Lori123

Yes... #1. Be patient! That first month is about HEALING not weight loss. #2. Don't compare yourself to anyone else with the band as in how much they have in their band and yours..it's very INDIVIDUALIZED. #3 and most important---your surgeon puts the band on, the work is up to you! I had to get right in my head during the days leading up to my surgery the changes I will have to make forever. There are certain things I choose not to eat. And I can tell you the night before my surgery I panicked thinking about that! You will learn things about yourself during this journey. For me, it was the food issues I really had. To this day, I make two scrambled eggs knowing I can only eat one. I end up throwing the rest away. But I am learning. I have to remember I ate a certain way for 51 years (yes I'm 51!) and u have to change that way of thinking . Get your head right before you ever go through with it . Do your follow ups like your supposed to. Also check out Amine the machine videos on you tube. He tells the story of his journey so far. Good luck and when you start looking good, don't let anyone steal your joy! Some people do try to sabotage you, believe it or not! This is a great place to come to and read and learn and connect with people! Keep me posted!!

Well now I have hit a bit of a plateau as well. I thought I had arthritis in my hip but it turned out to be a nasty acute case of bursitis. It got so bad Thursday it brought me to tears and I have a pretty good pain tolerance . I ended up getting it injected with a steroid Thursday and its slowly getting better . I believe my plateau is related to no exercise . Am seeing the doctor in follow up tomorrow. I want to prevent ever getting this again and get started exercising. Still happy with my results so far but definitely slowing down. Just have to work harder!

Wow looking good Pygo!! Keep up the great work!

High blood pressure and prediabetic are conditions that should qualify you along with your BMI

My surgeon said lifetime

Unfortunately there are some PCPs that don't support the band. Or maybe don't really know much about it or its track record . I believe this- if it DIdnt work , insurance wouldn't pay for it, nor Medicaid . There will be people along the way that will say things that will just crush any form of confidence you begin to gain from the weight you have lost so far. Even 5 pounds is a triumph for us but others may frown at this. This is YOUr journey. There are thousands of doctors out there and they all have different opinions. Surround yourself with people that support your decision and gain confidence from what you have accomplished so far. Everyone loses differently and at different speeds, depending on many factors. The one thing I learned about the band is its so individualized...there will be ups and downs along the way. I hit a plateau this month but when I sat down and really looked at what I could be doing better I found my answer and know what I need to work on. I watch carbs and keep my intake of them very low. More Protein. Sometimes I think my body says to me "oh no I'm not giving up this weight" and fights me, but I'm fighting back! I've lost 70 pounds so far and have 50 more to go. You just keep on working at this- the band is a wonderful tool but remember its just that; the work is up to us, and along the way you will learn things about yourself. Lots of great encouragement here so keep us informed! :0)

Does your surgeon check the band to actually see how much Fluid is in it ? I have heard stories of "leaks" or problems with the tubing. Remember not to compare yourself with any other bander- it's very individual. Doesn't sound like your in the green Zone yet. Talk with your surgeon - what does he/she say? I have 6.5 in my band and it took awhile to get there and in the green zone. Maybe an appt will shed some light on what's going on. Good luck to you- you can do it!

If you eat sweets you will crave them. I have had to learn this the hard way but its true . The less sweets you eat, the less likely you'll want any. :0)

How are you doing today LMB?

No we usually don't do caths for lapbands

No we usually don't do caths for the lapbands

Don't cheat because GW will know if you did! I used to sit up in the ICU waiting room and drink my shakes, away from the cafeteria and food! I told GW that two week diet shows you what you're dr of! I dropped 20 pounds on it!

I did the same thing! I'm one of those people that has to know how things work. I'm glad I watched it. It helps me understand just where the band is and how it works. GW will take great care of ya...he's the best!

Me too! Get you some Popsicles and gas x strips for when you get home. :0)

Also, I'm not aware they do caths! There was a case where an agency nurse thought the surgeon wanted one so she did it but you won't have a Cath. I know what you mean about people being gossipy but since I work in SDS, there was no hiding it. I will check on you in recovery also. The bariatric nurses are great too.

Yes I will be there! I'm the team leader of SDS. I'll see you then!

Where are you having your surgery at?

Hello I am An RN and I work in peri operative services, specifically same day surgery. I had my lapband where I work so was actually a patient in my own dept so there was no hiding it! I had my surgery on a Wednesday and went back a week and a half later per my MD instructions. I didn't have any problems and the soreness was gone by then. Most of the advice I see in here is good such as "you need to call your surgeon or speak to the bariatric nurse". I don't really see anyone giving out inappropriate advice, which is good . Good luck and let us know how your doing! As far as telling everyone, you could actually be an inspiration for others as a fellow nurse in my dept was for me. :0)

Your welcome..good luck Cassandra and remember there is lots if support on here. :0)