Shauna80

Hey Neena, You in a very similar boat as me! I only had 85 pounds to lose...and it took me over 2 months to lose 20 pounds...I am up to 7 months and have only lost 40 pounds. You cant compare your weigh loss with someone who has 150 pounds to lose, because when you have less to lose it will take longer. You are right on track, though you made need another fill. Find foods that are high in Protein to keep you full, and make sure you are drinking A LOT of water! I found when I was working out, and eating that if I didnt drink close to a gallon of Water a day, my weight loss slowed way down...now, on the other hand, I only drink water...I dont drink soft drinks or juice...so a gallon is not hard for me...but try and get at least 72 oz if not more. Good luck, and contact me anytime if you need anything or have questions! Shauna

That behavior will only last so long. You will eventually get stuck, it happens to all of us...but you will need to implement healthier choices...chicken fingers are fatty, and fully of preservatives! You need vegetables, and good fats in your diet. Bacon is full of fat and cholesterol...you basically loosing weight, but your building plaque in your arteries that you wont necessarily see...but over time it can cause problems. I would personally look at finding other foods to implement into your diet. Good Luck!

Just look at my pictures!!! Absolutely NO REGRETS!! Its hard work, but SOOOOOOOO worth. Just to feel like the old me again is worth it...the complements from my husband, the feeling good about myself, and not to mention being able to walk in my closet and wear anything I want, and not play that "Im too fat for that" game! I questioned it too...but since doing it, I love it! Good Luck!!

Hey!!! Welcome to the site! I used Dr. William Johnson out of Johns Creek Surgery. He's the other doctor in the same practice that ParrotheadCathy used. If you would like more information send me a private message! He is awesome and I love the staff and their outlook on the procedure! Not only that, I went through the whole process starting in July 08 and had surgery in Sept 08. They work for you not the insurance company! I was really motivated so I got all my stuff required by insurance done in 3 weeks, then they submitted everything to my insurance and I had surgery a month later. Good luck!

You can see mine, but I still wear a bikini! I dont care, because my abs are better to look at :thumbup:

I did EXTENSIVE research and the band is made of Titanium, and that last forever. Unless you have serious problems with the band for some reason, most doctors wont remove it. Plus why would you want it removed?? You became overweight for a reason, and the band is a TOOL to help you lose and keep the weight off, if you have it removed you will probably gain the weight back plus more. This is not a cure, its a life time of eating right and working out. The band is there to help you, and its a lot of struggle to go through what you do, to have it removed and potentially gain the weight back. I would go into this journey looking at it as a lifestyle change, and expect to have it forever. My doc told me up front he will not take it out unless its medically necessary. Good luck! Research this and make sure its right for you.

I had a BMI of 36 and I had PCOS and high blood pressure. I only had 80 pounds to lose and Im down 45...35 to go!! Its worth the fight. I have BCBS and they covered everything, but it really depends on the coverage of your employer. Good luck!

I have PCOS and I was banded on 9-18-08...I have lost 45 pounds and have 40 more to go. I started off at 218 and with my weight loss I have NO PCOS symptoms left. I was taken off my metformin, and my blood pressure medicine as well within 3 months. I dont have any sagging skin, but I work out 5 days a week and drink TONS of water...probably close to a gallon a day. I know I didnt have as much to lose as some others, but you will be healthier to have saggy skin than all that fat around your organs. Good luck, and email me if you have questions!

I have been banded since Sept 18th...I just got back from Panama City Beach FL. You should be fine, but the only advise I will give is eat slow, and realize you wont be able to eat the portions you are used to. If not, you will be running to the bathroom to throw up! Good luck!

I am just starting the process to get approved for the lap band, but I have some concerns. I am 28 years old, and I started gaining weight about 7 years ago. I've never really had a weight problem, I have always been athletic and I work out like crazy. My BMI is 37%, but I fall under the criteria of being at least 35% with other complications. I had a rare thing happen after my daughter was born...I went into post partum Congestive Heart Failure because of the excessive Water retention. I also am considered to have high blood pressure but am not on meds. Has anyone else been in a similar position, gaining weight because of a condition, then having the lap band? What kind of results can I expect, and how fast? I can't think of anything else I can do to lose this weight. I am 5'4 and 215, I have about 85 pounds that I need to lose, and I have done nothing but gain weight because of PCOS, but didn't know why until 2 years ago. I really just dont know what else to do....any thought are welcomed!

