BlueMoon~T

I was pushed toward RNY because I had so much weight to lose. I had been to a consult with one of the best bariatric surgeons in my area. Here I was talking about all the research I had done and why I chose the Lap Band. He shut me down... he told me he knew what was best for me, RNY. I, too, cried when I got to my car. I thought about it for a week then scheduled an appointment with the surgeon who gave me my Lap Band. As TMF stated,my surgeon told me I would have to be committed and work hard. It hasn't been easy, but I'm successfully losing and I'm very optimistic that I WILL meet my goal. This choice is all about you. I'm not saying one surgery is better than another. What I am saying is, this about your future, don't let someone else decide for you! Best wishes!

@@JessS I didn't after Lap Band surgery, but after I had my gallbladder removed I lost my voice for a week and my throat was sore for several weeks after. That being said, I would give your surgeon a call just to be safe. Also, have you had heartburn or any acid reflux issues? Or did they do a hernia repair? Keep us updated!

@@Size66 everyone's experience after a fill is different. In my experience after my first fill I felt a small difference. My Dr. puts me on clear liquid for a day, full liquid for two days, then mushies for two more days. Again, every Dr. is different. The diet after the fill helps your body adjust to the fill and allows time for swelling to dissipate. Sometimes you might not feel any restriction for a couple of weeks. So, your eating will have to change according to what your surgeon's recommendations are. Then you will have to wait and see how you feel afterwards. Also, did your surgeon or nutritionist give you some guidelines as far as how much protein/veggies/carbs Fluid you should be eating? I was just curious because you stated your eating is just as it was pre-band. Good luck with your fill!

Here are my fur babies! Woman's best friends! <3

@@ChristineZ fills are fine a little pinch and that's about it. Does your office use a fluoroscope to do your fills? You're doing awesome with your progress! Now, as far as eating what you are eating now after fills. It will change. You might find some foods don't pass through your band like they do now. You will have to ensure you're taking smaller bites and chew, chew,chew! Fills help you become more in tune with your band. You'll notice you'll get full on a smaller amount of food and you'll stay satisfied for longer periods of time. One caveat, everyone is different. It took me three fills to get to "green". It might just take one for you or several. As long as you are following your surgeons advice you'll continue to do great. Don't worry about your fill. It's really no biggie! Best wishes!

This is a good read. I definitely lean towards the alter approach. After all, this isn't just another diet. As you mentioned, most of the time foods placed on "not allowed" list will soon be calling our names. Usually ending with a guilt ridden binge. Like TMF stated, only enough for one serving, or at least IMO a taste to soothe that craving. Lastly, the mindful eating has been the biggest difference in my weight loss process. My WLS helps me be mindful of everything I put into my mouth, how big the bites are and how long I chew. Then waiting for that sensation that what I've eaten has passed through my band. Mindful always of all things good or not so good that I put into my body. It's all altered from the place I was.

@@karina33 it took me about three fills to get to green. My band has really helped quiet my hunger. It's made me think about everything I put in my mouth! I've also been told those (like me) who have more weight to lose will lose more quickly, then slow down. I'm not sure if those are words of encouragement. Keep watching your portion sizes and following Dr.'s orders and you'll make your goal.

Sorry, had to giggle!! Especially when I saw I had been mentioned in a post TWICE by you. You're just too cute!

You're very welcome, dear! Have a great day!!

@@karina33 congratulations! You're doing great. We all have to find our niche in what works best for us. I have to remind myself constantly that we are all different. We all lose at different rates at different fill levels. I have a little over 9cc's in my band and I'm in the green. So what your nurse said rang true with me. As far as exercise goes, start out small. Ever little bit counts! Personally, I don't care to go to the gym. I have DVDs that I do at home and walk/hike outside at every opportunity! Keep up the good work!

I've just used the @@enjoythetime and it works every time!

Did my Yoga and attempted to match my movements with the more difficult poses. Also, did my resistance bands exercises. I am hurting today after my hike yesterday. Muscles are aching where I didn't even know I had muscles. But, I'm feeling accomplished!!

I haven't spoken to a plastic surgeon yet, but I'm impatiently waiting for the day I met my goal weight. I would sign up for a tummy tuck today, but then how would my tummy look after I lost an additional 60 something lbs? Not so great. I agree with@LumpySpacePrincess. I've had three children and they stretch your skin in areas and ways you never dreamed possible. It would definitely make more sense to wait until after you have children. IMO

Sorry to hear about your port being flipped. I've seen a lot of posts on this complication. Thank goodness it's an easy repair. Let us know how you're doing!

