Don12

I had lap band surgery April 28, 2011 as of Nov 29, 2011 I've lost 120 pounds. I am following the program and exercising 5 days a week by walking 6-8 miles each of those 5 days.

I had lap band surgery on April 28, 2011. As of today, I have lost 112 pounds. I walk six miles five times a week, do not drink alcohol and am following the program correctly. I am eating very little carbohydrates and am eating a high Protein diet. I take a Multivitamin twice a day, along with a Calcium supplement. My surgeon gave me a fill on October 18 because I told him I was getting hungry about one hour from my next meal. I believe my fill is working. I do feel full quicker than before my fil. I am very happy with the band. I do recommend it. I have read alot of stories on here about people gaining weight. Unless they have a medical issue; if they are following the program correctly, they should not be gaining weight. It is a total lifestyle change, you must get rid of your old habits, follow the rules and exercise. I walk from 4-6AM five days a week because I have to be at work at 7:15. I don't want to walk in the evening. One year ago I never would have done this but now, I am hooked on the walking. I am a believer in the program and the lap band. I take it one day at a time. If you follow the "rules;" as my surgeon calls them, you will be successfull. But the rules also apply when you reach your goal. Once the goal is reached, you can't go back to eating the way you did prior to surgery. You must exercise.

I went for my second post op visit on June 9. It was at that visit that I would receive my first fill. Well, one week prior to my surgery, which was April 21, I was 348. On June 9 i was 296, down 52 pounds since surgery. The doctor was very pleased with my progress and told me I wouldn't be getting a fill. I was down 19 pounds since my first pre op visit. He told me to keep doing what I'm doing although he wants me to eat Breakfast. I told him I'm not hungry in the mornings and never have been. Why should I eat when I'm not hungry. I am eating at lunch and dinner. I am also walking one hour daily and drinking plenty of Water. I told him everything he told me at every visit: total lifestyle change, can't eat like I did before, must exercise 45 minutes a day, take a half hour for each meal, don't drink with a meal, no eating in between meals and so forth. I don't regret not getting a fill but I guess it's up to the doctor during each visit.