labwalker

I wonder if the complication rate is skewed due to the problems and removal rate for the old 4cc sized bands that are no longer being used in the US? There are a lot of quacks promoting WLS, and I firmly believe that a surgeon needs to provide the best option for WLS on an individual basis. There were some real horror stories regarding WLS clinics on the West Coast several years ago. Shop for a surgeon with an impeccable reputation.

Why risk putting all the weight back on after losing it? Once the port is removed, the band will have no Fluid. And, you will be back on your own for controlling your diet. You might consult with your surgeon if the port can be moved to a location where it is less conspicuous--if that ever even becomes an problem.

It may not hurt to talk to a claim resolution specialist at your insurance as well.

Serious problem, and a serious lack of self respect and pride.

Dumb and dumber. She is killing herself.

Most surgeons won't do a fill until at least four weeks after surgery. This is to allow time for healing. Port pain after a fill doesn't seem to be reasonable. I'd call your surgeon's office for advice. Stress shouldn't cause pain, and having a fill shouldn't be "stressfull."

I'm down 50 pounds since December (2012.) Awesome feeling, isn't it?

Wow! I think you are awesome, and I am looking forward to doing as well as you did!

I'll admit to being scared about the surgery... having severe sleep apnea and being put under scared the daylights out of me. But, in the end it was all worth it. Once you go home you'll realize that it was all worth doing, and you'll be glad the hospital part is behind you...

If they honestly believe that having WLS is cheating, I wonder if they would forgo having surgery for a ruptured appendix? Honestly, the public's perception of what living with being overweight is tied to perceptions that we all eat McDonalds french fries 24/7/365 and that is "our fault." BTW, there is a singles discussion group here... Hang in there, you will do fine. Keep the faith. Some gyms have pools with exercise groups for folks with arthritis or bad joints, you might look into that option for exercise.

Mourning Doves build nests in hanging plants where I live.

This probably depends on the surgeon, but for mine the first four visits were within 4 to 8 eight weeks of each other. The first two were within a month. What I would like to add is that if you are having a fill, many surgeons will NOT do a fill if you will traveling and out of town within 7 days of the fill. If there is a problem, you may end up in the emergency room at a hospital where WLS surgeons don't have a practice. That will only happen if you get stuck and it doesn't clear up; or if you end up being dehydrated and needing IV intervention. Discuss all of this with your doctor's office to work up a follow plan that meets your schedule and his requirements.

Eight pounds is 30,000 calories. Not to be a downer, but most of the beginning weight loss is often fluid related. I'm only saying this so you won't be discouraged if some of the weight pops back on... it did for me. Please don't take my comments as being negative, But, as you progress, the pounds will keep coming off, at a more modest rate. Keep up your positive attitude and best of luck!

I gained until my third fill Give it time, it will work for you. Following the nutritionist's guidelines regard Protein intake is also very important! Band restriction is 1/3 of the equation. Having enough protein and controlling calories is another 1/3. The rest is up to you, Everyone is a bit different, you will find what you need to do and what works for you as time goes on. The follow up visits are important to discuss problems.

WE SUPPORT YOU!!!! When I had this surgery I told very few friends, and NONE of my relatives. I don't need to be judged by others. Here, you are among others who share the same pain and experiences than come with weight problems and living with the band. You are doing this for YOU! Not them. Your friends can't have surgery for you, nor can they do what needs to be done to achieve your goals. Stick with your plans, and have faith in yourself! When they see the difference the surgery makes, they will come around.

I'm another protein counter... low-fat yogurt cup for breakfast, and maybe four fish fillets (7 or 8 oz total) for lunch and supper. 450 calories, but those account for 80 to 90 grams of protein. The rest of my 400 calories is from veggies or fruits. I find this works for me, but I will swap a chix breast for fish to vary the meals.

My band is still loose enough that I can eat almost anything... for me, eating 90 grams of protein a day seems to help control the calories--so far I am under 1000 calories and don't get too many urges to cheat. My NUT pushed eating protein first, and filling up on veggies and fruit afterwards. I don't have to watch portion sizes, but I do track everything that goes into my mouth.

I "measure" my food, too.... but I don't get wrapped in the "Cup" size that the nutritionist advocated. Instead I count grams of protein, and the calories second. Going for nutrition, and keep calories at what your body needs seems to work for me. One of my wife's frozen pork and hamburger meatballs will cause discomfort (too dry), while I can eat a full can of drained green beans (3.5 cups, 70 calories) with no problems. I think everyone has to find what works for them, while keeping within the guidelines laid out by the doctor and nutritionist.

I agree with dropping the calories, but keep the protein where it should be. Exercising does work. I think at 1400 calories I would probably be maintaining instead of losing. I do under 1000 calories a day, but try to keep the protein at 80 to 90 grams.

Wow, that is almost exactly what I posted a few days ago, after going in for a fourth fill! I also eat my Protein, and then add veggies or salad to fill up. I know I am doing more than the "cup" of food at a meal. I am going for a fluoroscope as part of my follow up before going back in two months. The APRN said that will show where the band is at.

Yep. As the weight comes off, I can feel it more and more. I suspect it will be visible (bump) as I progress towards goal.

Yeah, it is really embarrassing when you try out a new machine, in a crowded gym, and sit on it backwards I like going when it is empty. LOL.

I do under 1000 calories a day, and keep the protein between 85 and 90 grams (eat a lot of fish fillets.) I just saw my APRN yesterday, and he had some minor concerns that I could eat more if I wanted to, but he felt that I was nutritionally on a very sound track. He also advised NO fill, since it wouldn't have accomplished anything for me at this stage. So long as you are getting enough nutrients and protein, I suspect you are doing quite well. But, a nutritionist would be the best one to advise you. Congrats on the weight loss!

I can make 91 grams of protein on a 900 calorie diet. I buy bags of frozen fish fillets at Costco, and eat two for lunch and dinner. And yogurt for breakfast. I add some blueberries, apples, pears, and veggies to balance things out. Fish is a soft food, and if you like baked fish, you might consider adding more to your diet when you are able to eat it.

I joined a gym, and the weights can be intimidating. So, I do my cardio on the tread mill, and also some of the less intimidating machines. Don't let the regular crowd intimate you! Once you start going and get into a routine you'll be the same as any of the other "regulars" and will blend right in. Going to a gym takes a bit of courage, but if I can do it, anyone can!