jbflorida

Hi--Well, I just had an unfill. I was too tight for months-never kept anything down, however, junk food was never a problem . Gained back 40 lbs. AND I AM EMBARRASSED AND DISGUSTED! Indio (and anyone who can be supportive), help help! I need to get back to this forum and I need to hear your words of wisdom and support. I need to check in everyday and be accountable. I will be on clear liquids for 2 days, get back on small amounts of protein (that, hopefully, will stay down) and go back to the doc in 4 weeks. I am having a little pity party. I am going to try not to make it a sleepover. Judy

I had my surgery in May of 2008 and lost 67 lbs by November--I was a happy size 10. I've gained back 30 lbs since May 2009. What is happening to me? After all I went through and PAID for--why would I allow this to happen? I was so successful and now, feel like "I did it again!" I find the band to be so fickle. I still get stuck at times and sometimes, no problem! How can I stick to Protein when that causes such pain? Support and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

My history-- Surgery May 2008 3 fills--last one in Sept 2008. NOW, a problem with Protein eating--PB and pain (junk food goes does just fine...dammit) My question is--can the band get too tight after being fine for a year? (I have gained back 25 lbs.) thanks......

Kiz-- you may be right. I haven't had a fill since Sept. 2008. Is it possible that it becomes too tight? I thought it would be the other way around and I would need to get more fills. I eat 2 bites, PB in the restroom (with help of my finger down my throat), eat 2 bites, back to the restroom, 2 more bites, back to you know where----and then, I can eat the rest of the meal! I am still hungry after the first 2 bites, so I don't think I am satiated and need to stop. I just had a Protein bar and apple and no problem at all. I am making steak for dinner--let's see what happens! Has anyone else found that they are too tight after a year and need to be loosened??? Thank goodness for this website and the wonderful people here.

Mimi--40 lbs lost for you! You're on your way. The exercise will make a difference. I am fortunate that I am retired (teaching) and live in an active adult (55+) community. There are so many exercise classes--water, weight lifting, zumba,circuit, flexibility,yoga, tai chi,,,there's even a class called "Bums and Tums." Once you make it a priority, you will grow to love the feeling of being strong and you will miss it if you skip it! The hardest part is---GETTING STARTED!! My arms are still wrapped in bandages, but I will remove them today (the bandages, not the arms!) I will also remove the bandages around my breasts. (Hey, I was already under anesthesia so I had a breast lift--I am so GOOD to me! hahaha) Have fun in Louisiana. Are you going to New Orleans? FUNFUNFUN town! Judy

LOVE zumba--cardio workout dancing to Latin music. I do it 2-3 times a week. I also do weights 3x a week--good for muscle and burning calories--not to mention that I feel strong. Of course, have to give it all up for a month--recuperating from PS done 2 days ago.

The PS I got was a brachioplasty--arm lift. I was able to tighten most of my 57 year old body, but those batwings ? Hated them. So now, I am wrapped from wrist to shoulder. I know I will have scars, but it was a trade-off. While I was under, I also got a Mastopexy (breast lift) and a small implant added. I didn't have children so I spent the money on me!!! hahaha I can shower this evening...I am anxious to see the results when I take off the bandages. AND nervous!!

Just got home from the hospital from my PS!!! I am so sore, but very optimistic. Yippee! I'll be happy to answer any questions. Judy

Rescheduled the PS til May 13--which is my 1 year bandaversary! I thought that was a good sign. Like you, Oregondaisy, I work out and the sagging is minimal for my age, but those bat wings--have got to go!! My arms are sculpted--but I could fly somewhere if the wind picked up and I raised my arms... As far as turning 60 and still wanting to post here---just say you're 59 and some months....no one has to know that it's 12 months, 36 months, 72 months......

I just scheduled my plastic surgery for May 13---exactly one year to the day of my lapband! I thought that was an auspicious sign. 5 lbs to go--

Good to be back! Hope everyone is well and happy. I have maintained my weight loss since Oct....and I am feeling healthy and strong. I have never regretted the band for one second! Next Monday (4/27) I am going to have plastic surgery and I am nervous!!! I am having an arm lift and while I am under, I thought, why not have the girls lifted? Thank goodness, my stomach came back to "flat."---well, flat for a middleaged gal! Anyone get their arms done? Would love to hear your stories, comments, etc. Judy

Dear Dr. S, What a wonderful service you provide! Me-57, lapband, great health, 10 lbs from goal (which will make me a size 10--at my age, a 6 is not necessary). daily exerciser. I am scheduled for a Mastopexy and Aug. My surgeon wants to do silicone ABOVE the muscle. Your thoughts on that? Most people seems to get them placed under the muscle.(I am a 38 C going to a fuller C) I am also having Brachiplasty. Even though I am near goal, my arms are still fat--not just hanging skin, but fatty tissue in the "wings." Will I be happy with the results? Another doctor said lipo should be done first. Can they "sculpt" the arms when there is still fat? Thanks so much for your knowledge.

