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No problems with Wellbutrin XL. The generic brand is a little big for me to swallow comfortably so my DR. requested the name brand, it's way smaller....was told NOT to crush or split them cause they are time released.

So we all had our bands placed in March....too bad they didn't inplant a "stop eating, you're NOT hungery" chip in our brains! I need to keep reminding myself what I've known all along, this is a tool, not a miracle cure. I have been making the worst choices the last month. I have been losing and re-gaining the same 5 lbs for a month now. I'm so nervous about seeing the Dr. next monday. I'm afraid of the scale. I'm afraid of another failed weight loss. I just can't stop snacking! It's crazy. Perhaps I'm crazy. Okay, I'm done complaining.

Hi Misty49738...If I'm not mistaken your from Grayling with that zip code...Welcome! I'm in Kalkaska. Dr. Featherstone performed my surgery in March. I really like their office staff and they took care of all my insurance billing and testing procedures without any real problems. Have you been to the Seminar? They have one once a month (my DH called it a sales pitch!) Not many Grand Traverse Surgery patients are on this forum regularly....Perhaps just me! I'm pretty happy with my Lap band. I've went from a BMI of 40.6 to a 33.1 The changes in my eating habits have been the hardest thing to overcome. Anyway, enough about me. Let me know how it's going with your LB journey. I'd be happy to answer any question.

During the 1st few weeks I could only sip also. When my pouch is empty I can chug about 8oz. of water. I was so thirsty last night I almost forgot about the band and stopped myself at around 1/2 bottle, waited a minute and continuted to dring the rest of my 20 oz bottle. No real problems. (I have 2cc in a 4cc band) Now remember solids are way differentthan liquids. If I take too big a bite and don't chew, watch out for major sliming and it feels like someone is sitting on my chest. This pain has stayed as long as 15 minutes until it all finally went thru to my pouch.

I've only told DH and kids, mom and sister. People at work have started to notice my weight loss at almost 4 months out. They want to know what I've been doing. I just say "my treadmill and I are best friends" and that I try to keep my calories around 1300 per day...give or take a few. When I was gone for my surgery the people in my office thought I had a cyst removed....I don't think anyone has put two and two together. Which is fine with me.

Looks like the Marchies are over some of our plateaus! After a few weeks of frustration, I got on the scale yesterday and I'm down 2.5 lbs. WOO-HOOO! Perhaps my not so healthy food choices can tell the story of the last month. That's all I've lost since my Dr. weigh-in on June 4th. I've been exercising more regularly and bike riding seems to be my new thing. I got on the local trail at 5:40am today and biked until 6:15. I was in 5th gear and NEVER stopped pedaling....I'm not sure how many miles I went. I suppose I could get a rough estimate if I drove it and checked my odometer. My new favorite snack with 20 gms of protein is: Pure Protein bars Cals: 180/ Fat:5/ Carbs:17/ Sugar:13/Protein:20 I found them at Walmart for $5.67 for a box of 6 (normally $1.79 sold individually) To quote Rachel..."YUM-O" Should get back to work, have to get some things together for the 4-H County Fair at the end of the month.

I've hit a plateau also...so what's up with that? We are all around 3+ months out, what gives? I've been at 2cc in my 5cc band since May 8th. At my appt on June 4th I'd lost 6 lbs......a month later I've only lost 1 more lb!!! I'm kinda dreading my next appt on July 16th, scared to get on the scale and see failure, just like all the other diets before the LB. I'm gonna try and kick my exercise routine up a notch. Walking, on average, 12,000 steps a day and around 4000 of those are aerobic steps (60+steps in 1 minutes) I'm dissappointed in myself, I thought i'd have lost more than 26 lbs by now. Oh, and WELCOME Cindy!

Sorry, haven't been online for quite a few days but I am having too much fun getting skinny OHJuli! Busy getting some food prepared for uncle's funeral luncheon tomorrow, getting the house clean for my DD 10th birthday party on the 26th and packing clothes and the camper for a 4 day weekend drip to Detroit..... I know what you're thinking, "camping in Detroit?" yes, about 1/2 hour NW. Planning a day at the Detroit Zoo and a day at Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Muesum...... Speaking of muesum, did anyone see "Night at the Muesum?" I can't stop my kids from saying "Me want gum gum dumb dumb!" It drives me crazy and they think it's hilarious. I'm looking at everyone's ticker and I have to say great job on the weight loss everyone. I'm afraid I need to get my butt in gear and stop this snacking thing I have going on. Up to 7000 steps today on pedometer, trying for 10000, not sure i'll make it today, i'm sitting at my desk!

