JosieK

I'll post pics this week. I have to figure out how.. This site keeps changing plus I'm technology challenged. I started at 270... I'm down to 165. Need to get last 15 lbs off that I re-gained...

Hi butterfly, I loved reading your enthusiasm for "what's to come?"as you start this journey. I was banded 7 years ago actually today! My life is sooo different... And I have to say I've entered the world. Previously I was so unhappy because of my weight.... I felt like I was on the outside looking in on everyone. 1year after I was banded, I started dating. I went on match & eharmony. I preferred match but everyone is different.... They are just a tool like the lapband is for weight loss. It can be difficult....but someone suggested I have fun with it... And that sort of changed my outlook. Another person suggested I date a few guys at once till I formulated what I liked in a guy. I hadn't dated for years. This also helped me from getting too attached too quickly. I met some pretty nice guys.... And some big fat liars... But it's a numbers game just like job hunting. The more you put yourself out there... The greater your chance of meeting a compatible person. I was dating 4 guys having fun with all of them...when my "husband- to-be" contacted me. He was also dating 4 woman at the time. We went on our first date then a second date and we decided to become exclusive..... And the rest is history. I never planned on getting married... I really just wanted to find someone to have a relationship,... But I met someone, fell in love and got married 3 1/2 years ago. You sound like a really good person... And your enthusiasm is infectious. So wishing you all the best. JosieK

Hi everyone, thought I'd check in and see if anyone is still coming onto the site from March 07. Today is my 7 year anniversary with my band. I am super happy I did this.... My life looks so different than it did 7 years ago.... I did gain 10 lbs this year so I am working at getting it off. I don't want to go back where I came from... The head hunger really is difficult but I am not going to let it get me. I stopped eating sugar on Ash Wednesday and I must say the cravings are gone. But it's one day at a time. Sugar was killing me this year. Last year I investigated switching to the sleeve. Mainly due to normal band behaviors we need to follow like having to chew slow, small pieces and some reflux issues I was having. My doctor recommended against it... I'm glad I didn't go that route because I'm hearing from some people that reflux is worse with sleeve. So I've disciplined myself to follow the directions I got on day 1 of getting my lapband Mainly eating slowly, small bites, etc. Anyway just wanted to jump on and check in.... Would love to hear how you guys are and how's it going? JosieK

Hi, I never heard of restrictions for flying and I've flown a lot since being banded in 2007. I do sometimes have a little more restriction after I fly but it's very temporary (2-3 days) and no big deal. Good luck.

Hi Kelli, For me that was my pattern. I would lose and then have a while where I didn't. I think the body needs to adjust. One thing that helped me was to stop weighing myself a lot. It made me crazy if I was on plan one day and didn't lose weight (which wasn't realistic). So I only weighed 1X a month. My clothes getting looser really gave me the indication of how I was doing. Best of luck

Best of luck to you and the girl having the operation 10/2. It is the best decision of my life. It is a tool that gives us back our lives.... But we must work it and use it as a tool... It's not magic. Best wishes

Hi, after flying and sometimes after I do heavy exercising... My band tightens a bit. It's no big deal. And it usually last only 2-3 days at most when I fly.

hi, i was banded 6 years ago and havent had any problems except ones i caused (ie. not chewing enough; eating too fast; having my restriction too tight.) i havent had a fill for 2 years but i still have restriction which i'm happy. the only issue i'm dealing with now is the head hunger and i am going to beat this..... while i was losing my weight, i came on the site alot and stayed away from the negativity. the site seems to be more positive now. back then there were alot of trouble makers and what i call "princess sharp-tongues" ha! but i dont think i wouldve been as successful as i have been without information i received on here. i found both my lapband doctor and my plastic surgeon on here and am thrilled.... anyway i am really happy i have my band....

