icebergslim

My best advice, and I'm speaking from experience, is to cut out sugar and empty carbs. They will do nothing but slide through your band and stall your weight loss. I know how tempting they are, trust me!!! About a year after being banded, I started giving in to temptation. I would eat an entire bucket of ice cream in one evening. I could also put back a family sized package of Cookies.... All because I figured out my band wouldn't stop me. What a waste. I was sabotaging my own success. I lost 155 pounds and reached my goal weight in under 2 years, but I had about 4 months in there where I was eating poorly and didn't lose. I still struggle with saying "no" every day. You will thank yourself when you stop. The first couple of weeks might be hard, but your cravings will decrease a lot! Love yourself. Love your body. Remind yourself that you only have 1 body and you deserve to be happy and healthy. You can do this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

And, I was banded over 3 years ago and I still have 1-2 Protein shakes every day. To me, they are a simple way of getting extra protein, I like them, and they satisfy me. I don't do well with a lot of meats and solid protein. I still eat too fast. That being said, I like the "tightness" of my band and haven't had a fill/adjustment in over a year. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It did not take my "head hunger" away....ever. But, if you reach a proper fill level, your physical hunger should diminish. I spend a lot of time talking myself out of eating unhealthy/slider foods and I've been in the "green zone" for 2+ years. It's still a battle, but I've got a sweet tool helping me with this fight. I love my band. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 18 months out and have only told a handful of people. I'm glad I've kept this under wraps. It's my business how I chose to handle my addiction. I tell people all the time about what I'm eating and my exercise habits. I'm not lying, I'm just choosing not to share info about the band. There is no shame in being a private person.

I started a run/walk program that I found online. There are lots to choose from. I chose one from Runners World magazine and it's very do-able. I have NEVER been fond of running, but I get such a great sense of satisfaction now that I can actually complete the "assigned run" each day. Maybe that would spice things up for you? I also write all my workouts down in my day planner. I treat them like an appointment and really try to keep on schedule.

My out of pocket portion was met through all the pre-op blood work, x-rays, etc, so I don't think I had to pay anything on surgery day. Now I just pay my office visit copay when I go in for fills and checkups.

I have BCBS-IL. They only took a couple weeks to approve me. (Banded April 2013). My doctors office is VERY organized and they submitted everything correctly the first time. Also, once the paperwork is submitted to BCBS, wait about a week and then call them yourself. I double checked that they had everything they needed and they gave me a verbal acceptance right then over the phone. I was able to schedule my surgery for 1 month after my official approval. Good luck! I love BCBS-IL!

Something I've learned about my band.... I will not be able to eat solids (sometimes all day) unless I start my day with a hot drink. I've never been a drinker of hot things, but since the band I have grown to really like hot tea. I start every day with a 20oz. mug of hot tea and I'm in good shape. I still have to follow ALL the band rules for eating, but at least I'm not getting stuck. Good luck. I hope you are able to figure out a good routine for you.

Mine are treated as an "office visit" with an added "surgical procedure", according to my insurance statement. Regardless of the way it's billed, I pay my $25 co-pay each time.

I've lost 133 pounds in 16 months with the band. Just typing that number makes me feel so good about my decision to have the LapBand. I just looked up "What weighs 130 pounds?" online and found out that I've lost a newborn giraffe. Crazy cool!

Good luck! I'm excited for you! Please share as you are going through your journey

I stated my journey at 326. After being banded for 16 months, I hit 199. I've moved down to the low 190's, and have been maintaining there for 2 months. I'm 5'11, so my doc is very satisfied if I stay where I am and don't lose any more weight. I'd still like to lose 20 pounds, but I'm not stressing about it. Good luck! You can do it!

CountrySweet.... I'm down exactly 133 pounds as well! Doesn't it feel amazing? Way to go!

VERY cute and flattering hair! Congratulations!

Allergan will send you an official "I-have-a-Lapband" card. My doc gave me a welcome packet from Allergan and there was a postcard inside that you fill out and send in. The card also has "Please let me order from the kids menu" on the back. It's nice to have in case you ever need it.