 100 mcg, and it might be lowered still. I've lost 56 lbs since surgery.

coffee is one of my salvations! I wasn't allowed it until after the mushie stage, but I now drink it all the time.

I drink a pot of coffee every morning. My doctor said its fine!

I've lost 54 pounds since I got banded. Only 12 to go! I've had 1 fill (2cc), but would like another to help me feel full faster. I can eat anything with no trouble, although I don't eat rice, Pasta or bread. Good luck with your band. It takes a lot of will power as well as the band, but the results are worth it.

Hello I am looking for anyone who has gotten the lapband to loose 50 pounds, I am 5'5 weight 204 pounds My BMI is a 33.9

I have been over weight for the past 7 years, After a whole 1 1/2 year (16 months) I finally got approve, I was denied the first time, then the 2nd time I got approve, I am excited and bless, however I feel so confused

dont have no support, all my family is against me getting the lapband , telling me I am crazy, to get that just to loose 50 pounds, I have

excercise, eating healty, diet pills and once I get tired of dieting it all comes back, I LOVE food, I love to cook for my family, love having family over and bbq, and love to go out for dinner with my family, however It just freaks me out, that you can have nothing, after you get the band, It freaks me out, to know I have to chew chew and chew everything so it will go down one thing i hate is puking food, , I love steak I have heard you can even have that! or Pasta or pizza, I also love to drink beer, dont know just so confused

IF ANYONE OUT THERE COULD PLEASE GIVE ME AND ADVICE

Thanks

It sounds like you don't need a fill if you can only tolerate small amounts.

I go to Dr. Nain from Bluepoint Surgical Group. They have an office in Woodbridge, VA.

I have. My surgeon is Dr. Hitesh Amin. He's located in Clinton, MD @ S. MD Hospital. I've had 2 fills and didn;'t have any issues during or after.

102 pounds in 5 months! WOW!!! I've lost 50 in 5 months. I had 1 2cc fill 3 months ago. My doctor doesn't wait to give me another fill for another month. Boo Hoo. I don't, and never have felt restriction. So far my will power has been good, but I know I eat more than a cup at each meal and am afraid that my will is going to vanish. I NEED THAT FILL!!

I am still here also! Been busy working my lap-band life style! I am now down 102 since we started, that's in just under 5 months! I could never have done this without my band and am thankful I went ahead and got my "tool". I am at 9 in my 14 band, my last fill was 1cc and I think it should have been 1/2 a cc. I have in the last two weeks had some of the things you all have talked about for the first time.I Slimed, bp,and have gotten stuck, I think I just have to learn to chew, chew, chew, and slow down. Up until now I did not have to and boy it makes a difference! ..

I go to Curves 5 days a week and with the hot weather hope on my stationery bike for 1/2 hour in the evening. I read new posts on lbt on my laptop while I ride and it goes by quickly. I have the feeling I am going to have to start to push myself harder soon to get of my last 42 pounds off. The scary part will be reaching goal and maintaining it,I guess if I look at it as a challenge like the weight loss is it might be easier.

As for eating, I have treats almost everyday! Fiber one brownies in the microwave for 20 seconds are wonderful! I also like the weight watcher ice cream bars. I eat healthy otherwise and really push my Protein. I have had no hair loss or other sideeffects from weight loss other than the saggy breasts and tummy. But that can be dealt with in the future!!

I feel great and hope everyone else does also

p.s. only 2 pound till onderland!

Welcome to the journey!

I was banded (age 61) in April and have lost 50 pounds since then (20 to go!!). I've started to look good (not the fattest person in the room by far), and my health readings are fantastic (off blood pressure and cholesterol meds). I was a diet coke person and haven't had one since before the surgery, but don't miss it at all. I've traded it for Crystal Light peach mango. Since you can't drink for 30 min. before or 30 min. after eating, the soda has become less important. I survive between meals on Crystal Light, Water, or coffee. I've had one fill (2cc) in June, but my doctor refused to fill again since I lost 15 pounds in the 2 months between office visits. I feel no restriction at all, and am loosing TOTALLY on willpower alone. So far so good, but I don't know how long I'll be able to keep it up. Best of luck to you with the surgery and after.

