*susan*

I have never heard of having to have the band replaced. My surgeon said once it is in, it is there for life, unless for some silly reason I decide to have it removed.

I actually think it is a very good law. I understand it may upset people who own their own business and the building they operate out of, but the bottom line is that health is the issue here. When my son was born, we soon learned he had all kinds of allergies, and that a major one was cigarette smoke. Many of our relatives were mindful of this, but that didn't change the fact that if we went to visit them, they didn't smoke while we were there, but they did when we were not. The effects of the cigarettes were still there, as mentioned, in the curtains, on the walls, etc. It would still cause my son to have a severe reaction just being in the room where people weren't smoking at the time, but had been. So, yes, we stopped going to their homes because we do not and cannot dictate what someone does in their home if they are using it as their home and nothing else. However, a business can not choose to cater to smokers or non-smokers only. Therefore, all their customers have the right to visit their establishment without being ill when they leave due to smoke residue. And if someone steps outside to smoke, when he/she or other people enter and exit the building, if they are close to the door the smoke does tend to wafte back into the building.

I have PCOS and I can definitely say that many of my symptoms are improving as the weight comes off. I am losing the recommended 1-2 pounds a week and it has been pretty easy. I am doing it without dieting, counting points or anything else.

I hope everything goes through for you. I have my fingers and toes crossed!

Ha ha Betty, we are the "studs" group. I think I like that, lol. Maybe the "studettes"? Kat, sorry to hear about your aunt. It sounds like she was a wonderful person. Welcome to our group Dawn and Schel, the more the merrier. I am at home with my daughter today. She has been sick for two days. She is 13, but when running a 101.8 fever with vomiting, I just don't dare leave her home alone. Besides, I could use a day at home sitting on the couch, watching her sleep and chatting on LBT! I could log on to my work computer from home, but, I really don't want to, lol! :faint: 12/1: No exercise. 72 oz. Water 12/2: 40 minutes treadmill. 72 oz. water. 12/3: 40 minutes treadmill. 72 oz. water. 12/4: No exercise. 48 oz. water.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hmmm, interesting question. Like many others, she would be shocked to see that I allowed myself to go into such depression over my first marriage that I ate myself fat. She would be disappointed to learn that I chose marriage at age 19 instead of college, yet pleased that I am sticking by my convictions, working as a database specialist for a non-profit and helping kids. She would also be pleased that I finally stood up for myself, found a man who loves me and treats me like a princess and took charge of my health by having lapband surgery.

Actually, with the band, you are supposed to lose approximately 1-2 pounds per week. Based upon that, you are not too far off from where you should be. I don't think your band has slipped, from what I have read, you would be experiencing serious symptoms. It sounds to me like you have just not reached proper restriction yet. You mentioned you have only had one fill. Most people take 2-3 fills before reaching proper restriction. Once you get there, you will know it and the weight will be coming off much easier.

Hi Irene, ditto what the others said. Walking is the best thing. I used the heating pad on my shoulders, tummy and back. It was wonderful. Liquid tylenol and gas-X are also very good. And, even if you get to feeling better, let dh keep giving you those massages, lol. I know I soaked up all the attention I could while I was recovering, lol!

HI, I am so sorry you are having such pain. It seems everyone's tolerance and recovery time is different. Sometimes, if you have had any previous surgeries, it is an indicator of how you will do with this one. I know that anesthia always knocks me for a loop and it takes me a couple of weeks before I really get to feeling better. It was the same with my lapband surgery. I wasn't in extreme pain, I mostly hurt when I would go from sitting to standing or standing to sitting. As long as I wasn't moving, I was ok. It took me about a full two weeks before I really got to feeling better. Hopefully you will be feeling better soon. Take care of you and let your family wait on you and handle things so you can rest, heal and get better!

Hi and welcome to LBT! Wow, your date is coming up fast and soon you will be an official bandster and well on your way to a healthier you. Congratulations on your decision! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are all here to help and support one another.

Hi, fellow Floridian, and welcome to LBT!!

Hi Laura and welcome to LBT! I am so sorry to hear that your original surgery did not work out, I have never heard of that happening. Hopefully the band will work well for you and you will achieve your weight loss goals. I have found it to be a wonderful tool. Also, congratulations on your upcoming wedding. We looking forward to getting to know you better.

