MountainMan

I tried the Phentermine once...I was awake and jittery for three straight days/nights. I almost overdosed on Benedryl trying in vain to get some restorative sleep! I wasn't on it long enough to realize any weight loss. The band is the way to go...slow, but steady and healthy.

I agree that "tight" is subjective. In my experience, "tight" is too tight. If I have any trouble eating while following the rules (dense protein, portion control, no liquids with meals) that's a problem, because I'll be hungry and rely on slider foods to satisfy me. I want to eat any healthy foods I choose without productive burps, sliming, vomiting, etc. I lose weight better this way. When I've been "tight" I suffer, don't enjoy eating, and don't lose weight. It's unhealthy, and puts my long-term health at risk. I'd rather lose weight at a slower pace and not be miserable day-to-day. I know others want their bands filled so they're as tight as can be, but I'm not one of them. To each their own...

I think a heating pad at home is essential...at least it was for me. And give yourself permission now to take it easy for a week.

You look amazing. I agree with previous post...you ARE an inspiration!

I recall from my old college A&P classes that adipose (fat) tissue is very good at storing accumulated toxins. It seems reasonable that as we burn fat, we're also releasing all the crap into the bloodstream. I think the more water ingested, the better.

That's fantastic! You are an inspiration to us! Keep up the great work!

Sometimes you gotta just shake your head and wonder what the hell!?! People can be so cruel, whether it's intentional or not. I've heard a few murmurs similar to what was said to you, but thankfully most people who address it directly respect the fact that I did something about my obesity. I've made a conscious decision that as I drop pounds, I'll also drop any cares about what ignorant people say/think/do. I'm too busy doing something great for myself to waste time on anything else.

You can be sure that for the vast majority of people, the coverage/services will be reduced (or unavailable) and the costs significantly more under the ACA.

Most jurisdictions allow you to call or go online and give a brief explanation of why you can't serve at this time. They'll defer you for up to 90 days before rescheduling. That's been my experience, anyway.

For what it's worth...I am an RN who has been banded since March 2012. I'm just a few pounds shy of my goal and will probably revise it downward another 15 pounds. My experience with the band has been nothing but positive. I credit that to having an experienced, skilled surgeon in a highly accredited bariatric program, and my compliance with follow-up. As a nurse I researched my options exhaustively! There are naysayers to be sure, and people who have not been successful (often due to noncompliance in my opinion). A thorough look at the literature will show the band is a great option with the lowest mortality rate. And while there can be complications, they are minor relative to the complications with the other surgeries. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide.

I had a similar experience. The pain in my shoulder was very sharp but gradually decreased until it disappeared completely about three-four weeks post-op. Using a heating pad helped me a lot. Hope you feel better soon!

I'm eight pounds from my goal weight, and thrilled beyond belief with my band. I truly never thought I'd be here. My weight loss has slowed to a crawl, probably because I could use a fill, but I'm satisfied as long as the trend is downward. I've heard some say the last 10 pounds take several months. I no longer doubt that I can be successful in maintenance. For the first time in my life I am confident and actually planning for success instead of fearing failure.

I support your desire to lose weight as quickly as possible - we've all been there. If you're like most of us, disordered eating is what got us into trouble in the first place. I'm concerned that your current diet regimen is too extreme. The beauty of the band is that it allows us to learn better (normal) eating habits with slow, consistent weight loss, which is sustainable long-term. So I'd advise a bit of caution. However, at some point your appetite will reawaken and you'll want to eat good, nutritious food. Good luck on your journey!

I also didn't use most of what I bought. The one essential thing for me was a heating pad. I would have been lost without it! Don't judge your experience by anyone else...I expected to be back on my feet in a few days with minimal problems, but it was a week before I could lay down comfortably. Many people swear by the Gas-X strips but they did nothing for me. Repeated short walks around the house helped more than anything. Best of luck to you!

I took a full week off and was glad for it. My recovery was harder than I anticipated. If you can baby yourself for awhile, I say go for it.

I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but studies show that gastric banding is the safest of weight loss surgeries. Of course there is always a statistical risk of complications, including death, but it is minimal. I was very careful about researching this option and determined that for me it was a calculated risk. For most of us, compared to the numerous medical problems we had/faced (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, infertility, etc., etc.) getting banded was a no-brainer. I encourage you to read the success stories and listen to medical professionals to balance out all the naysayers. For most of us, our only regret is that we waited so long!

