NewMissB

I am also curious as to what people are using and what works best for them. I'm looking into the fitbit flex wristband, which comes out this spring, or the Nike fuel band...does anyone have the fuel band?

Welcome! It's definitely normal to feel nervous or have anxiety..I know I did! I wanted my band so badly and did whatever it took to get it, and I have absolutely no regrets! That's not to say that before and after surgery I wasn't scared or nervous. I definitely had a few times where I thought, "why did I put myself through this??" Reading these forums and asking questions has undoubtedly helped me! Almost a year later and 118 pounds gone, and I wouldn't trade my band for anything...it's saved my life, and no matter how nervous or scared you get, we've all been through it and are here to help! Good luck!!!

I've definitely experienced my fair share of stuck episodes, pb-ing, and vomiting, especially early on. It's definitely a learning experience, no matter how motivated you are to stick to the diet or follow the rules -- I didn't become overweight from eating healthy and exercising, that's for sure! Lol The reason this time was different, at least for me, is because I've never had a time where it was hard for me to even keep liquids down. I've irritated my pouch before and had to keep off solid foods for a day or two until it calmed down, but Protein shakes and Water were never a problem. I wouldn't quite say I ran to the doctor at the first sign of trouble, but I didn't want to risk there being a serious complication and ignoring it...the band has changed my life, or rather I have changed my life, by getting the band and making it work. I definitely understand what you said about blaming the band, or people saying it didn't work for them. I don't blame the band if I get sick, since its my responsibility to make the right choices about what I put into my body. Having the band is not easy, and we all know that, or learn it the hard way. I'm not sure I needed to be unfilled, but as far as that is concerned, I trust my doctor, and I want to make sure I do everything I can to keep my band and my body in good shape...which is kind of ironic since the only shape I use to be was round, haha. I'm going to continue eating the same way I have been, with portioning out my food, eating small bites, and eating slowly...just because my band is looser does not mean anything has changed...I know that, I just think the idea of backsliding scares me.

Thanks for all the replies--definitely helps to know others are or have been in similar situations. I guess I shouldn't really worry too much, as long as I stick to the rules like I have been all along.

Had a bad stuck episode/pb-ing on Saturday, followed by bad reflux at night, and every night since. I also have had trouble keeping down any solid or mushy foods. liquids go down, but I definitely feel resistance. Worried, I went to my doctors office today and the PA did an unfill, taking out 2 of my 5ccs. The last time I had a fill was in May, so I know I wasn't suddenly overfilled. She suggested that I irritated my pouch/esophagus and that the unfill, followed by two days of liquids only, then soft foods, and finally solids on Sunday. I am also getting an Upper GI swallow test done and coming back in 3 weeks. What's bothering me now is that although I'm feeling immediate relief from the difficulty swallowing I was experiencing before, I'm worried that this much of an unfill will lead to some weight gain over the next three weeks, and it's really causing me anxiety! Anyone have a similar experience? Any advice?

I am always cold, too! My boyfriend complains every time he gets in the car because I always have the heat on, lol

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I will definitely be giving a lot of them a try!

I was wondering if anyone has found a relatively good tasting, high Protein shake? I'm not looking for any fancy flavors, vanilla and chocolate are just fine. I've tried the Premier Protein (30g of protein) chocolate flavor that I got from costco, but they had a very strange texture to them. Also I recently got some vanilla Muscle Milk Light (20g of protein) but someone just told me that they have heavy metals in them, like cadmium and arsenic?!? I have to research this more, cause that's totally unacceptable. Just wondering what you may have tried that works for you guys. Any input is much appreciated!

Banded on 4/5/12, and down 118 pounds in almost one year. Keep up the great work everyone!

I haven't been posting as often as I would like, but I wanted to share my story...so far. I was banded on April 5, 2012 and have since lost 90 pounds. The one thing that has helped me actually see/comprehend the weight loss is to take monthly progress photos. I recommend this for anyone just starting out, since many of us anticipate the physical journey and difficulties, but a lot of people are unprepared for the mental and emotional difficulties of actually "seeing" your weight loss. I sometimes still look in the mirror and see my Pre-op self, and that is why my photos are so important! Thanks for all the support I've gotten on here, especially in the beginning. Keep working hard everyone!! -Brittany The April photos were taken the day prior to my surgery, and the November photos were taken on Nov 5, at 86 pounds down. food Plan (includes allergy listing) 2007.doc

I was banded on April 5 and have to date lost 77 lbs. I have only had one fill (started off with 4ccs put in at surgery) and am now at 5ccs in a 10cc band. I don't exercise as regularly as I should, but am very strict on getting in all my protein and making sure I drink plenty of water. I'm hoping to be down 100 pounds by Christmas, which I think I can manage if I really focus on my exercise. Good luck to you all, and keep up the good work!!

Hi all! I was banded April 5th and am so pleased/ amazed to be able to say that I am officially down 54 pounds! I never would have been able to do it without the help of my lap band, and it truly is a blessing! I hope that you all are finding similar success with your bands. Keep up the good work! -Brittany

They aren't open tomorrow or I'd be calling first thing!! I had a hiatal hernia repaired as well as being charged for "laparoscopic enterolysis" which is removal of previous scar tissue. Both of those procedures were billed at $15,000 a piece, and the lap band was $40,000. This seems awfully expensive and I'm just so scared, cause I'm a college student on my parent's insurance and clearly do not have that kind of money! Thanks for your advice tho!

I had percoset for pain after surgery and I would crush the pill in the bottom of a shot glass and add lemonade crystal light powder and a little water, mix, and just knock it back like a shot! Haha. It wasn't as disgusting that way, plus how hard is it to take a small shot and follow with a sip of water? It was a life saver for me, hope it helps you too!