5.0junkie

My sentiment exactly. I agree with you 100%. Decide what is best for you based on research and what you can spend the rest of your life with. Hell I did more research on getting WLS than I did my spouse and I have both of them for life......wishing I had done a little more research on one of those subjects at times! The doc I spoke with used staples and I was out. Dissolvable was not an option for him or the others in my area. I really didn't have any issues with the removing of the section of the stomach. I just in the end felt most comfortable living with the band and its required maintenance for life. I can't honestly say that it was a decision based on science or proven fact, it was just where my heart led me.

I only do a day of shocking either being below 1000 or above 1000. I don't follow any routine and I think that's the most important part. Keep your body guessing, never let it know what's next. As far as Chocolate cravings go, it's time to get over that!!! There are tons of options out there to satisfy instead of candy type chocolate. Bad carbs invite more bad carbs and that's one thing that causes cravings. Maybe find a chocolate protein bar you like or drink almond milk that's chocolate flavored. There are just so many more options. I actually eat a product from Isagenix that's chocolate with green tea infused and some other healthy items. It's great for me to feel like I'm not doing without. You just need to find one that you like and what helps you the most. Remember, it's a new life you are living and this is a process. Take your time, test, adjust and try. You should be amazed at the results

As you should be HaHaHaHa

I do have a question though and forgive my ignorance but, once you meet your goals with a sleeve, how do you stop losing? I've got a couple of people I know that are sleeved and they lost so much weight so quickly that they just look ill. They can't stop losing and have surpassed their goals. I'm just curious how to control the sleeve or bypass from a maintenance stand point.

Butter Ill give you my answer. I think the whole debate between all the surgeries is one that should be in our own hearts and not on a public forum as to which is better or why to choose one over another. I will say this though, I couldn't stand the thought of living with staples in me my whole life and knowing that the sleeve or bypass was forever. I liked the fact that the band was removable. Unlike many, I do understand the difference between removable and reversible. The band can leave scar tissue and many other things behind once its removed. I just felt more comfortable knowing I had options should I ever have any problems with the band and need it removed. I just didn't feel there were any options with the other surgeries. I may be totally wrong in that but its just what I believe. I had many try to sell me on everything but the band but its where I felt the most comfortable and I don't mind that the band is a chore to maintain. I felt that would keep me motivated in my head as time went on.

Debbie two things, first, you should be measuring also, not just weighing. Just cause you don't show a loss in weight doesn't mean you aren't losing inches. Two, sounds like its time to do some shock therapy. Try and vary your calorie intake for a few days anywhere from 600 to 1500. See if that helps. When you eat the same amount daily your body will get complacent and your metabolism will slow way down. Keep steady at shocking your system randomly and you just may be surprised.

Lol you didn't have to but thanks for sharing. Let me know when you find the others.....they're out there

Just show him the new found you can rock his world!!!! That should take care of the jealousy issue

It doesn't make any sense but they say since its an elective surgery they have the choice to pay or not to pay. I can't afford it on my own and I definitely can't go to Mexico. Her BMI was borderline when we both tried out and out doc suggested I go first. It sucks because she is jealous of my loss now and I feel like I'm doing something wrong every time she asks me how much I've lost. We are working through it though.

I'm gonna jump in and say thanks Butter for saying we are ALL messed up. Im glad you noticed! The only thing that makes us different was our choice of surgery but I think we all have the same issues. I am curious though who you think the one LapBander is that's crazy as hell???? Are you sure it's just one?!?!?

Sorry to hear the bad news.... Being denied of any WLS can be tough. No one likes rejection. It's always nice to have a partner to go through these sorts of things together. Hopefully your appeal will work and he will be sleeved and can join in on the post op side. My wife and I tried to get her WLS and insurance said they would not pay for two in one year and they would have to review to even do them in consecutive years. She was bummed and but we are working doing everything we can to get her closer to being on the post side. Keep up the good fight and good luck to you

By the way, LifeLiver, I think your story is incredible and I'm so glad you're alive to tell it and that I was able to read it. As a banded person, should I ever have complications such as yours, I will know signs to look for and will be able to remember your story if I get into a position that I need to consider a revision surgery. Thank you for posting you story.

