PattyGirl66

I completely agree! I was apprehensive and it took me a long time before I took the steps and considered the band really seriously. I am 3 weeks post op and since the 2 week pre op liquid diet, I have lost 21 lbs. The discomfort lasts a little over a week and is very bearable. I'm 28 and wish I had done it when I was 24 when I first considered it. Your head has to be in the right place and of course you're going to have doubts and questions so do loads of research, watch you tube diaries, look at before and after pics of others who have been successful, then imagine your own transformation and all the confidence that will come with a wonderful, new lifestyle.
I've realised that by following the programme, I'm enjoying my reeducation and my confidence has increased, my mood is better, my head is happier, I have increased energy levels. I'm discovering myself and my body for the first time. I understand that what I put into my body has consequences. If I choose to put the correct stuff in then the consequences will be good, guaranteed. I know I can succeed! I have accepted that this is it, this is my time.... You can have all those feelings to. It's like by making the decision you're in control of your life and the possibilities are endless. I can't wait to get to the finish line! The band has made this a reality. It literally assists you. You get to know it, you begin to understand and be aware of actual hunger- ask yourself, am I feeding my body or my mind and you'll be amazed at how sensible you can become. It is hard at first, but you can do it. Just like I did. I still have a long way to go but I have dropped my BMI from 42 to 39 in a month. I'm 20% there already...
The whole process so far has felt good, it is staged apart so that you have mini goals along the way- 2 weeks pre op liquid, op, 2 weeks post op liquid, week on mushy foods, week 4 introduce textureed healthy tasty foods. And in that time, new good habits have been formed, your tastes change, your mindset shifts, your motivation remains....
This has been the best decision I have made so far! I wouldnt change it for the world. I hope I might have given you some food for thought Good luck with your decision

First off, no, you're not at fault. We've all been where you are and know what it's like to try diet after diet only to fail. Obesity isn't about a lack of willpower or laziness, it's a disease that's quickly spreading across our country and starting younger and younger. Our society of "super sized" everything, processed foods, and high fat foods is only adding to it.
The Lap-Band definitely isn't a magic bullet, it's a tool, and you still must do the work. You still have to make smart food choices and be committed to lifetime of healthy eating habits. Those that I see fail with the band very often do so because while they may eat smaller portions they're still eating crappy, high calorie, high fat food.
For me, the Lap-Band has been an answered prayer. I am satisfied with little food and can go 4-5 hours without hunger. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but with the weight I've lost so far I can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel.
Honestly, I wish that had been option for me when I was your age. It would've saved me an adulthood of being "the fat chic" and dealing with all the emotional trauma that comes with it.
Ultimately, it has to be your choice, but I have no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat. I think getting the Lap-Band is by far the best decision I've ever made for myself.
Best wishes to you!

I purchased the GasX strips prior to surgery so that I would have them post-op. The strips were the only form I ever read about that was recommended.
To be very honest though, I felt that the GasX did nothing to alleviate any of the post op gas pain I experienced. The only thing which helped me to get things moving was to do plenty of walking. You are also helping to lower your chances of developing blood clots post-op by walking.

My surgeon recommended flintstone chewables with iron...

I found a powered Multi-Vitamin at GNC that has 10G of Protein in it - I use it as one Protein Shake a day and get all of my Vitamins - they had chocolate and vanilla - I found a few containers that were set to expire in 6 months and they start marking them down.

@ Pattygirl I just came across Syntrax nectar Protein on youtube. The website is www. si03.com. They have a sample packet for 14.00 12 or 13 different fruit flavors in the pack. call this number 1 866 333 7403. no taxes no shipping.
Everywhere else the packets are 18.00-26.00. Only one order per household on the packets.
you can google Syntraz nectar Protein and compare prices on the sample packs. They sale the 2lb tubs on Amazon, diet direct , Vitamin shoppe and quite a few places. All different prices. I haven't tasted them yet but I'm ordering Monday because they are close for the weekend. Don't forget to check out youtube

It was a tough journey but I finally am down 110 pounds in a years period. So happy and I'm still going!!

