elle_NY

Love this advice. Thanks so much, I don't have a band but this still works for my weight loss goals. :smile2:

Although you are not that heavy in comparison to most lapBand patients, you may want to get the surgery as a preventative measure. I have seen some patients go through with the surgery having as little as 70 pounds to lose, because they knew they would have lifelong struggles managing their weight. And don't be petrified, the procedure is quick, and you are usually up and walking the same day! Only do it if you are sure that you are ready to live with this Band, and use it properly as a weight management tool. It really is a tool and not a magic button, so as long as you're willing to work with it and take care of it, you should be fine!! It really changes your behaviour towards eating.

When were you banded? It could be the bandaid. If it persists, I would go see the doctor about it because it could turn to infection, but I wouldn't be too worried....especially if you just recently had your surgery.

Hey there, Your calorie intake is not that bad. Plus, it could be different according to your body composition and individual needs. I don't have a lapband but I work at a lapband surgical clinic and I know that most people's needs differ. If you find that you are able to eat too much you should ask for a fill adjustment. But I wouldn't be concerned over the exact numbers...our nutritionists teach us that it is more about the portion size and amount that you are able to eat at each meal. If you're able to eat more than a cup at each meal, you probably need a fill. As for being obsessed about calories, I wouldn't give it too much power. I find that a website called Calorie Count Plus takes away the stress and fixation of calorie counting by doing everything electronically. It's free to set up an account, and they pretty much have every food/brand name available. I just like that it does it all for me so I'm not sitting there doing math all day long and stressing about the numbers I am consuming or burning. It's nice to be able to see it all in numbers on the screen throughout the day. Don't fret!

Did your doctors say if it was Band "erosion"? Sometimes that happens and they remove the band because it becomes infected....but depending on where you have your surgery, they may put a new Band in without additional cost. But it may vary depending on where you are.

Hey there! From the sounds of it, you're doing okay already! If you are feeling lost when you go to the gym, you might want to participate in group fitness classes. Most gyms offer the classes, included with the cost of the membership. I know that the YMCA over here includes all fitness classes along with the initial payment. Group fitness is always good because the instructors (if they're good!) will act informally as a trainer and give you advice for your workout, and you could even approach her or him afterwards for some personal advice. A good group instructor can also modify the workouts for you according to your fitness level. But you may want to let them know in private that you have had a Band surgically implanted in your abdomen....so that they don't make you do some crazy ridiculous Madonna yoga-move that irritates your port!!!

Amanda, Congratulations on moving forward on your journey to weight loss. I'm 20 years old and am currently on a weight loss journey, although I do not have a LapBand. I work with LapBand patients at a clinic and so I guess you could say I have had an inside peek at what the LapBand lifestyle and journey is like. I have to tell you, from seeing the way the lapBand works an unbiased perspective, I would definitely go for it if you and your doctors know that it is the right step for you. Of course you will be nervous, but that is allowed. Anything worth any meaning to you will come along with a bit of nerves. You are so young and you deserve to feel and look your best, and from what I have seen, the LapBand is an exceptional means of getting there. Email me if you have any questions about anything! best of luck Amanda!