NurseShay

I totally agree with you bayougirlmrsc! I understand some people need to vent but sometimes it seems like people have unrealistic expectations about the band and after the 100th post about it you read from someone only weeks out it can get kinda annoying . But I guess we've all been there before and its up to us to ignore the negativity that brings us down and for those of us having a bad day and feeling that way it's best not feed into feeling sorry for ourselves. The best motivation is to stay inspired and positive about the accomplishments we make and not compare ourselves to others. Everybodys journey is different. Those lucky enough to have a "magic band" that requires little to no effort on their part are the exception and not the rule and everyone with the band needs to keep that in mind. Good post bayougirl, some people needed to hear it.

Your feelings are totally valid and it's great that you're venting them. I would look into finding a new fill doctor personally, the relationship you have with your lapband doctor is important to having trust in your band and your abilities, it seems like your PA is too sensitive about their work to be empathetic and the advocate that you need. I did experience on my 3rd or 4th fill feeling like my surgeon didnt add saline or maybe even removed some because I felt looser and definitely could eat more, I honestly dont know what happened because I have total faith in my surgeon but I did return 2 weeks later and had .2cc added and that did the trick for me. My surgeon was a bit skeptical that I even needed it but luckily we had the understanding of who pays the bill. haha I know how you feel about the loose skin because despite the optimism that I had that my skin would stay semi toned being in my 20's I have found the loose skin to be less than attractive on myself, kind of comes with the territory tho so it's always important to keep realistic expectations, doing strength training and toning I hear works wonders but of course there's always those areas we cant do much about without going the PS route if it really bothers you. But don't be so hard on yourself you've done a good job of losing weight despite your difficulties with your band and doctor. Try to stay positive and don't give up!

I felt no physical hunger immediately post op, I often times felt really full from nothing or just a few sips of fluid. I think it was the swelling for me. I imagine the last thing the body is worried about is food while its still recovering from the trauma of surgery. But indeed mental hunger returned first especially once I moved into the mushy phase- my mind wanted to CHEW!haha

I agree with pzeadow doing something with your idle hands and thoughts is the key to end the grazing out of boredom. I definitely keep low cal items on hand like mini carrots, string cheese, wheat thins, raisins, a slice of deli meat, etc which work great when if you're like me and sick of all the "sweet" snack supplements. But nothing changes a habit like truly changing a habit and not just supplementing it with a healthier snack. Eating at night or mindlessly constantly (even the good snacks) isnt a good habit to allow yourself to stay in so try doing something else to distract yourself and fill your need to go hand to mouth. For me, its coming on here and reading inspiring stories or answering unanswered posts from the newbies who need it most. It helps you and helps them. Maybe going for a walk, dancing or stretches when you feel the need to snack. And dont feel bad we're like food addicts and it is always a thought in the back of all our minds even those of us who have been successful, but as time goes on that voice will get quieter and easier to ignore especially with some restriction and healthier habits in place. Nothing starts routine. Best wishes!

Good for you girl! Congrats on everything!

Hilarious! I always say despite the band I have an inner fat girl that still thinks she can eat the refrigerator and then still go out for ice cream. I have been banded 19mts BUT I'd be lying if I said the bad food cravings and the unintentional "eyes being bigger than my stomach" episodes have ceased. I am an emotional eater and my brain wants to eat when Im happy, sad, mad, tired, bored and just because it's in front of me! Idk if that will ever go away? It's not quite as strong as it was in the early stages but maybe its like they say about an addict- you're never really cured? So always be on guard and try to learn the habit of moderation rather than elimination to keep you from going crazy once you introduce solids to your menu. Pretty soon you'll have dreams of all the new things you can do with your weight loss and food won't take such high priority anymore.

