Llyra

It is not time to panic yet! Nine pounds is a pretty decent weight loss in just a couple of weeks.

In the 30+ years that I've known my husband, my weight has varied from a low of 135 to a high of 240. He's loved me along the whole spectrum- says it has been like having a whole series of different lovers all with the same girl inside.

They are all nice names. I immediately thought of Fifth Element when I read Korben- would probably not use it myself since every time I heard the name I'd imagine that scene in the movie where several people claim to be Koeben Dallas. I love the Fifth Element- have lost count of the times I've watched it. :thumbup:

I also had surgery that required removing and reconstructing my belly button. My lap banding was done via laparocoscopy and nothing else was ever suggested.

I have a lifelong history of clinical depression and was on antidepressants at the time of the exam. I don't know if they discriminate between controlled and uncontrolled depression. I do think if a person is currently suffering severe clinical depression it might make the whole lap band journey more difficult since depression makes everything else in life more difficult. I signed an agreement to not reveal details of the psych test so I can't help you there- sorry.

Ditto. If your family told you that using insulin for diabetes was the easy way out and you should just try to maintain decent blood sugar levels with no tools except willpower, would you feel guilty?

My insurance covered the psych eval even if the surgery was ultimately denied. The insurance company required the eval to be done by a psychiatrist and supplied me with several names to chose from. I believe the cost was around $600 for the test, the evaluation, and the visit to go over the results.

I'm delighted to meet you all! (Link arms and sway back and forth, singing "We are the champions.")

It's no big secret, but I wasn't interested in a bunch of unsolicited comment and advice from either well-meaning or demeaning acquaintances so I kept information about my plans for surgery private. I don't share my medical issues with everyone I know and this surgery is a medical issue. Post surgery I've been more open about discussing it with friends who are considering the same surgery, but that's all.

Ardelia is absolutely right. If you drink too much and can't quit, you are addicted and that is the end of the line as far as Lap Band surgery is concerned. So- how bad do you want the surgery? Enough to quit drinking? I have 13 years clean in NA. Getting clean was a piece of cake compared to losing weight and maintaining the weight loss- and compared to anything else, getting clean was a monumental struggle. I know what you're up against and I know the best way to deal with it is to quit looking for a way around it. Good luck. I sincerely hope this time next year, you will have a different and much happier story to share with us.

I added my name to the spread sheet. Greetings, sister and brother challengers! May we all triumph.

I had breast reduction surgery in 1995 and a tummy tuck in 1999. I'd do either again in a heartbeat. As for post weight loss surgery- hmm. I'm 55 and some parts are going to sag just because they're tired of defying gravity, but in the best of all possible post-weight loss worlds, I'd get my upper arms and my lower face done.

Congratulations!!!! I now fit in clothes that only have one X on the size and am pretty pleased about it, though I find I am sort of betwixt and between the womens sizes and the misses. That's okay- the situation will resolve itself as I do what I am supposed to do. :ohmy: I can hardly wait to never set foot in the womens size section of Macys again! No wistful nostalgia happening here.

Good luck!

This is also true for me. Has anyone ever explained why this is so? If they have, will you please share the information? Thanks.

Until I came across this thread the possibility never even occurred to me. Now that it has occurred, my answer is not just no, but hell no.

It depends on the time of day for me. When I first get up in the morning, I don't do so well with any kind of food. By midday, though, I'm good with pretty much everything as long as I don't get too big a bite. French fries don't do too well, which is GOOD since I love the things. I still drink diet soft drinks occasionally, though not with food- that's guarenteed pain. My problem food is ice cream, of all things. I never liked it much before, but it feels so nice sliding down.

Working out (as in spinning, treadmills, weight lifting, repetitive exercise) bores the holy hell out of me. I like to walk, I ride my horse (and anyone who thinks the horse gets the exercise hasn't posted a trot for any distance), I clean stalls and haul hay and water, I garden, and I teach a three hour dance class each week along with whatever practice I do in prep for the class.

I haven't decided yet this time around. The things I don't like anyway are definitely on their way out and I hope I can take in or cut down some of the things I really like.

Thank you for the encouragement, Stevie, and congratualtions on your own progress!

Interesting. It's cheating during the pre-op and merely a mistake afterwards. Nothing like putting the screws on. Perfect pre-op adherence is certainly a goal to strive for, but imperfection during pre-op is not an indication of ultimate failure. This whole adventure is difficult enough without criticizing slips from grace and sneering at those who fall short. Add a little compassion and common sense to the pride you take in speaking frankly. A hard-assed attitude will eventually put saddle sores on your soul.

I found this thread a bit late, but my banding was done March 3, 2010. I've had two fills and am down 28 pounds as of this morning. My goal weight is 155, but what I'm really looking forward to right now is going under 200 pounds- 12.5 pounds away.

Well, I'm glad we are clear about that. :smile2: Your question: "If you can't go without cheating for a relatively short time, how the hell do you expect to follow the rules for the rest of your life?" Answer: One day at a time. If you "cheat" (stupid word, that), fall off the wagon, or choose to eat incorrectly one minute, there's nothing stopping you from making better decisions the next.

I didn't imply my doctor's instructions are appropriate for anyone but me. Please try not to read more into a post than is actually there. :smile2: In the interests of full disclosure, I was on liquids for several days post surgery, but never was on mushies, etc.