losinandlovin

It is worth it to NOT cheat and it sets a tone for the rest of your journey. NOTHING and I mean nothing feels as good as health or taste as good as knowing you gave it your all. If you give in now, you will give in later and that is not the best for your success, Do this all the way the right way or don't do it all. I am just saying, IT IS WORTH DOING IT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. Don't sabatoge your journey already!! Just don't do it. I beg you to follow the Dr. order to a T and you will have huge success in the days ahead.

PROTEIN in any form is a must. You dont get protein, you stop losing, you lose hair and you destroy your muscles as they breakdown. So try various kinds. My surgeon actually provides one called Chik and it is not bad. I also found one already mixed that is Atkins Advantage. I love chocolate and get the Royale, I feel like I am cheating and lucky for me, I am not. Your body is healing right now so and that should be the focus at this point. DO WHAT THE DOCTOR says to a T and you will succeed and do very well. The fill is something that causes anxiety to everyone, UNTIL you have it done then you see it is a breeze and it is all to help you on your way. As far as throwing up goes, you don't have to. Ever, if you chew small pieces avoid things that do not work well with the band, such as bread, broccoli and other fiberous foods you will be fine. DO NOT DRINK AND EAT< wait at least 15 minutes. I was told if you do it once you will never forget. They were right. Seriously, the best thing to do is follow the directions. You need to try several protein drink options as it is so important especially at first. Now that you are on mushy, it will get better. Protein is number one then veggies. AND I AGREE stop weighing. I had to remove the scale for awhile. It is not a true weight as we women fluctiate so much each and every day and you can not be a slave to it. If you have not done so yet, MEASURE!!! Take your measurements. As you go along you will have times you do not drop as much as you think you should. if you measure you will see it is still coming off. I keep a chart and i weigh every month on the 20th. This has been a life saver. Also continue reading and posting. There are things doctors can not tell you and family and friends don't know. We have been through it and can offer a world of knowledge. Like before you put anything in your mouth in the morning, drink something hot, tea, coffee even hot water with lemon, It relaxes the band to help your first meal to go down. If you have an issue with throwing up, go back to liquids for 24 hours. You are irritating your band if you try to continue to eat and it can cause damage. So pay attention to your body. Do not be discouraged that you can eat more than you think at first. That you feel no restriction, it will come, I promise so do what you are suppose to and you will eliminate unneeded issues. Please ask and I will help, but be strong and smart. We did not put this on over night and it will not come off that fast. This is a tool, not the cure all and we all have to be reminded of that. Best of luck Feel free to friend me or send me messages any time.

You will love it. I got off blood pressure meds at 15 pounds loss. I am almost completly off my C-Pap machine. That will be a great day!!! Fear at this stage is normal, don't sweat it. You will be surprised how easy it will go. Do EVERYTHING the doc says and you will be on your way to the new sexy you. It is possible, you do deserve it and I have not one single regret. My journey has had ups and downs like everyone else, but it is still the hope that keep me alive. You will soon be doing exercise, I am actully addicted to it now and that is a good thing. I recently had a knee injury and it is killing me to not work out. My divorce took a huge toll on me and my lap band, but I have emerged a winner and am still going. Ask anything and I will answer. I do not know everything, but I can give you some great insight since I BEEN THERE AND LOST THAT. Have no fear it is all good from here on out!! Keep asking and keep posting. Read as much as you can on here. I read from the front to the back of the sight i was on when I started my journey. Life is fabulous with every melting pound. I am very passionate about this and want to help you succeed. So you have my attention, waht you got????

