Search the Community

Was that me who was mouthing off not a week ago about how she didnt need a fill, and wasnt going to have one, how she never thought about food and was still losing well? Hehehe, I'm eating my words now, not to mention wanting to eat everything else. Suddenly I'm hungry. I've only got to wait till the 19th, but we can hang out! Eat enough to satisfy yourself reasonable, the weight will come off faster again after the fill, just try not to go crazy.

I am embarking on a journey that I have wanted to take for years now. The Lapband journey. The journey to a healthier, happier me. Me being a 34 (soon to be 35) year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and last but certainly not least woman. I looked into the Lapband procedure about 7 years ago, and every time I came close to making arrangements for it Life happened. Pregnancy, surgeries, financing ect.. This time around I have everything scheduled the surgery, flights, transportation, and it is all paid for. I am going to Tijuana Mexico to the Obesity Control Center. Dr. Ortiz will be performing my surgery which is on Febuary 17. My wonderful husband gave me this gift. I consider it the best gift I could ever receive for myself. It is a chance to live healthy, and have a whole new lifestyle. I am so very excited. I can hardly stand it. I have been counting down the days for 2 months now. I have already lost about 7.5 lbs. on my pre-op diet. The protein shakes are growing on me. I have already noticed that I am not as hungry as I was at the beginning (I started my diet early, in fear I wouldn't lose the necessary weight) of my diet. I now have total confidence that I can do it. Amazingly, my headaches have pretty much gone away also. I suffer from cluster migraines. I know that every little bit I do to live healthier will give me a greater awareness of myself, and each new realization will help me to acheive my goals, and to be the person that I have dreamed of being. I have dreamed so many nights of swimming, and running, and it feels so good. I look forward to this becoming my reality. Anyways, I am so extatic for the 17th, and the rest of my journey. I know it will be long and hard, but so very rewarding. If anybody reads this, I do wish you the very best in your lifes journey!

I'm very aware of this as well. Since this is a lifelong battle I want to do everything possible to keep my band safe and sound and INSIDE ME. So even if I'm NOT losing weight--if my health is being preserved and I feel I'm making progress on some level--I may not need a fill. Being overfilled is a risk I'd very much like NOT to take, and certainly not for those last 20 lbs that no one but I would be aware of. Hyuk. No one would ever accuse me of being an overachiever!

Hey my friends, I have been doing some thinking as of late about getting to goal weight. I am 22 pounds from a goal of 170. I changed it from 180 once I got to the lower 200's. I am just wondering if it is realistic to set my sights at a lower goal weight. I have been losing a pound a week since about April. It is really going a lot slower now and I am becoming a little complacent. I hoped I wouldnt, but I am not trying as hard as before. But also I notice that any little discretion sets me back 3 or 4 days, so I am still pretty diligent about keeping the calories to a 1200 maximum per day except when I go to Vegas and have margarita parties!! LOL I dont know whether I should care if I ever see a weight of 160 or less. I am in a 12-14 top and a 16 bottom (loose) which isnt all that terrible, but its still fat in my book. Should I care more and try to be more dilgent or be happy with the pound a week that I am losing? I also feel like I need more fill. I eat quite a bit compared to what is considered to be a normal bandster serving and occasionally feel guilty about this. Or should I get a really tight fill and try to get the 20 lbs off as fast as possible? I am confused....... Babs in TX 334/192/170 -142

I'm looking at your picture, Babs... I put one up on my corkboard at work with Vera and Penni and Sachi wearing that boa. You don't even look like an overweight women. I don't care what society or doctors say, our bodies know what they are doing when we're eating right. If you are really staying under 1200 calories a day, I don't think you need another fill. I've only had one fill so far, but I never want to be somebody that relies on fills when the weightloss slows down. I realize the band was designed to hold saline that gives us restriction, but like we've heard a thousand times, it's only a tool. If you still have willpower to stick under 1200 calories, then use what God gave you. My problem is that I'm almost into this journey six months, yet I haven't corrected all my bad eating habits. I have some good band days. And I have tons and tons of "good" meals (lunch doesn't seem to be a problem, and I rarely snack at work like I used to do all day long.) But I still have times that I mini-binge at night. I still often make poor choices. But for me, it's progress, not perfection. I don't think you should worry about any numbers. You're weight loss simply has to slow down considering you don't weigh much anymore. Nice to see your smiling face... Chris says hi to everyone.

