Brown Kameleon

That is too funny yet oh so wonderful for you!!! Splurge a little, at least on the underwear... I do understand not wanting to spend the money. My mom hasn't pulled out her sewing machie in awhile. I told her she will have to take in some of my pants. Perhaps the only new thing I will by for awhile are bras and panties. Again, WONDERFUL!!!!

That is too funny yet oh so wonderful for you!!! Splurge a little, at least on the underwear... I do understand not wanting to spend the money. My mom hasn't pulled out her sewing machie in awhile. I told her she will have to take in some of my pants. Perhaps the only new thing I will by for awhile are bras and panties. Again, WONDERFUL!!!!

That is too funny yet oh so wonderful for you!!! Splurge a little, at least on the underwear... I do understand not wanting to spend the money. My mom hasn't pulled out her sewing machie in awhile. I told her she will have to take in some of my pants. Perhaps the only new thing I will by for awhile are bras and panties. Again, WONDERFUL!!!!

I can't wait to get into the 100's... I don't care if the scale reads 199.9... I just want to get there. It has been waaaayyyyy too long.

Hello, If I can find the site, I will post it later. I'm not on my home computer at this very moment. However, I read an article on a medical site (I want to say mayo clinic) where it suggested to wait 1-2 years before undergoing plastic surgery. This provides the body the time it needs for the skin to bounce back from weightloss.

Hi Stacey, It seems you are following the plan. What I've been told my my doctor's office and have read on this site is that the first 4-6 weeks is for healing and to focus on the "rules" of the band. Like chewing, resting between bites, extended your meal time to 30 mins, getting the Protein and Water in, etc.... You are doing well. Like the others said, keep following the plan and the weight loss will come. I know it's frustrating. Although I've lost, most of it was preop. It's been 4 weeks for me (no fill yet) and my post-op loss is 9lbs out of the 23 I've lost. Good luck, you will do well.

@Natasha, Elcee is right!!! I know it is difficult but stay strong, you're only 2 weeks in and it gets so much easier. I still cook for my daughter and my mother is in my home until her house is finished being built. She definitely is not a healthy eater although she needs to be because she is overweight and a diabetic. Actually, she motivates me because I do not want to become diabetic.
Also, most members on this site have had some form of lapband. You will rarely see a gastric bypass patient on here.

Your Dr seems to have been negligent so because of that you advise everybody that they should not get a lapband.
People get organ transplants and their bodies reject them - would you advise them not to get the transplant?
Women get pregnant and die in childbirth - does that mean people should stop getting pregnant?
You can get MRSA in hospital - does that mean noone should go into hospital.
You can have surgery for something minor and end up dead because of a blood clot or some other unforeseen complication.
You can take medication and have a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction - should everyone give up taking medicine.
Yes you have had a bad experience and I am sorry about that. It sounds as though the NHS or whoever it is in Scotland messed up. That is hardly a good reason to advise others not to go ahead. If you want to caution others maybe you should make them aware of the risks of this particular Dr or the NHS in general.
Life itself is risky. There are no guarantees. Imagine trying to live your life without taking any risks - that life would be no life at all. You wouldn't be able to go outside your front door because you could get struck by lightning or run over by a bus. You certainly couldn't go in a car as that is one of the most dangerous things people do every day. But staying at home is dangerous too, that is where most accidents happen. You could:-
Have a fall
Burn yourself
Get electrocuted
Be poisoned by food, or chemicals or gas or plants
You certainly wouldn't want to have sex as that could involve catching a life threatening STI
You would probably be so bored sitting in your room wrapped in cotton wool to protect you and keep you warm that you would over indulge in food and then you would get fatter and fatter and fatter and probably die prematurely anyway from a stroke or heartattack

It's hard to believe that one year ago, I was getting ready for surgery tomorrow. As I feel asleep, I had this terrifying feeling...WHY AM I DOING THIS?! I CAN STILL BACK OUT.
But I didn't. And sometimes I am so proud of myself I get teary eyed. (Not a cryer by nature mind you.)
I had my one-year check up with my PCP last week. It's my 2-year anniversary with her. She asked me if the past year just whizzed by. Well, honestly, sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
When the old habits started rearing their head, time seemed to stand still. When I showed up to appointments knowing that I had dropped, time flew.
So now that one year is under my belt (somewhat pun intended), I can tell you this:
1. If I knew how long the process before surgery was going to take and all the tests I was to be put through would I still do it? YES
2. If I knew the amount of pain that lingered 6 weeks after surgery, would I do it? YES
3. If I knew that I would hit highs that would seem like I could fly like a superhero and have lows that would make me question everything, would I do it? YES
4. If I knew my life would be enriched by the wonderful medical staff I have worked and am working with now if I had just gone with the status quo and given up? YES
5. If I knew that I would learn so much about myself and then have the courage and ability to change those things I could not continue to live by, would I do it? YES
6. If I knew that some would not understand my choice yet I would gain so many advocates, would I still do it? YES
So to all of you are considering, days away from surgery or post op: It was the best choice of my life. And it probably is for you too!
In honor of my 1-year anniversary, I did all liquid today. I just felt it was the right thing to do to honor all of those who have stood by me through thick and thin. (Pun intended!) So would you all join me and raise your Protein shake to all of us who are banders and Celebrate the journey we have all chosen to take and the successes we will enjoy!
Thank you for allowing me to post this!

I'm almost 2 weeks post op... Called my doc and they said as long as no puss, tenderness or odor than its fine. I have bleeding.. Very Lil but it's there.

