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Thank you! My situation is a bit unique. I have Multiple Sclerosis so I can't do a lot of exercises that most do. When I first started this journey, I walked with a cane and needed a motorized cart just to get around a grocery store. But, I did push myself to walk. First to the end of the block, then down the street, around the corner, etc. Eventually I got further and stopped needing the cane. Now, I walk 2 miles a day easily without any aid. I also plan on getting a bike this spring. So, while I can't do a lot of exercises others do, I do what I can do because it's so important to move.

Welcome and best wishes on your journey!

It's common to have hair loss after any surgery, it's not specifically because of the Lap Band. It's the drugs they give you for the anesthetic that causes it. Taking Biotin both before and after surgery can help minimize it.

Hi Christa and welcome! I personally would highly recommend the Lap Band. Unlike Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve, it doesn't re-route your healthy intestines nor does it hack out 3/4 of your stomach. Plus, with the Lap Band there's no dumping, more malabsorbtion issues, and it's reversible. At your age, I personally wouldn't want do anything so drastic as the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. Heck, I'm almost 20 years older than you and I could justify doing anything that drastic to my body either. I have lost 195 pounds in 14 months and I'm still losing. I absolutely love my band, it's the best decision I've ever made for myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it many years sooner. Educate yourself on the Lap Band. Learn what to expect, what not to expect, and what you'll have to do to succeed. Education will be your best asset when making this decision and facts should weigh more heavily on your decision than any anecdotal evidence you may see here. Best wishes with whatever you decide

You'll have to ask your doctor to see what your specific limits are. I was told no more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks.

Congratulations on your success!!

Awwww you're an amazing lady and it makes me SO happy to see you succeeding so brilliantly!!!!

How much you lose is entirely up to you and how much you're willing to work for it. If you want to lose 100% of your excess weight you definitely can. There's many people on here who have actually lost more than 100% of their original excess weight. As for myself, I've already lost 195 pounds in 14 months. That is 75% of my excess weight and I'm still consistently losing. I have no doubt I'll lose the rest of the weight, too. It's all up to you how much you lose. Best wishes.

I've heard as little as $50 and as high as $400. You'd have to ask your surgeon or surgeons in your area.

Good luck! You'll do great!!

I don't because I haven't had any carbonation since being banded. Nor will I. Ever. It's not worth the risk of a slip for a soda.

If you blend them so there's no chunks whatsoever, so it's completely liquefied then yes you could.

WOW!! I'm glad you're following up with your surgeon.

It sounds like you're too tight. You shouldn't be resorting to slider foods and you shouldn't have such a hard time eating healthy foods. Contrary to popular belief, being too tight can actually drastically slow weight loss or even result in weight gain because of the inability to eat healthy foods. Here's a great article on being too tight: http://www.lapbandta...0#commentsStart

Go by whatever paperwork your doctor gave you to follow, if you didn't get any then call his office and ask. Every doctor is different so we can't answer your question, only your doctor can.

You can TOTALLY do this and you'll be so glad you did. It is far better to be alone than to be lonely with someone else. Quite honestly, being single can be a wonderful and freeing experience, especially after a bad marriage. My divorce was final in November 2012 and I had Lap Band surgery less than 2 months later in January 2012. Fast forward to now, 14 months later, I've lost 195 pounds and have an amazing new boyfriend who loves and supports me on this weight loss journey completely. Best wishes to a wonderful, happy future!

It depends entirely on your surgeon. You'll have to ask him.

Well it's true there is no fill standard but it there couldn't be one. No two patients are the same or need the exact same thing. Due to differences in anatomy, some can take big fills and need lots of Fluid in their band whereas others need very small fills. A good example: My doctor tried to put 3cc in at my first fill and I was literally gurgling up Water. It was way too tight and 1cc immediately had to be taken back out. Fill schedules are relative to the surgeon but most vary between 2-6 weeks. As far as the fill amounts being negotiable, some doctors will but most won't at first. Again to use myself as an example, at the beginning I wasn't given a choice in the amount (but I was fine with that, I trust my doctor completely). Now, if I feel I need fill, I will discuss how much I want with my doctor. Part of that is because I've had my band over a year and he knows I know the rules and won't walk around with a band too tight. I look at it like this- we trust our surgeon to cut us open and put a band around our stomach so we should trust them on what is best for our fills too. Just my experience

Actually, a band too tight often leads weight gain. When your band is too tight, people often resort to slider foods or develop "soft calorie syndrome" leading to weight gain from not eating the right foods. Have a look at this article: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 Plus, reflux is a major red flag sign of a band too tight. You don't need a fill, in fact you still may need some Fluid removed. I would recommend seeing your nutritionist to get back on track by eating the right foods in the right quantities. Best wishes.

Yes, it will slow down. However as far as the sagging skin, that will depend on your age, how long you've been overweight, skin elasticity, and genetics. Some people are super lucky and can lose over 100 pounds with very little excess skin. Others lose the same amount and have a lot of excess skin. Unfortunately, losing weight slower doesn't mean you won't have sagging skin. Best wishes.

Congratulations!!

That is awesome!! You should be very proud!!

I know you're probably sick of hearing this, but it really does get better and soon. Keep in mind you're likely a lot more emotional than usual right now, too. Not only have you been through surgery and are likely Vitamin deprived from the post op diet, but there is something in the anesthesia that can make people very emotional and depressed. When you combine all those factors, it's no wonder so many of us go through the very emotions you're going through right now. Hang in there, it's about to get a lot better for you and very soon!

Good luck tomorrow! I'm sure you'll do great and we'll see you on the other side!