Hello and welcome to the LBT forum! Congrats on your decision to take hold of your life and get healthy with the help of the Lap Band! You are the same age I was when I decided to be banded and my mother also has type II Diabetes so I definitely know where you're coming from. If you ever have any questions feel free to message me, I am about 19mts out from being banded and 100lbs down, tho not yet at goal but progressing. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself on all aspects of being banded- everything from the mindset you will need to be in,the dreaded pre op diet , the surgery itself risks & benefits, the recovery period- which I think we all can agree isn't the funnest time on the lap band journey, the discipline it will take to stick to the rules and follow your post op diet instructions without much help from the band because it can take a while to actually achieve a comfortable level of restriction that will keep you from over eating. So basically get educated and stay realistic! Dont compare yourself to other people on here or beat yourself up if you get off track or dont lose as quickly as they are because we are all different and we all do different things. Understand that the band is a tool and not a cure, it will not stop you from eating 3 bowls of icecream (a "slider" food) you have to have some self control as well. Remember the excercise and healthier food choices is the key to most of the success stories even with the band. Keep in mind that healthy permanent weight loss is slow and consistant- don't deprive yourself for faster results or you will find yourself yo-yo dieting. Surround yourself with positive supportive people who don't judge you even if they dont have all the answers. And finally stay connected to the lap band community for advice and motivation that only a fellow bandster can give. Find comfort in that your surgeon comes recommended from a friend and you have an instant support system in that friend. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! I wish you the best of luck!!

Hi Sabrina! Welcome to the forum. You came to the right place to get educated on the band! Read in the pre/post op sections and also the success stories and band complications sections of the forum to really get a good idea about the banding process. Know the good, the bad and the ugly!! If your primary doctor has determined that you are eligible for the band he/she could refer you to surgeon that he recommends or you could research one in your area. There are lap band doctors everywhere but be sure to get an experienced one that has your best interest at heart and makes you feel heard and comfortable because you will have a relationship with him/her for a good long while. Usually the first step to being banded is attending a seminar where you will be educated on the band and how it works, the risks and realistic expectations and what would be expected of you to be successful with the band. Most seminars have people there who will help you find out if your eligible to have your surgery covered by your insurance or if you will have to pay out of pocket, in which case they will help you find ways to finance it in house or through medical loans or credit cards like care credit for instance. Once that's determined you have to go through whatever steps your insurance and/or doctor require to be accepted for surgery such as a pre op diet anywhere from 6mts (some insurance require) to as short as a week. You have to have labs done, meet with a nutritionist and your surgeon for consultation. And whatever other tests or meetings that your doctor and insurance require for your specific health needs. For instance most diabetics have more lap requirements than someone without diabetes. After that is done you move on to your pre-op liquid diet and then you can have your surgery. After surgery there is another process you move through where you start off on liquids only fresh out of surgery, progress to "mushies", then soft foods and finally solids. Then you begin going in for routine fills as needed to get your restriction level. For some people this happens without fill other people need 2, 4 or 10 fills to reach their optimal restriction. Once you have this your weight loss, depending on your discipline and efforts should be relatively consistant and progressive over time depending on the amount you want to lose. If you read peoples stories on the forum some peoples pre banding journey are as long as a year or two while others are short (like mine) where I went to a seminar, got my financing and labs done in one week, did the pre op diet for one week and then had my surgery a total of 2 weeks from the day I decided I wanted one. It all depends on your personal situation and your insurance. Not that the decision should be taken lightly, do lots and lots of research before you commit to the band it definitely isn't for everybody and you should be well educated on it and have realistic expectations about it. Best of luck!

Hi! Im in Cali but not the bay area. Just wanted to let you know that if you go into the location specific threads in the forum you'll probably have better luck finding people in your area to connect with. Good luck!

I have not experienced this personally but perhaps if you post on the post op or band complications side of the forum you'll get more valuable feedback. The intro side is mostly people who have not yet been banded. Maybe you lost restriction before you were unfilled because of the changes or movement caused by the ulcer? Maybe the band was too tight which is why you felt so much restriction and thats how it was capable of eroding into your esophagus once it eroded it wasnt as tight so you felt less restricted? Lots of what if's that your doctor who actually looks at your case is probably best suited to answer. Everyones situation is different and no one can know exactly what happened to you with subjective information, check with your doctor. Best of luck!

Amen to that!!! You are so blessed and divinely favored! God clearly had a plan to answer your prayers. I am so happy for you!! What an awesome support system you have around you and what a wonderful God you serve. I am sorry to hear that you are having some post op pain but rest assured this is a small blip in your journey and you will not even remember or care about any pains you may be having when you begin to see the pounds shedding and live out those humble and commendable goals you have for your future . No pains can compare to those we struggle with daily being obese thats for sure! You have made a step in the right direction and I congratulate you wholeheartedly! Welcome to the forum and best wishes to you! I'm sure you will be on the success side of the forum before you know it! I started out at almost 400lbs with the same dreams for the future you have shared also and even with my slip ups and old habits dying hard I have managed to put a nice dent in my weight loss so your aspirations are definitely feasible. Stay focused and rejoice in all the mini milestones on the way. You're on your way!

