Meekie

I agree with fluffytofabulous. We are all different. I eat popcorn like there's no tomorrow. I love it! It goes down with NO problems. As a matter of fact, I take my teenagers to the movies most Friday's just so I can have popcorn. I will go to the gym before the movie for about 2 hours. i use the eliptical machine and burn between 500-600 calories (about 45-50 minutes), climb the stairs in the gym 5xs, run on the track for 1 mile, do biceps, triceps, shoulders and abs on the machines JUST SO I CAN GO SIT IN THE MOVIES, RELAX, NOT FEEL GUILTY AND EAT A SMALL BAG OF BUTTERED POPCORN! I know I'm a little special but...it is one treat I decided I don't want to live without. I usually can't eat anything else the rest of the evening but it's all worth it TO ME. So, for some, no popcorn. For me, a once a week treat, or every other week, I look forward to having.

I'm a military spouse (though, now retired) and I live in Europe. I've had no problems finding a doctor here. I live near Frankfurt, Germany where I had my surgery. I've only seen the same doctor's staff that did my surgery which was 3 years ago. I still see him now as a retiree. Most military dependents come to Frankfurt from various places in Germany. However, some have had surgery in Mannheim, Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and I'm sure other places I've not heard about. But, while I'm in the waiting room, I ask the Americans where they are from and I've gotten various responses from all around Germany. So, if you are here in Europe, you probably won't have a hard time finding a doctor. I'll have to let some of the other spouse reply to the Stateside options as I've never been Stateside or lived Stateside with my band. Can't wait to go home so my family can see the new me!

I've lost a total of 121 pounds!!!!!

I'm 2 years and 8 months out. I've lost 121 pounds and have had a couple of complications (gastritis). I am willing to 'buddy' up with you if you like. I'm no expert but I know the encouragement and help I needed when I started or hit a plateau. Let me know. Thanks,

I've always found before my 121 pound weight loss and now that constipation makes my breath more foul. I have to be sure my intestines are not full of junk that won't pass.

I didn't tell my family back in the States until they saw me with the weight loss. They were so surprised. By the time they saw me, there was no need to try to give me their opinion because it was already done! They saw the success and were happy for me.

My first advice to you would be to call your doctor stateside. They will probably refer you to a doctor in India as there are many, many people that elect to have surgery in India (cheaper and many of the doctors there were trained Stateside). After reading your post, I simply googled lapband in India and a ton of info came up. You may simply have gastritis as I've had this 2xs with my band. I had to go to liquids. I could only tolerate Jello. The swelling finally went down after about 5 days and I was relieved! It could be major or minor but you need to find out from a medical doctor! I wish you the best.

My insurance would not pay for a sleeve. I only had 2 choices, lapband or gastric bypass. I chose the band because it is reversible.

Hey Carolina Folks, I just wanted to open up a thread where we can update each other on our progress, give a little advice and encouragement and help each other on our journey. Here goes... Banded 08/2008 in Frankfurt, Germany Beginning weight 304 lbs Surgery weight 282 Current weigth 188 Goal weight 150 Beginning size-24w Current size-12 Exercise 3-5 days/week doing cardio and strength and endurance training. Problems- Sweets still get past the band Alright, people, keep it going! I wish everyone much success in finding that place of peace with weight loss.

Hi Mimi, I am actually still overseas. I use Professor Weiner in Frankfurt, Germany. I am from SC and a Carolina Girl at heart!!! Grew up in Abbeville and lived in Columbia for 8 years until marrying the military took me away. I just like to stay informed about bandsters and doctors in SC since we may return, some day! :-)