Brigette

Hi good to hear that you are doing well. I, too, am doing great. I am down about 60 lbs. and finished my 5th race including 2 1/2 marathons and 2 5k runs. I also have 3 more races this year. I have come a long way and will post my before and after pictures next week. Amazingly, I am no longer loosing but, I am about 14lbs from my goal. So, if I never lost another pound, I am really happy. My band is not very tight. I currently have under 6cc in band. I might allow it to be tightened a little more but, not sure. I am at a good spot right now. I can't wait to see other responses.

Hello, I could have written this post myself. I hadn't had a fill since March 2010. I decided to have a fill this month. My band is only at about 5 1/2 cc. My dr. said that I was at a good fill level already but, that he would put in .3cc. I was somewhat disappointed because I wanted more. I felt no restriction. Well, when I went to bed, fluid was in my throat, I coughed all night. This went on for 6 days, on the 6th day, fluid was also coming out of my nose. I went in an the dr. took out 1cc. So, that was .7 cc more than was put in. The reflux was gone. But, however, I could eat an entire subway w/chips and any and everything. I went back in 2 weeks later and he put back .6 cc. So, I am only .1cc less than I was prior to the reflux fill. I still don't fill any restrict but, when I eat my protein first, I don't eat quite as much. I will likely go in for a small fill in another couple of weeks. I had gained initially nearly 5lbs in the last 2 weeks but, have lost all of it. So, I'm okay. I average loss of about 3-4 lbs a month. Sorry so long..

Hi, I hadn't told anyone other than DH but, a girlfriend saw reading material and asked, "I said not sure looking into it." Later, my sibling found more books at my house and said I hope you won't consider this surgery. This was 2 days before my surgery date. So, I said more than considering it. And, left it at that. After I had the procedure, I sent an email to all my siblings - 14 total. Telling them i'd had the procedure and that i didn't want any negativity. Either support or don't say anything. So, fast forward now 9 months later and I am 15 lbs from goal, I 've gotten nothing but support from siblings. I also told a couple of people at work. I now regret that because, people are always asking what have you done. And, I secretly feel that the couple of people I shared it with have told others. But, I usually will say, "Oh, I did a few things , I changed my diet, exercise more and a few more changes." Then, they'd say like what--I'd say some of this or that. End of conversation. LOL Brigette

Yes, You are in my prayers. As I read your post, I thought of how life sometimes throws curve balls. But, you have tackled the obesity component. You are a success. Post us as soon as you can.

Hi, I would get some removed. It is sometimes frustrating to find the correct balance of fluids in band. I probably wouldn't get everything removed but, I would get maybe .2 ccs. That would likely make a big difference. Wishing you well. Brigette

Hi, I have gotten stuck when I eat out just because i get so nervous that many times I need to excuse myself. After I relax a bit and drink warm liquids like tea or something I tend to do much better.

Hello, I am 43 with a 1 year old. Granted, i hadn't planned for it to take so long but, I had infertility issues and, my weight didn't help the problems. I had my first child at 35. So, the best things you can do to improve fertility is to get your weight, head, and finances together. Thirty is soooo young to me. lol Wishing you the very best.

Thanks to you both. I would love to run the princess 1/2 marathon. It seems like such fun. I think with all jogging, the key is to go slow. I was so tempted to overdue it because people were walking faster than I ran. lol But, just like the lapband, it is not a competition. And, if you stick with it, you will eventually reach you goal. Wishing you both well. Brigette

Congrats!!! I am with you. Running has become addictive. I truly love it. I wish that I could find a running buddy. But, everyone I know is either way too fast or only interested in walking. But, any whoo wishing you well. Brigette

Hi Guys, I have committed to so many things in life and most often don't finish them. Since having the lapband, I have really started to live. I have been jogging since January--very slowly. I signed up for the race a few months ago and found excuse after excuse of why I shouldn't do it. My feet hurt, its too hot, I am too old, I am not at goal etc. I decided to Just Do the Best that I Could. It took over 3 1/2 hrs. I ran most of the first 8-9 miles and walk/ran the rest. But, I finished. I will post pictures soon. I want to post a few before and after wls pictures too. I am down 56-58 lbs. So, I am around 165. My goal is 150. I keep fluctuating. Stay encouraged all. Brigette

Happy Birthday!!!! Wishing you many more. And, we are always here to lend a listening ear. Brigette

Hi Nean, My surgeon was Dr. Myers from Day One Health. Had a really good experience with the clinic. I am trying to get down to 150 and have 18 more to go. I will likely change my goal number once I get there. Who was your surgeon?

