jkevhack

I am 5 months out from my lab band surgery and have lost almost 30 pounds. I have gone from a size 18 to a snug 14:) The biggest shock was my feet!!!! I went from a size 8 shoe to a size 7 LOL!! I still have 25 pounds to go but I am proud of the fact that I am doing this for the first time in my life and thankful for my friend the lap band that lets me know its time to stop eating or hey, you have had enough. I have taken a small stepper to work and use is all the time as well as my co- workers and can tell a huge difference in my bottom half My only problem would be that when I look in the mirror I don't see the wght loss. I still see same old me. My clothes are baggy so I know its working. Have to thank you all for your posts and encouragement along the way so far. This is just the begining to a new me that I actually like

Thanks for the advise. Our grandkids we are raising at 17 and 12, the 12 year old has Down Syndrome and they are both great kids. Just the stress of raising another set of growing busy kids and daily life I eat without even realizing I do it. Thanks Missy sounds like a great idea, will give it a shot. You all are a great inspiration to me.

HAVEN'T POSTED FOR AWHILE, WAS BANDED 11-8-12, HAVE HAD SEVERAL FILLS I FEEL LIKE I AM IN THE GREEN ZONE AS OF 3-13-13. I HAVE 6 CC IN A 10CC BAND. STARTED AT 225 NOW 200, HAVE HAD BOTH KNEES TOTALLY REPLACED 3 YRS AGO AND LEAD A VERY BUSY LIFE RAISING 2 GRANDSONS. I AM ALSO SOON GOING TO BE 52 YRS OLD. I RESEARCHED THE BAND AND KNOW IT IS A TOOL NOT A CURE FOR BEING OVERWEIGHT, I ALSO REALIZE LOSING THE WEIGHT IS UP TO ME. THE HARD PART IS THE MIND GAMES I DEAL WITH. FOOD IS ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND I FIND MYSELF FALLING INTO OLD HABITS. I AM A GRAIZER AND UNDER ALOT OF STRESS DAILY. EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT HUNGRY AT ALL MY MIND FEELS LIKE I WANT FOOD. THIS IS THE HARDEST THING FOR ME TO DEAL WITH AT THIS POINT. THERE ARE TIMES I WANT TO GIVE UP,SO TIRED OF DEALING WITH THIS FOR SO LONG (30) YEARS , THERE ARE TIMES I GET UP AND SAY TO MYSELF , TODAY IS A NEW DAY AND I WILL NOT LET MY MIND (HEAD HUNGER) GET IN THE WAY BUT IT NEVER FAILS I GIVE IN. I HAVE A HUGE SUPPORT SYSTEM AT HOME AND WORK. HOW IN THE WORLD OR WHEN DOES THE "HEAD HUNGER" EVER GET EASIER TO DEAL WITH??? NOT GIVING UP BUT TIRED OF FIGHTING WITH THIS. YOU LONG TIME BANDERS, HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ME, WOULD APPRECIATE IT . THANKS

I love reading what you post. I love the info, and honesty, if you don't want to hear an honest answer then don't ask

I have seen alot of posts regarding lap band with plication. I asked my surgeon about this and was told I had it done. He explained (also before surgery just did not use the word plication) that it is-- after the band is clicked into place, the stomach is then pulled up to the part above the band and stiched together to help hold the band in place/ keep from slipping which I think is great. Now I have seen posts that state plication is to help with weight loss??? Anyone out there have more info on this??? If its simply to help keep the band from slipping then what does it have to do with weight loss?? I did read my op report and it did use the word plication does it have different meanings??? I was banded 11-8-12, need to lose about 50-60 pounds am down 25 and have had 3 fills in 10cc band with 2cc each time and am very happy. Just curious, I researched the band for 2 years but had not heard about plication until joining this post. Anyone???????????????????/

I have not posted in a few weeks and have been reading many of the posts regarding the same questions and the tone of some of the answers. I work in the medical field and researched the band for 2 years and went to all of my preop classes etc... I was fully aware before surgery that the band is only a tool. The best way of thinking about it for me is the band holds me accountable to myself and what I eat!!! It is a tool only ,I have done the work so far. My loss has been very slow but I feel 100% better. I feel the first mistake some make is thinking the band is a cure and an easy way out. I have been stuck for 3 weeks now but will not let that stop me. I was banded 11-8-12 have had 2 fills. At my last fill the NP told me "you get it, you really get it"!!! Its only a tool, they cure for obesity comes from within and the desire to for once in my life do something for me and to become more healthy and active. I don't need to lose as much as some but the battle is the same. For those of you that have met your goal, you are an inspiration to me and gives me hope that I can do this with the HELP of my band. I do no rely on the band but always know its there. I have lost 21 pounds with 30 to go and its any every day decision but the band always reminds me how much and what I can and cannot eat. Looking forward to the green zone and until then I just keep doing the best I can. Not sure why I felt the need to write this but hope this help someone the way others on this post has helped me the last few months. By the way I am a 51 yr old grandmother raising grandkids the works full time so believe me I know the stress of everyday life and how I turn to food for comfort. No more thanks to my lap band, accountablity tool

What are the best tasting protein bars that you might get at maybe Walmart??? I tried one kind, it was chocolate, had 20 grams of protein but tasted terrible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like a snack late afternoon while at work (stressful job). I don't remember the brand name of the one I bought just that it was horrible and a huge waste of my money. So any help here would be great since I used to snack on everything and anything. Love my lap band and this site.

