mimi81082

I did the first couple of weeks...I thought it may be where they stitch the band in place to keep it from slipping.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to wear underwear. Have you talked to your primary doctor? Sometimes they can give you medication to keep you from having your period that month.

Well, I have high blood pressure, hypothyroid disease, and PCOS...all of which can be controlled or alleviated with weight loss. I wasn't greatly successful with Weight Watchers or Nutrisystem. I'd lose 20-30lbs stop and gain it all back and then some. I also have increasing problems with pain in my knees and back. I'm only 30 and I don't want to keep going down a road that's surely going to lead to diabetes, depression and heart disease. i chose the band over the sleeve or bypass because if there are problems, it can be reversed. Also with the other surgeries, people tend to have serious vitamin deficiencies, dumping, and possible bowel complications like adhesions and leaks. I hope to have children someday and a vitamin deficiency could affect a baby. Lastly, if someone were to gain weight back, we can have the band tightened. Sleeve and bypass patients have to have another surgery for a revision...if that is an option. However, I flip-flopped up until 2 weeks before my surgery as to whether I should have the sleeve or not. But these are the reasons I ultimately chose the lapband and I think I made the right decision for sure.

I had my surgery 8/22/12...my first fill is on 9/27! I'm anxious too!

I, like you, didn't want many people to know; especially at work. I told 3 people at work...my boss, my, close co-worker, and another co-worker who had the surgery. I asked them not to say anything, but when I came back to work someone had blabbed and EVERYONE knew and was asking me questions. I was annoyed, but what's done is done. I mainly didn't want anyone criticizing what I eat and how much weight I lose or don't lose. Other workers have made it public knowledge that they had the surgery and people talk behind their back about how "big they still are." I've just chosen not to focus on what anyone else thinks of me and only on my goal of losing weight. The good thing is everyone seems supportive so far.

Just to name a few things...I'm looking forward to no longer shopping in the plus size stores/section, riding rides at amusement parks, crossing my legs, walking more than half a mile without my back hurting, and dancing through a whole song!

Congratulations! I can't wait to get there!

I had surgery on 8/22. At my first week follow-up I had already 14 lbs. I know that it wasn't all water weight because today I was able to pull on a pair of jeans I haven't worn in over 2 years and couldn't get over my butt the week before surgery, woohoo lol! So I'm happy about that. I healed really well, thank goodness. No problems with incisions and no more pain! Like you, I can pretty much eat anything now, but I'm avoiding bread, sugary, and fatty foods and trying my best to drink enough water. Now I'm looking forward to my first fill on the 27th. Not only because of possible restriction, but because I don't have a scale at home yet and I'd like to see exactly where I am weight wise. But good luck to you too!

I am new to this site and very glad I found it because I really need the support! I was banded on 8/22/12. I had no problems with my incisions. I was up walking around within 2 hours and I had minimal pain after 3-4 days. I am very happy with the way I've been healing. I had my follow-up with my surgeon on 8/29/12. I lost 14 lbs in the first week, which I'm assuming was mostly water weight, but I'm happy nonetheless. I was switched to soft mushy on the 29th and as of yesterday, I'm allowed to eat anything. I've noticed over the last week or so, that I'm getting hungry more often. My diet has consisted mostly of protein shakes for breakfast, tuna or chicken salad with light Mayo and no bread, jello, light or Greek yogurt, and chicken or vegetable soups. What worries me is that I'm still able to eat quite a bit. I know I don't have restriction right now because I have no fluid in my band, but it's really hard to stick to three smaller meals a day when my mind and my stomach size have not changed. Does anyone have any suggestions? I haven't been snacking at all because I don't know what would be considered a "good snack." I'm looking forward to my first fill on 9/27/12; hoping that any physical restriction I may experience then will reinforce my mental efforts to change the way I eat. Overall, I'm not discouraged with my results because it has only been 3 weeks, but I just want to maximize my weight loss and do the right things from the beginning. So, any advice is welcomed! Thanks in advance!

Name, real or screen~Jami Goal weight for September 29th~to be down 30 lbs from surgery date Weight on September 1st~??? Age~30 Dietary goal for September~get at least 60g of protein, 64oz of water a day, and not overeat Exercise goal for September~start swimming at least 2 days a week and workout at least 4 days a week at 30 minutes a day Personal goal for September~To do my best to follow the dietary rules Date banded~ August 22, 2012 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~14lb as of the week after surgery What is your favorite Fall Activity?~Football and Halloween

Thanks everyone for your advice and encouragement!

My doctor allowed me to have creamed or blended soups which made a difference to me. You just have to be careful about sodium and fat content. Also, when you can tolerate sweet stuff, chocolate protein powder, skim/ 1% milk, a little ice, and a spoonful of peanut butter makes a good protein shake. The peanut butter cuts the after-taste of the protein and it also seems more satisfying...hope this helps!

Some insurance companies will cover removal of skin if it is for health reasons. For example, a lot of people have had a lower body lift/panniculectomy (spelling, but it means removal of overhanging skin in the stomach region) due to rashes and skin breakdown. This can leave you susceptible to infection; especially MRSA which is a very serious antibiotic resistant infection. Some surgeries are also considered reconstructive depending on how much loose skin one has. So it is possible that it could be covered, but I wouldn't count on it. A lot of people do body wraps and wear restrictive garments while exercising. However, like everyone has posted before me, I agree that it is certainly dependent upon genetics and amount of weight loss.