My doc says silicone is the way to go. I am going in for surgery in 2 weeks and yesterday, I read all of the info that the doc sent me about risks and what could go wrong, etc.---and I am wavering! Anyway, he wants to do silicone and place it ABOVE the muscle. Any thoughts on that? I am also having a lift. Since I am 5'1, I am going to go from a c to a full C. I am 57 and quite active--work out almost every day. Your opinion is appreciated.

question--do you feel tighter when you have stress? I am really suffering right now.....

Hi--I haven't posted for awhile, but I need to get back! This place makes us more accountable. I have been making bad choices, but I am ready to get back and use the band as it is intended. I gained 12 lbs from my lowest, but I know that can easily grow to 52, 62, etc. The sinus infection for 4 months did me in--little exercise and eating more. And, to be honest,I have been feeling lonely.....and we all know who my best friend can be!! Food! I have to be my best friend. Thanks for listening.

Hi--just started thinking about some PS. I am within 15 lbs of goal (Christmas, etc. didn't help). I want to get my arms lifted--brachioplasty. But I am debating whether long scars or some bat wings are preferable! I only had to lose 65-75 lbs. so I am not in too bad of shape. I work out daily, but no amount of weightlifting is going to take the flab away. Any thoughts by someone who has been there? What kind of recovery was it? Would you do it again? And, if you don't mind me asking, what was the cost? Y'all are so brave! Take me with you!

I am almost 9 months out and it has finally stopped falling out. It is starting to grow a bit where I had some "empty" spaces. Still, I use a filler powder that seems to help in the meantime.

I am not sure you are at liberty answer this, Dr. Shulman, but I am trying to get some answers so I can deal with my finances. I am interested in brachioplasty and a breast lift/aug. 1-Can these surgeries be done at the same time? (or is the recovery too much!) 2-Can you give me a "ballpark figure" of the price? I live in FL, if that figures in. I would like to know what is considered reasonable. Thanks---we are fortunate to have you share your knowledge!

First bite syndrome? That is exactly what I have! Every meal goes like this: One or two bites and then--wham! Off to the bathroom to get rid of it. I am about to go on a cruise in 2 days and though food is not my #1 reason for going, it will be there. I will slooooooow down and start off with a bite and then--wait! Hope everyone is having a good holiday season!

Denise--when you said that you started having trouble and that took you to the doc for a defill--- What were those troubles? I do not want any problems down the line, so if I can find out and avoid those problems...... Thanks-Judy

Hi everyone! Welcome to the newbies! There is a wealth of knowledge here and so, ask away.... I WAS exercising 4-5 times a week, but when the play I directed was in its last month of rehearsal and then, I was attacked by allergies (blowing my nose and sneezing nonstop---veeeeeery pretty....) and the exercise was put on hold. I have not gained any, didn't lose any either. Staying around 151-153...want to get to 142. I haven't had a fill since September. I was at my sweet spot--but now--3 months later--it has gotten tighter! Two bites of solid Protein (meat, chicken) and ugh! tight! Daily PB. And--I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks! Has anyone done well with a fill only to have it get tighter 3 months later? (I also could make my bites smaller and eat slower....hmmmm...57 years of habits are hard to break) Judy--enjoying the 70's degree weather

May57, I am also in FL--near Tampa. I lost 13 lbs on the pre-op diet and have lost 65 lbs total since May. I am almost at my goal. Where are you in FL? Good luck to you. I have NO regrets about my band!

Katydid-- Continue being the strong woman that you are and declare what you need! You must rest and heal. I am sad that you are not being supported, but very few of us actually get/got the nuturing we needed and deserved. So WE become our own mothers and love and take care of ourselves. The LapBand surgery is one example of that. Meanwhile, consider us your sisters and turn to us for a hug and a smile. Judy

Look at all of our success! I really believe that posting here and sharing is a key. I love hearing about your good news and am excited knowing that it will continue. Today is 6 months out of surgery for me. As of this AM, I am down 67.5 lbs. I weighed 149.5! My goal is 142, but who knows? I may pull an Indio and go lower! I treated myself to some new clothes. I am directing a play here in my community --3 performances this weekend, 2 the next weekend. My opening night outfit is cute--and y'all, I WORKED for it! My picture was in the paper yesterday (publicity) and for the first time in a loooooong time, I was not embarrassed! Everyone can come to the play--my treat! Judy

Flowers--you need a different doc. Remember, the doc works for YOU! What gets me about the band--which I love and have NO regrets for getting--is how FICKLE it is. I have had 3 fills, last one in Sept, and am scheduled for another this Thurs. Sometimes I think I need it and then, WHAM--restriction! I can eat something and then 2 weeks later--Oops! Stuck! Sneaky little thing.