lmwalter

Did your insurance cover this? And if so, was there a medical reason for the switch? Thanks

I don't understand what you would feel quilty about. Yes, some people think it's the "easy" way out and don't realize you still have to work for the weight loss. I did the surgery, not so much for the weight loss, as I have lost the weight in the past without it, but to avoid the gaining it back plus 20. I have lost 85 pounds and have about 20 more to go. If I had done this without the band, I know my weight would already be creeping back up due to my "celebration cupcakes"!!! Please stop worrying about what others think and do what is right for your own health and sanity.

I agree with Papoose above - it's just smaller portions and nutrional choices. But without the band, I would think the smaller portions would keep me hungry all the time. It sounds like you may benefit from Weight Watchers and going to their meetings. It would keep you accountable for the weigh ins and not be so constricting on the food. And, if you exercise, you can add points you can save up for special occassions. It truly doesn't sound like you are ready to make the sacrafice needed to get the band at this time and, therefore, it may not work for you. You truly have to want it more than you want food and alcohol.

When I had to have my husband tie my tennis shoes so we could go walking!

I stayed the same at 148 - better than up, I guess. Need to get back in the gym more!!

I have about 20 pounds more to go! Almost there!

I have been banded for a year and one month now. Up until about two months ago, I really didn't do anything to help the band. Now, however, I am at the gym 3 to 4 times a week; I am counting all calories through an app called LoseIt. So it's become a game to me. The weight came off slow and steady, but is now coming off a bit faster because of the exercise. My total weight loss to date is 75 pounds and I'm 25 away from my goal.

I ate everything is sight the two weeks prior to surgery! All my favorite restaurants at least twice- it was a very expensive "bye-bye-food" event! I don't regret it at all. But I did not have to do a pre-op liquid diet. If I did, then I wouldn't have done that - well, maybe two weeks prior to the liquid diet I would have!!

I would be very interested. Can you tell me how much shipping would be? I live in Maryland. How would I pay you for shipping?

Weighing in this morning at 148!! Down 2 pounds - yipppeeeee !!!

It sounds like you'll be fine with a removal since your entire lifestyle has changed. Many people on the Biggest Loser manage to keep it off because they enjoy being active and living life now. Good luck to you and keep us posted!

I don't know how long you have to wait prior. I had an appointment three days before I was going on vacation (to San Diego!) last year and they wouldn't do the fill. They said the band will tighten in the air. I didn't ask how long it should be before flight. It's weird because I just happened to mention I was going. If I hadn't said anything, they would have done the fill, but I think I was joking that I wanted the fill before vacation because you always gain weight on vacation.

I had the same pain for over 6 weeks after surger - at times it brought me to tears. I could lay down flat and it would help some. I really thought there was a problem, but the doctor kept swearing it was gas. He did say if it lasted over 6 weeks, they could stick a needle in to pop it. Thank goodness it went away before that. Now, I never tried any type of over-the-counter gas relief remedies. Maybe someone will reply that did and it worked, but it's worth a shot. I just wanted to guzzle a soda and belch like nobody's business, but I was too afraid to do that because the band was so new.

Name, real or screen~ Lisa Walter Goal weight for Febuary 29th~ 140 Weight on Febuary 1st~ 150 Age~ 45 Dietary goal for Febuary~ eat more fruit and vegetables Exercise goal for Febuary~ cardio at least 45 minutes a day and weight training at least 4 times per week for one hour each time Personal goal for Febuary~ buy new clothes Date banded~ 01/13/2011 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 75 pounds Do you have any Valentines day plans (How do you plan to handle Valentines dinner)~ Going to Ruth Chris with my husband (we have a gift certificate!). I plan on eating a small portion of the steak and brining the rest home (as I always do in a restaurant situation) for lunch the next day.

I was just wondering if anyone has tried any alternative to getting plastic surgery, such as any type of compression clothing, girdles, etc. Do these work at all? Obviously, the summer time would be a problem, but at least in the winter I could look better?

I agree with Shellyac above!!

I will have to look up Food, Inc. this weekend! I live in Arbutus. I do not attend support groups at St. Agnes. I was thinking about it, but then I found this website. Where do you live? I sure hope you have a better experience at St. Agnes than I did. When I went in, in the morning, all the prep team was superb - very friendly, calming, relaxing. I felt great. The nurses on the surgical floor were great too. It was the nurses' aides and the roommate situation with her guest who was cussing up a storm about something. I don't know if you've ever had surgery before, but you feel like crap afterwards and you just want quiet. Then I had to be wheeled down to x-ray (they need to check the placement of the band). The girl that wheeled me down yelled (I mean yelled) "Hey" to about everyone she passed. Then another girl came and joined her and they talked so loud the entire time - they didn't slow down for bumps over thresholds - it was miserable. I was shocked when I was asked if I wanted to go home. That was around 6:00 p.m. that night. I couldn't wait to get out of there!!!

I have been banded for a year now. I am not nor was I a "soda addict", but I do enjoy it, especially with certain foods. I have had soda since the band and nothing has happened. Now, it's only small sips and not very often, but I was okay.

Hi, my name is Lisa. I was banded a year ago, 1/13/11. I have lost 75 pounds and I am very pleased with the results. I am exercising more than ever. My question is, does anyone have any trouble with abdominal exercises? I feel like I can feel the band and it hurts - not horribly so, just uncomfortable. It's more of a fear of doing damage. I was just wondering if anyone experienced this and what you did. Thanks so much.

My name is Lisa and I was banded a year ago at St. Agnes by Dr. Averbach. I believe Singh and Averbach used to be together. I never met Dr. Singh, but I can tell you Dr. Averbach is wonderful!! I have been very happy with teh results (down 75 pounds in one year). Now, I will say that the surgery at St. Agnes was a different story. The nurses were super nice, but I guess it was the aides that were loud and rude. I was in horrible pain and miserable and the hospital was so loud in the hall and the roommate I had, had a visitor that was loud and annoying. When the doctor came in and asked if I wanted to go home, I said yes. I normally never would have left a hospital so soon after surgery, but St. Agnes was horrible in that regard! I hope you do not have the same experience!