showboatgirl

I have been banded for 3 years. I have no regrets about being banded. I started out at 241 pounds and now weigh 183 pounds. I was about 15 pounds lighter last year, but I gained some weight back. Even with the weight gain, I have lost over 50 percent of my excess weight. Last Friday, my doctor thought I should get a fill, and I think it is helping. I don't have any complaints about my band. I hate to think about how big I would be if I hadn't been banded 3 years ago. My sister was banded the same day as me. She has done about the same as I have done. We both have lost weight before--but have never kept it off for 3 years. I was terrified of the surgery and the life change, but I am glad that I went through with it.

I use chewable caramel or chocolate calcium. I think it is Viactive. You can get it at Walmart. Another great calcium product is Adora Calcium. You can get it in milk chocolate or dark chocolate. I ordered it online and it is expensive--but really good.

I have only had 1 fill and the doctor had a problem getting the needle in the right spot. After a lot of wiggling of the needle, he got the liquid in. I wanted him to be conservative with the fill--and it wasn't enough.I need another fill, but dread it.

My dietian said that bariatric patients should never eat eggplant. I think it can cause a blockage. It is not a problem for me because I have never eaten it anyway. Just thought that I would tell you so you can check with your dietian.

I was banded August, 2005. I have lost about 60 pounds. I actually lost more, but gained some back. I haven't been exercising and have been snacking more than I should. I do need a fill, but my next appointment is in November. I have only had one fill and the doc had a difficult time doing it. ( he had to wiggle the needle around a lot to find the right spot) We know what we need to do. We just need to get ourselves back on track.

I was banded in 2005. I can remember how miserable I felt. It hurt so bad to get in and out of bed. I was also depressed for a few days. I was missing food. My sister and I were banded on the same day. On the third day after our surgery, I sent my husband for a McDonald's milk shake. My sister and I shared that shake. I don't know if it was the sugar or what, but we both started feeling better. After a week, we were both sore, but were getting back to normal. It gets better and it is worth it. We are happy with our bands and weight loss.

I had a bad experience with my first fill too. I didn't pass out, but I whimpered and whined a lot. My doctor had to stick me several times and it seemed like he was rolling the needle around. I think there must have been some scar tissue over the port because he really had a difficult time. Anyway, he wanted to put in 1 1/2 in, but I told him to put in 1--I should have listened to him. I don't have much restriction. After being banded over 2 years, that was my first fill. I have lost about 70 pounds--so I will probably not get another fill for a while.

I don't know the reason, but eggplant was the only food that I was told to avoid. I never ate eggplant before, so it was not a problem for me. I started eating soft mushy food on the second week--but I chewed, chewed, chewed!

Point Pleasant, WV (Home of MOTHMAN)

Welcome to BandLand. Good for you! Today is a new beginning for you. You have started your trip toward your goal weight.

I have bought a ton of clothes since my weight loss. I don't spend a lot of money on clothes, but my closet is completely full. Before my surgery, my goal was to just look neat. But now, I look in the mirror and think, "I look good!" I love wearing new clothes now. As long as I can afford to shop, why worry about the bulging closet?

I have had my band for 2 1/2 years and have never had a fill. I am happy with my weight loss--which I am now trying to maintain. I am satisfied with the amount of food that I eat. I would get a fill if I started to gain a lot of weight. But right now, I am doing fine. If you are losing weight, keep on doing what you are doing. Get a fill when you think you should.

Hi, I will be 59 in September. I will celebrate my2nd bandiversary Aug. 29th. I have lost 75 pounds. I feel much better now. I am glad that I joined the band.

I haven been to Vegas 4 times and am planning another trip in July. I love to go there because there is so much to do--shows, gambling, shopping. It is easy to get a cheap vacation package to Vegas. I took my 15 year old granddaughter last year and she loved it. Go to Vegas--you will enjoy it!

I don't drink a lot of liquid before and after meals, but I do drink some. I am supposed to drink 64 ounces a day and I couldn't possibly get that much in without drinking some at meals. Fortunately, I still get a full feeling.