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I went to my 1 month follow up with the plastic surgeon and asked him several questions. He said the swelling is normal for the first few months because of all the skin that was removed (10 inches around the front and 8 inches around the back) so the lymphatic system has to grow new channels through the new area under the incision. This can also cause Water retention in the hips, thighs and calf area if I am on my feet too much. He also told me that at the 3 month follow up, if I am not happy with any areas, we can talk about "fine tuning" the areas with liposuction or trimming more skin (no extra charge for touch ups). That made me feel better about my concerns. I just need to be patient and take things easy for another month at least so the swelling will stay minimal. So sweat pants for another month before I try to get back into my jeans and dress pants.

I got so desperate as to I cut off the seeds around the strawberries and peeled skin off a grape. Grape was wayyyyy too sour though for my taste.

WOW...a D cup to an A cup...that is a big difference...(and I thought mine were deflating) I have lost 60lbs but just still dealing with the old bras though they are really loose in the cup(I can always tighten them up) I had went to the flea market last time they were in town and got some dirt cheap ones that were too tight but went to the fabric store and bought bra extenders for like $2 to help loosen the tightness and that seems to help. I figure when I get down this last 40 or so then I will go to a department store and get measured properly and invest in a $50 bra.

I had the band placed over 4 years ago now. I initially lost about 55-60lbs, then put on 15 or so then dropped it again, yada yada yada....it's a lifetime battle no matter how tight or loose the band is. I know this. Well anyways....in March of this year I was down to about 175 which was only 20lbs away from my goal weight, and i was working out and eating what i wanted, just in moderation of course....which was great!..... but then life threw me a curve ball..... I broke my ankle when I was out looking all kinds of cute with my spring outfit including high wedges....I ended up requiring surgery on the ankle and had to have a plate and 5 screws put in initially and then 2 months later had one of the screws removed and then a week after that surgery had my gallbladder removed. From 4/12-6/24 I was out of work and out of commission really. For 9 of those weeks I was out, I couldn't walk at all, so I was just sitting around majority of the time. Needless to say I've gained some weight back....Last I weighed I was at about 185, but I may even be up to about 190ish...you know how you can feel it. That now puts me 35lbs away from my goal and I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but we all know that when you're closer to the end, it gets harder. And seeing that I am still in PT for my ankle and cannot do any high impact exercises like running or jumping jacks like I used to be able to, I've been delaying going back to the gym to do the "little" stuff (to me). I'm very used to high impact exercises. I KNOW that I can do it. I KNOW that I need to get my butt up and do it. I just don't have the motivation! I need someone to yell at me. lol tell me to get up and do it!

You see all sorts of things happening on this forum. I lost 10 on the pre op diet, and another 10 post op diet. I have a strict surgeon and basically liquids for 3-4 wks post op. It has been 6 months and I've lost a total of 30lbs+ since surgery. Bandster hell is where things slow down, its waiting the months for the appropriate amount of fill- so basically any weight loss is from sticking it out and exercising like heck. I'm 6 months out with 7cc and just probably in the green zone. Everyone's program is different. Some get lots of cc's right away. I get one a month if that. I can loose 1 lb a week steadily and I am an exercise fiend. Dr says now that I'm closer to goal and fit, things will probably slow down. I still have 40+ to go.

Feeling nervous, about first fill in London Uk tomorrow, although I did have a 4ml fill on surgery day, I did loose a bit of weight, during swelling and liquids, then it stopped, I do not feel any restriction, i can eat a fair amount, I was told not to count calories yet? I don't weigh anything either, do you think I am going wrong in that department, I am now 6wks into my journey. Hope to loose more in the next 6wks.

Still not feeling good but trying to think of other things. My engagement. My fiance proposed to me on Easter this year. The ring fit perfectly, well a little loose because he waited three months to give it to me from the time we picked it out. After that I was still losing weight and it got loose to the point that I needed to get speed balls, if you've heard of that. Two raised balls of white gold on the inside of the ring on the bottom part of the ring. It helped pretty well, maybe even just a little tight. Since the surgery I haven't really worn it much because I just haven't felt well. I put it on today and it just falls off. We are getting married next fall and I know I am going to lose more weight between now and then. I guess at some point I am going to get it resized but I wanna wait until....much closer to the wedding. I guess I can have the speed balls made bigger for now. What did you do? Are you having the same problem? Another of my issues is my RA, sometimes my joints are inflamed and my knuckles are bigger. This is why I hate to get it much smaller.... I just don't know! The picture is before surgery.

My rings hadn't fit me in years.so I had them made bigger so I could enjoy them. It was expensive but worth it.then I had my surgery now they are too big. I'm also waiting until I loose all my weight also.

