PATCHELTON

I haven't tried Biotin, but I have heard that not getting enough protein can contribute to hair loss. Are you making sure to get the required (or more) grams of protein? It may not be just a biotin deficiency. I drink a protein shake pretty much daily that has 35g so I get a jump on my requirements. I would say my hair maybe got a little bit thinner, but never fell out. My sister had gastric bypass a couple years before my band, and her hair got really thin, but after a while it grew back. I would seriously look at how much protein you are taking in. The shakes I get are called Worldwide Pure Protein shakes, and the widest range of flavors is available at the Vitamin Shoppe. You can shop online too at vitaminshoppe.com. They may have the biotin you are looking for, too. The shakes are $2.79 individually, but if you buy a 12 pack case, that costs $27.99, or about $2.33 each. You can also sign up for reward points and you will periodically get coupons to use online or in the stores. I had to spend a little over $100 to do this, but I had a coupon for $20 off a purchas of $100 or more, and shipping is free for orders over $99. So I ordered enough so that after I took off the $20 the order was still over $99 so I also got free shipping. Didn't have to lug them home from the store, and the dollars off just about paid for an entire 12 pack. Now that is saving! So if the biotin isn't doing it for you, take a look at your protein consumption.

Congratulations on your decision. No, the band is not a magic pill. You will see it often described as a tool. It is how you use the tool that will make the difference. My main problem was portion control. In my head I knew what I should eat, not that I always did that, but even when I did I ate too much. The band helps me say whoa, you have to stop now. It also, for me, makes it harder to eat some of the foods I ate before, because they would get chewy and get stuck (you will eventually experience getting stuck, having pb's--productive burps--not exactly vomiting but the food that is stuck sometimes will come up with an impressive amount of saliva, which we call sliming--won't kill you, just give you a reality check that you can't eat like you used to). Consequently I don't eat bread much at all, Pasta only rarely, same for rice. You will learn to eat more slowly, and chew more, all important for comforatably filling your pouch and not getting stuck. Also important are the resources available to you: your surgeon, support group, this message board, books, magazines (OH magazine is good--go to obestiyhelp.com for info; also WLS Lifestyles--I think they have their own web site or you can find it on some of the bariatric food sites, such as bariatriceating.com) Lastly, exercise. You really need to make a committment to exercise regularly. You don't need a fancy, expensive gym membership, unless that is what you want and can afford. I mainly walk, just about every day, in a park near home. They have a nature trail, a little under 2 miles in length. I try to do at least twice around, more if I have time, and I carry peanuts for the squirrels and ducks, so I don't walk all that fast. For back up in bad weather or winter when there is no daylight, I belong to Curves, I recently joined the local rec center fitness room (all of $2 a month--treadmills, bikes, elliptical, weights) and I have a multiclass ticket for Water aerobics at the local aquatic center. The walking only needs a good pair of shoes, Curves is about $29 a month (if you get the Lapband AP, check Allergan's web site lapband.com for info on 2 weeks free and a discount on monthly fee at Curves), the rec center cost me $16 for the year (I joined May 1st and they prorate the $2 per month). The water aerobics was the most expensive, about $110 for 20 classes. You don't need to spend a fortune. I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.

For Protein drinks, unjury was mentioned. If you want a ready to drink Protein shake, Worldwide Pure Protein shakes are great. They are sold at Vitamin Shoppe in all flavors: chocolate Cream, vanilla Cream, strawberry Cream, banana Cream, and Cookies n' Cream (tastes like Oreos). Each has 35g protein, very few carbs or sugar, and none of the extra Vitamins like Atkins. Since we are taking vitamins anyway, I thought Atkins was overkill. WW shakes taste better. Individually they are about $2.79 but if you buy a 12 pack for $27.99 that comes to about $2.33 each. You can also earn coupons for money off future purchases. For mushy stage, I had refried Beans (fat free) mixed with some chunky salsa that I pulverized in the blender first. Nuke in microwave for about 2 minutes, then while still hot sprinkle some Kraft Fat Free shredded cheese on top to melt. If you like Mexican food, you will like that. If you like yogurt and there is a Trader Joe store nearby, they sell Greek style plain yogurt that has 22g protein per cup! I get the fat free plain and at home divide into four half cup servings (it comes in a 2 cup container, shades of blue on outside--check the nut label to make sure it is the one with 22g), then I stir in sugar free Smucker's preserves for my fruit flavor, and sprinkle a little ground cinnamon into it too. I have had Raspberry Cinnamon, Strawberry Cinnamon, Blackberry Cinnamon, Blueberry Cinnamon, even Orange Marmalade Cinnamon (that should probably wait for solid foods as it has orange peel in it). Delicious! One tablespoon is only 10 calories. Hope this helps. Hang in there!

