Chamie

Hang in there with the constructive criticism about having your procedure done in Mexico....... You know what is best for you, and I think most responsible adults do their homework before making such a big decision. I you have any more questions, I would be glad to help.

My husband went with me. I almost went alone, but I am glad he came with. Physically it is certainly possible, (I felt great post-op & went back to work 3 days later) but for peace of mind alone, I think it is a good idea to have someone with.

I am back!! Got my first fill!!! Yah!!! I got 3.4cc. I have to eat soup for dinner, but after that I am on my own!!! It was an easy, uneventful appointment. No pain at all!!

Well, after getting turned down 2 weeks ago for my first fill, I am off to get it done today!!! I am so excited! It has been almost 2 months since surgery and I am finally getting started on this journey. So, wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that my port is easily accessible!!

Hey!! Listen, I am in the same boat and discouraged as well. I have lost 25lbs & I had my surgery 6/12/12. I lost most of my weight during my pre-op diet. In fact, 2 weeks ago I went for my first fill and the MD refused to fill me !! He wanted me to eat more protein and less "softer" foods to see if I had true restriction. So Monday I will get my first fill. Thank goodness! I feel as if I am hanging by a thread. Hang in there! If you need an ear.....I am always here!!

My surgeon has more experience than most American surgeons. He uses the 4cc bands because statistics show a lack of complications. It is true that the 4cc band does have a bad rap, however. As with any product, when there are newer models on the market, the older ones start to "phase" out & in order to sell the newer models the old ones have more "complications." I trust my surgeon, and my band.

I find it interesting that all of our LapBand eating instructions vary so much. I went in for my first fill last Monday and didn't get it because I was eating foods that were too "soft." I had had a "stuck" episode that scared the crap out of me and backed off on the normal foods that I had been eating and went with more soft- nutritional foods. I was afraid that I could damage my band with "stuck" episodes. When the doctor asked me what I had been eating- and I told him, he refused to fill me and told me to go eat a hamburger!!!! He wants me to eat low carb. Chicken sald, tuna salad, crab salad- hamburger with no bun etc. I had been eating, low cal. healthy soups, salad, fruit, vegetables....... I thought I was doing the right thing based on what my surgeon had said. I followed the post-op diet to a "T" and had transitioned myself to a "healthy" diet. My new doctor (who did not do my surgery) has different ideas on what his bandsters should eat. So- I guess my point is....... What we all are eating is going to vary. Unless you are eating crap, empty calories, ice cream, shakes high clorie, non-nutritious food, we should be carefull to lecture or judge others.

stevegoad~ Trust me- I only told who I had to. I went back to work on my 3rd day post-op so I needed to be able to tell some of my co-wprkers in confidence (I have to lift patients frequently). Unfortunately, it has backfired on me. Oh well- lesson learned!

Just a start, and a long way to go, but this is 20 pounds down.

Oh...I see! So Lap Band Hell can be different for everyone!

Oh my goodness! This isnt Lap Band Hell?? I thought that the time post-operatively when you have no restriction, your weight loss stalls, and you struggle with your every food choice was that!! Because that is what I am experiencing!! Oh Boy! Fill me in! What is lap band hell, really?...........I want to be prepared!!

Mexico. Sorry, my band is a 4cc band but not discontinued.....I checked with my US surgeon, the FDA and Allergan prior to surgery. Trust me, as a RN, I did my homework!!

Actually, it is becoming easier and easier for Mexican Bandsters to get fills in the US. I went to Mexico, too and got the same advice. But prior to even scheduling the surgery I found a surgeon to take care of all of my after care. There are even supplemental insurance policies that will help with any potential complications that may arise. I think that most people who make such a life-altering decision do it responsibly. Rebecca- if this is you, pm me and we will have a conversation!!! Jennifer

