Bandora

Great article! I experienced some hair loss after my lap-band about 3-6 months post surgery. I was diligent about getting my protein in ( even if I had to drink a shake a day to get it in) I take a multi & iron and feel pretty good. I didn't lose much hair and my hairstylist says it is common to experience slight hair loss after any surgery as well as when we age. I simply had a hairstyle change and didn't sweat it much.

Is your husband overweight? If so, maybe he is jealous and feeling insecure. Does he feel you wont want to go out to dinner anymore or spend time with him if you have the WLS? I encourage you to take him to a support group meeting or have him see how many ways WLS can improve your life. He might have some questions and once he sees the benefits he may be more supportive. You can eat healthier and work out together and he will feel more accepting of your new lifestyle. Expose him to all the information about the surgery- the more he knows the more supportive he should be. Good Luck to you!

I loved my caffeine pre-band. I was hooked on Diet Dr Pepper and Diet Mtn Dew ( Go figure, diet soda!!) I knew I would have to cut out soda so I went cold turkey. I started replacing my sodas with Crystal Light and eventually switched over to plain Water. One in a while I may have some iced tea that has caffeine but I try to avoid it. I had an espresso last month and I was wired for 8hrs. I know that I sleep better after giving up caffeine and my skin looks the best ever since I have so much water. I think tea and coffee are ok in moderation but I think the soda is just a poison to most people.

I am on a month-long plateau and its driving me crazy. I work out harder than ever. I just had to put the scale away. It makes me to angry. This happens every few months. I have been in the 185-187 range forever and just want to get under 180.

When I lost my weight I noticed my eyes looked way bigger ( which is because my chubby cheeks were no longer squishing them) I also got a smaller pair of glasses and lost a full shoe size.It is also nice to have lost fat around my neck so I can wear cute necklaces again.

I have not had any surgery yet but I would say I would prefer to have a scar as opposed to the bat wings. I bet the scarring is really not that noticeable in your normal clothing. If it makes you feel confident I would say go for it!

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost) What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery? I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off. Overall I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Miss you most: All You Can Eat Buffets Don't miss you at all : Frumpy "fat girl" clothes Overall there are not as many things that I miss about my pre-band life The ability to overstuff ones face is nothing compared to the joy of being able to buy cute clothes.

I too am stuck on a plateau .I have been 187-189 forever.I can wear smaller pants than tops due to my body shape. Although I have lost over 100 lbs., I sometimes still feel huge. It is hard because I should know I won't transform into a petite girl. My shoulders are broad and even if I lose 40 more lbs. I will never been teeny tiny. I am trying to focus on my cardio and workouts but sometimes I feel like a big old Amazon, surrounded by friends and family that are size 2's. I have to limit my weigh ins to once a week or I get super down for the whole day. Also, I have learned to really find clothing styles that flatter my body. The right cut and style for body type can make you feel and look slimmer. Don't be so hard on yourself. You look beautiful!

I was held back for several reasons. #1 would be the fear of failing. Ex: I had lost weight many times over the years( only to regain" #2 Listening to so- called friends. Ex: Everyone wants to fill your head with all of these bariatric horror stories. Looking at where I am now, I can't even comprehend why I was so afraid. I wish I would have done this years ago...lots of time wasted.

I use scoop Vanilla whey protein, handful of Kale , scoop of Greek Yogurt ( Honey) and a few raspberries/strawberries which are frozen. It blends up nicely in my Nutribullet. Add crushed ice/water or lite almond milk if you want it thinner.

You can make your own Breakfast cookie/bar. I played around with a recipe I found online. Ingredients Steel cut oatmeal ( approx 2 cups) bought from Sprout’s 2 small/medium ripe bananas vanilla whey Protein powder ( 2 scoops) Raisins Slivered almonds( from the baking aisle Greek yogurt- ( Greek Gods Honey Vanilla) I full cup Vanilla extract Mix: Mix 2 scoops of vanilla Protein Powder into 2 cups of steel cut oatmeal. Stir this dry mix together. Cut the bananas into a few small pieced and mash in the bananas with a fork ( the riper the better) Keep mashing until all mixed into the dry mixture. Stir in raisins and almonds . I used about ¼ cup of each but you can add according to taste. Add one cup of the Greek Yogurt and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir this up so it is a chunky consistency..if too thick you can add a little vanilla almond milk or regular milk.. It should look like regular oatmeal cookie dough. Not runny. Cook: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. We used a pizza stone for baking ours. Drop Cookies on stone/cookie sheet *My batch made about 10 cookies depending on size you want. I baked for 8min and then took cookies out to cool/harden on the warm pizza stone. I flipped over and set back in the oven ( heat off) to let them sit a few more minutes. This is all personal preference if you want them harder or chewy. Also, depends on oven and how fast it cooks. Variations: You can substitute chopped dates or cranberries in place of raisins You can use crushed walnuts or pecans in place of slivered almonds. chocolate whey powder in place of vanilla Experiment depending on your likes. Much better than dry bars from the shelf in my opinion

I get the whey protein powder from Sam's Club. I prefer Vanilla because I don't care for chocolate. I mix a scoop with skim milk and 1/2 banana. For pre-mixed I love the Muscle Milk Banana Crème. They are pricey but yummy.

