Draven

Excellent story. thank you so much for sharing and for the inspiration.

I've had that. I think sometimes its just that the body decides it wants more that day. I try not to fight it, but I just don't want to make that a habit again. I figure the body knows something I don't. Lol.

Excellent article. Thank you very much for posting.

I'd like to chime in a bit as well. I am mature enough to know that not every statement i receive on here is going to be all fluff and sugar coated. And it has been the honest answers that have truly helped me the most. When people were honest and told me the truth flat out, those were the times i was able to come to terms with my decisions and the mistakes that I was making. Both good and bad. Bayou, you have always given me straight forward answers and honest answers, and for that I am gratefull. Seriously, all the good lucks in the world aren't going to give me the support and help I need to win any battle against obesity. And quite frankly I wish I found this site before I made the decisions I did regarding WLS. I did a world of research too. And found that when it came to me and my WLS and all I knew, I was still wrong with alot of what I thought. And if i were fortunate enough to get some real answers from some real people I would have made some different decisions. Bayou, I have always appreciated your honesty in your posts, and I truly hope that doesnt change. I thank you for the help you have given in your posts.

Hi . First, call your doctor and ask if you got approval or not. I know I had to diet before surgery, as did most. Remember, they are there for you. Call and talk to them. They should also tell you about how to prepare post surgery too.

Metsmamma, that's awesome. They were fantastic at the hospital. Very sweet staff. You will do great. Any questions and I'd be happy to help. Best of luck!!!!!

He's great. I love his staff.

I had my surgery by Alan Geiss in Syosset. I work in lower Manhattan so most of my days are spent on the road.

Hi all. Just wanted to wish you all luck. I'm on the island too. Massapequa.

I'd play it safe and wait a few weeks. Let every thing heal. I think it would depend on where the safety straps would sit. If they were close to port or not. But you are still recovering from a pretty decent surgery, so I wouldn't push it.

Hey buddy. One- you are not lost. You are surrounded by friends here that support you. Two- (and i'm sure alot of people will agree) Some of the best things in life are achieved with no support from others. You need to make this decision for you. Not for your friends or family. For you. We've talked before, and you are a great guy! You can do this- if YOU decide to, not your friends. Best of luck buddy!!!!

I wish you the best of luck. From what i've read, you seriously need consult with a new doctor. This clown seems not only unprofessional, but down right rude.Good luck in all you do.

Hi dream, best of luck. i chose band for same reason. I liked that is was reversible in case of complications. I didnt like the idea of cutting away anything. You will do great. And if you have any questions or concerns we are here for you.

Thats great. Best of luck. If you ever need anything we are here for you.

Best of luck to both of you. If you guys need any support or encouragement, we are here for you!!!!!

Melissa, Best of luck. You can do this!!!! And remember, if you ever need support we are here for you!!!!

Hi everyone. So here's my question to everyone here. I was banded feb of 2012. I've had a few fills. And have lost about 60 lbs. but one thing I've noticed is i have never felt full. I know that sounds odd, and I think it does as well. When I was banded with plication I always figured that I'd sit, eat a few bites, and feel full. I asked my doctor and was told- the lap band doesn't work that way. She said- it will help you by keeping you satisfied between meals. That you'd feel fuller longer on less food. So I watch what I eat. Have some bad days. And usually feel satisfied from meal to meal. Since I've been on this site I've met some great people. And have gotten great feedback. So I'm asking- how much can you eat if you honestly wanted to? Some people have said they can only eat a cup of food a day. I know I can eat more. I limit myself to 1000 calories a day. But know I could and have surpassed that. What does everyone think? Thanks all.

Hi JaxJen. I just wanted to wish you luck. And to say that I find you and your story inspiring. I love that your doctor explained what went wrong. And I totally admire your positive attitude and outlook. Best of luck!!!!!

Paula, we may never know!!! Ugh.

I am no expert, but I would think consuming something in between would be better. My goal is to keep my daily calories around1000, but to try to get something in me every 4 to 5 hours as well. It doesnt always work.

Nine, I'm very curious to see if you do have any insurance problems. My band is working, but I'd like to have the option , to know I could change if I ever needed to. Thanks.

