dfav3412

I try to attend the monthly meetings as they are very informative and I like seeing the progress of other lapbanders in person. I am so fortunate that I go weekly for a one on one with my coordinator. I see from the forums that most don't have that type of support that I do. It holds me accountable and I'm the type of person who needs to be accountable to someone or I would most likely "fall of the wagon" I guess it is up to the individual. If these forums are enough for you and you are seeing the results you want then that is what works for you.

If you can eat more than 1/4 to 3/4 cup of food then you need a fill. If you can't get down water then you are too tight. The band is a tool, it won't do it all by itself. You need to eat heathier foods not fast foods as fast food is loaded with fat, grease, salt, calories. That's not to say that every now and then you can't have a bite or two of something you really crave. If you chose to drink milkshakes all day long because they taste good and go down easily, you would be taking in a tremendous amount of calories, not get the proteins & vitiamins your body needs. Guess what, you didn't work with your band and would gain weight. If you have a support group then go to it. It will give you the info you need and the motivation if working with the band to lose weight is the goal you are after.

good advice from the person who said hang around the doctors office for a few hours. I've learned to do that after having a fill, everything seemed ok, got in my car to go to work and pain started shooting out my shoulders like when something gets stuck. I didn't go back because I could live with it but I lived with it for a week.

I've lost 105 lbs. I think the only difference with me versus someone younger is that I didn't and don't care how fast I lose as long as I lose. I haven't lost as fast as some people but on the other hand I've lost faster than some. I am almost at my goal weight and very happy that I had this done. I was banded in Aug. 2007.

I'd be leary of a surgeon doing a fill during the initial surgery as there is swelling in that area after the surgery. My 1st fill was about 5 weeks after the surgery. I've had around 7 fills in almost 2 years. Everyone is different and it depends on many factors like how much weight has been lost, how much you can eat, etc. Stay in close contact with your coordinator, he/she can help you.

cadence, You ought to come to the support group meeting this Tuesday at 6 pm. It's at the Lois Kratz center. We have people come that are thinking about being banded. You would be welcome.

Mary Rose, I live in So. Indiana and banded in So. Indiana. Right across the river, in Louisville, there are many hosptials that band, the surgeons are great, even taught my surgeon lap band, but the support for afterwards sucks. I know several people who got banded in Louisville and their support is almost none other than a monthly group meeting. Sometimes these people look to me to ask and answer questions. The support I get (and others in my group) is unique compared to many other groups. My heart goes out to you.

Congrats Part of your sucess was from the band but most of it was from you. I'm proud for you! And while I'm at it, don't you think people respond to you differently now. It is sad but true. Again, congrats.

Had my surgery in August of 2007 at Clark, am down 105 lbs. Is or will Carolyn be your coordinator? Was a piece of "cake" excuse the pun. Am glad that I had it done only wish I had it done sooner. Good luck to you. Probably see you at the meeting Tuesday.

I am so fortunate to be in a program where I see my coordinator once a week for a one on one consultation. It only lasts for a few minutes, went today. Every week I get weighed and every other week I get measured. It helps when you have to be accountable to another person. I've been doing this for 22 months and will continue forever. Today, I asked about when to contact a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck, I am 20 lbs shy of my goal. My coordinator gave me the names of 2 plastic surgeons and said I need to call for an appointment now to get things started. Well, back to the lost my focus part-I too would have without having the support I do because I'm a "food aholic". If your area has a support group start going. If you have a coordinator, see him/her. Mine, from the questions she ask every week and depending on my weight loss, actually schedules me for fills when needed. I hope this helps

for those with bands too tight in the morning, as soon as your feet hits the floor start drinking water. Might take a couple of glasses but it will help and also thin out the mucus. This is what I was told to do and it works.

I had my surgery almost 2 years ago but I remember it well. Was up and running the halls in the hospital after I went to my room from recovery. Got out of the hosptial next morning and went to church that night. My surgeon said to take off 7 to 10 days. I could have gone back to work on day 3 but took 9 days. My pain level was zero even after waking up in recovery. It all depends on each individual and what type of work they do. I agree with the statement, listen to your body.

I never was indecisive. Just wish I had done it sooner. What you need to ask yourself is: Am I worth it? The answer is yes.