Hello all I am new to this site. I am already banded. I started the process in Sept 2007 . You know the 3 hour seminar. Then saw the Dr in November. I weighed in at 288. I didn't look it though. Yes I heard why don't you diet,just cut back ,blah blah blah. Well It all started about 14 years ago when I was in the service. I went from 126lbs to 220lbs all in 2 years. Wow . Well after seeing the surgeon in November I thought OK easy road now. Well a prior leg injury held me up. But I finally got cleared. So on Mach 14th I got banded. Over all it was really tough. I was in such pain for 4 weeks until the stitches let go.They say they sew your flesh to your muscle so you don't get a hernia. So Now it brings me to today . I had my first fill on April 28th. It feels as though they may have taken out fluid instead of filling. LOL. It feels less restrict. So far the Dr is very happy with me along with my dietitian. Before the surgery was near I lost 10lbs. Then the 2 week preop I lost 10 lbs. And since the band 15 so all together 35 lbs. I am getting discouraged though as time goes on cause I am at a standstill. I have learnt a lot of things that I wasn't told with this surgery. And anyone who is thinking of having it done. I will let them know so they wont be as surprised as I was. Not really bad just things that needed to be known.My goal now is to loose 100lbs.

Edited May 2, 200818 yr by Meme1504

congrats on getin banded! I'm also new to the site. Currently waitin on a surge date. Wow 35lbs in that amount of time is a big deal ! So my question to you is over all are you happy? It is life changing , but to what degree of change is it to you. I guess my big fear aside from getting put to sleep and waking up with a smaller stomach , is a big change in my social life, I mean I'm not an alcholic , but i do enjoy hangin out and attendin social events etc..and an occasional drink , so do you feel restricted to that regard?

Well yes it is a life changing process. I find I am struggling most about the weight not coming off still. It's like ok got the band and now I am still not loosing weight. I lost those pounds mainly cause of diet. liquids the first 10lbs,liquids the second and for the last 15 was post op when you are on straight liquids for 1 week. And pureed for 2. So in fact I feel the band has not worked for me yet. And I know that it will. i am not eating as much not as though I feel full but I am stopping myself from eating. The Dr says its only a tool but after reading some entries here in the forum looks like it takes some time for your body to adjust and everyone is different.

For the drinking social part. I was told and read that a little bit of alcohol can make you drunk. Again this is on a personal basis. And they also say alcohol has a high calorie content. So your drinking your calories. I am mainly a once in a great while drinker(In the Navy I was a heavy drinker I think this is why all my weight came on)I went away a couple weeks ago and I had a drink or 2 a couple nights. Not just beer. LOL. I felt a little buzz nothing major. I think the warning for the alcohol is a lot for the gastric bypass cause your body absorbs the alcohol different. I would say try it . Be careful when you do. See how your body reacts. I find the band does not interfere with my social life. Eating yes. But I am also sensitive to gluten so I have had to deal with that. So you just order or do something else. Good luck to you. If you like to chat I am open to.

Over all,I do not regret this in any way. I am very happy I had this done. I found the 35lbs has let me wear clothing I have not been able to in years. Its a great feeling. But that want to loose more weight is even more. :wub:

hi , im with you all the way. i had my band done in aug. 07 and i am also at a stand still. im at a 3.0 cc fill in my band. yes i really stop and think if i want to eat what im going to eat. sometimes it goes down hard other times its ok. i know i need to work out more..... i walk for a mile two times a week and do floor and eliptical work outs the other three days . just isn't enough. tomarrow i go back and get weighted...we'll see , started at 268 and im at 238 on my last visit( good friday)want to be under 220 by june 8th . my sons graduation. thats my goal. whats yours?

Well it's great to hear you are happy with the band, As far the stagnance in weight loss, i'd say don't let it discourage you at all, you're right everyone's body is different, and yours might just need to get the swings of things=). Thanks for the feedback, it is very helpful!