maegan

No offense....but I feel too many people get too paranoid about possible problems like slippage, erosion, etc....
It is not as common as one might think....yes people come here stating their problems with the band....but it is only a very, very small percentage of people compared to those who don't have any problems at all....
One thing I have noticed....this website is made up entirely of people either just starting out, looking for advice because they really don't have a clue, or people who are experiencing some sort of problem and also come here looking for advice.....
The overwhelmingly majority of people with no problems at all, have been successful and completed the process, have no reason to come here and are all long gone...
I know, I belong to a private group of veterans who USED to be here, and tell me all the time they have no desire to return.....and question why I am aa glutton for punishment.....because there is nothing to gain by coming here.....
So my advice is to chill, take it easy, listen to your Dr., and don't get caught up into everything you read here......Don't loose sight of the Forrest because of the trees....
That's would be like saying "I don't like summertime activities because people talk about being struck by Lightning...." Yet you will not hear from those who are out there enjoying themselves everyday, and have no reason to complain or talk about it....or look for advice and suggestions....

Maegan, we had surgery a day apart!

I have been in a plateau for months!! I just had another fill so I am hopeful.

Thank you all for your replies...it's good to be able to talk to people who have gone through or are going through the same thing. Thx again

You have a lot of swelling still. I couldn't feel mine for at least a week or more and sometimes bit at all after that. I wouldn't push and poke around too much or worry. Now that I am 45 lbs down I can feel it with no problem. If you lay flat on your back though with your legs put flat too an do a crunch you should be able to notice it right under your biggest incision.

I thought the same thing! It does get better. It took me a week to feel better and a couple weeks to feel somewhat normal again. I kept thinking it better be worth it too! It had been. I am 45 lbs down and was banded in June.

Stay away from the bubbles. I drink the hard stuff occasionally and haven't had any problems.

It was painful, BUT... So worth it. The gas pain in shoulder and neck is the worst of it, hang in there! Walking, (helped, and trust me it sounded crazy to me too!! )but, walk, walk, walk. Heating pad helps too. If your on pain meds, get the laxatives ready and start taking them! You do not want impaction problems.
Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I have been going through the same exact thing, somehow I only gained 3 pounds! Today is the day I got BACK on the wagon, but I want to eat, I feel like I'm starting over again. It's crazy how all those terrible foods just slide right down. Back to counting calories and Protein for me, logging my food and exercise always seems to help, but I got away from it the last few weeks and I stayed pretty far away from the gym too! We can do this!!!!

I worked at BCBS of Il several years ago. Each employer group can choose their benefits. Self-funded groups have different options than other groups. You should file an appeal and try to find out specifically what you need to get approved. Message me your employer group and I might be able to give you some insight.

hang in there megan
you can do it

Stay away from the bubbles. I drink the hard stuff occasionally and haven't had any problems.

We both just got to the hospital and are checked in!! Both a little nervous but so ready to be banded!! Pray for us and we will see you on the other side!! Bahhh can't wait!! =)

SLOW DOWN!! I am 4 years out and I am seldom hungry, it has nothing to do with my band it's just me. However, I got fat because when I did eat I ate way to much of the wrong foods. I ate because the family was eating or I didn't have anything else to do. I got a fill in July that took me to 5CC. I was fine until mid Nov. and I was getting pains when I ate. No clue about why so my DH made me go in on Dec. 5.. Doc gave me another .5 (he didn't read my intake form). I took it and hoped for the best, I had been loosing and gaining about 8 lbs forever. Well now I had to rethink some things. First---I did 2 days of liquids as told. I eased in slowly and I went back to watching HOW I was eating. I don't measure but I had gotten lazy and the portions were getting larger. Also I realized that I was taking bites that were to large! This is what had been causing my pain after eating, I found that by going back to the basics I was able to drop 6 lbs. in that many days. The goal is not to feel full, full is not necessary for us to survive.When you eat slowly it gives your brain time to get the message that you are eating. You may find that you really are getting enough without causing yourself discomfort. I get the Water in by struggle, I don't drink when eating but sometimes forget to drink during the day. I am trying to keep things moving. Keep an eye on your measurements and how your clothes fit. I remember the scale not moving but the jeans getting loose. You will do fine if you follow your rules. A weekly weigh in should be fine right now, your body is still adjusting to the changes you've made. Good luck.

I truly Thank God for All My Enemies Even The One's I Don't Know Exist For I Had No Idea of How Important I was an How Successful and Blessed I was Until They Showed Up!! I Don't Know Why They Exist But They Are Hanging Around For Some Reason Which Gives Me Confirmation That I am Great!! And with This Weight-loss I Look Great!! If You Need To Loose Weight Faster Just Think of All Your Enemies and Haters!! It can Even Be Your Scale!!!
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I've come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Happy Friday!! Love All Of You!!!

