Poppyred

I had my surgery December 2010 and have lost 70 lbs...I chose not to tell anyone but my husband and two daughters. By now, of course people notice and I tell them Ive lost around 45 lbs...when they ask and its taken me over a year. I say that 'Ive cut out bread, Snacks and try to eat soup for one meal a day. No one ever questions me...they just noticed that I eat alot different. I want to lose a total of 100 lbs and at that time ..will probabally tell people Ive lost a little over 60 lbs..that way they really dont think its abnormal that Ive lost that much over that period of time...The reason I chose Lapband ..is its slower and less noticeable to people because you do lose alot slower than gastic bypass...I don't think you could ever hide that you've had that surgery, because the lost is too quick. I chose not to tell people because I dont want them to watch me, and judge what I eat..to me..its a very personal decision. I feel what people decide to tell others is their own decision and they should do what is right for them. Poppyred

Thank you for all your comments. I had my lapband done with a friend within one month of one another...we both just passed our one year anniversary a few months ago. I've lost over 70 lbs which isn't outstanding but I am happy with the results so far even though it hasn't been as speedy as I had hoped. She hasnt quite lost 25 lbs in all this time..and for the last month she has just quit talking to me! I've done nothing that I've known to piss her off...and I think its because Ive been more successful than her. Just a warning...if you're doing it with a friend...you may lose her on the way to you losing the weight. It hurts she is ignoring me..and won't explain to me what she is so upset about... As far as telling others...I haven't even told my siblings or parents. Its been slow enough of a lost that they havent suspected anything ..they have certainly noticed how I select better foods and comment how much slower I eat. For me, it was easier not to tell co workers and after my supposely "best friend" is acting ..Im glad I made the choice to only tell my husband. Has anyone else lost a friend they teamed up with ??? Poppyred

LOL Same here! Im 50 lbs less than what mine says!

Hi Suzanne, I felt sore for about three weeks...Hang in there..it will get better and soon! I didnt lose real good until I had been into it for four months..I was verry discourage and thought I had wasted alot of money we could of used for something else.. then after the third fill things..started happening for me.. Its been slow but steady....but now I dont regret having the surgery at all..its been worth every dime..even if I didn't lose another pound! I feel great and look so much better in clothing...and feel a new confidence in my job. Just remember ..better days are ahead for you...... Poppyred

Dear aslimmerme, I did not start losing well till I had my third fill...I'm wondering if you are where you need to be at this point. I'd talk to your doctor...My doctor says that you should feel satified for four hours at a time after eating a small portion of protein(1/2 the size of your fist) and a side of vegetables and/ furit. Ive been on the plan for one year and have lost 60 lbs...there are alot others that have done better than that..but for me...I feel fortunate that Im heading the right direction after years of trying every diet under the sun with no results. Feeling full for one in my life...is a awesome feeling! Talk to your doctor...since you have a large fill it seems already...wonder if he would take it out and refill it just to make sure your band is holding liquid. just an idea..... Hang in there...! poppyred

I had actually 100 lbs to lose and Im down 60!...only 40 to go..so when I hit that mark it will be a double celebrations for me! congratulations!....may I ask how long it has taken you to get to this amazing number??? Poppyred

I chose lapband because it is a more gradual weight lost. It just was important to me that no one suspected I had something done to help me lose weight. I also agree that it is easier emotionally to adjust to the "new me"! It always provides the opportunity for my close friends and family to adjust to my new lifestyle as well. Ive lost just a little over 50lbs in 11 months and am very happy with the results and expect to be to my goal by next summer! I don't stress about losing weight anymore, I know its coming off..and its not an obsession about dieting all the time. I feel I change different habits every day, till Im too the point that it doesn't feel like "change" anymore! Great comments...I enjoy reading them! Poppyred

Everyone experiences things different with surgery. I use to compare myself to others that lost 50 lbs in the first three months..well its taken me 9 1/2 months to do that! Now I realize we're all different and if it takes me another year to get where I want...least Im heading the right way. I have days that are worse than others...then there are the great ones.. and the BEST ones..getting rid of all the big clothes. You just had surgery, with any surgery there is a healing point..and trust that in a few months this will just be a small memory ..and the ones you will have then will overfill all those in the past. Im happy you are able to talk to people about your concerns and always rely on your doctor for questions about how much pain you should be having. I called mine once a week for four months...! ..alot of it is for reassurance that this was a good decision and you will know it is too..in a few months.. I wish you better days ahead...and the confidence that you will gain in the days ahead..when the pounds start coming off! Take care...you have friends here! Poppyred

Hang in there! The scars get smaller too...and fade.. I had my surgery in December and just lost 50 lbs now..slow but steady. I had my down days, when I wished I never did it...but in the fourth month things started happening for me! It was after my fourth fill and one unfil. Now Im not hungry and just a bit fills me..I feel so Great!...my knees no longer hurt..nor my back...and I still want to lose 50 more lbs and looking forward to my new life style! Just give it some time...you'll do just fine..! Looking back at my old posts..I seen a depressed person...and I dont even know her now!!!! Write me anytime..I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POPPYRED

My daughters friend told her " Wow! I seen your Mom...boy, has she lost weight..What a hottie she is! I don't think Ive been called a "hottie" for 20 years! Poppyred

Hi Everyone! I totally agree...some people seem to have no problem with soda...I accidently grabbed one out of the frig..out of habit one afternoon and took a big gulp before I remembered...I was so miserable with one swallow..that I think my brain will alert me next time..before it happens..LOL I do have icecream occassionally but I know its a slider food..and gives you NO staying power..but I dont think it hurts the pouch...like soda and fresh bread could...just my experience.. Ive only lost 42 lbs in 7 months...but I'm comfortable with my lost..and know Im heading the right way. Ive had three fills..one unfill...which I feel put me back one month..my doctor is five hours away...so dont get fills as much as I could.. Good Luck Everyone on Your Journey!

I just told my spouse, daughters and 3 of my closest friends. I chose not to tell my parents, and Im losing slow enough that know one is wondering anything...Ive only lost 36 lbs in 7 months...of course, people are starting to noice but they've seen me walking alot. Its a personal choice on who you tell..who you feel comfortable with telling. I asked all I've told not to tell anyone.. I guess I just didnt want people to watch or treat me differently..... Good Luck...you'll be great..no matter how you decide to let your love ones know.. poppyred

I get hiccups when I eat to fast..or too much...sounds like its pretty common! Poppyread

So did I! Im now in the hundreds! ..made it to 199 today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its been slow but steady and Im feeling great ....Im getting motivated with the better weather to start walking! Congratulations EVERYone reaching their special goal today..and throughout the week! POPPYRED

Hello All, You must be thrilled! Its five months today since Ive been banded ...and I'm 1/4 to by goal too....taking a longer time than most...but least Im heading the right direction! 74 more lbs to go! I can hardly wait to get into the 100's....and I've not been even close to 175 lbs for 20 years...so that will be a great day for me.. POPPYRED

WOW...I want to lose 100 lbs total! I have lost 25 so Im 1/4 there! You've done great...I'd love to know when you started losing the most...it seems slow to me..not sure if Im at my 'perfect' fill yet. Its been four months since my surgery. Thanks for the information! Marie

Hi Everyone.. Sometimes I feel more restricted than other times?? Does this happen to anyone else...? I think finding that perfect fill is the key...not sure Im there yet..but getting better. At four months since surgery, I have lost 24 lbs..pretty slow compared to some..but seems steady..at least. POPPYRED

I use chewable Vitamins and calcuim supplements. My Fiber pills are chewable as well...I even take my pain relievers in liquid form...Too scared to try any pills... Good Luck in your journey...Im losing slow but its happening ...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POPPYREd

After you get banded, its a time of healing..I only lost 3-4 lbs till I got filled, after the first fill only 7..now its coming off good since the second fill.. It takes time to get it its best working place. For now its time to heal...it will come off before you know it! I've been alot slower than others on here..but know I'm heading the right way...Hang it there! POPPYRED

Doctors are so different, mine says no beer, no soda pop! He just explained that it is hard on the band..and that you invested alot into it so take care of it..Im self paid so I want to do anything I can to insure its life. I know that when I went to another seminar with a different Doctor, he said pop and beer wasn't a problem! So I do keep that in mind....but I traded diet pop for tea and I prefer wine anyways! POPPYRED

Yeah, I forgot flour tortillias...those dont work for me either...I've switched to corn and have no trouble with them! Since you've had your band since 2003...maybe you know the answer! I've asked several times on here with no response. Where does the food get stucked..its higher up than where the band is..(it feels like anyhow)...so why doesn't it before banding??? Just soooooooo curious.. Thanks! POPPYRED

Hi, I was wondering when you got banded..? It was December 10th and Ive only lost 20 lbs total...I have had two fills...and one I had to have taken out a bit...I'm definitely eating less but not losing like I had hoped...It is very discouraging at time...Do you get food stuck alot..it has happened alot to me in the past two weeks,...hope to hear from you again. POPPYRED

Hi All, I' ve gotten food stuck several times...and its not like vomiting or anything else I've done before being banding...its better than vomiting in my opinion..but not FUN...hurts bad until it comes up...with Siliva..is the best way I can explain it..when I know its going to happen I head for the bathroom...already embarrassed my self once in a cafe with hubbie..thinking..just coughing in a napkin ..would work..it just kept coming ..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank GOD we were in a private booth where only hubbie seen..but it freaked him out! I think it happens most when Im talking during eating and not concentrating...on chewing, chewing, chewing! I have found out that most Pasta and bread..doesn't work for me...OH and marinated artichoke hearts..that was a real killer! Alot of this is trial and error ..till we learn what we can have....in my experience once you have slimed on it..you don't really want it again..LOL POPPYRed

Hi, I had 4cc my first fill and felt fine..but everyone is so different...you may be too tight... I was told swelling shouldnt last more than a few days...I waited almost four and knew something was wrong after the second fill. I would definitely meantion the backing up..feeling. The backing up....I didnt have that...the nurse told me you dont want to be too tight as that is what causes slippage...and she asked me if it hurt worse if I laid down..it didnt...so they didnt Xray for slippage. I know the nurse told me if you didnt eat for at least four hours before a fill that you get a "better" fill ..meaning tighter..more restrictive..but I honestly think me waiting 8 hours before getting filled caused me to be overfilled. I plan on eating a light lunch next time before my fill and I think it will be fine.. Dont be afraid to call your doctor..that is why he is there..to take care of you..good luck and let me know what happens.. POPPYRED