Thats All Folks

First, congratulations on your weight loss so far. Please keep in mind that the average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week. So you losing 7 pounds in 8 weeks is exactly where you should be. You're doing great. Remember. the weight didn't come on over night and it won't disappear over night either. As far as Weight Watchers, I'm a big believer in do whatever works for you. If you like WW and their program and feel it's a good fit for your needs, then do it. We all have to find our own path and what works best for us. As far as a fill- the easiest way to decide whether or not you need a fill is hunger. Can you be satisfied on a cup or less of food for at least 4 hours? If yes, then you probably don't need one. If no, then talk to your doctor about getting a fill. Good luck!

That's really cool!! Thanks for sharing it!

I agree, definitely make an appointment with your OB/GYN. I'd also take a pregnancy test ASAP, to be sure!

Again, I say this with sincerity and concern, You really, really need to get a lot more info. A LOT. Your doctor needs to sit down and thoroughly explain the dos and don'ts and exactly what to expect. If I could slap the stupid out of your doctor I would. I can't believe the huge disservice he's done to you by not educating you. It's horrible and you deserve so much better. You also need to see a nutritionist, too. Here is a really good site. Take your time and browse around it, I think it'll help you a lot: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html ...and ask lots of questions here. I'll be pulling for you.

I don't mean this offensively or snotty, I mean it sincerely because I'm really confused. How in the world could you go through the whole process to get the Lap Band, and the actual surgery, and not know they use a needle to do fills?

Nothing to be nervous about. How much he puts in depends entirely on what he decides is best for you so we can't even begin to guess. The Fluid gets in via needle through your port. Some doctors say nothing to eat or drink a couple hours before a fill, you'll have to ask your doctor if he has any specific instructions. Good luck!

Nope, I never feel it and I've slept on my stomach since the night after surgery.

You are the second guy on here I've heard make this comparison. The first time, I had to ask what a restrictor plate was

When my mom realized I was now wearing clothes 3 sizes smaller than she wears, her response was "oh great, now I'm the fattest one in the family" Geesh!!

Oh my gosh SO TRUE!!!! If one more person tells me "You should stop eating carbs" I may lose it. I've lost over 200 pounds while eating carbs so I *think* I know what I'm doing. It drives me positively insane! I've heard the "don't get too skinny!" comment a lot lately too. Hellllooo, I still have another 40-50 pounds to lose! I am no risk of looking like an anorexic, trust me people. Band specific ones: -People expecting me to drop 200 pounds in 6 months. Are you freak'n kidding me? - People who think this is the easy way. There is nothing easy about changing my entire lifestyle, counting every single calorie that goes into my mouth, and pushing my body to do exercises it hasn't done since I was a teenager. I've worked my butt off (literally!) for every ounce I've lost and it's not "easy".

Considering your doctor is so far away, be sure to take a couple big drinks of water before leaving his office after your fill. This way if you're too tight, he can immediately take a little back out rather than finding out later 6 hours away.

A couple things to keep in mind... The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds a week. So, don't expect a fast loss. It took time to put the weight on and it'll take time to take it back off. Also keep in mind "restriction" refers to the tightening of the band around the stomach, not restricting what you can and can't eat. The band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating anything- that will always be your job. Once you have adequate Fluid in your band it will allow you to go much longer periods of time without hunger after eating very small amounts of food. That may not sound like much, but if you listen to your band and only eat when hungry, it's awesome and makes it very easy. Here's a great link to better explain what the band does and doesn't do: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

I have to give myself shots regularly for MS and in comparison, the Lovanox is a piece of cake. It's given in your tummy and the needle is tiny. Honestly, I never even felt them at all. It's a piece of cake. Btw- it's good you'll be on it for 10 days. I went through blood clots recently and it's pure hell. It's awesome your doctor is pro-active in preventing them.

...turn the blood red to dirt black and that's how my nails look after working in the yard lol

It could be either. Give your doctor a call and let him decide.

I think it's an awesome idea and very funny!! Similar situation of my own- I no longer have a belly button. May 1st I had a tummy tuck and skin removal and my belly button was collateral damage in the operation. So, now I've decided to lift my shirt and tell little kids "See? I'm an alien. I have no belly button because I was hatched not born". LOL!

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards regaining your health. The very first thing I'd do would be to find a counselor that specializes in addiction. It's great you stopped drinking a couple days ago, but you are going to need help if you're going remain sober without trading it in for another addiction. Or, perhaps a 12 step group if that would make you more comfortable. It's just really important you don't try to do all this alone. Once you find a counselor/support group, I'd go see a nutritionist to let them help you establish food guidelines specific to you and your lifestyle. I have a lot of respect for you. You can do this.

That depends, when was your surgery?

My PCP, neurologist, ad OB/GYN were all thrilled for me. As time goes by and I continue to lose, they all get very excited for me on all my milestones.

Oh I agree too, they're totally different. But remember, there are some nasty miserable people in this world. You put them online and now they can be mean idiots with no repercussions because of the anonymity online provides. Just try not to let it get to you. I used to get upset by this, but then I realized: I'm dealing with a miserable, unhappy, moron. When I turn off my PC I'll go back to my happy and fulfilling life- and they'll still be a miserable idiot trying to drag others down to their level. ...don't let them drag you down to their level

It's not normal at all, call your surgeon ASAP.

Unfortunately, you're going to have that on any online venue but especially forums. You have hundreds of personalities on here and some clash. Couple that with the fact text doesn't necessarily read the true emotion of the poster. For instance, more than once I've posted facts that someone has taken negatively. The reason this happens is the poster can't see my facial expression or hear my voice inflections so they're left to their own interpretation. I may say "Stick to your post op diet, it's not worth a slip" out of concern but the person may misread it as said judgmentally Now, combine that with inevitable: Some people are miserable and want to drag others down in their misery with them. Some people are just plain mean. Some people are so immature it's scary. Some are painfully ignorant. If you put all these people into one big forum- you're bound to have some serious clashes and pissing matches. Just take the good, leave the bad, and ignore the ridiculousness. It's all you can do.

I agree with Hazelsbliss, what you describe is text book for a band too tight. It's a good thing you're going into your doctor because bands that are too tight can lead to slips. Here is a great article called "Tighter Isn't Always Better"- http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118

Unfortunately only your doctor can answer that. You'll have to ask him.

The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week.