3labsrus

I'm sorry that your friend isn't giving you the support that you gave her. I can understand why your feelings would be hurt. My would in the same situation. I never tell people what I weighed before or now. I'll say how much I lost, but that's it.

Erin, I sometimes forget just how fragile the band is and it good to be reminded every so often. I am so sorry to you and to the others that have gone through their battles only to lose their tool. Thank you for sharing your experience.

I had originally wanted to have bypass surgery. I didn't change my mind until shortly before the surgery. The band is less invasive, can be reversed, you still have all your parts and don't have to live on some form of vitamin pills for the rest of your life. I know a lot of people that have had the RNY. I don't know one that hasn't had complications. I'm not saying that some people don't have complications with the band, but I don't hear the stories that I hear with RNY. The band can slip. Nothing is perfect, but you follow what you're told by your doctors and dieticians. The surgery was not a problem and lasted less than an hour. I didn't have pain, well very little. Lap band patients over 18 months to 3 years on average loss the equal weight as bypass patients. Bypass patients just start off lossing a lot faster than band patients. Good luck to you on your decision. Get to know everything you can about both surgeries and discuss with your doctors what is best for you.

I had surgery on Tuesday and was doing small household tasks that didn't involve lifting, pulling or pushing the day after surgery. I would have returned to work the next week but unfortunately I pushed too much with doing things around the house and got my time of the month and ended up being exhausted. I had another week off after that. I slept a lot that week.

I haven't checked in for quite a long time and regret that. I've needed this post for a long time. I hereby commit to drinking more water and exercising at least three times a week. Thank you all for doing this!

My average is 2.45 pounds. I guess that is not too bad considering I stayed the same for three weeks (and that was after my first fill - very frustrating).

Allie Lee, I'm so sorry to hear about all the problems you have faced. I hope that everything works out for you and that you have a quick and safe recovery after surgery. Good luck!

Congratulations Jane! The band is such a great friend! Don't be afraid to ask questions, there is a lot of knowledge in this group and everyone is friendly! Good luck!

Hi Pat, My weight loss is a combination of what I lost before the surgery, 15 pounds, and then after the surgery. I actually need to update again. Since I had my first fill on 1/16 I've lost some more, now putting me to a total of 41 pounds, 26 since the surgery. I'm sure the only reason I've lost more than you is because I have more to loss. Good luck to you!

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Welcome to bandland!

Julie, You're doing great! Just hold on, the weight will start to come back off again before you know it. Good luck to you!

I had my first fill today and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. It didn't hurt at all. When they were doing the swallow test and trying out different amounts, I could feel which one was going ok and which was a little to tight. The feeling was more like having an air bubble and I could feel it when it worked it's way through. Good luck to you tomorrow. Make sure you tell you doctor everything about what you've been experiencing up until now.

Rachel, Congratulations and good luck! I wish you a safe and speedy recovery!!! Let us know how everything goes.

Estela, I am so sorry to hear that your husband, the person that people refer to as significant other, is not supportive of you. I know, based on experience from work, that words can be more painful that physical abuse. Bruises will eventually disappear, but the words continue to ring in your head. I hope that you have people around you that you can talk to and get support from. You obviously have this group, but having people around you that understand you and your needs at this time would greatly help you. I wish you the best.

I'm sorry to hear that you have been having trouble. I hope that you're able to take in water without pain soon. If not, you should probably call you doctor. I hope that you'll be on the road to a happy band place real soon!

Christina, I think all the days are better after the band. Surgery was not my favorite part, but I wouldn't trade this life for my former life, ever. You change a lifestyle of eating but the benefits are weight loss and being healthy! Good luck to you on your journey.

Thank you Alex for starting this site! It is so informative and helpful and a great support! A big THANK YOU to all the moderators! You'll all the best!!!!!

Thank you to all the moderators and congratulations to Betty!!

Hi everyone! I decided to take a trip to Maine this weekend to see my parents. I also decided to bring my daughter-in-law and three grandkids with me. I started my period, so I'm not quite myself, the kids argued in the car for part of the trip and I'm just frustrated and extremely tired. But I know that frustration leads to eating. Because I'm not in my house with the right foods, I'm scared. My mom got the right milk but in trying to get out of the house on time, I forgot to bring some of my stuff just in the event that something wasn't going right. I had brought snacks for the kids and so that is around and my mom got things that are higher in fat and sugar, all the no-no's. I'm sorry I'm just rambling but I've been up about 21 hours straight and 6 hours of that was driving. Thank you all for being out there. It helps to vent.

So far, so good. The only bad thing I did was have about a tablespoon of ice cream at Friendly's at lunch time. We went to LL Bean today and the kids got to go sledding. I did have a talk with them about not being able to do a lot this weekend just because of sheer exhaustion. Luckily their mother is just as tired as I am. Thank you for your support!

That is scary! Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope that everything will work out for you. Congratulations on losing the weight on your own!

Congratulations Jonathan! Welcome to bandland! I hope that your swelling goes down enough for you to take in some Water. That barium stuff is pretty nasty, glad to hear it tasted better coming up. Take care of yourself, rest as much as you can!!

Lisa, I'm glad to hear that you're doing better now! Thank you for keeping us all informed about possible complications.

I was banded 12/28/04 and I'm finally into regular food. Up until that point, I thought I was restricted but I'm beginning to question that as I can take in a lot more. During puree phase I pretty much stayed at the weight I was for my first doctors appointment but I'm starting to lose again. I see my surgeon again on Monday to find out if I'll be getting my first fill anytime in the near future or if we'll hold off to see if I continue to lose weight.