Short and Chunky

I would do it again..in a minute. The pros: I eat less, feel better, have more energy, have normal blood test results, I can wear clothes from the regular size department (not the fat girls). I went from size 22 to size 8..263 pounds to 146. The cons: Adjustments to the band, finding that "green zone", getting stuck (that is miserable). But I don't care about the cons....the pros are so much better. I watched my Dad die from being too big his entire life. I didn't want to be like that and I sure wasn't ready to die yet. WLS was my option. I had tried everything else and rebounded every time. My surgery was 7/11 so I am not new at this..I am still loosing and feel fantastic. I am doing 2- 5K races in the next few weeks. I love doing that..oh and that photo of me was taken this month and I am 62 years old. Good luck with your decision.

I have been too tight on several occasions since I got my band in July 2011. You don't have to ask..you KNOW..I thought it was a heart attack. Had difficulty breathing, drinking..PBing, slime, reflux at night. Awful. My doctor works well with me and backs out some fill. It does not always mean too much fill though. my band has gotten tighter all by itself multiple times. The band is not something you can just forget about and move on. It is constantly changing and needs attention on a regular basis. I do love my band and the weight loss of over 120 pounds so it is all worth it... Melinda in Florida

Hello July 2011 Bandsters. Been a while since I have posted..Things are going well for me. Down 124 pounds with about 10 or so to go. I am actually down to 144 pounds and a size 8. I was even called SKINNY the other day by some friends. I looked around to see who they were talking about. Feeling great, staying active (as I can for a very cold Florida winter). I just signed up to do 2 - 5K races - one in February and one in March. I am so excited. I really like to new me and all my "tiny clothes". I still have issues seeing myself as fat and yes, I still like to have a sweet every now and then, but by and large, all is well. I still see my Doctor regularly and I would do this again in a minute. Hope all is well with you guys. Stay in touch. Melinda in Florida

I agree with the others, eat less Protein and add your vegies. You may have to wait a bit for the band to settle in too. You should be ok..If you were too tight you would know it and would not have to ask. I eat about 2-3 ozs of protein if I am going to eat any vegies. If only protein I can eat 3-4 ozs. Good luck..

I have been banded 2 1/2 years - lost over 120 pounds with 15 more to go...that all being said in November I started that nasty acid reflux mess. I have been one miserable puppy. My doctor said I needed to have some Fluid removed from my band..in fact, he did a barium swallow and showed me where my band has been too tight for a while and now I have a bubble on the side of my pouch. NO, I did not want any fluid removed..I didn't want to gain, but I need to get some sleep and that darn reflux wasn't going to let that happen. I was taking Prilosec twice a day and Nexium once a day. I have fluid removed on Friday, take nothing and not had any reflux. Talk to your Doctor...reflux can be dangerous..follow what he says even if it means having a slight unfill. Good luck, thoughts and prayers with you because I really know how you feel!!!!!

BRITNEY - I get this and I understand. I am about 20 lbs away from goal too..2 1/2 years out from surgery. Too tight/too loose/too tight/too loose..rollercoaster. Reflux awful when too tight. My doctor removed a bit from my band on Friday and I was able to sleep and eat "correct - real food" for the first time in over a month. Now, not to gain weight ! Such a problem. Will-power is not my middle name. Hang in there and maybe we can get through this together. I have an appointment to go back in 3 weeks as he does not want me to go crazy and gain weight either. If I see it coming, I won't wait three weeks..as others have said, we have some too far to do that. (I'm down 124 lbs)..Have a good week..

Sure, I have had "stuck episodes" and times when I didn't feel comfortable eating..but as for real problems - NONE until the reflux mess started last month. I am looking forward to seeing my surgeon this week. I must get relief but If I had to do this over again (with plication), as it sits now, the answer would still be yes, even after my problem last night. I feel great and look pretty good (I still see a fat person in the mirror, but that is my "head problems" - can't see myself as a size 10 yet - I still see the size 22). I'll post and let you know what he says. I did have an upper GI 6 months ago just to do a check on things and everything was fine.

Did you notice you didn't experience the "bandster hell" they speak of here?

I have lapband with plication = 2 1/2 years ago. No slippage and no problems (except bad reflux recently). I have lost 124 pounds with about 20 lbs to go. I have had fills. I have about 6cc in a 10cc band. I had my plication under a controlled study group as it is not widely done in Florida (or wasn't when I had mine). Good luck.