Love it!! You have a very inspiring and motivating attitude! I found myself spiraling out of control lately and made my way back on here for a kick in the butt. And I totally know what you mean about Lane Bryant sizing- everything is off and their weird green yellow blue sizes dont make sense either. I loved my trainer who sadly quit working at 24hr fitness but he was a great educator and pushed me through those dreaded plateaus and into twoderville from 380 so Ill love him forever. But I went from a 52H to currently a 46DD and the skin? is not so pretty. I think I lost 20lbs in my boobs alone!lol But a good supportive bra and eventually a lift will fix that and I wouldnt trade my deflated boobs for anything. You show those pounds who's boss! Best of luck hun!

Wow. Sounds like you have a lot going on in your life. I am sorry to hear how alone you are feeling but try to remember that there are so many people going through alot of the same issues that you are- reach out for support in place of that comfort food. I know it is much easier said than done but if you can do it just once a day it will minimize the negative effects of your emotional eating habits. Surround yourself with supportive people who won't judge you- even if it comes from the forum instead of people in your life. I went 3 months at a time on 2 different occasions without seeing so much as a pound loss and the less progress I saw the more I felt like it was pointless and it wouldn't hurt if I slacked off in the gym or snacked a little more since I wasn't losing anyways. I found myself eating with my emotions instead of my logic and then feeling guilty about it and doing the ol hide the evidence routine too so I know how that feels. This band only works with our discipline. But dont be too hard on yourself for slipping up- even for alcoholics the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. You've done that much. Changing your life won't happen over night and it won't come naturally but you can do it with alot of effort and focus. Stay inspired and stay hungry for your life instead of just hungry for food. "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." If its an option for you, lean on your faith as much as possible and pray for strength and guidance. Im not married but Im sure it's not easy having to balance your need to take care of yourself with your duties to take care of your husband but I would think its impossible for you to give of yourself to your husband what you dont have to give. Judging by the way you speak of his surgery Im thinking its not something too critical? But if it is I guess that comes with the territory to deal with his issue first if it is more critical but if you were approved to be banded your health issues could be critical too. Just try not to lose yourself in all this chaos. You have every right to take the time out that you need for yourself to be healthy and happy. You have as much obligation to yourself as your husband so don't feel guilty about that. But it may do you some good to open up to your husband and let him know how you're feeling and come up with a plan to deal with both of your battles together so its not just all on you to care for him and yourself and therefore push you into the comforting arms of food. Focus on the good and not just the bad- you said the scale hasn't moved so at least you're NOT gaining! Thats a victory in itself for those of us fighting the battle of the bulge. Sorry I can't be of more help but if you ever need someone to vent to or an accountablity buddy feel free to message me. Dont hold in your feelings or they'll just show up on the scale. Best of luck and stay strong! You may have lost that particular battle with yourself but you havent lost the war. My prayers go out to you and your husband!

How frustrating this must be for you! I can only imagine the range of emotions you must be feeling. On the bright side tho you did it once before with the band surely you can do it again. But I think first you've got to forgive yourself and make up your mind to commit to changing your habits the way you did the first time around. The good thing is that you above new bandsters can trust that your band can work since you've already learned how to work with it and meet your goals before. If I was you I would go all the way back to basics as if the band was new, maybe even get a fill if necessary. If you've been over eating chances are you have stretched your pouch so do the pouch test for a week and go back on your liquid diet and replace meals with protein shakes. Start excercising, you can start small like parking in the back of the parking lot of stores and walking to the mail box instead of stopping on the way in driving and such. Go on walks with your baby and use her nap times to work out. Get rid of all the things that you weren't eating when you were losing weight. Sort of give your body the shock it hasn't had in a while surely that'll kickstart your weight loss. Im sure once you start seeing progress again you'll start to feel motivated to do more. Set mini goals instead of looking at the daunting task of trying to lose all the weight at once. Make it a true lifestyle change, we all know diets although sometimes they work- the results dont last. Stay in the support of people who understand and can relate with your battle and dont punish yourself any longer. You can do it again and be an inspiration to people who are in your shoes or afraid they will be. Best of luck and stay strong!! You can do this!

