Thats All Folks

Posting that before photo wasn't easy. It makes me absolutely cringe to even look at it. So, believe me, I completely understand. Especially since I still have weight to lose.

I can't believe I'm posting this, but I keep getting asked for before & after pics. So, the first one was taken the day of surgery and the second one I just took today. Day of surgery, 1 year ago, size 46 Today, 181 pounds lost and size 18

For me, I just couldn't justify re-routing my internal organs or cutting off 3/4 of my stomach without trying something far less drastic first. With the band, you can always have it removed if something goes wrong. With the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, you can never get that chunk of your stomach back or intestines routed back the way they were. Plus, I didn't want to deal with malabsorbtion or dumping, either. No matter which WLS you choose, the work will forever be yours to do. None of them are a magic fix for fat and none are a guarantee to lose weight. They're just tools, but when used properly, the results can be amazing. I've lost 181 pounds since I was banded in January 2012. For me, getting the Lap Band was the best decision I've ever made for myself. Best wishes to you on your journey with whatever you choose. Just remember, at the end of the day, you have to do what's best for you.

Yes, I had drainage with a very minor cold but it was enough to make my band tighten right up. I've heard others experience the same thing, too.

I agree with Laurigee, if I were in your shoes, I'd have the band checked for proper placement and function. I've never heard of someone having a band filled to max capacity and still not in the Green Zone, so that makes me nervous either something isn't quite right with the band or the doctor isn't doing something right. As far as Medicare, yes it does cover fills, but you are responsible for paying 20% of the cost. (I am disabled on Medicare) As for band size, usually the surgeons choose the band sized based on your anatomy. I will be honest, being as he no longer does Lap Band and so much has changed with his practice, I wouldn't feel comfortable continuing treatment with him. I really don't think you'll have a problem finding another surgeon to take you as a patient. The only times surgeons have major issue is when the patient was banded in Mexico, then a lot of surgeons won't touch them. But being as that's not the case with you, it shouldn't be a problem. Best wishes to you!

Yes, it's called the Vagus nerve. It's a bit of a catch 22 because a little pressure on it is necessary to dim the hunger trigger, however too much pressure on it can cause the exact symptoms you're describing (and unfortunately, worse).

Aww thanks, I just try to help when and where I can. Let us know how the .1cc fill goes. People think I'm crazy when I tell them I've had fills that small but it was the difference between grazing and the Green Zone for me. I'm really hoping it helps you, too.

That's so awesome, congratulations!

I'm extremely sensitive to fills. The biggest fill I ever got was my first one, 3cc, and he immediately had to take 1cc back out because I was gurgling up Water. Since then my fills are all VERY small. The smallest being .1cc. The fill I just got on Tuesday was only .3cc (and that was the first one I've had since September). Have you tried really small fills? Like .1cc or .2cc? People balk at the tiny fill amounts but you'd be shocked what a huge difference it can make. Btw, if I would've got a .5cc the last couple times, I'd have been miserable too! Hang in there. You've come so far and are doing so well!

That is too cool!!

I asked my nutritionist about this, and this is what she told me: "Starvation mode" isn't really starvation at all. It's a bad name for what really is a type of self-induced metabolic syndrome. Essentially, when you don't eat enough calories your metabolism slows down. You will still lose inevitably but slower. This is why very often people only 800-900 calories a day see a weight loss increase when jumping as little as to 1000 calories a day. MFP, Lose It, all those are geared towards non-bariatric patients. I set my Lose It so my calorie maximum is 1200 daily. Every time I adjust it (because it self adjusts as my weight declines) I get the warning you're talking about. Just ignore it, especially while you're on the pre-op diet. Do as your doctor and nutritionist recommend. After you're post surgery and back on normal foods, you can always play with your calorie intake to see what works best for you. Best wishes!

Well I think I've just had the most mind blowing NSV yet (and I've had a lot of them!) When I started this journey a year ago, I wore a size 46. I had to special order all my clothes online because I couldn't find clothes big enough to fit me in stores, not even the plus size stores. I gave up wearing blue jeans decades ago. Today, for the first time in 20 years, I am wearing size 18 jeans. I SO love my band!!! (below is my happy dance!)

I agree with the other ladies. It's all dependent on how much weight you have to lose and how long you've been carrying it, genetics, and skin elasticity. I have a lot of loose skin and will be having a tummy tuck this spring, however I can honestly say I'll take the excess skin over the excess fat any day. I can hide the skin, I couldn't hide the fat.

I also weigh myself twice a day, morning and night. Little fluctuations are normal and don't bother me but this way I know immediately if there's a major fluctuation.

You really need to call your doctor and get much more clear instructions. Unfortunately we're not doctors and we can't answer your questions. Call your doctor.

This is exactly right. You can get too much protein, in fact years ago I had it happen. I had a raging kidney infection because of a build up of protein when I was on the Atkins diet. This is rare, mind you, but it is possible. More so if you have a history of kidney problems. It's also possible to see a spike in your cholesterol if you're eating a lot of fatty animal protein.

I was told the same thing exactly

You need to call your surgeon immediately. If you can't reach him, go to the ER. Either way, you need to get an anti-nausea med immediately. Your stomach has been sutured and vomiting this soon after surgery is extremely dangerous.

Don't feel bad about them not using your number. You know how much you weighed and how much you lost and that is what matters. Keep using your number and claim those 18 pounds with pride! Btw, my surgeon's office shows me as weighing 5 pounds less than I did on surgery day, too. They are also going from the initial consultation but I gained 5 pounds between then and surgery. It may only be a 5 pound difference, but that's still 5 more pounds I lost and I'm claiming!

You will get a different response from everyone. Every nutritionist, surgeon, and band patient seem to have their own idea what works best. Some swear by low carb, others don't count carbs. At the end of the day, there is no "right" or "wrong" answer. It's all about what works for you and your body. Talk to your nutritionist and find out what's best specifically for you. (btw, I don't restrict carbs, just calories)

Congratulations! You look great!

That is just too cool!! You should totally do it!!

I don't know for how long it's on sale or there's a Meijer near you, but I just bought Atkins products at Meijer for buy one get one half off. It was for all their Atkins products including shakes. I bought the coffee flavored one and it's really good!

ROFL....just wow. Apparently there's no IQ check to be a troll.

You'll have to read the ingredients of the Shake and Bake. Calories, fat, etc. See if it fits in your daily calorie budget.