I have been banded a while and i think any time we make adjustments to what we call our norm, it will take it's toll on us. Although I did not have that, I did have the surgery. We are use to having that salty or sweet thing to make us feel better. All of our emotions were poured on inflicted on that comfort food. Now with out that, we are unsure where to put it. Makes sense to me. A very honest thought. Once you can feel that well up inside of you, remind yourself who you are becoming and go there, make that your happy place, not the food, not the hiding out behind some fatty dish, make your success your new go to place. Make a list of things you want to do that you have not been able to in along while. On my list i had little things like do my own pedicure, walk with out huffing and puffing, look at me in the mirror and not cry, bend over and tie my shoes with out almost blacking, When you can mark something off that list as DONE, that is the best feeling. Make a list of at what lose you will reward yourself, and how you reward yourself. Like I was at 30 pounds I am getting my hair colored in the salon. At goal I am getting braces. For one goal you can spend the night away from home, or say for every 25 pounds I will get one new outfit. Turn it around, don't allow you to rob you of the joy of the new life that is yours. It may take a little practice but you are feeling deprived of some favorite snacks, but that is what got us all to the need for the lap band. i am so grateful every morning for my lap band. It has NOT been easy the entire time, but I found out early on if it is not working, it is my failt. I take ownership and figure out what is going on and I fix it. I have met the enemy and it is me. So don't let it be you. Look at the wonderful list and trade in your anger, hurt and sorrow for a real joy. We thought we found happiness in our favorite foods, but we just thought we knew what happiness was, NOW WE KNOW and it is one right choice away. You can do this, you deserve to succeed, it is all in you. JUST DO IT!

Heather, What a great journey you are about to get in on. How exciting for you. If the insurance does not approve, you appeal it. They do that discourage you and to see if you are willing to stick with it. YOU ARE!!! I am hearing that the insurance companies are approving more than before because the Lap Band has so many benefits over other procedures. I understand not believing you typed your status, but honey you are among friends now. We get it. No longer do you have to hide your hurt and shame, no longer do you need to be embarassed. Sounds like you have a great family and that will be helpful, but there are things you will need from those who have "beent here done that", so to speak. and we are here cheering you on. So let us help. Ask and we will be quick to respond. It is always a little different for each person but that is ok, it is your journey and mine is well my journey but we do have a lot in common. So go get them! You can do this an we are here to help. Best of luck and read all you can on here, it will help tons. Let us hear from you. Janice

Wow, do you have your hands full. As far as for finacial reasons Matt no one can tell you what you need to do. I can share with you a few facts that may help you to decide what to do. For Me - This gave me hope that I could lose and so far it has. I had decided I would just have to be large all my life. Then I heard about Lap Band. Changed my life I will tell you stress is not good for the band. As I was going thorugh divorce, the band closed up on me. So I paid to get a fill , then paid to have it removed. That hit the pocket book hard. I had to wait 5 more months before I felt I was secure enough to not have to do that again. Stress goes after every part of us, and the band is no exception to that rule. Don't do this for the lovely ladies, don't do it for others to accept you, do it for you. If you do it for any other reason and it not work out as fast as you think it should you will blame them and fall away from the plan. BUT if you do it for you, putting you first for a change, it is for the right reason. Ladies or not, clothes or not, you will have succeeded. THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU NOW> If done correctly and if you abide by the doctors orders every step you will not need a second surgery, you will not be depressed, you will have the ladies and you will need new clothes. The greatest joy for me was giving away tons of bags of clothes that were to big. I have much few clothes now, but i am still losing and need to save. So as long as you shop smart, take hand me downs, and mix and match, you will do well. You will need to do some exercise but the motivation for me was different because I say the huge changes, so it was not like OH YUCK, I have turned into OH BOY!!! Down time a few days at best. I have become a health freak cheerleader. I write a motivational email each week to send out to work to help people make good healthy choices. I am your girl. So when you are down, when your depression is getting the best of you, let me know and I will lift you up. THe first sight I was on provided that to me and I am "Paying It Forward". I want you to succeed and you can succeed. Don't go into it blind, but I can highly recommend it. Consider all aspects and you decide what the next step is for you. It may require looking for a surgeon that will take your insurance. It may require looking at your budget to see if there is any thing else you can cut, it may require a second job until the surgery is paid for, but all of that is up to you. If you are looking for someone to tell you they have had this done, had struggles, but would do it all again in a minute. that is me. Best of luck and let's chat!!

