sHeLLaBee

I researched all of the WLS options thoroughly and decided on the LapBand for many reasons. I didn't like the idea of a part of me being cut away. I also didn't like the idea of my body not absorbing nutrients correctly (bypass). Another reason was that I didn't want to lose 100lbs in 6 months and have tons of lose skin. I exercise regularly and am able to keep up with that. Of course I still have some extra skin, but nothing like a sleeve/bypass patient. I like that I can remove it in the future if needed. My main reason was I want to have kids and I don't want my WLS to affect their nutrition during pregnancy and breast feeding. With the other surgeries it is possible to stretch your stomach pouch and there is nothing that can be done. If we stop losing we just go in for a fill and the weight loss is jump started all over again. There are people, for health reasons, that have to get something else, but if it's an option for you I would absolutely get the band. No you don't feel the band itself. You an feel the port when you push on it more and more as you lose weight, and sometimes when you sit a certain way, but it's not painful and you get used to it. Good luck!

I was also banded on 10/7! I have had 5 fills, my first one being at 3 weeks post-op. I havent had one in the last few months because I am at a really good place and losing steadily. I am down 77lbs and just hit 199! WoOhOo! Don't stress about the fill. I know everyone is diff, but it's super easy for me. You do feel a poke, but it's diff than a normal shot/blood draw because they aren't going into muscle or anything. I barely feel it and I also hate needles. Congrats on the weight loss and keep us updated!

It hasn't helped with mine - yet! I still have the hair on my chin that I have to pluck a few times a week. Ugh. It has helped with anxiety, but that's pretty much it. I never really had the acne or dark spots. My periods are A LOT less painful and flow isn't so heavy, so it is making a difference, I guess. I also don't break out when I shave above my knees anymore. I think it was a hormone thing.

Late check in for 202.2! WoOhOo!

wOw! Last I checked I was at 74lbs lost. 100 seems almost impossible! Can't wait to be on this list. =)

Oh, you are really new! =) I am about 10 months out. I would hold off on any ab stuff for a few weeks and then try again. I wouldn't want you to over do it and then be uncomfortable. Just focus on arms and legs right now!

I haven't really had pain, but it has been a little uncomfortable a few times. I figured the muscle it is attached to was moving around. How long since your surgery? Are you completely healed?

Oh wow. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I would definitely look into a second opinion locally and then if you get the same answer consider the US. I know there are a lot of people who have gone to Mexico to have this done, I am just not completely trusting of their laws and guidleines. My doc has told me from day 1 that this is a life long thing and the goal is to keep it in to keep you healthy. Good luck!

Oh my... You shouldn't have waited so long! I would assume that after the infection has healed and wound closed they should be able to go in and put another one in, probably replacing the band and all. Has anyone given you any idea as to WHY this would happen? Have you spoken to your surgeon?

I know we all have diff docs who give us a million diff suggestions because we are all very diff people, but it's just amazing to me to see all the variations! I see people posting things asking for suggestions on snacks... I'm not even allowed to snack! I see people asking about orange juices and other drinks... I'm also not supposed to have anything citrusy and am limited on my sugar. Some people have a 2 week liquid diet pre-op (like me)... Some people are scheduled for surgery 3 days after their insurance approves it? Don't they all attend medical school and learn the same things? Just like when we were in elementary and all learned the same subjects. It's confusing... It makes me want to try other things and see if it boosts my weight loss, but I am also scared to deviate too far fro my docs plan. Ugh.

Keep good thoughts and I'm sure the weight loss made a big difference. We have been trying to have a baby for 16 years with no luck. I can't imagine losing 2 a long the way. You have amazing strength and will make it through whatever happens this time. I'm hoping the weight loss will do the same for me.

I have not had a c-section, but majority of my weight was in my abdomen before losing. I train with an ex pro boxer and he is the only person that has ever been able to show me an exercise for my abs that I actually felt like it was doing something to my lower abs (below my belly button) and not just the top. One exercise is I lay in a sit up position and he steps on my feet, so they can't move. As I go up he throws a basketball down to me. I go down and as I come back up I toss the ball back to him. The other one is to lay in the sit up position with your hands behind your head and cross your ankles. Put some light, hard object under your knees (like a basketball), so that you are squeezing to hold it there with your calf and thigh. Bring your knees and your head up at the same time. You don't have to do very many to feel it working.