I walked around the house the day of surgery, to the end of the driveway and back the day after and on day 3 or 4 I went back to work. Haven't stopped since (14 months ago). Listen to your own body. Do what you can. Don't baby yourself. If you don't walk some the gas will be painful but don't push too hard. You will do just fine.. Good luck today. Melinda in Florida

Good Luck to all of you who are being banded today. Take it easy when you get home and be sure to walk..follow the doctor's directions and don't expect miracles overnight. Post how you are doing when you get time and feel up to it. Melinda in Florida

Well, Fall is in the air and it is turning a bit cooler here in North Florida - today it will only be 90 rather than 95..woo hoo. I am still struggling with my concussion and my neck injury. I began PT yesterday and hopefully I will be able to returning to my regular exercise schedule soon. I see the bariatric surgeon on Friday and I hope to get my fill back. He had to remove most of it when I got my concussion (too much throwing up and it closed off my opening). Well, I found about 3-5 pounds (won't weigh myself - afraid too) and I certainly know why - absolutely NO RESTRICTION and like most of us..no restriction means open season on foods that I have not been able to eat for over a year. I know - SHAME ON ME - BAD GIRL...QUIT IT,,,I have told myself all those things but, I did not listen. Hopefully on Friday the doc will filler-up and then I will have no choice but to quit. Shoot, I can even drink while eating - crazy - that's not even important to me, but I am doing it !!!!! Now, the Neurologist has me on some medicine (for headaches and mild seizures caused by my fall) that is supposed to make me hate food and carbonated drinks (as a side effect) - ha ! that should be a good one. I am waiting for that to start kicking in. Maybe that will actually be a good thing out of this whole mess. We will see. All kidding aside. I have really had a rough 60 days. Head/back/neck injury - no exercise - no fluid in my band - down in the dumps - constant pain ! Well, I am tired of being a victim. I am going to take this bull by the butt and take control once again. I don't care if my head hurts - I'm going to start walking my miles again and I don't care if I have no fluid in my band I will force myself to pass on those yummy things like cookies and pizza. I have come too far to let a bump on the head cancel all this out. It is just not worth it. Shoot, I have even avoided coming to this website (like you guys would know I was being bad) just to avoid being accountable. That is just plain NUTS. So folks, the Pittyparty is over..It may take months for me to completely recover but I don't have months to waste (not at 61 years old - are you kidding me ?) so I am headed out for a walk. Take care my friends and have a great week. Please know that when things get rough for you, they are rough for all of us. We all have our "times" when things go south and we have each other to pull us back to reality. Have a great week everyone and do your best - that is all anyone can ask of you (including yourself). Melinda in Florida

louisanalady I don't know if you are a coffee, tea or soda drinker, but that could be the problem. Try having one of those. It may help. If gas has been an issue stay away from the diet soda and stick with tea or coffee (hot tea). You may also want to put that heating pad on the back of your neck and relax a bit, it also helps. Melinda in Florida

So sorry to hear about your shoulder pains and gas pains..oops, I guess they left that part out in the pre-op. I was banded 7/7/11 and I remember the gas and shoulder pains like yesterday. I thought my left shoulder was going to fall off - in fact, I wish it had. But, like many of you have found, when it stopped hurting, it stopped. It has something to do with a nerve located in your abdomen and when you had gas it pushed on that nerve - that nerve is attached (believe it or not) to your left shoulder. No more bad gas - no more shoulder pain. The ONLY relief I found was the heating pad. I am so excited for all of you. With the pain leaving and your journey now truely beginning - you guys can really start to see results. Stick with it..there will he highs and lows and times when you may even be a bit sad, but hang in there, it is all worth it. I can say I don't miss the 106 pounds that I have lost (a small adults if you will) and I don't think I will miss the 30 pounds I have left to loose (a small child). I am no longer on any medications and I feel better than I have in years. Sure, I miss certains foods and I do miss pigging out with friends and family but I sure like shopping in the "normal girls" department instead of the "fat girls" department. Good luck guys..and keep us posted on your progress. Melinda in Florida

Hi 61ers..hope everyone is doing well. I am struggling here in Jacksonville a bit. I had a serious gym injury the end of July and therefore most of the fill had to be removed from my band and all exercise was stopped(concussion and whiplash). I am still empty and still without exercise so I am a bit down - but not in the weight department. I have put on about 3-5 pounds (won't get on the scale) and trying not to be too hard on myself. This will pass. I see the doctor on Friday and hopefully he will begin putting fill back in the band (or wire my jaws shut - don't care. Going to physical therapy 2-3 days per week to get better so things are starting to feel somewhat better.. Anyway, I haven't been on this site in a bit and I really miss you guys ! You are my strength! I know that sounds wierd and very dependent but that is just the way it is. When I read about your pitfalls and your successes I get re-charged and get myself excited once again.. Thank you..Hope everyone is having a good day and hanging in there. When you post - you never know what an impact you may be making on someone else - thanks guys !!! Melinda in Florida

Be patient. I know that is hard. I was banded 7-7-11 and I have plateaued so many times can't count..You did need to start walking. Not a bunch, just moving some. Start out with a couple of blocks and work your way up. That will really help to jump start it. Hang in there you aren't alone in the battle. Melinda in Florida

Carolina Girl is so right. If you burp - You are DONE eating. I had band with Plication 7-7-11 and I am doing great. I am so glad I did both. I am down 106 and counting. Keep us posted on how you do.. Melinda in Florida

OK - I got banded with Plication (and hernia removal at the same time) on 7-7-11. I am doing great. down 106 pounds and counting. I returned to work 3-4 days after my surgery and it was done as an outpatient. FYI, I am no kid either - 61 yrs old. doing great and very glad I had it done all at one time. Melinda in Florida

