Cindy C

You're doing great. I doubt that you'll get anywhere 14cc before you hit your sweet spot. Keep up the good work!

Nan, don't listen to the negativity. This is BEST possible thing you can do for yourself! I've had several surgeries in my life and this one was by far the easiest. If someone is throwing up for 18 months, her band is probably too tight and she's just not willing to admit it. I went through the same thing in the beginning...not for that long but I can see where it could happen. If its for some other reason, the odds are astronomical. As for the first 10 days...my doctor insists on clear liquids for 2 weeks and full liquids for 2 more. I honestly didn't have a problem with that. I was just so excited to finally have the lap band that I had wanted for several years. I had no hunger pains and no desire to eat anything solid. Make sure you sip water as much as you can stand and walk...walk...walk. The most common complication is blood clots. They're only going to develop if you don't move. Good luck. You'll do fine. And again, don't listen to people who don't know what they're talking about. Listen to your doctor and his staff and listen to us. We've been there.

Do you have a lap band patient id card? If so, all of your information is on the back. If not I recommend everyone get one. If you have an emergency, the ems or er will know better how to handle it. Plus, most restaurants will let you order from the kids menu when you show them the card! https://www.lapband.com/en/mylapband/my_profile/idcard/

173 lbs lost in a year? That is absolutely incredible!!!!!!! Good for you! What size band do you have and how many cc's are in it? I don't know anyone who's band is more than 75% full.I only have 5.6cc in a 10cc band and my restriction is right where I want it.

I had my surgery on a Tuesday. Went home on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, I ended up back in the hospital dehydrated. After a swallow test and a couple of IV bags I was fine and went home. Forced myself to drink after that.

That's great. I'm happy for you. Good luck on your surgery.

I always take skinny bitch as a compliment!

Thanks, everybody. It's great feeling...especially when you consider that 3 years ago I was 324 lbs and 3X's were getting snug!

When I came home today I wanted to change into something more comfortable. Since tomorrow is laundry day my choices were rather limited. I headed upstairs where my skinny-mini daughter left a couple of boxes of her "fat clothes" when she moved out. I opened a box and grabbed the first pair of pants I saw. Hmmm... size 11 juniors? I have a couple of 12's but mostly I wear 14's. Oh well, I'll give em a try. Lo and behold...I put them on, buttoned and zipped them without even sucking in!!!! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that, at 51 years old, I would ever be able to wear an 11!!!! Oh how I love my lap band!!

Me too. Sweet N Low all the way!!!

It shouldn't effect your band. The gallbladder is on the opposite side of the abdomen from the stomach. Like your band, the surgery can normally be done laparoscopically. Good luck!

I weighed 324 when I got my band June 10, 2008. I'm currently 179. My goal is 162...then I will literally be half the woman I used to be. I'm hoping to get there by my 3 year Bandiversary. Wish me luck!

I had BCBS - Michigan. Had my initial consult May 15th. They approved me very quickly and I had my surgery June 10th. (2008)

They're fine as long as you pay attention to what you're putting in them!

Good for you, Marcy. I live in boonies and my driveway is 1/4 mile long. I no longer drive to the mailbox. I leash the dog and we walk to get it.

Are you kidding? An obese nurse can't take properly care for her patients? If anything, having our own issues makes us more compassionate and aware of their needs. Did you raise a family? If so can we assume you couldn't properly take care of your children since you couldn't take care of yourself? I began working in healthcare at the age of 16 and got my license at 21. That was 30 years ago. The issue I'm having here is with a certain forum member who states her opinions as facts. That could be detrimental to the health and well being of other members who choose to believe her. While its true that not all doctors, including my own, require a pre-op diet, I have the education and knowledge to know its can do nothing but good to do so.

It doesn't hurt. You barely feel it. My doctor has me lay on my back and lift my legs so he can find the port easily. He injects a tiny needle into the port and puts in the saline. Nothing too it!

It's your birthday. If you don't want cake and ice cream, your family needs to respect that! I'm sure they see the changes in you. Explain to them that you're afraid that a traditional birthday celebration might throw you off of the wagon.

That's great! Amazing the changes that occur when you lose weight.

Try slowing down. I only burp if i eat or drink to fast.

Persistent vomiting can cause band slippage. It has probably caused come swelling and you should go get some of your fill removed until the swelling goes down. When you are too tight bad foods go down much easier than good ones. I suggest you get the Cheetos out of the house! 30 lbs in a month is great but you aren't going to continue at that rate. I lost 33 the first month and only 6 the second!

Here's my trick for chocolate cravings. I keep a bag of Hershey kisses in the freezer. The rule is I can have only one and I have to suck it...no chewing allowed. It takes a long time to suck one til its gone when its frozen and its only 25 calories. It cures my craving every time.

You really don't need much. I wished that I had taken a couple of comfortable pillows. The ones at my hospital felt like cardboard. Take some slippers and a bathrobe. They want you to do a lot of walking right after surgery to avoid blood clots. You aren't going to want to do that in just a hospital gown. Take something to keep you occupied..magazines, laptop, book whatever...and don't forget your cell phone charger! Other than that just your toiletries...toothbrush, mouthwash (you'll have a terrible taste in your mouth the first couple weeks), hairbrush, cologne, deodorant etc. and some baggy sweat pants to wear home. Good luck on your surgery and journey!

GOOD LUCK!