Sleeved12/29

I've been really struggling with my band lately. I've had two unfills and have gained 10lbs. I looked back on the success I had after banding and realized I walked with Leslie 5-6 days a week. I set up my spare bedroom with a tv/dvd and have started to WATPs again. I feel great and exercise really does kill my hunger. Sometimes I want to strangle her but she's a great motivator.

Hi Maria, Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply. I had to re-read your post. I then went and re-read my surgeon's rules. I was not allowed pudding 'til the mushies stage...which for me was the 3rd week after banding. I was only allowed clear liquids and jello the first two weeks. Did your nutritionist tell you pudding was ok? Hope things are going better for you.

Welcome, Maria. Sorry to hear you're struggling...what problems are you having? I look back over the past year and I'd do it all over again...

Hi Cathy, I'm doing well. Have been absent from this site for several months but I'm back. How are your doing? I'm back on track. Have only had two fills but going for another one in the next week or so. Hope all is well.

Weightloss has had the opposite effect on me. At 51 I had a period after 11 months and 2 weeks...I was very angry! Had 2 really bad ones, then nothing for the past 2 months. My GYN said fat cells store hormones...when we lose fat cells the hormones have no where to hide. She put me on a form of progestrone and my weight loss as stopped as well. I'm going back in to see her next month.

I eat at least one salad every day. I can't eat iceberg lettuce even if it's soaked in dressing...it just won't stay down. I buy either the hearts of romine, spring mix or just the romaine in the package. I dice the lettuce up even smaller than what is in the package. Add a little tomato, perdue diced chicken, a little feta, a little seeded cuke and that's pretty miuch my lunch. I've began asking the waiter at restaurants if their salad is iceberg or romaine...if they iceberg....I order something else. Good luck...if you are like me, you will find your band is fickle. One day I can eat something and a few days/weeks later...up it comes.

Can you update my stats as well? current weight:204 Thank you!

You are doing great!! I was allowed to walk on the treadmill or around the block after 2 weeks. When I complained about what I thought was slow weight loss, my surgeon told me if I wanted to lose 50 lbs in a month, I should have had bypass.... Give it time. Your body is still healing. If you are feeling full, you may not need a fill yet. Discuss everything with your doctor on your next visit. I didn't need a fill for almost two months after surgery.

WannaB-just take it a day at a time....I'm sure you will be off the Metformin before you know it. E-mail me anytime...

I was on a diabetic diet 'til June '08 when I began type II diabetic. That was a real wake up call for me!! Was on 1000 mg of Metformin in am and 500 in PM. I gained weight and started periods after 12 months without. I stopped taking Metfomin a few days before surgery at my surgeon's request (I was banded 11/18)...haven't taken it since. My A1C has been 100 or less. I've had two tests since banding. The only meds I'm on now is 20mg of Zocor but have a family history of high chlorestrol. I'm down 44.5 and exercise at least 5days a week. My PCP told me once a diabetic, always a diabetic BUT I'll take being a med free diabetic any day!! Good luck!

Yesterday was my 5 month band-a-versary. I would do it again in a minute. Wish I would have done it years ago. I'm still learning. I still find myself filling my plate, thinking I'm going to eat just like before...NOT. I've wasted a lot of food because now my eyes are really bigger than my tummy. Good luck to you and your wife!

can you update my data? current weight 209.0 thank you

I think we all question decision before surgery. I know I did. Did I make the right decision? I can honestly say....yes I did! I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes June '08. That was the last straw. I'm totally off the Metforim and my last fasting A1C was perfect. I'm down 44 lbs and feel great. If you are looking for a "quick fix" the band is not the answer! The band is part of a threesome...you must add exercise and a change in eating habits for the band to be your friend. I've been banded almost 5 months and I find myself filling my plate like in my pre-band days. I look at my plate and think "wait a minute, I can't eat all that" and you know what...I can't. Not even half that amount. For me, this little jewel has become a great friend!! Good luck with your decision.

Hi SpideyMom, I was in your shoes not very long ago. Had did all the research but was very nervous about making the final committment. In June of '08 I began taking Metformin for diabetes three tablets a day and testing my blood sugar 3x a day. That was the final straw...I knew I had to do something or I was gonna just keep on getting larger and the diabetes would get worse. Six weeks after surgery, I was off all diabetes meds. I'm happy to say I was banded 11/18/08 and have no regrets. I'm down 38.5 lbs. You must remember the Lap Band is not a fix all..it's a tool...a tool to help you stay on track. IF you work with it by eating well, exercising and doing what your physician advises, you will do great!!! I'm more a salt eater...chips and dip are my downfall. I still eat chips and dip...just fewer. I've had two fills since surgery. I don't have the cravings I once had. Good luck...we are here for you thru this journey.

I use Leslie Sansone's Walk Away The Pounds DVD's. I mix them up...3miles, then the next day 4 miles, then will use my Core Secrets ball and 2 mile walk. I love them. I have about 2 dozen of her tapes. My personal goal is 45-60 minutes of exercise a day so I'm even putting a few of her two miles tapes together for my 4 miles. I exercise 5-6 days a week. I can really see a difference. I just can't use exercise equipement others have used...my husband and son think I'm crazy.