I have been through the whole screening process and approved by all doctors. My paperwork is with my insurance company and just waiting for approval. I hope to have my surgery within the next 6 weeks. I am looking for advice from anyone who has had lap band on healing, protein, and how to make this successful. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Let me give you some background! I'm 26 years old and live in ft worth Texas. I am barely 4 foot 11 and got up to 170+ lbs. I had to get on high blood pressure meds at 24! Sad, right?! I decided to have surgery after going to the ER with chest pains and learning my weight puts me at increased risk for blood clots because my weight makes my heart work overtime! My surgery was June 28, 2012 as self pay, $9888.00. From per-op diet that started 6/15 until today I have lost 25lbs. I've had 2 fills, both times at 2ccs. My band holds 10ccs. Since my second full, I've only lost 1lb which is discouraging since this life changing device makes you work hard. The hardest part for me if not drinking anything before, after, and during eating. Where are you in your journey?

I am approved by all doctors just waiting to hear from insurance company. I am 5'6" and 215 lbs. I am hoping to lose 80 lbs. just wondering any comments or advise anyone has that has already gone through the surgery.

Advice, eat slow and chew good. Also, with meals I probably would have trouble eating (roast, spaghetti) I put in a food processor and am able to eat them in occasion. Also, be patient and only weigh once or twice a month! Best of luck.

I had surgery in March and it has been a slow, fulfilling process. At this point, I could have lost more weight if I had worked at it harder, but I am satisfied with where I am and think the extra time has allowed my brain to adjust more easily to all of the changes.

I recommend starting to practice habits you will need to do as a banded person- not drinking with meals or 45 minutes after, chewing a lot, and taking small bites. The hardest for me was to break the drinking habit, but I was able to do so prior to surgery because my nutritionist suggested it.

I would also start exploring the mental side of the journey and getting in tune with why you have some of the habits/eating styles you do. Right now I am about 10 pounds away from 200 and 20 pounds from my weight at 16, but I am kind of having a mind freak out.

I think that the physical aspect is really a very small part of the whole journey.

Thank you so much.....NW Girl congrats on doing so well. I hope I have the same success as you!!!

I too have e everything into insurance co and waiting, but for the last 6mths I have been doing what NY suggest.Breaking some of the old habits before surgery.

Also reading everything I can get my eyeballs on to totally understand what and what not the LB does.

Sorry NW not NY!!!