auntielle

I was banded 9/7/11 & could not be more happy. I do what I'm supposed to & it works out. I was also put off by much of the negativity & misinformation. At the same time, there are some great people on here & I like reading the success stories. Educate yourself as much as possible from reliable sources (your dr) and remember you are responsible for your success. The band is fabulous but you have to make the right choices in order to lose weight and keep it off. Good luck!

I have something similar but I just thought it was the band. I am small around my waist so I just thought I could feel the band. My port is lower & I can't feel it unless I really search for it. I'll have to ask the dr next time I'm there.

I have two dogs (medium & large) & let them board for a few days. I don't have a fenced yard & didn't want to take a chance I might not feel up to walking them. It was good for me b/c I was able to sleep & rest & just walk for me.

Congratulations on your baby! I have not had a child but know I have always been affected by hormone changes & I'm sure you have a lot going on in your body after having a child & breast feeding. I would check with your docs to make sure you are getting what you need for you & Baby. For me it is important to log my food b/c even if I'm making good choices my head can still play tricks on me & I can "forget" all the things I've eaten. It also helps me make sure I get all my protein in, etc. How wonderful that you will be a healthy mom for your child!

For me, following the rules my dr gave me and logging my food have been most important. I had fallen out of the habit of logging & the weight loss slowed. Started logging again & started losing. Also, making sure to get protein & vitamins in. Good luck!

Deb, Will keep you in my prayers & thoughts, too!

I was also self-pay & have not not regretted it for a minute. I did a lot of research and found an experienced surgeon who also offered excellent care before, during & after. Maybe your husband can go to a seminar with you? I, too, have been up & down forever. It's been a great journey so far. You still have to make good choices and follow the rules. You still have to change your way of eating and that may include your way of thinking. But, it is so much easier than it was before, at least for me. All the best!

Sending you good prayers & peaceful thoughts! You will do great and it will be over before you know it! Then on to your new life!

Wow! You have done great! Keep up the good work!

Hi! I think I may have some clothes that might work for you. They are Misook separates & I wore them when I lived in Houston. I moved to Austin & have never worn them -- it's so much more casual here. I may have some other suit jackets & skirts. You can message me here or send me your info to me at auntielle@gmail.com. I will be happy to send them to you!

Everyone is different so check with your dr. I had surgery on a Wednesday, spent the night at my sister's since I live alone & took it easy the rest of the weekend. I went to a class the following Monday night and was fine. They did tell me not to lift anything for 4 weeks. Depending on how strenuous your job is, you may be fine if you are careful and make sure you don't overdo it. I followed the rules b/c I did not want any complications. I also had a very experienced surgeon & great care before, during & after.

Woo hoo! What a great update, keep up the good work & keep e njoying yourself!

I had single incision & a low profile port. I wasn't going to do it at first b/c I was self-pay & it was more. My sisters said "do it!" & i am so glad I did. Went home that day, minimal pain & it is completely invisible. I do have an "innie" belly button so that probably helped. I had surgery in September, 2011. My dr even asked to take a photo of it a couple of months ago to show other patients. My dr is Dr. Ganta in Austin, Texas. Good luck!

Per my drs instructions, I was on clear liquids for two weeks, then full liquids, then mushies, etc. Try to get your protein in so you can heal. Good luck!

I had protein shakes, ff broth, sj jello & popscicles, crystal light. Try to eat so you can heal. Good luck!

Congrats! Aren't you happy now that you made it over that hurdle? Every victory should be counted & celebrated!

Wishing you all the best! I didn't tell anyone except my sisters b/c I didn't want to deal with other opinions as others do not know where I've been. I wouldn't change a thing. I've been very happy and successful with my band. I was also nervous before surgery but had done research & felt confident in my surgeon. He didn't disappoint. You may find some people comfortable with the "old" you have trouble with the new you. Not a reason to not follow through. You will find your true friends are great & other new ones who like you for you!

Good for you! Enjoy the journey!

Great! Enjoy your continued success. The little things add up!

You also my want to think about therapy of some kind if you think it is a mental/emotional thing. I was 10-30lbs up & down before I got into the big gains & losses. My head stuff has been a large part of the problem. The band has helped tremendously but there are still times (night) when I have to fight it. I try to go back to the beginning with things like sf jello, sf frozen popscicles & ff broth. Plus, hot tea, etc. I think 20 lbs from goal is very impressive!

I agree with what everyone has said. Personally, after dieting for years -yo-yo- I got to a place where I had whacked out my system & it took far less calories for me than what those tests say (I have taken them two or three times in my life) and what mfp & other sites recommend. I'm 51 & have dieted since I was 5. I've lost 100 lbs twice so I've learned what works for me. I like mfp b/c it keeps me accountable. And since I got my band in September I am on a new learning curve -- and I love it! Good luck!

I always try to do what was said above & I eat something -little-before I go. Like part of a protein shake or a piece of cheese. I also try not to drink much b/c it will lower my willpower & I cannot drink like I used to. And, I try to stand, sit, away from the food. At dinner, I have to remember to eat slowly & it helps that I don't want to overdo & get sick with company. Good luck & have fun!

I don't know if I read this on here or somewhere else, however it has become my new mantra. I'm in the green zone and I'm still learning that "just one more bite" is no longer an option. I have to stop before I'm full. I can always have more later. I also believe in, "when in doubt, throw it out." Not that I want to waste food, but if I can't control it or have had enough & it won't last, out it goes. It is not going to help anyone else (starving people) & it certainly won't help me. Any other good tips out there? Thanks!

Everyone is different & I would always recommend following you drs advice. That being said, I still drink Protein drinks daily as I am not crazy about meat. I also do dairy & Beans & lentils, etc. I love the Premier @ costco & they have 30 g of Protein & 160 cal, 5 g carb, 3 g fat & 1 g sugar. I usually have a couple a day & sip on them. At first I could drink a whole one but not now. I was banded 9/7/12. I've lost 75 lbs & have not had any issues. Actually, I seem to be losing less hair than I did before upping my protein & taking all Vitamins daily. It's a learning process but so worth it! Good luck!

I live in Texas & have been in the high risk pool for a few years b/c I'm self-employed & have had major depression for years. No one would take me b/c I was taking too many meds for that. I'm now only taking two so I called an agent the other day. I told her I had lap band surgery last Sept. She checked & said I was declined by both companies b/c I had wls even though I was self-pay. However, she said one of them said they would take me after a year. I'm hoping to be at or near goal by then so hopefully I can change. So far I'm down about 75lbs., no problems, feel great! I would have the surgery all over again, regardless. Good luck!