FLORIDAYS

Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

The first 2 months I lost fast but then it leveled out... I averaged 10 lbs a month over the course of my journey. But everyone is different and it sound like you are losing week so congratulations on that!!!

We can hear your happiness jump of the screen! Congrats

so far the novelty hasnt worn off for me....lol. And it's been over 2 years

Clever idea with the same shirt.......you look amazing!!!

I use dr Aquila in Tampa and he requires it to shrink the liver and teach you to live with out eating. Even 3 weeks for some depending on the amount of belly fat you have. It's imperative that you are committed to following drs orders or the band isn't the right choice for you. Not to be a Debbie Downer but you are smart to explore your options before being banded rather than regret being banded. Things I had to do to be successful we're.... No carbonation ever again from the start of the pre op diet Count and track every calorie I put in my mouth during the losing stage and even now that I am maintaining I still keep track in my head so I don't gain Learn to use a food scale and be religious about it Stop drinking liquid with my meals Survive on 3 oz Protein, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 of starch at every meal Stick to 1000 calories to lose weight Give up alcohol while losing except for the occasional indulgence...and I do me occasional Eat liquids for 4 weeks then mushies for 10 days Visit my dr monthly for most of my losing..about 18 months. My dr charges 50 for office visits and 100 if you get a fill for self pay patients Attend support meetings These are just some of the things I thought of off the top of my head. And keep in mind they are what my drs orders were...they vary depending on the drs school of thought but basically they are pretty similar.

Hi I used dr Aquila in Tampa. He is amazing. Very much a straight shooter and very strict. If you are interested in his contact info or more details let me know. I had my surgery at memorial hospital. It was a flat fee of 10k... 5k down and balance no interest for 2 yrs. after second payment hospital offered to cut bill by 50% if I paid it off so ended up costing about 7300.

Hope the problems arent too serious....Doing pretty well considering but I too get tired faster than normal. I have been working a full load so by nightfall after I get dinner out of the way I am ready for bed...but I usually curl up and post on here... LOL Here is a link to the lastest pic I took today... the swelling is pretty much down and I have my curves back and the scarrng isnt bad except in the places that have been messed with this past week... http://www.lapbandta..._11062_1545.jpg

I didn't have the bump issue as I was always smaller chested.... So I went from a 44c to a 34a.... And lost all shape and elasticity. My husband called them the tubular bells... I wasn't amused. And 3 weeks ago I bought some new ones. . I am now 34 full B. And they look better than when i was a young woman.

Your aren't too late at all.If it were me I would start with my next meal weighing portions and watching calories.... If you stick to 1000 to 1200 calories and about a cup of food at each meal and no soda....you can drop these 4 lbs by the time You go to the dr and get afresh start. You can do it and I have the good feeling you want to..that's 70% of the battle!!

I couldn't agree more...I was last on a scale in my home in 1993 I weighed 180. . in 2010 it was 377. I am so addicted to it I was lost without it on vacation.... I wonder if they make traveling scales...hmmm,

I am sorry you arent learning to work with your band. you could have it removed or have a change of heart and start following the rules and make it work for you. I really think those are the only 2 options. I dont know you but its such a great tool when used properly I hope you chose the latter. But i am Just curious. If you knew you couldn't have soda again because the carbonation is hazardous to its well being and you didn't think you could live with that ...why would you chose band surgery? And do not misunderstand I am not being mean I really just want to understand as I am sure like the rest of us you knew what you were getting into.

me too...I was trying to run into the OR. I was so ready for my journey. But everyone is different thankfully or this world would be pretty boring. You will be just fine Jenny....best wishes

Oh heck no... I am way to impatient to wait for the dr once a month...and if I didn't see some results daily or weekly I wouldn't be motivated. But that's just me.

Obviously the concrete was inferior...it could have been anyone standing there when it gave way. Its really unfortunate the paper made such a big deal about her weight. Being that this is the US....SADLY I bet the ambulance chaser lawyers are lining up for her to file suit against...let's see....the city and the concreate maker...and the newspaper. Hopefully she will use the money wisely.

speak to your dr about your feelings so you can make an informed decision. Personally I wanted no alteration of my body except a plastic piece wrapped around my stomach... But that's just me and I was at a point to sacrifice eating as I knew it for the greater good. If you aren't there you may want to look at the other options. Of it may be that you are just getting cold feet which is very normal. Just speak to your dr and get his take based on your personal circumstances.

My dr recommends 60 grams a day but Told me not to tax my brain tracking iit and just eat 3 oz of meat, fish, Beans or other high protien food every day and I would be fine. Of course check with yours on everything you learn outside of his rules.

Between swelling and dare I say...fat you may not be able to feel it for a while. It's ok. Just ask your dr where he put it so when you do feel it it won't freak you out. I had my tummy tuck a few weeks ago and couldn't feel my port to to the swelling for the first week... And I can usually pinpoint it in a second. Nothing to worry about...it's stitched Into the wall of you abdomen somewhere

If that's not motivation I don't know what is! Kudos!!!

My port wasn't swollen but very tender for a month or so. I was banded on Thursday and went back to my desk job on tuesday for two half days then back full time on Thursday

All drs seem to have different criteria they follow but it's basically the same for the most part...I will answer your question based on my experience. You will want to check with your dr before deviating from his rules. I had to give up carbonation..the is my drs #1 rule. No food is off limits once On solids but my band isn't fond of rice or thick pasta. First month Week one clear liquids Week two creamy liquids Week three mushies....like yogurt, hummus, mashed veggies, mashed potatoes, oatmeal...anything blended to the consistency of baby food Once on solids at week 4 I started eating the way I did throughout my journey. 1000 calories each day with portion controls being paramount. I ate three meals a day of 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 starch. I was allowed 2 snacks of fruit or a sugar free treet or something salty like 10 small pretzel sticks

my dr told me it was because it pushes the food through the band and leaves your pouch empty. My in my experience if I drink right after eating it pushes the food up and out...either way it's not a good thing. I can drink up until I take my first bite.... Then forgettaboutit!!!