JessiG1983

I feel this way ALL the time!! I say it when I run into someone who almost doesn't recognize me. Or when someone tells me how fantastic I look. I love it when I step on the scale and see that significantly smaller number. I love that I went to visit my sister in San Diego with my hubby and my mom. We ate some not so great things (though I mostly stuck to my diet) and LOST weight...everyone else gained weight on that vacation!!!

Mine is about half way below my left ribcage and about my belly button line. From what I've seen the abdominal placement on either the left or the right seems to be the most common placement. I personally have never heard of a port for the lapband being up so high?

I definitely notice that I cooler now than ever before. I used to be sweaty, hot mess even in the middle of winter!!

I agree with other posters that the negativity comes from lack of education when it comes to the reality of the lapband. You can talk to them regarding their ignorance on the matter and let them know that their opinions will not change your mind and they need to get on board and support you or shut their mouths!! Keep your positivity and allow your future success to shut the mouth of the nay sayers!!!

AWESOME!!!! What a great accomplishment!!

I agree with Carolinagirl. I had a pretty significant hiatal hernia that was repaired during placement. It can definitely cause additional pain and discomfort but hang in there, it does get better. If it seems unusual then you should call your surgeon and let them know. As for starting onto foods early, it is not really a good idea. You are on liquids to allow your stomach time to heal. If you start sneaking foods too early you can really do damage to your stomach/healing band site. Good luck!

I have issues with soft bread, things that carb count wise I try not to eat anyway. I am able to eat tortillas with little to no problems (I use Mission brand low carb tortillas).

8 months out for me and 86 lbs down!! Extremely happy with my band!! Honestly the best advice I can give is get in all of your Protein and Water and find an exercise you can do (and can at least tolerate). Congrats on your band, keep up that positive attitude and you'll do great!!

It is very common to have get gallstones as a result of weight loss. I had to have my gall bladder removed 1.5 yrs before lapband.

Sugar cravings...well I'd like to tell you that I don't have any but that would be a lie. I still have days where the cravings are awful but I just try to satisfy them in a different way. Also I keep NO junk food in the house at all, because if it's here, I'm gonna eat it. If I need something sweet (that fruit just WILL NOT DO!!!) then I'll have sugar-free Jello, sugar -free pudding, sugar-free Popsicle, and Atkins dark chocolate hazel nut bar (from Walmart), something like that. IF I really want/need ice cream then I turn to Breyers...they make a Carb Smart line of ice cream and ice cream bars. Really low carb, tastes quite good.

I have PCOS and am 8 months post-op with a Realize band. I am down 86 lbs as of my appt today. So if you average that out, I'm losing 2-3 lbs a week. I don't think my PCOS has really done anything to slow down my weight loss. My surgeon tells me that my weight loss is great. I lose pretty consistently. I do take Metformin ER 1000mg for my PCOS and that may have helped, as I have taken it the entire time.

I'm 29 (28 when banded) but I started considering WLS around 23-24...but wasn't really ready. It took me until last year to "be there" mentally/physically. I started this journey at 301lbs...and trust me, I was horrified with myself to see those numbers. I am so glad I decided to make this journey, and really glad I found this site! I am currently 215.5 and 5' 7".

This topic made me LOL!! I have been gassy since surgery too (almost 9 months out) Doc says it's normal... I've tried different things in my diet and the gas continues. I just embrace it at this point. Luckily, it mostly happens at home and DH (who hasn't had surgery) is just as bad.

I was also told no swimming for 1 month to prevent infection or incorrect healing of the abdominal wounds...totally worth it though!!!

Well I had Constipation immediately after surgery which then rebounded into diarrhea while on the full liquid diet. I agree that you definitely have to bulk it up with some benefiber...plus when you move onto mushies it gets much better!!! GL!!

My doc also said whenever I felt like I was ready then I should be fine. I think we had sex the first time about a week out... maybe 10 days, something like that.

Soo jealous!!! Can't wait to get the rest of this weight off and get some ps done!!! Looking good!!!

WOW!! Amazing job and a fantastic video!!!

I have hypothyroidism that I control with Synthroid. I have lost 84lbs in the past 8 months, but my doc is watching my levels closely.

I think we have ALL had these moments! I know I have...but I use it as motivation. Never again will I look like that!!! Use it to keep you moving, inside you KNOW you are not that person...now make the outside match the inside!! You can do it!!

I have lost 84 lbs in the past 8 months, so I definitely think it is possible...you definitely have to work hard and watch what you eat.

I have never found a Protein Powder (flavored ) that I can even tolerate taste wise. I use Premier Protein shakes. I get them at costco but you can also get them online. They are high Protein, low carb and quite tasty!!!

Sounds to me like the insurance didn't get all required documentation. I wouldn't worry too much about it for now. Just call first thing Monday, find out if the issue is your doctors office, then whip them into shape (LOL).

Congrats on the official approval!!! YAY!!!! One step closer!

Well said!!! Congrats on your phenomenal weight loss, you have worked your butt off and it shows!!