My insurance (Blue Choice) paid for the surgery (including an overnight stay), but they deny fills because they say they don't cover things related to weight loss or weight control. It makes no sense to me to cover a surgery that is adjustable for reason of weight loss because of medical conditions aggravated by excess weight, and then not cover the "adjustments" but maybe that is just me. Who knows how insurance companies think. I am just glad they paid for the surgery. I accidentally got a bill for my first fill, but it was during the 90 day global period where everything was covered under the surgery so they took it off. If I remember correctly, the surgeon billed $200 or so, and after the denial billed me for $97. My second fill should have been billed to me, but I never got a bill (no complaints here). So I just had my third fill about a month ago, and haven't seen anything yet, but expect I will get a hit for $97. Not too bad all things considered.:smile2:

It seems like most of the people on this thread are newbies, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth as a veteran. I was banded 3/25/08 (seems like only yesterday). I am a little older (64) and don't remember feeling quite as down as was being discussed here. I had to do a 6 month diet for insurance so I spent that time here, on obesity help.com (got their magazine, OH, too--good articles), read the Lapband Solution and the Lapband Companion (got them on amazon.com), and started going to group support. I learned so much I almost felt I could do the surgery on myself! I definitely recommend the group support. You meet people at all stages of pre and post-op, and you will be surprised at how many issues you will all share. As for the mushy stage, I could have creamy egg salad, creamy tuna (light mayo), and I love refried beans, so I bought the fat free Old El Paso, put in a dessert dish (think small), pulverized some chunky salsa in the blender and stirred it into the beans. Nuke that in the microwave for about 2 minutes, then while it is still hot throw on some shredded fat free Kraft chees, either mozarella or cheddar. Yum! I did instant mashed potatoes with fat free chicken or turkey gravy, applesauce, yogurt, much the same as was mentioned. Lately I have been trying to minimize fat, salt and sugar, and found a way to do that with yogurt. Commercial fat free yogurts have quite a bit of sugar in them. If you have a Trader Joe near you, they sell under their brand, a Greek style yogurt (full fat, light, and fat free) that has 22g proteim per cup! They have another that is lower in protein and higher in sugar, so if you go to look, pick the container with shades of blue only. I bought the fat free (it has 22g protein, 0 fat, and 6g milk sugar or lactose). It comes in a 2 cup container, and once home I divide it into 4 half cup containers, and for flavor I stir in Smuckers Sugar Free preserves and marmalades. I throw in a teaspoon or so of ground cinnamon too. It is really good. I have flavors like Cinnamon Orange Marmalade, or Cinnamon Strawberry, stuff like that. A great way to bump up your protein. Each half cup will have 11g protein and only 3g sugar. Try to find a commercial yogurt even close! I have found I have to be careful with bread as it gets chewy and can get stuck. I rarely eat bread (usually as fat free croutons on my chicken caesar salad--they crumble and don't get chewy). I dreamed up a crustless pizza (I used to consume and entire 12 inch for a meal)--microwavable dish, Ragu Homestyle Sauce (1/3-1/2 jar), cover with Hormel Turkey Pepperoni (70% less fat), cover with Birdseye Pepper Stir-Fry (pepper and onion chunks, nothing else), and top with Kraft Fat Free Shredded Mozarella or Cheddar--nuke for about 2 1/2 minutes on high to melt cheese and warm the rest. As for exercise, I think it was BKNY who was preparing to hit the gym less than two weeks after surgery. I was told no weights or resistance training for 6 weeks post-op. I would check with the surgeon before hitting the gym. Walking is my primary exercise and I do it almost daily, with occasional stops at Curves, or the rec center gym. Think of the band as a tool. Its job is to curtail portion sizes. It is still your job to make healthy choices. Think in terms of "is it healthy" more than "can I get it down" and you will do fine. Use all the resources available. Also check out the Allergan web site (if that is the brand you have--I have the AP). They are offering discounts to Curves for new members, and some other stuff. Good luck on your journey, and hang in there.

