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Thank you so much. I have always tried to believe that God wouldn't give me more than I can handle. I guess I'm still in shock. 22 years is a lot of life to spend in one place, then have it end out of the blue. You're all right, there's just got to be an opportunity just waiting for me out there (atleast I hope so). The prayers will definately help.

I also suffered from fatigue and have severe osteoarthritis in my legs, especially my knees. I had to walk with a cane for quite some time and have been able to toss it finally. I still have pain, but I'm getting around much better now. I also got off my meds for reflux. I am still taking BP meds, but hope to get off of them in the future. I also have sever apnea. I'm still using my mask. I just hope that once I have a really significant loss that that will also be gone.

Ah but remember that once upon a time a buxom full figured woman was considered the ideal beauty. Rubinesck(spelling?) was the in thing. So the ideal unfortunately changes over time. And I think the advertising agencies do feed into that.

I have found in the hospital that many doctors and emergency room personnel have never even heard of the band. So any information you can have for them is good. I was in emergency and overnight once and everyone there was looking the band up on the internet to figure out what it was and what it looked like. So at least some of them have been educated. That's why I got my bracelet. If I were unconscious and they needed to place an NG I want them to know that they need to be careful.

I didn't even know that such a page existed. I haven't been on Obesityhelp very much. Once I found LBT I never went back. But that was the main reason I chose the band, the risks just sounded too high for RNY.

This journey isn't always easy and we all lose at different paces, but even though I've been a slower loser I am so grateful for every pound. I also have had to deal with the frustrations and even discomfort at times but to me it's worth it. I wish you the best in your decision. Just make sure you consider it well and weight the pros and cons. I don't ever want to give my band up no matter what.

Welcome. It is a decision that should take time. It's great that you did your research first and are more aware of what you are choosing to do. I know it was the bet decision I ever made and being here at LBT is a great help.

I have a 20cc band and I've had about 6 fills and am only at 5.5. That seems like a lot for your first fill. As long as you are comfortable with it and don't PB continuously, good for you. You already have the restriction most of us had to wait for.

I got one. My surgeon saw it and said he wished all his band patients had them. He thought it was a great idea.

Wow you are doing great. Welcome.

Hello all, I am in North east Ohio about 20 miles west of Cleveland. I had my surgery in March and have lost 52 pounds. Not as fast as many, but not too bad considering I just got to the point that no matter what I did all I did was gain. I'm happy with my band and like others only wish I'd have been able to have it sooner. I was banded at St. Vincent Charity by Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir.

I had a fatty liver but didn't know it until surgery. I was put on Optifast for 2 weeks which was supposed to prevent the fatty liver. When I had the surgery, the surgeon asked my husband if I'd really followed the Optifast. Evidently obesity can cause the same sorts of liver problems that heavy drinking can cause. My liver was not only large and fatty, there were hard spots on it too. If I understood him right it can correct itself after losing weight.

I am at 5.5 cc in a VG band and I do the same thing. It just depends on the time of day. And I don't care what my surgeon says, I'm with Jack. 1st bite syndrome does exist. I will have one or two bites, then I have to run to the bathroom and it just comes back up, then I'm fine and can finish a meal. My surgeon thinks I'm nuts.

Did the psych actually say he wasn't going to recmmend the surgery? I had to go to one that was on a list that my surgeon gave me and she seemed quite concerned about me, she was sure that I was suicidal and suggested that I continue to see her, but she went ahead and approved me for the surgery. Hope all goes well for you.

It took me 5 fills before I felt real restriction. Give it time.

I was on clear liquids for one week, full liquids for one week then was able to move to mushies. I wasn't on solids until 6 or 8 weeks out.

Welcome Bret, Glad to hear you've had a fairly easy recovery, (besides the itching). Best of luck to you on your lapband journey. This is the place to me, great people, great advice and sympathetic ears.

I have chinese once a week. No problems here.

This is the gift I received from J.S. and I love it. I collect angels, so it was the perfect gift for me. The towels are beautiful and I'll be displaying them during the holidays. Thanks again J.S.

Thank you J.S. I love my gifts. I received two beautiful Christmas towels and two Angels. I collect angels and I love them both. I'll post a picture as soon as I can. Thanks again and Happy Holidays.

I am finally pulling all the clothes from the back of my closet...and they fit again!!! My winter coat that I haven't been able to wear for 2 years now buttons and has room to spare. And tonight, I went out to dinner with some work associates and when they took us to a booth I just cringed. I not only got in the booth but I had room between me and the table. I can't remember the last time I could do that. And, my plate had the most food left on it after we were all done. AMEN! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2

Thanks everyone, it is really getting exciting to see what will be coming next. And congrats to the rest of you and your wonderful NSVs.

I have to agree with Alexandra. The risks are too high with RNY and although the thought of losing all of the weight in a short period of time was interesting, I chose the band. I think it is much healthier, it is less invasive, there are minimal complications unlike RNY. It may take longer, but in the long run the results are the same without being sliced and diced and having my insides rearranged. The fact that this can be reversed if necessary and the adjustability made it my first and only choice.

My husband is disabled after a stroke at the age of 46. I have been wife, cook, maid, cheauffer, yard care and care giver for 8 years now. Plus I work full time and have grandchildren that I occassionally get left at my home. There are times the stress is almost overwhelming. And I have been having quite a slow down right now in my weight loss as well. Plust with holidays coming, I'm about to lose it. A week away and I still haven't even got my tree up. I have noticed lately that I'm always in such a hurry that I'm not cooking and grabbing whatever I can then moving on. I know that's not helping and even though I know I really need to get that Water down, I'm a little behind on that as well. Bitter, you're not alone. But I guess it does help to be able to vent a little and understand that someone else is going through the same thing. Thinking of you. God bless.

Cat804, You're welcome. I'm so glad you liked the gifts. I hope you enjoy them and get to take that bubble bath soon. I have one of the sound machines as well and use it to relax and sleep. I'm so glad you'll be able to use it. Happy Holidays.