Today was a much better day. No more stuck problems, not sure what happened yesterday but glad its over.I agree the band has a mind of its own, Thanks for your help and support

Thanks, drank the protein shake then later a few crackers and had no problems though I can still tell I have swelling. My fill was 2 weeks ago, is it normal to take this long to notice it

I am starving, has been over an hour since last pb, I am trying to sip on a protien shake and can tell there is swelling/irratation in my lower throat/chest area. I get another fill on 1-9-13 and wondering if this is part of what is called "bandster hell"

Are you a nurse??? If not you should work for a WL DR. You give great advice:) Check my blog I need some good advice from a long time bander

I was banded 11-8-12 got my first fill 12-19-12 have had no problems, have pb a couple of times ( learning process). This morning tried to eat my usual scrambled egg with cheese and a piece of turkey bacon. I usually start my day with a watered down diet coke ( my dr is ok with this and am not a coffee drinker ) had some hot tea today instead. I have pb'd 3 times in a 2 hour period trying to get my breakfast down. I only have 2cc in a 10cc band and this is the first time I have had this much trouble. I am eating (trying) slow, tiny bites, chewing my food well and it still comes back up. What am I doing wrong and terrified my band will slip. Should I try liquids the rest of the day or what?? Any advice would be appriciated, thanks

I wish you all a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and may 2013 bring great success to us all in our life long weight loss and getting healthy. Thank you for your support and encouragement

I was banded 11-8-12, have had one fill and get another one Jan 9th. As of this morning I have lost 20 pounds. I did not have to do a pre op diet but lost 3 a few days before surgery. I am so happy with the 20 pounds as I have gone through Thanksgiving and now in full Christmas mode. Yes there have been days I have eaten something I shouldn't have but I will not beat myself up nor will I let anyone else make me feel bad. I cannot wait to see what 2013 has in store for my new attitude and my weight loss. We all have good days and bad days but with this site and the support we get I can make it. Some of you have very strong will power and are very strict and that's great and I am proud of you. Some like me slip up once in a while but I am so much better off now than I was a few months ago and its just the begining. May you all have a very Merry and Healthy Christmas. God Bless and thank you for those that encourage me with your posts.

GOT 2CC IN MY 10CC BAND TODAY. I AM SO EXCITED AND GET ANOTHER ONE IN 3 WEEKS I KNOW THIS JOURNEY IS FOR LIFE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE "NEW AND IMPROVED " ME. POSTED THIS , JUST BECAUSE

Love this, I am not on this post to be beaten down, I have done enough of that to myself the last 30 years. We all started somewhere and some need to remember that before coming down so hard. I need support and encouragement, even when I screw up and you know what I might also whine once in a while. Sorry but just being honest. Thank you to the ones that have encouraged me so far as a newby. That is the only reason I come to this site, not to see drama. We all want to be healthy and lose weight right???????? Then help us don't make us feel worse. Love this site and most of the posts:) Raising a child with Down Syndrome has taught me alot about how to treat others and to be kind and more patient with people. We could all learn from that :)

sounds like I just had a pity party and it was no fun

First let me say I love this site and the advice you all give (even the blunt ones). As i have stated before I get my first fill on 12-19-12. I have noticed I am getting very hungry about 2-3 hours after each meal (yes I am eating protien) I have lost 18 pounds and stuck there. I work in a very busy Dr.s office as a medical assistant and its so hard to eat slow and chew my food well with so much work to be done. I have gotten stuck a coulple of times on chicken and tuna. I know the answers and I need to be patient and am so sick of food controlling me when it should be the other way around. My question is------ how and when do you get to a point when you control the food it does not control you kind of attitude, its even worse during the holidays??? Everyone is different I just need support and to read your posts to stay motivated and enouraged. I have not been under 200 pounds in at least 8 years and its so close but seems so far away. Don't mean to drag on just needed to vent I guess. We all have the same goal in common - to get healthy and lose the weight for good, just wish it wasn't so hard. Thanks for letting me vent :0 I have a great support system at home and work, its me that has the problem

Thank you all, I love this site, its so encouraging and love the honest answers

This may sound stupid but is it possible that I am not eating enough and not losing?? I am one month out and I do exercise but I am stuck on 18 pounds (which I am thrilled with) any advice??? Get my first fill 12-19-12

this has nothing to do with banding, but how do you get your picture on your profile. I have tried with no luck Thanks Julie

Thanks for the info. Jakob will get his popcorn soon

We are raising 2 of our grandson's ( have been for about 10 years ) the 11 year old has Down Syndrome and we are both hooked on popcorn. He asks me every night if its "popcorn time" lol. I tell him not for a few more days. I will be one month out on Dec 8th and almost down 20 pounds. Is popcorn ok if eaten slowly and not to much??? Has anyone ever had a problem with eating it??? My PA said its ok to eat but curious if anyone has had any problems. My grandson is a joy in our lives and he really wants POPCORN

Thanks that helps, can't wait for the "little booger to stick out " lol. Have a good night

I will be 3 weeks post op on Thursday. All of my incisions are great except the one where the port is. Its still sore and seems have a knot about the size of a quarter under the skin, Is that the port or maybe its still swollen. The pain is mild but noticable. Just had my 2 week post op and don't go back until Dec 19 for my first fill. I know everyone is different and its in no way infected. Just curious