Sounds like you may be too tight and need a slight unfill. If you can only eat a little without getting sick, you could be too tight. I would call the surgeon's office and let them know. Perhaps if you could eat a little more you would stay full longer.

A small salad, like a chicken caesar with a little hardcooked egg, Parmesan cheese, Romaine, light Caesar dressing and fat free croutons? If you have access to a microwave, a crustless pizza could work. I use Ragu Homestyle, covered with Hormel Turkey Pepperoni, covered with Birdseye Pepper Stir Fry (consists of three colors of peppers and onions, nothing else) and cover that with Kraft shredded mozarella or cheddar cheese. Put in a meal portion size microwavable dish (I get 2-3 meals from a jar of Ragu). You could make a pot of chili and divide it into 6-8 meals (ground turkey, browned, can of Beans undrained, can of chopped green chilies undrained, packet of chili seasoning mix, chopped onions, and simmer. When bubbly throw on some Kraft shredded fat free cheese, then allow to cool and separate into containers. I use tupperware. You could also make tuna, chicken or turkey salad, packing a meal portion size so there is no snacking temptation. Hope this helps. I pack food I can eat even when there is a luncheon at work, just in case it is something I can't or don't want to eat. And I carry an insulated Water bottle everywhere. Good luck on your journey.

Congratulations on your success. My story is similar, though I am a little taller. At 5'7" I began my journey at 252 lbs. Had to do 6 month diet for insurance, lost 10 lbs on that, 25 more on pre-op liquid diet. The rest is post-op. I exercise almost every day (try not to take off more than one day, two at the most), mostly just walking in a park near home, around 3-4 miles at a time. When I can't walk, I belong to Curves, and I recently joined the rec center gym that has treadmills and weights and stationary bikes. I also have Water aerobics classes to go to at an aquatic center. Fortunately all are on the way home from work (gotta think of gas prices too). Other than a good pair of walking shoes, Curves costs me $29/month, the rec center is $2/month (that is not a misprint--$24 for the year, prorated from when you join--I joined May 1st so I paid $16 for the rest of the year--it is open until 830pm during the week and 1-5 on the weekend, closed when the county holidays occur). Water aerobics are prepaid classes, about $115.00 for 20 classes, around $5 or $6 per class, and they never expire, so I do the other stuff more, but have that to fall back on. I even bought a new bathing suit because my old one didn't fit me anymore--a good thing. I eat almost no bread at all. I do use fat free croutons on my chicken caesar salads, because they crumble and don't get chewy. Once in a while I will make spaghetti, but what used to be 2 or 3 meals is now 6-8 meals. Pasta is a little hard to get down, but once in a great while it is not so bad. Same for rice. I love Mexican food, and I make a fat free dip that has cream cheese, refried Beans, salsa and shredded cheese, all fat free and high Protein. PM me if you would like the recipe. I also make a crustless pizza so I can avoid the bread but still enjoy the sauce and toppings. I will be glad to share. My posts get kind of long so just PM me if interested so my post won't be even longer. My weight this morning was 142. I have read several articles recently (in OH and prevention) that say people who weigh themselves daily are having more success losing and keeping the weight off. I will admit, I do weigh myself daily, so I can adjust if my weight is up or down what I eat that day. This advice is counter to what the bariatric team tells us. They say once a week. I may be compulsive, but the proof is in the numbers for me. Once a week would be too stressful for me. Again congrats on your success and keep up the good work.