I've discussed my shoulder pain with my Dr. It used to happen when I'd eat too fast or not chew enough. Now it happens for no reason. He pretty much told me to see my primary care physician about my shoulder pain. He looked at me like I was crazy when I said my band/stomach was sitting on a nerve. He say I have gas..not I dont! He has only been doing LB surgery since last Sept. I can't be the only patient with this problem. Tylenol helps if it gets really achey. This is my only complaint with my band....a constantly aching shoulder

Good Morning Marchies! Trying to get in some Master Gardener Volunteer hours this last weekend and way over did it! I know better than to bend over for 2 hours weeding flower beds! The muscle in the back of my left leg is really pulled, and this happened Sat. Walked 2.3 miles so far today...I can't baby this stupid injury any longer. My new morning routine: Walk 1 mile, drive kids to daycare, drive back home, walk to work, walk back home on my lunch hour and get the mini van to get the kids from daycare after work! It's 2.4 miles round trip and it felt so good to do it this morning I have got to get my eating under control. I'm not over eating, just making the wrong decisions. (doritos, cookies, nuts, raisins, m & m's) if my DH wants peanut butter filled oreos, he can keep them in his truck!! ****My new favorite, Paul Neuman Low fat Seasme Ginger salad dressing, YUM! Everyone have a wonderful day, keep up the good work.

I looked in the mirror yesterday and realized my skin isn't gonna shrink with this weight loss. After decades of weight loss & gain and also 2 children, I'm only gonna hang and sag. My boobs already stare at the floor. My belly and hip skin isn't shrinking either. How do you get insurance to pay for these procedures? I've heard it really hurts and takes a long time for recovery. The pics I saw on the reconstruction forum look terribily painful. Perhaps a good full body girdle and some duct tape will suffice! OH juli Was the breast reduction painful? Do you have sensation in them still? It's weird, I didn't think twice about the LB surgery but not sure I could go through with reconstruction. Have a great day everyone....it's FRIDAY!

Tranam Great Job! As a person struggling to quit smoking for over 20 years, I can appreciate your committment and effort. It feels great to be smoke free doesn't it? I can actually run up the stairs, on my treadmill, after my son on his bike all without panting and huffing for oxygen. And I think I smell better too! Good luck with your fill. I'm really tight today, I'm pretty sure I over ate yesterday :{ and that might have caused this. Trying to slowly eat a light & fit yogurt, I've gotta eat something, feeling light headed. Seeing primary Dr. tomorrow. My blood pressure has been getting pretty low, (94/62) I almost fainted the other day especially since I didn't get in all my water. Hoping he'll lower my dosage of BP medication. Hope he doesn't stop it all together, it also controls my migrane headaches. Everyone have a great day...follow the LB rules & get in your exercise & water.

UKmommy: Go to the USA local lapband support forum then click on Michigan. There a few people from the Lansing area and others from around Detroit. Hope they can recommend a good Dr. Sorry I can't help, I'm in Northern Lower Michigan and don't think you want a 4-5 hour drive!

I wish I would quit craving sugar! I ate 2 handfuls of mini chocolate chips after my lunch. Yes, I threw the rest of the bag in the trash, along with the rest of my husband's favorite Cookies, oreos with Peanut Butter filling. I just have no control when it's right there. +++++ 2nd day of new cardio workout is going well. 3 mins 2.5 mph/ 2 mins 3 mph/ 4 1/2 mins 3.5 mph/ 30 seconds 6 mph do the 4 1/2 & 30 second run 4 times to total 20 minutes then cool down again with 3 mins 3 mph then 2 mins 2.5 mph... I really like this workout, I can get it done in a half hour and I really feel like I'm accomplishing something. Will start my new 2x week strengthening exercises tomorrow. I'm sure I'll discover a few muscles I didn't know I had! Thickchick my restriction comes and goes like that too. usually tighter in the a.m. But last night I couldn't even choke down a 3 oz. piece of salmon for dinner. I made up for it later and ate 10 salt & vinegar soy crisps (yum!) Everyone have a great evening! Gonna go watch my niece barrel race and run poles at the local horse speed & action show tonight...yeeee-haaaw!

I had my gall bladder removed 8 years ago. Had my LB surgery in March...no problems or restrictions if you don't have one! Not sure about kidney stones, sorry. Attend a local seminar about the lap-band procedure. They are very informative...or surf here also. This site is very educational.

I've had "aura" migraine headaches since I was in 4th grade. Many of them caused my arm and lips to go numb. I sit in a dark room and the aura goes away in 15-20 minutes and then the killer headache for 2 days. Coughing or turning my head quickly will send shooting pain through my temples. I have been on Benicar HCT for my high BP for around 4 years and it has really helped with my migranes. There was one time I didn't take my meds for a few days and...bam a migrane. I believe this drug is now being marketed as a migrane medication, not just high BP. Hormones and bright lights have always triggered mine.

Sounds like everyone is doing good. Remember we all will have different experiences with this band and that includes the amount of weight we lose and how fast/slow we lose it. I sometimes get frustrated when the scale doesn't move for a week, but remind myself to keep my eye on the prize and I'll get there. Had Dr. appt today. Dr. kinda dismissed my shoulder pain, said it was probably gas or I'm using my weights wrong. I know those are not the reasons for my pain. He told me to see my Primary care physician which I see on Fri. No fill, don't need one. Lost another 6 lbs since 5/8/07. Scheduled to see him again in 6 wks. My size 18 shorts and 1x tops are way too big for the summer, went to the local "goodwill" type store and a few garage sales and put together a small wardrobe I can actually fit into a few size large tops! (I'm not cheap, just thrifty and consider it "recycling"!!) Everyone have a greet evening!

