Treadmillwalker

I think it was about 6 weeks before I felt normal again--over the surgery, adjusted to my need to chew food well, not as tired, etc.

I was banded 10/12/16. I've lost 40 pounds including my 10 day pre-op diet. For me a loss of 10 pounds a month is awesome! I want slow, steady and consistent weightloss while still enjoying life with healthier habits. No regrets from me.

Please let us know how it goes. I've been focusing on my food and try to find options not involving bread. I can't eat raw carrots, but found English seedless cucumbers help fill me up. I make homemade chicken salad and cut cucumber medallions that I sprinkle with garlic salt and top with small spoonful of chicken salad. It looks pretty and tastes great. The cucumbers save a lot of calories and help me feel full.

What I do is track using My Fitness Pal and stop by my surgeon's office once a month to weigh (no charge and takes 5 minutes). The receptionist records in my chart. I eat high protein and low carb. South Beach and Atkins recipes work well during the weightloss phase.

I've had 2 fills to get to 5.5 cc. I'm grateful my doctor was able to put in as much as he did each time. I feel really good with where I'm at right now.

I heard it is at Costco.

Weight Watchers says that you can expect a loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week on their eating plan, and possibly more if you exercise daily. That is 104 pounds in a year or more and that is what WW says. If someone who is truly overweight ask me I will encourage them to attend a WLS seminar. I may or may not tell them I have a lap band.

I don't tell people either. I'm in the early weight loss phase so people are not commenting a lot, but a few have said I look thinner in my face. I say thanks and that I'm working at it. If they ask what I do I tell the truth that I'm eating healthier, using My Fitness Pal, and watching my portions. This is all true. I don't mention I had lap band surgery. The surgery is a tool, but we still have to change your relationship with food and exercise.

I had lap band surgery in October. Initially post surgery I had a lot of shoulder pain from the anesthesia. Walking helped. I also needed to take a stool softener and laxative because I wasn't getting any fiber from the protein. Some people start on Benifiber as it dissolves in liquids. Your weight loss will be slower (I'm losing 10 pounds per month). I track my food on My Fitness Pal as it also tells me the nutrition breakdown. For me the band is a reminder. Chew, chew, chew. You are having WLS not fat removal. Be patient and follow the guidelines from your doctor. It isn't a race, but a lifestyle change. Your relationship with food needs to change to be successful.

All WLS is only a tool. There is no magic pill--just smarter choices and smaller portions. You need to change your relationship with food regardless of the surgery. It is about self restraint, not a magic pill where poof your excesses are erased.

I don't think it has been in the U.S. for 10 years yet, but not sure.

During my six months of pre-approval classes through the bariatric center of excellence I went through I learned that with the lapband I will not necessarily feel full. Instead I will fill a restriction and that is my reminder. I weigh and measure my food and I track it. I will have a full cup of turkey chili and I stop. It takes me 20 minutes to feel full. I limit my meal time to 20 munutes and watch my portion and calories. I'm down 10 pounds a month starting in October. For me it takes self discipline. My lapband is only one tool I use.

I had lapband surgery in October and I'm very happy with it. I don't tell people I had surgery. You have to eat healthier whether on Weight Watchers or WLS. I tell people I'm eating healthier when they ask why I'm not having a second piece of pizza. I don't want the attention that telling people brings. Either they say it is a horrible decision or credit my weight loss on the surgery only. I had lapband surgery, not fat removal surgery.

I've had two fills and have decided to hold off getting anymore fills unless needed. For me I want my band to act as a reminder which means I feel some restriction, but not strictly limited. We went out to dinner last night with a group (no one knows I had lapband surgery). I was able to eat a small portion of everything and have a glass of wine. I made smart choices and avoided the bread basket. I felt great throughout the meal. I was able to enjoy and control my portions. I got home and tracked my calories and was under 1800 for the day. It showed me I can eat out and stay in control. This is what I wanted the lapband for--a tool to help me gradually lose weight while still living life.

You look so happy. You will reach your goal and inspire those of us on our journey to reach ours.

This made me laugh. So often people want instant results. It is hard work to lose weight and get in shape regardless of having WLS.

I would call the surgery department associated with each hospital in your area and ask if they do WLS and get the names of doctors. Also check with your insurance plan and see if they list surgeons as in network and call those offices. Good luck!

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/385197-Intermittent-Fasting You may find this discussion of interest. Be sure and scroll to the top when you open the link.

http://junkbanter.com/2016/10/20/review-ranking-17-halo-top-flavors/ I haven't tried this yet, but am interested in learning more about as a "special occasion" treat versus every week treat while I'm working to lose weight. Have you tried it and what do you think?

Post some photos of your creations the next time you update your weight loss update photo. Congratulations on both accomplishments!!

The color of poo will be influenced by what you eat and drink. Medication can influence too.

My husband gave me a S'well bottle for Christmas. I love it. It has a screw cap, is refillable, keeps liquids cold for 12 or hot for 24. I carry it everywhere.

The World According to Eggface is very helpful.