Lapbandster

I agree with everyone above I chose the lapband because it is adjustable and reversable (if needed). Of course theres a chance that things will go drasticly wrong, but remember, your band can be adjusted if that's the case. If something goes wrong with the sleeve then oh boy, you're in trouble because your stomach will NEVER be the same. I hear that the weight loss with Gastric Bypass and the Sleeve comes off faster, but to me, I don't mind having slow loss and putting in a lot of effort on my part. I just want the safest surgery that will give me my desired results

Yep, thats exactly why I didn't tell. I have always been grateful for that decision Only my immediate family knows and even that makes me feel uncomfortable (I can feel the judgementalism!) But I had no choice...

During months 3-4 post-op I experienced severe hair loss. It was horrible. I was scared to even shower because the clogged drain would scare the $h!t out of me. I took 5000 mcg of Biotin 70+ grams of Protein per day A Multivitamin Zinc lozenges Within a few weeks my hair loss slowed immensely, and now I don't worry about it. The good news is that i've never heard of anyone going bald after having WLS!! So I don't think anyone should freak out (like i did), just wait for it to pass

Interesting topic. Some people claim that the rate (how fast) we lose weight has absolutely no signifigance on if we will have extra skin or not (I think jean McMillan says this) There is a member on this site who lost 100+ lbs and says he has no extra skin, he is in his 60's I believe. He said he thinks its because he was VERY active, drank a LOT and spent a lot of time in the sauna. I am 23, had 100 lbs to lose, lost 46 of it now, and so far I don't really notice any excess skin. Fingers crossed that it will stay this way

I didn't tell anyone and it was the BEST decision i could have made. It's hard to believe just how insensitive people can be, and I really didn't wanna deal with other's judgments while on my personal journey. also, in my opinion, people tend to think that surgery is "the easy way" out. A bandster knows this to be untrue, I go to the gym at least 4x a week, count my calories, limit my portions etc. but everyone else thinks we took the easy road, which i don't like.

Anything with chicken/meat is low carb, so I look on allrecipes.com for grilled chicken recipes, beef recipes, pepper steak recipes etc. Then I go to myfitnesspal.com and go to the recipe calculator and figure out how fattening/carby the dish is. That has been helpful for me

I was feeling fine one day out, and got hungry then. It was soo hard not to eat for a whole week (my doc had me on liquids for a week i think). Everyone told me that because of swelling i'd have no appetite, but unfortunately that wasn't the case and i really struggled.

Very well put Lap band is SO much different than gastric bypass for this reason. It requires much harder work and the results aren't as magical (quick weight loss). This may be why it has a bad rap. My mom had gastric bypass and we watched as the pounds literally melted off her without her doing ANY exercise. For me, with a lap band, I am going to the gym and at least 4x a week and REALLY working (not just strolling on the treadmill while reading a magazine for 20 mins), and my weight loss isn't nearly as fast as hers. I guess some people just simply don't wanna do the work, which is cool, but certainly not for me

Personally I eat about 1100 calories a day but my range is 1000-1300 As the others have said, it varies based on your activity level.

Same here

Yes it can break a plateau, but sometimes, as much as they suck, you just gotta wait it out!

When you're stuck you'll know it!! And in time, you'll be able to know what foods/how much/how fast you can eat without getting stuck it's a learning process. Its an awful feeling but it DOES pass. Sometimes, if i feel wretched to the point that I can't manage anymore, i'll drink a lot and when the water reaches the top of my throat it makes me throw up. I don't recommend this unless your literally in an AWFUL situation

You are most certainly NOT a failure!! The band is made for fills!!! You're doing great!

Ha, actually at first I was taken aback by his humor, now i just laugh and move on Don't be nervous, you're in great hands! Thanks!!! If you have any specific questions feel free to message me!

Great list! Congrats on how far you've come!

I just used him in August... I think I like him, but he had a bit of a "dry" sense of humor that sometimes comes across as callous. He did a great surgery though!

omg thats GREAT!!! So exciting!! you go girl!!!

CONGRATS!!!

I agree with the others Enjoy your new life and body. Get used to living with the band and get comfortable with the foods you can eat. The last thing you'd need is to be PB'ing throughout your pregnancy (gd forbid). You certainly shouldn't ignore your doctor's advice. Just my humble opinion

Yep, the waiting is the hardest part Hope all goes well

This may sound weird, but maybe instead of 3 big meals throughout the day, have 5 small meals. This works for me. I eat every three hours, but not big meals and I always eat between 1000-1200 calories per day, so I'm feeling satisfied without eating a whole lot. Don't give up on your band!! It does takes some time!

I have heard of people chewing on chocolate and then spitting it out so they can get the enjoyment without the calories. Personally I wouldn't do this because I don't have the self control to chew and then spit out (and its kinda gross!) But I guess if you have to, and have the self control, then its alright But as Toddy pointed out, don't make this a habit

Ask about the costs of fills, and how he bills you after surgery Discuss complications Discuss who does the fills (is it him himself? or a nurse practitioner?) Ask about dietary guidelines pre-op and post-op Ask if he had a supportive practice (nutritionist, support groups etc.)

I am always stalling. Sometimes for a week, sometimes for longer It sucks!!! But I just keep thinking about how far i've come, and that gives me encouragement to keep moving forward despite the plateau's