Bikinigoal

I am seriously of thinking getting mine removed too, but for some different reasons. I had mine placed in 10/2005. I have done well, probably losing about 60-70 lbs. (my ticker's not updated) I had a funny phenomenon of getting TIGHTER the more weight I lost. I also did change my lifestyle drastically. I have cut out any regular fast food (maybe few times a year) and several sandwiches at one meal. I eat well 90% of the time and also learned to eat slowly. I am also exercising like crazy - I mean, I am now doing marathons and triathlons. Which brings up the weird reason - I am burning so many calories that I can not keep enough calories in! I am not the skinniest person ever, but I am eating ice cream just to get enough calories b/c I physically can not eat enough lean Protein and veg to keep up and the band restricts alot of carb intake (bread, crackers, rice) I am completely unfilled now and still have restriction. Do you think my doctor would remove the band for this reason?

I'm actually become even more of a foodie, and it's helped being banded in a weird way. Instead of quantity of food, I'm more into quality of food, so I'm eating better, nicer, fresher, more interesting food, just in small amounts. For example, I never had foie gras until this past weekend. It was a tiny amount and I shared it, but it was rich and satisfying. Or instead of a huge piece of cake (which won't really go down) , I will one piece of a nice quality chocolate. I don't think you have to give up liking food with the band, just realize you can't have it in excess.

Any one had plastic surgeon, post weight loss in Houston and had good (or bad!) experience with surgeon?

I don't know if this is a stupid question, but can you get stretch marks while losing weight. I am very familiar with that itchy, red mark feeling of stretch mark forming when gaining weight too fast (very familiar with this...) but now I am getting the same with some red marks that look like new stretch marks, but I am losing weight. Does this happen, or am I losing my mind??

I understand that most people's bands are less restrictive as they lose weight, as there is not as much body fat/mass etc and the stomach gets looser or something. Is this true? Also, I find that as I am losing weight, I am getting tighter! I wil have to go in soon and get some saline out as it is getting uncomfortable. Has anyone else experienced this??

Personal stuff, but I think many of you will understand. I am very happy with my weight loss. As I'm getting thinner, I'm feeling more attractive, considering dating etc. I am concerned about getting intimate with someone, mainly b/c of the band. Can your partner feel the band or port site? Do they ask questions? As far as the scars, I can always say that it's due to gallbladder removal (which is true, as I had it removed with the band), but can the port be felt? Do you tell others? Or are men just horny bastards that they don't even care? haha. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks!

testing my tickertape

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've been banded. I've been healing pretty well, but I'm concerned about a funny bump on my abdomen. It's not the port - I can feel that. It's another area to the left of it. Is the band? Are you supposed to feel the band through your skin? I am going to the doctor tomorrow to see about it. Did it slip? Can anyone who has had a slipped band tell me if this is a sign? It's not really painful unless I press on it. Thanks in advance for any answers.

I was banded on 10/31! Ugh, feeling in pain and bloated, but that's pretty normal from what I hear. I keep thinking about food all the time though! I am excited that I took this step, but also apprehensive as I'm afraid I'll screw it up and be one of those that don't lose any weight on it. I plan on going to those support group meetings in Houston, so I look forward to seeing some of you there.

hi I'm in the mental health field so I know alot about this. 1. First, your PCP telling you that is not very responsible. Untreated depression is worse than possibly losing weight more slowly. Also, as said by many, there are many other options to try. 2. Prozac usually doesn't cause that much weight gain, so you may want to try it again, since it did work for you in the past. Antidepressants usually make you gain weight by making you want to eat more, which you are limited by the band. 3. People rarely (although there are exceptions) gain weight on Wellbutrin, Lexapro and zoloft. 4. Avoid Paxil which is notorious for making people gain weight. 5. Effexor sort of so-so : some gain weight, some don't. 6. Not alot of evidence completely out on Cymbalta, but most don't seem to gain weight on it. Hope this helps! the important thing is to get on something now, before it gets worse. We all know depression is most likely of all to make us gain weight!

Hello all, I have enjoyed following this site for a few months. And now, I'm going to get the band next week! I am both excited and apprehensive. My sign-in name is a little tongue-in-cheek. I just want to be a healthy weight, but I have never worn a bikini in my life - ever! - so that's sort of a dream goal. I have a few questions: 1. How does one take medications? (grind them up? chew them?) 2. Can you still drink coffee? 3. How do you all get those neat ticker tapes at the bottom of the screen? Thanks and I look forward to using this site in years to come!