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Skye - I'm at such a loss for words. What an overwhelming situation to be faced with. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for taking the time to come here and let us know what's going on. You, your husband, and your family will all be in my prayers.

Kristin - This is normal. Some people gain up to 8 pounds before the first fill. Your body drops the weight at such a rapid pace with all of the extreme dieting and surgery, and then when its time to start eating solid foods again a gain of a few pounds is to be expected. Don't let it freak you out. Just log every bite, make sure you're being sensible with your calories, and keep up on your protein and water. I've often found that even though I think I'm overeating, I'm still within my calories. So journaling is good. Hang in there.. you're doing great!

The last thing I want to do here is start any conflicts on this thread, but I have to say that was very condescending. Sue, you don't know me and you shouldn't make assumptions about me. I based my feelings about Dr. Pleatman's involvement on this board solely on his own posts. Nothing more. I have a fine surgeon and my band journey is going exceptionally well. He is welcome to advise his patients however he likes and I'm sure he's adored by many. I simply stated that I think it's a shame that he uses this board to advertise - and in my eyes, that's what he does. I see no reason for you to be bothered about my opinion. *shrugs*

Ah, Dr. Pleatman, you're right. I was mixed up on the reports. Here is the one I was thinking of. In this study 10 people were rebanded after erosion in 2002. They were closely followed over a period of 3 years and none had erosion problems. The report is dated June 10, 2005. http://gastricbanding.researchtoday.net/archive/2/6/61.htm I have to admit to being very frustrated by trying to find ANY information about this. Why aren't there more up-to-date reports out there? Does it really take 10 years to report case studies? Are we all just lab rats? And Carrie, Dr. Pleatman is the only Dr. I've seen who's stated he would refuse. My surgeon said he would wait the six months and then reband with confidence. I'm not sure what to make of a Dr. who consistantly posts on a lapband board, pushing the RnY surgery. No offense, Dr. Pleatman, but it just doesn't sit right with me and many others here. I think it's a shame that you are using the board to advertise like you do. If you have helpful information about lapbanding and want to post that, then wonderful. But when I look at all of your posts it is clear to me that you are here pushing the RnY and, TO ME, that seems like you are taking advantage of people who are unsure or having fears. I apologize if I'm wrong, but in the time I've been here, I've see little support or helpful information about the lap band from you and a strong push to get people to convert.

Karen, your post made me think of DianeChef. Here is a recent thread by her that you might want to read: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16315 I'd have it checked right away. Hope things turn out alright. Keep us posted ok? *hugs*

Heyas Tracy - Here is a link to some information about a study done on rebanding. http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/assets/LapBand-in-the-USA.pdf I personally would be rebanded. I'd rather take my risks on another erosion than have the bypass done. For me, those risks are just not acceptable even though there are a handful of doctors who really push more extreme surgerys at the first indication of band problems.

Good girl But like Donna said, can you do it just once? I'm the type of person that doesn't just slip off the edge a bit then pull herself back up. Oh no.. I slide all the way down the mountainside! LOL Best of luck to you Chris. Keep us posted on how you're doing ok? *hugs*

Why is it the last time? I have popcorn when I want it. It's really not bad at all - PopSecret has the 100 calorie bags that are just the right amout. I think many people get this sense of dread because they feel they will never again have the food they enjoy. But it just isn't true. I can tell you from being on this side of the band that I don't feel deprived in the least. If you want to have some popcorn at the movie, do it. Just get a small bag, no butter and a diet drink. The goal of your pre-diet is to have a quick drop in weight to reduce the amount of fat in your liver. The liver must be moved aside in order to access the part of your stomach that is to be banded, and if it is overly large due to fatty build up then they might not be able to do the surgery. This was my motivator to stick to the diet all I could. My pre-op diet consisted of Protein drinks, slim fast and all the raw veggies and fruits I could eat. I was instructed to follow this 70% of the time, and when I got hungry I could have some carbs like Pasta or brown rice. I seriously don't see why some popcorn would destroy your diet. Nor does the graham cracker, just be careful not to make too many acceptions to your diet - you might find yourself unaware of just how many calories youre actually eating. You're going to do fine. You only have a few more days to go - give it all you've got. After all, this IS the start of your journey!

Oh my goodness! Josephine! This is wonderful! Sincere congratulations on your progress! What a dream come true.. and isn't it strange how we just don't "see" the change in our own eyes. Do you have any before and after pics you'd be willing to share with us?

Have I missed a post from Pam saying she's banded? Wasn't she scheduled for the 24th? Hey Pam - hope everything went well for you and that you're recovering nicely! And um.. are you hungry? I bet not! *grins* Let us hear from you when you can. And remember.. rest a lot, walk as much as you can, and keep sipping that water!

