LapBandit

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/248/150 - 15 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/237/165 - 45 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/282.5/150 - 17.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/278/165 - 22 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/248/150 - 63 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/188/130 - 20 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/190/135 -50 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217/201/145 - 16 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324 -68 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/246/150 - 27 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/275/150 - 35 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/286/272/176 - 14 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/110/69kg - total 15kgs/33 pounds 4-24: Ceparano -255/270.5/247/170 - 23.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/263/165 -26 lbs total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/255/145 - 11 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/229/150 - 35 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/244/145 - 40 Total 4-28: Susan4794 - 281.2/267/265.6/145 - 15.6 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/299/145 - 34 total

The decision will be yours to make, of course, but to answer your question...I would definately make the same decision to get my lap band again if the sands of time were reversed in a strange alternate universe!! I made my decision based on several factors. First and foremost, my bariatric doctor said that he felt this surgery was better suited to me than other alternatives. I'd definately ask for a medical opinion from a trusted, knowledgeable medical person in your life. Secondly, after a lot---I mean hours and hours--of research on my own, I also decided that this procedure was the safer option FOR ME. I could go on, but I can't stress enough how important it is to do the legwork and weigh the options in your own terms as to how either surgery might affect your life, your family, your health, your budget etc. etc. This has been the most personal decision I've ever made for myself. WLS will CHANGE YOUR LIFE and I just want you to feel confident in your decision. I know I probably didn't provide the info you were hoping for but I hope it helped a bit. Good luck and there are lots and lots of wonderful people on this site who have posted many pros/cons and other thoughts related to WLS so strolling through some posts may also help you gain a better picture of how WLS has affected real people. Good luck!

At first my doctor wasn't supportive. She made a comment that "it really takes dedication to follow all of the rules". Like, hint, hint...I don't think you can do it. Well, it ticked me off. How would she know? I really felt like it was a blow off. Then at my next visit she mentioned that she had attended a seminar on the lap band and thought that it sounded like a very positive surgery. She encouraged me to call and I admitted that I already had been looking into it. I figured I was going to do it whether she liked it or not. Any way, after she changed her tune at that appointment I cam home and called! That was in February of this year and 70 pounds later! I take the advice of those I trust but this particular issue is MINE and I'm doing what's right for me...for once!

I don't know how they deal with bandsters done in Mexico. They don't use floro during fills as far as I know. They're really nice so I'm sure they'll be able to give you the info you need when you call. I hope it works out!

I'm a patient at the Delmarva Bariatric Center in Salisbury, MD. They are wonderful. My experience with them has been wonderful and I feel completely confident in their skills. Their patients show results! You may want to give them a call if you can make it down this way. http://www.delmarvabariatric.com

That is so cool! Isn't it amazing that we were able to carry that junk inside of us but trying to pick it up is so hard. Wow, that's amazing to think of our accomplishments this way...you should be very proud!:clap2:

Unfortunately, I have heard that eating improperly or "bad" stuff can cause a shoulder pain flare-up. Your diapram(sp) gets irritated and it causes referred pain that you feel in your shoulder. That post-op shoulder pain was the worst part of the whole thing for me!! Hope things improve for you! I was a big GAS X and heating pad gal and it helped alot!

I was banded on a Tuesday. I had scheduled the rest of the week off anyway so I returned on Monday. I was fine. The first day was a little rough just because I was still in "healing mode" and wasn't really in the mood to be that active. But, after that first day I got back into the swing of things and I think it actually helped me feel better faster. Everyone is different though.

Too funny! I've noticed "the girls" are getting smaller and droopier! They're the only thing on my body that looked better with extra fat! I have a funny story about this...the other day I was wearing a cute top that I really like, but the design needs "the girls" to help hold it up. I was driving to work and when I went to get out of the car I noticed this shirt had slid down from the seat belt pushing on my chest and you could see the whole top half of my bra. I was so nervous the whole day at work about this happening again, I tried using some scotch tape but it didn't help! Any way, I don't know how many drivers got a peep show on the morning cummute that morning! I got a better bra this weekend. Nothing fancy...just from Walmart but it was in a smaller size YEAH and it also helps keep gravity from succeeding DOUBLE YEAH!!

Me too! I've designed one that I really like but I've not ordered it for the same reasons everyone else is talking about. I don't want to advertise my medical situation but yet if you don't advertise it with the proper-looking ID an EMT may not notice then it may not even be worth it to be wearing it! I found one that looks like a watch but has the engraved tag next to the clasp. It's expensive but I already need a watch...maybe I'll go ahead and get it and solve two problems at once! I like I idea of a tattoo!! Mine will say "Don't bust my band, man!" right above my port scar!! This is a good thread. I've been curious about this topic for awhile. We get a special card to show to resturants but nothing to give EMT's a heads-up??? I've not worried about my band getting messed up in an emergency...hell, I want them to do whatever they need to do to me. But, I've wondered if it would waste time for them trying to figure out what is inside me. Especially if they were ever trying to force a tube down me and it won't go or something! The tag may save a lot of time when it's life or death. Good ideas, everyone!

