Sharpie

It took me a few days to start getting back to normal.. however, I work at home so it wasn't difficult for me to get in my office chair and work on the computer.. I did get tired easily.. It took at least a week or more for me to start feeling better.. no exercise for 4-6 weeks per my Dr. walking okay... get plenty of rest when you can.. keep yourself comfortable as much as possible.. I found once I got over the first few days and got off pain meds I felt more alert and could do okay with tylenol (liquid ).. heating pad for my shoulder and drinking as much as I could... It will be worth it and you will be so glad you did this for yourself...take care of yourself.. you deserve it...

The last time this subject was discussed on here.. Some of the people posted that we who opposed Obamacare were simply racists.. I was very offended by that remark. I am not and have never been a racists.. I treat all people the way I would like to be treated.. No matter what their color.. That being said.. I do not like the Socialistic nature of Obamacare.. It's going to be a train wreck.. There are so many bad things about this law.. I was very disappointed when the Supreme Court ruled it Constitutional.. Never in the history of our Country have we had a "Tax" levied on us to buy something we don't want..If it's so good why are certain people exempt (Mr. President?) Congress, Senate and Staff? I hope the political winds will blow in some new conservatives who will repeal or defund it. This is my belief and if you want to call me a racists for believing that Go for it.. otherwise, open your eyes and ears and minds.. It's not a good law never was and never will be.. God Bless America cause we need it..

Yes I was approved by Medicare and BC with a bmi of 38.9 with 2 comorbidities.. diabetes type 2 and high blood pressure.. Like Missy says contact your bariatric center and see if they can recommend a PCP for you...

I had mine removed many years ago so I didn't have to worry about it.. but today they simply suck it out your navel.. nothing like the brutal surgery I had...

muscle milk and lean shakes from GNC..

I also like the quest , cookie dough and vanilla crunch.. they have less sugar and more protein than most bars.. some of the protein bars have a huge amount of sugar, which is not good for me. the other protein bars I like are muscle milk but for some reason I can't find them in walmart or anywhere anymore... they were also only about 2 gms of sugar and 20 grams protein...

Jim even with the layers you still look thin.. fantastic for you... I am so awed by the amount of weight you have lost.. You are a rock star ....

Alex I hope the upgrade is really good...after the time and energy spent on it...

congratulations.. 4 and a half years is a long time to wait.. It will be worth it .. If you can wait that long and jump through all the hoops for insurance approval, you will be successful...Good Luck,.

You are in the healing phase.. do what is the best for you to do that... skip the scale for awhile.. My dr. said don't be weighing yourself for the first 4-6 weeks.. You will lose and will be at goal before you know it.. I know it's tough and you are scared that you are not going to be successful.. but believe me it will work...take care of yourself..

I have been on Truvia for a long time.. while on diet soda's and aspertame products my memory was shot.. I had frequent headaches and generally felt terrible.. since switching to Truvia I have regained my memory (not all cause I'm getting older) but started feeling better and had no headaches since.. I am not a Dr or scientist just common sense should tell you that chemicals are not good for you ..as opposed to natural ...

I remember being on a diet for at least 30 years or more.. Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers (multiple times) Medfast, Metabolic, Dr. Cooper who prescribed b12 shots and speed.. (no kidding), HCG was the latest craze.. lost 50 lbs quickly but put it back on and then some just as quickly...felt like hell.. I don't think there was a diet pill or supplement I did not try.. spent thousands of dollars on all of it.. It's no wonder my body didn't know whether it was pitching or catching ... Deciding to get Lapband Surgery was my last resort to finally getting healthier and happier.. My health was failing fast.. diabetes getting out of control, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.. I would spend most days sitting in my chair, watching tv and sleeping.. what a life... Lapband has saved my life.. I have lost enough weight to send diabetes in remission, my blood pressure and cholesterol have dropped to normal.. It is hard for me to realize that not even a year ago I was so miserable.. If you follow the rules and make an effort to eat good protein and keep the sugar to a minimum you will succeed.. It is a change in lifestyle more than a diet..

