Lapbandster

I was also TERRIFIED of failure. I really was! And frankly, I still am!! BUT, every day I wake up and tell myself that "today will be awesome" and remind myself how hard i've come Being down 60lbs is the best feeling i've ever had

Oh boy What size band do you have? is it by any chance the old 4cc? Also, was it EVER good? or was it bad from the start?

whoa! Congrats!

drinking will either push the food down, or the liquid will pool in the back of your throat causing us to vomit. Either way it will stop us from being stuck According to my doc being stuck for too long is what stretches our pouches

There is a lot of misinformation about the band vs sleeve. For a long time I wondered why. Finally my doctor explained to me that many surgeons dissuade their patients from doing the band and pump up the sleeve procedure because it's easier for them- they don't worry about fills, support, nutritional counseling, developing a relationship with the patient etc. Not having to do fills allows them more time in the operating room which is where the big bucks are made. They see you for a preop visit, do the surgery, then once more for a post-op, and then they're done with that patient forever! Does this mean that the sleeve is a BAD surgery?? NO! I have a friend who has had success with it (so far), but, when a doctor so strongly dissuades the band, you should probably get another opinion, because the reality is that there is 2x the amount of data of LB surgery than there is on the sleeve surgery Just my 2 cents

As others have said, I chose this because the risk rate is lower and it is adjustable/reversible Also my insurance didnt cover the sleeve or plication, so it was either this or gastric bypass, and I didn't want the lifelong malabsorption issues that the people who I know that had gb have to deal with So far I'm very happy with my decision But I think that what will make all the difference is having a surgeon who you really connect with

My coworker has the most horrific breath imaginable. I can even smell it from across the desk throughout the day Finally I got the courage to mention something to her and she responded "yep! I know I'm so excited because this means im losing weight" (mind you I almost keeled over and died from the smell as she said it). She was proud like a peacock! You should be too!

Make sure that 1000 calories is enough... (as tmf has pointed out) Make sure to eat 5-6 small meals a day too (or three regular meals with 2-3 Snacks in between) For breakfast I have a yogurt with a 90 calorie yogurt bar lunch is veggies and maybe a veggie pattie with a bagel thin Supper (my HARDEST meal) is whatever my family makes and I hope it's healthy lol! Snacks: Veggies and 90 calorie Fiber one brownies

I totally understand your feelings I am 9.5 months out and "only" lost 60 lbs Of course I was hoping to lose like 10 lbs per month, as some other bandsters on here reported, but lets face it, any loss is a HUGE success! One pound at a time....

Being able to shop in REGULAR STORES! No more plus size shops for me! Whoooohooooo!!

Well said! My family is scared i'llbecome a "skinny b*tch" But I know i'll do my best to avoid that, especially growing up obese and really struggling

MsMaui: I feel bad for you that you've had a miserable experience with your band, and I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your weight loss journey But PLEASE STOP misrepresenting facts/statistics Anyone with common sense will realize that surgeons wouldn't do this procedure if there was a 25% removal rate, but common sense isn't all that common unfortunately. All you are doing is spreading baseless negative propaganda (and frankly scaring the **** out of many bandsters) It's just plain crazy!

Msmaui: Did I read correctly that allergens own website states that 25% of patients get their band removed?? If that was the case then why would the FDA approve this? And why would insurance cover it? Can u post the link to where you saw this?

Or does anyone know if it's any good?

awesome!!!

wow wow wow!!! You look incredible! BTW, I noticed you don't have loose skin on your arms, did you do anything in specific? toning or anything?

Weighed in today at 188 which is 4 lbs up from my lowest > Dunno what's going on!!!

Do they ask before they use these pics?

Yep I get the "flutter" feeling when i overeat and the food passes through the band

Is that near chicago?

I'm trying to think of high carb healthy foods. Any ideas? So far i'm thinking whole wheat pasta fiber one 90 calorie bars granola bars morningstar chik'n patties Can anyone think of any other foods? (i'm trying to make a menu for the week)

Cool story!

Wow, that Mistress of yours! She's tough on you! Reminds me of this http://www.rottenecards.com/ecards/Rottenecards_87266598_6smgsrzm6j.png

Honestly, I didn't notice anything till I lost 40 lbs BUT, everyone else saw it! It was nice getting compliments I really started noticing when I would shop and not have to buy sized 20-22, but rather 14-16 My biggest regret is not taking pictures of myself before surgery for comparison