No problem, Bitter! Let us have it...no one understands the struggle better than other bandsters! I completely sympathize with you. Although I have nothing to complain about...I also can't really say there is much to help prove that I can even feel I have a band! This is a strange little device isn't it?! But, I'm learning the hard way to become more patient with my body. It's not easy to accomplish but I just do the best I can each day. I didn't catch how long you've been banded? I'm getting ready to hit two months this week. It's been a strange journey so far! But, if we keep trudging along we WILL be successful. Don't lose hope and try not to sabotage yourself if you become frustrated. Take care and hang in there! :gluck:

I have (had) GERD. I would wake up in the middle of the night choking on acid. I popped tums/rolaids then maximum strength Zantac in bigger doses than recommended just to try to sleep at night. Since I changed my diet and got my band I haven't had one second of heartburn or acid!!!! I am so happy about this! However, your problem may be more complicated than mine so talk to the surgeon about it. Hopefully, your outcome will be as wonderful as mine. Good luck!

No, it's not wrong. I was told that if your body is telling you that it's hungry at night and it bothers you then you should go ahead and try to have a small amount of something healthy. Perhaps you can modify your "eating schedule" so that you are having some Protein closer to bedtime, that may help. Just an idea.

Good, I needed to hear these things. It really seemed to me that restriction is often associated with those negative things (PB's, Sliming etc.) and since I haven't had a problem with these things I assumed "I wasn't doing it right." I like my band. I do feel like I am eating more normally than ever before. I think I may need a bit more just to help me feel satisfied longer so I'm going to see if my doc will give me a fill on Friday at my next appointment. Good info everyone!

I've got a VG as well. My doctor gave me a 4cc fill at the time of surgery. This "fill business" is confusing to me. I haven't had any PB problems or anything and I am embarassed to admit that I am still not sure if I have restriction. Some people describe restriction as almost a "punishment"...chest pains, PB's, sliming, etc. Is that a true picture of restriction? I eat less than before surgery and it seems to leave me satisfied for approximately two hours but I still feel hungry quite often. As well, I can eat more than I expected to be able to do. I am thinking I need to get a fill but I'm a little scared of going too far then experiencing the restriction issues that others talk about. I'm confused!!

Wow, I guess everyone is different! It took me almost three weeks before I felt hungry at all! But now...watch out! I could eat a house! :hungry:

:funnypost: OMG, I got such a chuckle out of this! I think similarly to you, Zoe. Especially since I love my puppy, Nipper! I guess I wouldn't mind wearing a dog bone! Very cute post!

Yep, it's real! I wish you a safe journey and surgery!

Welcome to Bandland! Happy Healing!

Yes, I too was excited to finally be allowed to CHEW some food again! I had tons of jello, soup, juice, broth etc. left-over from my healing stage and I knew I would never want it again! I donated it! I'm gonna CHEW when I can! Happy Healing!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF, THIS IS A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Well, the first thing I'd say is that you need to discuss the eating with your doctor. It's important to do things the way they need you to. Each doctor seems to have a little different strategy so I don't want to tell you the wrong thing. I had TERRIBLE gas pain, mainly in my shoulder. I used chewable Gax X and a hot Water bottle. It took me a few days to figure this out and I wish I'd have figured it out sooner because it really helped. Walking also helps get that gas out of you, as well as the "other" way people relieve gas...you know...hey, it helps! Hang in there...it took me a week or two before I felt like I was getting the hang of things!

First of all...congrats on the band! I have never been able to hear my tummy growl until after surgery. It growls so loud now but I think it's funny. So far I haven't heard that this is a sign of anything wrong. I guess as long as you feel OK then I wouldn't worry. You're just another growler now!!

JulieNYC, I was so excited to hear this. I am in the same boat as you! I have 29 lbs until Twoterville!! I am so excited, I can't wait! Plus, everyone talks about Onederland but I was wondering if there was a cool name for the 200's! I like it! I can't wait to be a resident of Twoterville! I feel pleased that I'm losing but I need strength to give it time. Patience is not a virtue to me! Good luck everyone!

My doc told me to let him know when I felt ready for a fill. Well, I think I'm ready. It's taking a lot more food to make me feel satisfied and I'm finding that I feel hungry very often. Once I feel satisfied with a meal, I only seem to stay that way for 2 hours then I'm starving again. This is my question... Should I "tough" it out with the hunger or will a fill help? I guess what I'm getting at is: Will being tighter help the weight loss go faster, or won't it affect anything except the hunger pains? Thanks for any advice!