clarebear08

Hiya I live in Liverpool too- however I didn't get my band fitted there, at the moment I get my band filled when I visit family overseas, but it would be great to get the band filled closer to home! If you don't mind sharing- where do you get your band filled and how much does it cost? Many thanks

Hiya, I had my band fitted in Doha in April 2008. I go to regular fills with Dr Fawzi at Al Ahli Hospital. +974 489 8888- call, and keep calling till you get somewhere- i have always found it easier to just go to the hospital and make the appointment in person. The fills cost 800 riyals in total- (about 220USD)- depending on whether you have anaesthetic or not and fluro is not standard. Dr Fawzi is very good at what he does. Good Luck witht he move!

Wow wish I'd thought of posting on this subject- what a great idea! My family lives in Norwich, however I am living in Liverpool where I go to university. I got my band in April 2008 when I was 95kg, and my lowest weight today is 84.7kg and my first goal weight is 74.5kg- so I am halfway there. Its slow progress, as I had a lower BMI to begin with. Where do you live?

Hi Georgifisher, I have just logged back into lapbandtalk.com for the first time in a long time in a bid to get back on the bandwagon I jumped off during christmas time! As a low BMI bandster to begin with ( initial goal of 45lb loss) I steadily lost 22lbs in 10 months (with a 2 month gap in the middle)- but over christmas I have completely lost the drive, gone wild on food and put on atleast 8lbs. I'm lost- but I have a will to find the drive again. I have a fill booked and my only concern is the embaressment when I see my doc! You have a will too- and you have made the first step to change- the biggest step. I know you can do it- keep looking for support (I have found people like jachut invaluable!) and I hope you find the strength you need to succeed.

Hi Ryan, I'm 18 and had the surgery just before my 18th birthday- I know you said 17 years old and below posters, but any support is good support right? Seeing as its all about opinions here, mine is that if you can make yourself happier and possibly save your life now, rather than wait for 2 years for an age someone has just arbitrarily decided on as "ok" then why the hell wouldn't you do it. Like you, I've seen a member of my family go through the surgery, and no one can make you understand the good and the bad of it better. I'm behind you 100%. Keep us updated

too many caps...ok :thumbup: Well that's how excited I was!

Hi all! I saw a thread like this in the January 2008 Bandsters and thought it would be a nice idea for us avengers to try, I know it hasn't been that long but I bet (like me) there are lots of people who havn't lost a huge amount of weight but something has happened to them lately that made them think YES! My NSV's: 1. Having my dad say a pair of shorts I had never been able to wear before looked good- He had (he's had WLS too) a weight problem himself and I always felt he was critical of my weight, so the compliment felt a million times better then anything anyone else could have said. 2. Trying on a skirt I bought and was previously unable to do up, only to find it fits PERFECTLY now- not only that but it's GORGEOUS! Subsequently trying on everything in my wardrobe (I mean EVERYTHING!) and not having to squeeze my way into anything :thumbup: I look forward to sharing in some of your NSV's!

my port is right against my sternum, ie. below the skin that bra underwire sits on and so close to the skin I can see its outline- not fo the first 15 days I couldn't sleep on my stomach and as a religious stomach sleeper this was difficult, but being so tired I got through it. Now I sleep on my front no problem. The only time I encounter difficulty on my stomach is when sunbathing on a hardish surface like grass....not exactly a MAJOR issue for me here in England :cursing: Hope this helps.

mine is against my sternum, below where my bra wire sits, just under the skin.

I hadn't had a natural period for about a year- but 6kgs down and 3 weeks into my weightloss I am in the middle of the heaviest period I have ever experienced. it's reassuring to know that many people have noticed changes!

B- petit filous apricot L- 1/2 can tuna (w/mayo), lettuce, cucumber, 1 tblsp coleslaw S- ryvita cracker w/ 2 tblsp egg mayo D- tbc

I don't know about long term, but I wanted to reassure you that the diets vary alot. I was on normal food up until the surgery, then soft foods immediately afterwards. At my last weigh in (a week after surgery) I'd lost 5kg or 11lbs. It's portions more than anything, and I don't think you eat as much on solid-esque food because they fill you up quicker than liquids. Hope this helps!

