Jim1967

WLS is a very personal decision and only you and your Doctor can come to a consensus on which option maybe a fit for you. Success with all WLS is depends on the commitment of the patient. I will tell you from my experience that the band requires a lot of attention and follow up care but I thrived on that and I continue to thrive on it. I chose the band for the following reasons: I did not want my anatomy altered in a way that it could not be reversed if an emergency came up I was very much afraid of not waking up given the fact that I was 450lbs Figured my best shot at recovery was the least invasive procedure. I did not want to worry about Nutritional deficiencies I did not want to trade in one problem for the possible risk of several others. THAT being said, I am far more educated now about all procedures then I was when I chose the band. My Weight Center was not even offering the Sleeve when I was getting banded two years ago. Also, want to point out that some people have said "Oh with that much weight to lose you should get bypass or sleeve". That is all rubbish!! I started with a BMI of 79. It's all about discipline and commitment and a good support team behind you. Good luck and research every single option

Thought this might be a fun topic. Corny to some I'm sure but none the less fun. So do you have that one song that you relates to your journey? For me it is Faith of the Heart or more commonly known as the Theme from Star Trek spinoff Enterprise.

Plan it out far enough Kelli and I might be able to make it. Bariatric Pal Cruise 2015!!

I have learned that "on your own" is far more than just weight loss. If you told me I needed to lose 150lbs and would never have to worry about it again then I'm your guy. I dropped 170+ pounds about 10 years ago doing the low carb thing (gained it all back plus another 90 something). I was very successful at losing weight but I never actually adopted a lifestyle change. This band of mine has helped me learn so much about myself. It is far more than a weight loss tool to me.

Hi All, I can understand the overkill of compliments. I get asked daily by at least one person if not more how much weight I have lost so far and how much more I intend to lose. Unfortunately for me it was quite impossible to hide the fact that I had WLS. It can get quite tiresome at times but I on the flipside I remember when I dropped my first 50lbs I was disappointed that no one said anything and then I thought well hell I must be so damn fat no one notices and that entire attitude was just counterproductive. I have a pretty thick skin not to mention an incredible sense of humor but I have heard my fair share of off the cuff compliments that could easily been turned around and taken as an insult. I just pass it off as a skinny person who have never had a weight problem in their life and does not know any better. My favorites are: 1. You're head is so much smaller now....awesome happy I was able to let some air out of the beach ball head for you. 2. You're face is so skinny now..... My favorite: Female co-worker telling another male co-worker who happened to be a close friend : "Oh Jim is going to be so handsome once he loses all the weight" Great I must really look like shit...thanks At the end of the day I brush it all off because you know what...THIS is all about ME and nothing and no one else matters. I am healthy, strong, mobile and quite happy with this new lease on life. I can recall how embarrassing it was to be that big and even now I get embarrassed when someone asks me how much I've lost. Last time I was at the Barber he asked how much I had lost and I told him 120lbs because I was too embarrassed to say 275....

R.I.P.

Hi Darlene, I have to agree with your husband. Maybe you should talk to the Doctor. If it has been a long period of time since you've had a check up than it would be worth it for the sake of your health, especially band health. Maybe they can do a Fluoroscopy to make sure all is well along with a barium swallow to see how things pass through your band. On the days you have issues what are you eating and how quickly are you eating it? Is there a specific food causing issues? Or can you eat something one day and not be able to eat the same thing the next day? It does not sound to me like you are too tight but my speculation is based on your information. Sounds like maybe you are not chewing enough and eating slow enough at certain times. Stress could also be a factor. If I am stressed my band tends to be a little tighter. Also, I am one of those who are tight in the morning fresh out of bed. Some foods I just cannot tolerate and will not pass through my band. Steak is very tough for me and rice..forget it. I get stuck every time I try and eat rice so I gave it up. Hope you figure it out soon so you can get on track. it is a process but getting stressed will not help your situation....I know easier said then done. Good luck!

Looking fantastic and must be feeling so good!!

Honestly, I wasn't trying to be a wise guy here. It is all pretty much the same stuff being posted. Really not missing much.

