Michee

Lap band was a big decision for me. It took me over one year to decide whether or not it was right for me. I think you need to be sure before you make the commitment to have the surgery. In my case I was self pay, so it was also a big financial commitment. Looking bak, it was the best decision I ever made! Take your time and decide what is right for you.

The problem with size is the vanity sizing here in North America. I wear size 4 or 6 here, but wear 10 or 12 in Aussie or UK sizes. Therefore I always feel really fat when travelling ! With weight, I am the same weight no matter what continent.

Bigger Lunatic Here! Running in extremely cold temperature is soooo invigorating. It has helped me really decrease my times, and the number of walk breaks, and the duration of walk breaks. 2 weeks ago we ran in 20 below, yesterday we ran in 15 below. I highly recommend it to anyone. It is better than running in the heat.

you go gurl! you are gonna love the band, and the exciting new journey that it brings. You are going to be surprised at all the benefits the band brings, as well as weight loss, I have improved health, I have met some amazing people at the gym I joined and at the running club. Had it not been for the band I would not have met these people. I have improved self confidence, and I feel like I am no longer living a "half life". I am so excited for you! Welcome to bandland.

Good for you for doing all your research ahead of time. I have read posts from people who were banded and then surprised that they had trouble finding a fill doctor. Wow, is it really cheaper to have your surgery in Mexico ? I needed 6 fills after being banded to reach my sweet spot, then I had a complete defill when I had my TT in August. Since then I have had 5 fills, and will need at least one more. So I am thinking 12 fills plus one defill at $350.00, plus lost wages for 13 days (at least) in order to go back to Mexico is a lot of Kahuna. I paid 16k for my surgery, but it includes aftercare (unlimited fills and defills for life). Luckily for me the clinic is about a 15 minute drive from my house, so I dont need to take time off work for appointments. Good luck with your research. Whatever you decide, the band is completely worth it.

I am also hovering close to goal........I have had lots of luck purchasing size 4 and 6 at the charity shops such as goodwill or salvation army. I bought a size 4 skirt for $2.00 and is a Tristan. Fully lined and everything. Good luck, it is actually a lot of fun to see all the brand name hardly worn items you can buy, and it is a good feeling knowing all the money is going to charity.

Was banded at SWLC in Aug 2007. I nothing but good things to say about the clinic. The docs are very competent as surgeons, and everyone at the clinic seems to really genuinely want me to succeed. A bunch of us got together for dinner last week, and the docs came too.

When I was FAT i was eating 0 fruit and veg, just filling up on crap! If I can eat 2 or 3 servings of fruit and veg per day that is a huge improvement. Also, remember that a serving of fruit is different than a fruit. a half a small banana is a fruit serving. Most bananas I see are large, so that means one third of it is one serving. So if eat a large banana, that is three servings of fruit.

You need to stop looking at "sizes" it is a sure way to drive yourself crazy. Currently in my closet I have size 12 pants, and size 4 pants and every size in between, and they ALL fit me. You need to get over your despise of the change room. Find pants that you like, grab them in 4 different sizes and buy ONE pair that fit. For undies, just buy one pair at a time. If they fit, and hold up well in the wash then go and buy a few more exactly the same. In terms of bras........this is where I spend the majority of my clothing money. I ONLY go to the type of bra store that sells high end bras and has someone fit you for the bra. Due to my changing size, since i started this journey I only have one bra that fits properly. I just wash it a lot. It cost me about $150.00 - so you can see why I have only one per size. I buy a lot of clothes second hand also, this helps out with the budget, when your weight is going down, and your shape is changing.

This Doctor is crazy! find yourself another one. After all is he concerned the you are "mature" enough to deal with diabetes, high cholesterol and muslce and joint pain that is associated with obesity. I wish the band was available when I was 19, although I think I was still in denial about my weight issues. There are doctors out there that will do the surgery.......good luck

a really nice (expensive) bottle of wine

Excellent Goal I started running in June, and I am completely in love with it. You can totally do this !

I was also told no straw, but as has already been said, every doctor is different. Can you call the clinic where you were banded ?

That is fabulous ! Funny, I had a very similar experience this week. I was asked to be interviewed for a local cable show (work related). I immediately said yes, and my first thought was "what am I gonna say" not "oh my god I am gonna look super fat on camera" 50 pounds is awesome ! Thanks for sharing your successes so far

My pre op was optifast shakes, and vegetables. I strongly discourage you to vary from what the doc has recommended. Soups etc are usually full of carbs and salt. The shakes I was on were "balanced" meal replacement, I suspect yours are as well.

Hi There When people pressure me to eat, (my band is a secret). I used to say "look at me, do you really think I dont eat enough ?" That usually shut them up quick! Wierd thing is now that I am close to goal, hardlyanyone notices what I eat or dont eat ! Good luck with the family

I just get a coffee with a little milk............way cheaper than those fancy sugary drinks and WAY less calories. I find starbucks "beverages" so sweet, they are almost nauseating.

southern missy you are awesome Wow running 25 minutes without stopping ! That is incredible. I am still running at a pace of 11 to 1 (running for 11 minutes, walk for one, repeat until totally intoxicated from running). Did you EVER think the band would change your life this much? Give your arm a rest, I'll do your back patting for you!

I paid 16k for mine. No regrets I would do it again at twice that price Congratulations, you have made an excellent decision!

I was told 6 weeks...........I begged and they gave me my first fill at 5 weeks. I was only filled to 4cc, despite the fact that I had been over 7 before my TT. I have had 2 subsequent fills, and I am at 5.8. I am getting another fill on Monday. I have very little restriction, and it is very frustrating right now.

I suggest starting off slow, my GP did not recommend running until I was about 30 -40 pounds from goal. I suggest walking to start. I still walk about 5km per evening with my doggie, and my neighbour and her doggie. If there is someone in your neighbourhood who wants to walk, you will probably enjoy chatting, and next thing you know you have walked for an hour! I cant believe that I have transformed into this lover of running. This morning I went for a run with my doggie, just before 6:00 am. It was dark out, and it was awesome to see the sunrise. There were tons of runners in shorts (me included) as it was unseasonably warm. Note: here in Canada any November day in the PLUS digits calls for shorts !! You are gonna do great, once you find something you enjoy you too can become one of those annoying exercise freaks!

Depends on Doctors involved. Here in Ontario Canada, they believe in the total defill before any surgery.

Thanks for posting you look awesome, your tummy is gonna look even better in a few weeks. I LOVE having a flat stomach, you are gonna LOVE buying new clothes. It is hard not to buy everything, because let's face it, everything looks good when you have a flat stomach and perky boobs I am sooooooooo happy for you

Wasa, that clip is hilarious!