cleofet

hi I also live on LA and woill be needing some plastic surgery done when I reach goal (about 30 more pounds) I especially need my upper arms done. Any infor you have or receive I would appreciate. You can e-mail me at cleoet@hotmail.com
Thanks for your help.
Mary

Hi NeenBand,
I'm banded 6 years ago today. I am really happy I got the band. I just posted my story on March 2007 forum.
I've had my difficulties but I believe many of them are due to me not following direction (ie. chew slowly, small bites, etc)
I recently investigated switching to the sleeve but my doctor advises to stay with my band. I only have to lose the 10 lbs I recently gained.
We are finding things out about the band that we didn't know initially but the sleeve is even newer then the band and we don't know what the issues will be in that surgery.
So I'm staying with band. I know I need something to keep my weight off.
I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

I read posts like these, and pay close attention and try to learn something...
I have only been banded for 2 1/2 years, and so far everything has been great....so when people say they gain the weight back, or they loose restriction, my ears perk up because it is something I must be aware of...especially the reasons why it happens....
I still cannot understand how one can loose restriction...as long as the band remains a constant...I do understand and experience it for myself the pouch dilating stretching, allowing larger than normal portions because there is more room for food to accumulate above the band....for this I do the 5 day pouch test, actually will go all liquids for 2-3 days, to give my pouch a rest and return to normal size...hopefully avoiding more serious issues in the future....also why Dr.'s suggest un-fills...
But I am still naive how one can "Fall off the wagon" so to speak....so when people do post these type of stories, it is something that interests me very much...like I said. I try to understand the WHY so others like me, can be warned....and educated..
Thanks for being honest and posting......that is why this forum CAN be productive...for people to hear other people's experiences, good and bad....and learn from them.....NOT to have know it alls tell us what we should and should not do when they themselves have a way to go and much to learn........as if their way is the only way

While in hospital the nurses told me I was best sipping from a cup, but I'd asked the surgeon during my first fill and he was happy if I used a straw.
I found I enjoy sipping from a cup for most drinks now, it gives my mouth the taste of what I'm drinking for a little longer than drinking via a straw.

It's been 3wks for me. I have not yet, I think I'm to scared .LOL
~~~Stephanie

Wow. Thanks. I thought I would need a Tummy Tuck but I am pretty sure that after the weight loss, I would need the pann...... (the last one). I already have a lot of skin that hangs down over that area as a result of my pregnancies. Have hopes that insurance may cover it.