James _Perkins15

Here is my story: On New Years Day 2012 I realized my worst fear of hitting 400lbs would soon happen. My weight had ballooned to 369lbs and I really didn't think I could win the battle. So I decided to look into the lap band surgery, and after weighing the pros and cons along with the good and bad reviews I decided it may be my only option at saving my life. On April 1st 2012 I had my first consult with the Weight Loss Surgery Center Springfield Missouri, which lead to my choice to move forward with the surgery. My band surgery was scheduled for May 9th 2012 in Overland Park Kansas. After my liquid diet my preband weight on May 8th was 342lbs, in the month following my surgery I've lost another 30lbs and haven't yet had my first fill. For those of you considering the surgery I'd say its no worse then gallbladder surgery, you'll hurt for 7-10 days following the surgery. Your appetite will diminish right after the operation. I've lost 52lbs of my 192lb goal and still have a lot of hard work ahead, but I believe I will get there much sooner with the band, then I would have without. I'd be the first to say I truly believe this surgery will save my life. James Perkins

I've lost 85 lbs and the dr is worried that something is wrong!I can eat half a cup of food without getting sick and calorie wise he thinks im getting in the danger zone!I should add thats 85 lbs in 3 months.

has really upped my protein.His worry is so few calories will lead to big problems!My wife chases me around protein shakes now. lolThis surgery has saved my life i've been losing a blood pressure med a month the last 2 months.Anorexia nervosa is the term they used with me .Im so scared of failing i get sick from nerves because im so scared of gaining.The problem with losing it fast is you lose vital muscle...I think we have a plan in place to combat this just know more 20lbs weightloss months 8-10 instead.

My family sells fireworks and this season was one of the warmest on record.I quickly learned a 1000 cal diet would not cut it so i raised it to 1500 and felt a ton better.This was done on the advice of my pc!

My family sells fireworks and this season was one of the warmest on record.I quickly learned a 1000 cal diet would not cut it so i raised it to 1500 and felt a ton better.This was done on the advice of my pc!

latest weigh in 296! 73 LBS lost so far!

Do not do this without talking to your dr!Some time release pain meds would cause you to over dose!My dr took me off the extended release and put me on 4 doses daily instead.

I let everybody know.I've several obese friends and family members that haven't been real supportive .My wifes aunt has made snide remarks to everybody that will listen.We found out she was set to have the surgery but changed her mind durning the first day of her pre-op diet.Now, she is planning on gastric bypass..lol You would think others fighting obesity would be the most supportive

Since the surgery i go about every 3 or 4 days...If your still taking pain meds they will back you up also..

The surgeon left 2cc in my band.My surgery was 5/9/12 and i went in on 6/19/12 and we decided against a fill because i was going 6 hrs before getting hungry.like said above track calories..I treat calories like money i'm always looking to get the most bang for my buck.I don't depend on the band to do the job for me,i use it has a tool just like excercise and tracking calories.Give it some time and results will come.

Yes. People who lose a lot of weight rapidly are at greater risk for developing gallstones. Gallstones are one of the most medically important complications of voluntary weight loss. The relationship of dieting to gallstones has only recently received attention. One major study found that women who lost from 9 to 22 pounds (over a 2-year period) were 44 percent more likely to develop gallstones than women who did not lose weight. Women who lost more than 22 pounds were almost twice as likely to develop gallstones. Other studies have shown that 10 to 25 percent of obese people develop gallstones while on a very-low-calorie diet. (Very-low-calorie diets are usually defined as diets containing 800 calories a day or less. The food is often in liquid form and taken for a prolonged period, typically 12 to 16 weeks.) The gallstones that developed in people on very-low-calorie diets were usually silent and did not produce any symptoms. However, about a third of the dieters who developed gallstones did have symptoms, and a proportion of these required gallbladder surgery

I had some left shoulder pain for 7-10 days after the surgery..So it could be..You might try some gas -x.

Congrats...For years i hated the thought of getting on the scale.Now, i cant wait to weigh inn..

I'm still undecided if this surgery would be a good option for somebody with a bmi around 30 or less. It's a major surgery and with that comes risk.The band just like exercise and diet meds is a tool.I'm in the losing phase with my band and i learned real ouick that without some major life style changes getting the band would've been a waste.The band may be just the thing to help you keep it off but other changes may also be needed.Good luck.

Went in for my monthly weigh in. 22.4 lbs lost this month.... The nurse practitioner said that was the largest 30 day loss she has seen.She did chew on me a bit for not getting enough protein....Started at 369 lbs current 306..I wearing a 38 waist for the first time in years.The biggest thing is my blood pressure is down an a decrease in meds is coming.I still have alot of doubters you thought surgery was the wrong choice, but all of my doubts are now gone.I'm now a 100% postive that i will get to my 177 lbs goal.I wont say this surgery is for everybody but for those of us who felt are lives slipping away, it's a life saver!

Thanks!!

Thanks.You probally can tell im pretty excited .

I promise you its well worth the hellish pre-op diet!We are addicts food addicts and you're reprograming your brain.Stuff i use to think was gross, i now eat without giving it a second thought..Your in the first part of a long journey and each part of that journey gets a little easier!

Sometimes, we get to few calories and the body goes into starvation mode.....

Check with your Dr....Mine allowed broth.

I used the waiting period to get a head start on the weight loss.... Practice chewing, i know that sounds stupid but here in a few months, you will understand why!

I live just south of Springfield.The support group is a great idea,i would join!

For me day 5 was the turning point.Your well on your way just becareful with the pain meds.

Protein diet to help shrink your liver..I did a week, others have done 2 weeks, and some none at all.....I would recommend trying different types of protein shakes till you find one you like.

7lbs is awsome.I tell you what 2 days pre-op, i was missing the protein shakes...I lost 150 lbs on the subway diet in 2003.. the diet worked,i lost it in 14 months but the diet never taught me about making the right food choices...I gained 170lbs back and honestly, i gave up on ever taking it back off.This time, i'm not only losing, i'm learning about making the right food choices.