*susan*

Hi and welcome to LBT! That is great that you and your sister had this done at the same time, what an awesome support you will be for each other. If you have any questions, let us know. We look forward to getting to know you.

The first thing to do is research, research, and more research. Then, most surgeons that do the band offer seminars. I would attend some of them. Find out as much as you can about the different surgeons so you can make an informed choice as to which one you want to have do your surgery. It is feasible to have this surgery as a self-pay. I refinanced my home so I could have. You can take out a loan, there is carecredit, etc.

Hi Simone and welcome to LBT! Good luck in your journey, and let us know if you have any questions.

Hi Kim, I was a self-payer too and have never regretted it. As far as fills go, you usually get your first one 4-6 weeks after your surgery. From there, how often you get them really depends on you, as it is different for everyone. Some people only have one fill and lose all the weight they need, others need more. For myself, I have found that I need a fill after about 20 pounds lost, but again, that is just me. Let us know when you get your date.

Glad you found that burp! You are doing well, and it is great that your wife is so supportive of you, that makes all the difference in the world.

Welcome to LBT! I am so glad you found us. It sounds like you have been through so much. But, you have definitely made an important decision for your health. The band is a wonderful tool and it sounds like you already have a bit of knowledge from it by watching your brother go through the process. I am sure he will also be a wonderful support system for you. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help. Let us know how things are progressing and when you get your surgery date.

Congratulations on finally getting through all the red tape. Let us know your date.

Hi Sheri, Welcome to LBT! I think all of us have probably tried just about every diet method out there and lost and gained the same pounds over and over and over again. Fortunately, the band is available for us. If it were easy, we wouldn't need tools like it. The band is a great tool and will work well for you. Like Glenn said, one of the most important things you can do is listen to your physician and follow his/her orders. They know what is best for you. And never compare yourself to what everyone else is doing on the board. Everyone loses differently and reacts differently to certain foods, fills, etc. The band is definitely a learning process and you need to go slow during that process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We look forward to getting to know you.

Hi and welcome to LBT. Let us know if you have any questions as you are going through the process.

You are probably starting to feel hungry because the swelling in your tummy is going down. Try to increase your Protein. I suggest going to the food threads and viewing some of the recipes for the different food stages there. Some people have come up with some really good ones that help you stay full longer. I would not recommend straying from the diet your doctor has prescribed you. However, if you have tried everything and find you are still very hungry, then call him or your nutritionist. They may be able to suggest something for you or move you on to the next stage a little sooner.

Don't worry, you will be amazed at how well you do. First off, just knowing the band is there and working for you will be a huge motivator. Secondly, even if you do mess up and eat the wrong foods, your band is there to keep you from really overdoing it. It is going to make you get full faster and stay feeling full longer. Granted, it is a tool, but by eating right and exercising, you will lose the weight. Another thing I have found is that it is important to have your support system in place. For me, I find when I wander away from the boards for a bit, I lose my motivation. But as long as I am here, checking in daily, looking at the before and after pictures and talking to others who are going through the same thing I am, I keep my motivation and continue to do well.

I don't think you were wrong at all. Actually, I think she was being inappropriate. I understand her need for the room, and it is justifiable. However, your reason for using the room was as justifiable. She needs to learn to be patient. There are times when we all have to wait a few minutes, that is just a fact of life.

I had a small slip last year. My surgeon did a complete unfill for about 6 weeks and it went back into place. I hope your's does as well.

I have heard of a lot of people having problems with chicken. As long as it is moist and not overcooked, I have no problem with it. Thank goodness because I really love chicken, especially on the grill.

Yep, my scrambled eggs had cheese in them, hubby made them special for me. I also found that because you have to chew food so much more than you used to, you really do learn to appreciate the flavor more. There are also a lot of foods I used to really like, but once I had to actually chew and taste them, discovered they weren't so good after all. That is great that you ride in the charity rides. I work for daniel's foundation, and am one of the people that put the ride together. Not to brag, but it is one of the best in our area. Maybe I will see you at the next one. We haven't set the date yet, but are looking at the first week in September right now.

Holy smokes!! This is a good reason for looking up restaurant nutritional data online before going out and choosing what you will eat ahead of time!

It is kind of amazing to think that after a lifelong struggle with obesity, I have this wonderful little tool inside me that is helping me to finally win that battle. I love my band!

You are doing very well. Remember, the band is designed for us to lose a healthy 1-2 pounds per week. I would not be discouraged by anyone else's numbers, as everyone loses differently. If I allowed myself to get discouraged by numbers, I truly would have given up by now. Here is a link to the forum shortgal mentioned: Slow Losers Unite - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support

Oh my gosh, that is hysterical. From your picture, I think your nose looks beautiful on your face!

My surgeon actually keeps us overnight, but from what I have seen on here, he is one of the few that does. Everyone is different, but I would allow at least a week of recovery time before going back to work. As for the lifting, it has been quite a long time now, but if I remember correctly, I was limited to five pounds for a month until my port was healed well.

Welcome, for me, there is nothing quite as motivating as checking these boards out every day, especially the before and after pictures!

Hello and welcome. Like Libra said, the band is a great tool, but you have to do your part as well. It will help you feel full sooner and keep that full feeling longer, but you have to make healthier food choices too.

Hi and welcome to LBT! It sounds like you have chosen a very good doctor. It is very important that you are comfortable with your decision. It won't be long now until you are an official bandster. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are glad to help. To add a ticker, please see the following thread, it will give you step-by-step instructions. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

Hi Janel, we are so glad you have joined us here on LBT. It sounds like your husband has been very successful with his weight loss. It is great that you both will have had weight loss surgery, as you will be a great support system for each other. Do not be embarrassed about stating your weight here at LBT. We all know where you are coming from and are either there now, or have been there. We are here to help and support each other through this journey. With that being said, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We look forward to getting to know you and going through your band journey with you.

Congratulations on getting your date! Let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help and support one another.