Oh I am so happy that I was able to help motivate you banded_princess! It was this website and some of the videos I followed on youtube that put my fears at ease and even now, 19 months out, I still find answers to questions I never knew I had and find comfort reading peoples stories that are going through what I am going through. This forum has been invaluable! I always find that when I dont check in for a while I stray off course and old habits creep back in and the weight loss begins to stall so staying active on here is beneficial for me as well as those I'm able to advice through my experiences being banded, it's an awesome cycle. So by all means keep in touch, Im sure it'll help you along your journey as it has for me. You sound like you have picked the best of the best in your surgeon, thats great!! One less worry for you. I know what you mean about wishing you could wake up everyday still motivated, but of course life happens! Coming back on here or having support somewhere will always help reign ya back in though, no worries! And on those tough days dont be afraid to speak out, we've all been there before. Your B-day is one day closer, how exciting for you! I have a feeling you are going to be very successful since you're doing all this research. Yes it does feel good to finally be on the losers bench, haha, but I still have much more to lose and am looking forward to the day I get to be on the "@ goal" side. I will save you a seat- who knows you may get there first!!

Cocoabean I am always up for a walk! I walk every day after work before I allow myself to even go inside. haha Sticking to a routine is soo hard sometimes!

San Diegans! We really need a more active group! If anyone is ever looking for local support/excercise meetings let me know! Im in east county (el cajon) but mobile and willing to drive as far as north county since Im from Oceanside. PM me anytime! ~Shay

I am so sorry to hear that you are stuck on a plateau! I am nearing 2yrs out and I definitely expected to have lost more by now but thats only when I compare myself to other peoples results. The stats doctors release about the lapband say the 100 and 200lb losses are "not typical" so dont compare yourself to others, you never know what they are doing to lose weight that you may not be doing. I know for a fact I have never lost this much weight on my own and definitely could not have kept it off this long either so I know the band plays a part in my successes even though it wasn't quite what I initially expected from the band. Have you tried incorporating other weight loss regimens into your lifestyle- excercise, healthier eating habits alongside your smaller portions? I understand that you're capable of eating larger quantities at 4cc fill but that certainly doesn't mean you should be if losing weight is a strict goal for you. Have you tried going back on your liquid diet for a few days or a week to jumpstart your weight loss and break through your plateau? Revving up your workout routine? Don't give up! Even without the bands help you're still capable of reaching your goals with some discipline- easier said than done, I know! If the band is responsible for your 50lb loss and maintainence I would suggest keeping it in- it isn't hurting you but rather helping you so why go through another surgery just because you're frustrated? It seems the people who have the greatest and fastest results with the band do a complete lifestyle overhaul and don't just leave it up to the band so if you're looking for extreme results maybe think about some extreme effort. 50lb loss in 2 years could have easily been a 50lb gain so be proud of yourself!!! Best of luck & dont give up on yourself even if you've given up on your band.

Hello & Welcome to the forum as an official member! Loved your intro, you're funny! I totally hear you about being nuerotic because I read this forum religously for weeks before I even joined or decided to be banded. But theres so much useful information here that even your doctor couldnt tell you and experiencies that only a fellow bandster could relate with so keep reading and you'll find answers to every question you didn't even know you had! If you are someone who already knows how to lose weight then you'll do great because IMO the band is best at helping you keep the weight off more so than lose it- it takes discipline to lose it but the band will stop you from regaining via over indulgence! You have a lot on your plate (no pun intended! ) being in college as well as on your lapband journey so best of luck to you and congrats on your decision to change your life!

Hello! And welcome to the forum! Congrats on your very soon upcoming surgery! I believe you will be so happy you had the procedure once you start making progress and that will allieviate all your anxieties! Im not sure I quite understand your question but I think its hard for anyone to change a habit that most of us have had to fall back on most of our lives for comfort in the ability to over indulge in food. And to be honest the band doesn't change our ways of thinking either it only helps check us when we forget and start to stuff our faces- it wont let anymore food down! The real changes come in time when we really retrain our brains to expect smaller quantities- and hopefully better quality of foods. Definitely doesn't happen over night but it will happen for you in time! You have the right attitude, you will be healthier and happier soon! Best of luck with you surgery!!

