Good morning all. My first post. I have been reading and browsing for a few weeks. Some interesting takes on the Gastric lap-band. I was banded on Jan 18,08, Also a Friday, I really enjoy those Fridays these days. A new anniversary every week. Including pre-op diet and surgery I have lost 61 lbs. I just has my 4th fill I now have a total of 6cc in a 10 cc band. Feeling good, excersize about 5 days most weeks. Scale wont move unless there is body movement to go along with the tool I am using. For the most part of my journey has been good. Ther have been a few upchucks along the way, but we learn pretty fast from those incidents. So I have had no soda, no pizza slices, no white bread since Jan 4, which is when I started my pre-op diet. I now have the full sensation that actually kicks in before the Feeling to upchuck. I burp very little these days, due to the fact that I chew my food very, very slow. Since I have more fluid in my band there is less room for the air to go in when you chew very slowly. I have one protein shake at 6 am every mornng to start me off on a good protein count for the day. This is not meant for a meal replacement only in addition. I consume anywhere from about 60-90 g proteins daily. A good saying I remind myself constantly is this. "If it doesn't have at least 7 g protein, it does not go in my mouth." I worked for 10 months to be approved for this band due to insurance specifics and I was also borderline wt wise. Only 210 lbs, I have fought my wt issue for 25 or more years, and been on the Fen-phen and you name it. Dont want to fail with this. last option. I was size 16/18 in Jan, now I wear 6/8. I have about 15 lbs to go. It will slow down when you have less fat % to lose. Kudos to everyont that has taken this step to take control of there life. I remember the nurse in the recovery room telling me before the sent me to room to "ENJOY MY NEW SKINNY LIFE". I intend tod do that every day possible.

Edited September 12, 200817 yr by bandfun4me

good morning to a fellow north carolinian! thank you for sharing your story. i am being banded on 11/5 and can't wait!

I am from virginia, but having my surgery in NC. I am going thru the process of all the testing. All my testing will be Oct 13 and Oct 16. Hopefully after the test results come in and they send everything to my insurance, I too will have a surgery date!!! I am so excited! I have already started a swimnastic class to help the weight loss before the surgery. Where are you having your surgery. Mine will be done a Mose Cone in Greensboro.

that's absolutely wonderful and congratulations on the loss and the success! Keep up the great work and positive attitude

I had my surgery at Moore REgional in Pinehurst, Dr Raymond Washington, He is in the Pinehurst Bariatric center of Ex. with Kenneth Mitchell. They even a a support group once a month.

A good positive attitude and a need to remind ourself that our state did not happen overnight and we cannot erase our eating habits overnight. Work on one thing at a time, healing, exercize, eating. It is a journey.