Hi Melissa, welcome, I am glad you joined us. Congratulations on making the decision to get banded. I know it is one I will never regret. Feeling better and having more energy is wonderful!

I voted rocker. I loved Chris Daughtry and was so disappointed he didn't win. I can't wait for Idol to start. It seems like they went longer between seasons this time.

Ok, you guys have me convinced. I am definitely going to start saving to have this done.

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/169/132 - 39 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/128/110 - 52 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/180.5/134 - 53.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/244/180 - 114 total 4-10: DeltaDawn - 358/221/180 - 137 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/209/180 -75 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 Total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/213/150 - 60 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/210/170 - 60.5 lbs. total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/219/165 - 70 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/216/160 - 46 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/194/145 - 70 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/238.2/140 - 44.8 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/243/145 - 90 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/158/135 - 67 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Julie, I so hear you about the seats! The last time I was at my daughter's middle school auditorium, the seats were so snug I was actually afraid my big behind was going to get stuck. We went to her concert Friday night and I was worried, then happily surprised when I had no problem fitting into them, and even had extra room! I think that is a huge NSV! Bluehill, congrats on reaching the less than 100 to lose mark, doesn't it feel awesome??!! I have definitely decided that my next goal is onederland. I would like to be there by March 1st. I have about 38 pounds to get there, so I think that is a reasonable goal. 12/1: No exercise. 72 oz. Water 12/2: 40 minutes treadmill. 72 oz. water.

Hi Shalina, first off, welcome to LBT! What kind of soup are you eating? If you are getting hungry only 15 minutes after eating, you may not be getting enough Protein. Have you tried any Protein shakes? When I was in the liquid stage, I found they made a huge difference for me. You also might try going to our food forum; http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9 There are stickies there with food suggestions for every stage of the process. You might find something there that will stick with you better and keep you feeling full and satisifed longer. In terms of pain, it is different for everyone. I felt awful for about two weeks. And yes, it hurt to take deep breaths, etc. But I promise, it will get better. And, remember, that while you are seeing significant weight loss immediately after your surgery, that may not continue, especially once you are back on regular food. The time immediately following your surgery is for healing, not losing. The real losing will come once you begin getting your fills and start feeling true restriction. You will find the hunger will go away then too. Good luck to you!

Hi, it might be gas, but I am not sure as I have not experienced anything like what you are describing. The best suggestion I can offer is to contact your doctor and tell them what you are experiencing.

Hi Kellie and welcome to LBT! Make sure you check out the stickies at the top of most forums, as they are loaded with information that will help you as you go along your journey. As far as questions, ask away, we are all here to help and support one another. We look forward to getting to know you!

Hi, congratulations on getting your band. Are you still on full liquids? I had problems with nausea and being dizzy for about the first 3 weeks. Once I got off of liquids and onto mushies, I felt much better and it went away.

Hi Kari, I just wanted to drop in, welcome you to LBT and congratulate you on getting your surgery date. We look forward to getting to know you better!

Hi and welcome to LBT! I too have PCOS, and have found that the weight loss has actually helped diminish many of my symptoms. As far as the question as to whether you need something so permanent, that is something that only you can truly answer. Have you tried numerous other diets? I tried weight watchers about 8 times, as well as about 10 other different weight loss methods. I was successful on all of them for a period of time. However, something would always happen to cause me to go off my diet. Then, I would end up gaining back everything I had lost plus extra pounds. With my band, I do not diet, count points, calories or anything else anymore. I just listen to it and when it gives me the sign that I have had enough, I quit eating. I think many of us at times are emotional eaters as well. And, I still like me cheetos and chips and dip. The difference is, 98% of the time, I make healthier choices. And when I do treat myself, or find myself eating in response to my emotions, my band is there and does not let me get out of control with what I eat. For that, I am grateful for my band and its permanency. Even when I fail myself, it will be there for me helping me along.

Hi and welcome to LBT! You have definitely come to the right place to gain knowledge and advice about the band. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. We are all here to help and support one another. Congratulations on your life changing decision.

Hi Lynn, welcome to LBT! You will find the band is a wonderful, yet very fickle tool. I cannot anything like bologna or hotdogs. No bread. Sometimes I can eat rice, and sometimes not. The best thing to do when you get ready to eat is take your first bite very cautiously. Make it very small, chew it to mush then wait a couple of minutes to make sure it is going down ok before continuing to eat.