IBLoser

Marcy, Trust me, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't! I decided to keep it quiet but shared it with my sister in law and specifically asked her not to share it with anyone. Well, at Thanksgiving, after a few drinks and too many compliments to me about my weight loss and blurted out to the 17 friends and relatives that I had gotten the lapband in June. It was pretty humiliating, but I apologized and told everyone that I didn't want to say anything until I knew how it would go. I also told everyone that I had asked her not to say anything! (Maybe they got the hint not to share anything with her that they wanted to stay private!). Anyway, I found out from other relatives that she had promptly told them when I first got it done! Oh well, now I know whom I can and can't trust! I guess my point is...make a decision and stick with it. Tell everyone or no one, because there is always that one person who will blab when you least expect it! Good luck!

I was just talking to my friend and his wife had lapband surgery a couple of months ago and has lost 70 lbs. She has about another 100 to go, but all of a sudden has started eating ravenously and has put on some of the weight she's lost. When she went back to the doctor he said that she obviously needed psychological help since she was obviously sabotaging herself. I'm not sure what my thoughts are on this, but I know that it also happens with gastric by-pass patients. My cousin has gained about 50lbs back after by-pass. It saddens me because this is such hard work at times and to let go what we've worked so hard for is difficult to understand. You're right...this is certainly not magic and it's unfortunate that our minds can ruin what we've put so much time into. Then again, I guess we'd all be thin if our minds weren't really in charge! Terri

Wendy, I've experienced similar issues. I had to go back to the Dr. and have the band unfilled for 30 days. Luckily no slippage or erosion, just inflamed esophogus. He told me if it happens again to go on liquids for 3 days or so to let the swelling go down. I've been refilled since July and it's starting a bit again so I'm trying to go the bland liquid route. I hope it helps to know you're not alone! The reflux is horrible in the middle of the night. Terri

Thank you all for your kind words! It really makes me proud of what I've accomplished so far! When I posted those photos it was the first time in 6 months that I had ever seen my "before" photo - I had no idea how really terrible I looked - I knew how I felt, but didn't really know what I had become since I avoided cameras at all cost! I decided to do an "apples for apples" comparison this morning wearing similar clothing. Here are the resulting photos. This year is OUR YEAR! Keep up the hard work (yes, it sure isn't easy, is it?)...

Before and current photos taken exactly 6 mos apart. Obviously you can see the way I feel (both days) just by looking at my face! This is the best thing I have ever done for myself!

Miper70- Don't forget the lapband rules of - Protein first, then veggies, then carbs (if there's room). Keep the protein lean (fish/chicken) to jumpstart the weight loss. Drinking lots of Water will also keep down the hungry feeling. Remember, most of the time your body thinks it's hungry, it's really thirsty! My Dr. says it's fine for me to drink the Protein shakes in the morning since that's when I'm tight and have difficulty eating eggs, etc. So, I have a non-carb Protein shake for Breakfast and follow the eating outlined above for lunch and dinner. I'm not hungry (usually :nervous ) and do not snack or graze during the day. I hope this helps!

I just had my first fill on Sat and my Dr. recommended that I take a bath brush and each time I shower I should spend time massaging my upper arms and legs to stimulate the blood flow. He said this should help keep down the amount of sagging as you're losing weight. I know in the "old days" I used a similar brushing technique to keep down the signs of cellulite, so it seems to make sense. I'm up to trying anything! I must admit, I've been doing this the last couple of days and although it's actually a little painful at first (I thought I'd end up with bruises!) my skin feels better. So, psychological or physical, I'm not sure, but it's worth a try!

<DT>I have always thought of this quote as my work related quote, but now I believe it's my "life quote"....</DT> <DT><DT>"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." ~Reggie Leach <DT><DT> It makes me remember that I have to work to get where I want to be - in all phases of my life. <DD class=author> </DD>

Last week I had lunch with 2 associates that did not know I was banded. I ordered salmon with a side of cottage cheese and declined the salad (since I'm still in the first 4 wks of surgery). I ate the cottage cheese and half of the salmon and took the rest home and heated it up for dinner. I must admit it was probably the first time in my life I've ever taken anything home since I normally cleaned my plate...thus the weight issue, huh??? It felt wonderful to do that and I was so proud of myself. Also remember you can always order off the appetizer menu...smaller portions and you can control your Protein and carb intake. As for the last supper syndrome...yep, I bet we've all done it, whether it was before the pre-op diet or the night before the surgery. No worries...a week or two after the surgery it will not seem like it's that big a deal. Remember to eat protein first and then veggies and fruits. The protein really keeps down the hunger. Good luck all...we can do this!

Laura, My DH was on Nexium for a while and when he went back for a check up the Dr. told him to go ahead and take the OTC drug Prilosec in its place. He said it is basically the same thing and it seems to work for my DH just as well.

Want2Lose - I had my surgery on 6/22 and was 36 BMI with about 75-80 lbs to lose. When I told my sister in law that I had it she said I was crazy because "I didn't have that much to lose". Yeah, she doesn't have the extra weight, HBP, swollen ankles, etc. Anyway, I've kept it close hold and told my boss at work that I was out due to some female issues and left it at that. I don't feel the need to exploit my WLS at this time unless it's beneficial to someone. For example, my DH and I had lunch with a friend of ours and when we asked about his wife (about 150 lbs overweight) he said she was going to have the LapBand surgery. I admitted to him that I had just had it and told him she could call me if she wanted to learn more. So, if my experience is helpful to someone, I'm all about sharing, but for those people who just want a look into my life, I keep silent. Just my personality, I guess!

