ralheit

My surgeon required OptiFast for 2 weeks. That was the worst part of the whole process. It was to shrink the liver. Unfortunately when he went in my liver was not shrunk. But everything went OK.

Wow, what a feeling that must be. Can't wait to join you. Congratulations!

A bit embarassing, but I think I would have just felt great knowing I needed smaller pants.

I was banded in March and wasn't losing much. Someone suggested I increase my water intake and I have started losing. I'm finally past 25 pounds and slowly approaching 30. In April I was still at only 11 pounds lost and thought I'd never get moving.

My doctor was very supportive and excited for me. He is very much against bypass. He doesn't think the risk is worth it, but when I told him I was going to get the band, he was very happy with it. I'm his second band patient and the first had hers removed. He's very interested in following my progress.

I agree with the idea of slow weight loss. It's hard sometimes when all of my friends and family that have had bypass are dropping pounds like crazy. But hopefully I won't have as much loose skin, I'll remain healthier and won't have to struggle with the weight coming back like they are. I'm somewhere between 25-30 pounds and was banded on 3/7. I'm waiting to change my avatar for the big 30. It doesn't seem like as much as some others, but it's a blessing for me.

I felt the same way. I was banded in March and have lost approx. 28 pounds. Not as much as many who post on here. I thought I was gonna be a failure. I doubled my water intake and started losing. Give it a try.

I have started using Nyoxin. It is supposed to help with the thinning and make the hair stronger. I also ordered some Nick Chavez plump and thick from QVC. They showed a girl with her scalp showing and put this stuff in her hair, massaged into the scalp and roots and when she threw her head back she looked like she had three times as much hair. It has shampoo, conditioner, styling products and spray. I'll have to let you know if it really works.

Wow, you are all an inspiration. I'm only 3 month out, am just are around 28 pounds lost (I haven't changed my avatar yet, waiting for the big 30). But... I am feeling a difference in my clothes I have had some people notice the loss and say so The scale is going down instead of constantly up, up, up I'm starting to be able to walk without my cane Life is good:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

All of the above reasons. Bypass has 1 in 200 mortality rate. That's just too high for me. I also think the slower weight loss is healthier. And I know many bypass patients and they are all having problems now after 1 or 2 years with keeping the weight off. They are all back on weight watchers, etc. With the band, it's there forever and is always a tool to keep your weight off.

Welcome and good luck on your journey. This is the place to be.

I have a 2 year old Yellow Lab named Casey. She was rescue that I found out about through a friend. Lost a black Lab named Jazz a little more than a year ago. Casey has filled a big void. Love her to death. That's her in my avatar.

How wonderful for you. I think many of us can relate to your story and you just gave us all hope for our futures. Best of everything to you, you deserve it.

Congratulations! I can't wait to feel like that.

Wow! You look great and it looks like you had a great time.

I spoke to Diane again today. She is having a little discomfort, but is doing well.

We haven't been hearing alot from Diane lately except the recent messages about her whirlwind approval and surgery date. She has been leading a hectic life lately. She had her surgery yesterday, 5/23, and I spoke to her this morning. She is doing very well, the surgery went well and she expects to be going home tonight. She had her surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and is very impressed with their program. CONGRATULATIONS TO DIANE and Welcome to the world of the banded!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2::clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Great story. Maybe some day I'll be lucky enough to be that embarrassed. Congrats on the NSV.

I'm sorry you have someone doing this to you. I haven't had the problem, I get great support from my friends and family. But when you have as much to lose as most of us do, it does take some time before it begins to show. What she thinks doesn't matter, only that you believe in yourself and what you are doing. I haven't lost as much or as quickly as many on here, and sometimes it gets to me. But like you said, at least the gaining has stopped and I know that I have lost some and will lose more. I kick started my loss by increasing my water intake. For awhile there, I thought I was going to be a failure. But the extra water has really helped. In time, she'll be jealous of how fabulous you look. Hang in there.

Hola! Letty:welcome: This is a great place to be for support and information. I started here well before I was banded and got a lot of help. Good luck on your journey, you have a lot of friends here.

While I was still unbanded, her posts were very inspirational for me. I got a lot of good info and am grateful.

Unfortunately it's true. Most insurances will require the 6 month diet. But the fact that your Dr. stated he has been monitoring for 5 years should be plenty. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.

Diane, I am so happy for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to hear from you after the surgery. I think that after time, your husband will realize that this was the right choice for you. When he sees the change in your life, he'll see it could only be a good thing. Good Luck. Talk to you soon.

I had complications when I had my surgery and had to have an NG while I was still in the hospital. My surgeon did it and only with the scope. I never even thought about it after surgery. Makes sense to me. To many medical personnel have never even heard of the band.

I was banded on 3/7. I've lost 19 pounds (as of 4 days ago). I've been pretty slow starting but have upped my water and seem to be doing a little better. I just had my 2nd fill and am hoping I will start losing a little better.