Hi Nicole, I am usually on another thread but I like to search around once in awhile and I found your post. I too live in Buffalo, South Buffalo to be exact. My surgery is October 13th. It could have been September 22nd but I was busy. It has been a long process but I think I am ready. Actually I would have said I am ready but I was at the beach last week, eating more than usual and am having trouble getting back on track. I am a "light weight" and don't have a whole lot to loose - perhaps 60 total pounds would make me happy. I go to Buffalo General and will have Dr. Hoffman as my surgeon. It will be interesting to hear the perspective of a patient of another surgeon. Let me know if you want to chat. Linda

The only thing I would change is that I would have done the Optifast pre-operatively for two months, not just two weeks. I lost over 22lb in those 2 weeks and, had i known the huge advantage I would have gained by fasting longer, I would have done it. Starting from a higher weight, I would say it should be a necessity, as my weight loss slowed down after the first 3 months when I began to be able to eat more. I tried exercise but couldn't stick to much more than a long walk once or twice a day, so weight loss slowed down and finally plateaued.

Thanks. I would get a gym membership, but that's all I could do is the weights. I've never used them before!!

BMI doesn't take into account your larger bone structure from carrying around all the extra weight for so long, nor does it take into account any excessive muscle mass you may have, so don't worry about BMI. Your body fat percentage is getting very good, and that's much more indicative of your overall health. Let it and your weight get to whatever point your comfortable with, don't worry about any one else's opinions. You are the one who has to live in your skin. When you get to that point, if you're still losing, I'm sure your doc or NUT can give you some strategies for maintaining your weight.

I am a pre-op lap bander (shooting for feb date) and have a crazy question! Did anyones shoe size change post lap-band? I have been wondering about this as my shoe size increased with my weight gain. Thanks for everyones input- love this forum!!

We had our "band baby" 4 months ago....I agree you need some fluid out ASAP, and as the pregnancy progresses you will need more out. But, the great news is afterwards with refills the weight comes right back off, good luck!

Not necessary, not healthy, not effective. Plateaus are a fact of life with big weight loss, it is going to happen no matter what you do and it will break eventually no matter what you do. Dont send yourself into a starve/binge cycle by not eating. It achieves nothing.

You are doing awesome on losing weight 1 less pound is a small step towards a bigger goal that ultimately only you can determine or measure up to. Everyone loses weight at a different pace and the surgery is meant as a tool in general there is no right or wrong in how much you lose or how fast you lose. The basic guideline is to eat right, exercise, and forgot about weighing yourself so often because some people get discouraged. I'm 6 weeks out I had surgery 1-21-13 started at 368 almost 369 and down to 320 and the lady I had surgery the same day we both had lost 22 lbs within 5 days post op so just keep pushing remember the only loser in this journey is the weight not us ..... Keep up the good work living4myself_gb1-21-13:

