Thats All Folks

Everyone loses at different rates. If you feel good and your doctor isn't concerned, then just enjoy the success. For the record, I lost super fast at first. I actually lost a whopping 44 pounds before I even had my first fill. I continued to lose around 20 pounds a month for awhile, too. It's only in the last 6-8 months my loss rate has slowed to a more "normal" pace. Just enjoy it while it lasts but don't be discouraged when it does slow down

I was originally scheduled for Gastric Bypass. My BMI was a whopping 72 and the surgeon insisted I'd never lose enough weight with the Lap Band. As the day got closer, I had more and more doubts. Ultimately I canceled the surgery at the last minute. I then went out and did some more research on the band- including a different bariatric surgeon who wasn't biased against it. I knew the band was right for me and luckily I found a surgeon who supported my choice. I had the Lap Band surgery 18 months ago and it's the best decision I could've ever made for myself. I've lost almost 220 pounds and I'm still losing- obviously the first surgeon who tried to tell me I'd never lose enough with the band was wrong. This is strictly my opinion and why I made the choice for the band: I simply could not justify permanently re-routing my healthy intestines without trying something far less drastic first. I also didn't want to deal with malnutrition, malabsorbtion, and dumping. Here's an interesting fact: Gastric Bypass patients may lose faster than Lap Band patients right away after surgery, but long term data shows that ultimately the weight loss is comparable between both surgeries. It also shows that the serious complication rate of the Lap Band by no fault of the patient is only 5%. http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. Best wishes on whatever you decide.

I love tuna and this sounds really good! I'm totally going to try it, thank you!!

First, don't be so hard on yourself. You messed up one day. We all have our bad days, trust me. The trick is not letting a bad day turn into a bad week or month. One bad day isn't going to sabotage your surgery. Just don't let it turn into more. Eating habits aren't easy to change. I had my surgery 18 months ago and still have my days that I struggle. For me, distraction seems to be the best way to handle it. For instance, I'm a nighttime eater by nature. I can go all day without a problem but come night time, I want to graze. I find if I distract myself when the urge hits (I usually take a long hot bath) then it will pass. Hang in there!

I personally like the Centrum chewables. Plus, they're for adults not kids. A lot of people like the gummy Vitamins. My daughter loves the Vitafusion gummies. It's really a trial and error process trying to find one you like.

I totally agree with you. Very well said!

For me, it was the realization if I didn't make drastic lifestyle changes I wouldn't live to see my kids grow into adults. I started this journey truly huge- my BMI was 72. My blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol were all high. It was only a matter of time before I was on blood pressure meds and diabetic. I also had a pretty bad sleep apnea. I remember my visit to my neurologist before having Lap Band surgery and him telling me I was a "ticking time bomb" if I didn't lose weight.

I use Lose It and I've used it for 18 months. I absolutely love it, it's like my "food bible".

The definition of a fad is "An intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, esp. one that is short-lived; a craze." Everyone trying to use low carb dieting to lose weight, regardless of whether or not it is what's best for them, is in my opinion a fad. It's no different than back when everyone thought fat was the blame for obesity and if you just eliminated fat, you'd lose weight. Furthermore, since 1992 the obesity rate has skyrocketed in the United States. It doesn't matter which diet fad people attempted, including low carb, we still continue to get fatter as a society. Carb addiction is very real, by the way. I never claimed that it wasn't. For people suffering from carb addition, low carb would definitely be the way to go. In fact there's a lot of reasons, ranging from medical to psychological in nature, that someone would be best suited for low carb eating. However, there are just as many reasons that someone shouldn't be following the low carb diet. Everyone has to do what is best for them and their body- and low carb eating isn't what is best for everyone. For the record? Your surgeon may believe carbs are the culprits for obesity and lack of weight loss but not all doctors agree with your surgeon. Both my bariatric surgeon and my nutritionist believe the culprit for obesity is America's obsession with "bigger is better" when it comes to portion size. My nutritionist is actually the one who originally referred to low carb eating as a fad to me- and I happen to agree with her. Does that mean either of our surgeons are wrong? No, it means they have a difference of opinion. People need to figure out what is best for specifically for them because there is no single right way to lose weight.

I can't speak for all, but I had one at 7-11 that wasn't carbonated.

Ugh, I'm sorry you had to go through that. Wise words to others though- it's definitely something to be very careful of. Feel better soon!

Actually that's a good question! I meant to include that and forgot! Thank you! Yes, I made a tray of ice cubes with it. If you just freeze the whole bottle it'll be too big to crush in the blender.

I think Lellow totally nailed it! He should be happy you're making yourself healthier, not only for you, but so that his kids will have a healthy mom. I strongly suspect he's feeling some jealousy and insecurity. It's sad but we see that a lot- one spouse loses weight and the other spouse gets afraid they're going to leave if they get thin. Maybe you could try talking to him? Find out what his problem really is and see if you can't resolve the issue by reassuring him? Btw, you should be very proud regardless of his ignorance. You're doing great!!

