meachie

Flew my mom in. She had no idea what I had going on.
The day started well and ended well.
Got to the hospital at 6am...didn't hv to be there til 8 because a surgery ran behind.
Nervous I grew. Blood pressure was low...respirations were high. I began to calm down as my Mother and daughter and 2 girlfriends began to reassure me.
Went back to be put to sleep. Awoken having been told I had hernia repair. I got up and walked the hall. All the gas expelled. I have had no pain. I walked my block with my mother yesterday. Still no apetite. Just juice, Protein Drinks, broth, Water, Jello and gatorade.
Today no pain meds. Still no pain.
God is good. So far this has been the best decision I have made.
Recovery has been great. I was so scared of the gas. I hv prior bloodclots so im moving around alot so that may be helpful.
Just wanted to give my update and success story
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Flew my mom in. She had no idea what I had going on.
The day started well and ended well.
Got to the hospital at 6am...didn't hv to be there til 8 because a surgery ran behind.
Nervous I grew. Blood pressure was low...respirations were high. I began to calm down as my Mother and daughter and 2 girlfriends began to reassure me.
Went back to be put to sleep. Awoken having been told I had hernia repair. I got up and walked the hall. All the gas expelled. I have had no pain. I walked my block with my mother yesterday. Still no apetite. Just juice, Protein Drinks, broth, Water, Jello and gatorade.
Today no pain meds. Still no pain.
God is good. So far this has been the best decision I have made.
Recovery has been great. I was so scared of the gas. I hv prior bloodclots so im moving around alot so that may be helpful.
Just wanted to give my update and success story
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Flew my mom in. She had no idea what I had going on.
The day started well and ended well.
Got to the hospital at 6am...didn't hv to be there til 8 because a surgery ran behind.
Nervous I grew. Blood pressure was low...respirations were high. I began to calm down as my Mother and daughter and 2 girlfriends began to reassure me.
Went back to be put to sleep. Awoken having been told I had hernia repair. I got up and walked the hall. All the gas expelled. I have had no pain. I walked my block with my mother yesterday. Still no apetite. Just juice, Protein Drinks, broth, Water, Jello and gatorade.
Today no pain meds. Still no pain.
God is good. So far this has been the best decision I have made.
Recovery has been great. I was so scared of the gas. I hv prior bloodclots so im moving around alot so that may be helpful.
Just wanted to give my update and success story
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Flew my mom in. She had no idea what I had going on.
The day started well and ended well.
Got to the hospital at 6am...didn't hv to be there til 8 because a surgery ran behind.
Nervous I grew. Blood pressure was low...respirations were high. I began to calm down as my Mother and daughter and 2 girlfriends began to reassure me.
Went back to be put to sleep. Awoken having been told I had hernia repair. I got up and walked the hall. All the gas expelled. I have had no pain. I walked my block with my mother yesterday. Still no apetite. Just juice, Protein Drinks, broth, Water, Jello and gatorade.
Today no pain meds. Still no pain.
God is good. So far this has been the best decision I have made.
Recovery has been great. I was so scared of the gas. I hv prior bloodclots so im moving around alot so that may be helpful.
Just wanted to give my update and success story
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Almost feel bad saying I had a great day.Today is day 5 post op so really didn't want to be bad. Made a butternut squash pear Soup and pumpkin fluff to take to dinner and truly enjoyed it and the conversation with special friends. Looked at the homemade Peanut Butter eggs and admit I wanted a taste but didn't do it. Actually worried I didn't eat enough today but its too late now to have anything but my Sobe Water, the bushel of pills it seems like I am taking right now and call it a night. Loved the sentiments about special days and knowing they will be there every year of this new life.

OMG!!! YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!! my big day is 4/8/13. Im so excited. Do you hv fitness pal? My name is almitrar can you pls befriend me. I need tips on food. Thank you. You are def my inspiration!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

I'm with you ladies...uterus is pitched but new boyfriend has no kids. Even if i had it im 38...daughter is 15...naaaa....can't start over. Officially having surgery Monday 4/8/13. I:m excited and scared. Lol
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Thanks everyone! I'll keep trucking along. Every day is a clean slate. It's been a long strange trip trying to figure out how to live with the band and after 11 months I think I finally understand how to work with it and use the tool to my best advantage.

