KAATNS

Woohoo! All my blood tests results were normal; cholesterol, hemoglobin, liver function, kidney function, glucose etc. My BP was down to normal (111/80). She is changing my meds to a lower dose and I will see her again in 3 months. Last time I saw her, I weighed 267 lbs and today 221 lbs. What a good news to end my very busy work day.

my wife and I were banded on the same day and even shared the hospital room. the Nurses thought it was cute.
Having both of us on the same journey even though the journey has not been easy and I still have a ways to go I would not trade my band for anything in the world.

I take Nature Made 2500mcg and they are little softgels, no problem to swallow at all.

My doctor prescribed Topamax to get me off of Cokes. It is a headache medicine, but it worked great because it makes the soda taste terrible. No headaches and no caffeine withdrawal whatsoever. I took it for two weeks and haven't had a Coke since. I was able to kick my 25 year Coke addiction quickly. Good luck!

Ok, this is a milestone for me. I can go several days without a drink of soda. My vice being Dr. Pepper...I don't drink much at a time. Because of Migraines but when I get a Migraine, sometimes a cold swig of the doc or (rarely) the whole can, will kick the migraine when my arsenal of meds won't. Go figure!
We've just been through several days of horrible overcast and some rain. I pushed through a 72-hour migraine with no Dr. Pepper! That's huge for me. I lift my glass of ice Water, Cheers!

I have followed a couple discussions about whether we're telling people we are having lapband surgery, who we're telling, and why/why not. Up to this point I have only told my husband and my three closest girlfriends. I live in an active retirement community where I am involved in a lot of activities. I know my losing weight is going to be fodder for some of the busy-bodies around here and I just didn't want to hear their crap about my health care choices. After reading so many other opinions, ones that match my own point of view of secrecy and ones that challenged my senses by being so open about it, I came to the conclusion that I really don't give a hoot what other people think of me having the surgery so why am I trying to guard it like a family secret?
I wrote a short note to my children (6 of them, 20 - 35 yo) telling them I was having surgery on Tuesday just to let them know in the event something tragic and unexpected occurs. Later in the day a casual friend of mine mentioned I looked like I was losing a little weight (apparently she thinks we're closer friends than we are - I would NEVER say that to a casual friend!!) I replied I was on a very strict diet in preparation for lapband surgery (I just had to try this out on someone). She told me I was very brave to tackle my weight issue head on like that; she wished she had the gumption to do more than just talk about going on a diet (yes, she's heavy, too). All of my children wrote me wonderfully supportive notes - like I would have expected any less of them - what was I thinking?!?!?
I know I'm going to hear from the rumor mill in my community that I'm taking the easy way out. I know there are going to be some that are vocal about their disdain for my choice. But it's MY choice, dammit, and I am happy I made the choice. I'm not hiding in the closet hoping no one will ask me how I'm doing it. If they ask, I'll tell. Otherwise, busy-bodies of the world: eat your heart out while I fashion a new look!

I lost 224 lbs in 22 months and I didn't have to restructure my anatomy. For me the band was a great choice.
The sleeve may have worked just as well but it wasn't something I was interested in. No matter what WLS surgery you choose, you must be dedicated to following the rules your dr puts in place. They are only there for your success.

I went in asking for the sleeve (I was freaked about the idea of having a foreign body in me) and ended up getting the band anyway.
Here's why:
1/200 people die from complications with the sleeve. It's 1/2000 with the band.
There are potential complications with each surgery, but the ones with the sleeve are much more serious and painful. 1% of people who get the sleeve have leaks because the stitches/staples at the top of the stomach doesn't fuse right. Those people are in agony for months. You could be in the hospital for months. There's no way to know if you'll be that 1%.
And even if all goes well, the stomach can stretch over time leaving you with no other option but to diet or get a band over the sleeve.
I decided to try the band first, since it was less invasive, and hope all would go well. Knowing that if it didn't, I could switch to the sleeve later.
So far so good. Got the band in April and have lost about 60lbs. 50 in the first 4-5 months. I'm slow because I've had a hard time adjusting and am rebellious and I've been scared to have as much restriction as I need. Im a hardcore food addict!!!! But I look fantastic. 5' 2" and started at 266, almost at Onderland!!! I feel amazing, ran up the train station stairs today without getting out of breath. And this last fill was a big deal and I'm suddenly not hungry!!!
Good luck to you whatever you decide.

