MsButterKup23

One thing that they never mentioned to me that you need to be aware of is the use of blood thinners during or after surgery can make you period all messed up. I had a hefty dose of Heparin before surgery to prevent clots and had an unfriendly visitor come later on in the day of surgery and stay for 3 weeks. Nothing too bad, just annoying. Best of luck to you!!!

If you haven't had a fill then yes that is completely normal. I didn't feel like I had a band at all after about 3 weeks postop until after my 1st fill.

You can do it!! I had a horrible case of "last supper syndrome" and I gained about 20lbs between my consult in April until my surgery in early August!! Best of luck to you with your surgery!

Mine told me to wait 2 years for my weight to stabilize before getting pregnant again.

I have no problems with sodas, I just take "lady sips" and make sure I give it time to drain before the next sips, so no gulps. My doctor does NOT allow carbonation, but it doesn't hurt me and what he doesn't know doesnt' hurt him.

Sorry you are suffering from this. I know that we are having to give up our "friend" food and that's tough. I also know that anytime your nutritional values change drastically you can go through a depression. Your body has no idea what is going on and it can cause depression and chemical imbalances. I've been on antidepressants since right after my daughter was born due to postpartum depression so I kept an eye on my moods to make sure I didn't go through anything horrible after surgery. If this continues I would seriously seek help. Counseling and perhaps medication can do wonders if you are able to give it a chance. ((((((HUGS)))))

Hi! I had my daughter in October, 2004. When I got pregnant I weighed 302lbs. I had no problem getting pregnant, but I've always had regular cycles. I used the Clear Plan Easy Fertility Monitor because I wanted to get preggers really quickly. It took me 2 months to get preggo. I made it through the first 16 weeks or so with no problems whatsoever. I was very happy that I had made it through without getting morning sickness when it hit. From that point on (when most ppl get over the morning sickness in the 1st trimester) I threw up at least once a day. Even a week after my baby was born I was still suffering from morning sickness due to hormones!! I ended up losing around 40lbs during my pregnancy due to nausea/vomiting and my baby being up so high. I literally couldn't eat that much for about 2 months before she was born because if I did I got sick (kinda like a band!). The only piece of advice I can give you is if you are healthy and want a baby go for it. I had no complications. I did however end up with a c-section due to failure to progress after 18 hours of labor, but I think that could happen to just about anyone regardless of their weight. The most important thing you can do is take prenatal Vitamins BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT to make sure you get enough folic acid to prevent birth defects and find a size friendly provider. You need someone to support you and provide proper medical care not critize you for your weight. You can check out: http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/firstindex.html I love this website!! It has information about pregnancy and a list of size friendly providers. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Best wishes to you!!

Woohoo!! I have made it my first 3 months with my band. Even though I've had my ups and downs I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have come to the conclusion though that my band has some sort of multiple personality disorder, sometimes she likes me sometimes she doesn't. LOL I'm down 40lbs and alot of inches I can't wait to see what the next 3 months brings.

That was exactly what I was thinking, there shouldn't be anything illegal about that!! Don't give up!! Your life is too important to give up!

As Alexandra pointed out this is normal. I lost pretty quickly right after surgery, but the minute I introduced solids I gained 5lbs!! Not to worry this time is about healing and you will lose weight after you get fills. Congrats on your banding!

Just take one day at a time. When you feel down get up and walk or do something outside. Remember everyone has their "not so good days" and we are here to help each other out!! Best of luck to you!!

Congrats on your banding!! I wish you the best of luck!

If I remember correctly, the doctor only added infection and bleeding to the standard surgery form he made me sign before I was drugged and forgot everything... lol

I first checked into Dr. Benavides, but he didn't accept BCBS at the time I had my surgery almost 3 months ago. I called his office and they referred me to Dr. Robert Powell. So far I have been very happy with him. He has a lady in his office named Melissa who has lost about 95lbs with Lap Band. I had my surgery at Renassiance (sp) Hospital off S. Hampton and was pleasantly surprised with the hospital and staff. I've also heard great things about Dr. Barker, I know his office manager personally. She didn't work there when I had my surgery. Best of luck to you.

I lost about 25lbs right after getting banded, then I gained back about 5lbs once I went back on solids. I started losing again after my first fill.

I have an addiction that I need help with. Lately I have been cheating with chips and salsa. There are times I would rather eat chips and salsa than a meal. I have to be more strong.

I understand that you are in a hurry to get things done, but can you possibly change doctors?? Also where are you located at? I know that there are many people on this forum and someone should be able to recommend a "fat friendly" doctor. Best of luck to ya!

Glad to hear you are feeling better. I am on Lexapro (20mg) and have been since my daughter was born over a year ago. I had bad postpartum depression and anxiety issues to the point I couldn't sleep more than 10 minutes at a time for nights on end without checking on her. I am scared to death to get off Lexapro because I don't have any problems with depression or anxiety anymore. I started out at 10mg and all was well for about 8 month then I guess I developed a tolerance to it as I had to increase my dosage because of the very same symptoms you described (emotional, didn't want to be around others, etc). My only complaint is the fact I have absolutely ZERO interest in sex anymore. I sincerely wish you the best.

in a pair of my capris that were tight 2 months ago (size 24), I am down to a size 18/20 and have lost almost the equivilent of my daughter's weight x 2!!

Thanks. You remind me of myself, when I believe strongly about something I have no problem saying it. I have to respect you for that.

I finally joined Curves and I LOVE it. So far I've gone twice and can't wait to go back tomorrow. I'm shooting for Mon/Wed/Fri at Curves and eventually working in walking on my off days. I've lost all my weight so far without working out.. I can't wait to see how my clothes feel once I start toning up and losing inches!

Carbonation doesn't bother me. The only time I can't drink a soda is while I am eating... I know I shouldn't be drinking while I'm eating especially soda!! I learned that lesson quite well when I had COLD soda coming out my nose when I got sick. Now I work hard not to drink ANYTHING while I'm eating.. I drink a gulp of soda here and there, I never chug it. I've always enjoyed Diet Sprite. I don't drink alcohol very often as I have a 1 year old and need to stay sober...lol

I am trying to start an online clothing exchange forum on yahoo. If you are interested please go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WLSClothingExchange/ I would love this to be a place where we can help each other out.

I have made my last purchase at Lane Bryant. They have forever lost me as a customer. I can still fit into their clothes at the moment DH and I went to the mall. I tried on pants at J.C. Penny, Sears, Dillard's, Foley's and consistantly wore a size 18 pants (sometimes 16's) and 1x shirts. I then went to Lane Bryant. I couldn't even get a pair of 20 stretches on my butt. I would have to buy at least a 22 or 24 to be able to button them!! I would have had to purchase a 22/24 shirt at L.B. as well. I don't know if they (L.B.) are wanting to make women feel like they are to fat to shop elsewhere or what. But that is a real morale killer in my opinion. I went back to Sears and bought a pair of comfy 16's. Anyone else have any experience like this with them?

Something I have been thinking about lately is how I will be treated once I lose my weight. In 8th grade I was a size 20, I graduate high school a size 22. Before surgery (almost 10 years later) I was a size 24. I am now almost an 18. My doctor expects me to get down to 180 by Labor Day. I guess I've kinda hidden behind the fat at times. I am a very outgoing person, but to have someone say whistle at me I think "smartazz" instead of taking it as a compliment. I just hope I am not one screwed up skinny person when all this is done. LOL