I had to share this because it's so good! I have a weakness for frozen, slushy type drinks. For instance, Taco Bell's pina colada freeze was always a favorite of mine. But I don't need all the sugar and calories so it's rare I'll have one. So, I have done some experimenting! I took Ice (that's the brand name) coconut pineapple sparkling Water and froze it. (this rids the carbonation). Then, I crushed it up in a blender. Next, I poured in some more of the coconut pineapple sparkling water and blended it together (the blender killed the carbonation again). This made it the slushy consistency. I swear, it is just as good as the Taco Bell freeze. Maybe even better but ZERO calories. I figure if I add a little rum, it would make a really good low calorie pina colada too! I think this worked with this particular brand because it has so much flavor. I'm going to try it with other flavors, too. (again, this is carbonated so be careful. I always get the carbonation out before drinking it)

Wow, what exactly is your problem? I stated repeatedly that this is what is best for me. This is what works FOR ME. I also said I didn't believe either was right or wrong, just a matter of what works best for each individual person. I also said that everyone has to figure out what works best for them. Never did I say "don't ask your doctor" nor did I claim to be an expert. I was very clear that this my opinion and experience. Posting that study was simply proving a point, that it doesn't matter what eating style you favor, there is going to be study either disproving or supporting it. Again, I was clear on this as well. Post likes yours, IMHO, are needlessly defensive and attacking.

My heart goes out to you- I'd be depressed too. I agree with the others, I'd look into having it done at the other location. Just be sure you ask them a lot of questions first, like how this anatomy difference could potentially effect the band or if it raises your risk of complications. Best wishes and hang in there!

Actually, it is. First the fad was low Protein, then low fat, now low carb. Every decade or so someone decides something new is the "right" way to diet and everyone jumps on the bandwagon. When really at the end of the day, all that matters is what works for you. And as far as studies, it's moderately unfortunate but you can find a study that supports pretty much whatever eating habits you prefer. Here is a documented study against low carb dieting: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/06/time-to-retire-the-low-carb-diet-fad/258343/ I don't believe low carb or high carb is right or wrong. I believe everyone has to figure what works for their body. Low carb doesn't work for me- and I had the high cholesterol and kidney infections in the past to prove it. I've lost almost 220 pounds while eating carbs so for me, it works.

I live by a simple rule: If I'm hungry I eat. If I'm not hungry, I don't eat. If you're eating until you're uncomfortably full (or full at all) then you're eating too much. You don't want to stretch your pouch or cause any other problems by over-eating. Protein is the easiest way to add "good" calories to your day. The trick is to make all your meals count both nutritionally and for calories. In other words, you want the most bang for your buck.

My diet is very simple. I eat between 1000-1200 calories a day and get in a minimum of 60g of Protein daily. I don't do the whole low carb fad thing nor do I count carbs. I also never eat more than a cup of food per meal. Very simple but it works for me. The trick is figuring out what works best for you and your metabolism. Everyone is different and everyone has different nutritional needs.

Being as you now have the band, your nutritional needs are going to be different than a person without the band. Essentially, you need less food for your body to feel like it's had enough. You'll also find a vast array of diets and calorie ranges here, too. I personally stay around 1200 calories a day and do well on it. One other thing to point out- according to your profile, you've lost 27 pounds since you were banded 8 short weeks ago. Why do you say you're not losing weight when clearly you are? The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week. If your profile is correct, then you've lost an average of more than 3 pounds a week. I'd say you're doing great and have nothing to worry about.

Jim I couldn't agree with you more. I vividly remember weighing over 400 pounds when I started this journey. I seriously would cry when I'd think about the fact I had at least 260 pounds to lose. It was just so overwhelming. Now...here I am 18 months later and down almost 220 pounds (and still losing). It CAN be done. You just have to want it and be committed to the process no matter how long it may take.

I noticed it starting about a month after surgery. If you eat nutritiously, get in lots of Protein, stay hydrated, and keep with Biotin chances are good you won't have the hair loss since you haven't already.

I seriously love this idea. I wish I'd have done it 18 months ago when I started.

It's true, sometimes the patient has nothing to do with band failure. We see this when a band slips due to vomiting during illness, or there is a medical condition at play, or even because the patient has the old 4cc band and like so many others are now having tons of problems. There are most definitely people who have complications by no fault of their own. But they are the minority. Only 5% of serious complications are no fault of the patient. The rest are because the patient messed up and have no one to blame but themselves. If you are compliant with your doctor and follow the rules, statistically the odds are very good.

I had a to laugh at your labels. "Big & Fat" and "Less Big & Fat". I'd totally do the same thing lol. It looks you're doing very well! I love looking at the graph (LoseIt has one) of my weight loss because it really puts it all into perspective for me. It's easy to get hung up on how far we have to go or being stuck for a week but when you see the graph, you realize how good you're actually doing.