Either your doc is trying to make his first million with your help, or he is being overly cautious because another patient had a bad experience, or he is just being cautious. Everyone is different. There is no magic number of ccs that is the same for everyone. I don't know if my band had Fluid put in during surgery, but 6 weeks after I got 3ccs. I felt okay in the office but later that evening Water was giving me indigestion. The next day I was very uncomfortable and met the surgeon at the hospital for an unfill. He removed 1.5-2ccs. Two weeks later in his office I told him liquids and soft foods were going okay, but denser foods were giving me a problem. So he took out another 0.5cc. I was fine after that (done probably early May 2008) until August. Got 1cc and that is all until last month. My weight was up a little and I was hungry after 2 hours, so he gave me a fill, letting me choose between 0.5 and 1cc. I opted for 0.5 since I am really unusually sensitive to the restriction, and that has been enough. So in a year or so it was 3 in, 1.5-2 out, 0.5 out, 3 months later 1cc in, 9 months later 0.5cc in. So if I am doing the math correctly I have something like 2.5-3ccs tops. I have an AP 14cc band. The surgeon said he rarely goes above 10ccs for fills. So barring slippage or erosion, I should have room for the rest of my life. I really do like the adjustability aspect, even if I will get a bill for this last fill (my brilliant insurance carrier paid in full for the surgery, but won't pay for fills because they are related to "weight loss or weight control"). While I might be the exception, when I think I need a fill, I ask for it. Once he talked me out of it, but mostly he will see it my way. Don't let your surgeon intimidate you. TELL him that you are not feeling restriction, and the conservative nature of his fills are taking you to the poor house. Be honest with him. You don't have to get 5ccs or something outrageous, but a little more than he wants to give you would be nice. Think of an amount you might be able to compromise on, and then push for him to do the same. Good luck.

I was supposed to do liquids for 2 weeks prior; ended up 3 weeks because I caught a slight cold and they bumped my surgery a week, not enough time to stop and restart, so I just stayed on it for another week. They didn't give me a specific amount to lose, just wanted to shrink my liver. I lose 25 pounds in the 3 weeks (plus 10 on the 6 month diet my insurance required) so I was 35 lbs down by surgery day. The rest has come off since surgery. I am actually about 144 now. They keep changing the web site and I have to find my way back into my profile to update my current weight. As for what I could have, Protein shakes, Water (I think the 64 oz per day is pretty universal), surgar free Jello, sugar fee popsicles, tea, coffee, juice (diluted 50% with water), yogurt, chicken broth (chicken noodle was ok for mushy stage post-op) stuff like that. Until 4 days before surgery I could have a small amount of lean protein (they didn't tell me to have a sensible meal or veggies) so in the evening I would grill two chicken tenders (unbreaded, frozen from Costco) or two hard boiled eggs, both with a little salt and pepper. Four days before surgery, just liquids. For protein drinks, they suggested AdvantEdge or Atkins, but my sister found some drinks that I liked better. For grab and go capability, Worldwide Protein Shakes are great. 35g protein, only about 4carbs, 1sugar, and maybe 1.5fat. They come in Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana Cream, and Cookies n' Cream (tastes like Oreos). Trader Joe carries Vanilla and Chocolate (plus 21g protein in same flavors). Best place to get all flavors is the Vitamin Shoppe. They are $2.79 individually, but if you buy a 12 pack for $27.99 they are about $2.33 each. GNC carries Vanilla and Chocolate in the store and the others online, but they are $2.99 each. Vitamin Shoppe sells them online also and free shipping for $99 or more (My last order I had a $20 off for $100 purchase so I ordered enough that the price stayed over $99 and got free shipping too--it was like getting a free 12 pack--the coupons are from joining their reward points program--$25 or so off my order is nothing to sneeze at). Online ordering? Go to vitaminshoppe.com. Another protein drink that is good if you like powders to mix in unjury (usually advertised at the bottom of these pages). It comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chicken Soup (like chicken broth), and unflavored (you can drop some of this in other things to bump up the protein content). Go to unjury.com for that. I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.

