Corrigan

Hi Elizabeth. It's quite a struggle and takes a bit of will power, but it sounds like you have a good start. Giving up certain foods is really hard, I know, but I'm already able to do things that I had almost given up on. My old horse is able to carry me without going oof with each step. I only wish I'd done this years ago. You're going through the most difficult part of this right now, but it only gets easier from here on, and I hope you continue to do well.

There isn't anything to be nervious about. Follow your dietition's advice and try not to cheat, (which isn't as easy as it sounds!) but we all did it. The surgery itself amounts to you going in lying down on the bed and waking up in recovery. Nothing to it. Best of luck.

Joel. There are people here that have lost over 200 lbs. There's nothing easy about it, it takes a whole new way of life and a lot of will power, but if you're willing to put in the effort, there's no reason why you can't.

If you put unflavored protein powder in Google, you'll find several brands from 4 to six dollars a pound. One thing I found is that if you're going to mix protein powder with something hot,you need to mix the powder with a little cold water first or you'll have big lumps that look like styrofoam.

Hi Ann, no the port (after it heals) isn't very noticeable, of course everyone is different. Mine is well under my skin and I can feel it, but it's not intrusive at all. I'm not a stomach sleeper, but I don't think it would have been a problem. For the first week or two, while you're still healing, it'll be a little tender, but after that you'll be fine. Kate and I are going to loose 10 lbs by Dec. 2, are you in? I blew my diet yesterday and need to get back where I belong. I 'm redoing our kitchen and carried 10 sixty lb boxes of tile into the house, most of them against my stomach, right over my port and never even noticed it. So I don't think you have anything to worry about,

There is a recipie for instant potato soup in the food section (I usually cook it for 5-10 mins) that's really good and fast, There's a lot there for the full liquid stage and if you look in Google you'll find more than you need.

Hi Kate. I did the same thing, and I'll make you a deal. I'm going to try to lose 10 lbs by Dec. 2. I will if you will, and I promise to be honest about it.

Guten tag, It looks like you've asked all the right questions and gotten some very good answers. The only thing I could add is to look for a Center of Excellence to have your surgery. They assure you of a proficient staff and an excellent surgeon and that's half the battle. The other half is your will power and strength of porpoise. Not all surgeons are created equal so be careful. My DW is from Munchen.

What a Christmas present! After the operation (Which is the easy part) the real fun begins. If you've done your research and picked a experienced surgeon and hospital, you'll have an easy time of things. Hopefully you went to a good seminar and have the advice of a good dietitian so you'll know what vitamins and foods to get for your recovery. It sounds like you've got a good start on things, just keep going the way you're going and things should work well for you. If you need any help, please let us know.

There's a little exercise called the "5 day pouch test' that has helped several people get 'get back on track'. It's free and only takes a little time, if you really want to get back where you're losing weight. As you know, there's no easy way to do this, so you'll have to get going and really apply yourself. Anyway, give it a try and let us know if it does you any good. You'll find it with the search box on this site or look for it on Google.

Hi Rebekah, having gone to a Center of Excellence was almost a guarantee of success. You had a great hospital, an your doctor was one of the best. Did you find them through research, or were they recommended? Whatever that combination is as good as WLS gets. Congratulations and keep us updated on your progress. ps. Who's that cutie with you?

Congratulations, Cindy. I think I know just how important this milestone is to you. After three years of hard work and deprivation, you finally made it. It couldn't have happened to a better person. You've been a great inspiration and beacon of common sense for all of us.

About all I watch is protein. If I'm losing 2-3 lbs a week, I'm good.

I bought Costso's chicken Bullion to try to get through that rough period, and it helped stave off the worst of the hunger pangs for a while. Sugar free fudgesicles were a big help,along with Crystal lite. That's the best I can do.

Never heard of it.

If you go to a reputable surgeon in a reputable hospital, you have nothing to worry about. Any ACS Center of Excellence will give you an outstanding experience, with very few, if any, problems. This band is going to be with you for the rest of your life, so why not go for the best? The band is the safest weight loss surgery you can get. Search on Google for statistics by the Government or the American College of Surgeons for honest facts, not someone's guess or rumor. Look on this forum for lap band success stories, there have been thousands of people through here successfully banded, you have absolutely nothing to fear.

I've been banded for 10 weeks and haven't had a fill yet and may not get one if I can keep losing at the rate I'm losing now. There are several people who have lost more than 100 lbs without a fill, so it's possible.

If you have the chance, find a ACS Center of Excellence. I guarantee they won't flake out on you. They have the best, most comprehensive program you'll find anywhere. I had my surgery at one (Cedars-Sinai) and I've never had better care anywhere. I came away with no pain or problems of any type. Even if you have to drive a bit, You're going to have this the rest of your life, so you might go with the best. Whatever you choose, good luck.

At this point there's not a lot of advice to give, except relax and go with the flow. Listen to the instructions the dietitian gives, and post a picture of that new baby somewhere.

Hi Mandii, congratulations on your wise choice, and welcome.

Look up the"Five day pouch test" in the search box or on Google. It's a simple, back to the beginning exercise that has helped others get 'Back on track', and you may get some good out of it. It's free and simple, but it works for some folks. I hope it helps you. After you finish it, You'll have to get back to work.

Good for you! Don't forget your PJs and slippers, hospital gowns are pretty revealing.

I was banded a couple weeks before you and I'm down about 50 lbs so we're right where we belong. I don't know what your family situation is, but if I was in your position, I'd have Thanksgiving with my family (or as close as I could get) and have dinner, in reasonable quantities, and try to enjoy myself as much as possible. I've been through a lot of holidays with people who were miserable because they couldn't repeat the experience they had as children. If you have a family, try to make these times as pleasurable as possible for them, and maybe you'll find that you bring yourself out of your funk, as well. Anyway, have a happy Thanksgiving.

I tried the protein shots frrom Walmart (someone else bought them). They're OK, but a pork chop is better.

Glad to see all you youngsters doing so well, I was banded 8/12 of this year and have lost almost 50 lbs and reduced my A1C to 6.1 (that was the object of the whole thing). I wish I had done this 30 years ago, but better late than never.