Pat Freedman

I am in that same canoe....banded March, 09....lost 46 pounds in pre and post....after first fill, one month after surgery....NOTHING! And, have gained most of that back! Oh well...life.

Not sure how long you've been banded...but, my experience has taught me that even a small SIP during a meal will delete the meal! After the band, you no longer can truly successfully drink with your food. If your surgeon hasn't told you....no liquids 30 mins prior to and no liquids 45-an hour after. With the band, you have a small openeing. You will find that liquid causes your tummy and esophagus to create more liquid. It only has one place to go...UP AND OUT! So, experiment with drinking during meals, but be sure you're close to a rr...for a quick run! I was banded March, 09. Congrats on your weight loss! I don't think you're going to flush food through! I think you're going to flush food OUT!

Hi.... Just viewed your video. Smart woman wanting answers. I had lap band in March, 2009. Immediately dropped 46 pounds, but plateaued after my first fill. At this point, I have gained several of my pounds back....aggravating and annoying. Lap band is nothing more than a TOOL. When they band you, they do surgery on your stomach, not your brain. Your emotional eating is still going to plague you and...consider this...with lap band you don't give up any foods. Yes, you can eat everything after you recover from surgery. However, that's a very crucial thought! All the 'bad' foods go down fairly easy and stay! In all honesty, if I could back track and do over....the Sleeve would be my choice. It's not as radical as bypass, but I think for me, it would have worked far better. You are just in going through the mental hunt prior to doing this. Just remember...quality of life is what your seeking in the future and for now, 100 pounds gone so you can participate in life. I have a friend who did the sleeve...lost her weight has kept it off...no extra effort in exercise or anything. I have a cousin/male...was severe diabetic and many other health issues plagued him. He had bypass and never looked back. No more health issues, runs marathons and loves life! It saved his life...he is 60. My health issues did subside...hypertension, diabetes type II, etc...I strongly urge you to consider the sleeve...it's between the other two...if this important to you...toss all the fear and move forward. We all need to do something 'special' for ourselves! Make yourself special and go for it! You will be glad you did! Pat