I understand and I feel you made the right decision. I hv friends that have had both surgeries. I selected the lap band because you are in control and can like you sttd still have children.
The slower the weightloss the better. Sleeve you cant control it at all and I agree stomach can strech out. You do you. Be healthy and stop second guessing yourself. U are beautiful!!!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

Hmmm had I have been asked that question prebanding the only answer I would have given was to loose weight and get healthier.
I researched for a whole year and spoke to the only person I know that was banded in that time. Also before I plucked up the courage to make my initial appointment I went on a few diets to see if I could give it one last shot to be able to do it on my own. Of course I did well for a month or so then failure, then regained the weight and again repeated the process a few more times in that year. This yoyo dieting had to stop because I truly believe it only made me fatter and fatter as the years rolled by.
I knew what to expect after banding with all the research I had done and also I was given Professor Obriens book to read, I read that book over and over to help prepare myself for this new journey I was about to face. I was so nervous and so excited at the same time because finally I was going to get a tool to help with my weightloss battle.
Fast forward seven months and my way of thinking is so different with what the lapband could do for me. You actually have to experience each day with the band to truly understand life with it. Not only has the yoyo dieting stopped, not only has it allowed me to loose weight but it has helped me get control back when it comes to food, it has taken away the constant hunger, it has taken away the daily obsession I had with food, it has given me back confidence, it has taken away my depression ( mainly because I was so overweight and so unhappy), it has helped me develop a healthier relationship with food, it has taught me how to eat like a healthy person, it has reminded me how good it is to be more active. Most importantly to me the band has made me feel like a normal person again not this freak that lived every day to see how much food I could shovel into my mouth. I now eat to live and be healthier not live to eat all day long and be an overweight mess.
Did I think the band would have such an impact on my mental and emotional health way before being banded? The answer is no, now that I have this amazing tool it surprises me everyday how its changed me both mentally and emotionally.
I no longer need to diet, I've learnt how to eat well, I no longer have to calorie count, I've learnt how to Portion Control, I no longer feel deprived, that's how dieting made me feel hence the dieting failures, I've learnt I can still from time to time still have a teeny bit of the unhealthy stuff if I so desire and not put myself on a guilt trip.
What do I want from my fills? Answer is simple, to keep me in the greenzone that way my band is working for me as it should be and I can easily do my part.
My band and I are a partnership that respect each other, if I disrespect my band it shows me authority and makes me tow the line.
My tool is my life saver, I've researched, I've gone through surgery, I've made major changes, I've accepted my band, I've gone through weeks of hunger and survived, going through it all has been so worthwhile and would do it all again in a heartbeat. The band for me has so far done what it was supposed to do and what I expected it to do and a bit extra. Fingers crossed I don't develop any issues but if I do I have my wonderful aftercare team to sort things out.
At 50 years of age I can finally say I have developed the lifestyle I was supposed to follow all my life. Thank you lapband.

I was banded 2 years ago and why was I banded? Simple, I was tired of being fat and unhealthy! I did my research and knew what I was getting into, I thought. I did have my remorse and mourning over some foods and how I used food to cope but I was able to get this under control and be successful with this journey.
Your post is good and I hope a lot of people who go into this process thinking the band will fix everything read it.
The band is a tool, us successful banded people state this over and over and often we piss people off but it is still true. The band should not prevent you from eating or tell you when to stop eating. It should be your tool that helps you learn these things. I wanted the band to help me learn Portion Control, I have only had 3 fills in 2 years and do not plan to get any more. I wanted the band to teach me portion control and that is what the band has helped me do, learn what a portion is and it is nothing like I used to think it was.
I do measure my food, I do still record my foods, these are my tools to keep me honest with myself.
When I hit goal I wrote a blog about how the band was a tool but the true success and use of the band was more about me learning control than the band control anything and it really struck a nerve with some people. But honestly that is how I feel, yes the band helped me reach my goals but if I had not embraced a healthy life style and changed my relationship with food I would not look like I do today.
Look at you B52, it is Sunday and you are going to the gym to work out even in the snow. Great Job!
My motto these days, if you want to be thin and healthy you have to think like a thin and healthy person.
No stinkin thinkin it will only lead you down a path of no return!

75 lbs is great. The one thing I have learned on my journey is to never compare my success to anybody else's. It's not about losing the weight fast, it's about losing safely and being healthy. My friend had Gastric Bypass and lost a ton of weight. But, she gained ALL of that weight back and stretched out her pouch. She tired to get it revised to the Lap band but her surgeon wasn't able to place the band. Lap band was the best decision for me. Congrats on your upcoming Banniversary!!!!!!

I understand and I feel you made the right decision. I hv friends that have had both surgeries. I selected the lap band because you are in control and can like you sttd still have children.
The slower the weightloss the better. Sleeve you cant control it at all and I agree stomach can strech out. You do you. Be healthy and stop second guessing yourself. U are beautiful!!!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

It is the CO2 build up from surgery, it may last another few days but I promise it goes away. Heating pad and my doctor gave me toradol. But really what helped the most was the heating pad.

Right now focus on healing and following what your Dr says to do. Are you getting in all your required fluids and Protein? Are you tracking your food? It has helped me tremendously to log my food on Myfitnesspal.com If you want to start using this I would be willing to help you and you can add me as a friend. My log in name is knhtown. Also just like the name of your post "STAY STRONG" It will come off.