I received a recommendation from my husband's co-worker to come here and I'm finding loads of useful information. I am in the early stages of researching lap-band surgery and have a question regarding if some one should have this surgery or not. As many of you have, I have struggled with my weight most of my life. The only way I've ever been able to control my weight is to be hyper,hyper active (exercising 6 days a week for a couple of hours a day) and really constrict my calorie intake(less than 1000 calories a day). While this kept the weight off, it was just too hard to keep up as I was always exhausted. I won't bore you with all my history because I'm sure you're familar with it. Anyhooo...to my question. I'm 5'5" and about 200lbs. I know I don't have as much to loose as many people do but after struggling with it for so many years I'm about to give up and just not care anymore. I really don't want to do it but I'm at my wits end. Most lapband sites I've looked at say I'm not eligible for the surgery and I'm assuming its because of my height/weight ratio. But does that make sense? Do I have to get out-of-control overweight before I do make use of a tool like the lap-band? I know I'm heading there. I'm 38 yrs old and been fighting this since I was 12. I'm so tired of the fight and I want something that will help me with the control issues I have. Are there any people out there who are like me and had a lapband that can provide any words of of advice?

:thumbup: I am sorry to hear you got so sick after your surgery, hopefully that is all past now. You have lost weight I am happy for you. I do not seem to be loosing any weight. Sounds like you just had a bad start but are now on the road to weight loss. I just had surgery June 27th. I told the doctor I get sick to my stomach after surgery so they gave me one of the pads you stick behind your ear, the kind you get before you go on a cruise so you don't get sea sick. I did not get sick! My granddaughters had come to visit so i did not get to relax too much the first couple days. The 4th day i was miserable. Too much, too soon I am sure. Just took it easy the next day. My concern is that I am not loosing any weight. I have lost almost 2 pounds in 6 days. I feel hungry most of the time.

You look awesome! How is your skin holding up?

Hi I get banded on March 11th too. I have told some people. My family is supportive. I told a friend i only see a couple of times a year thinking she would be safe to tell. Would you believe she asked me to come visit her (a 5hr drive) and stay a few days, and then she said... so she could see how big i was now and then how i look when i loose it. I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it, but there was no way i was coming up to feel on display, especially being over weight! Please, i think i was too shocked to say anything. I found this website yesterday because i really need to keep my mind active and off the fact i feel like i am starving right now. Plus it helps that just about everyone understands. 11 days to go and i just want it over and done with i hate feeling hungry all the time.

I still use my CPAP although my pressures have decreased dramatically. Unfortunately my CPAP is also helping a heart condition so even if I loose enough weight to loose it for the breathing part I will still possibly need it for the heart part. Now I do miss a few days here and there and it doesnt bother me at all- if we go for a long weekend Iwont travel with it eiither.. I havent noticed any problems NOT using it.. but always check with your doctor..

I thought with my weight loss that I would have cellulite showing up because the fat wasnt there to fill out my skin anymore however I have been blessed with good genes I guess and have nice smooth legs with no cellulite, the boobs however have reduced from a 46 DD to a 38 C, they need support... underwires etc. I dont know if they drooped because of just the weight loss or the weight loss in connection with me nursing 2 little ones when they were babies.

The NSV's are the best. I am 7 weeks out and have lost 31 pounds, post op. But, I went from a 2-3x shirt to a loose(not falling off) x large. My pants (that have remained after disposing too big's) are still bigger than I'd like. Pants went from a 24 to a 20 (maybe 18, if I have an elastic waist).

7 weeks post op and I've only been buying dresses (except for a smaller bra and pack of panties). We were warned at our pre op class to be prepared for nothing to fit for long; they said you could get something on Monday and it would be too big on Wednesday. I figured dresses would be more forgiving. They might end up fitting really loose, but they probably won't fall off!

Don't be bummed about that! Bypass patients lose weight a lot faster than we do. Because we tend to lose slower, our skin has more of a chance to rebound. Also, you still have age on your side. I have read on here about people even into their late 40s not having issues with hanging skin. Another thing to look at, you are doing this for a healthier you. Being skinny is just the by-product. Don't let the POSSIBILITY of lose skin stop you. My surgeon actually brought in a patient in her 50s that lost 120lbs. She said that she never had to have any plastic surgery because of the rate that she lost weight. Ok, sorry, I can tend to run on. I just think if that is your only hold out, don't let it be. Don't worry about that at all.