I am 28 and about 5'5, weighing 217...I have always been athletic and muscular...still am at this weight. But I'm wondering who has been in this similar situation with weight, and what kind of results you've had. I do work out 4-5 days a week, and I am hoping this will prevent any loose skin...My weight is distributed pretty evenly all over...I really dont gain in one particular area. I am hoping to lose 90 pounds and be around 130. I would love to hear peoples story

I am in the medical profession, and was banded on Sept 18th. I have lost 20 pounds so far...You have to go into this surgery with the right mental attitude towards food and life. This is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is not an easy fix...if you cant get your mind around the fact that you will have to change your eating habits, and exercise then this will not work for you. The band is a TOOL, its not going to make you lose weight, its a tool to assist in your weight loss. If you want to lose weight and not really do much work, then the band is not for you...maybe the bypass is a better option. Your family is not educated on what the band is, or does by what you wrote. You are not going to have mental distress because you can't eat a normal size plate of spagetti. You can eat most foods, depending on the person. Me personally have a hard time eating white starches because they get stuck, and its uncomfortable, so I dont do it..I guess if I really wanted them I could suffer through the pain but its not worth it, and I dont miss it! This is something that you have to do when you are mentally ready to do so. If you are not a decision maker, then you need to talk with a professional about how to make a life altering decision that is for your health. NO one can make this decision for you. I LOVE MY BAND...and I can honestly say this is the best thing I have done for myself. I eat pretty much what I want, just smaller portions..I dont deprive myself, but the band does not allow me to overeat. You wont be able to eat 5 Cookies and a bag of chips...Im good to get 1 or 2 cookies down on an empty stomach. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck, and do whats best for you! Shauna

Hello, I am researching getting banded and I have started the process for the appropval...I have a few questions about expectations. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with PCOS and have done EVERYTHING to lose weight. I am not one who has struggled their whole life with weight issues, but in the last 6 years I have gained this weight. I work out avidly 4-5 times a week, and I eat healthy. I was curious what I can expect in weight loss and how quickly when I get banded? I have about 85-90 pounds to lose,and I am currently at 37% BMI and have other health conditions. What kind of success did you have, and how long has it taken you? I would love any feedback. thanks Shauna

I wanted to get ideas of what people did for their mushie food stage. What did you eat for Breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you full in between your meals? I am so used to eating 5-6 times a day, that I want to make sure I only eat 3 times a day and stay full in between. I look forward to your ideas!:smile2:

I had my surgery Sept 18th...I have had NO problems eating or drinking. I was in the hospital for 2 nights, and was able to eat all my Jello, broth and popcicles. I got home yesterday, and was told to be on full liquids ( 3 shakes a day and 1 liquid, like pudding or yogurt) but I am finding myself hungry. I have been adding about 5 saltine crackers with my shake because the shakes are not filling...I am using unjury fro my shakes and I drink 8 oz in about 20 minutes, but I am forcing myself to drink them slow. My question is, what did you guys do during this stage to fight the hunger? I notice that I cant eat as much, but there has been nothing I cant eat so far. I know I have to be careful because of the sutures and allow the band to heal...but I am finding this very difficult because I have tasted stuff and have no problem keeping it down...and I want more! What was your first week like post op? What was your diet consisted of? Thanks

I love hearing everyone stories....I am starting mushies tomorrow and so excited...I kinda started tonight! I wanted some stuffing I made and it was soft enough so I had some....YUMMY!!! I have lost 11 pounds total, and I am starting back at the gym next week....so I will need to keep my protein intake up!

That's great that you lost that much weight and have no loose skin. I am a "solid" person now, and still muscular and I dont think I will have much of a problem...maybe at the bottom of my stomach where I have a few stretch marks from my pregnancy. But if thats the worse I can deal with it! I had a boob job at 21 and I hoping mine will lift back in place when I lose the weight and weight train....it happened to a friend of mine. I would get another one now if I didnt want anymore kids, but I am going to wait until after my last kid to get them done again. I am excited about the future and see a light! I want to stay in touch with everyone and see your progress!!!:smile2: