juliegeraci

Edie, good for you. I know I can't live without my band. It will be a lifelong committment.

I would totally be banded again in a heart beat. The only thing I wish was different was my doctor's fills. He is super conservative and it took me like 5 or 6 fills to finally feel restriction,

Fills are super easy so don't be nervous. I have had 10 fills.

Yes, my cramps aren't as bad and it seems like I have it on clockwork now. No, not really.

I eat bread and pasta just not much of it. It goes down fine.

I had some bloodwork done and an EKG. I also met with a psychiatrist and nutritionist. I didn't have to have a sleep study.

Mine did only if he thought you had problems. With that being said, I didn't have to have one and I was able to have the surgery.

try and keep your calorie count to 1k-1200 calories a day. Weight Watchers is a good choice just make sure you can't eat more than 1/2 cup at a time. That would be considered optimal restriction. Julie

I would continue to go in for fills until you can no longer eat more than 1/2 cup of food. It may take you a few more, it may take you 5. It all depends on what size band you have. You shouldn't be eating more than 1k-1200 calories a day. You should be able to lose 1-2 lbs easily if you consume that much. Depends on how much you exercise as well. Julie

I have a low profile port and love it. The only time I can feel it is when I lie down and push really hard on my port side. My fills are just as easy. I think they look similar they are just flatter.

I am 40 years old. I had the lapband surgery when I was 39 and I'm down 56 lbs. Now the work begins. The first 50 lbs was a breeze.

If I had a daughter that was 16 and overweight I would approve the band but I would couple it with couseling and a good nutritionist. The youngest patient my doctor has performed surgery on is 16. Good luck.

I was banded one year ago yesterday. I am down a total of 56 lbs from my high of 282. I am down 2 sizes on the bottom and 3 on top. My goal is about 50 more lbs and a size 16. I really love my band. I don't think I could have lost this weight without it. Julie

I've been in relationships that are totally sexed crazed and others that are jus stable. In my husbands case we are just best friends. The sex is okay, the chemistry is just okay, the passion is just okay. But at the end of the day, I am really happy with the stability he provides.

Missy, it sounds like you are really wrapped up in this stuff. Try and focus on your health and well being. You can always be there for your family, but after bariatric surgery you should come first. Good luck.

I remember what that was like. It was a huge waiting game. Just try and focus on the positive and think how great it will be when you are banded.

I was banded a year yesterday. I am considered an average loser at 2 lbs per week. I lost 56 lbs this year. I am thrilled with the results. It is so nice not to diet anymore. I love my band and I wouldn't want it any other way. It feels good. Julie

socalgal3, I work out with weight 2 days a week and try and get in some extra cardio during the week. I am losing well over 2 lbs a week now so its going much better for me. Julie

I will be banded a year on Wednesday. I have lost 54 lbs so far. I am happy with my slow weight loss however. I have just started to exercise more so the weight is starting to come off again. I love being banded and am happy that I did it!

My weight loss has been an average of 2 lbs a week. I have lost about 54 lbs in a year. I would say 2 lbs a month is a little low. You can count on 1-2 lbs a week. You shouldn't compare yourself to those who lose 10 lbs a month because you can be someone like me. In any case, I am very happy with my weight loss to date and I would get banded again. Its a great tool, but you need to put the work into it. Right now I am upping my exercise so that is really helping me. Julie

I can't wait to get it. Barnes and Nobles didn't have it in so it will take a few days to get here. I like the fact that she was steady with her weight loss and never gave up until goal. Losing close to 200 lbs without having RNY is amazing.

Gas X strips, liquid tylenol, protein powder, soup, anything liquid, juices, soft foods like apple sauce, oatmeal, heating pad for the gas pains in the shoulder if you get them.

Lauren, I am really excited for you. I know your battle has been long and hard with the surgeon's office and insurance. You will love being banded. Congrats. Julie

You are completely normal because you do not have restriction yet. You will feel better after you start to get fills. Good luck.

I saw an article in People magazine regarding Mohammad Ali's daughters weight loss with lapband. She went from 335 to 155. I think she was banded in 2001 or somewhere near that time when it was allowed in the US. Has anyone read the book? I just ordered it.