Shannon318

No, it is not the Realize band that is being discontinued, it is the Realize My Success online support that is being discontinued.

Congratulations on your weight loss. I'm sorry you had to experience the ordeal with the coworker. I work in an office with about 40 women. Most of them know about my procedure. I didn't just volunteer the info to all of them, but when I had to do the 2 week liquid diet prior to the surgery, that's when the questions started because that was when we were having potlucks, celebrations, etc and Ididn't participate. I am a part of a research program sponsored by my insurance company. My carrier does NOT cover any type of weight loss surgery. But as part of this program, the surgery and follow up for the next five years are at no expense to me. I took this opportunity to share the info with other coworkers that could benefit from it too. Yes, there were some haters, because some people are just going to be negative regardless. I am the type of person that's going to do what I'm going to do. I didn't seek anyone's advice. I researched it, informed myself of the pros and cons, prayed about it and I went for it! Being that I was a person that loved to eat, initially I think they were under the impression that I wouldn't stick it out. I lost 11 lbs pre-op and I have lost 19lbs post-op. They see that I am serious. But their opinion never mattered. I did this for me. I have so much more energy. I do more activities with my children. I'm also doing this for the other people that that this study will have an impact on. My results along with the others that are participating will affect whether our carrier will come on board and start covering it. I have a tremendous support system! My mom, my sisters, my children, their dad, my friends, coworkers and the new friends I have made on this site. We may have our starts and stops with this journey, but we will be successful!

I have the Realize Band. I am only three weeks post op, but so far no complications. By the way, what is the difference in the Realize and the Lap Band?

I am three weeks post op and I am struggling to get my calories in. I live in Louisiana and its very hot here, so I drink a ton of water. I know that I'm not supposed to eat and drink at the same time, and I'm usually more thirsty than hungry. The water makes me fill full and by the time that full feeling goes away, I find myself turn between having more water or a meal. I make myself choose the meal because I know I need to eat. Because I'm not reaching my calorie goal, I think my body has gone into starvation mode because the scale hasn't moved in a week. But I understand from reading the forums that its not uncommon to not lose at this stage.

I take a multivitamin twice a day, vitamin d weekly & B12 daily.

I haven't gotten to that point yet, as I havn't had my first fill yet. But out of curiosity, is it taken as a preventive measure or only after you feel like the food is stuck?

Great job!!! Keep up the good work!!!

My next appointment is 7/18/12 for my 1st fill.

Hi, my name is Shannon. I am also participating in The HeadsUp obesity study though Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA. My surgeon is Dr. Andrew Hargroder. I have not always struggled with my weight. In high school and throughout my 20s, I remained between 130-140lbs. After the birth of my third child at age 29, I failed to lose weight. I remained around 195-205lbs. Then it seemed each year, I packed on a few more pounds, in addition to health issues (high blood pressure and acid reflux.) When I was accepted into the study, I was at my highest weight of 254 lbs at 5'3". During the initial phase of the study you are placed on a two week liquid diet and at that point I lost 11lbs and was advanced to the second phase of the study. During the month and a half wait for the surgery approval I managed to keep off all but three lbs of the 11 lbs loss. So at my presurgery consultation with Dr. Hargroder, I weighed in at 246. I was banded on 5/23/12 and everything went well with no complications. I had my two week post surgery check up 6/6/12 and I had lost 19 lbs!!! I was so excited. I have transitioned to soft foods and I am nervous about eating something that doesn't agree with my band and also counting calories. I am really glad to find this site because I haven't found any support groups in my town. I live in northwest LA but my surgery was done in Baton Rouge. I am looking forward to reading the interesting articles and making new friends so please feel free to add me as a friend!

Hi Lisa,My name is Shannon and I am also a Heads Up participant with Dr. Hargroder as my surgeon. I was banded 5/23/12 and I have not had any isssues. I hope everything goes well for you, too!