PrettyThick1

Furthermore - you're not very bright to try something a third time if you almost died twice before. Didn't your mommy tell you never to be a follower? Why on earth would you allow complete strangers to "talk you into" doing something you know is bad for you? There's a ton of guys in the third and fifth wards of Houston that would love to sell you some of their lovely pharmaceuticals if you're that easilly pursuaded. Gee whiz. Get a grip. I think you need another psych eval before you do ANYTHING else.

You don't need a deactivation button, just don't login to the site. Problem solved! I truly don't believe your story though.

You're kidding, right? Your post is completely off the mark. Do you even have the band?

One of my coworkers has had it for 11 years with one complication - a port replacement. She looks AMAZING! 250lbs. lost and now she's a living barbie doll, you'd never know she once had a weight problem. Meanwhile...I have 3 friends who have the sleeve, 2 had complications almost immediately. One was life-threatening and she was hospitalized for well over a month. When she returned to work she looked like a cancer patient with a flat tire around her waist. Not a pretty picture. She looks great now, but she says she wishes she had gone with the band first. Try the least invasive procedure first!

First, I love my band - it's one of the best things I've done for myself! I know enough about it that I will need a few more fills to get to the Green Zone, but I can deal with the slight hunger I'm experiencing in the meantime. What I'm overjoyed about is the variety of foods I can enjoy...and I do mean enjoy! Today I had 8 grilled shrimp and a salad for lunch - man was that tasty! Being on liquids for a long time has given me a new appreciation for food, I don't have any cravings anymore and that allows me to make better food choices. I'd also like to add that my mother was nearly in tears seeing how much I've lost already and when she saw I could eat the dinner she cooked, she wanted to scream - LOL. Baked chicken (dark meat, skinless), fresh collard greens from her garden - POWER PACKED!, fresh corn on the cob and a few black eyed peasfrom the farmer's market. Yum - my! I know that I may not be able to enjoy these foods after more fills, but for the time being, I am happy at the variety I have in my diet - all while staying under 1,200 cals a day - YEAH! I'm still learning a lot, but I am overjoyed that I am not nearly as restricted as I thought I'd be.

I asked about plication but my surgeon does not do the procedure, it's too new.

I am almost a month out and I'm a mother and have 1 daughter, I'm single but work full time as a Training Coordinator for a major oil and gas company in Houston, TX.

Wow! You only have 1cc...I don't think there's anything you can't tolerate with that. I was banded with 3cc's and had 1cc added last week. I feel no restriction, I really wish I did but I know that will come with more fills. You are doing great, keep up the good work!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!! Congratulations on your success and all that the band has done for you and your S/O, we are delighted for you!!! Keep up the good work, I love stories like this.

I'm sorry you lack the support of those closest to you, but I think that is the reason this forum was created. We are our own community of supporters for those who don't have it otherwise. Although we can't reach out and touch you, please know that we are rooting for your success. Find a support group in your area and attend meetings just so you have that person-to-person contact with people that have the same goal as you and likely the same issue of not having the support of their loved ones. I am fortunate in that many people who know me said that "you don't need that surgery" but they still support me and are proud of my progress. Still others became very curious about having the procedure done themselves. Once they see how well you are doing they will sing a different tune. Regardless, this is your life, this is your health and you only get one go-around so you owe it to yourself to do whatever is in your power to ensure the best quality of life that you can. The band is by far the best thing I've done for myself next to earning my degree and becoming a mother. You are not alone...you have the entire LBT community behind you, use us!

I wasn't aware that I had 3cc's put in my band during surgery, but I am convinced that is the reason I started losing right away. I'm glad you're starting to see results...it's going to start melting away quickly now!

I'm 3 weeks and 1 day post-surgery, I had my first fill yesterday - I didn't know I got 3cc's during surgery and 1cc was added yesterday for a total of 4cc's in a 10cc band. I'm melting, for lack of a better word - averaging 1.5 lb loss a day. I'm getting in as much as I can, I manage at least 800 cals (should be 1,200), my hair isn't shedding, I'm not weak...in fact I feel stronger than I have in quite some time, I don't really exercise but I walk and take the stairs a lot at work. My coworkers are concerned that I am dropping the pounds too quickly but at my appointment yesterday my nurse said that I'm 9 weeks ahead of my goal, but she didn't seem concerned. Is this okay and has anyone else had this experience? Please say yes, because I'm happy with such rapid results.

Your preop period is so long...this will likely not be your last time caving in. Many people don't have a preop diet at all - mine was 2 weeks and I have to be honest, I didn't get serious about it until the second week. So don't beat yourself up about it, you haven't done anything that will prevent your surgery...just don't over do it and try to stay as fat-free, sugar-free and low-carb whenever you do cheat. You'll be fine.

I go for my first fill today and realize my doctor was spot-on with the timing - 3 weeks from my surgery date. Today is the first time my breakfast hasn't lasted 4-5 hours; it's only been 3 hours and now I'm hungry. One quick question: is it a good idea to be full when you get the fill? I'm starving and know I'm not going to make it until my appointment time.

Don't beat yourself up about it. Just approach it as if you were just starting out - read as much as you can and try to get motivated again. Make a goal for yourself - I'm going to lose 20lbs by ________ then I'm going to _________. When you reach that, set another 20lb goal for something else special. You can do this! Keep us posted, we are your Booster Club and we have faith in you!

I think we all felt that way. It gets better, hang in there.

All of your symptoms are normal, you'll be sore tomorrow...trust me. Welcome to the banded life, it's great here!

Heck no! You'll have an answer in a week or less. You'll find out faster if you call the insurance company yourself after a few days, don't wait for your doctor's office to call you - most of the time they don't know until they get the letter in the mail.

How on earth is the scale not being friendly to you? Looks like you're doing great to me!!! You should be extremely proud of your progress!!!!

What a great idea Jim! I'm going to do that today.

I did in my first week, but not since then.

I have my first fill tomorrow and just wondered what I should expect? Will I need to take the rest of the day off of work? Will it hurt? Any advice, please!!! Thanks, GG

I've slimed only once, but it's not pleasant. Eat the wrong thing and it will not go down, it's like vomiting but not as intense and it's full of "thick spit" - so it's the food you ate mixed with lots of spit and it's slimy.

I would start tomorrow, rather than today. One day will not make a difference, I cheated on my preop and did fine.