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It's great that you know the surgeon personally, as it is easier to communicate with each other! That is a big help. With the band, as I'm sure you've read before, AFTERCARE is extremely important. Make sure that you can get your fills/unfills at appropriate levels and times. Usually, you are a direct guage in telling your doctor what it feels like eating/drinking. The doctor can give you imput and suggestions, but ultimately it should be your decision (my opinion). It can be really frustrating to go through the procedure and still feel extremely hungry as if "nothing has been done." Most people need constant support the first few years. Good luck, Shawn

Thank goodness for this thread! It's not a lonely world afterall!!!! Good suggestions. Shawn

How much weight loss, genetics, and age! The funny thing, is is hard to distinguish what is what, when you have saggy skin. Shawn

After banding=willpower for me After 1st fill=mostly band would stop me in my tracks (sometimes with a PB), but sometimes willpower (depending upon food) After 2nd fill=The band stops me at ALL times. I agree with Alexandra. The trick is to know when NOT to take another bite! Shawn

2 fills-no fluro-0 misses. Shawn

Mandy, this are so important as it deals with living life! You are living it!!!!! Great job. Shawn

I think you send her a last e-mail. Nicely state that you are sorry that she has difficulty in understanding your decision, but you feel that it is just your personal decision. Tell her that you love her and when she is ready to speak and treat you in a respectful tone, that you will be available. Otherwise, you will have to quit interacting with her as it is very hurtful to you and your family. Say it with love and say it with backbone. Some folks never change, but you can't sit there wondering what-if. Live your life like there is no tomorrow!!! Good luck. My two cents. Shawn

Oh my, I would be a crazy woman also! Some kids are very aggressive..I had that problem. Kids would be in my back yard, playing when mine weren't even home! Finally, I said you must Always knock on the front door before playing. If we aren't home then, come back later. Put the new "rules" out front and stand by them. Tell them, if they aren't nice, then they need to leave for the remainder of the day. Also, no kids before (you set time) and after (you set time)....Tell them, that nap time is (blank)....Write it down on sheets of paper if you have tooo, for them and their parents. Post a sign on your door (Can Play or Can NOT play). You must somehow get ahold of your day or you will be bonkos!!!!!

Congrats Kim! If you are ALREADY posting, then you are doing very well...For me, also, the gas was the worst part. I've heard gas X, heating pads, walking. Do it all and see what works. Take it easy until!! Shawn

Yes, I read that article as well! Those women are to be commended for their loss! As we ALL know, it not easy no matter how ya do it!!!!!!!! You're right Lisa, a calorie is a calorie, no matter what you eat. Like the women in People, they all lost on different diets. You sound like you are doing great! Shawn

Welcome! Come by often for support and comments. It really helps to have others walking with you. Shawn

Wendell, what an inspiration you are! What an accomplishment to be 1/2 way down. Life is precious and you're living it now! Shawn

Welcome and good luck! Please come back for comments and support. It's really helpful to share. Shawn

Jennifer, keep your chin up! You are doing just fine and within the range of 1-2 pounds per week. Sometimes surgeons can get overly stern and feel they are doing it for "our own good." Just make sure you are eating your protein first, so you can be satisfied for longer periods of time. Then, take a deep breath and tell yourself that "you're worth it!" You've had a stressful time and now it's time to give yourself a bit of LOVE. Get out walk, get your hair done, and listen to your "gut feeling." You know what you need to do. Good luck, Shawn

I've had the same dilemma regarding "to fill or not to fill." I tend to want to be conservative on my fills because my stomach seems to be sensitive to them. As you can see, my last fill was only .2 cc (hardly anything) and boy can I tell the difference.

I was told tylenol by my surgeon. However, since that doesn't work well for you both, try asking your surgeon. Sometimes, surgeons will make exceptions, depending on amounts and conditions.

So good that the surgery went as good as expected. I'm glad you didn't lose your band and will start feeling better soon. Shawn

Wow, you should be proud! Keep it up girl...You are losing more like a bypass patient vs. a bandster...Shawn

Lisa, you are doing wonderful! It is good you can vent here and get it off your chest or stomach??? What's your surgeons schedule for introducing foods....liquids-mushies-solids? Shawn

My surgeon said to let them fall off. However, I still think a few of them might still be on today...if I hadn't given them the last "tug."

I'd go to the S. of France and leave them a contact number. Then, if they call you can come back to the states and "play." It just states that you need to be available, not sitting at home! Good luck, Shawn

I know my surgeon was aware of the items on ebay for sale. He emailed Inamed and they were already aware as well! Obviously, a good decision. Shawn

YES! Congrats. Shawn

Ask you surgeon what pills you can take. Most say you can't take anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) like Aleve, Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. However, if you can swallow it, then you can take it ..for the most part (whole, crushed, or liquid) Jodi, suppose your increased activity from beginning work and school has put stress on your joints? I know you're unsure about what is causing the pain, but the flare-up may be from the new activity. I've always felt this way, when I start a new job and have to be on my feet for extended periods of time. It's like you need to get "in shape" for standing all day. Give it some time, and see what you can take for pain relief. Good luck, Shawn

I am praying for you and your daughter! There is nothing like being a parent and then seeing your child hurt. My son, 17 years, has a learning disability with ADHD and has struggled in every aspect of his life. We also noticed his differences at 4 years of age. There have been really hard time, however, each year he has gotten a little better. Good for you at getting help early! As a parent, get help and support and listen to your gut instincts...Shawn