arkansasmom

I researched until I couldn't read any more. Also spoke with a gal who works for my husband who had the sleeve. I think generally speaking they have about the same outcome as far as weight loss goes. The sleeve once you are done that's it. There are certainly less follow ups. I chose the band because I ultimately decided I wanted the control over how quickly I lose, and I can get a fill here in town. It was an all inclusive package so I get all my fill appt.s for the first year at no additional cost. I also liked the fact the band doesn't affect your nutritional intake. I have been banded just over a month, the downside I see is you eat something that doesn't want to go down, up it comes. It's happened twice to me, I'm not sick or anything I just urp it back up. If you have to travel any distance to get a fill, I would highly consider the sleeve. People won't drive to keep the fills up and it's important. Good luck in your decision, whatever your decision will be right for you.

My surgery was 8/26 first fill sept. 13 only 1cc. next one scheduled for 10/11. I'm starving and holding at 18 lbs. down.

Well I am kind of like you. No one at work knows a few people close to me know including my family. Not sure what I will do when I get in your position, if they aren't really overweight and could benefit from lapband, I wouldn't tell them. Just my two cents! Your doing fabulous, keep going, it's for you not the rest of the world.

my surgery was 8/26. The only way I was able to lose any weight the first couple weeks was just to drink protein shakes and have soup. First fill was only 1cc which disappointed me, but I stuck with the drinks a few days afterward and started eating some. Use a salad plate and don't eat any more. The first few fills are going to take a lot of willpower.

Bummer. Do they use different material in Mexico? The further I get into this (I am only 4 weeks now) the more I realize it's a mindset, so I think you can do it! Good luck.

I took phentermine for years, in addition to the energy it keeps you from being too hungry. I would think it wouldn't hurt, but if you just want to take it for the energy, I am not sure it would be a good idea. You may end up not eating at all then get sick.

I got a small fill at 2 weeks 1cc, I am now at 4.5 weeks and feel like I could eat the house. Been doing well, but am hungry. I went for another 'fill this Tuesday' but doc would not fill any more since I had lost 8 lbs in the last two weeks and a total of 17 in the 4 weeks. I tried to explain to him it was because I just wouldn't let myself eat and that I am hungry all the time and don't feel much restriction. It was very frustrating and I'm still frustrated, I have to wait 2 more weeks and if I lose anything he won't fill me. I feel like I need the fill to help stop the hunger otherwise I'm going to slip and head to mickey d's.

Have you had your blood pressure checked? Those were signs I had when my blood pressure was really high. My primary physician just ran a full panel on vitamin levels, etc. since I had the band done, he wants to keep an eye on it. I also have severe Vitamin D deficiency which also caused the symptoms you mentioned. I would go see your regular doctor.

Congratulations! This is a big deal and yes you can do it. What a story, keep it up!

Thanks, I actually did call right after I posted this, I'm lucky that one of his front office people had a lapband done last October, she has lost over 100 lbs and is a great resource. She also said it is possible something is still stuck, but more than likely I'm still not chewing enough and need to really watch what I eat because I may just be doing the same wrong stuff over and over. I have lost 16 lbs. in the 3 weeks since my surgery, but the reflux is horrid. I also remembered that I stopped using my prescription reflux med. because my insurance thinks OTC will work as well. My co pay is $100/month. So, I'm filling it again, hopefully getting back to prescription strength and slow down the chewing will take care of this. Right now I can hardly sit up straight it hurts so much.

I had my first fill of 1 cc last Tuesday. My doc told me fluids 24 hrs and soft food transition to regular food the 2nd 24hr. I was fine Tuesday and most of Wednesday, ate a very small amount of solid food at dinner wednesday night and within minutes felt like I had eaten one of those meals where you stuff yourself to the point of being sick. I couldn't get a good breath because it hurt so much to suck in the air. The pain was in my chest, my shoulder, back and stomach. It's gotten better, I went back to liquids, but if I take a bite of anything I get immediate pain in my shoulder and chest which I presume is acid reflux. I take reflux medicing every day and have for 20 years but it has never been like this. Should I continue to wait it out or check with doctor? I don't want to be a whiner but this sucks and I don't want to live the rest of my life like this. Advice anyone??

I had my first fill this week and have both the above issues, feel like I'm having a heart attack, but have had ekg's so I know it isn't it. Can anyone help us understand this?>

Well, I did an even bigger no no. Went to church potluck last night, did not eat much, but had a small amount of pasta. It got stuck, had air in there, felt like I just had surgery severe pain up in my left shoulder, got the chills and was in lots of pain for about 8 hours. I'm afraid to eat anything today! Still in pain today but mostly just sore. I didn't follow dr. orders after my first fill earlier this week.

Well it sounds like the therapy is a good idea. I think you need to make the commitment to this and go back to the doctor, get your fills and back on track. Don't look back it will just depress you. Don't give up either. I would also see if there is a support group in your area. That would be great for you. Good luck and don't quit.

I think you should do what is working best for you and obviously you have done something right, that's a tremendous amount of weight to lose that quickly. You will start slowing down on the weight loss though. I wouldn't change anything if it were me. Keep up the good work.

I had my surgery August 26th, sounds similar to you. Day of Surgery I was 235, went in to get staples out after 10 days and lost 11 lbs. Went today for my first fill and haven't lost anything else. My fill was only 1cc, I was hoping for a little more as I don't feel like I have any restriction. How much was your first fill? My dr. said 2 weeks he will add more. I was also disappointed that it stopped but after talking with some other people I think we have done pretty well. Good Luck.