lorena st

I picked a weight that I was comfortable at and I liked how I looked. I weighed between 140 and 145 pounds until I was 25 years old, then I packed weight on after that. My doctor thinks I should weigh about 170 pounds, quite a difference of opinion. But both weights fall within normal BMI for my height (5'9"). I still have a long way to go, regardless.

I just thank people, when they say something nice about me. I haven't told anyone about the band, other than my husband and doctors, because I consider this very personal information. If someone approached me, who was severely overweight and wanted to do something about it, I might share this information, but it would depend on the person. I also might feel differently as I get closer to my goal weight, so I might have to respond again to you later, in about 8 months or so.

Jugo Juice (do they have this in the USA?) Tropical protein shakes...once you get to smoothies, these were fabulous! I could manage about 1/2 of a big shake..about 180 calories and they are really good for you. Too bad, I can't have these anymore.

Wow, that must have been discouraging! I find it hard to believe that one evening of excess=5 pounds, but it must be true. Likely a combination weight gain and water retention (due to salt, alcohol?, high carbs, etc). Just get back on the program and all will be okay. Learn from this and add it to the list of things to avoid in the future. Part of this journey is figuring out how you gained so much weight in the past (and you just got a clue on the weekend). Good luck and carry on.

I haven't told anyone, but my husband and doctors. Everyone else just thinks that I am on a diet, and I like it that way (PS...no one has asked either). If you have to tell your boss the truth, let him know that this is confidential information and not to be passed on to anyone (wife included). I would feel very violated if the wife of my boss, went and discussed any personal details of my life with anyone...and your boss needs to know that. If you must make up something about surgery, hernia, womans issues even dental surgery are likely not to get much discussion, should the word get out. On another note, good luck with your surgery!

How you feel is totally normal. The first couple of weeks are all about healing. With each passing day, you should start to feel a little bit better. You have lost 22 pounds and that is amazing. Try to focus on that and not what you look like in a mirror. It took me about a month to feel completely normal again and the weight is coming off (I don't mind the mirror now, as much as I used to). Drink a little, walk a little, take your pain meds when required and get lots of rest...and you too, will feel better. Good luck and keep us posted. PS..Bread and Peanut Butter are two things that I have to avoid or I get stuck, but toast is okay. I can eat pretty much anything else, just not large amounts of it.

I've flown several times, airports in Canada, USA, Central America and England, since being banded and haven't had any issues.

Sorry, I haven't replied to you. I only have the numbers for the SWLC in Ontario, but you can call Dr. Mitchells office in Calgary (Dr. Philip Mitchell) if you would like to talk directly. If your BMI is around 35, you are considered obese (anything over 30 hits that criteria), so I would think you are a candidate for surgery...but, again, provincial guidelines rule, unless you pay for surgery yourself. You sound pretty motivated about this surgery and that is half the battle. So give Dr. Mitchell a call and see if he will see you in Vancouver (he is out there a few times a month to do surgery). Let me know how it goes and good luck!

I was sick and tired of how I looked and felt about myself. I look and feel much better now...but I still have a long way to go.

Financially...the surgery cost me about $17,000 CAN plus about $1000 in travelling expenses and about 2 weeks off work. Physically...My blood pressure is now normal (and I won't be needing any meds), my cholesterol is normal (I have been taken off those meds, saving about $100 per month) and I have no risk of diabetes anymore. My knees don't hurt and I am not as tired anymore. I have a lot more energy and walk everywhere. My doctor visits are very pleasant, no more lectures about losing weight and she is very proud of my accomplishments to date. Value...priceless!

Good luck! And congratulations on your pre-surgery weight loss.

Since 95% of people on diets fail to reach goal weight and maintain that loss, what would you suggest we do?

Interesting topic...I find it amazing that in this society you can ridicule, abuse, humilate and discriminate against obese people. And obese people are the only obvious group in society that this is considered socially acceptable behavior. But when obese people try to lose weight (by whatever means), apparently it is acceptable to ridicule, abuse and humilate them for doing that too. Does this ever end? This is so junior high school!

Thanks for the post...I've been banded for almost 4 months now. Other than the first week after surgery, it has been a positive experience. I'm steadily losing weight and the band has helped me stay on course for 4 months! However, this is not everyones experience and the problems that you read about are normal for the lapband. I'm glad this site is here, so that people can come and get some answers or opinions about their issues. I try to offer my opinions, where I feel I can help.