They eat what I eat and occasionally if it is something my picky 6 year old will not eat, he has pbj. It was harder right after when I was on liquids and mushy food. They were pretty much on their own then!

So true. Over these holidays I'm finding myself standing in the kitchen for some reason and grab something to munch on even though I'm not hungry. Old habits die hard. tmf

Ok, I can't stand it any longer....people can be respectful with being honest. I have seen someone actually respond this way and please understand that I don't talk or write this way.....WTF, you should look at other threads because that has been discussed over and over.....to me that is talking down to someone and very disrepectful. I don't have to see their face to know what the tone of voice is when I see something like that. I think these boards for the most part are great and most of the posters are great too giving their opinions even if what they have to say doesn't agree with what the orginal poster is asking/posted. Each persons journey is different but in alot of ways the same. We all need encouragement to substain us and sometimes brutal honesty too but done in love.

I believe diffrent types of feedback are necessary it allows the original poster to decide what they may or may not want to try to help themselves along their journey. Also must remember these are just our opinions and experiances and should always still check in with their doc before changing something dramatically since we are not doctors just people who have "been there" so to speak.
The one thing I have noticed that is upsetting to me though is when someone posts something such as " help I messed up. I ate to many calories today or I splurged and ate ice cream and not my Protein or I had alcohol and way to much" instead of getting an its ok we've been there or you can bounce back! You have the ones who instantly start with why did you even get a band if you were going to stick to your old life and so on as If they have never once made a mistake with their band.
Believe me I have made quite a few and I'm sure ill make many more along the way the band made my portion ability smaller it did not reset my brain or change my tastes buds so ofcourse I'm going to flub up now and again. I think thats where the original poster was going with it. That some people instantly lash out because they have been successful instead of trying to be supportive.

Haha.... Now that i have your attention..............
Merry Christmas..... to all my LB family.... Wishing you all a wonderful New Year... Here's to seeing "less" of you all next year....
Love you guys

In the age of technology we are fortunate to have this little diversion called the Internet. In our cases we have found this forum because we all have, want, are thinking about, used to have or just flat hate lapbands.
In my opinion Getting a band for whatever reason should be a considerate, thoughtful and drastic decision to get your weight under control once and for all. I believe for most people it's the last resort. Let's face it no one in their right mind would do it because it's the fad of the year or the cool thing to do. We are all here because we are or were desperate.
That said... Like anything else so people are amazingly successfull and some are not. Some people take to the lifestyle change and others do not. No different than any other diet we have been on. And sorry but based on my experience...call it what ever you like but THIS IS A DIET until you get to the point of maintaining your weight. Thats is where the band shines. I can sight you several examples but the most recent happened last night.
I was at a Christmas party...I had one glass of wine and picked at a few shrimp and a stuffed mushroom. There was a dessert table and there was a piece of chocolate cheese cake with my name on it. That is something I haven't had in 25 months. Not even a bite. So I decided to try it. Keep in mind I have lost 220 lbs and am basically at goal and happy with my current weight. If I lose a little more I am ok with it but bottom line... I am maintaining.
So I get the cheese cake and settle in to enjoy every bite. It was amazing, I don't know if it was really that good of I was just in love with the idea but after the first bite I wanted another. LOL. I ate 3 bites. I left well over half.... Could I have eaten the whole thing? Yes. It's basically a slider food and I hadn't had any food in a few hours. It dawned on me that this is what I am reading about when I see people complain they aren't losing weight.... I wasn't full per se after my 3 bites. If I ate until I was full the whole thing would have been gone and I would be on to the fried shrimp or something.
My point is...you MUST find self control to make the band work for you. PERIOD. If you don't you will come on this forum looking for answers, validation and any excuse you can justify as to why the band isn't working for you. And then people will tell you stuff you do not want to hear and feelings get hurt and tempers rise... And what good is it?
I am an extreme case. I was super strict with myself because I knew if I didn't see results I would get frustrated and be one of those people complaining the band didn't work for me.... I don't expect every one else to do it like I did. But if you ask me about it I can only tell you what worked for me. Please keep that in mind when post about why your band isn't working....

I am unable to post this graphic on my signature, so here it is!
With all the trials and tribulations I've had with banded living I just HAD to shout this out to all my family here on LBT! I deserve it! I accomplished my first small goal! YaY!

Plus, I've been sittin on this graphic with great hopes!

I had a December 31 goal to be 199.9 lbs...got on the scale this morning and was 197 ....HAPPY DANCE!!!!!! That's 70 lbs that can kiss my skinny a##... banded 07/31/12 60 lbs to go!