Hello Everyone,

I'm another that has been behind the scenes in the Internet forums, You Tube,etc., watching the progress of those that have been banded for a couple of years! I started my journey April of this year, after the 3rd seminar I attended I decided to go for it. Luckily I had documentation of previous Weight Loss Programs from Curves, Weight Watchers, my YMCA membership, etc. So I didn't have complete the insurance program requirements for Weight Loss programs (they accepted what I had done). I have to work with a Nutritionist, Exercise Therapist. I completed a sleep Study and had to have an Endoscopy. I had everything completed by July and got my approval from BCBSIL in early August..Yeah!!! My surgeon is backlogged with patients therefore my surgery isn't scheduled until October 4.

I'm sooo looking forward to it and yes to be honest I'm a bit "anxious" about the changes in how I eat, socialize, etc. I'm employed, I'm a widow and since my husband died in 2003, I haven't had a lot of opportunities to date. I socialize with girlfriends, play Bingo, go out dining & movies alone, travel to see my children & grandchildren, etc. I was told by my one of my sons, Ma are you ready for this? You're all ready "pretty" now you are going to be getting a whole different type of attention from men after your body changes.

That kind of bothered me and I stated, I'd be a bit offended if a (man) that has seen me on a regular basis, would want to "date" me because my body changed?? Is that a normal feeling? I would think if they looked at me overall, they could have looked past the "weight" issue. I'm doing this to be the "best" I can be health wise, feel better about me, but are others really going to look at me differently??

Being a more "seasoned" woman, I'd like to hear from others that have been "Banded" in their lives at a later age and how it affected you mentally, socially, etc.

I also would like to hear from those that were "Pop/Soda" addicts and how they have been able to transition none in their lives after the Lap Band... I'm not a smoker or drinker and I always told people "Pepsi" was my drug of choice. I have significantly cut it down, over the last year, however at least once a week I will have about 20 ounces of one. I've read NO carbonated drinks after one is banded.. Does having the band take away "cravings" for that type of issue, what about my one cup of coffee a day with "cream & sugar" is that something that will be gone forever as well?

I know this is a pretty lengthy "introduction" it's probably just a drop in the bucket of all the feelings & issues I'm going through as I proceed.. Just jump in with any advice you may have and I say in advance "Thank you"

I'll be around for awhile, as I Journey into the life of a "Bandster"

As Ever,

Synsayshun

Thanks for clearing that up. I had it too.

Hello everyone!!!

My name is evelyn im from orange county california, I am 30 (will be 31 at midnight) married for 7 years and i have two wonderful boys 11 and 4. I was 320 at my last appointment in my surgeons office now i am 310. Had my surgery on 8/15/11 on a monday and i was back at work on wednesday. The only thing i took was gas x and liquid tylenol. When i got home from the surgery center i had horrible gas pains so i called my surgeon just to be sure i was not having a pulmonary embolism (lol yes i know im a bit dramatic) but he said tmy symptoms were normal and to ride it out and thats just what i did. i have to admit the first 3 days were the hardest on me psychologically mostly because i kept telling my husband that all i wanted was a double double!!! (those who have ever had in&out burger know whats up) but now the cravings have subsided and its been smooth sailing.

p.s

im currently experiencing some gnarley pain under my left breast when i take a deep breath. My doc says its most likely the tubing pressing against my diaphram when i inhale and it should resolve itself soon.

A month after surgery my surgeon put in 2cc. It did nothing for me at all! I waited the 2 months for my second fill. The surgeon refused to do it because I lost 15 pounds. I told him the weight loss was do to will power alone and I was eating much more than a cup of food at each meal. He told me I was doing fine and he'd consider a fill in 2 more months. So I trudge on...

Has anyone had a dull pain in the upper left side of the midriff area? Is it connected to lap band surgery?

Hi there

I was banded in April. I have lost 47 pounds since then. I have only had 1 fill and the doctor doesn't want to do a fill again because I have been successful. For Breakfast I eat 5 oz. Greek yogurt (it has fruit in it. 140 calories). For lunch I usually have a salad and a Protein like a 200 calorie turkey burger. For dinner I eat a Protein and at least a cup of vegetables (usually zucchini and mushrooms sauteed in 2 t. olive oil). In between I have Gold Standard vanilla Protein powder (130 caloeies) mixed with iced coffee and then a Premier chocolate Protein shake (which is 160 calories that I get at Costco) as a snack at around 9:30. I drink lots of ice tea, Water, or coffee during the day so I don't get too hungry. Hope that helps.

