Meri

Never even heard of laser lipo...do you need to go under general anesthesia to have it done?

Good luck this week!

When I am struggling, I try to have alot of nuts on hand. If I still feel hungry after I've eaten my salad plate of food, I eat some almonds or I make a bean salad. Lately, I feel like I have been able to eat a lot more than I used to. But, I am afraid to have a fill because I've had food get stuck a couple of times. (ate stuff too dry) and do not want that experience again! It sounds like you are doing the right things. Increasing your exercise is great! Just keep moving and focus on what you've already accomplished!

Hi Dr. Schulman, I was wondering if the non-surgical liposuction was at all effective? I am primarily concerned with my lower abdomen and thigh area. I am very reluctant to have another surgery or go under general anesthesia if there is another option. Thank you.

Interesting how different it is reading thru here. I can definitely eat more than I used to - but doctor is reluctant to fill given consistency of my weight. I am a little nervous about how much I can eat by the end of the day! But, I don't want to overfill and not be able to eat either! My first year I had no food get stuck, but recently have had a couple of episodes of sticking. Yuck! I'm not sure what the sweet spot is for my band - or my brain!

Hi, do you get many post-op people at your support group? I had surgey with Dr. Von Rueden when he was at GBMC. I'd love to have a support group to be a part of, but it seems like most of the people at GBMC meeting are required to be there for pre-op. I could use a connection with people who are a little farther out as well. Thanks!

Hi, I was banded at GBMC 1/08. I've had a great experience except that the entire office there has turned over since I started. I'd be happy to help with any support/questions you have in the process. Good luck!

Miss Meliss, I know what you mean about the clothes. I find myself shopping ALOT! It such an amazing experience to try things on and have them fit and look good. I have become a regular at all the local consignment shops! Keep up the good work, Meri

Hi Caryn, I think my doctor would like to see my BMI below 25 so even though I hit my goal, my height works against me. Maybe my goal isn't low enough? I am scheduled to go back for the fill the end of February, but I am very nervous about it. I don't want to be so restricted that I can't eat, but I know I am probably enjoying portions that are larger than I should right now. I guess I'll get the fill and see how it goes. If I don't lose anymore weight and can maintain where I am, I will be very happy. I haven't weighed in the 130's since middle school! Did you have your unfill? How are you feeling now? Are you noticing changes with your diet in your second year? It is in the teens today - very hard to get out and walk. Hope it is warmer where you are, Meri

Happy Anniversary! Your weight loss is fantastic, 80+ pounds in one year. Good for you! I just had my one year anniversary (1/3). Feeling like I was doing great, but when I went for my follow up last week the doctor wanted to do another fill. I was going away for the weekend so I decided to wait until next month. I'm not sure that I am able to maintain much less weight. Keep up the good work! Meri

Why did you have to be unbanded? Dr VonRueden was actually my surgeon when he was at GBMC - everyone says he is a fantastic surgeon.

Hi there. I live in Reisterstown. Banded 1/3/08 and doing well. I find this site to be more helpful than my doctor's office. There are hardly ever any post op people at the support group! Meri

I am 41 and was banded one year ago today! I have lost just over 76 pounds this year. Prior to this surgery, I was convinced that I would not be able to lose weight with all the negative changes that happen to women in our 40's. I am very thrilled to say that was not the case! However, I do still have all those issues about being a woman in my 40's!

I'm also 41. I found my weight loss with the band to be fantastic! It was significantly better that any diet I ever tried. Don't let your age discourage you. You can do very well!

I don't live in New Jersey any longer, but I grew up there. Happy to provide support, an ear or inspiration. If you're interested we can exhange emails. Good Luck!

I had 2 fills in the past year. I don't know what size my band is or how much is in their. Being shorter does really make it harder! I increased my walking to get the last few pounds off - so I added a couple of miles each week. I still use the band as a tool to remind me to slow down or stop eating. I'm not sure what maintenance would entail exactly. I set my goal weight without much of a clue what it would mean in realistic terms. My primary care doctor is a great guy and he thought anything below 140 would be great. I am now at 132.8, but according to my scale with the bmi calculator I am still overweight. So I guess technically, I will always be "overweight" (even though I can fit into size 4-6 pants). Congratulations on your success! Meri

I am amazed at the transformation I have gone thru so far this year. I did alot of research prior to my surgery. I was very fearful that like every other "diet" this would not be a long-term answer. But, I am happy to say that this was the answer I had been searching for. The surgery was the switch I needed to flip to put myself on a different path. I reached my original goal weight after just 7 months and have maintained that weight. I feel like I need to exercise and am excited about what I can do. If I miss a couple of days, I am motivated to do more next time (quite a change from a girl who avoided ANY exercise at all). I think about food differently. If I need to snack, I choose fruit with cheese or nuts. I acutally found Protein bars I crave! It surprises me how many people say they didn't recognize me or ask if I have been sick. I do not think that I look that different. I still see all of the fat spots. However, when I hold up my new pants, I can't believe that I wear anything that small (I went from an 18-20 womens to an 8 petite). One of the most remarkable things that happened was that my doctor asked me to come in and speak at the info session. I can't believe after all these years of being the fat girl in the audience, I will now be the success story standing in front of the room! I know for my, this has been the most amazing, rewarding choice I have made. I am so grateful I was able to do this and I LOVE it!

Betty, Sorry it took me so long to reply. The Protein bars I use the most are the Atkins chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. They have 18g of protein and only 1 gram of sugar. Sam's Club sells a box of 15 for ~ $17. I also use the Atkins granola bars. I prefer the chocolate peanut butter ones early in the day because they are creamier. Usually, I eat Quaker weight control oatmeal for Breakfast. If I don't have time, I either do a low fat cheese + fruit or one of the bars. At lunch I eat a protein with fruit/veggies. For example turkey slices with tomatoes and cucumbers; veggie burger with bean salad; tuna salad. I eat dinners with my family, but do not have any of the rice, Pasta, potato or bread. So, I just pick what I can eat and add some thing like sugar free applesauce when necessary. My excercise routine is pretty basic. I try to walk at least 2 miles 3x/week, but the holidays and cold weather have been a challenge. I also train with weights once a week. I'm sure when you get into your routine, things will go well for you. Happy new year and best of luck, Meri

Kat, I also told very few people what I was doing. It is a big decision and hard to hear everyone else's opinions. You do what is right for you (and you are the best judge of what that is)! Today is the 1 year anniversary of my surgery and I would not go back for anything! I used the website alot in the beginning for support, questions, and guidance. I'm glad my experience can provide some inspiration for you. Good luck, Meri

Don't be discouraged. The way I look at it, I used to look pretty bad in clothes and out. At least now, it's only bad naked - and there aren't too many people I let see me naked! Try to feel good about what you have accomplished and be proud of yourself for getting healthier!

Did you ever get together? I would love to have some post-op people to talk to. I went to the support group at my doctor's office, but it seems to always be pre-op people doing their mandatory meeting. Thanks.

Hi Cynthia, I live in Reisterstown. I was banded on 1/3/08. Would love to have someone close by to talk/walk/eat with! Hope you are doing well, Meri

Hi. If it makes you feel any better, I just turned 41 and my kids are turning 2 and 6 this summer!

Yeah, I know what you mean about the flat tummy. I was talking to a lady today whose friend died from a blood clot following a tt so I think it may just be underwires and spanx for me (ha ha)!

Wow, you have lost a lot of weight in 3 months! Good for you! I never really gave serious thought to any cosmetic surgery, but it certainly is looking more appealing. I think I will wait awhile before giving it any real consideration. I would love to lose about 6 more pounds and keep it off a year before thinking of the next steps!