I do both. I burp some, and if I eat just a little too much (kind of the pouch version of being stuffed, but not stuck) I will get the hiccups. Lord, I thought I was the only one doing that. I am extremely sensitive when it comes to fills. My first fill was 6 weeks post-op (3ccs I think). The next day I had to meet the surgeon for an unfill. He took out 1.5ccs, and two weeks later I had another .5cc taken out in the office. I had maybe 1-1.5 ccs total in my band. That took care of business for several months, then in Aug 08 I had a fill of maybe 1cc. Nothing since then until 2 weeks ago. I was getting hungry at about 2 hours and my weight was up a little so he gave me a fill. He asked me how much I wanted, .5 or 1cc. I opted for .5, knowing how sensitive I am. That turned out to be plenty. You really do have to relearn portion sizes and eating more slowly. I have gotten stuck a couple times (sliming and pbs) and I can't eat nearly as much as before the fill, so I have to plan more. I still get the hiccups though, but I have lost maybe 3 lbs since the fill, so I can't complain. Even with problems like sliming, I would do it again in an instant. While I don't like getting stuck, it makes for a great reality check. The food inhaler in me is not dead; it is just under control, and sometimes I need to be reminded.:confused:

I was 63 and 252 lbs, so I can relate. Take advantage of all the resources offered to you, dietary and group support. All of it is there to help you. I had to do a 6 month diet for insurance prior to surgery, so I used that time to educate myself. I came here, I went to group support (great place to meet people at all stages of pre an post-op) I bought some books (I have The Lapband Solution and The Lapband Companion, but there are lots more--try amazon.com). I went to obesityhelp.com and researched all the surgeries, subscribed to OH magazine and WLS Lifestyles magazine and by the time surgery came around I could almost do it myself!:thumbup: I also used the time to revamp my exercise habits. I started walking at a park near home. I don't walk particularly fast, and I carry peanuts for the squirrels. The trail is almost 2 miles long, and I try to do twice around minimum, more if I have time. I have gotten more fresh air since this surgery than I have in my life! Look at inexpensive ways to buy clothes as your weight transitions down. I went from 2x to large to small-medium. I found an outlet store for work clothes (scrubs) bought stuff from Blair catalog, and now I am a thrift store junkie. I even found a pair of Ann Taylor Loft jeans at the thrift store, in mint condition, on sale for $3.50 (50% off the $6.98 price). Take stock of what you eat (if you can get rid of stuff you can't or don't want to eat--get it out of the house) and get your head around the fact that for this to work, you will have to eat differently. Bread doesn't go down so well for me, though some people can tolerate it. I love pizza so I designed a crustless pizza so I have all the toppings and none of the bread. Send me a private message if you would like some recipes. One of my favorite quick meals is chicken caesar salad. Good luck on your journey. Each one is personal, though we share many issues. The band is a tool. It doesn't control what you put in your mouth, only how much. You are in charge of the menu. Make it a good and healthy one.

Sounds like we have all been there. I have chewed gum for years, never swallowing it, so I was sure I would be fine after the band. Guess who accidentally swallowed her gum post-op? GUILTY! I waited to see if it got stuck, and when it didn't I went on my merry way. I think I did it a second time too, recently. Unless it gets stuck in the opening you are fine. I think the danger is if it gets stuck. Welcome to the gum-chewing club!

