I am 8 months post-op and doing FABULOUS! I've lost 70 lbs. and have 70 to go! I found out about Lap-band from my mother who had the surgery two years ago. I was very leery about the procedure at first bc of all of the problems my mom has had (slipped band and chronic pneumonia from the acid reflux) but I found a great surgeon and I have had absolute success.

I used to play a variety of sports during high school but ankle injuries side-lined me and I began to live a very sedentary lifestyle while taking in the same amount of calories. I'm actually very tall (6'1) and it took awhile for people to notice my weight gain. I remember going for my pre-op physical and the nurse being shocked that I actually weighed 321lbs. But since the surgery, I've rediscovered my love of physical activity. I actually look forward to my daily work outs and have to force myself to stop most of the time. I love have this much energy and I have a productive outlet for my competitive nature.

I've known about this board since before my surgery but I normally just lurked. I had some problems earlier this week after a fill and decided that I definitely need to participate more with people that KNOW what I'm going through. So here I am!

I'm looking forward to getting to know the Lap-band community!:tt2:

I am scheduled for a fill 02-12-10. I cannot wait. Have u started mushys yet. And what about ur soreness?

FYI my doc (Baker) has you go back on full liquids for 48 hours after a fill then mushies for 48 hours after that. After my first fill last week they told me to go get a smoothie and hang out in town for at least an hour in case I got too tight and needed a little removed. (next time I'm taking a yoplait yogurt smoothie with me...I was about 2 hours late getting filled and hadn't had anything except a protein shake about 9 hours before and had started to get shaky and needed to get a little something down but didn't have anything with me except water...you life, you learn!) Every doc is different but I thought I'd let ya know! I'm in Cabot and so glad to hear from a few of you in AR! Congrats to everyone with how well you're doing!

Someone said they had a baked pototoe right after a fill to make sure she was not to tight. A smoothie would be about the same. I can't wait.

Time seems so slow when your waiting for that call. Glad to hear from you and glad you are managing your new life. You set a fine example, for me to follow cherie:thumbup:

Hello fellow Arkansas bandsters,

How is everyone doing? it's been a while since anyone has posted so I just thought I would drop a word or 2.

It's a long journey and no one said it would be easy. I've had a few ups & downs but have managed to get through.

I have fairly good restriction now but don't think I'm at my sweet spot yet. My next fill is in May & I think the third one will do it.:smile:

Good luck to all!!

Ocracoke, glad to hear you're doing well, hope everyone else is doing well too. I'm down 48 pounds and as of today officially no longer "morbidly obese", I've always hated that term. You're right, no one said it'd be easy!