HollywoodPearl19

Its very simple, my doctor feels for my port (which takes him about 8 sec to find) he then takes a small needle and numbs the area ( on a scale from 1-10 the pain from that is a 2, just a slight pinch) he then decides how much saline to fill into the syringe and feels again for my port and places the needle inside (30 sec) it takes about 5-10 sec for him to put all the saline in, and its completely painless, you cant feel it going in, it may be a little uncomfortable when he pokes around inside of you for the port, but it wont be painful. afterwards theyll have you sit up and drink a cup of water to see how well it goes down and theyll determine if they need to remove any solution..., then you get to go home and of course this is all assuming that your first fill wont be under a fluro.

I started out alone, and lost the first 50/60 alone just by walking on the treadmill and eating right.I started working out with my trainer after sort of hitting a plateau and have since lost 40 ish more pounds since July, and my body has changed dramatically.I literally feel that my body has been remolded, my arms were beginning to be flabby, no more.I was sure I'd need a tummy tuck after losing all this weight, and now Im pretty sure I won't.she guides me, teaches me and holds me accountable for my weight. I know that I love having my trainer && even though it costs an arm and a leg for me to meet with her 3x a week, I love it'

About 90 pounds down && I still don't ENJOY it.I enjoy the results, and the atmosphere, but I still don't like the actual action.it has become a natural part of my life now, sort of like my food choices now.I eat healthy and workout because of the benefits they give to my body, but don't necessarily enjoy them! Tips to get more into working out 1) good music playlist, fill your iPod with tons of upbeat songs you love 2) find a gym buddy 3) switch up your routine so that you don't get bored.ie try zumba, pilates, water fitness etc. 4) get a trainer.if you can afford it, a trainer is a great investment.they can motivate you, yeah you && help you to be accountable. Good luck!

I started walking the night after surgery lol and continued only cardio for about 3mos, then I started doing arms/legs/back/chest.I didnt start doing stomach exercises until 6mos just bc I was being a total worry bug and was afraid I'd flip my port ;-/ you can def.start with weights earlier though I'm sure.looking back I'm not really sure why I waited 3mos to start.

I love straws and have since day one preferred to have them.Truthfully I'm less likely to gulp with a straw.

Unrepairable*

exercise will help with loose skin , but I can only speak for the younger crowd.I was banded at 18, 8 months ago and I'm about 80 pounds down, at first I could see the skin starting to hang at around 40 pounds down, I got a trainer who I work out with 3days a week and I do cardio ALL the other days.Strength training works wonders, my arms were starting to get flabby, but no more.I'm sure my age has ALOT to do with it, just how you see many older mothers who have children and are left with unrepaorable stretch marks and loose skin, but many young mothers who bounce RIGHT back.TIME is on our side girls, why not take advantage?

Honestly, if you decide to go natural it will be even harder to keep/get your hair straight after the gym.Forget 30 min, I'm talking 2hrs!! If you want to do the big chop and rock your hair short and in it's natural state (unstraightened) then youll have no problem && it will def.make your life easier.I've been natural for a little over 2 years, and I work out about 6days week, 3 of those days I go 2x a day and after each workout I'm drenched, I found the easiest thing for me are sew ins, they're easy versatile && you can sweat like a hog then go home and co wash your hair without a problem, plus it also protects your hair..even braids would help if you're interested in those...

My doctor also says 6 days of liquids! Ugh I think its a little much and sometimes I start mushies on day 3! Going for a fill on Monday && I'm just going to try and keep thinking that liquids=weightloss lol

OK I am about 7 months out and 70 pounds down, I have been pretty happy with my weightloss, of course I wouldve loved to have lost more... anywho, Im def. not the perfect bandster, but I try to follow the rules, one rule that I have never followed was the "no drinking while eating". frankly, i thought it was stupid and couldnt imagine eating food without drinking. Im one of those people who sip after every bite so I didnt even want to try and stop. Oddly enough I never realized why this rule was set in place, so i did my research a little over a month ago. When you drink while eating the liquids push the foods through the band and you upper pouch, making it harder for the band to do it's job and allowing you to eat more food. While researching I found an article (ill try to find for you) that said one of the main reasons Lap Band patients are unable to use to tool in its entirety is bc of drinking while eating. I decided to try and stop and Lord have mercy I feel like slapping myself! I get full so quick now and although its a little weird not drinking, Im getting used to it. Ive dropped a whopping EIGHT pounds in one week since I started doing this. im truly amazed and I feel that If i wouldve done this sooner Id already have lost 100 pounds. The thing is, the band will still help you if you drink with your meals, you will still get fuller quicker than you did preband, but I personally can say it has made the world of a difference for me! Ive only had two small fills so far and I go in for another next week, but atleast just try not the no drinking rule. I learned a tip from someone on here to fix a glass of ice when Im eating and allow myself to drink whatever has melted throughout my meal, which isnt alot but it helps to trick my mind lol

Also--I went back to work 2days after surgery, and rarely had to use my pain meds.Mind you I worked at a clothing store in the mall so no hard labor, but I was def.okay to go back.My doctor says our age helps w/our speedy recovery

I'm 20 and had my band put in only 7months ago, it has already been the best decision I have ever made.I was very nervous as well, but the surgery is a breeze and you're only a little sore afterwards, I've heard many times that the LB surgery pain is far worse than many other surgeries such as the gallbladder removal. I'm a full-time college student and I'm very active at university and within my sorority, I still go out, party, go to dinners everything.you learn to live with your band, it's an amazing tool and you couldn't pay me to take it out.Prepare for your big day, it will be the first day of your new life!good luck

Congratulations! best decision you will ever make!

Me too momo! Well actually now officially 17pounds away I'm sooo excited! Let's goooooooo!!!!!!!!

Oh and I went back to work two days later but at the time I worked at a clothing store in the mall sooo no hard labor.