mauraclegg

This is a great post and even though seeing the scale move down it is those NSV that mean much more

Whenever someone compliments me on how good I look I thank them and say, "I had a lap-band put in". I didn't tell many people beforehand but now I tell people all about it and how happy I am with my journey. I figure if I can help 1 person then it was worth it for me to be upfront. I have 3 friends who either have had or are considering getting banded since my surgery last year

I have a 10, a 4 1/2, and a 2 plus a husband to feed. I find that sometimes I plan things I can eat with them and if that's not the plan then I make myself a Lean Cuisene or a tuna salad. It doesn't bother me as much anymore to not eat the same as the rest

My anniversary is today but I was rebanded on the 9th due to an immediate slip HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ALL

I absolutely still think of and see myself as fat. When I look in the mirror I still see that fat chick. which is really funny because when I was at my heaviest I wasn't sure I really looked that bad - but now I think I look worse. I think it's the hanging skin that screws with my mind. I am hoping the TT helps with that and that I will stop wearing oversize shirts. My doc isn't concerned that I haven't lost in months, he even told me not to stress about it. I guess there are just times when our bodies do know best. I still eat relatively right but have been too hectic to exercise - but maintaining.... I had an overfill and slight unfill in Feb. and I am just getting to a point now where I am eating a bit more. I have had trouble with breads since I got my band (I think that's a mental thing with me).

my 1 year band-iversary is tomorrow (and Thursday) and while i haven't reached my personal goal (not sure if I had one), I have lost over 80 lbs. I originally wanted to hit 140, dr. said that may be an unattainable goal, so i settled on 160 - but I am in a 10/12 and headed for my TT next month... so I have reached a NSV in that I don't shop in the women's department

Giving my honest opinon would mean my saying that I don't going to a gastric bypass will solve the issues you have with food. The bypass is really another tool for weight loss, and takes a toll on your body imo. Everyone's weight loss is different and maybe you haven't had success with your band because of the underlying mental health issues that you mentioned. Perhaps if you got those things under control you would find that you are more effective using your band. I just think that with the probs you mentioned and the not huge amount of weight you have to lose the bypass will not make you any happier with yourself.

I was so surprised that popcorn makes it through my band - it has been my main snack since I was banded last year. I know that by upping your calories a bit (depending on how many you typically take in) can help jump star weight loss, and drinking tons of Water and boosting exercise. Personally, my scale hasn't moved - even with diet pills in months. That being said I was thinking of trying walnuts for a snack (and for the protein). My band is mighty tight and almonds may get me stuck. Yogurt has protein, not a ton, but it's there. I really don't know how people get up around 60-70 protein a day - I just can't get there. I am sure that has something to do with me not losing.. I eat lettuce and tomatoes without a problem and occasionally french style green Beans. I am limited more by my mind than by my band I think - but that is a good thing. I tell myself that the breads and fried things will get stuck so I don't eat 'em I discussed my lack of losing with my doc last month, and he said by BMI is in a good range, my weight is pretty good and I have still lost some inches - soooo I don't really have good advice to kick start weight loss again, just the things I mentioned above that I have read/heard.

I consider myself a banding success. I lost a touch over 80 lbs in less than a year. I am happy with my weight (pretty much), really I would love to see a size 2 fit me, but that is irrational. Here's the thing- I do not deny myself! I eat a little chocolate every day. If I want ice cream, I have a small bowl. I am the type of person that if I deny myself, I will eventually binge. My band is relatively tight- I eat a ton of tuna. I think the band works because we work with it. There are days I can eat some bread- most days I can't. I am also a popcorn addict- but have 2 cups works for me. If your band isn't doing what it is supposed to- perhaps re-evaluate. It could be something minuscule. Maybe increase Water and protein; maybe have smaller portions or replace a snack with something like nuts. The band works with us, but as people with food issues we are very capable of working against it.

Hi, I know my bariatric surgeon was able to get my TT covered through my insurance (I am going in for it next month). Insurance covered it due to things like redness in the creases, rashes, etc.