Folks, IT GETS BETTER. This waking up is not the norm. As far as gas, some surgeons are better at removing the gas then others. I had some gas issues in the back and in the shoulder but was told about hot showers. Let the hot water beat on your shoulder or back as hot as you can stand it and it will help. Walking or rocking will help as well. It does pass (not the way that sounds) and you will be on your way to huge success. It is worth it I promise. I never had the coughing up blood, so I am not sure what to tell you about that. These few days of gas pains are nothing compared to the low self esteem we have had for years because of our weight. This will require effort from you, you will go through some tough times, but it will be worth it. It is not the "cure all", but it is such a great tool. If you follow the instructions you are given I assure you the success will come quickly. THere are ways to cheat the lap band but it cheats only you. I made a list of all the things I wanted to do but could not because of weight, and it is the greatest joy to be able to look at that list and mark things off as "DONE". What a feeling. So my friends, yep the gas is a real pain, but not for long. It will be well worth it. I, as well as many others are here to help and to encourage you. Please do not give up before you get started good. BET THING EVER is feeling healthy and like a "normal" person. I highty recommend it. If you have other questions or need encouraging, I am always here to help, so bring it and lets rejoice in each victory together. Now go create your list of WILL DO'S!

My surgeons office and insurance required it. Even now when I go see the surgeon, once every 6 months we chat to see where I am at and how I am doing. I recommend it. She/he needs to give you some guidlines as to what you need to stay healthy. Not enough food and nutrition have long tern effects that can be avoided. It does not have to be a long term every month kind of thing but some one you can touch base with you periodically. It will be worth it to you to see one before and a few months after. Best of luck. We are here to help you through the questions!

You are in the right place and I am your girl. I am 51 (52 in less than a month) BEST THING EVER!!! Let me address your quesiton in order. How to get started - You need a surgeon you can trust. I went to several free seminars that were offered. Then I went to the local hospitals and asked the nurses who they like working with and who they recommend. That cut my options down from huge to a very few, then I spoke with the staff in the operating rooms, who do they like and has the best reputation with the patiets. For me it was easy, only one name came back and it was the best decision I made besides having it done. The surgeons office should handle everything from there and tell you what you need. They took care of me and appeased my insurance company and that is no small task. How long does it last? Well as long as you let it work for you, The lap band is only a tool to assist you. It is not going to "make" you lose weight. It provides an option. You will still have to make wise chioces, exercise, even watch your intake of calories to ensure you get enough but not to many. I was on blood pressure meds and after my first 15 pounds I was off all meds. I see over and over people with your health issues turn it all around, all of it. It can be done, it is what needs to be done and you can do it. It is a mind set you have to get into. I had the procedure done on a Wed. and was back at work Tuesday (only because Monday was a holiday). Some people go back before that. It really is a simpe procedure. You will be required to do a pre-op diet to help jump start you, and then there will be resrictions as your procedure heals. This will not make you drop 100 pounds in 3 months. It is a slower, less aggressive, but successful way to lose. You SHOUILD NOT need tummy tucks if you do the exercise as instructed. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful surgeon and he has walked with me every step of the way. I do not argue, I just do what I am told. THe day his advice is no longer working, I will do it on my own, but that is just not in my future. He is awesome. Really check out your options and go with the "right" one. I hope this helps, Please let me know what other questions you have. I am committed to helping anyone who wants it. Keep us posted. [

How excitied you must be!!! I do have a few suggetions that I recommend. TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS. There will be days when you don't lose pounds, Keep a record of your measurements and once a month review. The 20th of eveyr month I do my measurements again. No matter what this is a good picture of where you are. DO EXACTLY what the doctor says, if he says eat this not that. do it. if he says do this exercise not that, do it. They know what they are talking about. My greatest success I have had are when I have followed the doctor to a T CHEW CHEW CHEW, even if you don't think you have to chew DRINK AFTER OR BEFORE MEALS NOT DURING - Practice all the things you will need to do before you even have the procdure it will make the transition easier. PREPARE your home for what you will need the first week or so as you heal from surgery. KEEP READING everything on here you can. Doctors can tell you stuff, family and friends can support you but the amount of info you get on here is unreal and the most useful. More to come!! WELCOME!!

