hello everyone! I am new to this site and very computer illiterate, I started this journey back in August 2007, the journey of finding me again. Somewhere over the years I lost myself, somewhere in this massive 306 lb body I know I am in here somewhere. I decided it was time to do something

I work at a hospital so I know our surgeons well. I talked to Dr. Ray and got a lot of information and attended a seminar

I chose the lap band. After the fight with the insurance company and finally losing the required weight (5 %)

I was banded a week ago. June 17th 2008. My first post op visit was yesterday and I had lost an amazing 11 pounds.

279 down to 268 what an amazing feeling that was.

Even with that astounding loss I find myself battling with my mind... It thinks in terms of food all the time. While my stomach says no I am full. bet yet I must admit today the brain has won and I feel I have eaten to much...(

I have a terrible fear of band slippage but it seems that sometimes I just can't help myself. My first fill is July 16th

I hope someone can tell me it gets easier with time.

Anyway I just wanted to vent a little... sorry for the

depressed tone of this message, I just feel a little defeated today......

It is ok to feel that way. It has been 3 years for me and I still feel like that somedays. Keep on going and it does work. I have lost almost 150lbs.

Don't be too hard on yourself. I'm told it gets easier after a few fills. A friend of mine is 3 weeks out from banding and says she is starving, do it isn't all "brain hunger."

I had my lap band surgery August 2, 2007. I have only lost apprx. 12 pounds in almost a year. I have had lots of trouble with it, like throwing up everything I ate for 2 months. Couldn't keep anything solid down. Doctor had to let out most of the fluid and after that I was okay. Started going back to have fills and I have had 2 since I had the fluid removed and Friday I found out my port stitches have all broke!!!! When I lay down my port flips over and I have to stand up for it to flip back over the correct way where it can be accessed with the needle to have the fill performed. Has this happened to anyone?? If so, did the doctor pay for all the expenses or did you have to. Also, I am a self pay patient. Thank you in advance for your input.

-L