Smoothies were recommended to me. My particular favourite is frozen smoothie. Blend frozen fruit and a little fruit juice togethor. Yummy and refreshing. Frozen fruit is availiable all year round too, 125g frozen fruit and 75 mls apple juice is about 100 cals.

I have been just using my ticker, but have since reading this post created a spreadsheet. Very good idea!

Maybe it's because you're hungry? I get crippling stomach pain if I let myself go to long without eating a small meal. I'm not sure though!

Hiya, I was you up until about three days ago, having been banded on the 10th of April. The pain was MUCH worse than I was expecting, I had said I'd probably be at a party that night, so don't feel silly. More people then you know felt like that. The general anesthetic also knocked me for six. I was crying every day for about 5 days- a complete personality turnaround for me. I felt like I'd already failed- but I realise now that I just needed to get the drugs out of me. Drink lots of water and don't feel you have to hide the fact you're not 100% yet. Just take your time, go slow and before you know it you'll be racing to the gym ( I am about to go :cry_smile:) feeling brilliant about yourself, and I'm only 9 days post op AND I havn't weighed in. You just wait, you'll be feeling fantastic in no time.

Pinkiegirl makes a good point. In the end it is your decision However if you're going to cheat early...don't do it with a sandwich...the bread is a risky one for any bandster let alone a new one!!

I did yes, 1 week early. I couldn't understand how chewed to soup consistency was any different to actual soup

Hi everyone! My immediate family (parents, brother, sister) all know and so does my best friend. I didn't want to tell anyone else, so I didn't and I stressed to those I did tell that I valued their confidence highly and that is why I told them. I have eaten in front of friends 3 times a day since I had the op (I go to boarding school) with no problems. You have to be careful not to exclaim "wow I'm full" though after half a bowl of Soup hehehehe Do whatever feels right to you, I can see the benefits of telling people like hollyncharm did! it just depends how you feel! Good Luck to you!

If you're on liquids and limited softs, check whether mashed potato is allowed. I have found that mashed potato and gravy to be my saviour this week when on a quest for the same sort of thing, something warm, easy to get down but still requires "eating" if you know what I mean.

Hello Avengers!! After being banded on the 10/04/08 I had my first day without any painkillers- I don't feel 100% yet, as in if I do too much I feel pain, and I've been having lots of early nights! Not a real complaint though, I love sleeping. Lots of people had their surgery the same day as me and it's really nice to see how you're all doing, not to mention reassuring. I feel for you on your liquid diets (I only have to do liquids/mushies for two weeks post op) as I get so hungry before meal times, the grumbles make me double up and clear broth just wouldn't cut it. It's very strange to feel hunger, soothing of food, satisfaction and then the thrill of being able to stop when I'm full. I can't say these were things I ever felt on a daily basis pre-band! Good luck to all with upcoming surgeries, my thoughts are with you!

I was banded the same day as you and suffered really bad gas pains for the first few days, I know it's not uncommon to get them as late as a week afterwards but I can't explain why! I can however tell you that I managed them with painkillers and by lying down with my feet raised, a bit different to some of the other suggestions I found on here. Hope this helps! Feel better soon

Feeling under my skin it's about a 2cm diameter circle... But this may not be what you mean! Hope this helps.

Thanks so much- I'll give it my best shot!

Thanks so much for your quick reply, you have no idea how much I needed that. Very good point about the liquids, I am not drinking with meals which is when I used to do all my drinking so now that I think about it I'm not drinking more than 1 glass of Water a day if that. I will change it- but how soon after eating can you drink? and the same prior to eating? I havn't had any pain eating, so I presume it's okay to do so as long as its nutritious and mushy enough not to be uncomfortable to eat. I'm re-enthused. I'm going to try and find some scales (in my boarding house :crying:) to see how I've done this week. These boards are such an invaluable tool- everyone who's considering or had this surgery should be referred to them!