LapBandit

My doctor cleared me for weight lifting at one week post-op. I had no limits EXCEPT that if it felt uncomfortable or any sort of pain then I should stop immediately. I was just fine. Now, just like Kat mentioned...I don't know what kind of weight lifting you mean...bench pressing 200 lbs or whatever is a lot different than the strength training routine I was doing immediately post-op (lifting like 45-50 on a machine). So, basically--ask your doctor and don't take my word for it. I'm just telling you MY story!! Good luck!

OMG...I've checked several BMI charts and guess what??? I'm 12 pounds away from being "overweight" and not "obese". Can you believe that??!! I'm gonna holla so loud the day that happens you all will hear me wherever you live!! I've been obese my entire life, honestly. I was a fat kid, an even bigger adolescent and morbidly obese my entire adult life. I have GOT to keep fighting to reach this goal.

Oh yeah, it's reasonable. IF you are committed to making wise food decisions and getting some regular exercise. I've lost 170lbs and my one year bandiversary is next month. I've not experienced restriction for any length of time this whole year...not to say I've never felt it...just that it seems to last for a week or two then it decreases into very little restriction. I wouldn't consider my diet "strict" in the sense that I allow myself to eat normal portions of healthy food. It is "strict" in the manner that I eat NO junk food whatsoever unless it's a special treat once in a while. You've got to treat yourself, especially if you're really craving it. But, as a general rule I do not cheat. I'm no different than most on this thread. We've worked really hard and have had incredible successes. So, it's definately possible for you too. Last year around this time I basically weighed 400 lbs with a BMI of 56, now I'm in the low 30's and working toward Onderland. AMAZING.

Don't get discouraged Magnolia! Some foods that people struggle with work just fine for me. It's weird because we all seem to be different in this aspect. So, I'd suggest keeping in mind the foods others have had problems with but still try them...just be careful until you see what works for you. I can honestly eat just about anything...some things I just know from experience will require more concentration. For example, I'm one of the "killer apple" crowd but I still eat apples-I just go SLOWLY and chew really well!

Libra, I'm sorry you've been having "female issues"--they're the worst! I hope things start settling down for you soon. Molly, that's great that you walked the track today! You'll be up to a mile before you know it. As for my exercise, I agree...I started out just like you guys. I focused on walking and worked my way up to a mile. Then I'd walk at least 30 mins/day about 3-4 times for the first 6 months or so. It was important for me to do an activity that I wouldn't get frustrated with, so walking was the perfect choice for me!

BigThunder I had the same experience as you and I've never told anyone this story. For as long as I've been a patient at my PCP I was never officially been weighed in because their scale only went to 300 and they could never really tell how much I weighed. So, finally about a year ago I was at an appointment there and the doctor told me that they had a new scale that went up to 400 and asked if I wanted to get weighed. I said "OK" fully expecting to be maybe 315-330. Nope...396. Only 4 friggin more pounds and I would've not fit on the new scale either. It creeped me out so bad that I went home and called the bariatric center within 15 minutes of being home. The good news??? It was the best decision I ever made. I've lost a lot of weight in this past year and I actually think I have a chance at reaching a normal weight....absolutely amazing for someone who has been obese my entire life. So, I can relate to your story but want to encourage you on your journey because it won't be this way for much longer! Good luck!

Yay Julie! You're the band-master! Congratulations! I hear ya Babygirl...I'm not making much progress either right now. Perhaps we're like bears...just waking up from Winter then we'll drop all of our Winter weight this Spring?! Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Great idea, BOO! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To get into Onderland! 21 pounds to go til Onderland...wish me luck! What have you learned this past year? Food should remain a source of fuel, not a source of entertainment. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Shopping for clothes in the regular section...I have NEVER done this, honestly. Even as a kid I had to wear "Pretty Plus" size from Sears! What is your biggest challenge? Social eating-DEFINATELY! I still haven't mastered this yet. I still get carried away when I'm at parties/social functions. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Eat, just eat good, healthy foods. What is your greatest fear? Never affording the plastic surgery I need to get rid of this excess skin. What goals do you have for the future? To hit my goal weight, of course! How has your life changed? In every possible way. Mainly, I've learned to take care of myself and set priorities to make my health a no-compromise concept! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I'm proud of my success but this idea of "restriction" still hasn't set in and I have never experienced it for any extended period of time. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say "You're doing the right thing...stick with the band and not the bypass." And, I'd throw in..."You need to excerise even more because it'll pay off!" HAPPY BANDIVERSARY CLASS OF '06!!

I play flute too, not in a real group like you...but, I would say you'll be just fine for your gig! Good luck.

Good luck on your journey. It'll be a great day...you're going to be banded the same day as my one year checkup! April 12 here we come!

