Jen75

I too have been thinking about this question since I saw this thread the other day. First off, I have already met many of the milestones when I dropped 70ish pounds. I was banded 4/3/2009. Then I became complacent. When I think back, I think I became complacent because I was getting uncomfortable with the attention. My head started playing games with me... I was still seeing the same person that I was before weightless. I know where I strayed and have since renewed my efforts to lose my remaining weight. Things I have enjoyed from losing the weight are seeing my collar bone, smaller clothes, smaller shoes, no sprained ankles every week, getting out of bed and not having to sit on the side and ease down so my knees and ankles didn't pop and walking many 5ks for charities just to name a few. Things I look forward to still doing, I would like to go kyacking. (my family doesn't think I can do it) I want to do a tough Mudder race, I would like to be in single digit clothing, and I would really love to learn how to ride a horse. The last time I tried that, the saddle BROKE as I was getting in with step stool and all. I was mortified..... They tried to comfort me but WOW!!! Such an imbarrassing moment. I have so many dreams and ideas now that I never thought were even possible. as a big person some things are just off limits... I'm sure I will continue to think about this post and may post my goals on the bathroom mirror as a constant reminder. Thank you for bringing this question to the table. Really brings it home as to why we wanted to have the surgery anyway...besides the health benefits of course. :-) I am so glad that I found this site!

I wish I would have taken measurements but will have to go with clothing sizes. As for other measurements.... My feet have gotten smaller... Guessing because they don't carry as much weight anymore. I went from an 81/2-9 to a 7 1/2 -8. Kinda cool. I still wear my old shoes but have to wear double socks and inserts! Haha

My fitness pal is a website or an app for the iPhone to log your calories, weight, and exercise. It has a large database of foods do you don't have to always enter in new items. Great way to keep track of your progress. Www.fitnesspal.con

My doc gives me a handout with instructions, labwork needed (if any), how much I have lost or gained, and what they put in or removed. It always says liquids for 24-48 hours after a fill. I like this sheet. You should ask for one at each appt!

Has it been awhile since your last fill? The last time I went I for a full it had been about a year... It didn't hurt with the needle but I was tender and sore for a few days after. All is well now. Figured it was irritated cuz it hadn't been bothered in awhile. If pain is unbearable, go to the surgeon or at least make a phone call.

I chose the lapband for many of the same reasons others have already mentioned but the MAIN reason was the malabsorption and the long term effects of it on the brain. I work in a psych facility and people that had the bypass were having mental issues, struggling with depression, etc. i would say that at least 30-40% of the people we see have had the bypass. I know vitamins and such have improved but there is not a lot of long term studies on how the malnutrition has effected the brain. Yes, they lost the weight and look great but I feel that the malabsorption has affected them.... Just my opinion. Even if your 450 now, with restriction and portion control, the band will drop a lot of your weight off quickly as you have so much to lose and just eating less will be an easy weight loss... :-) you have a hard choice to make but this is my two cents. Good luck!

I do liquid multi vitamins in the morning and I also take a vitamin b12 and d in addition to that. According to my labs my numbers are within range but my vitamin d is not as high as my doctor wants it. As far as hair loss, I have baby fine hair and for the first year and a half it thinned quite a bit. However, it has since come back a little thicker. My hairdresser said that it was normal and common with both anathesia and wls Surgery to lose some. I admit I was only hitting the bare minimum of protein a day so when I bumped that up my hair came back much stronger!

I too have issues with stress and my band being too tight. If your stress is going to resolve soon or you can find another outlet for it then dont worry about getting an unfill. Stay diligent with protein shakes. If not then possibly go back to doctor. I have found that by making me time at the gym has been fabulous. (this coming from someone that loathes the gym) its been a constructive outlet for me. For a long time I fed my stress and learning new coping skills was/is a challenge for me at least. I wanted to eat when I got anxious or stressed and I couldn't... Good luck finding a solution.

My diet consisted of a lot of liquid, the shakes, Water, etc. first couple of days I didn't even want to eat, I looked at it and wanted to vomit. When I started feeling better, the blender became my friend. Per my post op diet and my surgeons/dieticians recommendations, I was able to introduce cream of wheat, Jello, soup and even egg etc. Anything that was comfortable. Of course, it was all put in blender and liquified. Must be able to fall off of a spoon, and i was able to only take a bite or two. Like i said before though, the head hunger and psychological aspects of not eating "real" food was difficult.