I lost my 80 in less than a year - I am happy with my size, but not the numbers that I see on the scale. Haven't lost more than 5 lbs since Feb. Spoke to the dr. at length about it - he even gave me a script for Adipex - he says though that my body is telling me something. So, while I am maintaining - well, let's just say I'll never be a 5'7" size 2 like kate Middleton. Thank you for the well wishes - So awesome that you have lost 95 lbs - impressive!! Congrats!!

I have to say my band is pretty tight, but when my husband makes burgers on the grilled (pressed by hand, not prepressed) - I cut one up and but it on a bed of shredded lettuce - it is sooo good

my insurance is paying for the entire procedure, my lap-band surgeon is doing it - he is going to do the tuck, scrape any fat and tighten my abs - he said I will be able to wear a bikini after (not gonna happen). I have heard various things about the recovery - some have said it's hard, some have said easy. I am hoping for easy. I know after my lap-band surgery and fix (within 36 hours) I wasn't in a whole lot of pain - so I am hoping for an easy recovery. Even if it's painful, it will be worth it because no matter how much weight i have lost I am super self-conscious of the rolls that hang on my abdomen and onto my thighs..... All I know about the actual recovery is that you have to wear a compression thing on your middle, and that there are drains involved (ick)

:-( please don't be terrified. It is def not a bad thing. It is the best thing that has happened to be and my weight loss goals. It is all about willpower, and the band is the best tool out there. It works for you as long as you work with it. Yes, I have puked - but it's when I am eating way too fast (taking huge bites), or eating something I know I shouldn't - My band is pretty tight, so I don't eat bread - but that is a good thing for me because I LOVE bread way too much. Now I eat a bite or 2 or it and I am good.

I love my band for what it does, are there times it annoys me- yes, like when my fam is having grinders and I can't or doughy pizza. But.... Without my band I wouldn't have gone from a 22 to a 12, and I certainly wouldn't have lost 80 lbs or be going in for a TT next month. So really I love my band- it works for me.

The band is not a magic wand that will melt the pounds away. What I think the band does is allow me to eat a healthy portion of food. Can I still eat chocolate? You bet your ass I can, but now rather than a king sized bar I happy with a couple of minis. Could I have lost over 80 lbs in less than a year without my band? Absolutely not!! Nothing is perfect though- I can eat "bad" things, but in moderation. Like 1/2 a dinner roll rather than 3. People always find fault with what isn't working for them - perhaps they aren't using their band to it's potential/ not letting it help them. It is one of the best things to happen to me

Try prune juice to get things moving along so to speak and then a daily fiber like Benefiber I had the same problem

Try prune juice to get things moving along so to speak and then a daily fiber like Benefiber I had the same problem

Suzy- good luck to you on the next step of your journey. Not sure of specific tips- but if you have questions ease feel free to ask me

Crash, some of the negative that I have seen lately is why I have posted. Your band is a weight loss tool- if you use it effectively it will work. Could their be problems? Yes, there can be- but I could go for a walk and fall and sprain an ankle. Sh*t happens! I love the help my band has given me and I hope u do too

Kitty, I think nerves and second guessing are second nature, but I look at it this way. I chose to be banded for my own reasons- not for my hubby, or anyone else. The journey is for me as your journey is for you. The decision is a good one and I wish you luck. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or want to talk

dk I haven't lost since February. But I am happier, healthier and (I hope) a little wiser.

I take fiber everyday or I have problems. I recently switched to the flavorless Benefiber (target brand though) that u can put in anything. It is a saving grace for my gastrointestinal tract

I feel so bad when I hear of someone having problems with their band. I have had 2 problems - an immediate slip the day it was implanted(?) and one overfill. Even though those things happened I wouldn't change a single thing (well except the NG tube I had to have inserted before the second band).

Discomfort in/near the chest, teeth sweating (extra saliva), and possible regurgitation. IMO the worst is the pain of being stuck