lifeisjustbeginning2011

thank you all for the wonderful feedback. I wish I had taken more pictures to show the changes, but I hadn't ever planned on making a video. It was very easy using Onetruemedia.com. I'm not computer oriented at all, but used a template to create it. It was so empowering to put everything together and I'm glad you guys found it beneficial.

Doing good Working my arse off but getting to know who I really am. I'm not on LBT too much, but you can find me on my blog. I made my 1 year post op video and posted it on there. Hope all is well with everyone! Amy

diarrhea. hell yes. I had a one week liquid diet (3 shakes a day and that was it!). I was a complete moody b!tch, ran to the bathroom every 5 seconds....but you know what? Once I got that band in me, I forgot all about it. You might ask the doc about some chewable fiber pills - it might help, but be careful because you don't want the opposite problem. Also, just as a side note, make SURE to get stool softeners from the drug store for post op. The liquid pain meds were so constipating even though I only used them for two days. You'll thank me. I also was glad to have Biotene mouth spray (found with toothpaste and mouthwash) post op. Lots of issues with dry mouth and that stuff was great. Very gentle mint flavor, not overpowering. Best of luck

try going to the Success Stories (post op) page. That's where I go when I need serious motivation. Can it be done? Sure. It depends on what you give. I've never seen anyone be successful that didn't completely change their eating habits. For me, it is one "out" meal a week. I lived on fast food. Every day. I didn't even know HOW to cook chicken, I just bought a bag of the frozen stuff and popped it in the oven. I've learned a lot in my last year (lost 106 pounds safely) and still working on it. There's a fairy large blogger community out there. My page will link you to lots of them (pre ops and post ops). It has been a tremendous source of support for me. I posted my 1 year video on there earlier, so proud of myself. I have a family history of Osteoarthritis (mom is on third hip and first knee) and I saw myself going down that path as well. Starting Weight: 315 Current Weight: 206

My bandiversary was 7/1 - as some of you have requested, here is the link to my video that summarizes my first year (data and pictures). I'm happy to be able to post in the Sucess Stories post. There's still work to be done - but I don't want to lose sight of where I was just a year ago. http://lifeisjustbeg...year-video.html

I sent you a friend request on MFP. I'm in Phx. Amy

I crushed because I thought I had to - but in actuality, I'm 4 months out and i don't crush a thing. I've never had a problem. If the pill is splitable, I do split it, but try and see how it goes.

Here's a great (recently published) book that is perfect for where you are in the process: It isn't specifically for Lap Band, it is more of a "are you ready for bariatric surgery?" book. Do it for yourself if you determine it is right for you. I only told a few people because I didn't want to know people's opinions and I'm really glad that I did. The Weight Loss Surgery Workbook by Doreen A. Samelson

five times???? Not to be rude, but did you change your eating habits after it slipped the first time? Slips are pretty uncommon and I've never heard of someone slipping five times...just curious. I know the band doesn't agree with everyone.

I know others have said it - but drink water. The goal is 64 oz/day for most people, but really, I wasn't anywhere close to that. No appetite is normal, don't worry. I had a "hack and release" (as previously stated), but it was a wonderful experience. I had the kindest, most caring staff and I wouldn't change a thing. It all depends on what type of surgery center you choose. Surgery was at noon, left at 3pm, home at 3:30 and resting with liquid pain meds for 48 hours, then no meds at all. I believe I would have been more stressed out at a hospital (especially staying overnight), then resting at home with my dad helping me.

Next time put weights in your pockets. Or hold a phone book...most docs are savvy to that insurance game and discourage gaining more weight to qualify for the surgery. I don't your weight specifics, but I would discourage the use of junk food to increase it. Just my two cents.

Call and nag nag nag. I had a doc that didn't return calls once. I then called after hours which probably bugged him so much that she got on her nurse and she called and apologized the next day. Docs don't like after hour calls. That's why we call during the day....duh.... Consider requesting a barium swallow (if you haven't had one post-op) to check the positioning of the band.

My ta-tas have sagged quite a bit. I'm 4 months post op and they look like something from National Geographic. I mean...I lay on my back and they flop to the sides, as if to say, "We give up!" Oh well. I wanted to lose weight to have a healthy life - and I'm getting closer and closer. Plastic surgery isn't an option for me - terribly expensive and I'm on a teacher's budget. Plastic surgery has a longer recovery time than getting the band. I'm currently reading, The Weight Loss Surgery Workbook that I got from the library, and it lists the pros/cons of plastic surgery.