Kristina J.

So happy for you that you've decided on the sleeve over the band! I think you'll be so much better off!! I'm in AZ... Though in October I'll be 30 and not quite qualified for the "Twenties" board anymore! Lol

That's one of my favorites! Lol Most people in my life know about my lap band and upcoming revision, but in the rare occasions where I would have to explain scars to someone new (like maybe a new boyfriend) that I wasn't ready to spill my secrets too, I always went with "Tijuana knife fight." Got a giggle and ended the discussion!

Thanks! It really wasn't bad. It really was just some bad headaches, an MRI and a few weeks of blood thinners. Sounds a lot scarier than it actually was at the time! After the initial headaches, I never felt it or was bothered by it at all. And that was 2 years ago. No problems since! Just a prime example of my children trying to kill me! Haha

Jackie is right. As banders, we know all too well how hard Pasta and carbs can be to work through a small opening!! But more importantly, don't worry!! You'll put more stress on yourself than you need. You've been through this before. Weight loss surgery is hardest in the very beginning as you learn what you can and cannot handle. So early out, just stick with the foods you know you can eat that make you full. And as you heal, some foods make work one day, but not the next, and the be fine again, same as with the band!! But just remember that you've done this before and you CAN do it again!! In fact, I think you've got a leg up on everyone else emotionally because you've already been here before. Take it slow and easy and I think you'll find it becomes easier the further out you get. Talk to your NUT and your docs, and stick to your plan. And I wouldn't worry about having a little bit larger stomach. I would freak out if I heard that too, but the reality is, you still lost the majority of your stomach and if you stick to the plan, you will see results, just like everyone else!!! Let us know how you're doing!! Thinking of you!!

Hopefully it's something they can get under control for you easily!! Did you have reflux with your band? I've had horrible reflux for years. I'm not counting on that going away, would it be nice if it did! lol I've heard of it going all different ways, better, same and worse! :-/ Has the doc mentioned what he may be able to do for you?! Thinking of you. Last thing any of us need after dealing with a lap band, is trouble after a revision!!

I think my pills are the same size as the ones you posted, they're 40mg, but they really aren't that big. Many people have said that they could take pills shortly after as long as they weren't any bigger than an M&M... and these (if they are the same) are smaller than that! Obviously best to ask our respective surgeons though!

I think it's awesome, slow fast OR average! I've lost 12 in a month (still pre-op) and I'm STARVING!!! lol Like, it might actually be making me blind! Haha Just remember how hard it was to lose just 5lbs pre-sleeve. You're rockin it!!

My pet peeve: tube tops in my size (26/28 ). Tempted to buy one to rock in my "before" picture...

Can't wait to hear how you did!! Thinking of you!

All hormonal birth controls make me feel that way and help me gain weight. After I had a blood clot (in my brain of all places) after my last daughter, I was no longer allowed to be on hormonal BC. I was going to go with ParaGuard as well since its hormone free and works for 10 years, but ended up needing a hysterectomy instead! That is awesome BC lol I would talk to your GYN about the IUD!

I used to be the same way about the gym. Until I realized, what are they gonna say about me?! "Look at that big red-faced, fat, sweaty chick trying to get healthy... Disgusting!!" Screw 'em!!

That's an awesome idea!!!! You would definitely deserve it!!

Hey Mama!! I will be getting there on the 10th for surgery May 11th. We may both be at the hotel on the 10th if I'm counting correctly!! Lol

I'm kejohnson83 ... Add me, add me!!!

It will be hard, and I know there will be times it will be hard forever! But I wanted to say that I think it's fantastic that you've quit!! Obviously it will make you healthier, but it's such a good mental and emotional step to take too! Getting our heads in the right place before surgery is so important and you've already started making the hard choices on your path to be healthy!! food will be an easy change compared to the steps you've already taken!! Congratulations!

Forgot to add, the non-hormonal IUD is the one that lasts 10 years!

Hormonal birth control always seemed to help me gain weight (even though I could gain just fine on my own). I was considering an IUD after my last daughter was born a couple years ago due to the way my body has always reacted to hormonal birth control. There are two different IUD's, one with hormones and one without. Mirena (the hormonal IUD) lasts 5 years and can even stop your period while its in, but is a hormonal birth control so your body could react by retaining/gaining weight, along with other hormonal side effects.. Because of that I was going to use ParaGuard, the non-hormonal IUD. This one can actually lengthen your period by a day each month, however, with no hormones, can avoid all the side effects of hormonal methods! I ended up needing to have a hysterectomy at 28 years old and now it's not an issue for me anymore! (Thank goodness) But, if not for my hysterectomy I would likely have chosen the non-hormonal IUD based on my history with hormonal methods!

Of course!

Unfortunately the only WLS experience I had in San Diego was bad, so I could only say who NOT to go to! Though I heard that surgeon has actually since quit practicing due to illness. Best of luck!

Neither link worked from my phone, but both did from my computer! Sent my request! Thanks for making a group. I think it's a great idea!

Sounds good to me (a closed group is fine with me, I know some people prefer secret though). The link isn't working from my phone, so I'll try from my computer this afternoon!

This is so heartbreaking. A painful reminder to never discount the risks of such a serious procedure. It breaks my heart to think that the decision to get healthy factored so heavily in his death. We are all here because we are suffering or have suffered the same overweight lives. This loss hits close to home for all of us, whether we knew Fred or not. Praying for God to bring comfort to his family. Rest in paradise, Fred!