OnMyWay2Thin

It's the best thing I ever did! I initially lost 70 pounds and am now working an additional 55. I can't imagine if I didn't do this. I am off all medication and my Type II diabetes is gone, my blood pressure is normal, and I get around great. People treat you differently in a good way (which is terrible because it's discrimination to heavier people) and it's amazing how life has changed. Don't think you don't have to work, though, you do. You have to eat the right stuff, eat slow, plan in advance when you are going out (though, there's not a place I can't go), learn to take it easy so you don't get stuck and follow the rules you're given. I feel better about myself and my husband says he has fallen in lust with me!!! This was my first Valentine's Day without goodies and it didn't bother me a bit. There are some challenges, though. Losing weight so quickly can make your gall bladder fail. That happened to me but they fixed me right up and I was good as new. It's hard to keep up with clothes. I now wear my clothes a little baggy until I hit like the 20-25 pound mark, then I get some new ones that fit better. As you lose weight on the outside, you also lose it on the inside, so you most likely will need to get fills (some people don't, but I definitely needed them.) I considered all types of weight loss surgery and thoroughly researched (I'm a doctor) and decided this was the best option for me. I definitely made the right decision! I hope you make the best decision for you, too! Good luck and let us know what you decide!

I discussed this with my surgeon prior to having surgery. He explained to me that surgeries performed that long ago used different products and that the new bands are made to last for the life of the person. I laughed and said, I guess I'll take it to the grave and he said, that's exactly what should happen. But, honestly, there's no such thing as too much research as long as you are comparing apples to apples (same products.) Good luck with your decision, it's the best thing I ever did for myself!!

One other thing, with my latest fill (and I feel the fill was perfect), I can't eat rice or crackers - I seem to get stuck on these items (but that's good because I don't need them!)

My advice is to definitely contact your doctor to have things checked out. You said you are in full pain and that's just not good. Don't take any chances, contact your doctor and get seen right away. I hope everything works out just fine for you! Let us know...

Calico, good luck with renewing the vows, that sounds very exciting! My husband and I are hoping to do that in Hawaii on 8/8/13 (our 25th wedding anniversary.) I'm trying so hard to be at my goal by then. Love the $10 at the Apple Store for every 5 pounds, that's $2 per pound, you must be a great negotiator!! Inio, you make a lot of sense. I can't wait until my body no longer limits me. That will be a dream!!!

Myboyz#1fan, how did it turn out? Are you okay? I'm hoping your feeling better and it was nothing serious. Let us know!

ThinSIstaSoon, that makes sense. I never heard that before. I always wondered why we couldn't drink before, also. Now that's the first statement I heard that sounds completely true. Thanks for sharing!

LOL, congratulations on the toes!! That's so funny. I know I will never see anything below the chest, but then again, my husband loves that about me!!! hahaha

LauraJean, Just noticed you're from Manahawkin, that's so close to me! I'm in Southampton (straight down Route 72.) We're actually heading to Makoto in Stafford Township (I think that's very close to Manahawkin) this evening. Initially I lost 70 pounds, now I'm trying to lose another 54. I love the band!

I'm from New Jersey. Actually southern New Jersey. I had my lapband done by Dr. Goldstein out of Virtua in Marlton, NJ. Great doctor, great nurses, great experience. I would recommend them to anybody!

Yes, definitely! Sometimes, I think about this question and in the end, I always say, I wouldn't change a thing!

I love what Journeygirl said to you about the bags of surgar, that makes it really clear! You're doing great, 35 pounds lost means you didn't gain an ounce and are your way to your goal. Up your Water, try to increase the exercise and you will be over this hump! Don't give up, it's very hard to get restarted. I know you can do it! Good luck!

Wow, you have done great so far! I had lost 70 pounds, slowed down, got discouraged, had gall bladder surgery, gained back 30 of the 70 and am now down an additional 43! (Which brings my total to about 83.) It sometimes gets discouraging when you stand still, DON'T LET IT GET YOU DOWN! I made that mistake and am now back on track and hoping to lose what I need to lose. I learned my lesson... When I stall now, I will up my Water intake and increase my exercise, no more feeling sorry for myself! You're doing so great, just keep up the great work -- those pounds will be coming off soon! Good luck!

Congratulations! It's wonderful to see how good you feel about yourself. I can't wait until I feel the same way. Way to go!!!

Wow, all of you amaze me!! Jacqui, I have been following your posts for a long time and YOU motivate me! I look at you in the bikini and wonder if that will ever be me!! You've very inspiring, no wonder your motivation is intrinsic and not material goods. Unfortunately, I work really good on rewards LOL Newlifekp, you have some great motivators. I also love the compliments and, guess what, we are planning a vow renewal for our 25 year anniversary in August, 2013. I'm really hoping I can meet my goal by then! Trystelle, a rescue dog is awesome! What a treat he/she must be. Very good point, saving your dog's life while extending your own - way to go! Speck, so true. By the way, you are doing awesome! You women are truly incredible!