This recipe originated at SavingDinner.com. However, I had to alter some portions of it to make it reasonable for bandsters. I personally encourage the use of the Body Clutter Menus from SavingDinner.com. With minor alterations, most can be used by bandsters. Bandster Slow Poke Jambalaya Serves 6 (If they eat tiny portions. For hungry adults, double this recipe) 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup chopped onion 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomato 1 cup chopped celery (or if your band won't take celery, substitute a teaspoon of celery salt) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 T. dried parsley or 2 T. fresh parsley, chopped fine 1 tsp. Dried thyme 1 tsp. Oregano 1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper (Note: We like it hotter, so we added 1 tsp. Toni Chachere's creole seasoning) ½ tsp. Salt (omit if you used the celery salt) 4 oz. Smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 8 oz. Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces (we used 4 pieces of skinned chicken thigh because we didn't have chicken breasts and thighs are cheaper) 2 cups low sodium beef broth (or homemade, as we did) ½ lb. Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined. (DH recommends getting the kind with tails off, but that's up to you. The tails do add flavor, believe it or not, so they're worth the extra trouble) Separate: 1 cup cooked brown rice In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the shrimp and rice. Give it a stir, cover, and cook on low at least 6 hours. Add shrimp and cook for another 20-30 minutes. For non-bandsters, a bit of rice in the bowl, then pour their serving over the top. Bandsters don't get rice. These nutritional values are for a serving with rice: 232 calories 7 g. fat 25g Protein 16g carbohydrates 3g dietary fiber 93 mg cholesterol 474mg sodium

I never had really large breasts, they were an E cup (which is about a DD in US terms I believe, our cup sizes are a bit different) but becuase I'm 5ft 10, nobody would have said my boobs were a stand out feature. They were just kind of right for the height and weight I was. Since then they've shrunk to a C. The only reason I'm upset is that they're a mess, very droppy with a lot of stretch marks on top of them (from puberty). I was desperate for a time there, they were just awful and I couldnt show any cleavage or chest in anythign I wore becuase they just puddled there, the skin was all ripply and had no body or oomph to it, it was would move like Water, ick. But as they shrunk even more, that didnt go away but now they fit INSIDE everything, meaning I can show my chest again, but my boobs dont fall out of everything. I like smaller boobs, I want a lift but DH is (I think) angling for implants too but I wont do it, I have no desire to have big norgs, C is nice, there's a breast there, but it doesnt ruin clothes, grab attention etc. So shrinkage is a bonus from my point of view.

Where do I start. I guess to just jump in with a robust HELLO! I'm 57, weigh 341# and have been gaining weight steadily for the last 2 years. Lots of factors: closed business of 30 years, moved for first time in 30 years, a series of 2 HORRIBLE, stressful jobs (have a great one now) and finally a fall in April of 2008 (I actually tripped over a speed bump in the parking lot of costco while trying to walk and get my membership card out at the same time). I landed almost entirely on my right knee cap. Didn't break it, but might as well have for all the pain and damage it caused. Flash forward to November 2008. We've farted around with PT etc. and nothing is helping. I suggest a bilateral MRI, we get it done and WOW, both knees are completely shot with osteoarthritis! I mean I qualify for bi-lateral total knee replacements. I hadn't really had any symptoms before the fall. Now I'm barely ambulatory and just getting washed up, much less showered feels like an Olympic event. So the suggestion of finding the time to get to the pool, undress, walk/dog paddle, play around and then get out of a wet suit that's 2 sizes too small, dry all the parts I have to dry with a hair dryer that aren't hairy, powder all those dry places so they don't start a fungal farm, struggle back into my clothes (it's so much fun pulling clothes on over the damp parts you didn't/couldn't get dry:o), limp out to the car and drive back to work where the only way to get to my office is up 7 steps to the loading dock, take the freight elevator to the kitchen, walk through the kitchen, back down 7 more stairs and then 3 more on the way to my non-handicapped accessible office (or take 3 flights of stairs up from the parking lot). So after another night of sleeplessness, I woke up and decided to have the lap band procedure. Wait:omg_smile: you're thinking now, that I've got my body parts mixed up! It turns out that to get new knees, the docs like to have you loose weight first. Apparently if they give you new knees that are supposed to last 20+ years and you loose weight, the implants get loose. Yikes! There goes the warrenty. So in two weeks I get a series of 5 weekly injections in both knees of artificial lubricant that is supposed to reduce inflammation and pain so that I can become more mobile and perhaps loose weight. Well, I know I can't loose weight with knees that don't hurt. I've tried for years. I need help. So here I am! I have 4 children, two bio-daughters who are almost 28 and 30, and two about to turn 11 and 12 that we adopted when they were 3 and 3 1/3 from China. I'd REALLY like to be around when they adopt their own children from China (which they've both said they'd like to do! My Mom was 72 when we made our second trip the China to get our son, and she got so many compliments from the Chinese people on how wonderful she looked for someone of her years. She's my inspiration. If she can do it with two new knees, I can too. Oh, I forgot. Both little kids want very much to visit China. I told them when I could walk to Margaret's house, we'd go. Margaret lives 3 1/2 miles away. I'm feeling like it's all within reach today, and yesterday I was ready to curl up in bed and order delivery food until I died in my sleep. Everything seemed so hopeless. I'm living in Grand Rapids, MI now. Anyone have any experiences, good or bad with docs, hospitals, surgery and support care in GR? I'm also curious, I'd read a little blib somewhere that there were "life-time" negative consequences to the lap band proceedure. Anyone know what that's about? Hugs to all you wonderful folks. Kathy, AKA WiredSimon (the breed of dog in my avatar is a Standard Wirehaired Dachshund, with his fur untrimmed)