1 wk ago, I did something that will forever change the course of my life. I think I was grossly unprepared for the emotional roller coaster I’d be riding though. I read about, but kinda shrugged it off. I’m emotional, this is true. But I’m strong…and this thang seems to be getting the better of me… Yesterday, I struggled with the thought of no longer being in “control” of my weight (for the most part, at least for the next year or so)…I cried when I realized that I would no longer be the bodacious, busty, lusty big girl that I’ve been known to be after I purchased a bra A LOT smaller than the one I wore 3 wks ago (46DDD/F to a 44DD)…I cried as I tried to remind myself that my “larger than life” body didn’t MAKE who I was as a “larger than life woman”. I am who I am…but if who I am – and always have been – is a vivacious BIG GIRL, BBW, +Sized Diva, FULL-FIGURED Vixen… What happens when the weight falls off and I’m no longer considered…BIG?? *sigh* :biggrin0: I’m sure folks who have never struggled w/their weight OR have lost weight on their own over a long period of time may not fully understand the BFD. But when you suddenly see yourself melting away – literally – especially in a significantly short period of time – it can be a little unnerving. YES, I know this is what I signed up for. And honestly, it’s kinda crazy because I DO love what I’m starting to see in the mirror. But the fact that it’s happening right before my eyes so quickly is Freaking. Me. Out. Little things like washing my face and actually being able to feel my face structure, or putting on a pair of sweat pants that now have a saggy crotch…or doing a double take when I walk past the mirror…or my aunt calling me a “skinny beeyotchhh” in jest. I guess there is a 1st time for everything! Skinnyway… In the midst of my emotional outburst yesterday, I temporarily did something hella dumb. Now, I have 1 more wk on the liquid diet to go. So why did I think I could get away w/taking a *teeny-tiny* bite of chicken salad? *smdh* Super. HUGE. Epic. Fail. It got “stuck”. It was the most awful feeling in the world (now I know what Lap Band’ers go thru. BAH!). No harm, no foul…but trust I’m sticking to the game plan from here on out. Just 1 more week to go to meatloaf & mashed potatoes…says my dietitian ! (Well, only a table spoon or so, but I’ll take it) Speaking of food – my dietitian/nutritionist recommended an AWESOME cook book for post weight loss surgery folks called “Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery”. Some high protein/lower fat recipes that will make your mouth water, are quick & easy, and full of flavor. (ie: stuffed cabbage, parmesan crusted turkey, and ham-n-cheese stuffed chicken breast *yummmmmoooooooohhhhhh*:drool5:) After all – there is life – and GOOD FOOD – after weight-loss. I am, and will always be a Foodie. I’m just learning to be a healthier one…I knew that for ME, I would be unsuccessful with ANY weight loss program/regimen/surgical tool that would not afford me the foods that I love. Portion Control & exercise. I. CAN. DO. THIS!:thumbup: One last thing: I don’t think you fully realize how out of control your weight was until you start losing it. And you never realize that even if folks compliment your fatness/curves/etc, they still notice when you have seriously crept up the scale – until they mention it on your way down the scale *lol* On that note – I’m calling it a night/morning. I’ll keep y’all posted – as usual. *Change came quick – I brought it*

Chrissy, I understand why you are so disappointed and worried about your continued weight loss. I hope that Inamed can offer some support. Nancy

Im super anxious about this insurance stuff! My BMI is right at 40... I'm hoping it's good enough to get the approval. I feel like I have exhausted all other weight loss ideas and tries. I really need some sort of permanent restriction! I love seeing all of the success stories, it makes me realize it's possible! I'm starting out at 242 and hope to one day reach 145!

Just a note of encouragement to all of you out there that might be struggling with stalls. I highly recommend the 5 day sleeve test. It really helped me get back on track with my eating. I have cut out all starchy carbs, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc and am sticking to protein and veggies. I feel awesome. Not only did I loose the extra 5 lbs I had gained since right before Thanksgiving but I have now broke the 150 lb barrier and came in this morning at 147! I feel awesome. I am going out today to try on size 8 jeans! I started at 193 lbs and busting out of 16's. This is so exciting! My goal is 145 lbs but now I can see that being reduced to even 140!! I have lost 46 pounds since getting sleeved by Dr. Nick (he's awesome) April 27, 2010. I am considering a tummy tuck in July and getting my arms done (I have always had wings, even as a teen) as well as some lippo from my upper back. This is so amazing and I feel so awesome. Will be turning 48 this year and am in the best shape of my life. My hubby loves my new bod and can't get enough. It has put the spark back into our 24 year marriage! I want to go to Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary and wear sleeveless tops and dresses. I have never had the confidence to do that before and with the weight loss and the plastic surgery to help fix these irritating issues, I am going to rock!! Lots of love to everyone out there and thank you for all of the encouragement along the way. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Stick to your program and excercise. The results will astound you!