It's a great adjustment! Though I'm only down a total of about 70 pounds (after regaining 30 and then losing 43), it's kind of sad how differently people treat you. There is definite discrimination out there against larger people. More people talk to me and men are hysterical. I was even asked if my wedding ring was a decoy ring!!! I looked at him, in WaWa by the way, and said what is a decoy ring? He explained some women wear rings because they get hit on a lot. I just laughed and said, I'm very happily married. My husband got a kick out of it when I told him! Of course, he then was a wee bit jealous and said if he knows that and you're trying to avoid being hit on, why would he even ask? I just laughed and told him he was very cute being jealous. What's really great is being able to fit comfortably in airplane seats, baggy clothes that were once tight, fitting easily in a regular bathroom stall, and the look my husband gets in his eyes when he catches a glimpse of me in something new or sexy! I still have a ways to go but I'm feeling good about myself and know you will feel great about yourself soon. All the luck in the world to you as you begin your journey!

Life is great! But seriously, I have had my ups and downs. Don't make the mistake I made... I lost 70 pounds and thought I was at my sweet spot so I wasn't getting fills. Unfortunately, I put back on about 30 pounds. When I went back to the doctor (hanging my head), he was very nice and said, you need to get a fill. I was also waiting abot 15 minutes and finishing what I had put on my plate (which was a small portion.) He said, "No, when you feel full you are done, regardless of the measured food on your plate, you don't need it." So, here I am, relosing and down another 43 pounds (which is only really 13 because I had gained 30!) I eat small portion since my last fill in January. I really take my time and don't stand out. Unfortunately, I do get asked a lot by waiters and waitresses, "Is your food okay, are you unhappy with your meal?" My reply is always, "No, I'm just a slow eater." When I'm at events and other people around the table ask me something, I usually just tell them I'm not that hungry. One other trick, I always order a Water when out. If you don't, the waiter/waitress will drive you crazy asking do you want something to drink now (and you're not supposed to drink while eating.) I have a little trouble with certain breads, french fries, potatoes, and certain dry meats. As NOturningback10 said above, just chew, chew, chew! The best of luck to you! Life will soon be great!

Thank goodness you are okay after your appendix ruptured. I was fortunate, it was caught and removed. You sound like such a positive person that I think you may just be able to do it on your own at this point. You know the rules to follow, you sound excited about trying it, and you've had five years experience regarding how to eat. I'm just happy you are healthy and hope you are feeling much better soon! Thanks for sharing your story, I'm always worried about losing my band and you've shown it's not alway the band's fault. Please stay on the board and let us know how the "new bandless you" are doing!

Wow! How exciting!! By now, you are probably banded and, maybe, not feeling so great. Keep in mind, you will be feeling great soon. The starting point is the hardest ad it will get easier from there. I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see how completely successful you are! Cheers to the new you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! Can't imagine how onederful that must feel... I can't wait until I can borrow your post!!! Way to go...

Zubie really hit the nail on the head in her reply. I just wanted to add that I felt the same way when I was in the stage you were in. Keep in mind, you haven't had any real food for four weeks and you are just craving what you can't have. If you're anything like me, that will go away when you start eating again. You'll just eat much smaller portions. To this day when I get a fill and have to go on liquids for three days (my doctor's rules), I still crave food! Then I can eat again and it goes away. I'm hoping it will work the same way for you. Good luck!

Gosh, I'm surprised reading your post. I've, once in a while, belched, but because I knew it would relieve some pressure or pain I was experiencing. In my case, I certainly have control over it and would never get away with belching in public! I'm an educator and I can imagine the looks on the faces of students and teachers if I did this. I tend to think your friend had some gastro problems prior to the surgery and that is why this is challenging her. This is definitely not something you should base your decision on unless you have current gastro problems. Actually, no one at my work even knows I have the band! They just give me compliments on losing weight. Good luck with your decision!

Wow, you've received some great feedback and it's clear why... From your post, one can tell you have what it takes to succeed! Seriously, you have clearly written what's going on in your life and why you're having a hard time. Man, I can't imagine breaking up with the boyfriend, watching my friend lose when I'm putting more effort forth, and all the things you've mentioned going on, let alone trying to follow the band's rules! You've completed the first step, though, you have what's going on in a nutshell. Now, just determine what you're going to focus on now by priotorizing. You clearly have the drive and that little one of yours will provide the motivation! Besides, you've lost 26 pounds already, that means you haven't gained an ounce since your surgery. My motto is slowly, but surely; as long as that scale is moving in the right direction, I'm happy! You're also going to notice that all of a sudden, the clothing size goes down by more than one size at once. Keep going and don't feel bad for having a treat now and then, this is life, we only live it once! Good luck!

Good luck you are so close!! Have fun shopping...

Hi, I'll certainly answer your questions. Hope it helps! 1. How long have you had your band? Since September, 2008, which would be two years, 3 months. 2. How much weight have you lost? 70, then I kind of didn't pay attention because I had other surgery which distracted me, now I've lost an additional 10 3. How many fills and unfills did you get until you found the "sweet spot"? I've had three fills, no unfills. 4. If you stick to a particular diet (ie weight watchers, low carb, atkins, etc) which on works for you? No, just watch calories. 5. How often do you exercise? Need to start up again... 6. Does anyone do Yoga and how long did you wait until you started practicing again? No 7. Do you ever drink alcohol? No 8. What foods give you a problem? More than 1/3 piece of bread, sometimes chicken and turkey, definitely rice 9. Does your port stick out? No 10. How much water do you get in each day? 4 bottles religeously 11. Any tips that will help on the journey? Stick to it, it works if you work it!! Great questions, made me think...