CarolWA

I turn 61 in June. I was banded June 1st of 2010. Best thing I've ever done. Lost over 100 pounds. Never had any problems. Surgery was a snap, but i had a great surgeon. Back stopped hurting, knees stopped hurting and I haven't felt this good since I can't remember when. Haven't been this weight in 30 years. I was very determined and the weight just fell off, as long as I did everything I was told to do. I could still go another 20 pounds lighter and I will work on it some more. I've been slacking a little lately. But I will get back to it very soon. Summers almost here, another 20 pounds would be nice. Congrats on your decision. If you are committed, it will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. Good Luck Carol

Summer, I know exactly how you feel. I feel the same way every day. i went in thinking it was my last hope and if it didn't work nothing ever would. I was shocked that it did work and worked quickly. I was very determined but still had my doubts. I am now down 90 lbs since June 1st. My clothes have went from 28's to 16's. Makes me smile everyday. Got rid of all the old clothes, cause I ain't ever going to go back to that weight again! Amazing isn't it?

I take Gummy Vites. i couldn't stand the chalky chewables. I also take extra Folic acid and Vitamin D, but they are very small and can be swallowed easily.

I'm in Washington state, but when I lived in California they had weight listed on their license too.

I could never stand the taste of the chalky chewables. I use the Gummy Vites. Makes me feel like I get a treat with my vitamins.

Mine says 260 and at the time I think I was at about 300. Now I'm 225. I want a new picture on my license. Doesn't look like me anymore.

I'm sorry your insurance won't cover WLS. When you have to pay that much for insurance, it would be nice if it covered everything for your health. I'm one of the lucky ones that my insurance covered the surgery. Believe me, I know how lucky I am. I think those of us that were able to have insurance pay for the surgery do know that we are the lucky ones and we wish everyone could have it covered by insurance. I hope things work out well for you. Carol

The link to the Xmas challenge spread sheet??

I can't stand any of the chalky chewables, so I take about 4 to 6 of the Gummy Vites daily. I get them at Walmart. I also take a few other vitamins, such as B12, Boitin, and sometimes Calcium. Boitin didn't help with hair loss. I've lost about half of my hair. Carol

Gave some to my friends and my daughter. Sold some at a yard sale. They sold pretty well. I hated my fat clothes and was so happy to see them go. I went down from 28's to 18's so far. I hope to get to size 12 or 14. I will never buy fat clothes again!! LOL Carol

Come to think of it, where's everyone's signature?? LOL

OK what's with my signature??/

forgot my signature LOL

My surgery was June 1st and I have lost about 1/2 of my hair. I've taken Biotin all along and it doesn't really do anything. I also use the Biotin shampoo, but I'm still short half my hair. I had thin hair to begin with, so now I look like a chemo patient, enough that I scared my grand daughter. I went to a dermatologist and he said it will start to grow again in 4 to 6 months. I had 2 surgeries 1 month apart, so he says that was too stressful for my body. I hope it comes back. In the meantime, I'm getting used to hats, and bought a wig, but haven't had the guts to wear it yet. Carol

They give you lots of info at the seminars. You can ask and get all your questions answered. When I attended one, they made appts for some people at that time. I didn't make one at that time, but did later. They will explain all the different weight loss surgery options out there. They will also explain how each one works and possibly show a film or slides to help you understand what it's all about. Go to the seminar first, and decide about an appt at that time or think about everything you've learned and call them later. Hope this helps. Good luck! Carol

I too have chili all the time. I love Wendy's and Safeway's the best. Keeps me full and satisfied for a long time.

I use IDS brand, banana and the chocolate flavor. I buy it online. I've tried several and this taste the best for me. You'll have to try several to see what works best for you. Hated both the Syntrax and the Unjury brands.

I'm going thru that now. I've lost about half of my hair. It started getting real bad about 3 weeks ago. My surgery was June 1st. I made sure I got in 2 to 3 protein shakes a day since the very beginning. That was between 60 to 90 grams a day. I took Biotin tablets hoping to prevent it. I don't think anything can prevent it. It won't happen to everyone, but those of us that it does happen to, I really don't think there's a way to stop it. I've been wearing a sun hat, but today I went and bought 2 wigs. The lace ones aren't too bad. They actually look better than my hair. A lot of my scalp was showing. My GP says my hair will probably start coming back in about 4 months. I had a second surgery in July (not related to LAP-BAND®), so he thinks it was the trauma of 2 surgeries so close together.

How long before it started to grow back???

Thanks all. I had some blood drawn today and will go back tomorrow for the results. Carol

I have now lost probably more than half my hair and I had sort of thin hair to start with. I was on vacation for a few weeks, and when I returned I frightened my grand daughter. She thought I was taking chemo treatments. I don't know what to do. I've been drinking 2 Protein shakes a day, plus, meat cheese and whatever else I can get in that has protein in it. It's coming out so fast lately. I only have to scatch my head for it to fall out. I ran a pick through it and the pick was full of hair. I've been taking 5 1000mcg tabs of Biotin every day for months. I'm guessing it doesn't work. I've had plenty of surgeries and this has never happened before. People tell me it's probably stress, but I wasn't stressed out till my hair started falling out. Now I'm wearing a hat every day. Hate wigs, they are so hot and uncomfortable. Did Anyone have this problem?? If so, did your hair come back?? I've seen a lot of posts on here about thinning hair, but I don't think I read any posts about it being this bad. Anyone else been mistaken for a chemo patient? Carol

Do prepare for a completely different lifestyle when it comes to food. You will never eat like you did before. You might want to finish that big meal, but you really can't. And Buffets, a big waste of money. It takes a lot of determination, so be ready, and do exactly as the Dr. tells you to do. Let me know when your surgery gets scheduled. If you have anything to ask, or just want to talk, I'm here. Carol

Oh, I had a real easy time after surgery. No gas pain at all. I litte sore at the port site but nothing some pain meds couldn't handle. I was up and around real good by the 4th day. I hear a lot of different stories on here. I asked my doc about not haveing any gas pains, he said he's done this so many years that he's real good at getting all the gas out. I hope you have an easy time. Carol