Not banded yet, taking 2500mcg once a day just preventative maintenance
dionaw- Sent from my iPad using LBT

I have decided to tell very few people because it's no one's business, I've lost & gained a million times, I don't want to have to discuss it with people that don't get it & I don't want negative comments. So, I have lost 79 lbs & have 45 to go. People are noticing and I just say I am watching what I eat, portion size, concentrating on Protein & exercising, all of which is true. Best of luck to you!

I was banded on Jan. 6 and have lost 87 pounds since then. So, I'm doing really well! It's actually helped improved my quality of life a lot. It has even helped some of my MS symptoms. My ability to walk longer distances has improved drastically because losing weight takes so much extra stress off my legs. I still have a lot of weight to lose but even now, I feel better than I have in years.
I hope your quality of life improves drastically too. Best wishes to you

yup, it's great and often only $2.99 @ Target!

I do that too... It is wonderful and more nutritious! Love it!

I just had surgery last week and my BMI was 61. When I started the process, my BMI was 73. The surgeon would have preferred me having gastric bypass or sleeve because the weight loss is faster but when I said no he was fine.
He wanted me to lose 30 pounds before surgery and I blew that away by losing 80. Surgery went well. The biggest issue is the anestiologist and whether they are willing to put you under.
I am sure you will need to have some additional testing but I think a surgeon will do the surgery.

My BMI was 72, which is really really high. I had no problems and have been doing well at losing weight in the 4 months since I was banded.

All this makes me feel much better. I have a bmi of 69 and was beginning to get a little worried because a lot of people on here seem quite a bit smaller than that.
Although, nothing really extra was required of me. The 6 month physician supervised diet, once that was completed I saw the surgeon, got approved though insurance, and surgery is scheduled for June 5th!

I am very over weight as well and was told I need to lose 30 pounds before surgery. I only have lost 15 so far. Last week my surgeon was pretty stern that I lose another 10 more pounds, I am feeling the stress more so now as this needs to be done by May 24th my next and last weigh in. But, from reading on this site I see many many individuals who are very over weight with high bmi and are doing tremendously well. This gives me very high hopes

Thanks - those are great suggestions.
Unjury's chicken Soup flavor Protein powder is tasty but you're right, very high in sodium. I'm going to try a version of your idea and try making a "cream of" chicken Soup using half a scoop of unjury chicken soup powder (I have half a canister to use up)combined with low-sodium chicken broth and milk (the milk will up the Protein content.

LOLOLOL, that is funny! Yes, you need to buy some smaller panties girlfriend
Thanks for sharing

I have loved this forum. I have only had my band for 6 weeks, but the ability to search and read topics from actual banded people has been priceless. The docs and nutrionist can only give you so much info, reading and asking real live people has mad these 6 weeks so much easier for me.
Thanks to all the people on this forum!

If you seriously believe he will leave you if you dont lose weight or that he'll leave you if he gets thin...this is not a solid relationship in the first place...not one to bring a child into! Get some counseling!!! This needs to be fixed BEFORE you are even thinking of having a child...

Hi CJ,
You are reacting very normal, any surgery is very scary. And as someone posted above having declined health, not knowing what can happen to us if we continue to be obese is 'very' scary.
I am right with you, haven't been banded yet I have 3 more months before approval. No looking back, no more thinking about it, it has to be done! We have to get healthy, we have to live!
Keep reading and writing on this site, you will not only learn a lot, but you will make some really great friends
Best of luck,

Hi CJ,
You are reacting very normal, any surgery is very scary. And as someone posted above having declined health, not knowing what can happen to us if we continue to be obese is 'very' scary.
I am right with you, haven't been banded yet I have 3 more months before approval. No looking back, no more thinking about it, it has to be done! We have to get healthy, we have to live!
Keep reading and writing on this site, you will not only learn a lot, but you will make some really great friends
Best of luck,

I really love reading these kinds of stories, gives us very much hope.
Thank you so much for touching base with us and letting us know how successful you have been on your journey,
Now, don't be a stranger

Oh for size 6 I will be soooo happy to be in a size 10 lol. Cograts!

Like Xavier said, I have some loose skin, but who can see it in my size 8 pants?!!!