I can relate! I've also spent the past several months with no movement on the scale, and it's so frustrating. I eat 1200-1500 calories a day, but I'm a big guy, and I work out religiously. My first thought was you probably need to up your caloric intake. However when I asked my nutritionist about this she also was adamant that it's risky to increase calories, even with vigorous exercise. I've just started to see the number on my scale creep down, so I guess it's just a matter of waiting it out. When you're doing everything right, keep it up. Your body doubtless is changing even if the scale isn't!

I just joined a gym, and got confused while on a treadmill...what's the difference between the "fat burning" and "cardio" programs? Which is better for weight loss? My target heartrate for fat burning is very low and doesn't seem like a workout at all. The cardio seems more appropriate, but it still recommends a fairly low heartrate and I barely work up a sweat. Can it be that very low intensity is all we need? It seems too easy!

First, relax! Remember we're in a marathon, not a sprint. We've all been there. Early in the journey the body takes a while to adjust to the new lifestyle. It's not uncommon to go several weeks with little change and suddenly drop five pounds. In my experience even when the scale doesn't move I'm losing inches. The way your clothes fit is a much better indicator of progress than the number on your scale. If you stay the course and keep doing what you're doing, you'll soon see results on the scale. The biggest battles are in the mind, so don't give up!

So true! I strive to be a slave to good habits.

I felt like a train wreck for four full days following my surgery. The Gas-X strips I'd heard so much about did absolutely nothing for me, but a heating pad made me feel so much better. I could barely sip anything, and was pretty dehydrated by the end of the first week, so try to take in some water and protein drink if possible. I also was pretty immobile for about a week; after that I could move about freely, lay in any position, and felt nearly 100% overall. Good luck to you!

It’s been six months since my surgery. I’ve had three fills totaling 6 cc’s and I’m still learning how to live with my band. This is my experience so far: I’ve lost 58 pounds without real difficulty, just making good food choices and putting the fork down when I’m satisfied. This once seemed laughably impossible, but it’s really pretty simple with the band. I’m off all medications and my sleep apnea is gone, as is the searing heartburn I used to get. I have no body aches and pains, no shortness of breath. I have the energy of a teenager. I’ve had to buy a new wardrobe because I’ve shrunk out of most of my clothing. (And I’ll have to do it again before it’s all over.) I’m learning to be content with smaller meals, but I don’t feel restriction. I keep my portions sensible but if I wanted to I could (and have) easily consumed huge meals. Maybe I’m not technically in the “green zone” but I’m losing weight fairly consistently. I might do better with another fill but I’d rather be too loose than too tight, and my doctor agrees. It’s not all roses. I still screw up and eat too much sometimes, but I no longer beat myself up for it. My head still gets in the way and I have to check my automatic thoughts every day. My weight loss has slowed some and I’ve faced some frightening plateaus. In these times I think, “This is it, it was too good to be true, the ride is over and the weight will come back.” But it doesn’t. I get up every day and do what I’m supposed to and eventually - in a few days or a few weeks - the scale shows a loss again. I have absolutely no regrets. If I didn’t lose another pound I’d be happy with where I’m at today. I still need to lose another 40 pounds. I’ve decided to relax and not worry how long it takes. I’m confident that if I keep my head in the game and a positive attitude, I’ll get there in time. If I had one piece of advice to leave the newly banded, it would be this: Relax, don’t be too anxious, and don’t view this as a sprint. Success will come. It takes time, but it’s worth every minute. Enjoy the ride!

I was unprepared for the post-op experience and feared I had made a big mistake. I hugged a heating pad for a week after the surgery, and cursed everyone who told me it would be a breeze. Thankfully it passed soon enough. And seeing the weight come off makes it SO worth it!

I would definitely not change the date. Better to be safe than sorry; I needed a lot more time off work than I expected. I agree compeltely with Gigi_Girl - at the Super Bowl parties you can beg off the bad food and impress everyone with your discipline at your "New Year's Resolution!" No need to elaborate.

I agree with 2muchfun...I lost only a pound or two the month following surgery, even following all the rules. My nutritionist questioned whether I was eating right and exercising (I was). But one day my body seemed to just decide to stop fighting it and the weight started coming off steadily. You have to be patient the first few months, but you'll see results, I promise.