Paulax

I am sure we all thought about this very same issue. For ME, whether this is the answer that will take me to the grave or not, I just don't know. But what I do know is that until something better comes along, this is the best long term solution for me. Good luck with your decision. Good for you for thinking this through carefully.

206.........

I'd like to know what is considered a band at the limit of capacity. Some doctors will only fill the 4cc band to 4, others I have heard go above 4. Does anyone know what the band company says is 'full' or the limit? Thanks in advance.

Hi Judy, I am just shy of 6 ft. My start weight was 280, I am now 207. I look good around 200. Height is a wonderful thing. But according to my BMI, to be in the average weight zone, I should weigh 175. I will by happy with anything below 190. The 175 number came from googling "BMI calculator". Good luck with your weightloss.

Banded July 21st. Lost close to 30 pounds. Had one fill. Can eat too much. Booked second fill Sept 18. Right now, I am having a hard time believing that I am going to one day be posting my own pictures on the Before/After Shots thread. I guess I have failed at this for 25 years and can hardly believe that this will happen. Anyone else have these doubts. At the same time time a small part of me, KNOWS it will happen and I am very excited. But it can't happen fast enough for me.

A friend had the band placed, and I have to admit that at the time I thought she was nuts. I had a preconceived notion that weight loss surgery was only for the rich and famous. But as the year went by, she got thinner and thinner and happier and healthier, and I started to see the true benefit in her life. One year later, I was banded by the same surgeon. In Canada, there was VERY little information about it, especially in the West. I thank the Heavens every day for this band. Without it, I'd be right where I was last July 28.....

I don't know why it happens either, but I have experienced the very same thing. I read that it is quite common, so be rest assured.

Up til recently I did not have to pay for fills at all. My surgeon just started charging 30 dollars for a fill and 60 for a fill with flouro. I'd like to know what you are paying, if anything. Some people on my board are all bent out of shape about this, but I feel it is fair and others are paying more, especially in Canada. Thanks in advance. Paula Dr Leung Vancouver

And I am checking in with my July'sters. I can report a 73 pounds weight loss to date. So proud of that, I can't tell ya. I have a mere 35 pounds to goal and that sounds like music to my ears. I am at a 3.0 fill now. It seems as though I only lose when I am 'tight' and exercising. I think some of us are just weight loss resistent. I try to stay low carb, but the homemade cookies I make are just really too hard to resist sometimes. But I can't complain about my loss so I won't. Hope you are all big time losers this month. And can you even believe that in 2-3 short months it will have been a YEAR??? I sure can't, but I feel BLESSED that I did this life saving surgery. cheers Paula

kacee, I love your attitude. My dear friend who was banded a year before me is just like you. She tells everyone who will listen and I love her for it. But not all of us are like that. She is an extrovert, I am an introvert. As much as I admire her for her open honestly, I just can't be like that. I do feel as though if someone were to ask me and I felt that they would benefit from my experience, I would most certainly tell them. I guess it comes down to personality and comfort zone. We are all different. But hugs and cheers for all of you who can be open about your weight loss surgery. It is because of my open friend that I came to know about this life saving surgery. And for that I honour her for being my mentor.

Absolutely I have heard of it. I am an addict. The more I eat, the more I crave. I believe that the whole idea of low carbing is to attack the addiction head on by getting it out of your system. The only way to solve this addiction is to starve your body of it. I have actually felt the pain of withdrawl for 3 days when I strictly low carb. That is eating fresh vegetables and Proteins and small amounts complex carbs only. The wonderful thing about getting it out of your system is that you no longer crave it, and your appetite for other food is in control. Keep researching, it is very interesting.

All great suggestions, some days I am happy with an Atkin's shake or bar, and many days, I LOVE those Knorr Soups in a carton. My favorite is the Autumn Vegetable, directions, open, pour, nuke........One cup makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

I agree it is no one's business but your own. I think sometimes we feel as though we need to give all the details and that is just not true. Facts are facts, you have a right privacy and to use your insurance if your work offers that. No need to say anything further than you are having surgery and will require X time off. Good luck. If any employer asks for specifics, they are probably just curious or concerned. But they have no legal right to ask for specifics. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Hugs

OK, so now I am 207. I guess I can start to believe this weight loss 'miracle' but now I doubt I will ever get below 190. I really need to start thinking positive. What kind of negative Nelly am I? I guess I just really find this a miracle, after so many failures. I am so proud of myself for taking this step. I feel so good minus 72 pounds, I am just exctatic. To think of my body minus all the excess weight. I guess it brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.

7 :heh:

Can't you just hear the music now?

I agree 100% BTW Gaffer, I have been chuckling about your profile, '$16,000 Man' for months now. Being that I am old enough to remember The 6 Million Dollar Man and all. Hey, you are pretty cheap in comparison.

GO LAPDANCER! I did 24 days of Clear liquids after my surgery. I lost a LOT of weight and as hard as it was, it was worth every minute. My favorite banded breakfast, ya, coffee, sometimes an Atkin's shake....

HA, I just reread my post. I change my mind. I AM a size 14 now and want to be a 12 at goal........... 5'11"

I say whatever works! Good for you and continued success.

That is awesome! Good for you TLBC patients. However, I must add that I paid 12,500. for my surgery. If I am right, TLBC patients pay 16,000. So I still feel as though my surgeon is justified in charging a mere 30.00 for a fill. Thanks everyone.

Sorry Denise, I just read your post about getting stuck. I rarely get stuck. I sometimes eat too much and feel like I swallowed a golfball, but rarely get stuck. Try to remember to chew food until it is almost liquid. Sometimes I forget this and swallow chunks of food too large to pass through my band. If you keep getting food stuck even after you chew to liquid, then be careful you might be too tight. Let us know how it goes.

I think the answer to that question is individual. I am one of the people who like a tight band. I have VERY small meals and they usually take a while to eat. I am full after 1/2 cup of food, which is what my surgeon recommends I eat at one sitting. I somtimes just have an Atkin's shake for breakfast and either a light lunch or an Advantage bar, again eaten slowly. Others have more discipline than I do and can live with a looser band. So tell us how you are doing with your fill.

I have found a few things online at www.torrid.com. But I warn you banded people not to buy too much. I have bought and shrunk out of a few new things and regret the purchase. ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL? So anyway, now I am waiting to see exactly what is necessary and just keep wearing the same ol thing every day. Which is easy for me as I am a mom at home.

Hey, I am ready with you on this countdown. 8 pounds to go for this girl. I also need to kick the sweets habit. I just got back from holidays, I had a few sweets. Now back to business. WHO HOO Here is my countdown. 8