Welcome to the forum! And I think most of us on here can appreciate your story. I had my band done at 25 and now at 27 I wish I would have done it even sooner! There's much to be said for being overweight in your young years theres soo much we miss out on being held hostage in a body we dont really like. So congrats on your decision to have WLS you're in for an exciting ride. I understand your fears about the procedure, we all had them, but every surgery comes with its risk, it's surgery after all! But laproscopic surgeries are much safer than open ones and lap band is considerably safer than something like gastric bypass. Being obese carries its own risks so you have to decide which ones outweigh the benefits of having or not having the procedure. And if you find a good surgeon that you trust you should be fine. Most of the issues people have after being banded- slips most notably, you'll find come from the patient not doing what they should be and not from the band itself. Such as over eating, eating items known to cause stuck and regurgitation episodes, having an over filled band trying to rush the weight loss and vomiting much more than they should. If you follow your doctors instructions you should be fine. But read all sides of the forum so that you will know what to expect and relieve your anxieties and make an educated decision before being banded. Don't be afraid of failure- slip ups happen but you can't beat yourself up about it, thats usually what provokes us to over indulge and restart the cycle. The people who seem to have the most success with the band are those who are ready to commit to a lifestyke change, not those who expect the band to knock the cookie out their hands. Understand that permanent weight loss is a slow and steady process. Be willing to forgive yourself and get back on track. Dont deprive yourself just remember everything in moderation- the band once you're at a good level of restriction will help with that. Keep in mind it may take weeks or months before you will find that "sweet spot" of restriction so alot of it will still be up to you in the begining. Also be sure to keep realistic expectations. The band is a tool and it takes alot of getting use to, it won't stop you from eating icecream or other high calorie "slider" foods or from being a couch potato so keep that in mind, that it will take more than just the surgery to receive the ideal results we all set out for. Before I was banded I only read success stories and followed people on youtube who seemed to have exceptional experiences with the band and sort of assumed I would too- and while I have lost 100lbs thus far it wasn't the quick and effortless process I secretly hoped for! But I dont regret the band for a single minute because I know it truly helped me change my habits and see my over eating for what it truly was. Being able to love the skin your in for once is an amazing feeling and I cant wait to see you posting on the other side of the forum when you are seeing the pounds shed. At 21 your life is just begining and now more than ever you have so much to look forward to, congratulations on your surgery! Best of luck!

Hi Monique and welcome to the forum! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! Its such an exciting time for you! Be sure to read lots of threads from new and veteran bandsters to answer all your questions and help eliminate any anxities you may have. Theres always plenty to learn from others experiences on here. And there is area specific threads on the forum also if you want to connect with people in your specific location also. Best of luck and welcome again!

Welcome! You've stumbled into a great site that has been a remarkable help to me and Im sure alot of other people. Read the member stories from the new banders and some of the veteran banders and you'll have a much more clear picture of what you're in for. Results are not always fast for everyone but I think most long term banders will agree that over time its a pretty consistant albeit slow process. Not everyone loses all the weight they want to in a year or less but 2 or 3 yrs out seems to be the norm if you keep up with your good eating and excercise habits. The band definitely does not do it all for you and you can in time find ways to eat around it so remember to stay focused on the goal and be willing to change. You'll read it alot that the band is not a magic cure it is just a tool and doesn't work for those who don't work with it!

The hungry feeling could also be thirst which is often times confused- especially by us over eaters, so make sure to drink plenty water or crystal light. At 4 days in your band is not yet doing much to curb your appetite without a fill so being hungry is expected but try to follow the guidelines set by your surgeon and nutritionist. Protein shakes are important especially early in the healing process. If you're in the liquid phase stick to liquids- pureeing solids doesn't make them liquid so be careful to follow your doctors instructions for your own safety despite what may have worked for anyone else on the forum. Hate to see people with early band flips because they pushed themselves into solids too soon. Best of luck!

No worries you're still early in the game!! The band takes a long time to get to use to as does any lifestyle change. Over eating is an addictive behavior as is smoking or drinking-- and nobody expects them to change over night even with the patch so there's no reason us bandsters should expect to totally change instantly after being banded with no slip ups, its a tool not a cure. Not to mention there's no telling if thats water weight or muscle mass gain so don't beat yourself up. Just stay the course and stay positive! Try not to watch the scale as much as you note the changes in yourself as the scale is sometimes not as accurate to what your real effort is. I have found myself stuck in the same range for the last few weeks and feeling discouraged and just coming on here is inspiring and motivating enough to make me push away the cookies I bought over the weekend. Best of luck to you!