I have a friend who was recently banded in Toronto. Her surgeon is also a plastic surgeon. I asked her about fills for someone else and she was unsure of his policy about filling patients of other docs, but here's his info if you want to check and see: http://www.obesitysurgery.ca/about.asp Good luck, Sue!

Hi Lisa, welcome to LBT! I read your post earlier today and wanted to give it some thought before responding. At first I was of two minds on this one. When I read that you only need to lose 40 pounds I wondered why you'd want to take such a drastic step when a couple of months of serious dieting would take off at least half of that. But then I got to thinking about how many times I did that, only to put it back on - plus some. I also realized your height is 5'3" and firgured your ideal weight would be a lot lower than 150 - unless you are solid lean muscle. For a normal BMI you would need to be around 120. Which means you'd be looking at more like 70 pounds. I know that you would not qualify for the surgery in the states, based on your BMI. However, I have to say I would do it for 70 pounds. I fluctuated between 180 and 220 throughout my 20's, then climbed into the 250-280 range in my 30's and 40's. Knowing what I know now, If I could have avoided the gain of the additional 100 pounds on my body over the years, I would have done it. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Heyas Kim, welcome to LBT! I was banded locally, but I've heard lots about Ortiz - haven't heard of the getfit365 though. I'm sure someone has.. there's a huge variety represented here. It's a great place, glad you found us!

Oh Rhonda! Bless your heart. I'll be praying for you both! *big comforting hugs*

If you're talking about the video, yup, that was me. Very informative. And yes indeed it would be cool! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

What an adorable little guy! I want one! Pat - I think you just cost me another year's salary in therapy! LOL

Dr. Patterson trained the surgeon who did my band here in Boise, Idaho. He did a fantastic job if that counts for anything.

Oh sorry, its the bypass surgery. Cutting and re-routing the stomach and intestines. There are several different types but that gives you the main idea.

Home scales can vary so much from the Dr's scales. If you were you, I would use your weight on your home scale as a starting point from now and only weigh once a week. This may not reflect your true weight, as shown on the Dr's scales, but it will give you a good indicator of the amount of weight you are losing. Daily weighing can be discouraging because the body's weight can fluctuate as much as 5 pounds per day. Your body is probably still swollen and retaining a lot of fluids. Relax and give yourself time. The average weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. If your scales were right on the money, then losing .7 pounds in 4 days is perfect! The next time you weigh at the Dr's office, you'll have a better idea of how far off your scales are. Chin up, it's way too early in the game to be discouraged.

Hey Amber.. Check out the student insurance you have at BSU. I know of a gal who's a student that was considerig weight loss surgery and she said it would be covered. Now I'm not sure if she was talking about the RNY or band, but it's worth checking into.

I absolutely LOVE this picture. Look at the difference in size! Just looking at the fat makes me hurt. It looks gross and so uncomfortable, doesn't it? Yuck! And the lean muscle... that represents no more pain, self confidence, strength, and life! Hope you don't mind but I touched up the pic a bit with my thoughts on this.

This is very very true for many. And for those that can do it and keep the control and still lose weight... I think that's wonderful. Doesn't work for me though, darnit. I have to avoid it completely or I'll get out of control. I wish I could allow myself a treat every two weeks or something like that. But I can't even let it pass over my lips. There is no such thing as moderation in this head of mine. That's why I wound up being over 300 pounds. Everyone does what they have to do in order to succeed. As an addict of those types of foods... I had to walk away and say goodbye in order to regain my life. I don't mean to imply that everyone should do as I do, I'm only sharing an understanding of Doll's longing for that which used to be a "comfort" and "pleasure" in life.

You're welcome Pat. This is the way I log my meals everyday. In fact, its just a copy of my food journal. Glad it helped you!

Every weekday morning, Dawg and I would drive through McD's and get breakfasts. We did this for over a year without fail. When Dawg finally said he wasn't going to do it anymore, I'd drop him off at work and go get the usual - and eat his for him! I finally did stop, when I was going through the process of pre-testing for band approval. I had decided it was time to get started on the much needed change. However, on the morning of my nutritionist appointment, I dropped off Dawg at work and headed right for a McD's - on the way to the appointment! I argued with myself all the way there. I ridiculed myself. Tried to talk myself out of it. But on I went, guiltily driving through and ordering the food I was so addicted to. As I began to eat it, I began to cry. I was so upset at my addiction. The food didn't even taste as good as I had remembered, in fact it wasn't very good at all. But I choked down every bite through my tears. That was the last time I've allowed the old habits to win over me. Oh, I've had the memories, the twinges of sadness, the fleeting thoughts of desire - but I stop and think about that morning and how bitter each bite was, and the moment of desire is exposed in my mind for what it really is. A stinking nasty addiction that made me miserable. I'm free now - and I'm NOT going back!

Happy Happy Birthday, Marimaru! :happybday2::happybday2::happybday2: