Hi and Good Day to All,

Back in early 2010 a friend shared with me her decision to get the Lap-Band. She went in to much detail, and soon I was on my way to Dr. Anthony Coiran located here in Modesto, California. ...He is a great doctor with a very knowledgeable, and caring PA, and staff!

At my heaviest back in 2007, I was 308lbs, wow!!  I lost 67lbs on a strict diet all to end up gaining most of it back; I needed help and fast due to so many complications with my health. After the seminar, visits to both the nutritionist and evaluation by a Psych doctor, my surgery date was set for September 10th, 2010; my weight then was 273.8lbs.

I know, this sounds more like a bio...

The professionals and staff all along from the initial doctors visit to the seminars stressed the that the Lap-Band was a TOOL and NOT a magic bullet, ...(which I completely agreed with and understood). The victories along the way would come when I used it as such; soon I was enjoying the big and little victories along the way ~smiles.

To date, post-op it has been 8mo's and three days and I am down 36.4lbs and counting. I know the weight for me is coming off slow, however, I rejoice at what has been lost and in keeping a positive attitude (all will be well). During the first month, I lost 23lbs; that my friends was my first "big victory", I thought "wow" is this normal? Will it continue to come off so much, and so fast? Well, I plateaued at 246, then bounced back and forth from 246-242lbs.

I believe, and as most professional people, the fellow banded and friends have said, "everyone's metabolism is different" ...Well, soon the time came when I knew I was ready for my first fill; 3rd month post-op. Depending on your band in terms of the cc's it holds, I will caution in getting too many fills, as I have had 5 fills already.  The first 3 were 1cc each, the next was .5cc, and the last was 1cc putting  me at 4.5cc. My band holds up to 9cc, while some bands hold up to 11cc.

At 4.5cc's my band was too tight ...and then the trouble began. I could not eat nor hold down  something simple as tomato soup. I suffered for two days before going  back and having 2cc removed. During those two days I lost 7lbs. I then gained them back in a matter of 3weeks. I don't mean to come off  negatively just be very careful of what you do eat.

My issue is/was the sugar/carbs; yes, I like sweets and in eating some bread, but I'm  holding off on spiking my coffee with tons of sugar and I stopped eating  that fast and convenient sandwich because I was doing more harm than  good. Since my last visit two weeks ago, I had a 1cc fill because  after all the drama I felt waaay more hungrier than usual, so I decided  on a fill. Keep in mind that I  do eat healthy meals consisting of fish, boneless skinless chicken, plenty of veggies, fruits and nuts, yum!!    

I'm doing much better (I think) without the sugary coffee n sandwiches  and I'm down the 7lbs that I gained and feeling really good about that; I have so much  more to say that I could write a book!!  My many praises are to Yahweh Yahuwshua for blessing me each day!!!   If anyone has any questions, comments, or advice please be positive in nature, as I would welcome what you will have to say;  ...may I hear from you soon enough; stay blessed...   

Source: 8mo's Post-Op; My Banded Weight Loss Journey