Congratulations. It really feels good when something like that happens. My favorite NSV was when I went to the outlet store where I buy scrubs for work (I work in a doctor's office). At the beginning of my journey I wore 2X. I had gotten down to large and they were looking kind of baggy, so I went back to buy some mediums. I picked out some tops and pants, took them home, and when I tried the pants on they still looked baggy. I thought I can't possibly be a small. I went back to the store, only this time I tried them on in the store to make sure before I exchanged them. Well, the small fit, so I returned the pants (the medium tops looked ok--sometimes I am a small but mostly medium) and got all small size. I honestly can't remember the last time I took a small anything. It felt so good! I also shop at the local thrift store, and today wore a layered look top I had gotten there. Group support is tonight and I wanted to wear something other than scrubs. When it was admired at work I told them where I got it. I probably spent about $3.00 for it. Thrift stores are a great place to look for clothes, especially while you are losing and your size is changing. You can save a bundle. I have gotten past the idea that someone I don't know wore them before me. I even found a pair of Ann Taylor Loft jeans there. It was priced $6.98 but they were having a 50% off sale so I got them for about $3.50. I love them. They are kind of a brick red color, size 12 (down from 22W). I take 10-12 in misses sizes now. Pinch me! Good luck on your journey. You can do it. It is never too late, but never is too late.

I have the Lapband AP, and it is also 14cc, but not all of them are. From what I understand the size is determined by your anatomy when the surgery is performed. From what I have read, it seems the primary difference in the bands is how the inner cuff is inflated. I think one is continiuous and the other is sectional. I don't know if that helps you much. That is about all I know. I would look them both up on the internet where you can get a description of each, plus pictures or diagrams, and maybe that will help you decide. I am happy with my AP, but I a haven't had a Realize band, so I can only speak from my experience. If you use the band as a tool to restrict portions, and you exercise, make a committment to eat healthy, go to group support, and read all you can about how to work with the band, you can likely be equally successful with either one.

Unless there is a newer one, the Lapband AP is the newest of that particular brand. There is a different brand called the Realize band. I think the main difference is in how the inner band inflates, but I am not sure. I had surgery last year and the AP was the newest then. There is another band, called the Easyband, that is not yet available in the US, only in Europe I believe. Instead of a port that is used to inject or withdraw saline, this one uses an external control device to change the restriction. I work in a cardiology office, and it reminds me of the stuff they use to check and adjust pacemakers. I know there are places working on single incision banding (you may see stuff on TV about single incision gall bladder surgery, or kidney donation--same idea, but with the lapband) Someone posted on here some time ago with a link, and it led to a doctor in Texas. I don't think it involves a different model other than the two I mentioned above.

I prepared by skipping Desserts (no easy task-I work in a doctor's office and we have luncheons all the time), and by increasing my committment to exercise (nothing fancy, mostly walking). I am a reformed pizza-holic. I would work out at Curves, then stop at my favorite pizza place (right near where I live) then consume an entire 12-15 inch pizza. I don't recognize being satisfied; I had to be stuffed. When I added walking to the exercise I found a nice place to walk, a park near home with a nature trail that is a little less than 2 miles around. I noticed a difference in how my slacks were fitting, even before surgery, just from the walking. In the winter when it is dark after work, I do Curves, sometimes Water aerobice, and I recently joined the local rec center fitness room (treadmills, bike, elliptical, Universal, free weights--a nice place) that only costs $2 a month or $24 for the year. I joined May 1 so it was $16 for the rest of the year. Not a bad deal at all. Prior to surgery I started the liquid diet (every place is a little different in how they do this--this is just mine) which was supposed to be 2 weeks (lasted for 3 because I caught a slight cold and my surgery was bumped back a week) and up until 4 days before surgery I could have a small amount of lean Protein (I grilled unbreaded chicken tenders or ate 2 hardboiled eggs with salt and pepper). I saved the protein for the evening when I tended to overeat the most. I knew I would be hungry during the day; I accepted that and just tried to stay busy so I wouldn't think about it, then I would enjoy my protein in the evening. I lost 25 lbs during the 3 weeks, plus 10 on the 6 month diet my insurance required. The rest has come off since surgery. I cleared out my kitchen, purging it of anything I thought I wouldn't be using after surgery. The only Snacks I keep around are ones I can eat (like Kay's Naturals--protein cereals and snacks--kaysnaturals.com). I keep snack bars in my purse in case I get hungry and can't eat a meal right away. I used Kashi TLC bars. They have protein (not as much as the so-called protein bars), Fiber, and are much lower in sugar than most bars. I read labels like a maniac; I work to minimize sugar, salt, fat, and then carbs. I eat some Cereal (like Cheerios) with fruit and light soymilk. My favorite meal many nights (you may get the idea that I don't cook much--you'd be right) is chicken caesar salad (chicken breast grilled in olive oil or olive oil flavored Pam, cut that up and cut up a hard boiled egg, put on a bed of Romaine with Parmesan cheese, light caesar dressing, and fat free croutons. Get those green bags you see advertised. I can actually keep 3 heads of Romaine fresh enough until I can eat it all. After surgery you might find you have problems with some foods like bread. I don't eat much bread at all anymore. Since I love pizza, this posed a problem. So I designed a crustless pizza that you can do in the microwave. To avoid making this post that much longer, send me a PM if you would like the recipe. Good luck on your journey.