Yes! It's just because you haven't had any type of solid food. It got to a point, for me, that my protein shakes were coming out as quickly as they were going in. =/ Obviously if it gets too bad that you are getting dehydrated or it doesn't subside once you get some more solid food in you, then call your doc.

I have not, but at a seminar I went to pre-op that was led by an Allergan spokesman, he stated that, he even though it is not listed in the "What can happen" portion of their brochure, because it has never been tested, it is a very common complaint amongst those who fly often. Some people at the seminar said it could take up to 3 weeks of not flying for them to balance back out. If you fly that regularly you may want to have a small unfill.

It is totally mental. You just have to learn to make better choices, regardless of where you are and who you are with. 99% of the time there is something ok for you to eat at any given party, event, etc. You just have to stop for a second and think about what is in front of you. Easier said than done, I know, but eventually I got to the point where it was a no brainer. I still make mistakes, but am nore likely not to at those little get-togethers. You could eat before going or take your own food, that is always a good option.

I take a multivitamin that is specifically designed for Bandsters (opurity) and B-12. I was taking Vitamin D, but the new multi has more than the supplement had, so one less pill to choke down everyday. I also take a daily allergy pill and Zoloft for anxiety. More pills than I have ever taken, but a lot less than some people, so I'm not complaining.

Um... Wow? 17 lbs is insane!! You really need to be careful. You could throw your body into shock and starvation mode and it will turn everything into pounds! Try to average around 2 lbs a week. That will keep you healthy and you won't be losing so fast that your skin can't keep up.

It's what your eating! No donuts! No tortillas! No crackers! These things are all going to expand when they hit your stomach. Eat slower. Chew more! It's easier said than done, but it is a necessity.

My surgery was on a Friday and I took the following week off, but I could have gone back to work on Monday. The only issue I really had was just getting tired too quickly and I was obviously a little sore, but pretty good overall. I have a desk job. If your job is more physical and you have the capability I would take 2 weeks.

There aren't any requirements for my days before my fill. I usually only do a protein shake in the morning because I get weighed before my fill and I want it to be low. I then have to be on liquids for 24 hours and then back to normal. As long as you are good within 48 hours and can eat ok, I can't imagine you wouldn't be ok after that. Your trip will be fine. Just take precautions.

I don't think there has been an impact on my weight loss due to my PCOS. I would probably lose more if I was on my Metformin, but it makes me so sick that it is literally hard to hold a job... I have noticed a few symptoms of the PCOS subsiding since losing (74lbs so far in 10 months). No baby yet, but I also haven't tried. =)

Morning band has never had a "feeling" for me. I only notice it when I go to eat and nothing goes down. I stopped that about week three (9 months ago). I ONLY do Protein shakes for Breakfast now, and then drink hot green tea and it loosens me up by lunch time. What you have is definitely still gas. I tried everything and still had it for almost a month after surgery. Walking does help. The morning would be the worst, after no movement all night.

Yeah. That is a stuck that is just not big enough to be painful. Lettuce does that to me if I don't chew it up enough, because it lays flat, I guess, and blocks everything from going down. Give it a few, walk around. You can take papaya extract if you have it and it helps break it down, otherwise you may have to make it come up. =/

As an average person (minus the band) we are suppose to take in 1/2 our body weight in ounces every day of LIQUID. It does not have to be Water, it can be fruit juice, milk, Soup broth, etc. That would put me at 101oz a day! INSANE! I can't even get the minimun 64 down! I have attempted, but I am constantly sucking down water and then we can't drink for 90 minutes after a meal, so that cuts 4.5 hours of drinking time out of our day. Obviously water is good for you and the more you can drink the better, but don't drowned yourself. It is mainly used (after hydration) to remove excess sodium from your body, which is partly what helps shed the pounds. If you only drank 20oz a day prior to the surgery and now you are at 40, that's amazing! Don't try to throw your body into shock. Just lift the bar little by little. Day by day try and drink a little more. As long as you consciously are aware that you need more and are trying, the world will not end.

Don't be so hard on yourself! The first 6 weeks you are heavier because of the extra blood that your body produces to heal itself. So technically you've only had a month or so of actual weight loss. Remember if you are working out crazy at the gym you gain muscle very easy as well. Take it a little slow to start and do a lot of cardio so that doesn't happen. It seems like nothing now, next thing you know you are 10 months out and 75 lbs down and it's amazing!!