Hey Tammy, I am Janice, McDonalds, what a challenge for you. It is true the 2nd fill is a little bit better but number 3 kicks butt. Use this time to really follow all the directions you have been provided and you will do well when number 3 rolls around. Sounds like you are really doing well already so don't fret. As long as you are getting enough calories in you are great. I think we will both be pleased wih the support on here. I am new to this sight but was a bif contributor to another one that eventually stopped. The support of family and friends is awesome but nothing can compare to the support of those who have walked where you are walking. Sounds like you are doing awesome. Keep doing the right things. Have you added exercise? This does a ton of good. I can't wait to hear back from you!

Only thing you can do is call and ask. The doctors office will have something. Other than that I am not sure. Good luck!

Bless your heart. You can not survive on that. I am shocked you can stand up much less exercise! Call the doctor or someone, you can not live on that. It does work and it does get better and it the most awesome thing when you start seeing the success. I can tell you are determined and you will need that as no one will tell you it is easy. But it is SO WORTH IT. Get some calories and you will see that scale go down. As long as you eat that few, your body will not budge. Hang in there, this sight has a lot of help on it. We all want to see you succeed.

Well Hello, I am losin and lovin and that is what I am doing. I ma going to be 52 next month. So far I have gone from a size 28 to a 16/18. I recently had a set back because of stress from a divorce. I am back on track and ready to move forward. I would like to be further along my but surgeon says life happens and when it does it takes a toll on every part of your bodies including our band. IT DID!!! I have been banded for coming up to 2 years. My wonderful surgeon was (and is) Richard Collier in Conroe Texas. I would highly recommend him. If you are not in that area and are looking for a surgeon I can recommend going to local hospitals and ask around to see who has the best care. I asked who the nurses liked to work with, what the nurses thought of the doctors bed side manners and after care. I was not only told who to go to but who not to go to. Once in the wiating area for surgery nurses were discussing who was going in next and for what and what needed to be done to prep them. The common comment was "That is Collier's, she needs nothing from us". When I quesitoned why, they all assured me he is the best prepared and the best at preparing his patients. So research your surgeon. Visit with him several times before the procedure. I got the best and after all this time, he and his staff are so extremely helpful. I have been very active as a motivator on another site Journey Lite, however it has gone to just three or four of us that will comment. Many will view not many will comment. So I am looking for some action so to speak. I love my band and what it has given to me and I love to share it with people so if you have ANY questions, I will be happy to chat with you. It has changed my life, my health and my personality. All in good ways. I also write a weekly motivational email for a Weight Watchers group at work. I am not a member, but I am the coordinator. I will encourage anyone with a need to lose weight. If I can say something to help them on their journey I will. I would love to help people before they get to the point I did where surgery was my only option. I will warn you, I am wordy when it comes to things I believe in and I do believe in the lap band. I also am writing a book about my journey, so some of what I will post will be from that as well. So this is me, I am glad to make some new friends. I will be a faithful poster and responder so let's get started.

Bless your heart Liz, I hear your pain and honey you are in good company. We are here, we will listen and we will support you. First of all Congrats on making the decision to save your life. Excellent choice. To answer your question, it goes much faster when you avoid insurance red tape. You will be done in no time. Your surgeon will require a pre-op diet plan and you want to stick to it. The more weight you lose the easier the surgery will go for you and your surgeon. Where are you having it done and who is your surgeon? Please keep posting and spend any free time reading as this is a wealth of information. During the entire process, you will need to ask questions that can only be answered by those of us who have done it. Here are a few helpful hints. You have nothing but a great life ahead. Best decision ever. Tips tried and true as you prepare: Read on these sites every minute you can. Take your measurements NOW and then every month. Trust me you will need this later Start chewing and chewing and cheweing now Do not drink with your meals starting now. Remove "questionable" foods from your home Tell lots of people so you will have the support Make a list of things you can not do now that you plan to do later Make a list of ways you will reward yourself for the small goals and then big goals Be reasonable on your expectations discuss this with your surgeon, our plan is usally more aggressive then theit plan for us. They have done this awhile and know what they are talking about Prepare, plan and then succeed. This is a wonderful time to plan for a long and happy future. Best of luck to you and keep us posted and use this site as a resource. ASK ASK ASK, that is the benefit of these sites. My heart goes out to you, That is how I felt, hopless, alone, like no one really understood and now, well I am a new person and I love it. Enjoy the journey and post often. I can not wait to hear the date!!!

