LyceeB

My only wish is that I'd done it sooner! About 5 years ago I inquired but I didn't have insurance and I couldn't come on with the cash so that idea went out the window. But now I feel like the band was probably in the top 3 best decisions I've ever made. I still have more weight to go. I next goal is 199. I haven't been below 200 since 6th grade. Then the goal after that is 175. So it's always an ongoing process. Just don't expect to lose it overnight with no effort and make sure your goals are attainable and measurable in a decent amount of time so you don't get discouraged. Other than that, it'll be great! Just remember to have fun. Stay active. And be happy. And whatever you do, DO NOT weigh yourself everyday lol. Once a week is enough. You got this. I never in life imagined myself in a before and after picture yet here I am... And I have no doubt you'll love yourself even more in that after picture! (:

Hey Hun! Congrats on your date. I will say this... The journey doesn't begin until after surgery. That's when all the hard work start. As for the statistic of 68% failing or being unsuccessful, I'll say this as well. The band only as successful as you want it to be. Myself and a couple of the other girls at work got banded. Of the three of us I've lost the most weight. My surgery date was February 20, 2014. I started it 275. As of today I'm to 10. 65 pounds five months. I eat small meals. Try to eat healthy and smart. And I also work out five days a week. I've seen one of the other girls eat like the band isn't even there. So you can imagine her weight-loss is a lot less significant. The problem that comes into play is, people think the band is a magic weight-loss procedure, when in fact it's only a tool to help you succeed. It's like having a compass or a protractor. It's absolutely useless if you don't use it correctly. When they say it's a lifestyle change, it is definitely a lifestyle change. If you continue to live your life like you've been living it eating the way you've been eating and not being active then the band is going to be useless for you. But if you seriously made a conscious decision that you want to lose the weight, I'm living proof that it can happen. Help your band help you. I'm excited for you. You just have to stay focused. I won't deny, I have a cheap meal every now and then. But I never have an entire cheat day. And I still work out. I lost my first 30 pounds of diet alone. Then I plateaued. Then I started working out. And my weight-loss has been constant ever since. You can do it. Just keep in mind who you're doing it for. And what you're doing it for. When the first person ask you are you losing weight? Hold on to that feeling that you get when you hear that statement. That may also be your motivation to continue. Find your strength. Whoever or whatever that may be. You'll most definitely need it. And whatever you do, do not give up. Success does not come to you, you go to it.

So I started this whole process august. My insurance company make me wait 4 months before I could even get the surgery. My starting weight was 275. When I went for surgery on February 20, I weighed 258. I'm down to 220. My last appointment. I lost 14 pounds. I currently have 4 ccs in my band. I work out five days a week. Sometimes with a personal trainer. I feel amazing. I still do not eat bread pasta rice and potatoes. I tried to allow myself to cheat meal every now and then as opposed to a whole cheat day so I don't derail myself. The only thing I love more than great food, is people telling me how good I look since I've lost so much weight. It is not easy. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you took the easy road. In all actuality, I think this is harder than just diet and exercise, Mainly because there are consequences if you don't follow the diet. My first goal is 199. I haven't weighed 200 pounds since six grade. After that it's 175. I'm also building muscle. So my ultimate goal would be around 150-160. I'm 20 pounds from my milestone. Nothing can stop me. This by far was the best decision I've ever made in my life. I took some pictures on vacation last October. And then I took some yesterday wearing the same clothes. I'm so proud of myself. I've never been one to complete anything, but this I'm definitely going to see through.http://instagram.com/p/nbG_0mhNxf/

Oh boy has it been a journey! Lol the ups and down and frustration and successes. It's a roller coaster!

Definitely make sure you eat your protein. That has happened to me before. I eat almost nothing and then I don't lose weight. But you have to keep in mind the body will go into starvation mode instantly if it's not receiving enough nutrition. So often I eat less than 1200 cal but as long as I get my protein intake I'll still lose the weight. Also every so often I eat something with a little fat in it just to release my leptin. It really just comes to finding a healthy diet with a lot of protein. You're only four weeks in so it may be time for your first fill. When I stalled, I stalled for about three weeks around 240. And then I got my fill and and started losing 2 pounds a week. So don't feel like you're alone in this, we've all been through it. This too shall pass.

Since surgery I've lost 10 lbs and I'm still in second week... Since I began the presurgery process in down 22lbs and my clothes are loose. I haven't even had a fill yet. I'm glad the pounds are dripping but I'm afraid if it goes too fast my skin won't be able to keep up with the weight loss. Any skin pointers? Lotions exercises miracles anything?

Thank you so much. I started this process at 276. I'm now at 246 and in only two weeks post op. My clothes are already starting to be too big. I really don't even have an appetite. I just eat a little because I know I have to eat. It's strange. But I'm excited.

This gas pain is really bumming me out.. I was just banded Thursday ... What can I do to prevent loose skin? I just have so many questions...

I just passed the gas pain. Walk. Move around. And when u feel a burp coming that you just can't let out twist your torso until it moves around. When that shoulder starts hurting rotate your arm in a circle slowly and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Pretty much just movement. And extra strength gasx. You have to keep moving tho.

Omg yesssss I'm not at 100% but I'm coasting at 92% lol almost back to normal.

Yes! Alas the gas pain has fled! *burps* ok well almost. Lol but I feel so much better. Yes I thought I was having a heart attack. That was yesterday. Today I'm hungry. But I just ate a cup of yogurt and I'm not hungry anymore. It's weird because my mind is thinking "wait a minute... You're not supposed to be full off that" but then I'm actually ok. Lol it's weird.

Omg u guys don't make me laugh it hurts!!! Lololol

Lol as long as it doesn't hurt my chest! I'll be okay with regular gas. My ex husband lost half his intestines in a freak accident. He could clear a football stadium with that gas. As long as it's not extremely foul I can deal with it. Lolol

Congrats on the 32 pounds! And in only 2 months! I hope I don't lose the weight too fast. The loose skin is more likely with rapid weight loss so I've been told.

They informed me well. But, that's information from people that don't have the band. Doctors and nurses. I like to get information from people that actually live with it everyday. They said no pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread. Absolutely ever. Then one of the ladies told me she still eats pasta and rice. And she lost over 100+ lbs with the band. I guess some foods and just hard for me to let go lol. I freaking love Italian! I'm still in liquid phase for now with not much of an appetite anyway.

how long have you been banded? How much have I lost and kept it off? What is your biggest challenge? Can you ever eat pasta and rice again?

when did u get banded?

It's going away minus the occasional gas pains creeping up my back. But it is getting better. My hunger is coming back. I really just want some mashed potatoes. But I'm still on thin liquids. Can't wait to get to yogurt week. At least I can live off of that.

I can actually feel the has pain lessening lol I'm 5 days postop. Still don't have much of an appetite yet but I'm sure that will be back. What's the biggest mistake people make with the band? Do any of u have any success pointers?

Ughhh it's so annoying.... Like I'm sooo over the gas pains!

I'm not sure what to expect. There is a lot of gas stuck in my chest I also had to get a hernia removed how long does this pain last please help I'm a newbie.

Thanks for the encouragement. I really don't want to feel like I'm in this alone.

So can u really not eat pasta and rice or bread or potatoes?

Idk if I can deal with it that long lol. Since you've been banded what's your biggest challenge? How long did it take u to get your appetite back?

Omg I wish I was better prepared for this... I've just tried about everything and couldn't stick with anything. This is kinda last resort for me. I'm terrified.