kll724

I have been thinking about an answer as I read your story. I had several factors, maybe one was having to go to the "bigger" bone scanner as the one at this facility only goes to 250. Getting approved for SSI at 61 because I was unable to get up/down and do many other things required of my job. Then feeling like I didn't want to be known at my new church as"that fat lady in the choir" was a big push. Finally, when my daughter's friend had hers done and was smaller than she had ever been all her life, and my daughter was bigger than she had been all her life, we both took the plunge! I had my surgery approx 2 weeks before her, so I could car for her small children while she had hers done. I am, now, 63 and back to what I weighed at 28. I am happy and face each day with a smile into the mirror! Good luck to you and all who read this. Karen

Good for you. Overcoming any addiction is difficult. As they say in WW, you can cut out a lot, but you need to eat. We just need to learn to eat to live not live to eat. I have 3 family member on this journey with me. It is a little easier. I remember quitting smoking; the 1st thing my husband and I said, was, okay,now we ordered our food what do we do until it gets here! I guess now of days, folks had to learn that too, as can't smoke in most restaurants, anymore. Well, now I have another habit, which is almost as hard to break, it is SHOPPING for myself. And I have an enabler husband! Good luck to you, and Happy Holidays, whichever you celebrate! Karen

Always have my needle inserted and then sit up, and stand too, if he needs to see the water go down. Then holding the needle,(he always has me hold it with my right hand), he has me walk over to see it with the flouroscope. It is the only way he can tell if it is too much, or just right! It has never hurt, he deadens it with little spray, before hand. Karen

Dear ChrisC, You are definitely an inspiration. I am 2 years out and am happy to be at goal. I thought that I was the only one that has a weight fluctuation. I am still trying to maintain, which I find harder than weight loss! Thank you for your story, you, Alex, and Jachut are probably the longest successful lapbanders on this site. Thanks again. Karen

Just sip on your drink all day if you have to. Don't be in a big hurry to drink. What kind of shake are you drinking? You probably should be sipping either Protein water(Special K is good), Gatorade, Herbal tea. or anything clear at this stage of your healing!

Sounds like restriction to me. But if you think that you are too tight, wait a few days, and see if you stil are that way. Karen

Woohoo!

I actually had a fill on Wed, I also, only have clear liquids for 2 days, a2 days of full liquids and then start regular meals. You may have tried to eat too soon. Try going back to liquids for a day or so. Karen

I agree with Xavier, you don't sound like you are taking in enough calories. Yes, you can still drink your protein drink. In fact, they are a good source of protein. It is suggested to loose approx 1-2 lbs a month not a day! I lost about 1-2 a week, and was totally happy. I am now in maintenance stage. If you loose 1 lb a week you will, it is equal to 50 lbs in a year, 2 lbs is 100. Good luck, but yes, you will probably level off your weight loss when you start mushy stage. Karen

WooHoo! Any NSV with a victory! Yeah you!!!Karen

Just sip, and you will be okay. You don't need to drink 10 oz at a time. 1 or 2 oz is all that you need right after surgery. Your tolerance will build up. Just take care of yourself. For gas, get up and walk, if only around the room! Good luck, Karen

Hurray for a salad from Taco Bell! That is a great NSV and don't let anyone tell you it isn't! Karen

Congratulations! Here's hoping that we continue to see less of you in the future! Have a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year! Good luck with your losses! Karen

Wow! Cazzy, what an amazing story! Congrats on reaching onderland. I was so excited when I reached it, too! Marvelous is all I have to say. Have a Merry Christmas and may your New Year bring less of you! Karen

Medicare pays part of my fill, and the rest is picked up by my insurance. I live in Florida.Hope that helps. Karen

Your diet sounds perfect to me for the 1st weeks after banding. Keep up the good work and follow your surgeon's guide line. This is the person that you paid to be responsible to! Sorry, don't want to sound harsh to anyone! Karen

You'll be okay, I just cruised for the 1st time in November. I have been real loose and then had gained 4 lbs so, today got a fill. I am quite tight,but look better a few lbs thinner. That what the lapband and fills are for though! Good luck. Karen

Now, see, I don't do that. I am an expert at picking my size off the rack. I never could have taken something home without trying it on when I wore plus sizes. I can pick an 8 and take it home and it fits perfectly! I am happy at my size. I hope that I never have to get bigger sizes and with lapband, I should be able to control that problem. You too can get there, good luck! However, 18 months ago, I went through the same thing, my daughter looked down and aisle at the store and did not recognize me, and I did not see that I was as thin as I was. I still don't realize when I am smaller than others, either!

I agree with many of the other people. My biggest fear was that I would be a failure. Now, I am fearing that I will gain it all back!

Hah! That is for sure. You are in fine spirits, and have a great sense of humor!

Haha! Congrats on your loss! Goodluck to future losses!

Good luck to you both. This is a great 1st step. You are young and it is best to catch the problem now!

Hurray! You are doing great!

Woohoo! Cazzy, you are doing marvelous! Karen

I think that you are too tight, also! But do you really want everything taken out? That could be dangerous and start a trend that you might not like. You know that because you are nervous to ask your surgeon. But you can ask for a slight unfill because you are PBing and have GERD. It will relieve both and may be what you are looking for. You don't say how much fill you have, or how much weight you have lost. Good luck, Karen