Terri_121

Congratulations and as I read this I started crying because I also can't wait to be able write that on here and scream it from the mountains!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

It will be 3 years on October 22nd 2012 since my Lap Band surgery. I have reached 100lbs today and only 6 lbs more to go to reach my goal weight. Yes, I could have achieved faster if I worked out 3-5 times a week, but I am happy with my results. I lost 68lbs in the first year, and then 20 pounds each year after. I am a size 6!! so very happy - much better than size 20 My band is looking good and is filled to 5.25cc of a 10cc band. The doctor said I am doing great! Just wanted to share my success and hope others are doing great too!

I posted this question on the post op forum, and didn't really get any answers, so please pardon me if you are seeing it again. How does band size (4, 8, 10, 12, 14 cc) affect the pace of weight loss, and the fill amounts. Obviously, a 14 cc band holds more Fluid than a 4 cc band, but what does that mean regarding the amount of restriction? Does anyone know? Thanks for any info.
Laura

Today is my first day of the shakes. The chocolate was awesome! Kept me full for 4-5 hours. The strawberry which I am having now kinda stinks. I don't like it. I can't wait to See how much weight I will lose! Anyone else starting pre op?

I had my consultation surgery is Nov 6 excited and nervous

Hi Jenny ,
I'm new also I will go to my first visit to the dietician on Monday.
That was a great question and the answers very imformative.and helpful.
Looking forward to seeing your success as well as my own.
Terri

I eat sandwiches and wraps by taking bites, however I had to learn how to take small bites. The safer approach would be cutting the bites up on the plate first. You are going to find alot of different answers including bandsters who don't/can't eat bread.< /p>

Every person is different I would encourage you to check out other methods other than Atkins. For me what works is counting calories, I never though I could or would, but I have for 3 months now. I use myfitnesspal and a fitbit (pedometer on steroids ) I log my calories each day and my exercise. I try to keep my calories about 1200. So far I have lost 37 lbs in 3.5 months.
This is what works for me, it may work for you to. Look at all the advice everyone gives you and glean a little from everyone and create a mercedes diet plan. As my dietician told me for me to be succesful I had to create a Kim diet plan for it to click and stick.
You are way to early in the game to get discouraged.
Add extra steps in your day if you can't work out- dance around the kitchen while cooking. You would be shocked how good it will make you feel. I turn on my favortive music when I cook and I dance around while fixing dinner. My hubs thinks it's so funny, but hey it burns more calories and puts me in a good mood.

I could write a book in answer to your post. But wait! I did write a book!
But seriously...None of us here are medical professionals, and we don't know enough about you (your weight, your BMI, your health, medical conditions, medications, hormonal status, etc. etc.) to advise you. I think you need to talk to your surgeon (or whoever does fills) at your appointment this week. Say something like, "I'm disappointed by my weight loss so far. What can we do to take it up a notch?"
About exercise...lots of people struggle to balance work and family and other responsibilities and still find time to exercise. I think you have to make an appointment with yourself to do it, just like you'd make (and keep) a medical appointment. Or find a workout buddy and make a date to exercise together. Even if all you do is walk for 5 minutes several times a day (then for 10 minutes, then 15, and so on), you'll be better off than you were before. And if your job is stressful, you may just find (as I do) that exercise is excellent stress relief.
Jean

It is exactly what my doctor said it would be - I eat less and stay full longer. I do count calories and that helps me make better choices on what to eat.
Diet has such a negtive fibe, but it is kinda a diet, but not in a bad way. You make better choices, you eat less, you stay statisfied, you loose weight.
I do feel better. My asthma is A LOT better. I am able to jog again- yeah! I in general feel better because I am in control of my life.

Everything is different. I have changed mh eating lifestyle. I don't consider this a diet, it's for life. I will eat this way for the rest of my life and I love it. I physically look better, I'm more active than I've ever been, my self confidence is up and I like myself again.
I love my band!

diet is like any other but I need so much less to feel satified and its not salad every meal (thank God) I am new and still learning how to work with it (Aug 20 2012) I like the fact for me that the bands reminds me to eat slow and chew better because it will cause some pressure between the breast. Also I cant eat to much or it is uncomfortable. I am losing 2 lbs a week so I am happy.
ahope that helps
line-dancer

what is different?
i am mobile
i am happier
i am positive
i am losing weight
i am losing inches
i made great friends here on this forum
life is better then it was 4 months ago...