Not a crazy question at all
I'm no doctor, but I have researched all the different WLS extensively. I very firmly believe none is better or worse than any other, it's all a matter of choice and what's best specifically for you.
I personally chose the Lap Band over the Sleeve because I didn't want them to hack out 3/4 of my stomach. I also didn't want to deal with dumping and God forbid I ever got cancer or some other horrible disease of the stomach, I'd be screwed because I could never get that part they cut out back.
Btw, don't let anyone tell you the Sleeve or Bypass are the only options for someone morbidly obese. The day I got the Band, my BMI was a whopping 72 and I weighed over 400 pounds. In the 14 months since then, I've lost almost 200 pounds and my BMI is now in the high 30's. I'm still losing, too.
You have to do what is best for you, whatever that may be.
Best wishes.

The Bachelor
Biggest Loser
Big Brother
Anything on HGTV
I'm with you on Honey Boo Boo!

Such a good question! Even though I thought I was mentally prepared, everyday is such a roller coaster ride for me. Sounds like you're preparing yourself and that's a great start. Best wishes to you!

the past is over....we cant go back and change it...instead embrace it.....use what you are/were to remind yourself of what you will be....i believe in want power.......i dont dig willpower as i can will myself into anything..but i wanted to lose weight bad enough that i made my mind up to do whatever i had to make it happen...all want power....i either do it or i dont......its up to me and it will be up to you also...hang in there...you took that first step, keep going.

Such a good question! Even though I thought I was mentally prepared, everyday is such a roller coaster ride for me. Sounds like you're preparing yourself and that's a great start. Best wishes to you!

LOVE lifetime MOVIES.........especially the ones where wives murder hubs hahahahha

The Bachelor
Biggest Loser
Big Brother
Anything on HGTV
I'm with you on Honey Boo Boo!

Can't wait until Dancing With The Stars!! Love, Fashion Police and Joan's sense of humor. I love raunchy humor.
Hate all the housewife shows. Love Criminal Minds.
Use to love The Girls Next Door.
Now what about porn?????

The Bachelor
Biggest Loser
Big Brother
Anything on HGTV
I'm with you on Honey Boo Boo!

The Bachelor
Biggest Loser
Big Brother
Anything on HGTV
I'm with you on Honey Boo Boo!

I took 10 months, but I am finally in "one-derland Congrats to myself.

I was a 20 year Coke addict, drinking at least 2 per day. My doctor prescribed Topamax to get me off the Cokes and it also helps with caffeine headaches. I did not once have a headache and the medication makes Coke taste terrible. I was able to quit cold turkey and have never gone back. I only took the Topamax for about 2 weeks.

I have been traveling a lot over the past few weeks for business and this past weekend I was on the same 4 hr flight as was my bariatric surgeon and his wife of all the coincidences!!
Turns out he was attending a conference with other bariatric physicians... And introduced me to his new partner whom I hadn't met. We Chatted and I asked him What one learns at a bariatric conference. He said its mostly talks and lectures learning about new procedures, current adaptations in old procedures and this year's focus was on aftercare. I told him I was so excited to hear about that because while I have no complaints with his aftercare from what I hear on this forum,....many drs have a difficiency In that area.
He said that aftercare is a topic that is discussed a lot and he said the majority of doctors he knows are very clear to their patients about the keys to being successful with the band. He said it doesnt pay for them not to explain it....people who are successful will be walking billboards And lets face it.. It's a business because it's an elective surgery...whether or not insurance covers it or not.
Seeing a dr once a month during the losing stage is paramount in his opinion. He said it allows the dr to get to know the patient, discuss what is working and more importantly what isn't. He said he cannot control the choices his patients make but seeing them once a month shows dedication to the cause and a level of accountability. He said 80% of his patients who don't Miss appointment are successful. Where as those who do have a much lower success rate. That makes complete sense to me.
I asked him why people aren't successful and he said unless there is a medical reason like a slip or some other problem it's because they aren't disciplined about following a measured way of eating, they aren't counting calories or they are eating the wrong things. He said he really believes the reason I was able to lose my weight is because I took it seriously and followed his rules. He also said most people expect miracles and think its a magic cure to get banded. They do not hear the dr when he tells them it will take lots of effort.
It was refreshing to speak to this man in a setting outside his office... But it further confirmed that the band is JUST a tool.... And like anything else it needs to be treated that way.

You get a standing ovation from me! Congrats!!

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I lost 50lbs the first three months and then my ex-wife asked for a divorce.... In short, Sex drive comes back LOL.