Hang in there new banders. It gets better. Usually there is no restirction following surgery because your body needs to heal from the procedure. Just keep doing what your were told and do not push anything. Your body needs to recover and you do not want to do anything to cause issues for the band. Enjoy the liquids and make sure you are getting plenty, you really run a chance of dehydrating during these first few days, Keep water with you at all times and drink like a fool. Mushies are like a life saver when you get there, but this is a process and will take off like crazy when it is time. Remember this is a tool, the work is up to you. You have nothing but a great life ahead. Best decision ever. Tips tried and true as you prepare: Read on these sites every minute you can. Take your measurements NOW and then every month. Trust me you will need this later Start chewing and chewing and chewing now Do not drink with your meals starting now. Remove "questionable" foods from your home Tell lots of people so you will have the support Make a list of things you can not do now that you plan to do later Make a list of ways you will reward yourself for the small goals and then big goals Be reasonable on your expectations discuss this with your surgeon, our plan is usally more aggressive then theit plan for us. They have done this awhile and know what they are talking about Prepare, plan and then succeed. This is a wonderful time to plan for a long and happy future. Best of luck to you and keep us posted and use this site as a resource. ASK ASK ASK, that is the benefit of these sites.

You have nothing but a great life ahead. Best decision ever. Tips tried and true as you prepare: Read on these sites every minute you can. Take your measurements NOW and then every month. Trust me you will need this later Start chewing and chewing and cheweing now Do not drink with your meals starting now. Remove "questionable" foods from your home Tell lots of people so you will have the support Make a list of things you can not do now that you plan to do later Make a list of ways you will reward yourself for the small goals and then big goals Be reasonable on your expectations discuss this with your surgeon, our plan is usally more aggressive then theit plan for us. They have done this awhile and know what they are talking about Prepare, plan and then succeed. This is a wonderful time to plan for a long and happy future. Best of luck to you and keep us posted and use this site as a resource. ASK ASK ASK, that is the benefit of these sites.

What a great idea, a dating sight for lap band. Wouldn't that solve a lot of issues in a relationship. I think you should pursue that a little further. You may be on to something. Congrats on the loss. Would love to hear more! Keep us posted!!!

Wow how awesome for you. It is the best think you will do. Please post here often and let us know how we can help you out. It is the best thing in the world, to have hope when it seemed all hope was gone. I know for me it was a real life saver. I guess that is the case for most all of us. The process can appear slow at times, but do not fret, it is worth it. I can not say that enough. I do highly recommend you take your measurements now and start a log. THere will be times when the pounds may not fall off as quick as they did at first, but maintianing a log of your measurements will show you it is still working. I recommend also that you read as ofter as possible the many posts for help that the surgeons or medical sights can't tell you. I do not call myself a pro, but I know what my journey has been like and I am willing to share what I do know. Do what the doctor says to a T and you will have great success. Discuss this with friends and family, they are the best resource. I have posted some additional tools on other posts, so feel free to read any of them. I write a motivational email to a Weight Watchers group on my job. I am not a member just the coordinator, so I will post my emails from time to time because it is about my journey in hopes it will help others with theres. READ READ READ and you will gain so much knowledge and it will help you along the way. So glad you are here, please keep us posted and tell us how we can help!