Congratulations on your decision. Take advantage of all the resources available to you. Your surgeon, dietician, group support, exercise, all of it will help you be successful. The band only restricts portion size. The rest is up to you. You can do it.

You are so not taking the easy way out! The band is merely a tool that helps you lose weight by restricting portion sizes. People who know nothing about bariatric surgery will view it as a quick fix, which it isn't. I had someone ask me "You are doing this for health reasons, right?" Duh! No, I thought I would use it to turn myself into a geriatric Barbie! Please! My PCP had been after me for a long time to lose weight. In my head I knew what to do, but had never lost more than 20 lbs or so on any kind of diet. My starting weight was 252 which isn't as high as many, but I was wearing 2X or womens size 22-24, and I was miserable. My BMI was around 38, but I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, reflux, joint arthritis, just about every co-morbidity except diabetes. Now I wear size misses 10-12, or small to medium tops and small pants. I no longer take cholesterol medicine, reflux medicine, and we just recently stopped my last BP med to see how I do off it and that is the last of the RX drugs. I will always have knee arthritis, but my knees feel a whole lot better than they did, and I rarely need pain medicine for it. Now instead of working out at Curves, then eating an entire 12-15 inch pizza (my idea of feeling full was to feel stuffed), I walk almost every day about 4 miles, sometimes more if I have the time (on Mother's Day it was so beautiful here in Maryland I spent the afternoon at the park where I walk, and went around the trail 4 times, about 8 miles!). I still belong to Curves (mostly use it on rainy days), and I recently joined the local rec center which has a fitness room with 3 treadmills, bike, elliptical, free weights and a Universal weight machine. The rec center is run by the County and costs all of $2 a month. I joined on May 1st, and they prorate the annual fee, so I paid $16 for the rest of the year. I can handle that. I try to exercise at least 6 days out of 7 (I need one day to grocery shop and run errands, but if I can work them around my exercise, I do). I won't say I never get off track (there is lots of temptation out there), but instead of beating myself up about it, I pick myself up and, one day at a time, get back to the reason I did this. I am not ruling out the geriatric Barbie part, though. I just need a plastic surgeon who wants to work for free

My sister had RNY a couple years before I had the band. I opted for the band because it is adjustable and it does not have the malabsorption issues that RNY has, though they put us on the same vitamin regimen, as it is hard to get all your nutrients from food when you are eating small portions. It is possible to lose 100 lbs (see my results below), but it requires a commitment on your part, regardless of which surgery you elect to have. My sister was impressed with how quickly I bounced back (at age 63 no less) from surgery. I started walking before surgery and was walking within 24 hours, and after building up to it, about 5 days post-op I went to my favorite park for walking. The squirrels missed me! I walk almost every day, approximately 4 miles, sometimes more (Last Sunday was so nice I think I did nearly 8 miles!) switching off to Curves or water aerobics now and then, and I recently joined the local rec center to use the fitness room. My main activity is walking, though. I do more of the other stuff in the winter when I run out of daylight during the week (it is dark when I get off work). Besides the exercise, you need to commit to eating a healthy diet (remembering protein first). The band is simply a tool to restrict portion size; it is still up to you to put good stuff in your mouth.

