Pianoman

You know, I've just had a thought... <O:p</O:pSometimes the lap band is like a smoker having his cigarettes dipped in vinegar. <O:p</O:pLet me explain. <O:p</O:pLast night, I decided to myself "Forget the diet, I'm gonna go and have a great big Chinese takeaway! “ (Sorry, "take-out", I forgot it’s predominantly an American website). So, I bought some fried noodles, some spring rolls, and some fried bean-sprouts. Yum, yum! <O:p</O:pAfter about four to five mouthfuls, it became a struggle, then three mouthfuls after that I was stuffed to the gills. Couldn't manage another bean-sprout. The desire was there, but I just couldn't physically accommodate. <O:p</O:pRather like a smoker who’s cigarettes have been dipped in vinegar. He may well have those tobacco cravings, but there's nothing he can do about it. <O:p</O:pDon't get me wrong, it's not a lapband criticism, maybe just an odd way of looking at things, I suppose.<O:p</O:p

That's the problem with BMI, it's still based around height/weight, hence a body builder with very little fat, could be classed as obese. (sadly, it's not the same reason I'm classed as obese)

I got mine done through "the hospital group", and a floro-fill at the Thornbury hospital was 300 quid(!) However, if you go directly through the thornbury hospital, it's "significantly cheaper" according to Dr Lee, the chap who'll do the fill.

I had my band done in England (by the hospital group, the people who gave us the "supersize surgury" program). I have my fills done at the Thornbury hospital in Sheffield, who are not related to the hospital group in any way. As far as I'm aware, they will provide fills regardless of your band's origin.

I have the Swedish band, which has yet to be approved in the USA, but it holds a similar amount to the VG band. (but is softer, and less likely to cause complications). First fill. 4.5cc (no restriction) Second fill. 5.6cc (adequate restriction)

I think the most common complaint people have post-op are "productive burps", often referred to as PBs. It happens to most bandsters at some point, when there's food which disagrees with the consumer, or is not chewed properly. It is usually avoidable, but is an unpleasant experience. Other problems such as "band slippage" and "erosion" affect a small minority of bandsters, although it is the source of much discussion within the group (as I'm sure you've noticed). Best of luck with your WLS (that's weight loss surgury, apparently).

"Celebrity Fit Club", a UK TV show, similar to the American "Biggest Loser" had a shock revelation the other night... A Well-known Brittish TV presenter called Anne Diamond had a lapband fitted prior to becoming a contestant on the program(!). This was exposed on Monday nights episode, and she may be expelled from the show. Such a shocking revelation was this, that all the British tabloids gave it front-page news the next day, and the lapband is now perceived as the new "must have" surgery chosen by celebrities everywhere. I had mine done months ago (as my diminishing waistline will testify), so it's nice to be ahead of the game for once. All us bandsters are now setting a trend other will follow! P.S. I wish Anne Diamond all the best, and I'm sure she'll see results soon enough, with or without a dodgy reality TV show.

I'm so pleased everything went well for you! I'm sure you'll be losing weight more quickly now, and you'll be one of those smug bandsters who reaches their goal quickly! :biggrin1:

I disagree. You can PB with very little restriction, if you're careless enough. If you can eat large amounts of food, you should definately try for a fill. Yes, rescheduling until any potential swelling has eased, is a good idea.

I was of a similar height and weight to you when I was banded. I've lost 60lbs in 4 months & I'm still losing. Ask yourself this question... 'Am I a snacker or a binge-er'? People who eat large meals rather than frequent Snacks tend to do better with a lapband. Hope that helps.

Like a lot of internet forums, sometimes people post here when they've had bad experiences - if you read all the posts you could get a very negative view of WLS. I don't blame you for taking some time out.

Hi, Megan! I'm fine, thanks for asking. The band is working well, and I'll soon have the physique of a racing snake! :bananajump: Well, maybe not, but it's gonna be worth it in the end. We've the same band, eh? What are the odds?

I too have the Swedish band, which has been available in the UK for some time. Apparently, it's softer than other bands, and takes a large fill (9cc?), which is ideal for people wishing to lose a large amound of weight (100lbs+).

I was banded last August, and since then, whilst I've lost some weight, but most of it was due to a well-disciplined diet. I could pretty-much eat what I wanted, as my frown sincerely points out here - However... Since my second fill, I can now see what the fuss is about. I little bit of meat, and a bit of veg, and I'm stuffed to the brim. I'm no longer cynical about my band. Anyone who is still waiting to get a decent restriction - believe me, when you do, it will be worth the wait. Time for a smilie, here - :bananapowerslide:

On the other side of the coin, I was very hungry after about three days post op. Things improved after I got onto the "mushy" phase, but the liquid phase was a real killer. I don't think I was fully satisfied until I got a decent fill.

Thank you for the rhyme, but I can guarantee, no-one wants to see my er... "manhood", thanks.

I don't think I'm up to a photo session, but all I can say is... I can now see it! Oh, and as there's less fat around the base, it's bigger. There you go, probably more information than you needed.

I've posted a few threads now, and I think I can be honest without people judging me... If you want a guy to lose weight, bring sex into the equation... The other day I had sex for the first time in several months. I'm about 40 pounds lighter than the last time I had sex, and it was much more enjoyable for both me and her. Just tell your husband that sex will be either significantly improved, or at the very least, more frequent if he loses so serious weight - He'll be down the WLS clinic before you know it.

I was banded on August 23rd. I have so fave lost 36 pounds, but I've only just had a fill giving me restriction, so I'm looking forward to some serious weight loss over the next few weeks.

Personally, I don't laugh as much since I've been banded. I think it's because I was probably "high" on carbs whilst at my largest.

Those are some great suggestions! I'll certainly be taking them onboard. The stair-climbing tip is a great idea, although, in the UK, we don't have comercials on the BBC channels, so I'll just have to climb stairs during the dull bits. It's great to get advice from someone who's not only been in our situation, but has succeeded in goals we've set ourselves.

It's on the list of places to visit. I've just "done" New York and Las Vegas, and Australia is probably the next major jaunt.

Hi Jenny, I'm originally from Grimsby, but moved to Lincoln a few years ago. It's a pleasant town, with a decent cathedral. Melbourne sounds nice.

It's an interesting issue you've raised. I think realistically, everyone judges on appearance to a certain extent, at least subconsciously. Okay, I don't want people judging me, although, I know I judge other people, and a lot of the time, I'm not even aware of it.

It's a Basset Hound. They are cute, but very stubborn - try getting a TV remote back from a Basset, and you'll know what I mean.