Cindy C

My whole life, my periods were so regular I could set my watch to them! About a year after my lap band, it was practically non stop for almost 6 months. I discussed it with my primary and we decided to try endrometrial ablation. It's a very simple outpatient procedure where they burn the walls of the uterus. I don't know whether the problem was related to the weight loss or not. I was 49 but blood work showed I had NOT entered menopause. Within 2 weeks the bleeding completely stopped and I haven't had a period since (almost 2 years). Besides my lap band it was the best thing I ever did for myself, medically. I don't know how old you are or your plans for the future but this procedure also ends the possibility of pregnancy so it may not be right for you. As for the weakness and depression, that's not normal. Make sure you're getting your Vitamins and Protein and talk to your doctor about it. As the weight comes off, you will find your energy level going through the roof! Good luck.

Wait for your doctor to return. You'll be fine! You probably won't have much restriction after your first fill anyway.

You need to get more calories. 500 isn't enough. The body has a mind of its own and will hang on to every calorie because it thinks its being starved. You need to "confuse" it. Kick it up to about 1200 for a few days then come back down some. Keep exercising too, but mix it up. Do weights one day then cardio the next. Your body won't know what hit it and the weight will start to drop again. Good luck.

It's probably harmless but if it happens again I would tell him it makes you uncomfortable. If he keeps it up after that mention it to your HR department.

It's called "progressive burping" or "PBing". You ate too much or too fast or didn't chew well enough. You were just banded less than 3 weeks ago. You still have swelling from your surgery and should still be on liquids and soft foods until you're healed.

Rachel, everything is fine in moderation. You should be able to have a piece of your own child's birthday cake!

Thanks!

It's normal. Just take it easy til you heal.

That could do it too. I lost the first hundred really fast too and had the same problem. Congrats, BTW!

You both need more protein and a good multi vitamin.

It sounds like you don't even have restriction yet. I hate to tell you, but you're a long way from sweet spot. It's all trial and error. You'll be too tight, you'll be too loose but eventually you'll find the right amount. Everybody is different. My friend and I both have 10cc bands. I have 5.8 in mine and it's just about perfect. She has 6.2 and can eat anything. Just be patient and go to your appts every 4 weeks and you'll get there.

All the exercise in the world will NOT get rid of the skin! I was in the gym 5-6 days every week for almost 6 months in prep for my tummy tuck. He still removed a whopping 10 pounds of skin!

Don't go too nuts! You're down 3 sizes in 3 months and it's only May. I have as feeling that you'll be down a few more sizes by the end of the summer. Go to garage sales and salvation army type stores. I made the mistake of buying clothes every time I hit a new size. I have boxes and boxes of "fat clothes". Some of them I shrunk out of before I ever got a chance to wear them. I hit a plateau and figured I was as thin as I was gonna get so I loaded up on size 14's. Well all of a sudden I started losing again and am now a 12. Not going to shop anymore until I'm a 10!

Peter, you're pre-diabetic with high blood pressure. You need to do something about that. If you drop the weight and resolve the other medical issues you will add many years to your life expectancy. Once the weight starts coming off, you'll have so much energy you won't be able to help yourself from burning it off. Tell your wife that you understand her concerns and that you will follow through...then DO IT! It will benefit her as much as it will you!

If you really want to eat bread, get those thin, round, whole grain buns and toast them.

Carbonation is one of the worst things you can do. The bubbles get in there and pop causing your pouch to stretch which can cause a prolapse. Drinking pop and beer you risk losing your band....and let's face it, that stuff that contributed to our obesity problems in the first place. I used to go through at least 3 12-packs of diet cola a week. I haven't had one since 6/9/08 (the day before my surgery) and haven't missed it!

It's been almost 3 years and I still can't eat french fries!

If you are having reflux at night its a sure sign that you're too tight. Maybe you got something stuck and have some swelling. You need to go have a little fluid taken out for a month or so then get it put back in. Reflux is very dangerous in a bandster. It can cause a prolapse and you don't want that!

I lost 8.5% (28 lb) the first week after surgery and 115 lb (30%) the first year.

There's really no answer to that. Everybody is different. I have 5.8cc in a 10cc band. Most people don't realize that 10cc's is only equal to 2 teaspoons. It's taken me almost 3 years to figure out where my sweet spot is. Just keep going for your fills until you reach a point that works for you.

I was banded at 49 and lost 115 lbs the first year. My doctor banded a 72 year old woman and she's had great success! You're never too old!

Name, real or screen~Cindy Age~51 Weight on May1st~179 Goal Weight for May 29th~168 Exercise Goal for May~go to gym at least twice a week Dietary Goal for May~keep calories under 1200 daily Personal Goal for May~reach goal weight (162) by 3 year bandiversary 6/10/11 Date Banded~6/10/08 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~145

PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN!! Hair loss is caused by protein deficiency. Start now. Try to get at least 50-60 grams a day...meat, dry beans, protein shakes....or about 6 months post op your hair will start to fall out!

Topazz, You are doing great! 57 pounds in 6 months!! I too hit a plateau about 6 months post op. It Iasted about a month and the weight started falling off again. Just be patient and keep doing what you've been doing. If you haven't discovered it yet. there's an awesome website where you can track your food intake, exercise and tons of other stuff. I started using it about 2 weeks ago and have lost about 9 lbs. 17 to goal!!!! Wish it had been there 3 years ago when I was banded! http://www.lapband.com/en/home/

It's not uncommon to start losing hair 6-8 months post op. It's caused my a protein deficiency. I started drinking protein shakes and my doctor told me to start taking a good multi-vitamin. That seemed to solve the problem within a few weeks. For those who are newly banded, start now before you have the problem.