mediummike

Good luck to you. Who is doing your surgery ?

I weigh in every week (and only once a week!) and would be up for it. Like most, I seem to plateau, get a fill, lose a bunch, plateau, repeat...I'm ok with it, as long as its plateau, and not going up !!

Feel free to brag - you deserve to ! Sounds like you have a great start and good motivation to keep the momentum going..

I have a hard time with pills that I can not crush (large pills). Make sure you talk to your doctor / pharmacist !!!

awesome - congrats !

If you are worried about proein intake (and yes, you should be!), try an isopure protein drink. I find them much easier than shakes - they are lighter, fruitier drinks. They are available at Vitamin Shop type places and you get 40 grams of protein in 20 ounces of easy to drink liquid.

I do feel tighter in the am and the band does loosesn through the day. From what I hear, that is common for many bandsters although I have never figured out exactly why....

Not only is it the weekend, it is 5:00 somewhere -- actually it is 5:00 in NYC right now - off to Happy Hour ! Have a great weekend all....

I have no problem drinking wine and spirits. I do not use mixers so no problem with carbonation or extra space. I do drink much less than before surgery, but go out a couple nights a week nontheless - i can not tolerate it as much as I used to. Beer is different story. I was a beer drinker. Now, one or two and that is it - I just run out of space.

Every day gets better....welcome aboard and keep posting with questions / concerns.

where is Fenton ?

I was told tylenol only. Not exactly sure why - something to do with stomach damage I think..

I love it - competition is a great motivator. Did you throw in a wager to make it even more interesting ? I would suggest several along the way... Now enjoy and may the best man LOSE !!!!

Bessler's team also operates out of Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville. Attached is the website link for reference. Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Staff

Hi - I live in Irvington and work in Manhattan. I was banded 6 months ago today and have lost around 65 pounds. Dr. Bessler at NY Presbaterian-Columbia did my surgery. His team there is excellent and he has an excellent reputation. I had 3 fills, one each the first 3 months. Skipped the last two months (losing weight fine) but going for a fill next week. Best of luck to all !

Rick - First off - congrats!! - seems like it took forever... I sleep on my side as well and found having to sleep on my back the most challenging aspect of my post-surgery recovery. After a few unsuccessfull nights trying to sleep in my bed, I wound up going for my recliner and it was much better. Honestly, it was a little over a week before I was able to move back to my bed and this was the toughest part of my recovery, as it effected my sleep. Otherwise, I cruised - no pain, just a little gas (from surgery). Try to get walking as soon as possible - it really does help !

Congrats on your decision ! It (surgery) will be over before you know it and you will be dropping the lb's !

the ansthesiologist gave me what he referred to as "a few margaritas" through the iv - essentially a drug to help you relax as you are being wheeled into the er. everything after that was a blur and a non-incident. came to while being rolled out of er - although they told me they woke me up in the er...

awesome - good luck Rick - let us know how it went !

Normal - gas from surgery. Walking helped me out a lot...

Doctor said ok after 30 days post op. I have had wine/other drinks since with no problems at all. Yes - empty calories, and I account for that.

personally cant do rice or bread without being VERY carefull. everybody tolerates different foods differently - it really is a learning experience.

Never had a problem getting to the port either - no anesthetic or flouroscopy either. And its done by my doctors nurse - who is very good !

Agree - personal decision. Some do, some don't. I didn't tell many people upfront, but if they ask about my weight loss, I tell.

From what I see, an overwhelming majority of people succeed rather than fail. Yes, you have to work at it, but it is a great tool. I started at 6'4" and 338 lbs and have lost 60 lbs so far. Not easy - I'm still figuring out how to eat with restriction and I work out religiously. I realize whe self-paying it is a huge burden, but your health is too important...