Chapamar

Well, an update. I started getting very tight again last week. I am now completely empty. Amazingly, I still have some restriction. And I still "gurgle" after I eat. Doctor said to watch it close and if I start gaining to come back and we'll start fresh with fills. I'm just hoping this does it. If I get tight again, I'll know it's a problem with the band and I do NOT want to even think about that.

This has happened to me in a very drastic way. My surgery was in Sept. 2009. I had a total of three fills, the last being at the end of January, 2010. Since then, I have gone back THREE times to get 1/2cc taken out. I am now only at 2cc in my band. BUT, I have lost steadily and have just reached 80 lbs lost. It's such a mystery to me but I love it. And I've named my band Monty....as in Python.

My last fill was the end of January and for some reason I've had to have THREE defills since then. This is only my experience but it does seem like the band can get tighter on its own. I've continued to lose steadily. And if I got to where I was having problems eating or experiencing severe acid reflux, I went back and they took 1/2 a cc out. So, it is possible but I don't know how common it is. I'm beginning to think of my band as a boa constrictor :-)

Good luck to everyone who is getting banded or has just been banded. It's a phrase you hear over and over but, it's true...the band is THE best thing I've ever done for myself. And I also thought that the band wouldn't work for me before getting it. And many people have said it, but when you start getting fills, do not try to live with an overfill. I've just come off getting another De-fill and can't believe the difference in how great I feel compared to being too tight. GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES!

Thank you for the kind words. Wannabe, with me food has quit being an issue (!!!) amazingly. Instead of it being the treasure I want to dive into, it's become something to keep me from getting weak and dizzy. Even with only 4cc, I tend to be on the tighter restriction side. So, in the mornings I either only have coffee and maybe a small yogurt if I am hungry. Lunch is usually some salmon and dinner is whatever I make for the family. And it really has gotten to the point that I don't think THAT much about what I'm eating because I never eat enough for it to be terribly bad for me. I made ooey gooey lasagna last nice and it was good, but I only had a sliver. So, I stick to protein first and then a vegetable or something if I'm not full. My BIG weakness is ice cream, this is a new addiction. But, when I indulge, I will usually choose to have an ice cream cone INSTEAD of a meal.....poor nutrition I know but SO GOOD and I do it in moderation. That was a lot of words for no answer, huh? hahahahah

Hello Everyone. Just a story to let some of the newer bandsters know, I was banded September 23rd and now, 9 months later I am only 15 lbs. until I hit my goal. It is remarkable. I've haven't had to be adjusted since January and I have 4 cc. in my 7 cc. band. I have absolutely no regrets about the band or Dr. Chris. And I tell everyone who asks because it has been wonderful for me.

Just a quick check in....band September 23, 2009 and am just about at the 70 lbs. lost mark. Best decision I've made for me.

Tataki tuna.....yummmm

I'm in south Alabama....(*hey Amy*)

Hello all, still kicking along here. So nice to read about everyone. Sorry for the ones having troubles. Question please: I'm in the US. Has anyone had their plastic surgery done in Beligium? If so, can you provide helpful information? I do appreciate it very much. Kim

Plus Sizes (X or W) are TWO INCHES bigger PLUS the extra size you're going up or down. That said, I was in 18W and 16W for the first 40-45 lbs. I'm about 60lbs. down now and I'm in 12's. Once you get into regular size clothes, you'll see that you're dropping a size almost every month, if the weight loss keeps up.

Good luck today. And thank you for being brave enough to post your pictures. We are similar builds and to see your results gives me a LOT of hope. Thank you. Thank you.

Your after picture looks amazing. I definitely want the thigh lift and tummy tuck. Still waiting to see how the girls hold up. It looks great.

My take on the "easy way" or "right way" comments is this: If I were going to build a house, I wouldn't choose a shovel as my only tool. I would want a crew, concrete pourers, hammers, well you get the point. Just like in losing weight, I want to use everything possible available to me. The lap-band is one of the most helpful tools I came across. For me, I would be stupid not to use it in my arsenal to lose weight.

Thank you for the great information.