Thats All Folks

I would talk to your nutritionist, perhaps they'd have some insight to help you kick start the scale.

I think you need to do what you think is best for you, be it band or no band. It's your body and this is a life changing decision. If you really don't think the band is for you then don't do it. I would like to point out something though. The majority of Lap Band horror stories you see are the fault of the patient not the band, the biggest being people walking around with their bands too tight and it resulting in a slip. Then there's the ones that chronically over eat, eat around the band, and vomit. I even met a woman who had a slip from carbonation. Unfortunately it seems the ones that holler the loudest are the ones that are having problems- you don't hear from the majority of happy band patients because they're too busy enjoying their new lives. The band does require changes for life. If people don't change their eating habits, they won't lose, it's simple as that. Too often people go into this surgery expecting magic and that's not the case. It's a tool and it requires work. For actual facts (not anecdotal evidence from a forum or Youtube) have a look a this link. It's a very large study on the long term success of the band: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Best wishes on whatever you decide.

Ok here's the BMR calculator I use. I like it because it actually decreases with age and recognizes the differences between men and women. http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

I think I'm going to have some turkey chili with beans, with a tablespoon of low fat cream cheese mixed in, and some low fat shredded cheese sprinkled over the top.

You'll have to try different ones until you find one you like. My favorite is unjury, but you can only buy it online.

I've been using this kind lately, too. It's not bad, especially considering a lot of the other ones I've tried that were horrible.

It may get a little better, but it's been my experience that banded tummies are noisy. I know mine makes a lot of noise. It took awhile to adjust because it used to be growling equals hunger and that's not the case after being banded. It's really not so bad

Thank you! My situation is a bit unique. I have Multiple Sclerosis so I can't do a lot of exercises that most do. When I first started this journey, I walked with a cane and needed a motorized cart just to get around a grocery store. But, I did push myself to walk. First to the end of the block, then down the street, around the corner, etc. Eventually I got further and stopped needing the cane. Now, I walk 2 miles a day easily without any aid. I also plan on getting a bike this spring. So, while I can't do a lot of exercises others do, I do what I can do because it's so important to move.

Welcome and best wishes on your journey!

It's common to have hair loss after any surgery, it's not specifically because of the Lap Band. It's the drugs they give you for the anesthetic that causes it. Taking Biotin both before and after surgery can help minimize it.

Hi Christa and welcome! I personally would highly recommend the Lap Band. Unlike Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve, it doesn't re-route your healthy intestines nor does it hack out 3/4 of your stomach. Plus, with the Lap Band there's no dumping, more malabsorbtion issues, and it's reversible. At your age, I personally wouldn't want do anything so drastic as the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. Heck, I'm almost 20 years older than you and I could justify doing anything that drastic to my body either. I have lost 195 pounds in 14 months and I'm still losing. I absolutely love my band, it's the best decision I've ever made for myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it many years sooner. Educate yourself on the Lap Band. Learn what to expect, what not to expect, and what you'll have to do to succeed. Education will be your best asset when making this decision and facts should weigh more heavily on your decision than any anecdotal evidence you may see here. Best wishes with whatever you decide

You'll have to ask your doctor to see what your specific limits are. I was told no more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks.

Congratulations on your success!!

Awwww you're an amazing lady and it makes me SO happy to see you succeeding so brilliantly!!!!

How much you lose is entirely up to you and how much you're willing to work for it. If you want to lose 100% of your excess weight you definitely can. There's many people on here who have actually lost more than 100% of their original excess weight. As for myself, I've already lost 195 pounds in 14 months. That is 75% of my excess weight and I'm still consistently losing. I have no doubt I'll lose the rest of the weight, too. It's all up to you how much you lose. Best wishes.

I've heard as little as $50 and as high as $400. You'd have to ask your surgeon or surgeons in your area.

Good luck! You'll do great!!

I don't because I haven't had any carbonation since being banded. Nor will I. Ever. It's not worth the risk of a slip for a soda.

If you blend them so there's no chunks whatsoever, so it's completely liquefied then yes you could.

WOW!! I'm glad you're following up with your surgeon.

It sounds like you're too tight. You shouldn't be resorting to slider foods and you shouldn't have such a hard time eating healthy foods. Contrary to popular belief, being too tight can actually drastically slow weight loss or even result in weight gain because of the inability to eat healthy foods. Here's a great article on being too tight: http://www.lapbandta...0#commentsStart

Go by whatever paperwork your doctor gave you to follow, if you didn't get any then call his office and ask. Every doctor is different so we can't answer your question, only your doctor can.

You can TOTALLY do this and you'll be so glad you did. It is far better to be alone than to be lonely with someone else. Quite honestly, being single can be a wonderful and freeing experience, especially after a bad marriage. My divorce was final in November 2012 and I had Lap Band surgery less than 2 months later in January 2012. Fast forward to now, 14 months later, I've lost 195 pounds and have an amazing new boyfriend who loves and supports me on this weight loss journey completely. Best wishes to a wonderful, happy future!

It depends entirely on your surgeon. You'll have to ask him.