I have had multiple fills to reach my sweet spot so hopefully this will help you. Make sure you are really measuring all of portions. For me, I found that I overfill my plate unless I use measuring tools.

I take childrens Flintstone chewable multi + Iron daily. I have always loved the taste! They are inexpensive and working well for me.

I wish I would have done something sooner. Based on what I know now, I would have chosen the VSG over the LapBand. I really do not like being able to feel the port. I am happy with my results regardless!

I get slight pain every once in awhile. I think I pull muscles when I am working out and don't realize until the next day. It usually goes away in 24-48 hours. I have not yet called my dr. I never have severe pain.

I read about the waist training and it was interesting. I am such an apple shape. I would love to have a smaller waist. I am losing my tummy, but I wish I had some curves. No butt, no hips...so a smaller waist would be amazing.

The best feeling is being able to fit into regular sizes for the first time in forever! I still get Lane Bryant mailers and it makes me smile to know I am too small to wear anything in their store. I have an apple shape so even thought I am currently 189 I wear size 12 pants ( size 10 if they are stretch jeans) That was a big kick to me. I have donated most of my old work clothes and hopefully someone can use them. I also had to buy all new bras/lingerie which was fun. Although my wardrobe is limited now I look forward to shopping. No more overpriced plus size clothes. That will save me $$

I experienced hair loss about 2 months after my surgery. After that my hair seems to be growing back as normal. I do feel it was due to the low amount of protein because I was on pre-op diet and then was only doing liquids/mushies. Currently I take Biotin daily as well as a multivitamin. My hair stylist was telling me that as women age we lose more hair. I just turned 45 so maybe that is due to my aging. Anyways, I chose a new hair style that I don't have to blowdry and flatiron and my hair is looking pretty thick these days.

I have 6.5cc in my 10cc band and that seems to be the sweet spot for me. I had about 7 fills ( and one unfill) to get to that point. It's amazing how a tiny difference can move you into the red zone. I have been at 6.5 since about May of this year and unless I feel huge difference, I am going to ride this out. I have a new job and my fills are not covered and honestly I cant afford the out of pocket fees.

There are so many rude things that people have said. Let me list a few: People sighing loudly to deter me from sitting by them on a bus/plane Being weighed in grade school and having the teacher say weight in front of other kids You have such a pretty face......all variations of that comment Having my walk compared to an elephant, Water buffalo etc.. My ex called my stomach a roadmap since I had so many stretch marks and rolls Strangers asking my due date when I was not pregnant Having people assume I am 20yrs older than I am because of the weight hiding my features Comments like "earthquake" and "avalanche" when I walked by people

Have you worked already with a bariatric facility or did you contact the insurance directly? I know in some cases the facilities have experts who can really ease the insurance red tape. Do you have any conditions such as high blood pressure/sleep apnea or diabetes? I have heard that the weight loss exclusion may be overruled in cases where patient has severe health issues. Personally, I know of one person who was successful ( she needed to lose 100 lbs for a knee replacement ) but it is worth a shot. Try to contact a bariatric facility ( example True Results here in AZ) and see if their team can negotiate with the insurer. If not, maybe self pay will be the way that you have to go. I know it is expensive but it will be worth in the end. Start saving and maybe you can qualify for a cash discount. You are worth the investment.

It is very hurtful when so-called friends and family make comments like " You took the easy way out" or " I want to lose my weight the right way" . Until you have gone through bariatric surgery you cannot judge what is easy or not. Also, for the record, I tried to lose weight the "right way" and was successful and I also regained and lost numerous times. My lap band is the tool keeping me on my healthy path.I have to make a conscious effort each day to stay on track. I just try to avoid the negative people as much as I can. Women especially should be more compassionate to one another and not so judgmental. I work very hard to lose weight and I have to work out even harder to keep the pounds coming off. When people act like surgery is a magical solution to weight loss it drives me crazy!

I was banded in June 2013 and as of today I am down 107lbs. I felt the same way...a year away seemed sooo far. That is all I could focus on. What worked for me is making small goals and not looking to far into the future. Take things into 30day blocks. Give yourself a weekly goal..whether it is exercising more, drinking more Water etc...and you will be surprised how fast each month goes by. I have to play so-called mind games with myself to help me along the way. But hey, whatever works, right? Exercise is super important...I really didn't get into it much until about my 4-5th month post op. I would walk but I didn't really push myself. You just have to find something that you like. Personally, I cannot handle gyms or classes. I do not have the patience or coordination. I love to hike and ride my bike. I use it as a time to relax as well as workout. You can also take a full length body photo of yourself every month. It is amazing to see your body change. You can be excited not just by numbers on a scale but by how your clothes are fitting ( or falling off because they are so loose) I am getting a little bummed myself because I am stuck at this weight even though I am sticking to my food plan/exercise routine. I go and try on clothes for a pick me up when I need to really know that my body is changing. It will get better. Hang in there!