When the claws come out that come out for blood don't they ladies. Pretty amazing the "support" found here. I have reread everything again and do not feel any one was on here promoting the band or hijacking a sleeve thread. LifeLiver made one comment that made me feel the need to post and I'm sure the other banded people as well. Review it if you like but she said and I quote "I need to make sure that the public is aware of its complications." That's all well and good but can you sleevers honestly tell me that had any of us posted a comment about sleeve in a fashion such as that quote that you would not have some sort of response???? I read no disrespect anywhere in any of these. I simply read general discussion about the thread that LifeLiver had started. Her story, while tragic, was posted for people to read and comment on. I know that everyone is struggling with the sites merger but where has the general principle gone? We all have something in common. We were or are all fat asses and joined a forum for knowledge and support. Where's the love? Where's the support? Everyone seems so quick to judge and ridicule someone's post. Can we not look past surgery types and just be supportive? Regardless of how you get there, everyone has the same goal. Bashing and childish bullshit it's not what I signed up for and honestly I expect more from the people I turn to everyday to find support in. I don't care what surgery you had, we can all help each other.

Nothing to worry or stress about Nug. You will be fine and do great. Relax and enjoy the ride

"Last Supper" hell I had a last two weeks and a bucket list..... Had I known then what I know now I would have understood that there was no need for a last supper!!!

I still wasnt even planning on getting a fill but I wanted to have a little more restriction for the holidays. I guess according to my doc, I'm one of the rare ones that can go without fills and do great. Since I was losing with no fill he's wanting to try and speed up my process even more. Hope it works!!! It's weird how many people are already asking what I'm doing or telling me I look thinner. Pretty good feeling. It's amazing how much more energy and such I have as well. So far so good.

Since the topic of bad bands has come up, it should also be noted that great strides have been made in today's bands versus the early ones. Most of the horror stories that are heard come from the early banders, those being pre 2007 or so. The other bad thing is most people that are successful with the band don't stick around the forum for support or to mentor so we don't get to hear about the thousands of success stories. I don't mean to hijack your thread about band talk. Just feel it should be known that bands are different then they were.

Checking in ladies.... Down 35 since surgery and had my first fill on Monday. Doc decided to be aggressive and gave me 4cc. What a difference a fill can make. Didn't have any soreness from the fill and I can definitely tell things go down slower. Pretty good feeling knowing that things are working as they should.

It's been about 7 weeks since surgery and I'm down 35 pounds. Lets just say, WOW, it's amazing the benefits that come from losing 35.

Wow.... Pretty insightful read

Hey Double J it seems I remember seeing a pic of your Jeep on here a couple of weeks ago. I'm currently working on a 64 Gladiator. Good to see a fellow Jeepster on the board. Good luck in your post op ventures.

I think this is a great thread. Can love be found on LBT?? We all know friendships. mentors and support can be. Lets just hope the men have the same courage to post as Essence

Ya I have a problem. You haven't rubbed me at all and I could use it. My shoulders are killing me!!!!

One month today!!! Hard to believe. Feels like its been forever ago

If that is true Amanda I say this to you, there has been several scamming post made here lately along with several scamming private messages. Due to this, your timing of asking people on here to do something way out of the norm was completely terrible for you. This is a very tight group of members but they are overly welcome of newbies. Just as they took your post with hesitation, you took their post as negative and rude. It basically boils down to lack of communication and background. I'm sorry you feel offended or ran off but that is never anyone's intent. Everyone tries to protect the interest of everybody involved here and truly wants what is best for our fellow members. If you feel you were cheated, present your case again. Present it in its entirety instead of cliff notes. You said the story was too long to tell. When it comes to this site, no story is too long. You just have to be prepared for honest opinions and feelings because that is the basis of this site.