How exciting for you. I wish you the best. If you figure out what the questions are, please feel free to ask. I loved these sites and helped me all the way. You are in a great place mentally, keep it going. You have nothing but a great life ahead. Best decision ever. Tips tried and true as you prepare: Read on these sites every minute you can. Take your measurements NOW and then every month. Trust me you will need this later Start chewing and chewing and cheweing now Do not drink with your meals starting now. Remove "questionable" foods from your home Tell lots of people so you will have the support Make a list of things you can not do now that you plan to do later Make a list of ways you will reward yourself for the small goals and then big goals Be reasonable on your expectations discuss this with your surgeon, our plan is usally more aggressive then theit plan for us. They have done this awhile and know what they are talking about Prepare, plan and then succeed. This is a wonderful time to plan for a long and happy future. Best of luck to you and keep us posted and use this site as a resource. ASK ASK ASK, that is the benefit of these sites.

Congrats on the lose and the surgery. It is awesome and the best thing ever. I wish you huge success and please if you have questions or concerns, I am here to help. I have been banded almost 2 years now and it was not always the easiest thing, but still I know it was the right thing. I have been in and out of situations that have affected the band so although I am NO PRO< I do have lots of experiances to share. Let me know how I can help and I will be faithful to be there for you.

What an exciting time for you. Hang in there as the process for some can be a pain. I was lucky and my surgeons office handled EVERYTHING. But I remember the day of my beginning. What a thrill for you. Just do not get impatient, read all you can on sites like these and ask a lot of questions and you will be fine. Best decision I ever made and I am sure it will be for you as well. I suggest you start writing about the journey. Make a list of all the things you can not do know but will be able to. I had things on my list like, do my own pedicure, be able to bend over and tie my shoes with out getting light headed, fit in a booth. Small to large things on the list then check them off as you progress in your journey. Talk it up to family and friends, you will need them. As exciting as it starts the reality is, not every one can hang with it. It is not always as easy as the band is just a tool, we have to decide if it will be a tool we allow to work for us. Having strong support is a must to success. But it is worth every right decision you make. Plan to follow the doctors directions to a T. I had awesome success when I follow him. Honestly this gave me Hope that I thought was all gone. I am so excited as you start your journey. I will be here to cheer you along and help you in your journey that is just the beginning, but will last and benefit you a life time. Keep me posted on how things go!

People tend to forget this is just a tool, but one that will work. I have two family members that did not stick with the band. It does require follow up, it does require effort. It is not magic and you have to work at it. But that said, if you do those things, IT IS SO WORTH IT. I will never forget walking out of my first meeting and thinking THERE IS HOPE STILL. I thought it was to late, I was to far gone, I could not do it with any Weight Loss Programs (I tired most of them out there). it was seeing the Lap Band as my hope that continues to give me the determination I need to go on. I strongly suggest to every one that before surgery take your measuerments. The times that you may not lose a lot of pounds, the inches are dropping off, so take and monitor your measurements. I measure 1 time a month and I have a log that I am keeping. I write if I had a bad month or good month and why. I usually always know if I did not lose much the reason for it. Follow the doctors orders to a T and you will be thrilled with your decision to do this. I wish you tons of luck and please let me know what I can do to help. I am so grateful for the help I had on message boards that I am committed to help others. So I am here and I will only tell you what I know to be true for my journey. SO LET'S DO THIS!!

Hey good luck with the procedure. Wow taht is soon, and I am sure you are excited. Please feel free to ask any questions. It is the best decision you can make. Before my suregery I read everything on these type message boards I could find. There is only so much your doctor can tell you. These are a wealth of great information. Please post once you are able after surgery. You will have tons of questions so ask away. My surgery and the days following were nothing compared to what I imagined it would be. What are your concerns about the pre-op diet. What hospital will you have the procedure done in? My doctor was Richard Collier in Conroe and he was awesome and the hospital staff loved him. I am sure your procedure will go well. I am so grateful this is not major surgery and so much easier to get over. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help ease concerns or answer questions. I do NOT know it all, but I know about mine. I hope to hear from you soon.