So, I am just over a month post-op and am due for my first fill on Monday! Thank God!! I have minimal if any restriction and am only down a couple of pounds since surgery. I can't wait to experience true "restriction." How many cc's did you 4cc Bandsters get on your first fill? Also, I havent told many people about my LapBand but my co-workers are aware. BIG mistake!!!! Last weekend I ate a mini-candybar that one of the drug reps brought in and was told by a c0-worker that my eating habits havent changed at all! WELL......1st- YES they have! 2nd- I am human, I didnt gain this weight overnight and I won't lose it overnight (unfortunately). I will make mistakes...I need to think about everything that goes into my mouth.....I don't have Bad foods at home....but at work there are temptations and occasionally they will beat me! How did you deal with the criticisms? I was very hurt......mad.....and defeated. This gal happens to be a friend of mine. I know she meant well, but ouch... God I cant wait until Monday!!!!!!

I am a RN. I traveled to San Diego from Illinois on a Monday, had surgery on Tuesday afternoon, flew back home on Wednesday night, and went back to work on Friday. No problem!!

Did you have a foley catheter? I know this is TMI, but I am afraid that I may have my menses by Tuesday (surgery day). Perfect timing, right??

Hi All! Sorry I have been MIA for awhile. The anticipation and stress was getting to me so I took a break. I am getting banded on Tuesday and am soooooo excited!!! As you know, I am going to Mexico, so there is a bit of anxiety associated with that, but I am ready!!! Everything is set! I have struggled a bit with the pre-op diet, but have lost 10lbs so far. We will see what the rest of the weekend brings. I had a bad episode with dizziness and almost fainted last night so I ate a low fat turkey sanwich, but so far I have done well on liquids. My only gripe is that I have 2 scales and they are 10lbs different, so I am not sure what my real weight is Jennifer

Here are my reasons: I want to live to see my children get married and have children I want to cross my legs I want my husband to be able to pick me and carry me over the threshold of our new house I want to feel delicate and feminine I want to be in some pictures with my children as they grow up I want to wear a seatbelt without pulling it all of the way out I want to fly on a plane without fear of having to buy an extra seat I want to advance my career- as I have been held back by "fat-phobic" people I want men to admire me once again I want to have sex with the lights on I want to get rid of some of my obesity-induced skin issues I want to be able to hike again I want to be able to run again I wnat to reduce my risk of Diabetes & cancer I want my family to be proud of me I want to be proud of me I want to be able to wear a thong I want to wear pretty dresses I want to not feel tired all of the time I want to not feel crabby all of the time I want to have more energy for my children

LOL!!! You guys are GREAT!! Thanks for the support! I am sure I will need it!! I am scheduled for surgery on 6/12/12. i am soooooo excited!!!!!

I am so nervous! I start my liquid pre-op diet in the morning. I am so excited to start this journey, but I am nervous about this liquid diet. I desperately want to succeed. I am afraid I will be a bear! For those of you who have done the pre-op liquid diet, how long does it take to "get into the groove" of the pre-op diet routine. What satisfies you the most? Are you always hungry? Ant tips are appreciated!

I am being banded on 6/12/2012. Head on over to the June Bandster's Board where we can all share our journeys together!

Oh Ashley.... I sooooo understand your pain. I am such an emotional eater. It is very self-soothing to me. I am so afraid that this journey will leave me depressed and unable to help myself. But I am so excited to start this journey and find myself again. I am so excited to love life and feel good again. So you have to do a 3 week, pre-op liquid diet? I have been instructed to do a 2 week pre-op diet. I am a bit intimidated by this, but I know I can do it. What are your pre-op diet guidelines?

KelzDown, Oh my gosh! I recognized that your surgeon is from Rockford Illinois! My surgery is scheduled for 6/12/12. I am going to Mexico, but Dr. Shayani is doing all of my after care. Where are you from? I am from Rochelle. Our stats are very similar. If you would like a buddy on this journey, I would love to share! I, too am completing my Masters on-line and am finding that I am so excited that I can hardly focus on my studies. I look forward tohearing from you!! Jennifer

nela mariposa- THANK YOU!! THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! Just what I was looking for! I really, really appreciate your help! You are GREAT!