Sharpie

I am sorry for your difficulty. I am surprised that it would erode that quickly. I wonder if the Dr knows what would cause that? I know mine prohibits carbonation , and Ibuprofen but if you did not use either of those how could the band erode so quickly? I would like to know what they found if you can follow up.

Debbie I am so glad you enjoyed the convention. One of my goals is to go to one of the events . I was motivated initially by Sandi Henderson @ Banded Living. I am sure she was there. I see you got to see Zaylynn (sp) also who is the man and lady in the pictures that looks like they have banners on? the lady has a pink polka dot dress. He looks familiar.

when I went to my Dr he explained that the lapband is not a quick way to lose. It is slow. I also like you did not have a super high bmi, I needed to lose about 75 lbs. It has taken me 2 years of eating by the rules slow, chewing and Protein first however it was steady and I am healthier by taking it slowly. I do not feel deprived, don't have any dumping problems or hair loss. average loss 1-2 lbs a week is normal. My Dr. was also conservative with fills, you do not want to get too tight, that will defeat the purpose . The difference between having the band and just going on a diet such as weight watchers, etc. is in two years I Have not re-gained even a lb. Stay with it and focus on protein and start walking or moving to get exercise . It will work but you have to be patient.

Liz you are doing great. I occasionally eat or drink something I don't consider good for me. but, I lik to reward myself once in awhile with something I really enjoy. No Guilt. I love my band because I can do that now and then but get right back on track the next day. What I would have done years ago during one of my many diets, would be to get off the wagon, eat the wagon and then keep rolling around eating myself into a coma.. lol now days it's a new ballgame and I have no fear of getting back into that routine. keep up the good work and keep living.

three days after my surgery I was wondering what in the world was I thinking. It was scary to think about the changes I would be making and to not be able to eat like a lumberjack anymore. But after 2 years I can say it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I am happier and healthier than I have been in decades. Hang in there it will get better and you will adjust to your new way of life and be so happy.

great advice from Lisa.. I have a family that loves food too, at first they were all flustered about what I could and couldn't eat.. I finally told them stop worrying about it, fix what you want and I will figure out how to eat it or not. spaghetti is a favorite, I eat the meatball and a little veg's I just try to stay focused on what I can eat. don't let anyone get you off track. Your Dad would be proud of you.

Happy Easter Everyone. I am so blessed today to feel great, able to cook dinner for my family. I have been busy making all the things for Easter dinner that my family loves. Fortunately I no longer have to eat huge amounts to feel satisfied. Yesterday was a great day as well, I took my horse to an obstacle challenge.. It's riding your horse through lots of difficult things like car wash and Water hazards without making mistakes.. We had a good day and I placed 6th out of 54 riders so I feel pretty good about that. I can saddle my horse and ride so much easier than pre-band. I hope everyone has a special Easter Day.

there are many long term bandsters on here who are always happy to provide support and advice. The most important thing for you to remember is this surgery will not be a miracle. It will enable you to make good decisions about eating. It will be a slow process, slower than you will like at times but it's steady. I am 5'0 and weighed almost 200 lbs when I had my surgery. I had diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was really a true couch potato, was depressed about my health and weight. Today I feel like a million bucks, can shop all day, ride my horse again and walk like a house on fire. It will be all worth it in the end. Listen to your Dr. keep drinking Water, eat Protein first. I am happy that you made the decision to improve your health and happiness. Keep us posted and by all means ask questions.

I am finally able to Celebrate Spring. I took time to ride my horse yesterday. What a great feeling to be able to get in the saddle again and with ease. My best friend and I also recently went to Montgomery Alabama to the Alabama Horse Fair and got to see Pat Parelli, one of the best horse whisperer's there is. She and I travel together often especially if it's a horse event. 2 years ago before my lapband I had about given up going anywhere . My weight was affecting my mobility, mood and health. Thank God I found a solution. I am happy and raring to go . At age 68 I am truly blessed.

Had awesome last few days..We finally got nice sunny weather. I got my horse out and did some arena work on sunday, I was able to get on him without struggling and worked for about an hour. yesterday was even warmer so my granddaughter rode him and then we did some much needed grooming. Life is so much better without being too heavy to enjoy the activities that I love. Hope everyone will soon be enjoying some Spring.

wonderful results for you . I too was type 2 diabetic for years. I was on metformin which messed with me all the time, from causing dumping to making me hungry all the time to dropping my bloodsugar to 48 . I had my lapband because I did not want to live a lifetime of metformin or insulin injections which was coming fast. I have been banded 2 years and have not tested diabetic since. My Primary Physician is so happy with my results. diabetes is a deadly dangerous disease. My mother and sister both died from complications of diabetes . I wanted to break that cycle. The lapband plays a part In allowing me to make good decisions with my diet and since I feel better and am lighter I can walk and get more active. Best decision I ever made for myself.

