maudeispam

Its good to see that a number of you have been successful.

Its been 3 years for me, 6 fills and I weigh 5 lbs less than I did when I started

I have restriction for the first bite or 2 of food and then the restriction goes away completly and I can eat anything. If I don't watch the first 2 bites I usually slime but after that -- anything goes.

Needless to say I am not happy with lap bands and am quite vocal about it to anyone who mentions lapbands.

Yes, it works for some people, but it doesn't for everyone. I wonder what the percentages are?

If I had it to do all over -- I wouldn't

I totally feel the same way!!! I also suffer from chronic Constipation and can eat anything and everything. It seems like the healthier I eat, the worse I feel. I guess some of us are just meant to be fat.

I started out like a bullet out of a gun. Lost around 75lbs total. Then started having problems. I was always constipated, no matter what I ate or how much Water I drank. The doctors wer clueless. Then the weight started back on. Now I am back to my initial weight, prior to ever hearing of the Lap Band.

when you apply to get the lap band how long does it take for them to let you get it? do you have to lose weight first? I had to wait a year after getting on my husband's health insurance, then it was a fairly quick process for me. I did not have to lose any weight prior to surgery.

does it really hurt that bad? I won't lie to you every surgery hurts at some point in time. It was more gas pain for me (the gas they pump into you) and just not being able to do anything for a few days.

is it really hard to have only liquids? not really, as long as you get the mind set that is all you can have. I had to do liquids for two weeks prior to banding and then the usual amount after banding. I thought I was gonna die without eating solid foods. I survived you will too. im scared i wont be able to hold my urges back did anyone else have this problem? temptation was always there, because I still had to cook for my husband and cook at my job.

Does anyone have a certain thing they had to give up for this surgery? I really didn't give up anything, only while on the liquid stage, and of course the junk food.how hard was it? I survived but the temptation is always there. I do give in at times, but there are things that I just cant eat. (For example any kind of fastfood burger...ugh, I just can't digest them and don't eat at those places anymore!)I am a bigg soda drinker does anyone have any suggestions on how to cut it back before the surgery? try switching to diet soda, then switch to crystal light, sugar free koolaid, flavored waters and things that are healthy and alright after surgery. Trust me most people cannot tolerate the carbonation after surgery.

What are some problems people have been having due to this surgery? I suffer from Constipation. But I had hard stools and problems prior to surgery, these problems have only gotten worse. I assume I have a slow digestive tract and it works at it's own pace. My doc has encouraged me to use benefiber, flax seed and up the Water and Fiber. I have done all of these things and more. I know others suffer as well with the same problems. has anything been stressfull?no not really, just having to adjust to the bathroom routine and trying to get things going.

Does this really work? yes, but you have to work the band, it doesn't do it all for you, it isn't a magic pill or potion. you have to eat right, drink your water, and exercise. if i do get it can i count on loosing some weight? you will initially loose weight without even trying while you are on the liquid phase. Then it will slowly slack off till your first fill, then as long as you follow the diet & exercise regimen you will succeed. some people lose slower than others so dont be discouraged. I mean i know it comes in due time but how long does it take? it varies from person to person. Most people lose around 100lbs in their first year to two years, some people more, some less.

lol i know alot of questions but i really need to get some of them answered to help me decide...still going...

anyone my age got it done and succeeded? I am not sure

are the cravings really hard to overcome? some are, my sweet tooth gets the best of me around my period time each month.

do you have to have a certain BMI to get it done? it varies with each doctor and clinic

if some people my age read this can you give me tips on how you got through it? a heating pad, my hubby's oversized recliner. plenty of sugar free pop ice and healthy liquids to start!

does anyone puke after a few days getting used to not eating so much?you cant puke after having the band, you will have to have anti naseua meds if you get the stomach flu or feel like throwing up

How is sleeping, sitting, going to the bathroom and so forth? answered up above, as for the sleeping I was most comfortable in my hubby's recliner for about 10 days after surgery, it was too uncomfotable to lay flat on my back, on either side and no way on my stomach.

and lastly for now.... is it all worth it? have most of you had success or not? yes, even if I never lose another ounce, i feel better, have more confidence, am healthier and have more energy! Best of luck!

Coppenhagen, skoal, etc. anything in the little round cans.

I totally agree with you Mark. Thanks for posting!

My liver is fine now. Levels are all good in the normal range and I havent lost as much weight as I would like, but I need to work my band better.

I was diagnosed with a fatty liver prior to surgery. It was also enlarged. To help with the fatty & enlarged liver I had to do Optifast two weeks prior to surgery. All went well. I did have some tenderness on my left side (liver area) for a couple weeks. Maybe bruised during the procedure? Not sure....I will be 2 years out July 29. Best of Luck on your journey!