Please join me on 12/29/2009 Dr. Duc Vuong will be joining me to share information about his "LAP-BAND GIVEAWAY". Not only will he be sharing information about his LAP-BAND GIVEAWAY he will also be sharing information about getting more from your Band. The Lap-Band is an effective weight-loss tool if aftercare is part of your program. Just getting a Lap-Band is not in itself sufficient - patients must be well-educated in how to develop a healthy relationship with food with the Lap-Band in place. Date: 12/29/2009 Time: 6:00pm CST Where: "The Band Banter" Talk Show Call in number": 347-237-4004 I hope to "Hear" you there!! Dr. Vuong is offering a Lap-Band for free ($15,900 value) to a worthy contestant! Register for a chance to win a free Lap-Band surgery. One lucky winner will be chosen based on demonstrated community or charitable service. Four runners-up will also receive great prizes. It's simple to enter: register for the free monthly e-newsletter written by Dr. Vuong (each issue is filled with tips on how to succeed with the Lap-Band) and you will be e-mailed an application form. A panel will review all applications to select five finalists and one winner. Entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2009. There is no cost to enter, and no purchase necessary. Must be US resident and age 18-65. Winners will be announced April 1, 2009.

Hey Charlotte, welcome to LBT! Oh yes, things will be very different with the band. But be prepared to put some work into your success. The band, unlike the bypass, does not circumvent our issues of eating high calorie foods that we can "get past the band". Weight loss will be slower but healthier. There are risks involved of course, but nothing as dangerous as those associated with the bypass. Im sure you see that already. Enjoy your journey, get to know everyone here, cruise the boards and find a wealth of info that will get you started with confidence and excitement!

I feel the same way. Sometimes I have so much energy that I dont know what to do with it. It is awesome. Congrats on the weight loss. You look great.

I have not been lost any weight in about a week and I am almost 4 weeks out from being banded. I am on soft solid foods and have been ok with it. I have tried to stay away from high carbs. I usually walk about 2 miles everyday. So here is what I didn't realize, I am not getting a lot calories throughout the day and I thought I must be getting to many. I just logged my food intake into Daily Plate and I only got 691 calories today. Is this ok or is this a reason I am staying at the same weight? I didn't weigh today because my next weigh day is tomorrow. Do I need to be getting more calories? How should I go about this without snaking. I am so lost in this process. I want to lose the weight and I know they say focus on healing at this point and I am but I have cut back on how much I eat and I am not losing anything.......HELP!!!!! Thank you in advance for reading and commenting!!!!

Morning, I am currently waiting for my insurance. I was told that I should have my sleeve around 3 weeks. I am suppose to do the 2 week pre op diet. I got ahold of the drs office and asked if I could start it now. They said the sooner the better. I'm not required to lose any weight prior to surgery but after reading this forum forever. I came to the conclusion the better preop diet the faster recovery and less chance on complications do to my big ol liver. So here we go protein and proton bars.

Hi Holly, it may be because you moved to the mushie stage. It is quite common to gain weight between mushy and even solids. Your caloric intake should be anywhere between 600-800 or 1k maximum. That is what the Dieticians recommend. I would wait it out a few more days or up your calories to 900-1k and see how you do. Don't be too discouraged. Now is the time to heal. The weight loss will come after you begin fills. Good luck.

I was banded on 5/6 and have been pretty lucky with the pain. Had awful gas chest pain immediately after the surgery...e But I just kept reminding myself how important it is to Walk and it was gone by that night. The last couple days when I have woke up and see the weight has gone down..it's almost shocking. It is still so weird to me that I have gotten this surgery and am on my way to being skinnier and healthier. The skinny truth is starting to set in and is kinda freaking me out... Especially after I received the first .. You can tell you're losing weight ..today (lost 6 from surgery so far but 16 including pre op Liquid) Such a weird feeling that I will Not not be a chubby for forever any more .... That's all I've known for so long !

Hi Mikee...glad to see you're doing well. ..and you are because even if the weight isn't coming off as quick as you like, you're still going to the pool and doing the best you can right now. Kudos for you.