jbflorida

I don't think Dr. S does this any more....but I had a brachioplasty and would chat with you if you want...

Good luck on your journey. I was banded 2 years ago and I am happy with my decision. Keep in mind that the band is a tool and you will still need to be in charge. Join us on the "I can help" thread; you will find a lot of support and good information from "our" age group. Any questions? Ask away. (I was an adjunct lecturer for the University of Maryland many years ago.) Judy

One thing I know for sure--the band is fickle. There is no telling what will stay down. The same meal can "register" differently when I eat it. You are doing very well. You should be proud of all success you have. The hard part for me is maintaining. That is why I am in OA. I now have 20-25 more to lose and then--that is when I am challenged. With OA, I have different tools. Good luck to you.

Good luck to you! It's been 2 years for me and I am happy with my band--IF I work it! It is easy to eat around the band with the wrong things. See your doctor, make the right food choices, exercise, and look forward to good health. The diabetes may become a thing of the past. My friend who had diabetes got the band and went from shots and neuropathy and worsening vision to feeling great with one pill a day for his diabetes. Wishing you the best---

I am a member of the club--lost 67 and put back 42. I lost the momentum and excitement of going from a size 20 to a 10. Yesterday was my 2 year bandiversary. The last few months have been filled with anguish and disappointment. How could I do this? I had surgery for God's sake! I have come to the realization that I am a compulsive overeater. My habits are not those of normal (sane) people. I have been attending meetings of Overeaters Anonymous and am finding help. Right now, I am not concerned with the weight and the scale; I am concentrating on having a good food day TODAY. This is an addiction and I am out of control. Seeing that--I feel I can now go on....at least, for today. Happy to talk with anyone.

Don't be scared. It will be exciting! The first few days are hard, sure, but you get used to it and the hunger goes away. I was on Optifast for 2 weeks and after 3 days, no prob! AND you will start losing weight and the motivation will be high. Try not to see this time in your life and health as a deprivation, but as a REWARD you are giving yourself. You DESERVE this--good health and energy. This is not punishment; this is a GIFT to your kids and the grandkids you will be playing with one day. It's not all easy, but it is better than it is now. From a retired teacher--

oops, wrong thread....but....YES, a few of us met in Orlando and spent the weekend talking and sharing. Come to the thread We're Here to Help.....so helpful. You'll find the support you want! Good luck with your banding on the 16th! Exciting! Post-operative pain? I had none, just some discomfort. If you follow the rules, use the band as a TOOL and not as THE answer, you WILL lost weight and find good health!

I just got home from our Florida rendezvous. Tired, but happy to have "met" such wonderful ladies. A good time was had by all! Judy

My history-- Surgery May 2008 3 fills--last one in Sept 2008. NOW, a problem with Protein eating--PB and pain (junk food goes does just fine...dammit) My question is--can the band get too tight after being fine for a year? (I have gained back 25 lbs.) thanks......

Kiz-- you may be right. I haven't had a fill since Sept. 2008. Is it possible that it becomes too tight? I thought it would be the other way around and I would need to get more fills. I eat 2 bites, PB in the restroom (with help of my finger down my throat), eat 2 bites, back to the restroom, 2 more bites, back to you know where----and then, I can eat the rest of the meal! I am still hungry after the first 2 bites, so I don't think I am satiated and need to stop. I just had a Protein bar and apple and no problem at all. I am making steak for dinner--let's see what happens! Has anyone else found that they are too tight after a year and need to be loosened??? Thank goodness for this website and the wonderful people here.

I had my surgery in May of 2008 and lost 67 lbs by November--I was a happy size 10. I've gained back 30 lbs since May 2009. What is happening to me? After all I went through and PAID for--why would I allow this to happen? I was so successful and now, feel like "I did it again!" I find the band to be so fickle. I still get stuck at times and sometimes, no problem! How can I stick to Protein when that causes such pain? Support and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

I just scheduled my plastic surgery for May 13---exactly one year to the day of my lapband! I thought that was an auspicious sign. 5 lbs to go--

Dear Dr. S, What a wonderful service you provide! Me-57, lapband, great health, 10 lbs from goal (which will make me a size 10--at my age, a 6 is not necessary). daily exerciser. I am scheduled for a Mastopexy and Aug. My surgeon wants to do silicone ABOVE the muscle. Your thoughts on that? Most people seems to get them placed under the muscle.(I am a 38 C going to a fuller C) I am also having Brachiplasty. Even though I am near goal, my arms are still fat--not just hanging skin, but fatty tissue in the "wings." Will I be happy with the results? Another doctor said lipo should be done first. Can they "sculpt" the arms when there is still fat? Thanks so much for your knowledge.

