BrendaLH

I totally understand where your coming from. I am a mother of three children too and know about the extra weight that comes with having them. I have actually been overweight all my life, but because really overweight after having my last child. I did all the yo-yo diets through the years with temporary successes. Last year I had a problem with my right eye which turned out to be a tumor behind it. The doctors only way of keeping my eye open without me seeing doulbe was to give me 100mg of steroids. I reached a whopping 316lbs. and was really depressed and was tired of being looked at like I was from another planet while in public. I started the classes at Kaiser in June of last year just to see about the Gastric Bypass. I completed the classes and lost 26lbs. during that period. I battled with chosing the band or not myself. I did so much research online and weighed out the pros and cons of all the procedures that were offered. I was banded on January 24, 2008 and at that time weighed 292lbs. You need to really understand what causes you to eat in order to get the lapband. I know that stress and depression are the two things that cause me to eat, so I found other ways of coping when this comes over me. The lapband is not a easy fix, you still have to maintain your intake like your on a diet. Yeah if I wanted to enjoy chips, cake, Cookies during this time it could happen because those things go down very easy with the band. We don't do any dumping like the Gastri Bypass Patients do. I think ultimately the choice is yours and when you search deep down inside you will make the right choice for you!! Best of luck and if you ever need someone to talk I am here. PO/ current/goal #1(reached)/goal #2 292/ 249 /250 /190

I created a really good Turkey Meatloaf that is real tasty. 1lb. of Extra lean ground turkey 1 can of Campbell's Reduced Fat Cream of chicken Soup 1-2 sprinkles of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper Mix all ingredients together and then bake at 350 for about an hour or so. When you remove it from the oven drain off if any grease and then mix a turkey or chicken packet of gravy with Water. Pour this over the meatloaf and allow it to cook for about 20 more minutes just until the gravy is bubbly. This is extremely soft and tastes really good. You can add more veggies if you wish. It even tastes better the second day!

I was banded on January 24th and have had one fill 1cc in my 4cc band in March. On Monday, June 16th I am going for my second fil which I am hoping to only go to 2cc's. I am flying to Las Vegas on July 3rd and returning on July 7th for my Birthday which is the 8th. I heard that when you fly your band gets tighter and can stay that way for a few days? Is this true? Hope I can get a answer soon because if thats the case I will put off my fill until I get back. Thanks for your help! June 2007 316lbs. before Kaiser classes Jan. 2008 292lbs. before surgery and after completion of classes June 2008 251.5lbs. as of June 12th

I started water aerobics about 6 weeks after my surgery. When working out in the water your body can handle more then on land so that is the best thing for ya. I would wait until at least 4-6 weeks just to make sure the incensions are healed up. Best of luck to ya

I went to KFC one day and ordered some mashed potatoes and when I got home they were not in my order and I did not feel like going back out. My husband had some chicken wings, so he told me to try a piece without the skin. I had a very small piece without the skin and chewed (what I thought was very well) and no sooner did I swallow it I was in full choke mode. It was majorly stuck and I was so scared. I tried to drink some water to see if I could push it down (bad decision) and the water came right back up. I eventually went into the bathroom and was able to relieve myself by bending over the toilet. After that little episode I am terrified of eating any fried chicken. I also had this same problem with a small piece of baked pork chop it would not go down. You usually can tell within the first bite or two if the food is not going to sit well. Best of luck to you!!!!!

You need to increase your protein intake. This has happened to me and when I increased the protein it stopped falling out in bunches. I heard Biotin really works and I am thinking of taking that too so my hair can get stronger.

Dont worry the pain will eventually go away. I took a warm compress and placed it on my shoulder and neck when the pain got to bad. I also was given liquid tylenol with codiene which really helped with the pain. I would advise to drink chamomile tea because for some odd reason it really makes you feel good and relaxes the body. My pain was totally gone within 6 days after surgery. Just hang in there!

I understand where your coming from because I was at a Bariatric Support group last night and had to hear numerous people bash the band. You need to realize that this is for you and no one else. Everyone has an opinion its up to you to search within yourself and determine if this is for you. I have been overweight all my life and really had no support for my decision but I went through with it and have no regrets. The good thing about the band is it is reversable and they can take it out, but with the Gastric Bypass that is not an option. I want you to focus on you and your choice and try to close your ears to everyone not supporting you. before classes 06/24/07 316lbs. banded 01/24/08 292lbs. current 06/11/08 251.5