Glad I kept reading because I really was picturing a bottle of chew spit.

Thats exactly why I clarified myself! LOL!

Very nice! You look marvelous!

Very nice! You look marvelous!

Homemade Yard Spray

1 cup minty mouth wash (any cheap brand similiar to scope (green) works

1 cup lemon scented dish soap (it has to be lemon scented)

1 cup chewing tobacco juice..sounds gross but I will explain.

Seep a handful of regular chewing tobacco (in the round can) in a gallon jar or container. (I use an old nylon for the tobacco seeping.) Then mix I cup of this juice with the 1 cup of dishsoap & 1 cup of mint mouthwash. Apply to the perimeter of your lawn using a regular garden sprayer or spray bottle. The more you use the better it works. I usually apply it 1 hour before working or playing in the yard. It works for mosquitoes & ticks...and maybe other bugs. It is enviromentally friendly and safe for children & pets.

Best of Luck!

I battled tachycardia for several years prior to ever considering weightloss surgery. I was and am still on a beta blocker. When I was having "crazy" tachycardia my doc at the time put me on Catapres which is a downer. (The docs give this to hyper active, crazy sorts to slow them down.) Boy did it ever slow me down. It did calm the heart, I was on it for a short period of time. Now I only have a "tachy" heart when I get anxious, exercise or get excited. Have you consulted a heart specialist? There may be a underlying genetic defect or something that is easily treated. Best of luck!

Check out Washington DC & Baltimore, MD lots of history and museums. If you ever get to South Dakota, check out Mitchell. Home of the World's Only Corn Palace, and several other tourist traps!

I have used Mapquest, Google maps & Yahoo maps. Out of the three, Mapquest gave the most accurate and detailed directions & mapping.

CPAP free here as well. I no longer need my "Dark Vader mask" and sleep well with little to no snoring. DH loves me once again! It was about 2 months out for me as well.

What a wonderful tribute to your mom and everyone who has lost a loved one to cancer. A friend of mine is participating in the RFL in the Redford, MI area. I donated to his site. Best of luck with your donations!

I had the same problem. It is a horrible feeling! I have avoided eating or drinking anything for atleast 3-4 hours prior to lying down. Once in awhile I forget and "BAM" it happens. DH thought someone was choking me or something. Anywho try that and if that doesn't work....see your doc! Best of luck!

It took about a week for my gas to dissapate and pass. DH loved me that week! I did have the left shoulder pain, but it was tolerable with a warm heating pad. sleeping in a semi reclined position also helps....a recliner! Best of luck.

I totally agree with Alex. Life is a lot better without the excess baggage. I haven't lost much weight, but I am down 3 sizes, I have tons more energy, no more diabetes problems, and I feel sexy again. With that said I still have sad days when I notice a paper thin model on tv or a nice sexy clothes in sizes too small for me. Or a stranger makes remarks about my weight. I just want to yell at them, "Hey I used to be a lot bigger than this bozo!" But things will get better for you. I wish you the best of luck in your journey!

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words. It helps to know there are people in this world that understand my situation. I will keep you all posted.

We won't be dumping the MIL. Unfortunately the idea of moving far away is not in the cards. I will allow her in my home and tolerate her bs, but only for the sake of my dh and future children. Other than that she can "bite me"!

DH and I were sick of their commecials and decided to test their system. We both went throught their long survey and answered all their questions. According to E-Harmony we aren't a match. We get along like two peas in a pod and even finish each others sentences & thoughts. It makes you wonder how good of system they really have.

Thanks everyone. I have decided to have minimal contact with her. Obviously there will be times I can't avoid her, but for the most part it should be easy. When she comes over I decided I will go in the kitchen, outside, downstairs, whatever it takes. Maybe she will get the hint....maybe not. When she calls I refuse to answer the phone, DH will have to listen to her, if he isn't here, she will have to leave a voice mail. My SIL offered the same advice, she has been doing the same thing for over ten years. She (SIL) has the some stories to tell too about the MIL. Thanks everyone.

I think Mr. Kevorkian is a wonderful person. People should not have to suffer in pain from terminal diseases like cancer, aids, etc. I have saw many people deal with the agony of these tragic conditions. They shouldn't have to suffer. I support physician assisted suicide.

Thanks everyone. I too believe she needs counseling. I also believe she is seriously depressed. This has been going on for years, even before she lost her husband. According to the extended family she (MIL) has been a bitter, cold hearted, negative person for as long as anyone can remember. It has just gotten progressively worse. I will talk to my DH and his brothers and try to convince them she needs mental (counseling) and help.