My doc says silicone is the way to go. I am going in for surgery in 2 weeks and yesterday, I read all of the info that the doc sent me about risks and what could go wrong, etc.---and I am wavering! Anyway, he wants to do silicone and place it ABOVE the muscle. Any thoughts on that? I am also having a lift. Since I am 5'1, I am going to go from a c to a full C. I am 57 and quite active--work out almost every day. Your opinion is appreciated.

Hi--just started thinking about some PS. I am within 15 lbs of goal (Christmas, etc. didn't help). I want to get my arms lifted--brachioplasty. But I am debating whether long scars or some bat wings are preferable! I only had to lose 65-75 lbs. so I am not in too bad of shape. I work out daily, but no amount of weightlifting is going to take the flab away. Any thoughts by someone who has been there? What kind of recovery was it? Would you do it again? And, if you don't mind me asking, what was the cost? Y'all are so brave! Take me with you!

I am almost 9 months out and it has finally stopped falling out. It is starting to grow a bit where I had some "empty" spaces. Still, I use a filler powder that seems to help in the meantime.

I am not sure you are at liberty answer this, Dr. Shulman, but I am trying to get some answers so I can deal with my finances. I am interested in brachioplasty and a breast lift/aug. 1-Can these surgeries be done at the same time? (or is the recovery too much!) 2-Can you give me a "ballpark figure" of the price? I live in FL, if that figures in. I would like to know what is considered reasonable. Thanks---we are fortunate to have you share your knowledge!

Yes, it is harder to lose as you get close to goal. I won the Original Costume tonight at a Halloween party. The prize was 2 free meals at Pasta Night (I don't think so!) and a plastic pumpkin full of candy. I had a mini-Snickers and a mini 3 Muskateers and gave the rest away! You know what would happen if I took it home. My costume....I wore all black (so slimming), duct tape across my chest with numbers, duct tape on my back with the words-Property of Florida Corrections, handcuffs on my left hand AND--(here's the original part...) a roll of Bounty Paper Towels (still in the wrapper) on my head. I was---an escaped prisoner with a Bounty on my head! hahahahaha Feel free to use my idea.

MissMeliss Good for you! Don't be nervous! EMBRACE your good health. I was banded the day after you and am following in your footsteps...I am down 64.5 today! I want to lose another 10 and then--goal! Keep going! We can all do it.....it honestly works--it WE work it!

Hi Pickle-- Welcome to Band Land! I had my surgery in May and am VERY happy. No regrets at all! I am down 64 lbs this AM. My doc says lose 3 more, I want 11-13 more. I am also in FL, in Sun City Center just south of Brandon and I am also in the 50's--almost 57--next week. My doc was in St. Pete. Join the 50's thread--lots of support there. Good luck with your journey. Judy

No "Aw, shucks...." You worked hard for this and need to be proud and yes, boastful! Repeat after me- LOOK WHAT I DID! AM I A GREAT POWERFUL WOMAN, OR WHAT???

Long2B What an accomplishment! You get an A+! Hoping to follow in your footsteps, Judy

Carrie--I am fortunate that I am retired and live in a VERY active gated community. I have time to devote to lots of exercise. Yesterday I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and then a water aerobics class. Today was a tai chi class and then an hour of Zumba. I really think THAT makes such a difference....and I am careful what I eat (which is occasionally a cookie!) Don't give up--try to add movement to your day!

Hi May sisters (and brothers?), Yesterday was my 5 month anniversary..down 62 lbs and 15 to go! (doc only wants me to lose another 5..I want 10 more than that) Isn't this thing amazing? The real test will be NEXT year, when we are all STAYING at goal! Mominlv, my band, Philip (fill up) says hi to Loooooosie!

1. Soda 2. Health Choose only one.