I am about to have surgery soon. And would love to achieve your success. Would like to know how was your pre op diet? Any Protein shakes you would recommend? What was your starting weight? How tall are you? Where are you from? How old are you? How has the loose skins been for you? Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions

Hello my fellow Marchies!! (Crickets chirping...) Where is everybody?!?!?!? Oh well guess everyone is busy this holiday weekend... Hope everyones 4th was a fun one... So how are we all doing this month... Hows the progress?? It seems like i am officially stuck at my current weight without being able to crack the 168/169lb marker... I know my fill level is good and i have optimal restriction, i guess my problem is my eating habits haven't been following the good old bandster rules... and the exercise needs to be kicked up another notch!!! I say we all vow to go back to those bandster rules this month and get the ball rolling again!!! Anyone with me?? Here are the good old rules as a nice reminder: Avoid drinking liquids during or immediately after meals as liquids tend to flush food through the stomach pouch. This prevents you from getting that prolonged feeling of satisfaction needed to help you eat less. As always, staying hydrated throughout the day is important, however. Drink at least six to eight cups of water per day, and make sure you consume them between meals. Chew your food thoroughly and eat small bites so that the food can easily fit through the opening to your stomach pouch. This will help you avoid the problem of food blocking the stomach outlet. Only eat when you are hungry and no more than three small meals a day, but you must make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrition. Remember, your stomach can only hold about one-quarter of a cup of food, or two ounces, at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. The general nutrition guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but low sugar and fat: Good Food Choices Fruits and vegetables One to two servings of fresh fruit daily Two to three servings of fresh vegetables daily [*]Breads and cereals One small portion of low-sugar cold or hot cereal Half to one slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating bread [*]Meat, fish, poultry, eggs One to two ounces of meat, fish, or poultry-or one egg each day. Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating meat. [*]Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 ounce of cheese a day. [*]Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation. [*]Drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals). Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener, water, non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Back to Top [*]Foods to Avoid Some foods deliver a concentrated supply of calories but little nutritional value. These foods should be avoided whenever possible. They include: syrups cakes jam chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation: for example, one glass of wine per day. [*]Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System and may cause blockage. These include: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread rice peanut butter fibrous vegetables like corn, asparagus, and celery nuts greasy or fried food membrane of citrus fruits I got everything directly off the lapband site... I figured we all may need a little jog in the memory once in a while... Oh and tdont forget the most important rule!!! PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN ALWAYS FIRST!!! I'm pretty sure that is well drilled into our minds.... but i can honestly say i haven exactly been following that rule very well lately!!!

thanks i need that .....my body at times feels like a mule with a hard kick when it comes to dieting im at my max fill of 4cc in a 4cc band so i tryed that (eating in the morning) low fat cottage cheese w/ fruit coffee it holds my hunger til 130-230 afternoon but the scale is still going up then burn off then up its like im getting punked by my own scale....humm. well total pounds off 36 when i know it should be pushing 50 ( based on the weight i was loosing in the begaing)

• I can fit COMFORTABLY in my neighbor's kitchen chair... I always complained how the chair would "bite" me... not anymore!! Actually.... lately, it's all been about chairs! I would always, always, ALWAYS size up a chair when I approached, to see if it was going to hurt to sit in it. Apparently, I still have my "old eyes" in, because I think "there's no way I'm going to fit in that chair" and when I try, I slip right in, no problem! Boothes in restaurants were problematic as well. Not anymore! Even my OWN kitchen chairs (the two at the head of the table have arms on them, the other four do not) I can fit into without a problem! AND.... the jeans that I put on a few months ago and couldn't get zipped up? Yeah..... they're getting loose!!

I'm 4 weeks out and eating wheat thins with soft cheese. I make sure to chew very well to a mush before swallowing and have had no problems. They seemed to do the trick in eliminating those awful loose stools...TMI...lol