I had a history of GERD, but was not required to have endoscopy done for the band surgery, just a nuclear stress test and an echo. However in the past I have had one along with a colonoscopy during the same procedure (I asked the doc if I could have a 2-for-1 special and he said sure). I think he used Versed, and I warned him I had a very active gag reflex (I gag on tongue depressors!). He said it is all in the prep. They started the IV, he sprayed my throat, I think put the guide in my mouth, and then before picking up the endoscope, he covered my eyes. I was out like a light, came to slightly during the colonoscopy (but not uncomfortably so--just awareness they were doing something). As long as they weren't in my throat, I was a happy camper. I think, like the other poster, I had a dry throat for a day or so, but other than that, no big deal, and no pain. Even though I had the history of GERD, they didn't require it for surgery. I am happy to report I no longer take the GERD med, or the two cholesterol meds I was on, or the two blood pressure meds (just stopped the last BP med recently). All I take now is Vitamins, and occasionally Sudafed for nasal stuffiness or a mild antihistamine for spring itchiness. Don't let this stop you from having surgery. It is a big committment to eating right, exercising, and smaller portions (what the band helps you do), but it is worth it.

My first experience with a black bean burger was my first trip to a restaurant post op. I was looking for something safe to eat at Chili's and ordered that. OMG it was so dry it got stuck almost immediately! I thought I was going to die (almost). I finally violated the no drinking rule and drank a few sips of water and it finally went down. Since then I have bought some Boca burgers and I think Morningstar and I found them difficult to get down. They are not very moist and dry stuff doesn't go down well, at least for me. I would check with your dietician before trying them. If you are still on soft foods I am not sure that is the way to go.

Congratulations! I share your feeling of accomplishment. I, too, hit the 100 lb mark and reached my goal weight, too. I lost 10 whole lbs on the 6 month diet my insurance required, 25 on the pre-op liquid diet (I ended up on it for 3 weeks instead of 2 because I caught a slight cold and my surgery was bumped a week), and the rest after surgery. My favorite NSV is when buying scrub pants for work (I work in a doctor's office) I can say "I take a size small, thanks." Used to be 2X.:mad2:

I have the same problem and as I understand it, no amount of exercise will tone loose skin, and plastic surgery (aka tummy tuck) is the only thing that will get rid of it. I have loose skin elsewhere, too, but if I can afford it one of these days I would like to have a tummy tuck. My butt and boobs deflated, too. I would like (if I had the money) to take the roll from my tummy and fill out my boobs and/or my butt. My tailbone gets sore because I don't have enought padding. I see some marvelous before and after pictures in plastic surgery ads or tv programs. All you need is a big pot of money.

I am right there with you. My butt deflated and the girls look like two water-filled balloons that no longer have any Water, if you know what I mean:lol:! I don't care that I am 64; I would like to be perky in my old age! I need to find a plastic surgeon who will work cheap. I will even do before and after pictures for the right price! As for the poster who needs help with her legs, I will share this with you. I was going to Curves before surgery (and eating an entire pizza for dinner afterwards) so I decided I needed to bump up my exercise for after surgery. So I added walking. I found a nice park near home that has a 2 mile asphalt nature trail. I routinely go around twice, and sometimes on weekends or when off I may do 3, and rarely 4 times around. I don't walk particularly fast and I carry peanuts for the squirrels, but I try to do the distance. Let me tell you, my pants were getting loose before surgery, and except for some loose skin on my inner thighs, my legs are lookin' pretty good. I went from women's 22 to misses size 10 in pants since surgery. So, if you don't already, add some walking to your exercise routine. I don't know if a treadmill will give the same effects, but it may. The trail has small hills and turns so it is different from walking a flat surface. Plus you get some extra Vitamin D from the sunshine. Now if I could just find someone to do a tummy tuck . . .