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I think having wrinkles after significant weight loss is inevitable for most of us. We associate wrinkles with age. It'd make sense that those who lose significant amounts of weight would appear older based on having more wrinkles.

I waited about 2 years also. There was something called a stomach pacemaker which had an appeal to me, but it never got approved. I was getting fatter, and had to do something. The lapband seemed about the best thing for me at the time. Good luck with your banding.

I'm only two weeks out. The end of next week I see for what will be my 3.5 almost 4 week checkup. I'm supposed to be on a liquid diet for the first 3 weeks, then switch to a soft solid diet for week 4 and 5. I'm wondering if the one size fits all diet isn't enough for me. Though I am feeling better now. My blood pressure is well managed by my medication, but tomorrow I'll skip it and go get it tested. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that not doing breakfast or lunch until after 3:30 in the afternoon probably did me in more than anything else. Thank you very much for your concern, your support and suggestions are very helpful.

I need some advice. I'm starting to have trouble standing up, by starting I mean I am having trouble, by standing up, I mean I'll black out if I don't sit down. I'm at the beginning of my 3rd week on fluids, I'm using Carnation Instant Breakfast (the 2x Protein version) which provides about 10 grams of protein in an 8 once drink. I've had trouble on and off, but today was the worst. I was wondering about a high protein Soup, without too many solids, like egg drop soup. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Thank you, yes I am on a high blood pressure medication. I was well north of 400 lbs at time of surgery, and am certain that weight has been lost. I've been on Carnation Instant Breakfast (2x the Protein version) about three times a day. I didn't have my first until after 3:30 this afternoon. I'm reluctant to call my doctor on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I wound up getting some egg drop soup, which may help a bit. I'm also consuming something called Gatorade Rain in the Strawberry-Kiwi flavor. Supposedly it helps with electrolytes. My other beverage of choice is home brewed iced tea. Today my morning intake was nil, that probably wasn't a good thing now that I'm reviewing the day. My doctor has me on liquids for three weeks, my hope is one good sized dose of egg drop soup isn't too far a departure from what they'd prefer.

It may help for you to keep a food diary. If done with the intention to really snapshot what you eat, you may find it very insightful.

The holidays are often stressful. After New Year things may calm down for you. Think about the weight about to leave you, that didn't help calm me, but did help with my determination to get it done!

Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all on the board.

I didn't take any tests. Don't worry about "fixing" a test, just be yourself.

Most on this forum, including myself, are sold on the lap band as a solution to being overweight. Others may not be. It is their right. What you consider excuses, she may consider reasons or concerns. Not everyone wants surgery, or wants a lap band. That is OK with me. I'd not look down on them for seeing things differently.

It slowly got better for me, the first week was the hardest. I kept reading stories about people who had no problem after surgery and I was in pain. You aren't alone in feeling great pain after lap band surgery, and it should get better slowly day by day.

I'm about a week out, and still feel awful. I haven't been hungry since the operation, and force myself to drink for my own health. I am averaging about 1.5 carnation Protein enhanced 8 ounce drinks a day. Trying to bring that up to 2. Did anyone else lose appetite, and have difficulty downing the Protein Drinks in sufficient number?

It is now almost 2 weeks. I can consume fluids without a problem. The liquid diet is getting to me. There are occasional bouts of hunger, but they seems cured easily by drinking a bit more.

The only problem is Ghost Busters had the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, not the Pillsbury Doe Boy Can we eat gluten free bread?

I don't view being banded as starvation. It seems to be more about helping us with attaining normal portion management. Most of us who are fat overeat, the band if anything helps us eat more normally.

Congratulations on getting banded. The day I was banded and for a few days after, I was unable to post on a computer. Due to both inclination and lack of access. Were you in the hospital when posting? They wouldn't let me bring anything electronic in.

I was banded a bit before you, and have yet to weigh myself. Early next year, I'll see my doctor for a follow up, and they'll undoubtedly weigh me then. Until that time, I'm not jumping on any scale as it'll confuse me more than help. My focus is on following the diet and directions provided by the doctors office. There is no instruction to weigh myself. I wish you well in your weight loss!

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an NSV?

Thanks, I saw a post about a 6CC band, and started to wonder how many sizes there are.

Does anyone know what the sizes of lap bands are, or what the range in sizes is. Using CC capacity? Just wondering.

I've recently been banded, and am very fat. Medical and lifestyle issues were my motivations. I never felt motivated by a number on the scale. I do not know how many CC my band will hold, I have no goal weight. I have no idea how many CC my doctor should put in for my first fill. Instead I want my medical complications from obesity to subside, and to have being fat be less of a lifestyle obstacle for me. The lap band is intended to be of help to me in seeking this relief. So many here seem very focused on numbers, on targets and deadlines. Is it OK on this forum to not be worried about exact numbers, or not to have a goal weight?

My doctors PA wrote a script for chewable prenatal vitamins. They seem to work well so far.

With all that is going on, it appears what stands out is you aren't benefiting from your band as anticipated. You have my sympathy and compassion. Try to love your husband, without family we really have only ourselves. Beyond that, it appears you require a fill, and no significant weight loss will occur until at least one fill, perhaps more, are provided. The financial stuff will sort itself out, sooner or later, and may be beyond your control. God bless, and I hope you can find some love and calm in the storm you are experiencing. It sounds as if your husband does love you very much.

You can order crystal light products online. I noticed many crystal light products when I entered a search on Amazon.com as an example. You may wish to also check out shoprite.com, peapod.com, and others.

When we were married, I thought two were made one. One flesh. I couldn't imagine getting an elective surgery like this without my life partners knowledge and support. To break the bond, and go off unilaterally, in my opinion breaks the marriage. Not something I can see myself doing.