Cindy C

The only person I didn't tell was my mother, but only because she's elderly and quite the worry wart. As soon as I got home from the hospital the first thing I did was call her and tell her. She was pissed at first but I told her I just didn't want her sitting at the hospital and worrying. All my siblings agreed this was the best way to do it. 3 years later and she's still my biggest supporter! Anyway, I got a lot of mixed reactions from everyone else....most were supportive but there were a few that were negative and judgmental. To those people I simply said, "I'm doing what I feel is best for me. If you think it's a mistake, well it'll be MY mistake. In the meantime I will thank you to keep your opinions to yourself!" At some point we have to say the Hell with what everyone else thinks. This is my life. I never have any qualms about telling anyone who asks. In fact I would shout it from the rooftops!

Thanks. The really cool part is this is the first time I've ever weighed less than him!!

My doctor has NEVER numbed me before a fill...never even offered. I really don't think he does it for any of his patients (he's done 2700 lap bands). I barely even feel it. If you've ever had to prick your finger to test your blood sugar, that hurts more. Don't let yourself stress over it. It's really nothing.

You really should go get a little taken out but I understand the financial issue. Mine is always tighter in the morning and loosens throughout the day. I never eat anything the first couple hours that I'm up. I just sip on coffee. That helps. I know that hair ball feeling all too well. Try going on liquids for 2-3 days and see if that helps.

WTG, guys!. Its an awesome feeling!

Something is definitely stuck. If it doesn't get any better by morning you should probably go get a little fill removed. If it is better I would still take it upon myself to go on liquids for a couple days until the swelling goes down.

When I came home today I wanted to change into something more comfortable. Since tomorrow is laundry day my choices were rather limited. I headed upstairs where my skinny-mini daughter left a couple of boxes of her "fat clothes" when she moved out. I opened a box and grabbed the first pair of pants I saw. Hmmm... size 11 juniors? I have a couple of 12's but mostly I wear 14's. Oh well, I'll give em a try. Lo and behold...I put them on, buttoned and zipped them without even sucking in!!!! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that, at 51 years old, I would ever be able to wear an 11!!!! Oh how I love my lap band!!

I used to wear 11 Wide. Now 10 Medium.

That's funny! Guys and Dolls?

You should be fine. Just remember that you will have little food in your stomach and the booze will hit you harder than it ever has before.

NO NO NO NO NO.........Carbonation can cause so many problems. You risk your band prolapsing...you don't want that. There are plenty of other things you can drink and your friends will understand. I have cocktail hour with my neighbors once or twice a week in the summer and they always make sure to have something there that I can drink.

You're doing great. I doubt that you'll get anywhere 14cc before you hit your sweet spot. Keep up the good work!

Nan, don't listen to the negativity. This is BEST possible thing you can do for yourself! I've had several surgeries in my life and this one was by far the easiest. If someone is throwing up for 18 months, her band is probably too tight and she's just not willing to admit it. I went through the same thing in the beginning...not for that long but I can see where it could happen. If its for some other reason, the odds are astronomical. As for the first 10 days...my doctor insists on clear liquids for 2 weeks and full liquids for 2 more. I honestly didn't have a problem with that. I was just so excited to finally have the lap band that I had wanted for several years. I had no hunger pains and no desire to eat anything solid. Make sure you sip water as much as you can stand and walk...walk...walk. The most common complication is blood clots. They're only going to develop if you don't move. Good luck. You'll do fine. And again, don't listen to people who don't know what they're talking about. Listen to your doctor and his staff and listen to us. We've been there.

Do you have a lap band patient id card? If so, all of your information is on the back. If not I recommend everyone get one. If you have an emergency, the ems or er will know better how to handle it. Plus, most restaurants will let you order from the kids menu when you show them the card! https://www.lapband.com/en/mylapband/my_profile/idcard/

173 lbs lost in a year? That is absolutely incredible!!!!!!! Good for you! What size band do you have and how many cc's are in it? I don't know anyone who's band is more than 75% full.I only have 5.6cc in a 10cc band and my restriction is right where I want it.

I had my surgery on a Tuesday. Went home on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, I ended up back in the hospital dehydrated. After a swallow test and a couple of IV bags I was fine and went home. Forced myself to drink after that.

That's great. I'm happy for you. Good luck on your surgery.

I always take skinny bitch as a compliment!

Thanks, everybody. It's great feeling...especially when you consider that 3 years ago I was 324 lbs and 3X's were getting snug!

Me too. Sweet N Low all the way!!!

It shouldn't effect your band. The gallbladder is on the opposite side of the abdomen from the stomach. Like your band, the surgery can normally be done laparoscopically. Good luck!

I weighed 324 when I got my band June 10, 2008. I'm currently 179. My goal is 162...then I will literally be half the woman I used to be. I'm hoping to get there by my 3 year Bandiversary. Wish me luck!

I had BCBS - Michigan. Had my initial consult May 15th. They approved me very quickly and I had my surgery June 10th. (2008)

They're fine as long as you pay attention to what you're putting in them!