mymiserys

You know, it seems that the weight came off easily at first. I stuck with my 1200 calorie a day diet and the protein shakes, I still drink shakes a few times a week. I have a hard time eating meat so I try to get a lot of protein in other ways.I was lucky enough to have a lot of restriction from the very beginning, and had all of my fill removed from Dec. through March because of some nerve pain in my chest. But I still felt restriction without the fill. The weight has been coming off slower now, and I can finally see what people mean when they complain about only wanting to lose 15 pounds - it seems to take forever. I did revise my plan on what I wanted to lose...I had originally wanted to lose 100 lbs. but as I got closer to it, I felt that was too much. I had no desire to be super model thin, and I am afraid of having too much extra skin. It doesn't snap back like it did when I was in my 20's. I guess I looked at clothing size more than the actually pounds. My main goal was to wear a 14 (I had worn a 20 for the past 15 years) So I have reached that goal and now would like to try for a 12. I think a lot of it is how comfortable you are in your own skin. I didn't set out to be able to wear a bikini. I just wanted to not have to buy womans sizes, and I wanted to not cringe when I saw a picture of myself. Just think how great you will look a year from now, and it does go by fast. I've never regreted this and I have learned so much about eating healthy. I haven't eaten fast food since last september and you know, I don't miss it. I also don't drink carbonated drinks. I used to drink about a 2 liter of regular Coke a day, and I hate diet pop. So now I drink sugar free Hawaiian Punch and a LOT of coffee!

Hi Bobbie, I was banded on 9-3-08 and have lost 70 lbs. I haven't posted a lot on the board, but I have found a lot of usefull information here and have been enlightened by other peoples experiences. This is a great place to look for advice and ideas, but everyone is different and we all have to adapt to what suits us best. I would be glad to be here to pass along my experiences with the band to you and answer questions if I can. I wish you the best, you're in for a crazy ride! But it has all been worth it.

When I'm really tired a lot, I drink a protien shake in place of eating a meal and it helps a lot. It keeps me focused on the reason I had the LapBand in the first place, losing weight and being healthier. My doc. told me at the very beginning that if I feel I have no energy, it's probably lack of protien so drink a shake and see if it helps. So far it has.

OUCH... When I had my second fill, I felt a little restriction and then about a week later..BAM! I was Really restricted. It was good and lasted about 3 weeks. I had my 3rd fill yesterday and I feel the gurgling again. Somehow it's kind of comforting, knowing that the band is doing it's job. I am anticipating a repeat performance of my last fill and it will tighten up a bit in a few days. Life with a LapBand is full of surprises!

I felt the same way after surgery. What did I do to myself? It's gets better, trust me. Once you get in the groove, and all the post-surgery swelling goes away, you'll feel human again. I had major shoulder and neck pain for weeks afterward, but eventually that went away, too. I am almost 12 weeks post op and feel that this was the best thing I could have done for myself. It sounds crazy, but you really get used to the actual band restriction and go crazy when you don't feel it anymore. It feels different from the surgery restriction. People can share how things feel with the band, but you won't really know until you feel it yourself. Best wishes and Hang In There!:laugh:

I still smoke. It's funny how Doctors have different rules about this procedure. I never had to quit, did a 1 week pre-op diet and was told that I didn't have to give up caffine or carbonated beverages. I didn't have to go to a nutritionist, or support groups. The only rule my insurance company had was that I had to stay overnight in the hospital. This procedure has been frustrating at times, but a lot easier than I thought it would be. I gave up Coke, my real vice -at least a 2-liter a day habit. I couldn't get used to diet pop, but I have discovered the wonders of Crystal Lite and sugar free Hawaiian Punch. :biggrin:

I had my LapBand surgery on 9-3-08 and was also freaked out about losing hair. I didn't even hear that this was possible until after I started coming to this message board. My surgeon never even mentioned it. But I was consistant in drinking the protein shakes until I could eat solid food again, about four weeks after surgery. I still drink them if I need a quick meal and don't have time to eat. My hair is long, to my waist, and I haven't noticed any thing different. Thank Goodness!!! I still keep an eye on it, though. I think if it was going to happen, it probably would have by now.

I had my first appointment with my surgeon on July 21st. He said I was a good candidate. My primary care Dr. agreed, my psychologist concured with him, had all my referral letters in by August 5th. My insurance approved me on August 15th. I only did a week pre-op diet and had surgery on Sept. 3rd. I couldn't believe it happened that fast. I had no other health problems other than arthritis and high blood pressure. I was so surprised. This is my first post although I come here everyday and see if I'm "normal" like everyone else. Well, as normal as I can be. Thanks to all for being here.