Well, today is my 61st Birthday. I guess no cake and no ice cream for me. Haha, maybe a frosty protein shake (actually that sound pretty good as it is still hot in Florida). I got up this AM and decided it would be nice to stand on the old scale. Well, I am down some. 2 more pounds down ..that makes 106 down..not bad. In fact, I feel pretty good about that. I am still on the "no exercise allowed" list until the Neurologist gives me the OK and that won't be until my visit on the 18th. (If then). I am walking a bit, about a mile a day but that is nothing compared to what I used to do (4-5 miles a day + a gym work out). Oh well, I do have to take care of my health. That fall has really left me with some issues. My weight loss has really slowed to a creep but, at least it is not going UP..I am thankful for that. Anyway, since it is my birthday, it is a good time to reflect on the past just a bit. A year and 2 months ago I was SHORT and EXTREMELY CHUNKY..268 pounds - baby blimp..today, 162. Still short and a bit chunky, but so much better than I was before. This journey has been worth it. Sure, I get stuff stuck, and I get miserable. I can't eat somethings that I used to enjoy but I try to figure out a way to satisfy myself with a substitution so all in all it is OK. I buy clothes in the regular department now and not in the plus size department - that is cool and I can hook my seat belt, sit in a standard size chair at the movies and on a flight..wow..my life has changed so much. My only regret..I didn't do this sooner. I get mad at myself every now and then for "breaking the rules". Don't sit there saying "what rules" you know what I am talking about. There is some really good tasting stuff out there that is a slider and goes down very nicely...This does take willpower and I am not the Queen of willpower nor patience..so I have cheated. Thanks to the band - it is just that, a cheat and not a way of life. So tomorrow is another day - a year older and hopefully wiser. I am so blessed to have a beautiful and supportive family (even though not everyone was on board with this surgery when I had it done). I will keep moving forward. Thank you to all my Lapband buddies that have been there to kick my butt when I fell off the bandwagon and encouraging me to stick with it on the bad days and to the ones who cheered with me on those NSV moments and the actual weight loss. You guys are the best - I guess becuase we are all in the same boat. Across the world in some cases, but in the same boat. I am glad I found you guys !!!! Have a great day, stay on track, get some extra exercise in this week and be proud of yourself and all that you have accomplished. Melinda in Florida

I have been banded 14 months and I have problems in the AM. I drink a large hot tea and that is it. I cannot have food or a shake until mid-morning. my band is just too tight. That may be your problem. Hold off on the AM shakes for a day or two and see if that is the issue. Good luck. Melinda in Florida

Yep, in the same wagon with the rest of you. dry meat, pizza, pasta, and bread. I haven't had a sandwich/sub/pita or anything that looks like a sandwich since I was banded. Just not a pretty sight throwing it back up or intense chest pains from being stuck. For pizza, I eat the top, for spaghetti, I eat the sauce with cheese in a bowl, for a sandwich-open face (don't eat the bottom). It is amazing how you can conform to still enjoy some of your old favorites without getting stuck and blowing the calorie count. Good luck..

bjc1227 - OK, you asked how long it took me to loose my weight,. I lost 104 pounds in 12 months. Some of that 104 I had to loose twice (regain) I have between 35-40 pounds to go and it is going much slower now due to an accident. I can't exercise right now and that is a big reason. I have all my hair and my nails and yes, hanging skin - well, I figure my days a a swimsuit model are over anyway - soooowhat !. At least the poundage is gone and so is the high blood pressure and all my other blood tests have improved greatly (I never was diabetic thank goodness). The knees are 100% better and so are my ankles. As for my buddy TS Issac - he dropped about 8-10 inches of rain on us yesterday with minor flooding - lights stayed on and no trees down. Today, sunny, muggy, light breeze and puddles everywhere... At our age, the weight does not come off as fast, but it didn't get their fast either. As for the M&M's hey, I like carmel hard candies - I think our hormones or lack thereof is to blame for some of that and so be it. If I don't reach my goal - OK - at least I lost most of it and I feel better, look better and I am better so OK ! I hope that helps answer some of your questions. I was banded 7-7-11 at 268 lbs and I am 5'3". Now , Still 5'3" and 164 lbs. I'll be 61 in a couple of weeks. Have a great week.. Melinda in Florida

Reporting in from NE Florida. TS Issac is bringing us some rain and a bit of wind. Other than that - no biggie. Went to the doctor this AM. No weight loss this month so he gave me a slight adjustment after a swig or two of barium. Yum Yum.Love those Fluroscopes..Anyway...feeling OK - still can't exercise due to head injury a few weeks back. I hope it clears up so I can at least walk (exercise type) again. Have a great week to all.... Melinda in Florida

Rhondamarie - OK, bend over here comes the butt Kick ...Now that this is over, get back up and back on track. We have all been in your shoes - and more than once I might add. The band is around your stomach not your brain and your brain is making you eat junk, I know, because my brain does the same thing to me. This is not an easy journey. The band and the support on this sight are big helps but in the end it is up to you. Hang in there kiddo, this will pass - home, work, stress and Cookies !! Hope today is a good day for you. Take it from one banded 13 months, you will have these times and they will pass...I am down over 100 pounds and it is hard work..sometimes harder than others. Melinda in Florida