difa

I was one month post op & got pregnant from that one time.
I had fertility issues in the past so that was a surprise.
Do it when you are ready but remember to use protection. Lol

Hi
I love my band.
I can eat just about ANYTHING but my doctor says no carbonated beverages at all.
Many people go into the journey saying... I'll never be able to eat this or that ever again.
I still eat bread and Pasta.. oatmeal... and I still go out for dinner.... the band is for life... carbs are a part of your lfie.
The only foods I avoid are rice and apple skins.
The band is so unique from person to person. Do NOT be afraid to try different foods BUT take tiny bites and chew your food and make sure you swallow what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.
I have NEVER choked or been sick with the band... rice and apple skins have felt VERY strange going down so I avoid them but ALL other foods are fine.
I still plan my meals for the week. I cook on Sunday for the week and freeze my lunch and dinners for the coming week with the exception of Friday when I go out for dinner with friends...I retired so I"m home most of the time... now I'm not perfect.... If I get an invite to go out for lunch on a Tuesday I go. Just because I'm banded I haven't stopped living.
I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor. This keeps me on track and motivated.
I also host a monthly coffee group for fellow bandsters or people looking into the procedure.
I also talk to 3 phone buddies that I met here every month... I'm in Canada but I call the US... I have free long distance.
For me support from fellow bandsters played a huge part in my success.
My only regret about the band is that I didn't get it done sooner.
Take it one day at time.
Tom, Toronto
Banded July 6 06
Wt. Loss: 156 lbs
Started with a 54" waist now 33"

My insurance pays 85% of the procedure but how I figured it out it was around 2000 after they pay what they pay. I have an FSA that will cover that amount.

very true....there are other message boards where people got the band back around 5-7 years ago and they all ended up going back and getting gastric bypass or the sleeve and all they do is warn people not to get the band. I avoid that message board like the plague...

The statistic of 40-60% is based on everyone who gets the band, including those who never followup and those who never lose weight (or gain weight!). It is not just those people who have actually worked the band. Keep that in mind. I think if everyone comes into this knowing what to expect (in terms of rules for food, exercise, etc), then there is no reason you can't be 100% successful.

Here's some photos the Mirror pic is most recent I now weigh 196! 99lbs off y'all

my wife has described a similar feeling. You'll get through this frustration. The band works. I believe in ya!

Hi I had mine 3 years ago and I'm 127 less Good luck ladies ! Keep up the good work !

I'm 5 days post op>I was banded april 9th.Good luck with yours!!

Okay so must of what is written here has been said to all of us...but I have got a good one. This was probably about 20 years ago but it sticks with me and I think about it all the time, I was told that I look like...think about a person who is fat, that is also ugly...okay you got someone in mind...well this is worse!!! I was told that I looked like Rosanne Barr!! I am telling you that has stuck with me forever, but soon I won't be looking like her any more.:thumbup:

Keep us up to date please! Everything will work out. Sorry you're having to deal with this. I'm glad its getting fixed!

Yeah I do really well. I get the munchies at night but it is head hunger not real hunger. I drink Water to curb it or a diet soda cause it kinda bloats me a bit which makes me not want to eat. I have lost 40 lbs. I was banded 3-1-12. If I can do it anyone can!

You should go on myfitnesspal it's an app that a lot of us have joined to keep each other honest my screen name on there is erilis, I tried to add you but you're not on there...yet

I am nervous and excited all at the same time. but hearing people say they haven't lost much weight or there hungry all the time makes me nervous. I am hoping this works, I have been working so hard. but the hunger is what scares me.

Congratulations !
I love my band.
I was self pay and have no regrets. The band change my life. I started with a 54" waist now I"m a 33" waist... I've lost 156 lbs. but best of all my acid reflux is gone.
Good luck !!
Tom, Toronto
Banded July 6 06

Hi all,
I was banded yesterday by Dr. Les Miles in Birmingham, AL. He also repaired a large hiatal hernia I had no idea about. So far it has been a breeze. I am pretty sore at the port site, but other than that, I'm doing great. No nausea and doing well with liquids. I was really afraid and worried before surgery. I am a nurse and know too much I guess- LOL. if everything continues as well as it is now, I worried for nothing. I'm planning on returning to work on Monday so hopefully most of the soreness will be gone by then.

HAve I said I LOVE the band?? It is a tool, but it was just the right tool for me! Let's see, I have lost a total of 70 pounds since August, for a total of 99 pounds as of today. I am SOOOOO HAPPY!!!

If you doctor does not required therapy sessions on mindful eating find a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. I had three group sessions and they were much more helpful than I would have expected. Being banded is at least 50% mental. I view the band as eating like a normal healthy thin person. Start that journey now. You need to develop healthy eating habits. And they are habits. The more you live these habits the more automatic they will become.