Arzel Phenomenal Ivy

Yes, I had to quit before they would forward my information to the surgeon to schedule my band. They did give me the nicotine test and I'm thankful that I passed. I know that I need to quit because it is part of the lifestyle change but I did go back to smoking. Hopefully, my time is coming where I just give it up forever. Good luck on your journey

You are doing a great job. Keep up the great work. I did request you as a friend on FB. I could use all the support to stay on top on things. It is hard to find friends and family for support. Many people don't know about my procedure and right now I think it is better that way. I don't want to fail during this journey

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way. I know that I have to exercise in order for the band to work. I keep telling myself it is a tool. I have to work the tool. I can remember I only could walk 1 mile each time that I walked. Now, I'm up to about 4 miles 3 days a week. My next hurdle is to start walking 4 days a week. You are doing great by setting limits for yourself. If you overdo yourself than you will be the one suffering. Keep up the great work.

Honestly, I didn't drink a lot of soda before the lapband. It was a easy transition for me. Every once in a while, I might get a Diet Mt Dew but it usually goes to waste. The majority of the time, I drink Vitamin Water or Diet Lipton Tea in the bottle. I really don't crave sodas but I never had. I think I waste way more than I drank

This is interesting. I didn't have a problem with my periods after the surgery but this month, I started early and I was in shocked when I did. Now I know it must be due to the weight lost. My flow hasn't changed which is a plus. I enjoy the light periods and they only last 3 or 4 days

I agree with all the posts. Exercise is very important. I wasn't a person who exercised on a routine basis. Since I had the surgery in May, it was and still is difficult for me. I have been losing weight without the exercise. I'm down 34 pounds since the surgery. I just got my first fill 2 weeks ago in surgery. I had to have a revision of my ports. In the beginning, I was only exercising twice a week about a 1.5 each time due to my work schedule. Things were hectic. Now, I'm up to 3.25 miles 3 times week.

I didn't get hiccups after surgery but I do know some people who did. I think this is normal and it should go away shortly. I didn't get a fill during surgery. My surgery didn't fill me until after 6 weeks post op. The first two attempts where unsuccessfully. To make a long story short, I was taken back to surgery 2 weeks ago because my ports keep moving while she tried to fill. I just got my first fill 2 weeks ago during the revision. I was filled 2.5 ccs and I can tell the difference. I believe once you receive your first fill then you will definitely be satisfied. Now, I do get the hiccups since the fill depending on the food that I get. Sometimes I believe the hiccups come when I get too fast. Usually I have to get the food back up in order for the hiccups to go away. I guess the food is stuck. Hope this helps.

I have the same surgeon that you have. I had my surgery on May 17, 2011. Dr Peck is great. She wants to see you make accomplishments and help you with your weight loss. During the pre op process. I didn't gain any weight. I either loss or stay the same. Dr Peck is a excellent surgeon and has great bed side manners. I think you are going to love her like I do. I can talk to her about anything.

I can understand the feeling. I got banded in May 2011 and have been on this journey alone. It is so hard when you don't have anyone to talk to and share the ups and downs. I live in Evansville IN and I don't know anyone who has had the lapband here. Since my surgery, I'm down 34 pounds and exercising is the hardest part for me. I work long hours and I just need that extra support. I think I could more motivated if I had someone to talk to. It is hard but I know you can do it. I have been walking about 1.5 miles 3 days a week. I know it is not enough but that is my comfort zone right now and I don't think I could do anymore.

As a suggestion: I think the Atkins protein shakes are the best in nutritional intake that I have found. It gives you a good size of protein and low in carbs. I agree, my surgeon office has protein shakes but they are expensive. Atkins are expensive than the others but it is worth it.

After my surgery, I didn't have any drainage from my incision. I would call the surgeon office to be on the safe side.

I understand all of your feelings. Before I had my surgery in May 2011, I had those same feelings that I was going to fail at another weight loss journey. On the other hand, I was excited about the surgery. I have a great surgeon who is supportive and keeps me on track. I'm doing well on my journey and I have lost 34 pounds. It is a slow progress but I'm glad it is not too fast because I think that helps me stay focus. Stay focus and you can do this

Great job. You have gotta feel good. That is marvelous. That gives me inspiration to keep going. I still have a long way to go but I know that I can do this:)