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Of all the processes toward getting banded I enjoyed visiting the dietitian two months before my surgery. She open my eyes to how I had a destructive way of eating and realizing that I needed to change. I also met with a dietitian the week before just to get the information burned into my memory. Knowing that the band is just one of the tools toward weight-loss and not depending solely on the band is a key. Making good choices is also a very positive.

This is a highly personal choice. I did not want to have my insides rearranged and I had a great fear of something going wrong. Since my weight problem had to do with binging the lap band was the way for me to go. Good luck with your research.

I trust that you have already made the phone call. The last thing you need is an infection.

That is incredible. IT sure does beat having to use a tape measure.

when you can stand up from sitting on a chair and realize that you did not have to sit forward and use your arms and several deep breaths to stand up.

Great that you did not have to change PCP, And that he wil help you find a surgeon. Good luck on your journey

I eat two Cosco's chewable dinosaurs each morning.

My PCP who I had been with for 7 years would not provide a referral, so I switch DR and had the lap band procedure done. Actually both my wife and I had surgery on the same day.

Great news and I am so sorry you had problems with your port.

I just filled yesterday to 3 cc in my 4 cc band. I do not think I will require any more fills. My last fill before yesterday was 4 months ago with 1/2 cc to a 2.5 cc. Definitely a difference so far.

When your grandchildren asked you to slow down because you are walking to fast.

Little over 9 months the first picture is at 290 and the second is at 211

My wife and I were banded one after the other on 9/12/07. She had wanted to get banded way before I was comfortable with the idea of surgery. My problem was that I could stick with a diet for six month but then gain it all back and more in three months. I had no idea how much i actually weight was because our home scale would only go to 300. I use 317 as my highest before weight because that was the highest weight at one my doctors appointment. I had diabetes, sleep apnea, a BMI approaching 50, My back hurt so bad at times I couldn't move. My knees and feet hurt all the time as well. When I had a cut it would take forever to heal. Getting off the couch was an adventure. every time I put on socks I would run out of air. Walking up one flight of stairs would make me gasp and almost turn blue. When I took an airplane trip I always had to have an extension. Even with all the problems above I was ready for the surgery but still scare to follow through with the actual surgery. Both my wife and I had a great deal of anxiety but I fell that it was the best decision of my life. I have lost 108 lbs since beginning the journey toward being banded and 76 lbs since being banded with 39 lbs to go. My BMI has gone from 49.6 to 32.7. I have gone from wearing size 19 to size 15 1/2 shirts. I have gone from wearing 56 trousers to 38 trousers. I have not used a cpap machine in 4 months and I have no need for diabetic medicine for the last two months. I walk an average of 25 miles a week and can walk up 4 flights of stairs with very little effort. The last time I was on an airplane I actually had to tighten the lap belt and no extension was necessary. When I do not follow the plan and chew and chew my food I will get stuck and on extreme rare occasion will PB. Though it is totally up to you to get the surgery or not. I just wanted to let you know that getting the band was the best decision that I could ever make for me and my family. Having my wife also banded helps since we can support each other.

I am sorry that you have had such a bad time with the band. I have no regrets about getting the band. I no longer take diabetic medicine or using a cpap machine. The process has not been easy but the results have been worth wile.

You know you're a bandster when.... you can look down and see your shoes without wearing bozo the clown shoes

You know you're a bandster when.... you see a quarter on the ground and can bend down and pick it up without worrying if picking up the quarter will require major back surgery.

I have had the same problem the last 2 months It seems that I am also battling to keep losing the same 5 lbs. in the last 4 months I have lost a about 10 lbs. It can be quite frustrating on the bright side I have gone from a 42 waist to a 38 waist. I started out with a 54 inch waist at this same time last year. I have gone done from size a 3XXX shirts to X shirts. My health has never been better and though it is frustrating I have to rely more on the NSV until my body decides to start losing weight again. The other plus is that by now if I had hit this type of plateau I would have given up and gain 30 lbs by now.

As the other two have reminded, Make sure you walk as much as you can not only does it help the healing process but it keeps the lungs free from pneumonia

You can put on a pair of socks without sitting down and running out of air. Standing up against a wall with your feet, butt and shoulders touching the wall and being afraid of falling on your face

Take the plunge and get band.

For Breakfast I have a carnation instant drink with a banana that I put in to a magic bullet blender with milk. The other two meals is about three ounces of meat and some vegetables and a small amount carbohydrate. Usually no more than 3/4 to 1 cup of food. I eat the meat first, then the vegetable and if I have room the carbohydrate. The attachment is what I use as a guideline. I also have a snack in the evening either a small bowl of popcorn or yogurt.

I had surgery Sept. 12, 2007 - here are my before and during pictures - I hope. :tongue2:

Linda I have the 4cc band and I currently have 2.5 cc in it. I am going back in on 6/23 for another .5 cc. You should definitely have more in your band by now. My weight loss has slowed down in the last 4 months to 2 lbs a month. The scales do not seem to be as friendly as before. Still I feel very good about what I have accomplished in such a short time. I have not been at this weight in 20 years. I no longer use a CPAP machine and I have not taken any diabetes medicine in 3 months.

I strongly agree with the others. Call your doctor. Best to find out what really is happening to your body. And congratulations on your weight loss.

Remember to walk any chance you get in the hospital. Remember to breathe deeply.