Every situation is different, every body type and circumstances are different. I have to admit, I was ashamed to post my weight for a while. Afraid people would wonder "why did she get the surgery?" because I didn't have 100 lbs to lose. During the course of my pre-op testings a few nurses said "your not THAT fat, just go on a diet!" Anyway I'm 4'11", have been on BP medication for around 9 years, had a stroke 2 years ago at the age of 36. Granted, 70 lbs doesn't sound like a lot of weight to drop but i'm so short it does matter. My weight right now might look like someone elses goal weight but I carry it on a smaller frame. So to answer the question, yes, if the reasons were right, surgery would seem like an option. My Dr. would not have done the surgery if I didn't have the co-morbities along with a BMI of 41.

It's June, It's a brand new month full of brand new challanges for all of us Marchies. *****Mary's June challanges: drink at least 3 bottles of h20 per day follow new exercise program (2 days weights/3 days cardio) NO eating crap! ....well maybe an occasional treat, occasional is NOT daily! My shoulder pain has subsided quite a bit today. I did take a tylenol this am, haven't heard from the Dr. yet, had liquids for dinner last night and am sticking to mushies today. I'll see him on Monday, it's been exactly 80 days since my banding and I've lost 35 lbs. everyone have a great friday....it's the weekend let's go play!

Thanks for listening. PA is going to talk to my Dr. about this and call me back. Told her I'd only do liquids until I heard from Dr. Pain is subsiding since I took a tylenol. hopefully just a freak thing and nothing major is going on in there.

Oh my gosh, I'm in soooo much pain today. My shoulder is killing me so bad that it feels like my arm is asleep and the pain is traveling up my neck and giving me an earache. Did I slip my band? I'm so scared. The pain I was in after my surgery was this intense, but was on and off and never lasted this long. I think I ate too many strawberries last night??? (3/4 cup) I didn't hurt at the time. I don't know what caused this! Should I call my Dr.? Or just stick to liquids for the weekend? I have an appt on Mon at 11:15 with him. Tylenol isn't working! Maybe I'll call the Dr.

My "bad" day has turned into a bad few weeks. I have never really been a sugar/candy bar/sweet eater. Since this band, that's all I crave! M & M's, chocolate and oreo cookies. Don't get me wrong, it's not like i'm eating a ton of this stuff, maybe giving me 500/600 extra calories a week. but i've gotta stop! I've been down to this weight before and this is typically when I give-up, start eating the crap again, and start gaining it back. I can't say that I'm not restricted. I graze. A few soy crisps here, a couple bites of chicken there, half a meatball from the kids spaghetti, a cookie or two, a handful of chocolate chips. I need to get a handle on this head hunger thing, and FAST! My scale shows I've lost 2 lbs since my last fill on May 8th. I see the Dr. again on Monday. I don't need a fill, I need a brain jolt to get my LB thinking back on track. It just seems like the same old "diet" cycle again. I have been trying to get in 10,000 steps a day on my pedometer but only accomplishing that around 2 days a week. Somebody please kick my butt!

My all time favorite snack: Quaker Soy Crisps BBQ or White Chedder 18 crisps per serving/ 110 calories/ 0 fat/ 15 carbs/ 2 fiber/ 4 sugar/ 6 protein I'm fairly restricted right now so eating 18 crisps in one sitting is possible but I take it slow. They are yummy and satisfy my need for crunch!

thickchick..you poor thing, feeling rotten like that is no fun. I get that way 7-10 days before my period beginsdue to hormones. I see i'm being awful, but just can't seem to keep my mouth shut and become really snappy. I really hate myself when I get like that then I cry and cry. I've been on prozac, cymbalta, and now wellbutrin xl. These drugs keep my emotions in line most of the time, but not during pms. oh juli...is this true about fat storing estrogen? wow, had no idea. everyone keep up the good work. I vow to stick to the LB rules the rest of the day (i didn't during lunch!%$#&*?) gonna mow the lawn tonight and start packing the camper for the holiday weekend and walk, wak, walk. i'm trying to do 10,000 steps a day and I only have 2030 today cause i've been sitting at my desk. ARGGG!

I've heard nothing but good things about the program at Port Huron, my Dr. studied the LB procedure under one of the surgeons there. I guess 4 hrs isn't that bad when you're retired. I have to worry about getting the kids to school, picking then up, off to daycare, getting the time off work etc... I'm happy with Grand Traverse Surgery. I was a little concerned at first, they have been preforming RNY for around 9 years but only started the LB last September. Every time I have an appointment I ask if there have been any other patients with concerns or problems, so far so good. I feel like i'm stuck in a rut. I've been at the same weight for around 3 weeks. The scale has only moved 2 lbs since my fill. I just need to make more time to exercise, walking on the treadmill or outside 4+ times a week averaging 7-8 miles a week just isn't getting the scale to move. I'd love to join a "spinning" class, they look so fun on T.V.! but too far to drive for that. The local fitness center opens at 6am, too late for any kind of genuine workout, and Curves closes during lunch every day from 12 noon to 1:30 pm! What is a working mom of two supposed to do? I better think of something 'cause this scale needs to move on down!