Hi girls, I was banded on 3-30-07 and am very happy with my choice. At the time, I lived in Katy and was banded by Dr Spivak (loved, loved loved him and his staff). He has since moved back to Israel heading up their obesity hospital. I now live in Eagle Lake (60 miles west of Houston) Like everyone said before me, if we follow the Doctors direction and keep going forward.... It really works. Before I was banded I was reading posts on this site and obesityhelp.com. I found this site suited me more for the lapband. I chose this surgery because it didn't change my physiology. In doing my research I was concerned when I saw people that had a band and didn't lose any weight. I noticed they talked a lot about Dairy Queen, margaritas, etc. I thought "I don't want to have an operation and not get anywhere". But then I saw another group that journaled their food (I still use one. Originally I used spark people.com. I now use my fitness pal APP). These people also exercised and when they "fell off the wagon" (which did happen to me), they got back up, brushed themselves off and put one foot in front of the other. They also shared honestly what they were going through and many people helped. I made the decision to follow this group. And it has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. In reading your posts I got excited thinking about how your lives will change and the journey is fun...having NSV's like the first time I saw my collar bones again, or didn't need an extension on an airplane and didn't get dirty looks from the person that would be next to me on the airplane. Plus shopping in regular clothing depts... Cheaper and better selections... I stayed out of negative talk. I've noticed lately this site is alot more positive... Which is great..... I'm wishing you guys a great journey and if anyone needs help... I'm here. I'm actually in Katy and houston 3 times a week Josie

That's FABULOUS! Congrats....

Hi Frankie, I'm very glad you came and posted your concern today. Afterall this is supposed to be a supportive environment to do just that. i am someone that is happy i got my band. Before i was banded, I, like you, had concerns and was considering cancelling my operation. Reason being, i saw people that were banded for a few years that hadnt lost any weight. i didnt want to have an operation if that was going to be my result. I also saw people that were successful. in reading further... the people that didnt lose weight talked about dairy queen, margarita's, etc alot. The group that lost weight talked about journalling their food daily, exercise and problems they had but looked for solutions. in 2007, there weren't alot of issues with erosion, etc since the band was fairly new. in my journey i did have to work to get the correct restriction. when i "fell off the wagon", i went back to basics and journalled, exercised and got back on track. What i like about the band is that my basic physiology has not been changed. (no re-routing of digestive system, etc) If i wanted to, i could have it taken out (i dont plan on it). I recently went to the doctor for my yearly check up and asked about the vertical sleeve and he recommended i stay with the band. When the sleeve came out it seemed like the "panacea" of weight loss surgery. This is so new so we dont know what is happening down the road with that and i'm starting to see it has issues as well. i dont have any fill but still have restriction. i have the old 4cc band. i suggest you keep researching all options till you feel comfortable with your choice. I would get the band again.... i feel like i'm reborn. good luck in whatever you decide. josie

Best of Luck as you start your new life.... I'm very happy for you. You worked hard for this... Josie

Thank you everyone... It really is worth it.......

Hi NeenBand, I'm banded 6 years ago today. I am really happy I got the band. I just posted my story on March 2007 forum. I've had my difficulties but I believe many of them are due to me not following direction (ie. chew slowly, small bites, etc) I recently investigated switching to the sleeve but my doctor advises to stay with my band. I only have to lose the 10 lbs I recently gained. We are finding things out about the band that we didn't know initially but the sleeve is even newer then the band and we don't know what the issues will be in that surgery. So I'm staying with band. I know I need something to keep my weight off. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Hi, I think the before drinking is to see if the "hunger" is actually hunger or thirst (which happens to me sometimes) and/or make us a little more full before starting to eat. These are guesses. But sometimes when I'm hungry I really needed water. My doctor also just had the 30 mins after suggestion. Josie

Thank you everyone. I see you all are really embracing the lap band and making it work for you.... Great job Josie

