JacobR

Almost three years ago I consulted a surgeon in my area regarding this procedure. He told me that based on my age and lifestyle, he felt I would see immediate success but then down the road after only a short while I would regain my weight. I was 330 lbs when he and I had that conversation. I had the surgery and the band was put in. In the first few weeks I had a dramatic drop in weight being limited to liquid and blended foods etc while I healed. Taking advantage of the situation I started to get back in the gym. (Which I had a habit of from my youth, was VERY fit once). Needless to say I am now 220 lbs, at 6 feet (Yes I am a guy), I play soccer again weekly in a competitive league and work out 5 days a week. I have been steady at this weight over a year now. I have never had a fill. The band, for me, was a psychological device. It gave me a sense of urgency to take control of my self and not to rely on a piece of plastic. I keep the band as a reminder, as a "string around my finger" and ultimately if I ever do slip I will get that first fill and use it as a safeguard. My point is, believe in yourself and take control of your body and mind. It was not easy for me by any means. I suffered depression, I was a drinker etc etc etc... Take control, leap with both feet and without fear. You will feel great when your body is healthy and you will reap the rewards of that new life.

Whiterabbit, with all due respect the muscle/fat concept does not work. 10 lbs of muscle is A LOT to gain and would be quite obvious. You are not keeping good track of your portions and need to really look closely at what you eat, when you eat and how late you eat. Take plenty of fluids and be tough and honest with yourself. Weight loss is mostly diet. So stay focused and whatever you do, don't give up. Food is an addiction and you are not alone. Just have faith and stay the course.

I work out 5 days a week and work out my abs in one way or another each time, including crunches, lifts TONS of core stuff etc. Never had an issue other then some soreness on the port sight from time to time when I over exert. I would still double check with your doctor though.

I decided to post on this forum finally since I have been browsing it for a few weeks following my procedure. I guess it is my way of showing appreciation for everything shared on this forum, it is quite helpful. Just a quick background on me: I am a 35 year old former athlete. I used to play ice hockey religiously as well as soccer. However marriage, laziness and quitting smoking, along with chronic over eating got the best of me. Last spring (2007) I weighed 330 lbs. I am 6 feet tall and those pounds were very uncomfortable to say the least. Aside from that I was seeing early signs of much more severe problems on the horizon. I had depression, looked like total crap, felt like crap, sleep apnea and swelling in the ankles. So....I followed through. I had met with Dr. Gellman a year ago and had the information I needed to prepare for the lapband. On August 17th I did the surgery. Last April I Was 330, on the day of the surgery I was 317. Today (October 2) I weigh 274.6. I have not felt this good in well over a decade. My doctor has yet to close or tighten the band. He put in the "big boy" band and is very pleased with how I am doing on sheer will and motivation. Thanks again to you all for sharing, it helped me a lot. If I can be any help, just contact me. Jack

I have oxford and it wasnt a problem actually. As far as blood pressure and blood sugar those were all normal but i was well over 100lbs overweight and combined with the doctor's administrative efficiency it took no time at all. i actually completed my last exam a week before my actual surgical date.