Thanks Guys!! Laura and vlp I have seen your success stories. Keep up the good work. Nean youre Chicago, so am I. I feel what you are saying. I had to start believing in it because a few pounds a month wasn't much. lol I hope all is going well. Brigette

I just wanted to offer some words of encouragement to all of you. I've had my Band since 12 Nov 09. I have lost a total of 54 1/2 lbs including (mandatory diet and Pre-op). I have lost on average about 4-5 lbs a month. So, for the most part, I am textbook with the weight-loss. So, though the loss was not fast, it is still coming off and, I am very encouraged. Well, I took my measurements back on 7 Dec 09. I'd completely forgotten about that. I hadn't really checked since then--other than measuring my waist periodically. Shockingly, this is the results: 7 Dec 09 10 July 10 Bust 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul:39 Waist 7 Dec: 48----------- 10 Jul: 35 Hips 7 Dec: 47------------ 10 Jul: 40 Neck 7 Dec:14 1/2--------- 10 Jul: 12 Thigh 26 22 Arms lost 2 inches I know that this is long. But, hopefully it will motivate and encourage someone. Also, I have started jogging. Which has really helped too. Thanks, Brigette

Hi Guys, Count me in. I am hoping to reach goal by then but, i may tweak my numbers by a little. I am trying to loose the final 20 or so lbs. Brigette

Hello Everyone, I am doing well. I am so excited to finally be down just about 50lbs. Today, when I got on the scale I had made it to 49lbs. Running has certainly helped quite a bit. Congrats all on your loss. Amazingly, my loss hasn't been very fast but, I am quite contend with the pace. So, if it takes another few months to lose the last 20 or so lbs., then so be it. Wishing you all well. Brigette

I am 5'4 and my goal is 150. I will likely change this is the weight I remember looking my best at. (at least as an adult).

Name: Marilyn City/State: Chicago IL Banded: Nov. 12, 2009 Lost/Gain: 45 lbs. -- 25 to go. Write something nice about yourself: I think I have a nice smile; try to make others feel good. Something that many may not know about you: I am a triplet. Favorite Mantra or Quote: Do it the best that Marilyn can. Thanks!!!

Hi Everyone, Thought it would be fun to learn more about each other. When I was going through infertility treatments we'd do a weekly or monthly roll call. Please feel free to answer as many as you feel comfortable with. I am wishing everyone well. You can copy the text below and paste it into your post. Name: (Don't have to give real Name or not Last Name) City/State: Banded: (Surgery date) Lost/Gain: (since surgery) Write something nice about yourself: (this may be tough; but, I have started saying affirmations or just a nice thing about self more frequently) Something that many may not know about you: (i.e., I can do a headstand; or split, dance, speak multiple languages) Favorite Mantra or Quote: (Few words that keep you going)

Betsy, I just told my girlfriend, who is scheduled to be banded 17 may, to look for your posts. I said this woman is all knowing. Your advice is appreciated and tends to be very helpful. Wishing you well. You certainly have a knack for advice on most topics. Brigette

Hi, I am doing well. I was banded 11/12/09. I am 1 lb shy of 40 lbs. though not fast, I have been very confortable with loss. i have lost more than 8 inches off my waist. I still have about 30-35 lbs to be at goal. But, feel so much better. Congrats to you all. Brigette

Hi count me in. I would like to be 15 lbs. lighter but, realisticallys speaking I will choose 12 lbs. for the challenge. I currently weigh 184 lbs. I have lost 38 lbs. and would love to be down 50 lbs. by May 9th. Would hopefully this is the motivation I need. I currently have very good restriction but, just not a fast loser but, fine with that.

My husband has been supportive. He feels that there are ups and downs. My infrequent pb's make him nervous but, he is happy with the current loss of 33 lbs. Brigette

Hi, I actually did the program. I stopped at 8 weeks and joined a running group. It was extremely motivating and I was able to run 25 minutes. Unfortunately, I did all training on the treadmill and when I trained outdoors there was a big difference. But, still enjoying. I haven't loss a lot of weight but, a ton of inches. In fact, in my waist, I have lost 7 inches which is truly amazing. Good luck to you. Brigette