Hi everyone, today is my actual 6th year anniversary. I was thinking 6 years ago this minute I was in surgery. And my life is completely different. First I must say getting the band has been the best thing I've ever done.... But it is something I had to work at to get where I'm at. I have to say this website was instrumental for many reasons. 1. Before I got the band, it gave me a clear picture of what to expect... The good and the difficulties. I was able to discern between people that were successful and people that had the band for a few years and didn't get anywhere. The successful people journaled their food, exercised and shared their issues to get solutions. When they fell off the wagon... They brushed themselves off and picked themselves off and started again. I was scared when I read about people that didn't succeed but in reading further, I think they looked at the band as a magic solution rather then a tool to supplement the habits listed above. 2. When I got the band, the site helped me through things that popped up and how to handle. I didn't get involved in the negative comments. I just shared my experience and took others' experiences that made sense to me. We are all different so one persons solution is not another's solution. 3. After losing my weight it also helped me to find a plastic surgeon in my area. And I was thrilled with my choice. The girl that posted her pictures and journey pointed me in the right direction for me. Since losing my weight, I have to say handling the head hunger has been a pretty big challenge. But I refuse to going back to being the "fatest person in the room". I had that role for too many years and do not want to go back there. This year I put on 10 lbs and I'm in the process of getting it off. I look at food as an addiction. Having years of recovery in a 12 step program for another issue..... I am applying those principles to food especially sugar. For me it's a physical, mental and spiritual issue. I know physically to reduce calories and exercise. One thing I learned after being banded... 85% of my weight loss needed to come from reducing calories 15% came from exercising. Previously I thought I could exercise my weight to my goal weight. Mentally I work with a counselor when the journey gets difficult. This helps me to identify why I turn to food when I'm happy, sad, stressed, excited. It doesn't matter what emotion comes up.... My coping mechanism is to turn to food/sugar. Spiritually... This has been the hardest to develop even tho' I've experienced it in my 12 step program for my other issue. In the past 6 weeks I've made quite a bit of progress. Some of the practices I use to connect to a Higher Power: 1. Daily I read literature related to people that have overcome the food addiction 2. I talk to other people that are dealing with this similar issue 3. Prayer and meditation is key.... Many people are successful with Overeaters Anonymous and I suggest anyone struggling to try it. For me it hasn't helped. I use my other program to apply the 12 step principles and use the OA literature. Some of the best benefits I've received are: -Lost 120 lbs, my back and knees no longer hurt from the extra weight. I can breathe better -I don't have to shop at large size stores. I actually was starting to outsize myself out of lane Bryant. I didn't know where to go after that -I can sit in a airplane seat and not spill over to the next one or have to have an extension. I used to hate the look on the person next to me when they saw me coming into their row. I met a wonderful man and got married 2 1/2 years ago. I wouldn't date when I was heavy so I never would've met him. Most importantly..... I've gained self respect, I'm not ashamed of myself. This is HUGE for me. Recently, I saw many people switching out from the band to other surgeries. I fully understand and am happy for everyone that finds their solution. I did investigate possible switching to the sleeve but the doctor recommends I stay where I'm at. I'm not Pollyanna about the band... There are ongoing challenges. Some of them are: I will always have to make sure I chew, chew, chew and eat slow, slow, slow. I happened to be a fast, large quantity eater in the past. I still have to be reminded.... My band is happy to help me on this ha! I don't have any fill but I still have restriction. I'm happy about this. But restriction fluctuates when I exercise, fly on an airplane, in the morning etc. I've learned what affects my band and make adjustments. I cant easily eat some of the things i really enjoy.....eggs, chicken, subway sandwich, peeps, twizzlers. But many of these things got me into trouble.... Is it a struggle? Sometimes.... A small price to pay for the life I have now. I think as long as anyone considering any weight loss surgery as a tool and not the magic answer.... Can lose weight and have a new life. I'm very grateful to Alex for starting this website as I'm not sure I would've been successful without it. Momlambert: congratulations on your Bandiversary . Unbelievable we are still "keep on keepin' on" I wish everyone success in your weight loss journey JosieK