You're not missing much in the Vets threads anyway. LOL

I would like to recommend this link to Dr Simpson's explanation of how the band works . I think it will help you immensely! Even two years post op I still revisit the page often. http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Sounds like a combination of gas and maybe port pain from the trauma of surgery. Everyone has different pain tolerance but discomfort for me lasted about 4 days. Sounds like you're doing all the right things. Walking as often as possible is the big one. It will help get the gas out. Hang in there and you'll be past this stage in no time.

Easy folks..lets not beat up the OP. We are not in her shoes and not dealing with the frustration first hand. It is quite clear she is very down on herself at the moment and she is here for our support not to be belittled further. Embarrassment in talking with a Doctor about weight gain is quite common. I've seen loads of posts on this board about it over the years. I myself was a bit embarrassed at one point in my journey because I had not lost any weight in 3 month window. I still went and saw my Doctor and he set my mind at ease and said let us tackle the issue and not focus on the numbers right now. I am happy to see the OP made the appointment. Remember the Doctors and Nutritionists are there for you and they cannot help without clear and concise, honest facts. Best wishes!

No Carbonation since March 2012. Surgeon advised no more as it could cause problems such as stretched or eroded band. I was a severe diet pepsi addict but I don't miss it all now. Way I see it nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

My Wife and I have seen and met John Pinette many times over the years and we were deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was a kind soul and deeply grateful for the support of his fans. Almost every show he would hang out and mingle with people. Such a very unique and talented Comedian and will be greatly missed. This pic is from 2010.

Most people fear change but with the proper approach and proper guidance you could be very successful. With this change there will be new habits to learn and eye opening experiences. I can eat pretty much the same foods as before but in moderation. Instead of sucking down a 1/2 gallon of ice cream on a nightly basis (no joke) I now swing through McDonalds drive thru once maybe twice a week and get a single cone for a dollar and it satisfies me! I used to eat loads of junk food on a nightly basis in front of the TV. Now I have dinner at 6PM and the desire just isn't there like it used to be for the junk food binging. I also find that with this change I am a lot more active and I spend a lot less time in front of the t.v. Whole idea behind WLS is about lifestyle change not just weight loss. If you cannot change your life then the weight loss may come but really how long will it last without the lifestyle change? Others have recommended some counseling, talking to a Nutritionist and most of all open up to the Counselor doing your Psych Evaluation. A lot of people fear the Psych Eval but honestly I found it to be the most helpful. Even now two years post op we still exchange emails from time to time.

I bet no one can guess what mine means

Good Luck to you today. Although you don't really need it as April 16th is a great day for surgery!! Today marks my 2nd anniversary

I have a Protein shake every morning as breakfast. I find my band is a little tight first thing in the morning so it works out perfect. I get my protein in and it's a quick and easy meal on the fly.

Hi Nicholas, Just a couple of thoughts here and it is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. Next time you feel hungry stop and ask yourself is your stomach wanting the food or is it in your mind. Seriously, stop and think about it before eating and have an internal talk with yourself. You should be shooting for 4 to 5 hours in between meals without truly feeling hungry. If you cannot go that long than you may need a fill. Perhaps schedule an appointment with a Nutritionist and if you're not doing it already then start logging your intake and take it with you to that appointment. Seeing it on paper provides a lot more clarity and it also provides the Nutritionist a baseline to work with you on. Knowledge is power living with the band. Keep a journal containing band size and amount of fill so you know what you're working with at all times. Aftercare with the band in my opinion is more of a responsibility of the patient than the doctor. You're living with this thing not the Doctor. If something isn't working for you then do everything you can to figure out why. If you wait for someone to come to you, you will be waiting and waiting. Seek them out for answers and if they cannot provide answers then find someone who can. Lastly, Living with the band does not mean diet. It means adopting a new lifestyle. I can eat almost all the things I ate pre-op just a whole lot less and not as often. Quality foods with reasonable quantities but that's not to say you can't have a slice of pizza just don't eat the whole pie. If you got a few minutes check out this site: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html