CheckYes

I keep wondering if I might have mine out once I reach goal and maintain for a while. I have never had a fill be needed one so I am not sure what help it's giving me or not giving. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there. If I were to have mine out I think it would be so it didn't cause any problems in the future. If it's not doing anything to help keep you at your goal, I say take it out.

Most of mine came off after three weeks. I would trim the bits that had lifted every day or two. The big one stayed there for four weeks and I was so tired of them by then. Near the end, I rubbed a tiny amount of baby oil near them to help with getting them off.

Very interesting!

I have heard, although it doesn't happen to me, that some people get the referred shoulder pain and that's when they know when to stop eating. Does it happen at certain times for you or is it persistent?

Rosarita makes a Zesty Salsa Refried beans that are fat free. So yummy and beans are a great source of protein.

I have tried everything - liquid, chews etc. I don't east gummy Vitamins because I am vegetarian and they have Gelatin in them but I see lots of people here use them. I use Centrum Chewables. I can't do it on an empty stomach but can tolerate it just fine after a few sips of coffee. I tried that Celebrate bariatric ones but they turned to powder too fast while still in my mouth and that made them torture. Good luck. Does your surgeon have any samples for you to try?

I have a hard time believing in starvation mode - especially when I see people thinking their body is in starvation mode after a few days of limited caloric intake. I haven't had over 900 calories a day in six months and I'm still losing weight. Sure, I exercise too and eat very clean and healthy but most days I'm eating 600-800 calories. Its not intentional, mind you, I just seriously have to force myself to eat.

Oh and my next adventures are kayaking, paddle boarding and biking. Plus I am getting ready to start a Couch to 5k program in the hopes of someday running a half marathon!

I always wanted to be scuba certified. I was always afraid there wouldn't be a wet suit big enough. I signed up for classes and am doing my certification tomorrow in the ocean! To my surprise, I am the smallest girl in the class and the only one that was able to complete the 20 lap swim test and beat all but one of the guys! Yay me!

Thanks Rozie! Therapy + band = success!

Awesome! Keep up the good work!

I've been using Agave nectar and honey instead of chemical sweeteners.

Just wanted to make sure you know that American Eagle has extended sizes (up to 18) online. The boy fit jeans run big.

Ooops, forgot I had a blood draw too.

Surely you can find some old photos of yourself, Rev. I'm struggling with some bad head games lately too. I feel guilty for the one meal a day that I do eat. Are you in therapy? I've been talking to my therapist a lot about this lately and I'm hoping that will help. Don't let it get the best of you by diminishing your success! You've been an inspiration to me, Rev! Give yourself a break! You rock.

I only had a chest xray and an EKG. Each took less than five minutes.

I wish I liked yoga because it seems to relaxing and calming but I just can't get into it. I don't like Pilates either but wish I did. I would take a huffing, puffing 45 Minutes at a 15% incline on the treadmill any day. I could do with some zen though!

I think you'll be fine as long as you can rest. My mon slept over for four nights after surgery - I was a bit nervous about her leaving that next day - but it was all fine.

Marci, Keep in mind that more people post when they are experiencing problems rather than everything going smoothly. It's bound to give a kind of distorted idea of how often people experience problems. Start reading the success story threads and stick with those for the time being. There are several at the top of the post op board. Also, if you notice someone who has a positive experience has a blog, subscribe to it and read their posts. It's normal to be nervous and to get nervous when you read other people's struggles. Just keep in mind that you are not struggling and are working hard and are committed. Being aware of potential problems is good as long as you don't start being overly anxious about them occurring to you. If you are becoming too anxious, stay away for a bit them come back when you think you can handle it. Best wishes to you!

Oh I love these types of threads! I'm here from the "other side" to tell you that not only will the things you've listed happen but SO many more that you haven't even thought of or never thought could happen to you. It's amazing! best wishes to you! You're making a great decision! Yayyyyy

It will probably hit you all at once and you'll drop two sizes fast! I pretty much bypassed size 16.

I've lost 78 with no fill. It's been consistent and it wasn't until the past six weeks that I've been exercising at the gym five days a week. I didn't have a preop diet either so my body was ready to shed some pounds right after surgery. I have to agree with the poster above who said fills don't make you lose weight - you still have to make the right food choices and exercise.

I think part of the problem is that so many surgeons are not educating their patients properly about the band. It sometimes - truly - is not the patient's fault. Lots of people aren't ready to claim the blame that lies within them for even becoming overweight! I, like you I think, believe that the greatest success comes when we do claim that blame and also empower ourselves to change it. It's not possible to force that change in people... It's taken me five years of therapy to get to where I am mentally - band or no band - but im here now!!

I find this post to be pretty negative in itself. Not everyone is able or ready to take responsibility for their actions as maybe you have been. People come here for support. If no one was struggling then this site probably wouldn't exist! Since you are having success and seem to be handling the dietary and behavior changes well, why not spread the wealth by helping others rather than chastising those that are struggling? I'm not struggling myself and because I'm doing ok, I try to help others who aren't so that when I need support it will return to me. It's rewarding. Why not take that approach?

I think the best thing you can do is show her how lapband can be successful by being successful yourself. Good luck to you! You'll do great!