Hey, Ya'll! My name is Dana Adams, and I am getting banded this Thursday. Tonight, I am struggling with so many emotions...I am EXCITED, happy, thrilled, nervous, scared, weepy, anxious,...you name it...I am! Oh! Forgot hungry!!! Heeee! No...really, I am not hungry. My doctor does not do the two week liquid diet that I have seen most folks do. Instead, I have been doing a low carb diet for the last two weeks. I have done fairly well...not lost a ton of weight or anything...but a little. Actually, I have been working on this weight loss thing for quite sometime. In the last six months, I have lost 42 lbs. So, I am on my way. I still have quite a bit to go, but I will make it! I know so, because God does not me to destroy the temple He has given me!
I am a praying woman, and I know that there are tons of prayer warriors on here...because God has brought me HERE! So, I ask you to keep me in prayer this Thursday...throughout the day, please. I thank you all so much!
In His mercy and grace,
Dana Adams
www.aworldwithoutweight.blogspot.com

As the others said it is a healthy way of preparing your body for surgery, give you a head start on losing weight and it will teach you that food is fuel... You don't need to eat. You just need to get nutrition.
If you cannot stick to the pre op diet I would wait until your head is in the game... Or you will not be successful.
Best of luck!

Exactly what Missy said. I think in addition, it helps you prepare for the post-op diet. Most doctors require liquids for a period after surgery, sometimes up to 3-4 weeks. It was a good way for my body to get used to only liquids so post wasn't such a shock.

To shrink your liver so it's safe for the surgeon to operate.
There has been more than one story on these forums of people who've gone in for Lap Band surgery and came out with all the scars but no Lap Band because their liver was too fatty and enlarged for the surgeon to proceed. So, they are closed up with no band.
It's very important to stick to the pre op diet if your surgeon gives you one.

Please be very sure you can commit to the rules that will follow your surgery... Or you won't be successful. I know this sounds like tough love but wls isn't something to be taken lightly. You will have a life time of rainy days and celebrations but you can get through them if you want to. The band will only do 70% of the work. You have to do the rest.
My commitment started the day I started my liquid pre op diet. It was the day before thanksgiving no less.... The timing stunk...but i had 49 thanksgivings, christmas parties and holiday gorging so i decided it didnt matter. I was still able to partake in all the fun but i just didnt eat. That doesn't make me any better than someone who wasn't able to stick to it... But I say this because your head has to be in the game. If it really is... And you are doing this for you then move forward and forget about yesterday. If it isn't there is no shame in postponing the surgery until you are ready.
Best of luck.

Thanks for sharing the details it's what I really want to know at this point.
I haven't got a surgery date yet but hoping for the sooner the better.
Please keep posting I would like to follow your progress.
This prepares me for my own surgery.

Hey guys, good news... I'm alive! I cried a few times before the surgery because I was so scared. When they were ready to take me into the waiting area (preop) they checked my vitals, gave me a stylish gown, hair cap, and slippers. I changed and shortly after the RN came bye to insert my IV (in the arm). I waited about an hour for the doctors to finish the previous patients surgery. When the patient was out, the doctors came in to ask me a few questions (what are you here for, is your name spelt correctly on your wristband, etc.) they then asked me to get up and walk into the operating room.

I was asked to lye down on the operating table and they put arm and leg straps. They also put "leg massagers" on me. At that time, the anestisioligist <-sp? told me to take deep breaths in. I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in the recovery room. I felt instantly nautious and threw up twice. I gagged for almost an hour. They gave me nausea medication and it made me feel a little better.

My stomache had a very bloated feeling, but no pain. My throat felt SO sore! About an hour later my upper shoulder towards my neck started to feel a tiny bit sore. The RN massaged it, and I fell asleep for about an hour and a half. I woke up when I heard the RN call my name. She asked me if I felt well enough to get dressed. I told her yes, and changed by myself. I noticed that my belly was huge (like a semi inflated balloon) and it was completely numb when I touched it (pulling up my pants). I walked a few steps and they had to push me in a wheelchair to my car since I was still so groggy. I made it home fine, took a gas x strip (a tip I heard on here frequently) and walked around for a while.

I used the restroom and everything came out fine (tmi, but it smelt a little off, and a tip: wipingyour cookie back to front was much more comfortable then the front to back. I also used a wipie). I lyedown in bed on my comfy pillow-one of those bed rest pillows that have the arm rests and high back) and watched TV. I feel great! I'm taking small sips of Water, as I took a semi medium swig and it made me gag. Now I'm just chilling watching TV and have a back massager(which I highly reccoment getting from Target or Walmart for about $6!) life is good, I feel great, and I am walking around my house every now and then.

I haven't had the surgery yet, but financially, it will cost me nothing.
Physically, my Type II diabetes will get better or disappear, my back and knee pain will improve, my GERD will improve or go away (I have a hiatal hernia), my sleep apnea will go away, my fibromyalgia will hurt less, I will lose the metabolic disorder and Pickwickian syndrome, and much, much more. My life will change dramatically, with eating, health, exercise, and looks. I will be able to walk without a walker... A fact that makes it worth it all by itself! I cannot wait to start my journey!

i dont regret my $30,000 band.
it gave me my life back.
and if complications occur, i will deal
but now, i am living and i am grateful.
(sorry you and others have/had issues)
but not everyone does.