Hi everyone,

I just found this website and I am so happy and so relieved to have finally found what I've been looking for! :clap2: A lot of other Weight Loss Surgery sites are dominated by Roux-en-Y patients so it is such a breath of fresh air to finally find a website made for people who opted specifically for the Lap-Band like I did.

About me: I'm 25 years old female and have lived in Los Angeles for the past 7 years. Before that, I grew up in Northern California, near Berkeley and San Francisco. Next, I'm making plans to relocate to Washington, DC by the end of this summer (if all things go as planned--we'll see!).

I got banded on May 17, 2006 (my 25th birthday, as well!). At first I didn't want to get banded on my birthday, but after giving it some thought, I realized how much I liked the symbolism of starting my new weight loss journey on a day that also symbolizes the end of one experience and the beginning of another--a day of new birth--my birthday!

I was banded five days after I graduated from my Master's degree program from the University of Southern California, as well. So, as you can see--there are a lot of changes going on in my life right now. It is very exciting, indeed!

As for the results I've seen thus far--they've been impressive--more than I expected, actually. I realize that it has only been six days since my surgery and, of course, weight loss is quick in the beginning given the small amount of calories that we "eat" (and by eat, I really mean, drink). And I know the weight loss is going to slow down. But in the past six days I've lost a little over 10 pounds! In less than a week, my BMI has gone from 37 to 35. I imagine a lot of that weight is just Water weight but I'm hoping some of it has got to be fat!

Nonetheless, I'm excited to see what kind of results I'll see overall as days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months. And eventually, when months turn into years.

Throughout my research, I read and was told that Lap-Band patients lose, on average, something like 50-60% of their excess weight. However, based on the excellent results of the people I've seen on this board and elsewhere, I have some hope that I may lose 100% of my excess weight. So that is my goal. An appropriate weight for someone of my height--five feet, three inches--is something in the neighborhood of 135 pounds. So, for now, that is my goal. I'm just going to do everything I can to follow the nutritional and exercise guidelines and hope that I will end up in a body that is healthy and that I can finally feel comfortable in!

Anyway, it is great to be here and I look forward to getting to know other people who made the same decision as me: to be proactive and make the life you desire instead of letting life make you.

Hi!!!

Sounds like we are pretty close in our height and weight. Im 5feet 2 inches and im at 202 pounds now. I am 31 years old. My Surgery is next friday! Im just glad to see you were feeling up to being on the computer 6 days after yours! Congrats on your graduation as well!! You go Girrl!!!

Hello all,

I was banded on the 14th with Dr.Ortiz in Mexico. Im almost a week in post op and feeling better. I have been feeling so discourged and kinda craving for food when i got home from Mexico. I have (2) kids and a husband so cooking for them definetley makes me hungry. I ve been on clear liquids and drinking mostly gatorade. I do eat some broths and can only take alittle at a time and then i have that full sensations. Other times I am feeling hunger and sometimes broth doesnt work. Ive been too scared to eat anything and following stricly Drs orders but I somehow feel a little discourged that after the 1 month and allowed to eat solids that all the weight will gain back or not loose as much. Can anyone tell me if people do actually loose weight right away or is it after how many fills? I really wanted to back to Mexico for my 1st fills but with the airfare it wont be worth it. I live in virgina about 1 hour south from DC.Does anyone know any Drs that will do the fill in this area? When is usual recommended time 6/8 weeks or sooner. I was 190 when I got banded and want to get to 125-135. Im 5'4" and 29 years old. Is anyone around this weight when they got banded and how is it going for them? how much have they lost and what time frame. whats the average weight per week to loose before the fills if any. well this is my first post and very anxious about this. can anyone help?

Hi Angela, How are you doing now? Just thought I'd check up on you. I still have 1 doc to see. It's dragging out. but it will happen when it does. let me know how you are okay? Patti