Well after 9 months, an allergy to surgical glue, getting sick after everything I ate, visit after visit to the surgeon and er, realizing the band was too tight, and going on and off liquids, I think I've finally found the green zone! There's hope!!

I went to my surgeon last week for a slight unfill .25cc's cause I kept gettting stuck, everything and also heartburn so he took Fluid out to calm things down this past week. I took it easy on food choices, mushies, softs, Soups, fish, things like that. Guess I had taken in a lot of sodium with soups because I noticed my ankles were swollen yesterday afternoon, luckily I had some Lasix. I took one and boy did it run me, every 20 mins I was peeing for hrs. Got to the dr's today and had lost 4 lbs, well I knew it was the fluid overnight. He ended up putting back in the .25cc's with hopes that things were calmed down inside and not irritated and tight. I will take it easy with meals for a few days. I can finally say that the stress level in my life with my ex has FINALLY settled from our divorce 2 yrs ago so my stress level has calmed down, thank you Lord! On another note, I was able to get outside and walk yesterday for 20 mins, that was an accomplishment for me. It is suppose to rain tomorrow but not Sat so I will do it again Sat. Felt good to be able to walk around the block and not get out of breath. Life is good.

Any weight loss is a great accomplishment. Please don't rush it. Your body needs time to heal. You are on your way. I was feeling the some way 6 months post op. But I had to remember that I didn't gain the weight over night, so I can't expect to lose it overnight. Since all bodies are different, we lose weight differently. I had to stop comparing my weight lost to everyone else's lost. You had this surgery because you want to lose weight and you WILL. April 3 is my 1 year Banniversary. One thing the Lap band as taught me is PATIENCE. Hang in there, it does get better.

My husband has been an absolute star and he is with me every step of the way from the money it has cost to changing bandages and walking with me. I am a very lucky lady!!!!

Thanks guys. I decided to pick up a 6:30 am bootcamp class that my trainer offers. 15.00 so you cant beat that. This weeks totals aren't final, but I'm down 3 and yes I can definitely feel the restrictions. I go back for a check up in 1 month. . PS Here's something I use to help me reach my goal in addition to measuring every drop of food I put in my mouth and logging in on my chart. Yes, I am very serious.
http://health.rush.edu/healthinformation/graphics/pdf/en/19999.pdf

Hey fellow banders! My name is Lindsay and I am approaching my surg-iversary on April 19th. Starting this journey at 290lbs, I have successfully lost 75lbs and my goal is to be in onederland by July. My long term goal is to be a curvy 145-150lb bombshell. I like to keep that 5lb buffer just in case.
It's been a slow, but steady weight loss since my surgery. Frustrating, exciting, and challenging all in one. Some days it's the best decision I've ever made and somedays I second guess myself. Did I choose the right surgery for me? My friend just got the gastric sleeve and boy did we go head to head when she announced her choice for wls. She's committed to the argument that my surgery will ultimately fail me, and I think that she was looking for fast results without considering the future. I chose the Lapband because I've never had trouble loosing weight. Rather, I had trouble with maintenance and loosing motivation at every brick wall. Considering my ripe age of 24, I thought the band would offer me more control over my body. With a sleeve stomach or gastic bypass theres more room to stretch out over time, the band offered adjustments. Having kids wouldn't terrify me as much because my band will be there to back me up at postbaby.
Its hard to stay optimistic sometimes when I see her creeping up on my weightloss markers faster than I did post-op, but I try to remind myself why I choose the band. But it's hard not to wonder if I chose the right path. Do any of you ever think what if?

Some variation to try - French onion Soup, mushroom broth, the liquid from ramen noodles. With all of these I just added 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup of chicken broth. They don't have enough Protein on their own but did change up the taste of the chicken broth.

I tell them to educate themselves before running their mouths about something they clearly know nothing about.
Here's a great article about a study and the success of the band. Perhaps you can give it to those giving you problems so they'll see the truth? http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

I have not the slightest idea......I stopped counting about 4 months after my surgery...as per my Dr.'s advice...he stressed the lifestyle approach, living with the band....
all I can say is most days it is low, some days I imagine it is high.....but it all pans out in the end...
It's a new lifestyle, I just make the wisest food choices I can....don't eat certain foods anymore such as red meat, and exercise every day I can.....
I don't feel deprived, I eat what I want when I want....it's just that I don't want to that much anymore, and I have become a picky eater....

Ya you should check out my fitness pal. My user name is the same as it is here. I have been loosing bout One n one half pounds a week ( not too much) n work out bout 4 times a week. I snack too much sometimes n would probably loose more if I didn't but I have pretty good Breakfast lunch n dinner choices, usually! Good luck