Chickie

Cardio. The only thing that is going to take inches off is cardio. And sadly, there is no way to "spot train" to take inches off in one place only.

Where do these numbers come from Grace? There is no correct unfill for anyone who is at goal, and still losing. To give a definitive number ("between .2 and .5") is a bit misleading. Everyone is different, and every band is different.

Define "normal" because 3 years ago, what was normal to me then got me close to 300lbs. After 18 months at goal weight, I am totally unfilled, and eat the same types of food as when I was losing, but just a little more of them. If that is the definition of normal, then, yes, I do eat normally.

Hi Michelle, have you joined the BrisBanders group? They might have some insight... I was banded almost 3 years ago, and my total out of pocket (after Medicare + private cover) was like $1800... But I am sure things have gone up since then.

There is no reason for rebound weight gain if you have changed your lifestyle. In my 18+ months at goal weight, I have never gained more than normal monthly Water weight (a whopping 2 lbs most months that is gone within a couple of days) With a good lifestyle change, staying at goal weight without a rebound is realistic.

I am more than happy with the results. But a lot of that was personal effort too. The band didn't do everything for me, it just enabled me to take control. Yes. I would do it again. Tricky question. I would always go with the band as my first choice. BUT, If I was to lose my band for whatever reason, and couldn't be re banded, I think at this point, I would go with a sleeve. No. It was some of the best money ever spent. Absolutely.

Hiya ladies, how are we both? I had to give myself a "time out". Little stupid things were pissing me off, and it shouldn't be that way.

Congrats Paula!

It is realistic to be a normal weight. Yes, it does take work (if you call eating healthy and taking the recommended amount of daily exercise work) but it is worth doing. And I don't actually know anyone who is a healthy weight who doesn't exercise daily, eat well, and take care of their health. I set my goal weight, and my Dr agreed that for a woman of my height, it was a good weight. I have maintained 107 (a BMI of 19) for over 18 months now with no "rebound" weight gain at all.

I always had a strong sex drive. No real issues there, but DH tells me I appear to be far more confident now than I ever was (in bed that is) Sex sure is a lot more fun at 107lbs than it was at 297, thats for sure...

Take it to HR. It is harassment. They should do something if she is making your work place uncomfortable. Failing that, the only thing you can do is ignore the self righteous bitch.

You know what I hate? When people post just to say "Hi" Hi!

Eh. I know in my heart and soul that I didn't "cheat". I am not sure that I care what anyone else thinks.

My fund covered the hospital stay and a huge chunk of the gap fee (when you go through your GP and get a referral, and it is medically necessary the procedure gets an item number)

I had a total unfill because I couldn't stop losing. I have now maintained with an empty band for 19 months now. But that's just me. Most people need to maintain their fill level to maintain their weight.

I run daily (both outside, and at home on the treadmill) for anywhere up to 90 minutes.

Congratulations Boo! You have done so well!!

It depends on when, where and if kids are welcome.

For the first year I went in monthly, second year I went in every 3 to 6 months, and now that I am going into my third year, I imagine I will only see him every six months or if there is a problem. I think the idea is to offer support if needed, and just to keep an eye on how you are doing.

I have no idea what that might be... I did ok without it. Did your post op info come from Margret Reidy? Or does Dr Copp have you going to someone else?

A big hello to all the new Aussies!

I wasn't saying NOT to. I was just saying that it is highly unlikely to work.

It does make a huge difference. That along with genetics, duration of obesity, distribution of the fat (a majority of the weight was in one area type thing) the general condition of the skin, and smoking. While staying hydrated is great for the body, it does little for the skin. No exercise, lotion or supplement known to man or woman can prevent, or fix excess skin. If you are going to end up with excess skin, you will end up with excess skin. Full stop. Nothing is going to prevent it, nothing is going to fix it.

I have maintained 107 (ish) lbs for close to 18 months now.

Mine is to the right, about an inch or so above my belly button. I can't see it, I can feel it without any trouble though.