Vegangirl

Hi, I have been banded for 5 years and am at the point where I do not require fills. However, I still get yearly checkups. Loosing 40 pounds in one year is not a bad thing, everybody's body responds differently to the band. It took me about two years to loose 100 pounds, but I have kept it off and have completely changed my eating habits. I decided to go Vegan about a year ago and have noticed a huge change in my skin, hair and ENERGY. Give yourself time, it will be worth it

We rarely go to restaurants but when we do they are usually vegan friendly. If there's a special occasion and it's at a place that is more on the unhealthier side, we eat before we go.

I order appetizers as meals many times.

Ok, vegetable Soup is in the crock pot, although vegetable stew will be closer to the truth. Used vegetable broth rather than beef or chicken so I will be able to share it with a vegetarian co-worker.

Hi and welcome to the band life. Congrats on your new journey. My advice is to listen to whatever your doctor and nutritionist tell you, especially when it comes to which foods you can and cannot eat. There's a wealth of information from this site but bottom line...always consult with your doctor!!!! One thing that I did a couple days before my surgery was made a huge pot of homemade vegetable broth. I let it cool off then poured it into some ice cube trays and put them in the freezer. Whenever I got hungry I popped a few in a cup and microwaved. Good luck.

I got banded five years ago and reached my goal within the first two. I have maintained my weight loss but the last couple of years I realized eating meats, processed foods, and dairy were not good for ME. I have cut-out the above foods and saw noticeable changes, especially with increased energy. Has anyone else changed their eating habits and stuck with it? Please share

Mine are toasted soy nuts and dark green veggies with a splash of liquid aminos

Hi, how about making a stew? It would be more filling than a can of Soup, you could control the sodium, and it would be more healthier.

Hi, how about making a stew? It would be more filling than a can of Soup, you could control the sodium, and it would be more healthier.

Mine are toasted soy nuts and dark green veggies with a splash of liquid aminos

Today is my dreaded 20 minute run.... I'm scared and excited to see if I can actually do it!
I am actually doing the couch to 10k program (which is the same as the 5k just a little longer)
Remember this:
Even if you start feeling tired push yourself to go just a little further because trust me, you'll surprise yourself with how far u can run!

glad im not alone! lol

I just want to share some of my joy..... Ive just returned from the uk back to ireland.(that part is not joyous) went for a review with my lap band lady..all good. last night my mum suggested quick trip to the supermarket. There was a beautiful wool dress. I eyed it up liked it..said "better try it on that won't ever fit me" ha ha it was too big!! Never thought i'd say those words... It Hung shapelessly on me.. I was so pleased I did a dance in the changing room.. When I started this process I was wearing the biggest size possible in the uk and ireland. Only certain styles and shapes fitted then. Happy as a pig in poop.
Sent from my GT-S5830 using LapBandTalk

Here is a link of information for those who are researching the band, their surgeons, what causes complications, how to avoid them.
Fluid -- you should never get a lap band that is too tight with little or no saline, there are two sizes AP small and AP large.
How to know you are in the Green Zone and when you are too tight
Also here is a link for those who are researching BAND-FRIENDLY surgeons that offer great aftercare, Allergan highly recommends a Band friendly surgeon.
Or you should make sure your surgeon has done MANY lap bands and has a very low revision rate.
Also most importantly --
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GO TO A LAP-BAND® SPECIALIST
Not all weight loss centers are the same. It's important that your patients go to a LAP-BAND® System Specialist for your LAP-BAND® surgery. Use the LAP-BAND® specialist locator to find a qualified specialist for your patient.
http://www.lapband.com/HCP/product-description/

I'm agreeing with lellow. We have had our bands for over five years and our weight loss goals have been met. We all have been where you are and know what will/can happen if doctor's orders are not followed. I did the exact same thing, but I was two yrs post-op. I went out for dinner later that evening of my fill and had an enchilada, later that night my tummy was cramping. I had to return to my doctor's office the very next morning. He took out my fill to let my stomach rest and told me if I did this again he would be referring me to another physician. He then gave me a 20 min lecturer about following his orders. To this day I never did that again. This site is great for advice and sometimes to vent, without any drama. I wish you best success on your journey.

Be sure to tell your surgeon this and they will be sure you don't vomit. They have very powerful anti-nausea meds they can give you via IV and then send you home with some as well.

I came to this site because I thought that this would be a wonderful place where I would be surrounded by a group of my own peers. I have posted many questions that I had questions about or had minimal knowledge on. I have received very good advice and some advice I thought sounded nice, I followed up with my doctor on. I mean it is awesome to get advice from others, but who knows what best for you besides the person who placed this remarkable tool inside of us??
We have all been forewarned about the dangers of not following the rules that was given to us. If you have orders from your doctor by all means FOLLOW THEM. Don’t take matters into your own hands and when something bad happens, you freak out.
Everyone has an OPIOION!! Do you have to agree? NOT AT ALL. Most people who do cheat their bands/themselves often look for confirmation from another person who will come out of nowhere and agree with them. I feel personally some question should not be asked on this site; especially ones that promote controversy in a bad way.
Example, I was just banded and I am hungry. So I ate some lunch meat.< /p>
You were advised against it but insisted on doing your own thing. How can you expect not to receive feedback with someone trying to make you accountable for your mistake? Not everyone is going to say something nice to glorify your wrong-doing. Before you judge a statement try to understand it for the other persons prospective. Let’s just go back to being helpful by sharing experiences that are helpful to one another. I am almost 90% sure no one on here is purposely being malicious but simply helpful.
Always remember, When you are typing it’s hard to tell someone’s tone. So when in doubt, just say thank you for your input and move one.
(I had to vent and I wanted to share with everyone. I don’t like seeing my friends being verbally attacked for stating an opinion. Sometimes you just have to learn how to AGREE TO DISAGREE. An opinion is like an Ass, Everyone has one and you are not always going to like sh*t it comes with. ) Have a nice night.

Hang in there, it will soon pass. If there's someone who could cook when you are having your moments might help. If not, try drinking some liquids before you start cooking or cook things that they like but you don't. :-)

I GOT APPROVED!!!!! Thank GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been a whole year fighting with my insurance!!! Multiple appeals and finally after writing my own appeal letter they approved me!!!!!!!!!! I got it in writing its official! I will be banded 10-22-13. Woot woot!!!!!

I did not need any skin removal after my WL, but I also am very active, if I'm not running I'm biking, and mix it up with Pilates or yoga. Do you have some type of workout plan using your arm muscles? Best wishes!!

Oh hang on....You are 3 DAYS post op! Got ya...3 weeks off Methadone. OK.
Are you able to take Tylenol? That will help you. Also...please try some warm tea, and a hot Water bottle or heating pad under your back where it's hurting. That will help to move the gas around and out. Blow your horn honey!!!! I almost rose 2 feet off my bed the first time I passed gas, I was laughing so hard my stitches hurt but it felt AWESOME!
Gas-Ex helps lots, and if your sore ice pack on the port site. Rest but also get up and try to walk around as much as you can when you can even to the bathroom and back. It does help to move the gas.
sugar free ice pops were another life saver for me when I had trouble with getting all my fluids in. They are soothing to your insides.
Again reach out if you need to!!!

Congrats!!!! I am happy for you. Remember to keep hydrated and take mini walks to help move the gas.

I had my Lapband march 22,2013 starting weight 368 on the day of surgery 351 today I am 196!!
I see the plastic surgeon Thursday for a surgery date for the skin removal

Congrats!!!! I am happy for you. Remember to keep hydrated and take mini walks to help move the gas.