aliciab

I'm glad everything went as planned

I like it when I hear stories like this. It puts a realistic expectation out there for people that while it may be uncomfortable you are not going to die from the pain.

How about just tell your Mom to do weight watchers herself. Sorry, I understand that we have people in our lives that influence us but this has to be your decision, not hers. If this is what you truly want, then go for it .

I vote the same. Ask to speak with the physician next time.

Yay! You're doing great!

You can do this. Thats the best part about the band, it'll always there. It's still here to help you

Pregnancy with the band is not a problem. You'll discuss it with the surgeon.

If you see Jen's "ticker" she's already lost 51 lbs.

Most surgeons want blood tests and surgery clearance within 30 days so you may have to do some stuff.

All of us can loose weight, we just can't keep it off. It's not as simple as others seem to think. You'll find support here and the best thing you can do is show them how much this changes you for the better .

Keep it going . Proud of you!

I am choosing the Lap Band for many reasons. It's safer, less invasive, reversible and much more controllable and in the event of pregnancy can be adjusted according to the nutritional needs of the mother and baby. I can only share with you what my PCP said as well as my surgeon. Mind you these are only their opinions. My PCP said that every single one of her patients that has had gastric bypass has stretched out their new stomach and regained all of their weight. That they literally ate themselves back to a huge stomach again. However all of her patients with the Lap band have done very well and maintained the majority of their weight loss. Largely because she feels that it requires much more follow up and attention to detail and can be adjusted at any time. This is only her opinion. My surgeon is a center of excellence and has worked at other centers of excellence as well. He did gastric bypass surgeries for many years. He said that there were so many gastric bypass surgeries that ended catastrophically in the industry as a whole that he had to really sit himself down and determine "If my sister came to me one day and had to have weight loss surgery would I tell her to have gastric bypass?" His answer was absolutely not and he never did another gastric bypass surgery from that day forward. Since then he's only done the Lap Band. That is only his opinion. Everybody has to chose on their own and take into consideration their own factors. Many people have lost hundreds of pounds with the Lap Band. Whatever you do just try and be sure as best as you can. I wish you luck .

Welcome back and you'll be just fine . Try having your out of pocket be about $13,000.

Lots and lots of prayers, you'll do great!

You're not alone. Many people on this site are self pay, including myself. Ive been researching the Lap Band for years and while my surgery is not until September I believe it will be the best money I've ever spent. For the cost of what is essentially a used car these days I cannot fathom not going for it. But everyone has to decide for themselves. Look around, read the posts and forums. Everybody faces some challenge with their band, nothing is perfect.

My doctor does not require the 2 week protein shake diet either. Just one week of low carb and thats really it. You're not alone. I've met many people on here who have not had to do the liquid diet.

I honestly feel that they both help. Both biotin and protein. It can certainly help to keep the loss at a minimum. I can definitely vouch for the biotin as I have taken it for the better part of a year and clearly your doctor recommended it.

I'm thinking Benjamin, I don't know why. Or maybe Mikey?

Good for you! I love to hear stories like this.

I would start with just walking. Build up distance and speed. Nobody says you have to go from sedentary to P90X in a week. If you have children try and get more exercise with them. Shoot hoops, play catch, take them to the park, take them for a walk. There are lots of things you can do. maybe every night you and your husband take a 2 mile walk? You don't have to be marathon girl right out of the box.

Yay Jennifer! Good job!

I like Atkins just make sure you allowing for it in your daily calorie totals.

I can only say that my doctor feels that it's up to my OB/GYN. If they feel I'm healthy enough to have a baby then I have his blessing. It doesn't matter if I've been banded a 2 months or a year. That's just my doctor though.

Its awesome! So proud! One step closer to where you want to be.

The other thing you might be low on is sodium. Maybe some chicken or beef broth if your doc will allow it.