laplass

Though in my 50s, I was in a similar position to yours four years ago. I had always had a weight problem, but it got to the point where I was 100 lbs. overweight and uncomfortable physically, psychologically and emotionally. My feelings about my good marriage, successful career and wonderful son were "outweighed" by my insecurity and displeasure about my appearance. After doing a significant amount of research, I had lapband surgery -- despite fears of anesthesia and recovery, whether it/I would be successful, and, if so, whether I'd gain the weight back after I lost it. It hasn't been easy, but I'm down 85 lbs. (I lost 45 lbs. the first year, and an average of 10 lbs. each of the following three years), and getting the lapband is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's a tool, not a solution, but it has helped me slowly and safely go from a size 20 to a size 12. I'm no longer embarrassed about my appearance, and I got over my fear of anesthesia to have a well-deserved tummy tuck and brachioplasty to remove the excess skin resulting from my weight loss. If you're stuck and really feel you need the kind of help that willpower, Weight Watchers, exercise and therapy haven't provided, read the stories on this site; I think you'll find them useful and inspiring. Good luck!

I had my lapband surgery almost 4 years ago and have lost 86 lbs. -- 45 lbs. the first year, 10 each of the next two, and about 20 in the past year. Ideally, I'll lose 20 more, which is a luxury to say. Although the weight loss has been slow -- or perhaps because of it -- I'm very grateful. I have ongoing challenges, e.g., some of these least healthy foods (ice cream, cookies) go down the easiest, and the fiberous, healthy ones (fish, some vegetables) get stuck or I reflux them up. It's a learning process and I'm a bit nervous that I've substituted online shopping for eating (although I still do eat too much at times).

Thanks, I keep reminding myself that life is a marathon, not a sprint (though it's easier to spring at -86 lbs.).

I am one month post-surgery, have lost 18 lbs. and, other than gas/constipation, am doing well. I had my first fill yesterday (2cc), but don't feel any greater restriction or greater sense of fullness . Is this normal?

I had my surgery on 11/7 and have lost 16 lbs. since then. I feel pretty good (I still get tired easily), but what bothers me most is the swelling (though no soreness) above the port (I also had a hiatal hernia fixed). My waist was always my smallest part, and though I'm pleased with my weight loss so far, it's uncomfortable when I get dressed that my waistline is bigger than it was pre-surgery. How long does this last?

Thanks, Maggies. The swelling seems to be becoming more localized, but it sticks out like half a softball on my right side, as I said, above the port. How long till you get all of your energy back?