Happy Bandster

I've been banded almost a year and have been dealing with reflux since Jan. A 1cc unfill for 6 weeks took care of it. I got another fill a couple of weeks ago and it started again. Wanting to keep this fill and start losing again, I've made significant lifestyle changes which does control it. I don't eat after 5pm or I get reflux. I don't drink after 7pm or I get reflux. I try and eat denser food earlier in the day and eat lightly for dinner. I take Prevacid and avoid alcohol. I figure this is temporary until I get to goal and can get an unfill. Susan Banded 7/25/05 237/169/135

Tayvia99, I think we were all scared, I know I was. I was a wreck at my pre-op appointment, before I even had a chance to tell my surgeon how nervous I was, he told me how normal it was to be scared and put me at ease. He said he'd be concerned if I wasn't scared. This is a big step!! Good Luck, Susan

Remember that people are more apt to grumble and post when things aren't going well. I've lost 65 pounds in about 1 year, I have 35 to go. I've hit a few bumps in the road due to reflux, but nothing serious. I feel I would have come closer to meeting my goal in one year without the reflux problem. But I know I would have never lost this much weight with out the band. I figure when I'm done losing my lower abdomen will still be a bit saggy and I may or may not have a tummy tuck, I know I can live without it. Although I'll never be bikini ready, I certainly wasn't even willing to put on a swimsuit at 237. I am confident I will lose all the weight and I have no regrets, I would do it again in a heartbeat. The most important thing you can do if find a excellent surgeon that has GREAT aftercare. The aftercare is more important than you can imagine. Good luck on your journey. Susan Also, about the fills. Everyone's situation is different, find out what your insurance covers. My insurance covers the surgery and aftercare 100%.

I'm right there with you. I started to get asked about my weight loss at church a few weeks ago and I haven't divulged the "whole truth". Makes me feel terrible, but it really isn't their business, it's very personal. I just say, I've lost a some, it's hard, I've fought this battle for years, I've got a long way to go, not sure just how much I've lost, calories in calories out.....My family all knows (the people who I need to support me) and that's it, well, and anyone they've told. This could come back to bite me. Now my DH thinks I should just fess up, he jokes about me having to go before the congregation one day confessing, hee, hee. It's not that I'm ashamed or too proud to admit that I need help, I just don't want to hear all the crap. I'm going to hell. Sue

Legallyblonde2, I totally agree with you on the overall sizing thing. I have a pair of 18W pants from 1995 that are the same size as a 16 (regular not plus) I bought recently. I have a formal Laura Ashley dress I bought in 1984, I think it's a size 8 or 10, my size 2 dd can hardly zip it, now I slightly recall washing it, so it may have shrunk, but not to a size 2, hee, hee. I tease my dd that soon she'll be wearing a negative size. Sue

My only problem with her not telling is that she is profiting off of her life experiences/changes by writing this book. No doubt, the weight loss is a big part of her change and many will buy the book looking for an answer to how do you lose 150 pounds? They won't find it. Maybe it's clear to us she had WLS, but what about the people who think they just aren't "strong" enough to do it on their own like Star Jones, when we know statistically it's very unlikely anyone can lose and maintain that kind of loss. I just think if she's going to discuss her weight loss in a for profit manner she should be open and honest.

Hi Amy, Call your Tricare regional office, but unless things have changed in the last six months, Tricare doesn't cover the Lap Band, only RNY. But, some military hospitals have started Lap Band programs. If I remember correctly, USAFA, Lackland and Walter Reed may have Lap Band programs. Good Luck. Susan

My only mild complication was a potential incision infection which the surgeon gave me antibiotics for at my post op check, the infection was questionable. And some pbs and slimings- behavior induced. Susan Banded 7/25/05 3 ccs - 3 fills - 9.75 cm band 237/189/125 - 5' 4"

I have a 9.75 cm band, holds 4ccs. 1st fill at 6 weeks - 1cc, didn't feel much restriction. 2nd fill at 8 weeks - 1.7 cc (2.7 cc total), pretty good, lasted 2.5 months, could have used a tweak a few weeks earlier. 3rd fill at about 4 months - .3 ccs (3.0 cc total), may be my sweet spot, we'll see. Dec. has been my best weight loss since the 2 weeks post-op. Susan Banded 7/25/05 3 ccs - 3 fills - 9.75 cm band 237/189/125 - 5' 4"

Very thorough poll, I like it. Had to re-register just to vote. Susan Banded 7/25/05 3ccs - 3 fills - 9.75 cm Band 237/189/125 - 5' 4"

Hi all, I've been lurking here for months, you all are so encouraging. Christmas eve was great, prime rib with all the fixings - no problem. I cooked for everyone on Christmas with help from my mom and sister bringing some food. I did great until after dinner, I took a gulp of Water, oops, only water came back for a revisit, but I could have done without that. Best of all, I lost weight the week of Christmas, that's a first. Susan Banded 7/25/05 3ccs - 3 fills - 9.75 cm band 237/189/125 5'4"