Bel

Hi, I have found since the band i tend to retain fluid a lot more, i think its because the body gets less food for the muscles and likes to hold the fluid or something, lol i know im nuts! Thing is, if you dont drink enough water when you up the exercise your body retains what is has so your muscles dont cramp. I personally find it really hard to drink enough water during the day because my stomach is so small but i try for 3 litres when i do that kind of exercise. Also, depending on where you are in your weight loss you may be on a plateau. Have faith it will happen Bel

I also showered the 2nd day and from then on i could shower anytime, they say the strips come off on their own and thats ok. I did have a waterproof dressing for a few days though. Please be aware this was in Australia though, it may be different there. Bel

Hi, I have been banded for 7 years and in the first months after my op, i had a lot of trouble. But that settled and even when my band was tightened i could eat anything, i still can and love it! lol I think its a wonderful thing for you that you dont have trouble with food, it just means your gut isn't as sensitive as others. The positive is that you can get all the vitamins you need YAY. So, enjoy it cause it may not last forever Bel

Hi, Im new to posting here so i hope you dont mind my dropping in my opinion. I have had the band 7 years, i got it when i was 15. It saved my life and i wouldn't change it for the world but it is a huge learning curve! A lot of people think it is an easy way to lose weight ... IT ISNT. Its still bloody hard but it is easier then not having it at all. I chose the band because it is reversable more so then the bypass, the bypass is also in my opinion more dangerous and can cause serious malnutrition. Having said that it is something that you must decide for yourself, there are pros and cons with everything, unfortunatly. I can tell you that the band can be a wonderful thing if you make sure you dont stuff food in your face so fast you throw it back up lol, but you soon learn not too! Sorry, im babbling. If you would like to see my results i just posted them in the before and after, here is a link http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-pictures-pix-only-4642/index82.html#post778363 I am happy to answer any questions you need help with and i hope this helped you a bit. A least i can show you the band IS a long term success, for me anyway :-) Bel

Ok, this is my first post here so please be kind! This is my before and after, im 7 YEARS post op, had the band in when i was 15. I have been told im still overweight but i dont care cause im happy :biggrin2: Before: After: Bel Have lost 45kgs or 99.2lb