Sarah Youngs Riley

I am new to Lap Band Talk. I had my surgery March 10, 2009. To date I have lost 41lbs. I am one of the slow losers, but considering I have PCOS I feel pretty good about that loss. Next month will make 6 months so if I can lose 7 more lbs by then I will be exactly 1/2 way to goal at the 1/2 way mark. I look forward to chatting with others who had their surger yaround the same time.

Actually when I first read the post I was thinking of regular soda (not diet). By the end of my post I was thinking getting rid of the carbonation from a diet might be a nice treat. Now I need to get my hands on one. I haven't touched a soda in 6 months.

I have actually been breaking out really bad just this week. Oddly enough I seem to be improving most of my other PCOS symptoms, like I have had a period 3 months in a row (which hasn't happened in over 10 years), and my moods have tamed, plus I haven't been having any insulin problems. It makes me wonder why the acne all of a sudden. I am getting it mostly on my face but I found very large cystic pimple on my stomach just yesterday. I am using an expensive cleanser so it is even more frustrating when I wake up in the morning with more acne.

I hope this doesn't come off sounding critical, but just think of all the wasted calories you are consuming. I do miss my soda sometimes but I can't imagine slowing down the loss to hold on to bad habits. Just a personal choice. (though I may try this with diet now that you mention it, lol, it may be a way to remember the taste of soda).

I had mine glued as well and they took way longer to heal. They seemed to start oozing (sorry tmi) after a week or so. It wasn't until the third week or more that they were finally almost healed. The scars are also bigger than most I have seen with staples. Much thicker. I am almost 6 months post op and they are still fat and purple. They are lightening up a bit.

I just joined this group as well. I am 5 1/2 months post op and Dr. Quilici is my surgeon as well. I really like his office staff. I would recommend having your questions prepared when you see him though. I never asked questions and wished I would have pre op. Like what size band, what kind of band, etc. Not that these really matter in the grand scheme, but most bands have a website where you can track your progress however you have to know your brand, size and serial number. I have noticed that Dr. Quilici and Dr. Tovar (his assistant) never offer up any information that you do not seek out. Very friendly, but not overly informative. Best of luck!

Wow! You are doing great! I had my surgery March 10...not losing as fast as you are but still thrilled to be going down. Keep it up!

Keep up the good work! 62lbs is impressive, WTG!

Have you been tested for PCOS? I was only having 2-3 periods per year, losing hair (similar to male pattern baldness), had insulin resistance (got dizzy and shaky if I missed meals), had to do fertility treatments to conceive than miscarried in my 2nd trimester, etc. and thought it was my weight. As it would turn out I had PCOS which not only was causing these troubles, but it was/is a huge factor in being overweight to begin with. Ask your Dr. to test you if you haven't already and Google it if you want to see if it is a fit. Next start by researching all of the weight loss surgery methods. If there is something about anyone of them that is something you know will make you miserable, try finding the positives. Figure out what you can and can not live without. For me, the up sides of lap-band are far more than the down. I have no regrets. I spent over a year trying to get a referral so I had plenty of time to research RNY, Gastric Sleeve, and Lap-Band. Try not to blame yourself too much. Sure there are things you can do to be healthier, but genetics play a huge role. Lapband is a tool to help keep you on track with the healthier diet, and once you gain some of your energy and self esteem back it is far easier to become active. I heard Dr. Oz say something yesterday that I completely agree with. He said being obese for several years takes a toll on your body very similar to cancer. You would operate on cancer so why not get an operation for weight loss if you can not lose the weight any other way. Best of Luck!

I pretty much summed up my story on my profile so I will be brief. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am Sarah, I am 32, and am almost 6 months post op. I am 7 lbs away from hitting my 1/2 way mark with weight loss and am just looking for a place to talk with fellow lap-band patients. I look forward to getting to know you.