Hi Everyone,

I haven't been on this site in a while maily because I haven't been doing that great with my lap band. I know this band is a gift from God and I need to embrace it. I am crying while writing this because I really need support.

I see that everyone has been losing so much weight and I need some help knowing how.

Could you please share what you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and how much?

Along with your excercise routine?

I have had my lap band for a year and have lost 40lbs.. mainly because I'm not eating right. I want to get my life back on track.

I am getting married in 4 months and would like to lose 25-30lbs before the wedding.

Can you guys please help me out with how much weight on average you lose a month?

I really want to become a success story like you all, and I want the Lap Band forum to become my life.

I weigh 215 right now

My goal weight is 130.

Please help!

When I went for my 2nd fill, my doctor said that too many fills are given out. He said I should wait another 2 months since I lost 15 pounds in the previous 2 months. I told him I was eating more than he had told me to eat. He said it didn't matter. I am going to him for his expert advice, so I am going to do as he recommends.

I do not like posts such as these, or at least I do not like it when people start to compare with one another. People who are new to being banded can get the wrong impression.

You need to do what your Dr. recommends. Everyone is different.

A while back people were bragging that they had less of a fill than others as though it is a contest. That can distract and discourage people from getting what they need, thinking it is a bad thing to be filled too much.

The band is designed to be adjusted according to ones individual needs.

Would you do this if you had Cancer and compared your Chemo doses??

My doctor told me if I lost at least 10 pounds before the surgery, he wouldn't make me do the 2 week liquid diet. I lost 14. They still wanted me to do it, but I convinced them I shouldn't have to.

My surgeon called today to assure me that they are still working with the insurance company and that I should have an approval soon...I asked him when he wanted me to starts my liquid diet and he told me that he doesn't require a preop diet.....

Every story and journey that I have read about on this forum...people talk about the liquid... I prepared myself for it...I even bought the magic bullet, lol ...im not mad just taken by surprise. My surgeon says that he only asks people who are severely over weight to lose?? I thought I was severely overweight...bmi 43?

Well....happy I dont have to but curious, has anyone else been told not to do it? Hmmmm...

I know what you mean. I go for my 2nd fill Aug 10. I hope it helps more than the first fill, since i think I can still eat as much as I did before (I don't though).

42 lbs is awesome! I hope I do as well as you. I'm having my first fill on Aug 2, right now I feel I could eat just about anything,so I don't think I've hit ghe "green" zone yet, I'm probably in the yellow zone. I'm a little worried about the fill.

Good job on your weight loss!

I will be 62 in Sept. and was banded this past April. I am thrilled with my results (44 pounds). I've heard we 60ers loose slower, but I am right on target. I feel better than I've ever felt. I am not worried about complications. I do everything they tell me to do, so I don't foresee a problem.

After fighting for this with my ins I finally got approved--now I'm having second thoughts about doing this. Do you think those of us over 60 are being unrealistic about being banded. I need to lose about 60 lbs to be comfortable with myself (165 lbs). Have high blood pressure, knee pain, back pain, urinary incontinence. I am wondering if it is worth the risk of being banded. I am not too worried about the surgery itself since I have full confidence in my surgeon......but the long term complications I have read about are really scaring me. Sorry for being negative ... need to make my decision soon. I know if I don't do this now I will never have this opportunity again.

Unlimited veggies and 5 servings of fruit a day? That's more than I eat now!

It is nice to read a post from someone in their 60s. I, too, have reached the milestone. I've read people our age loose slower than younger band patients. My surgery was April 6. I've lost 42 pounds since then. I am happy with that, but I'd like to loose another 30.

Hi:

I am new to the forum. I will be having my surgery on October 24th. I am 64 years old and have dieted all of my life. I am looking forward to a new life for myself.

I guess I am the dinosaur on this forum since I will be 62 in September. I was banded April 6 and have lost 41 pounds so far.