Today I had lunch with a friend who had lapband last May. I heard from her in Aug and she had already lost 60 lbs. I didnt even ask her about weight loss today. It didnt matter. She looked fantastic! She was beaming! She's 20lbs from goal. She answered my many, many questions as I prepare for the surgery this March (i hope). It was so refreshing to hear her answers to my questions about the dreaded "getting stuck" NONE; hair loss NONE; Gas and belching NONE; too tight of restriction NONE; food restrictions NONE, just less of everything. It went on and on. She didnt have one complaint! Not one! I asked her what the secret to her success is. She said, "i wasnt going to put myself through surgery, have 5 holes in my stomach and not do it right". She is completely compliant with her doctor's protocol. She eats Protein at every meal, she exercises, she eats slow and stops when she is full. She even enjoys 1 glass of wine a week. She did express what a mental challenge this can be. Your stomach got the band, not your mind....you still need to deal with the mental aspects of food.
Her results are inspiring. Her attitude refreshing! I tried very hard to hear a complaint but there was none. I told her she is a posterwoman for lapband and I pray I have the attitude and success she has!

Vodka mixed with some crystal light! (I order vodka on the rocks...water, no ice and take a crystal light packet with me) It's good and it will make about 3-4 drinks easily!
Wine does very well for me still and it's my favorite but I'm not planning on drinking hard alcohol anymore. I get wasted so quick, it's horrible! I cannot handle it and I'm still over 200 lbs.

Glad everything went well for the both of you!!!

Or you might find that you choose to eat cake instead of lunch whereas before you would have had both.

I experienced the EXACT same thing...I lost about 50 pounds in the first 6 months, but then lost nothing for the next 8 or 9. For me, I think my body was just in shock and it had to do some major adjusting, but here are some things I tried that helped.
1-try the 5 day pouch test-http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ It will help you determine if your band is adjusted properly and kind of "re-teach" you all those rules you were following as a newbie. I lost 7 pounds after the 5 days and didn't gain any of it back
2-I joined myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. I found somedays that even though I thought I was doing well, I was consuming way too many calories.
3-you said you had a lot of free time. I suggest trying all different types of fitness classes to mix up your routine. If you have netflix, there are a lot of workouts you can stream...there are a couple Pilates ones I love. My current routine consists is-Monday: Pilates, Tues, Thurs: Sat-30 min Running, 30 min Elliptical, Sun: Either arm strength training and 30 min elliptical or 1 hr of swimming. Friday is my Free day-ya gotta have one or you'll go crazy!
4-On days I am down, I pull out a pair of my "fat" pants to remember how far I have come!
Hope this helps, good luck!!

I struggle with this... The most important part. So I rely on Protein Shots 42 grams of whey Protein. It's called New Whey, 1 vile shot has 180 calories, 2 carbs and 0 sugar. I do 1/2 of one a day (1 vile lasts 2 days) so it's an easy 21 grams right there. GNC sales it for $3.49 a vile. I am going to see the nutritionist this week. I thought I paid careful attention to her ideas but without thisI would not get my 60 grams.

Congrats Meredith and ValAnn!!!!!!

Per my doc and many on this site, first 4-6 weeks is for healing and becoming acclimated with your band. Remember everyone is different so the worse thing you can do is start comparing your results to others. The best you can do is follow the plan your surgeon/nutritionist gave you and you will have results. Also remember that for many; results are not seen until one starts getting fills. Remain encouraged and optimistic. This site is great!!! For any negative you may come across, don't fall prey. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones.... Meaning take what you need from it and leave the rest alone. Good luck to you.

i have had hypothyroidism for almost 15 years...I had my surgery 13 months ago and I am down 148 pounds. My low acting thyroid has not slowed my weightloss down so far. I have 32 left to lose to reach my goal. I hope that it doesn't decide to kick in now! Have faith...I am one success story of someone with hypo!

Ok, I know I'm going to get myself in trouble but it seems like most of you are basically on a very restricitive diet! If that works long term, great, but I think all my dieting is how I got fat.
I eat small portions of regular food! I will NEVER eat anything low fat or low calorie or fake sugar or anything like that!
I eat regular food, focus on Protein, but my band only lets me eat tiny meals....
yesterday I had two portions of lasagna, a serving of sauteed spinach , some sushi, cheeses and crackers, and some wine.
I probably eat bout six times a day...

Per my doc and many on this site, first 4-6 weeks is for healing and becoming acclimated with your band. Remember everyone is different so the worse thing you can do is start comparing your results to others. The best you can do is follow the plan your surgeon/nutritionist gave you and you will have results. Also remember that for many; results are not seen until one starts getting fills. Remain encouraged and optimistic. This site is great!!! For any negative you may come across, don't fall prey. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones.... Meaning take what you need from it and leave the rest alone. Good luck to you.

I really love my band...

Like title says, I'm down 88 pounds already, from 356 to 268, feels amazing! I have followed my doctors diet to a T, hit the gym 4 days a week to weight train, and walk/jog 8+ miles a week. I feel amazing and would like to thank everyone encouraging words and advice here on this forum. Here's to my upcoming season of semi pro football! Without God and this life altering choice I have made I know it would not be possible. 176 pounds down here I come!!!!

Hi. I have been asking the same question lately. So far I have tried Muscle Milk chocolate and EAS 100% whey Protein chocolate. Of these 2 the Muscle Milk is better but it has a little more carbs. They are both drinkable to me when mixed with skim milk and crushed ice. Someone suggested to freeze some milk in cubes to make them icy without watering them down. Others suggest adding sugar free pudding powder to make them taste better. I haven't tried that yet but I am going to.
I like the Muscle Milk but some others here say it gags them. So you really just need to sample some and find what you can live with. Good luck!

Hello, we have the same surgery date... Banded kindred spirits!!!!! I'm getting ready to join your group.