Sharpie

You look great.. I am wondering where your scars are from surgery? no matter what I lose or how I work out I believe I will have some scars at least where my port is...

I was very sick the day of my surgery ... they eventually brought me a phenegran suppository.. but until I got that I was fighting throwing up... it was a horrible feeling... make sure you tell your anesthesiologist. I thought I had told mine but apparently they did not give me anything during surgery...

it might be a blood sugar issue.. before the band I felt so sluggish and tired all the time because my blood sugar was too high...

Keli yes by all means talk to them.. I told my best friend immediately.. she totally supported me but she does not have a weight problem.. She had seen my struggle for many years and was concerned for my health .. so, not everyone will be supportive, you have to decide that no matter what anyone thinks this is what is best for you... Take care and if your friends are really your best friends they will come around.. You might even be a good example for them and can help them with their weight issues....

One of the first things I asked my Surgeon was whether I could have coffee.. He said absolutley .. No problem .. Never heard that coffee causes stomach cancer... I had my surgery in Jan. have not missed a day without coffee...

Very good.. You will be at your goal before you know it...

Good Grief how in the world can you eliminate soup or chili? is that just for the first few weeks or permenantly? I eat chili alot, and soup and sometimes protein shakes.. Chili and refried beans saved my life after my liquid phase...

good for you...

My nutritionist gave me guidelines.. protein should be 10% of total Calories... sugar under 5 grams .. also if you track your calories include everything in your total...my doc says no carbonation but some don't have a problem with it.. I drink water, wyler's peach tea and coffee..

Stacey you have to weight the good over bad.. it is a big decision for sure and exploring all the possibilities is a good thing.. however, don't get caught up in the what if's.. What if you don't have the surgery? What if you do have it? my decision was based on my previous attempts to lose weight and my health ... I was nervous as well, but after attending seminar's and talking with my surgeon my determination to get healthy and feel good about myself was strengthened... I have not had one problem.. If you do what your Dr. tells you and follow the nutritional guidelines you will be successful.

The scale is finally being good to me this morning.. I had gained a few pounds while on vacation 3 weeks ago.. I lost those pounds now I am under what I was when I went to Colorado .. I really am so thrilled to have lost what I gained and then some more.. this is the first time I have ever lost weight after gaining... The band works....Side Note: Please keep my friends @ Sylvandale Guest Ranch in Loveland, Colorado in your prayers.. Their beautiful ranch has been devastated by the floods...

good luck... you will do great.. it's a few days of discomfort but so worth it..

Get off of all meds.. (accomplished 90%) be able to ride my horse again (accomplished) shop with my grandaughters..(accomplished) bending over to tie shoes, clean tub, etc. (accomplished) yet to get to goal but will get that done before 1 year post op....

Terry I tried the protein shake for breakfast for a few mornings when I was in a hurry, but found myself to be really hungry in a couple of hours.. I pretty much stick with eggbeaters, turkey sausage and wheat toast ..it keeps me happy for 4 hours or more.

One of the first things I was told by my surgeon was No carbonated beverages, No gum and no drinking during meals.. He said carbonated beverages cause too much gas and can result in band erosion or slippage and gum if accidentally swallowed would need surgical removal (I said Accidentally so don't give me that I never swallow my gum stuff).. anyhow if my surgeon told me to stand on my head and spit wooden nickels I will do it.. I trust him totally, he's done thousands of bands and has a great record of success.. I am so happy to have my band and will be forever grateful that I am on the road to better health... do whatever your Surgeon tells you if you trust them..

it took me a few months or so before I could justify buying anything.. however once I went smaller I shipped all of my xl and 1x clothes to my step daughter who has lost 65 lbs .. She is a teacher and needed clothes for work.. I am now in a size 9 petite . I buy cheap stuff like capri's and shorts so I'm not out much money. I am hoping to be down to a size 7 by Christmas.. we will see

Manda this is a common problem I think with weight loss surgery patients.. sometimes your relationship is already having issues prior to weight loss.. It's usually your partner's insecurity that rears it's ugly head.. or jelousy which is one in the same .. You have to be happy with who you are before you can make him happy.. his resistance is based on someone else's opinion the pinhead at the gym is trying to sell trainers, memberships whatever.. your guy is just looking for a reason to be difficult.. do what you feel is the best for you and let the chips fall..

My prayers go out to your friends family... and to you.. losing a good friend is always difficult.. I had a friend who died from by pass surgery complications also.. He never felt good or healthy after his surgery.. actually had malnutrition.. he made me promise not to have by pass.. this is why I went with the lapband...

You will feel totally different in a week or two.. the first few days after surgery I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life.. but, I survived and I am so happy I did.. I am 50 lbs lighter and 10 x healthier.. no more diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol...be patient with yourself and follow your Dr's instructions...

I can eat most things but I chose not to.. I had the worst stuck episode with japanese stir fried chicken.. it was white meat, no breading, just steamed with veggies but apparently it was too dry.. or something.. anyhow I haven't done that again.. Salad is not my best choice either but if I am careful and chew it alot I can eat it....

After exploring my options I decided like Missy that I wanted a less invasive surgery and less chance of serious , permanent problems such as dumping and malnutrition.. I had a close friend who went through some life threatening months in the hospital because he had a by pass and developed malnutrition... It is a big decision and requires some research.. Ask questions and attend as many seminar's and meetings as possible. My support group has by pass patients, sleeve patients and lapband.. by far the lapbanders have less problems... but it is ultimately up to you...

I work at home also and it took a good week to 10 days for me to start feeling normal... get as much rest as possible in between working and make sure you drink and take your pain meds if need be.

I just got back from flying to Colorado from Fla. no problems... I also only drank water and I carried a protein bar or two wish me just in case we got stuck somewhere...I did not notice any tightening.. My Dr. would not give me a fill prior to my flight he says in case of problems I would not be close enough if I needed help...

Awesome post .... Change is a wonderful thing... and life is so short and precious to waste on eating crap . Wish I could get my husband to make me a garden but his idea of a small garden is 5 acres.. lol

I belong to a support group which has by pass, sleeve and lapband patients.. it's very common for those who had by pass and sleeve to come and complain about their issues.. but band patients seem okay. but as everyone said there are problems and risk no matter what you do.. I chose the band because it was the best option for me ... not to please anyone else..not to lose rapidly... I feel good, have tons of energy and hopefully will continue to be successful... I try to stay away from the negative posts as much as possible...