Hi everyone, today is my actual 6th year anniversary. I was thinking 6 years ago this minute I was in surgery. And my life is completely different. First I must say getting the band has been the best thing I've ever done.... But it is something I had to work at to get where I'm at. I have to say this website was instrumental for many reasons. 1. Before I got the band, it gave me a clear picture of what to expect... The good and the difficulties. I was able to discern between people that were successful and people that had the band for a few years and didn't get anywhere. The successful people journaled their food, exercised and shared their issues to get solutions. When they fell off the wagon... They brushed themselves off and picked themselves off and started again. I was scared when I read about people that didn't succeed but in reading further, I think they looked at the band as a magic solution rather then a tool to supplement the habits listed above. 2. When I got the band, the site helped me through things that popped up and how to handle. I didn't get involved in the negative comments. I just shared my experience and took others' experiences that made sense to me. We are all different so one persons solution is not another's solution. 3. After losing my weight it also helped me to find a plastic surgeon in my area. And I was thrilled with my choice. The girl that posted her pictures and journey pointed me in the right direction for me. Since losing my weight, I have to say handling the head hunger has been a pretty big challenge. But I refuse to going back to being the "fatest person in the room". I had that role for too many years and do not want to go back there. This year I put on 10 lbs and I'm in the process of getting it off. I look at food as an addiction. Having years of recovery in a 12 step program for another issue..... I am applying those principles to food especially sugar. For me it's a physical, mental and spiritual issue. I know physically to reduce calories and exercise. One thing I learned after being banded... 85% of my weight loss needed to come from reducing calories 15% came from exercising. Previously I thought I could exercise my weight to my goal weight. Mentally I work with a counselor when the journey gets difficult. This helps me to identify why I turn to food when I'm happy, sad, stressed, excited. It doesn't matter what emotion comes up.... My coping mechanism is to turn to food/sugar. Spiritually... This has been the hardest to develop even tho' I've experienced it in my 12 step program for my other issue. In the past 6 weeks I've made quite a bit of progress. Some of the practices I use to connect to a Higher Power: 1. Daily I read literature related to people that have overcome the food addiction 2. I talk to other people that are dealing with this similar issue 3. Prayer and meditation is key.... Many people are successful with Overeaters Anonymous and I suggest anyone struggling to try it. For me it hasn't helped. I use my other program to apply the 12 step principles and use the OA literature. Some of the best benefits I've received are: -Lost 120 lbs, my back and knees no longer hurt from the extra weight. I can breathe better -I don't have to shop at large size stores. I actually was starting to outsize myself out of lane Bryant. I didn't know where to go after that -I can sit in a airplane seat and not spill over to the next one or have to have an extension. I used to hate the look on the person next to me when they saw me coming into their row. I met a wonderful man and got married 2 1/2 years ago. I wouldn't date when I was heavy so I never would've met him. Most importantly..... I've gained self respect, I'm not ashamed of myself. This is HUGE for me. Recently, I saw many people switching out from the band to other surgeries. I fully understand and am happy for everyone that finds their solution. I did investigate possible switching to the sleeve but the doctor recommends I stay where I'm at. I'm not Pollyanna about the band... There are ongoing challenges. Some of them are: I will always have to make sure I chew, chew, chew and eat slow, slow, slow. I happened to be a fast, large quantity eater in the past. I still have to be reminded.... My band is happy to help me on this ha! I don't have any fill but I still have restriction. I'm happy about this. But restriction fluctuates when I exercise, fly on an airplane, in the morning etc. I've learned what affects my band and make adjustments. I cant easily eat some of the things i really enjoy.....eggs, chicken, subway sandwich, peeps, twizzlers. But many of these things got me into trouble.... Is it a struggle? Sometimes.... A small price to pay for the life I have now. I think as long as anyone considering any weight loss surgery as a tool and not the magic answer.... Can lose weight and have a new life. I'm very grateful to Alex for starting this website as I'm not sure I would've been successful without it. Momlambert: congratulations on your Bandiversary . Unbelievable we are still "keep on keepin' on" I wish everyone success in your weight loss journey JosieK

Hi, Checking in..... Finally set an appointment with Dr. Scarborough to check things out. It's going to be weird going into Dr spivak's building and seeing a new Dr. Heard good things about this group..... Having trouble eating....and don't have a fill.....