Congratulations, Mike! It's very normal to be nervous before the big day! Try to stay focused on your little Luigi and getting a healthier you! I'll be thinking of you...don't forget to keep us in loop about your progress! Best wishes!

@@cadu Congratulations! How awesome that you already have a partner to go through this process with. I'm sure you two will be invaluable assets to each other. I'm truly happy for you two! Let us know how things go!

@@kassy07 I'm not sure if I'm the best at motivating people on here, but it sounds like you need to take a step back and remind yourself why you got WLS to begin with. Also, your weight loss is good and you should be proud of what you've accomplished this far. We all knew or should have known that this process would not be easy. We all have/had to face our challenges with food. After all, the band is there to help us it doesn't cure us. This is the time when you have to dig deep because only you can WANT this for yourself...and let me just say you deserve it. If your surgical center does not offer support groups see what you can find on Facebook. You can also check out the mentors section on this site to see if there is someone you can connect with and have some accountability to. When I feel down I read through some of the success stories on here or listen to my favorite music. Exercise even helps tremendously to keep my eye on the prize. Your self sabotaging by going for sliders. Don't keep them in the house if you can help it. Have faith that you'll get to the green and teach your mind to listen to your band...not just your head. Ask yourself if you're truly hungry or are you bored, lonely, depressed, anxious. I used to be an emotional eater. I still struggle, it's not always easy, but I want to be a thinner and healthier me more than I want to eat crap food. You've got this! Don't give up on YOU!

@@BandedCandace, first off *Hugs* Secondly, you have lost a lot of weight. You should be proud of your progress! Don't let dumbass take that away from you. If your switching your food around remember its still more calories spent than calories consumed. You could be building muscle. Have you measured yourself or noticed a difference in the way your clothes are fitting. Look for ANY NSV! You've got this. I'm so with you on wanting to give a giant middle finger to the people who have said negative things about my WLS. But seriously, you have to get the attitude of F*** em! You did this for yourself and you can do this. Don't give up you're worth this fight, this struggle, it's part of our WANT to WILL ourselves to be successful. You have an entire community here who want to see you reach your goals. The only failure here would be you giving up! Find your mantra and when you feel like giving up, say it over and over. Now, I can be emotional too. I sometimes wear my feelings on my sleeve and all I can say is use it. Cry if you need to but get angry at those assholes that are giving you shit! Find an exercise that let's you release some of your frustrations. Oddly enough, yoga works for me. Now go get em tiger! We've got your back!

Thank you! Only five weeks until she arrives. I can't wait!!

Did my yoga today, as well as Sat. & Sun. I've also been using my exercise ball with my resistance bands in the afternoon, it takes me about 30 mins.to get through the resistance exercises and with the yoga is about 45 mins. My stamina has improved greatly and boy they both make me work up a sweat. Also, I'm headed out the door to go hike a five mile trail near my house. The weather is beautiful and I just want to be outside in it!

Easier compared to what? Everything is relative... Ignorance of the dedication it takes to be compliant WLS "losers". There are plenty of people on this forum that haven't been successful with their surgeries. I'm not judging, but you have to change your lifestyle. No matter what surgery you have and if you don't it won't work. So, easy... no way! Oddly enough, my two best friends are gym rats and runners and have been my biggest supporters. The negativity has come from friends and family who are over-weight. Now, I'm just letting my progress speak for itself. If ppl don't like it, tell them to kiss your shrinking ass!

B-52, I always enjoy your posts because you always have a positive "can do" attitude! I have no doubt you'll do great...just wanted to say, "Enjoy your trip!".

Hey there! I too would suggest Yoga. I have a lot of back issues and nerve damage issues. I'll share advice I was given and have read on this forum. Any extra movement you can do is a step in the right direction. Also. Per my PT I'm starting to use resistance bands and have an exercise ball. Google or YouTube are great for finding anything from beginners to advanced exercises. Do what you can, when you can. Best wishes!

Did my yoga this morning and was feeling good enough to go for a walk. It's only 45* this am in MO, but helped me walk faster! I can barely keep up with my chihuahua, Taco! TGIF my friends!