Good For You and keep on Rocking...

I have had only 3 fills .. total of 2.5 .. My dr. said it all depends on the person.. I told him I was reading about people who would get 2 or 3 cc or more at a fill.. He said he was very conservative and did not want me to get too tight.. He also said if people think being filled often and alot would make them lose faster or more they were wrong.. I am glad he is careful and each time I have been filled I do great.. no issues. I do notice a difference and if I eat slowly, chew thoroughly and measure my portions I do fine. Sounds like you have a conservative Surgeon as well. You are doing great with a 80 lb loss..

No matter what anyone tells you..Vitamins are important,, My Surgeon asked me to take a multivitamin , b12 and D3 each day. I use the fruit flavored gummies and a sublingual b12.. You can't possibly get enough vitamins in the food you are eating because you are not eating that much.. I feel 100% different if I forget to take my vitamins.. Ask your Dr., about this after all he would be the best judge...

I work at home too and I kinda worked a little after a few days.. I really didn't feel good for about a week.. You will need to rest as much as possible.. give yourself time to recuperate.. The anesthetic can stay with you a few days or so.. walk around the house as much as possible.. make sure you drink or sip your liquids.. depending on what type of work you do, I would see how I felt...

refried beans with melted cheese and sour cream.. I ate chili too and for breakfast oatmeal...

woo hoo great job...

I believe the band will enable you to stay on a healthier path.. I have more control and feel like I can keep my weight off.. I had been on every diet known to man.. from WW to HCG to Nutrisystem.. The only one I did not do was Sensa but was considering it.. I finally decided on the Band.. that was 9 mos ago.. I have lost almost 55 lbs and I cannot tell you how empowering the band has been.. Is it easy? no, it is not but easier than being starved and then like Missy says you just get tired of being deprived all the time.. I now pretty much eat what I want but less of it. and I have a better attitude about food.. I don't have to eat the whole pie or cake or 1/2 gallon of ice cream.. I rarely even taste any of those things.. I could never maintain any of my losses before but have not gained even 1 lb since getting banded... Good Luck on whatever decision you make...

You look so happy... Congratulations on your loss.. it's so great to see the before and after photo's.. it's motivational for those who are just getting started...

Absolutley, Positively worth it... I am 66 years old, had been on thousands of diets.. Like B52, I had to have WLS to save my life.. I was diabetic, high blood pressue and high cholesterol..after losing nearly 55 lbs since January with the band I no longer take any medications.. I am able to enjoy life .. I can actually walk without panting for breath, I can tie my shoes,, It's not easy but it's doable... I feel in control for the first time in 30 years... I was always small, 5' 0" .. and weighed 93 lbs when I married my husband.. 38 years ago.. I gradually went to 200 lbs. over the years of dieting , losing and regaining for years.. It was the best decision I ever made and I feel confident that as long as I do my part, the band will do it's part...

yes my Dr. asked me if I smoked.. he won't do the surgery if you smoke... too much risk... Like I tell my husband who is a smoker.. what is the point of trying to get healthy if you are going to ruin your health by smoking...? I used to smoke years ago and kept bronchitis and pneumonia... I hope you will find the strength to quit.. Get healthy and continue to live a good life....

Great Job.. Keep it up... You will be at your goal before you know it...

There is no feeling like going down in size... or buying new smaller clothes...lol..Congratulations and keep up the good work...

I went to several and there were a good number of people there.. since being banded I attend a monthly support group meeting and there are a few sleeve people and by pass.. the rest are bandsters.. I will say that the sleeve and by pass folks seem to have more issues than the bandsters but they lose faster.. Most of them have dumping issues and complain about the amount of vitamins they have to take.. I'm not sure if that is typical or not.. It's important to stay connected to others who have WLS there are lots of tips and information out there...