I called my story still hanging in there because I believe I will battle food the rest of my life. It's OK though because I'm learning to manage my addiction and I won't lose. So, 7 years ago I weighed 295 pounds. I was sad and uncomfortable and I wanted to change. I heard about lap band and decided that is what I needed to do. I went back and forth for about a year before I did it. There was a mourning process, but I survived! It hasn't always been easy, but truthfully I hadn't had the problems many people have had. I will answer questions or just be support

You look awesome. I just had my surgery on Oct 31st. That first week was really rough...I went through being depressed and wondered if I had made the right decision. Physically I have done really well after the surgery. I know this is going to be a long and tough journey. I have lost 21 pounds so far which gives me encouragement. I can only hope that I hang in there as long as you have!

Margie do you track your food? I'm wondering how many ounces or calories to eat past lapband surgery. My band currently has 3 cc in it.

Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

My band is 3 also. I had one taken out and I gained 10 pounds in a month! Scared me, so I had it put back in. I eat about 3 cups of food a day. I try to split it up of course and put my Protein in first. I have bad days and eat sweets and some alcohol once in a while but for the most part I follow the rules. I went through what I call the candy years. I didn't eat very healthy year 4 and 5, but luckily I managed to keep weight down. It took two years to reach my goal, and this has definately been a journey. I have to tell you when my band was too loose, I ate a big mac! I got really sick though lol. You can do it, and even though my band is the same as yours, I think that varies from person to person. I must say the option to loosen or tighten has been good for me!

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Thank you! I was banded on qp/12

Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

Oop, I was banded on 10/12/16. I had my first band fill of 3 cc on 11/15/16. It will have my second band fill on 12/27/16. I expect I will receive my third in late January. I look forward to reaching the sweet spot of restriction. Any advice is most welcome.

Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

@@Treadmillwalker I've had my lap band for almost a year (got it on December 28th!) and I've taken it very slow with my fills and weight loss. It is slower than bypass or the sleeve - though I'm sure you're already aware of that! I finally reached good restriction in August but felt like I could use a little more so I got a quarter CC in late September, then another quarter CC last week and I think it's just right now (previously I'd done 1 cc per appointment).

Before reaching this restriction, I'd eat and then feel full after a few bites. But then I'd burp three or four times and have plenty of room to keep eating (because the food filtered down through my pouch and into my stomach). The last time I ate was noon (lunch) and I ate a few bites of chicken and half a Salisbury steak. I've been waiting to feel the food "slide" through to my stomach but I'm still too full to eat anything else. That was three hours ago.

This, I believe, is the desired effect and I think I'll see the weight fall off more quickly now. But before I got to this point it was still quite remarkable to be full on half the amount of food I was used to consuming. Used to be able to eat a Whopper with cheese, fries, a slice of cake, and a large drink, no problem - and then eat again in a couple hours. Before my last fill I could still eat the Whopper with cheese but not be able to eat again for 4 hours or so. Now... a few bites and boom, done.

Keep on keepin' on! You'll reach your restriction eventually but it does take time and patience. Really listen to your body when you eat. That is my advice, for what it's worth.