Hello donna. First of all let me start by telling you this- You are a brave and wonderful woman. I have absolutely nothing but the utmost respect for you. Your opening up like this takes courage and guts that most people on the planet do not possess. DO NOT EVER DOUBT THAT YOU ARE A BRAVE AND AMAZING PERSON!!!!! Life is exactly that. Life. It has its ups, and its downs. And right now you are in a down. God I want to just go give you a big hug right now. What you are going through is so hard. And you have more courage than most people I know. And for sake of honesty I will share my story. I used to be a very happy person. But much like you I had things happen that totally put me in a not so great place. My wife came to me asking for me to help her parents by taking them in. Financially they were having issues. I fought it and fought it until I finally wore down and caved. So now I take in her parents, and it just starts going bad. They complain about everything. They fight me about everything. Its a disaster. I tried to explain to my wife the problems that would come with it but she didnt want to see it. Her sister soon starts having problems in her marriage. We come to find out that she has been stepping out on her husband. Not having affairs mind you, but going on line and setting up meeting spots with strangers. Husband found out and ofcourse it didnt end well. ( I want it known that I in no way judge her for any choices she made. She is her own person and has to answer to no one other than herself). So now they seperate. And where does she go to? Her family of course. So now I have her move in. Its an ugly seperation. But unfortunately it didnt last long. Two months into it she called me and said he didnt go to work or show up for his visit with his daughter. And I knew instantly. I told her to stay home, and i went to his house. I found his body that afternoon. So now I have my sister in law and her beautiful daughter living with me as well. ( not to mention her dog and three cats that did not yet take to my dog and two cats or my mother in laws dog. Yep, Its a zoo) One week to the day my father in law passed. I felt horrible for my son. At the age of 10 he lost his favorite uncle and his POP POP. The grandfather. I will never forget the words coming out of his mouth. " Dad, why is everyone I know dying?" it was heart breaking. And having to discuss and explain suicide to a 10 year old is truly one of the hardest moments of my life. Now top this off with my mother. She has been sick for a few years with a mental illness. Which ended with her being committed after a few failed suicide attempts. My life really is a soap opera. So I started failing on my diet as well. Stopped going to the doctor. Stopped watching what i was eating. And started to gain back weight. I was a miserable person. My marriage was taking hits left and right. And i realized I wasnt even living anymore. Just existing. I didnt want to go home. There were nights I'd just sit in my car, numb. I felt lost. And really just, well lost is a good way to describe it. I was not suicidal. I just wasnt really living. I decided one day that I really needed to get my life together. I heard something that really struck me. CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS AND THE THINGS YOU LOOK AT CHANGE. I'm not sure why it struck me so hard, but it did. And I realized that it was only me holding myself back. That only I was responsible for myself. And that if I didnt fix my life nobody else would. And it is at that moment I started to live. I went back on my diet. I started to see and find joy in things. I felt better and started smiling more. Things at home havent really changed much. Some nights its good, and some nights its bad. The way I see it if the better nights out number the worse, you're doing ok. I started to feel happy again. I made a few new friends. And one in particular really impacted me. This person opened my eyes to just how happy life could be. How special life is, and how to live again. How to be accountable. How not to judge. How there are people out there that care about others and not just themselves. I will always be indebted to that person for helping me in a time of need. Donna, you are not alone in this. I know you feel lost. But you must remember that you are not alone. There is a strong support staff here. Wonderful people that will always be there and support you. You MUST talk to your doctor about all of this. About everything. They are only there to help you. I also can not stress this enough. You need to see a doctor about your stress issues. Your personal problems. I have had to deal with five suicides in the last 2 years, as well as some failed attempts. Depression is a very real and very dangerous thing. I implore you to seek some professional help. Your eating issues are purely a mental coping mechanism. Please seek some help. It is a dangerous area to go into without the help of true trained professionals. I am not one. I am a police officer who has just seen this one too many times. I plead with you. Talk to your doctor. Donna, thank you for having the courage to post your message. You will not be judged by us. EVER. And you are not alone. You can do this!!!!!!