Chickie

I wanted to see the RHCP, but by the time I found out they were coming to Brisbane, all the tickets had sold out (Stamps foot and pouts) I saw them back in 95' or 96', and they were awsome then. I am so upset that I missed out. I also missed out on Billy Joel tickets last month too. I really need to be quicker on the mark, lol.

No hair loss at all (now 19 months post op)

I don't know of any reliable sources on stats for the band, sorry. I didn't have quite 100kg to lose (I had 70kg to lose, and have ended up losing 76kg) But the band worked well for me. I know that much. Good luck with your appointment. If you have any questions, ask away. We are all here for you!

Although I fit the "Twentysomething" age bracket, I have a 9 year old son, and call him a youngster! LOL He is a youngster to me! Or maybe I just feel old? Thanks for the invite Colleen.

Hiya Bandmaster, Jewels, and Kuita!

If healthy solid foods come back up, you are still too tight.

2 weeks on liquids, then another 2 of mushies, then I had 2 weeks of "soft solids", then "real" food.

Good on you for starting an exercise program! You will feel sore, and remember to take it a day at a time. Sweety, you will not start "thowing up" Just remember to eat slowly, and chew, chew, chew! And as for your goal? Just relax, you will get there. It is hard work losing weight, and if it takes you a few weeks or months longer than you wanted it to, it will still happen, right? Here is a big cyber ((hugg)) for the stress. You sound like you need it.

In Oz there are few other options. If something happens to your band, then they consider other WLS. But 9 out of 10 surgeons like you to try the band first (other options are the sleeve {my 2nd choice wls} DS, and RNY) But even if I could have had RNY, ot the DS first, I think I still would have tried the band first. Just to touch on this quickly (because I see it soo often from so many people) The need for PS is not defined by what surgery you have had, how fast you lost, or if you stood on one foot and hummed the whole time. It comes down to genetics, how long you were over weight, where you carried your weight and age. Not what WLS you have had. Bandsters need plastics too.

When I lost 100lbs I brought myself a gold bangle, and when I got to goal I had a tummy tuck.

I am 1 month post op today!! Less than a month post op Lapband Before A few days post op And today And dressed

Hi Rania, It sounds like your port has flipped. While it is a pain to have your port flip, it is apparently not a big deal to have it flipped back (either a day surgery, or a in office job) I have not had it happen myself. but there are lots of stories of flipped ports on the board, and most of them have a great outcome.

**Crosses fingers** Good luck!

Body shape does have a lot to do with it. But while I was in plus sizes 22lbs (10kg) was a size, and now 11lbs (5kg) is a size.

Congrats again Sugarplum! You will be thrilled with your new tummy!

I am a SHAM (DH calls me a soccer mum! lol) My PS said that on average his patients take 4 weeks off work. Thanks.

Hi Manny, Just to let you know, Medicare does cover the band, provided there is a medical need. True you get less than $1000 back, but it is still a Medicare refund, right? lol My band doc charged $4200, my health fund refunded me $2k, and Medicare $870 (or something like that) Then I got an extra $150 back on my tax return. You can actually get banded on the public list in some states too, provided you are prepared to wait up to 10 years

Congratulations on 1 year banded and 70lbs gone!

Thanks Telly! I get up in the morning, pee, and I weigh 59kg / 130lbs, but by bed time, if I am really swollen, I can weigh anywhere up to 62kg / 136lbs, depending on how bad it is. And in the morning the whole thing starts all over again! I have lost a clothing size. I went from a AU10 (US8?) to a AU8 (US6?). At first I was totally numb. Now just the area below my belly button is a little numb. Nothing too dramatic. At first, it was hard, mainly because of the muscle repair (you are not able to use your abs) you have to use your arms to get up. It is more a pain in the ass than painful. I felt like a turtle on its back. I am not using anything but a surgical tape (micropore).

Thanks Jack! LOL Paula. Tiny is not a word I use to describe myself, lol. I was carrying a fair bit of swelling in those pics, because they were taken at night (I start the day with a belly a model would envy! LMAO) And end up with swelling just below, and above my belly button. As well as in my pubic area (I look like I have shoved socks in my undies at times!)

:clap2: Congratulations Sharyn! :clap2:

From memory, I was out of action for a week. But after that - nothing stopped me! I was driving, shopping, cleaning, caring for my then 7 year old, and husband.

I went to my surgeon every 4 weeks for the first 6 months, then every 8 weeks for the next 6 months, and now I see him every three months.

Neverland; What size band do you have? The 4cc, or the VG band? How much fill do you have in the band? Protein first. Your stomach is smaller. Your band is not broken. Eat your protein first, small bites, chew well, stop if not full after 20 minutes. Sometimes we have not feel our "full signal" for so long it is hard to feel when we do get it, and we really are full when we feel like we are not, if you know what I mean. By waiting a little while before tucking in again, we give ourselves time to see if we can feel the full signal. And don't hate yourself! This is a lifestyle change, and it is hard work. It takes time to get the hang of it. We are here for you!

Congratulations SugarPlum! My fingers are crossed for you.