marie715

Hi Unshackled, I'd be happy to correspond with you. I was banded on 09/04/08 and have lost 108 pounds since surgery. I was banded at Loyola Medical center in Maywood. I'm at work now so I can't write more now but I wanted to let you know I read your post and would like to offer my support to you and also to get support from you! Regards, Marie715

Oh, yes. I agree with everything you said. I once read that 'small bites' mean bites the size of an eraser tip. That helped me to visualize how small of a bite I should be taking. Now, I don't have to go quite that small but I still use that as a frame of reference. Good luck to you!

Oh, yes, for me stress definitely affects how tight the band feels. I was banded in Sept. 2008 and have noticed several periods where I've been very stressed for a couple of weeks and have had problems with PB'ing. Fortunately, it never got to the point of not being able to drink liquids. Others in my lap band support group mentioned the same thing about stress.

I can see a bony structure at the bottom of my face. It is my chin. But the skin on my neck is wrinkley because of the weight I loss in in that area.

Hi Carrie, I don't have any suggestions but just wanted to let you know I know exactly how you feel. It is soooooo frustrating to have to postpone a fill. My surgeon is the only one who can do our fills so if she is out of the office, tough luck for her patients. We have to wait. That has happened to me twice in the past 3 months. Keep venting, I think that's about all we can do about it. Good luck, too. Marie

Congratulations, Jonathan! Wishing you continued success and lots and lots of happiness.

Thanks, 123cord! Please email me when you are where I am now. It'll happen. My best advice is to just Follow the Rules. You will be rewarded for it. Best of luck to you throughout your journey.

Thank you ld0008 for leaving this comment. It made me happy today. :mad:

Thank you for your kind words. You know, I am so scared that the weight is going to come back that I really didn't celebrate. I feel like if I celebrate then I am going to jinx myself and gain the weight back. You know what I mean?

It is hard for me to compose what to write here on my 1 year lap band anniversary. It seems surreal to write that I have lost 90 pounds since my surgery date. How'd that happen when I haven't been able to lose any weight on my own for the past 18 years? And any attempts to lose weight before that were extremely difficult. I think I am realistic enough to know that the lap band is not for everyone but I would say that everyone who is struggling with obesity should research the heck out of it to see if perhaps it is the tool that will make a significant impact in their life. My philosophy when I started to research the lap band was that I'd research it and do all of the pre-op tests and if it wasn't meant to be then something would come up to give me a clear indication that the lap band was not for me. And likewise, if my research and pre-op tests all went along fine, then I would have a clear sense that the lap band would work for me. And here I am, 90 pounds lighter but more importantly, 90 pounds lighter with a lifelong tool that will help me keep those (and hopefully 20 more pounds) off of me.

Oh, man, that makes me so angry. I can't tell you how many times I have had nurses make comments that were none of their business to make. And the worst part is I was too timid to tell them that. Arggggggh.... Sorry you had to endure that thoughtless tech.

Hi Everyone, I have a 4cc band. Was banded on 9/4/08. Almost my 1 year bandiversary! I've only had 4 adjustments. Last one was a 1 cc. unfill from 'almost 3 cc's' 1 month ago. Monday I go in for a fill. I need more restriction.

Sandi, congratulations on your fantastic accomplishment. Tell us more about yourself. Where did you have your surgery done? Do you still have to go in for adjustments? What type of lap band problems have you encountered and resolved in the past 5 years?

My port incision stopped hurting on post surgery day 10.

Oh, yes, clothes shopping has been very enlightening for me. I keep leaving the stores frustrated because I can't picture myself in anything cute. It is the old mindset of 'That'd never look good on me.' Also, I keep selecting outfits that are predominantly black. Now, I have to keep reminding myself 'No more black outfits.' (except pants). I've lived in predominantly black clothes for over 20 years and I'm tired of it. Don't get discouraged. Did you ever imagine you'd have a problem looking for clothes in a smaller size? It is a good 'problem' to have. Best of luck to you. Clothes shopping may take a little more time now because we may have to try on different sizes. Enjoy the process.