IrinaK

Same here...(on the baby thing)
We had 2 unsuccessful IVFs. My weight might not necessarily be the reason for that failure, however I want to make sure to do everything in my power to illuminate even the possibility that it was the reason…. before I try any further fertility treatments

I too did this so I could have children.... we have been trying for 5 yrs and I got the baby blues so Im hoping next year is our year!

I need to do this for me! I've been trying for years to get pregnant and it was so easy with my first when I was a size 12. I can't be the Lapband posterchild. I know I love the youtube videos but I can't devote that kind of time for everyone to be on this journey with me. This was a decision I made before I had surgery. As for people who ask. Im doing what I need to do to get pregnant with pcos.

we all have food problems, that is why we are here. feel free to express yourself. Few of us will be will condemn. I have lost and gained 100's of pounds over my history. I have tried many diets, this however, is lasting and a new way of life. Best wishes. Slow and steady wins the race. Karen

Try logging in my fitnes pal. That helped me a lot! I didn't think I was taking in hardly any calories but what a shocker. A small shake at McDonald s is 500 calories! A margarita is 580! 2 margaritas at happy hour and I consumed a whole day of calories! It will open your eyes.

Hello there, I know you left this a while ago, but I just decided to go back here to this site to get help and make sure that I re-learn everything. I got banded in October 2010, and found out that I was pregnant in April 2011, and from that point on I was eat, eat, eat.....
I had lost around 45 pounds when I first got the band, and I was in the zone...I wasn't hungry, nothing got stuck, I lost weight, and I felt awesome.
Then now, 1.5 years after I have gained everything back, but 10 pounds, and I feel bigger than EVER! It is so sad. I just had a fill, but that was such a small one, that I am going back next week to get another fill. I am so tired of eating. I have anxiety every time I stuff myself, because I know I shouldn't be doing this...I should be eating some tuna and be full and happy...but nooooo, here I am eating everything I can lay my hand on.
So I am back her on this site, hoping to get back on the horse and make myself work the band the way I did before. So basically, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone here...!!!!
Good Luck to you and to all of us!!

Okay, so I was banded in November of 2010. I was doing great, lost about 30-35 pounds, and then in March of 2011 I found out I was pregnant, and had baby Rowan in December. I was pretty proud of myself throughout the pregnancy - I only gained 23 pounds.
Since December, I've lost 13 pounds - but it honestly had nothing to do with eating well, exercising, or any of the things I'm supposed to be doing with the band. Pure luck.
I haven't had a fill in nearly a year and a half due to the pregnancy, but I'm going to call this week.
I guess my question is..... I feel like I need to start from scratch. Learn this all over again. Does anyone have any advice on how to do this? I still have about 70 pounds I'd like to lose to get back to fighting college weight.
Thanks in advance ~
Stace

They don't need to understand. You don't need to defend or explain your motives to them. Put your energy into your journey instead of seeking support where there is only dissent. The first step in not allowing your resolve to be undermined is to make the entire topic off-limits at work. You're on your way down the road to a great improvement in your life and it's silly to let yourself be influenced by people who do not have your best interests at heart.
Good luck to you.

I agree that attitude is everything. Every day we can either feel sorry for ourselves and what we've lost (being able to take the easy road and eat whatever, whenever) or go full steam ahead. Be prepared to work for it and have bad days. Do not expect perfection of yourself or compare yourself to other posters here. We all have different goals, personalities, and weaknesses. I am still new to this but I try to ignore negativity and do what works for me. I have no doubt you can succeed.

thank you!
Good luck to you too..... less than a month left! Yeyyyy
I will definitely follow your progress
I love positive people.... just makes everything better

There are pros and cons to every procedure. You'll have people tell you that you definietly SHOULDNT get this surgery, then you'll have people like me and my four family members that say it's the best thing that's ever happened to them!
Here's my thought....the band is a TOOL. The operator, which is you, is the only thing that will make it successful. Yes, in the beginning you may lose lots of weight, but anyone would if they decreased their calorie intake by half or more. The real challenge is after you've lost a good amount of weight and your body requires less and less intake and more and more output. That's where most people struggle.
To get through that isn't easy, because of course, we are all bandsters and have the mindset of the larger person we used to be...however, it can be done.
Some people decide to get tighter and tighter to the point where they may not hardly be eating anything or may be drinking most of their meals. I, for one, do not agree with this method, because a lot of time it back fires and because you're not getting the caloric intake, you actually don't lose weight and sometimes even gain weight. And, if you do try to eat with such a tight band and end up PBing more it can cause long term problems with your esophagus.
I chose the traditional (and I feel most healthy) way to work with my band. I have pretty good restriction, but also can eat "normal". I say normal like that because, normal to me is about half of someone elses meal. But I can still eat. For instance, I have a cup of coffee for Breakfast, then two peices of toast. For lunch I have a salad, for dinner I have veggies and some sort of boca product or fish and have 100 cal Snacks usually around 10 and 2/3. Small meals through out the day. Weren't we all told this during our struggle of trying to lose weight pre-lapband, but could never do it because we always felt hungry? Well, now I can do it because I don't feel hungry. I feel satisified through out the day.
So anyways, my point to that long story was this.....yes, there will be negative nancy's and firm believers....but I believe the negative nancy's will be the ones that are not using the band properly as a tool in their weight loss and/or may have other medical issues that is preventing it from working.

I'm in the same exact boat - reading that was like reading a bit of my own biography, lol. Good luck on your journey from here on! It's going to be a life change, for sure. I'm totally ready to adapt myself, and it sounds like you are, too! Keep us posted on your date. These boards are seriously awesome for any information you might need.
Take care!

I don't understand what you would feel quilty about. Yes, some people think it's the "easy" way out and don't realize you still have to work for the weight loss. I did the surgery, not so much for the weight loss, as I have lost the weight in the past without it, but to avoid the gaining it back plus 20. I have lost 85 pounds and have about 20 more to go. If I had done this without the band, I know my weight would already be creeping back up due to my "celebration cupcakes"!!! Please stop worrying about what others think and do what is right for your own health and sanity.

I feel so inspired reading some of your posts. Thank you!
I have decided to have the surgery about few weeks ago. (I found out that Kaiser covers it with a $400 copay)
Going to my 1st class Aug. 15th.
Every day since I made my original decision I have had doubts : "Is it really for me?"
Finding this site & reading posts is really helping me.
I need to loose about 80-100 lbs which I have gained within the past 7-10 years.
I have tried many diferent diets but none of them stick. I did start regular excercise which is great! It gives me energy, however it doesnt help me much in weight loss.... it just keeps me from gaining more.
I am 38 & I need to make a change.