Thanks Karen I live near Lake City North Florida. I had my surgery in Gainesville,Fla. I will definitely post a picture in Facebook of me and your book. I keep plugging away at the weight thing and am pretty happy so far, I do fluctuate a few lbs now and then but once I eat Protein, drink my Water and move I lose. I have started working my horse again now that we have nice weather.

Josie, excellent attitude. We all have the same issues with food and weight loss surgery indeed is not easy. I had lapband surgery 2 years ago and do not regret it. I do get weary of the band bashers and their holier than thou attitudes if they have the sleeve. I don't care what surgery anyone chooses I commend them for taking their health seriously and no matter how you improve your life and I have everyone in my prayers. Josie I suffer from sugar addiction as well, I have gotten much better but there are times I just can't control it. I am trying to drink a chocolate Protein shake if I get a craving for sugar, it seems to have helped me.

I lost my God Bladder years before being banded.

I agree with you all, CG and Missy were my lifelines. I got so much information, energy and motivation from them CG's no nonsense attitude and Missy's education and information were what I valued. I appreciate everyone who contributes their experiences and wisdom. I do not believe my Dr. fully explained the good , bad and ugly part of being banded. But, I have to say that I have been happy with my decision and would not change it. Thanks again guys for your part in helping this old lady get her life back.

Karen as a fellow Floridian, I was excited to see your book for sale. I ordered it and am looking forward to reading it. I hope to be a successful bandster in 10 years. well actually 8 years I was banded in 2013 at 66 years old, so the title never too late really addresses me. I am healthier and happier than I have been in decades. I hope my serious health issues are gone .

after a lifetime of eating fast it's really difficult to slow down. I am mostly successful but still after 2 years have times of stuck episodes from eating too fast I have started trying to slow down, chew more and avoid dry meats . Found out that I cannot do Chinese food , rice is not my friend. it's a learning process that goes on.

My surgeon said No Gum, No straws, no soda.. so that is my rules.. He did say that if gum is swallowed accidentally and by the way it can happen you are at risk f having it surgically removed.. so, it's not worth it to me. He's done thousands of lapbands and I paid him to take care of me so I will do what he says.

I was able to quit diabetic meds almost immediately with the diet change and loss of weight, my diabetes was gone. high blood pressure and cholesterol meds are also gone.

lol I had to laugh at this one,, I am short 5'0 with short arms . I had gotten to the point that it was difficult for me to reach around to my rear end that was also a wake up call for me to lose weight. keep up the good work and I hope you recuperate soon.

Debbie I am so jelly... I wanted to go this year so bad but we have a big wedding coming up May 2, and then my husband and I are taking a cruise to Alaska in Aug. so no time or money. I hope they have a meeting on this side of the States next year. I have been friends with Sandi Henderson from Banded living for a few years and I love her story.. 424 lbs at the start, now about 160.. she looks wonderful. she works it every day. They also do great work , providing money to needy weight loss surgery candidates. have a great time and take lots of pictures.

Oh so you want to eat "Normally" I often tell people that eating so called normally is what made me obese. If you feel secure in your resolve to eat correctly and you think removing the band is a good idea than it's your decision. I just know eating "Normally" for me is not an option. I do eat normal food, healthy food and try to treat myself now and then. the new normal is maybe 1 piece of thin crust pizza as opposed to a whole pizza. no soda, no sweet tea (southern thing), no drinking while eating . I've had my band 2 years and I feel like I do eat pretty normal . I rarely use Protein shakes or bars unless I am traveling and can't get real food. Best of Luck to you.

My Dr has done thousands of lapbands. He told me mine should last the rest of my life if I do my part. I would never consider having it removed unless I had complications. I know if I did not have my band I would re-gain my weight quickly. I knew going in this would have to be my final weight loss "program". after spending thousands of dollars and decades trying to lose weight on my own, I resolved to get healthy and keep my weight off. The feeling of not being a slave to food has been euphoric for me. I hope you re-consider your decision to have a removal.

I actually got measured @ Dillard's on Sunday, I had no idea what size I was, I have a drawer full of bras that don't fit . I used to wear a 42 D, I thought I was 38 C but nope I was a 34 D.. she brought me a Waacol bra and I'm telling you it was the most comfortable bra I have ever worn, in fact I wore it out of the store, my girls were where they should be and even though they are expensive $60 I bought two.. Getting a professional fitting is the answer.

happy bandiversary, I did my walk today, it is beautiful sunny and warm here in North Fla. 70-80 lbs is a good loss and you are working on getting your focus back.