Hi SVM The brachiplasty was the easiest operation for me to recover. Even easier then the lap band. My operation was pretty straightforward....no drains, etc. I'd say 10 days would be a good amount of time. My operation was on a Wednesday. I would've been able to go back after 1 1/2 weeks. I don't work anymore but I was doing pretty heavy housework within 1 week. Good luck in your Quest Josie

Hi, No he moved back to Israel. Heading up an obesity group/hospital. It happened over a year ago. I learned about it on this website. Weird he didn't send anything out to us. I need to go see someone....I think I'll try dr Scarborough Good luck Josie

Hi Donna, I lived on Protein shakes and protein shots my first year of being banded....especially in the morning when my band was very tight. I still use protein shakes periodically in the morning or when im travelling and when I work out to be sure to get it all in. I also have trouble with chicken. I find if I cook beef medium instead of well done... It is easier to eat. I can't eat leftovers for the most part. Slow cooked pork works wells. But I mainly eat fish (which I love). But like you, when I get tired of it, I eat chick peas, Beans, etc. When I didn't get enough protein when I was first banded my hair started falling out. Hence the protein shakes and bullets. It immediately corrected the problem. Best of luck Josie

One last thing.... I drank gallons of water... I still do. I felt like I was drowning ha!

Hi, let me start off saying this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. It wasn't easy...but so worth it. I think a few key things for me were: 1. Look at the band as a tool and not a magic cure. 2. I used this site for information. I did not get into any debates with anyone. (back when i was banded there were some pretty nasty people on here. It seems to have gotten much better...people are more supportive) Each person's opinions and journey are their own. -I tried to follow people that were banded before me that we're successful. These people journaled their food (myfitnesspal is a good one), they exercised and when they fell off the wagon....they worked to get back on track. -i was concerned before being banded because I noticed some people hadn't lost weight after having the band for a pretty long time. But after investigating I noticed they talked a lot about dairy queen, taco bell, etc. and they thought the band was a magic cure. You'll be able to see the people that are working hard at it.... Connect with them My plan was: 1. Journal food 2. Exercise (3 aerobics/2 weight training per week) although when I started out I could barely do one class a week) I had to build up to this. 3. I only weighed and measured myself 1 time a month. I did both (weigh/measure) because I was losing inches fast. So I could see a complete picture. In the beginning I was weighing myself a lot and it drove me crazy. I actually put my scale at my sister in laws house so I couldn't get to it easily. 4. I wrote down my NSV's (non scale victories). Like the first time I rode in an airplane without the belt extension or when I first saw my collar bones. These helped me to keep going. 5. I also met up with other bandsters in my area as support. 6. I read LBT stories for support. Anyway let me know if you have any questions or need more info Best of luck in your journey... Josie

Hi Cmarie, Regarding foods you won't be able to eat....I can relate to your feelings. The day before my surgery, I walked around Target saying goodbye to twizzlers, peeps and other such candy. I thought I wouldn't be able to eat them for the rest of my life. But fast forward I can eat them..l.but I dont want them anymore. One thing to factor in... When you start losing weight, and your clothes are smaller, and you get compliments from friends and family.... You may not want to eat these things because you love your new life. This happened to me... Don't get me wrong..I would fall off the wagon....but get right back on. There's nothing better then to be able to fit in a plane seat without an extra belt. Plus the first time my collar bones came out....I was ecstatic. Regarding soda.... I didn't drink some for the first 3 years. The first year I couldn't drink it without it bubbling back up. But then I got out of the habit of drinking it. I do drink soda now and it's fine. If I eat too much... I have a PB (productive burp) and/or it starts to hurt. Before the band... I thought about food 24/7. After the band...I would only think about eating when I was truly hungry. If you want this... You can do it. Some of the things that helped me was to journal everything I ate. I did it on my fitness pal. There are many good APPs to journal calories, etc. I also only weighed myself once a month. The scale was driving me crazy and I exercised. It helped me to reason not to eat junk if I did it. Ice cream was a big issue for me as it is easier to eat then real food. Anyway I hope this helps..... Joanne