I have only told a select few...my DH and daughter knew before I had it done, but no one else. I told my father in law after and he was very supportive. When I told my sister in law, she had a look of pure horror on her face and then proceeded to tell me I'd have to be careful and not gain it all back! Gee, thanks. Of course then she told me she wanted me to find out where she should go in Mexico for Botox!!! I think I'm done sharing my business!!

Hi Nanette! I live in Imperial Beach, CA - not quite neighbors, but in SoCal! Do what your Dr. says and lose that 20 lbs so you can get your band. After only 2 weeks with the band I have no more swelling of my hands or ankles and I'm feeling better every day. I promise you'll be glad you did it once it's in place. Best of luck in your journey to a healthier you!!!

My morning smoothie is helping me get through the day during this liquid phase. I actually look forward to it! Here's what I do: 1 container of Yoplait low fat yogurt - 100 cals (peach is delicious!) 1 container of non fat milk (I use the yogurt container to measure) - ~90 cals 1/2 frozen banana (I take ripe/over-ripe bananas and freeze them) - ~50 cals some ice 2 pkts of Splenda I throw it all in a blender and blend until smooth. It makes a large smoothie that is really filling and helps you get the Calcium you need - all for about 250 cals.

Thanks Sallyjo! I really do feel exceptionally well otherwise although I haven't even wanted to get on the scale yet to see how I'm doing since I "feel" as big as a house right now. I will say, I put on some capris this morning that were tight and they feel comfortable for a change! I cried last night because I felt like I looked awful. I had a roll around the lower part of my belly before the surgery and now I have a new one around the top part of the belly. Add my chest and I'm feeling like I look exactly like the Michelin Man! My poor DH doesn't know what to do with me!! I keep hoping each new day brings a little less spare tire!!

Well, I was banded on 6/22 and feel great except for this alien that I am positive they implanted into my stomach! I feel like I'm pregnant with the added bonus of remembering how it felt when my dear little one would shove her foot up into my ribs! (I knew the pain felt vaguely familiar). I have been taking every gas relief known to man and still no relief. I have been walking 30 mins a day and last night it was so hard because the gas nearly had me doubled over. It does seem to get better when I rest in bed, but unfortunately it gets worse as the day goes on sitting at my desk. I'm tempted to open one of the incisions and let it all out except I'm afraid of flying around the room like a deflated balloon! Ahhh, that does sound pretty good right now! BTW, my DH calls them 'barking spiders' when there's a little toot! Boy, I do wish I could let go like he can!!! Thanks for listening. Any other ideas for getting this tummy to pop???

Hi all, I made it through the surgery fine yesterday and am now at the hotel resting comfortably. I hope the rest of you have the same positive experience that I've had!!! Terri

Darrin, I'm also from San Diego and scheduled for banding on the 22nd. It would be great to make arrangements to meet once we've joined the club!

Aimee, That was an incredibly wonderful response to Kim. Your compassion for others truly shines through. I was feeling a little low today because I had a Dr's appt for some excessive menstrual bleeding. I was so worried that something was wrong with me that would interfere with my banding next week. While I was waiting for the Dr. I prayed that I would be ok. I have to have a couple of more tests but thankfully (I never thought I'd be saying this....) I may just be starting early menopause! Anyway, I feel such a relief. I can't wait to join the rest of you in bandland. I feel so very blessed that I stumbled upon this site while doing the research! It's nice to know that there are other people out there with not only struggles but some major sucesses. None of us has to go through this alone. After two hours at the Dr's office, I'm even more confidant that I'm making the right choice!

Hi Melissa Lea, I'll be banded on June 22 as well. Terri

Mary, I'm so glad you told me about your blood pressure. Your story helped me realize that I am doing the right thing. I'm currently on bp medication and get so bloated even when I drink a ton of water (which I'm very good about). The Dr added a water pill every other day and I actually look forward to taking it so my rings aren't too tight! I need to lose 70-80 lbs and am looking forward to doing it and keeping it off. Thanks so much for your inspiration! Terri

It was hard to take on a car payment! I gave my Isuzu Amigo to my 16 year old daughter and I've been driving around a little '94 Mazda Miata (I love it!). Both cars were paid for, but I ended up getting a huge raise at work and decided to do something for me! After years of driving a manual and putting up the soft top by hand I took a look at a friend's SLK 230 and immediately fell in love! Of course you can see I bought a 2 year old car with 23k miles on it to save that huge cost of buying it new (but it's like brand new to me and I paid just a little over half of the price it was when new). Since most new cars run about $30k now, I feel like I got a pretty good deal! So, now it's time to get banded so I can do the little car justice when I'm driving around! I'm nervous, but I can't handle the yo yo dieting anymore - I lose and gain it back plus some. My older brother was a major yo-yoer and was on every diet you can imagine. He passed away at 46 of a major heart attack in his sleep. I'm becoming desperate for that not to happen to me. I'm convinced living is a good thing! Terri :nervous

If you want a great 2 seater convertible, I just bought a 2004 Mercedes SLK 230 hard top convertible. The top stores in 23 seconds. It's fun and I'm loving it.

I found out some time ago when I had a mole removed on my stomach that the band aid adhesive caused a bad reaction to my skin. When I returned to the Dr. she said I had colophony (an allergy to things made from pine). It made sense since I had always been allergic to Christmas trees. Anyway, I'm scheduled for June 22 and have told the Dr. that I have this allergy. He will be using surgical tape that does not contain any adhesive made from pine. Hope this helps.