Actually, worry is a good thing. It means you are thinking about this and asking questions. You have come to the right place to get answers about the lapband...so ask away! Your BMI is 50, your health is in jeopardy and you have a family history of obesity related death...so you need to something about your weight. I wish I could say there is a diet out there that works and keeps working (I can't, tried most of them, lost weight and gained it all back) or a pill that kills your appetite (those are illegal) or anything else that would work without having to go the surgical route. The lapband does work, and I think a lot of the complaints you see are about slow weight loss (which is normal) or no weight loss (not normal, but likely due to not following doctors and dieticians advice). All I can say is that if you are prepared to make the lifestyle changes required then the lapband will work for you. Surgery has it's risks and you need to understand what they are and work with your doctor to minimize the risks. After surgery, living with the lapband is not that difficult. I eat pretty much everything I did before surgery, just much smaller amounts of food and I eat more slowly (I am the last to leave the table now). I have been banded for almost 4 months now, and other than the first week after surgery, I have not regretted my decision. Good luck and keep asking questions!

You are doing great! Weight loss varies so much from person to person. Variables such as age, sex, physical activity levels, daily calories, individual metabolism rates, medical issues, etc. have a huge effect on the rate of weight loss. It is impossible to compare yourself to anyone else without taking all of those variables and more into account...so stop comparing yourself to anyone else. This is your journey and we are here to cheer you along (not depress you!). By the way, 1 to 2 pounds per week is fantastic and I think your doctor would approve!

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. The first week is the worst and then it starts to get better. I had to sleep almost sitting up (lots of pillows), with a heating pad and I took pain killers and gasex almost every 3 hours for the first 4 days after surgery. After day 4, I cut back on the pain killers and took gasex strips when needed. It took me almost a month to feel completely normal again...but each day, does get better and better. Get lots of rest and let yourself heal...you'll feel better soon.

I would unfriend this person or at a minimum block them. With friends like that, you don't need enemies! This is a difficult process without comments like that (She really said that you make her sick and you should get off your azz...Wow!). I wonder what she thinks of people who get pacemakers or insulin meters, or hip replacements, or any other sort of medical implant...are they taking some sort of easy way out? Does she think you should stay fat or follow her approved weight loss plan, before she will grant her seal of approval? Double wow!

I had my surgery done at the SWLC clinic last October by Dr. Mitchell. I've got to say, it was a very good experience. I assume you can have this done in Vancouver, if you are willing to pay for the procedure,. If you are going throught government healthcare, then you will likely be restricted by the regulations in place in that province. I paid for the surgery ($17,000.00 CAN), but it was worth every penny. So, you may have to decide if it is worth it to pay for the procedure or go to another province for the surgery. PS...Dr. Mitchell is great.

Sorry, can't help you. I have the dreaded menopause going on...so i am hot then cold all the time and I assume that this has nothing to do with losing weight. I find that the warmer the weather, the less hot flashes (or whatever they are called). If it helps, it's driving me nuts too!

I would follow your doctor's orders, before and after surgery. You will be giving yourself the best chance of success with no complications. I'm not saying I didn't cheat at all, but I waited until I was on solid food again (3 weeks post surgery) before I experimented with various types of foods and portion sizes. This surgical procedure is risky and it costs a lot of money, so the last thing I wanted was for it to fail, because I couldn't follow the pre-op and post-op guidelines. Try to stick with the diet and remember this is hardly your last meal!

I'm sort of surprised that you wanted solid food the first week after surgery. I felt so horrible at that time, that even water was difficult. What you are likely experiencing is "head hunger". Are you an emotional eater? When you feel bad, do you eat to feel better? Talk to your doctor and be honest about what is going on, but eventually you will have to work with the band and let it help you lose weight. That "head hunger" does diminish with time, but you have to follow the doctors orders and give it time. It took me a couple of months to start to recognize the difference between "head hunger" (eating to feel better but not really hungry) and "real hunger" (eating for nutrition, grumbling stomach, etc). I hope this isn't too rambling/confusing and good luck with your journey.

I can pretty much eat anything...but peanut butter and bread. My only sliming episodes were caused by this combination, so I avoid at all costs!

I had similar issues...I used to consume large volumes of food...that is why I am fat! With the band, I can no longer eat those volumes and the weight comes off. I also have to chew things very thoroughly. Slow down when you eat, cut things into small pieces and chew, chew , chew. When you feel the warning signals of fullness (hiccup, deep breathing, tightness, etc), just stop eating. Sounds easy, but it isn't. It becomes a habit with practice. This isn't a race and you have made great progress so far. Teaching yourself how to approach food differently and listening to your body is a difficult process and takes time.