I agree, the time immediately post-op was the MOST STRESSFUL transition for me too...luckily it does get easier. Hang in there! As far as thinking you might regret your decision...I hope you don't still feel this way. Don't let this first phase in your journey get you down. I'm almost a year out and down about 170 lbs and the thing I've learned is that if you're committed to making the band work then it will work. If you're committed to expecting the band to do something magical to you then it won't. I had to realize that it's just a piece of plastic, like a plastic fork. The fork just lays there doing nothing until I use it as a tool then it comes in really handy! So, try to stay positive. Let your band and body heal. Once this phase is over then the real fun starts! Just in time for Spring...think of yourself as a flower getting ready to bloom for Spring!

You'll have to take a pic of you in your "new" jacket!! Isn't that great?! Good job!

Wow, you sound just like me. I have been exercising consistently for the past year but have just recently made the decision to participate in my first-ever physical challenge! Each year my office sponsors a support table at a local charity walk. For the past 6 years or so I have volunteered at the table and passed out water to the other walkers/runners. Well, I decided this winter that there's not a reason in the world that I couldn't participate this year instead of just sitting on the sidelines watching others. So, I've worked with my trainer and we've devised a training plan to prepare me for the 10K event, which is in a few weeks. I am able to walk 6.5 miles on my treadmill at a time. I will advance to 7 miles tonight meaning I am now physically able to complete the 10K walk (my understanding is that 10K equals roughly 6.5 miles). I think it's a wonderful testament to the band and how it has changed my life that I now feel motivated enough to do something I've let pass me by for several years! Wish me luck and I'll be sending good vibes your way as well as we work toward our goals!!

I always have great restriction right after the fill, probably a little bit of swelling causes that. So, I can never gauge whether a fill was enough or not until at least a week after. I'd suspect from your description that you are like me and will need to wait a week or so post-fill before deciding if it was enough. I've had several fills and am still looking for the sweet spot...unfortunately it's a long process for many of us!

I agree, I can feel when my port is accessed. It almost feels like a little pop to me then I can always feel the saline going up the tube into my band. I don't know if everyone else can feel it, but I can. So, that's what I look for.

This really stinks...I am so sorry you are stuck in this situation. I am so fortunate that my surgeon and his whole staff are fabulous. He truly cares about my success and I couldn't do this without him. I hope you are able to find someone in your area who can provide you with the best care possible. Just like with anything else, there are some real jerks out there but there are also the ones who are really committed to what they're doing. Hopefully, you can find an office who really cares about your future. Keep us posted!

My surgeon couldn't find my port either. Don't worry-it wont prevent you from getting fills. If he can't feel it then they'll find it with a machine (xray or flouro-whatever)! A trick my doctor uses is to have me lift my legs while laying down and bare down with my abdominal muscles...he finds it everytime when I do this! If he can't find it then the lump you're feeling is probably scar tissue. It happened to me too. When he said he couldn't find it I said "oh, it's right here". He said it was just scar tissue that my port was actually very deep down sutured to my muscle wall.

You're doing the best you can. Stress really, really changes my restriction. When I'm stressed I can feel really tight so the same is probably happening to you. I know it's hard but maybe you can find something that helps you unwind a bit then try eating afterwards. My mom is taking care of my grandma and I know its so hard on her so I can understand the strain you're under. But, you've got to take care of yourself too. Good luck and let us know how it's going.

I agree with Jack. I experienced nerve damage (nothing extreme) and the sensation you're describing is exactly what I felt too. A burning, numb, tingling sorta thing.

I agree with the others. I didn't really need much post op except for my water, a pillow to help hold my sore belly in place and pain meds. I didn't really need the pain meds but I took them just to avoid unnecessary pain. Might as well feel good, right?!

You're right. It's hard to avoid putting too much pressure on ourselves but as they say "slow and steady wins the race"! Congrats on the 15 lbs to go! I bet you're glowing!

That's great...15 minutes is a great start. I started out the same way. This is a good way to avoid getting frustrated. You've got a great plan and should be proud of yourself! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Congrats and happy healing! I'm really excited for you and glad things went well!

Don't sweat it at all. In fact, as hard as it is try not to worry about weight loss for the next few weeks. Your body need to heal up. You'll probably go through a big water-weight change then things will pick up and you'll start actually losing weight. Hang in there-you'll be OK soon!

Libra that is so cool that you bought a size 20! I don't blame you for dancing in the fitting room--you deserve to bust a move over that accomplishment...size 30 sucked big time. I could never find anything cute to wear so shopping for something like a shower was pure torture! Great NSV for you! Tax Day Challenge! (April 15th) Week Four of Eight Name..........................Starting…...…..Current….…..Goal…....To Go Juliegeraci......................238.................... 238.................228.............10 Lapbandit.......................231.....................220………….199.............21 Waterlily........................300.....................288..................264.............24 Roiansmom....................299.....................299.................270..............29 Libra..............................248.....................241.................228..............13 JulieNYC.......................212.....................203.................185.............18 Elisabethsew...................282.....................276.................264.............12 PeaCeJ...........................338....................338..................318.............20 RidinMyHDDream..........297.....................290 ................281...............9 Babygirl1234..................260.....................253.................240.............13 Leecelove70....................228....................228.................200.............28 Josette.............................351....................351.................335.............16