mrsebg

Ok, I haven't been on here in FOREVER but I have lost my way and am needing some support and motivation. Here's my story... My hubs and I were both banded in Jan of '09 and had been doing GREAT. By my one year mark I was down 110lbs and my hubs about the same. Shortly after my year mark I found out we were expecting our first (together) baby... we had been trying for 3 years so this was so exciting for us. At 9 weeks along I had a miscarriage and became incredibly depressed. I gained nearly 40lbs between my pregnancy and my miscarriage and have struggled with trying to lose the weight. I have lost about 20 of it, but still have 20 more to go. The hardest part is that I am the office manager for the surgeon who did my band. I'm supposed to be the example and here I am being the complete opposite. It truly hit me when a patient who hadn't seen me since I miscarried came in (not knowing that I had been pregnant or miscarried) and said, "ohhh did your lap band stop working?".... Trying to remember that some people have no class or sensor, but still it devastated me! I know what I need to do... I know what I'm doing wrong. I know my limits and I know how to get these 20lbs off! I still have great restriction, so I know I don't need a fill, I just need to do what I know is right. So, here I am making a goal and putting it in writing. Starting now I will only put in my mouth foods that I know are good for me. I will count my calories and I will count my Protein intake. I will drink my Water. I will do some form of exercise every day. I can do this, right?!

I had my band in Jan of 09 and I now work as the office manager of the surgeon who did my surgery... so, I know that what you are saying is completely normal! Everyone is different, but considering the stress you had been under prior to surgery, it sounds like your body is recovering from the stress and the surgery. Good luck on your journey!

That's awesome! I had my lap band in Jan 09 and I still remember taking the full 6 weeks to feel better! Keep up the awesome work! It just gets better from here!

Seriously, don't stress about the "can't" right now. I'm 2 years out and I seriously thought that I would NEVER be able to have a meal without a few glasses of something to drink. I also didn't know how I was going to get through the day with only certain protein BUT everything is temporary, just like everyone has said. Although, I still can't have drinks with my meals because I throw up like crazy (your food goes through your band slowly and so the drink just piles up on it and causes you to vom... my kids compare it to a clogged toilet lol). The thing to remember is that this is a change of lifestyle. Focus on feeling better and healing. You will do just fine if you follow your docs advice and focus on getting healthy. Good luck to you!!

First off, you aren't failing. You are struggling. It is hard, but let me tell you, it is sooo worth it! We all have our "slip up" days but you just have to take it one day at a time. The thing that's hard for all of us to realize is that regardless of who we are hanging out with ultimately we are the ones responsible for our success. If you are having a hard time getting enough protein I know for me, those days are usually because of lack of planning. In fact, tonight I'm planning my meals and snacks for tomorrow (I do it only for the night before so I don't get overwhelmed) and then packing it. As far as soda goes, I had a super hard time giving it up but I just quit cold turkey. It's not worth it. The one thing that has kept me totally motivated is hearing about people eroding their bands and having to get them removed from over eating and things like that. You can do it, you just need to realize you are worth this and you have an amazing tool that will help you succeed if you allow it to!! Seriously, see if your Dr's office has a support group, or come on here for support. Get back on track and become the best you you can become!! We're all rooting for you!!

So my 1 year band-iversary passed on the 16th! Seriously can't believe it's been a year! I'm so happy with my progress this far and am so happy to admit that my BMI is finally out of the obese range!! I can't believe I'm so close to my goal! I just can't believe this is me, and it's been a year, and some girl called me "skinny" the other day at work... Amazing!!

My husband and I had surgery done by Dr. Schlesinger in January 2009 and couldn't be more pleased. Our experience from the beginning was educational and supportive. The office staff (especially Jen Bradshaw- whom we also heart!) was friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. They understood the ropes on getting the surgery approved by our insurance and made the process very smooth. Dr. Schlesinger is a straight shooter who let us know all the pros and cons in order to help us make an informed decision. Dr. Schlesinger has been supportive, honest, and I feel truly cares about my success. I would recommend Dr. Schlesinger to anyone who is looking for an honest, caring, overall good Dr and office staff!

Dr. Schlesinger has been doing this for like 13 years (I asked at my last appointment) and has an amazing record. Like I said, he's a straight shooter, but I think for me, that was helpful and has aided in my success. You should give them a call and see what you think... as with everything we all have our own oppinions and only you know who is best for you! :thumbup: Their number is (480) 968-6007.

How exciting!! I was banded January 16th and have 20lbs left to onderland! I can't wait! And I can't believe how quickly I got to it! (or am on my way to it I should say!) Anyway, congrats on getting to onderland!

Congrats on your surgery! I had surgery 1/16/09 and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself! The full liquid stage is tough, but once you get through it, you can get through anything! :confused: As far as how it feels to get food stuck? Horrible... This always happens to me when I've waited too long to eat and eat too fast (naughty, naughty me!). In fact, I'm writing this as I'm experiencing it lol. Basically it feels like my food is stuck in my throat. My hubs was banded 2 weeks after me and he says his gets stuck in like his sternum, so clearly it's different for everyone. Keep up the good work!!

I had a HUGE booty before surgery and it has gone down A LOT but it's now looking like a nice butt instead of a HUGE fat one! I do go to the gym 5 days a week to make sure that I'm keeping toned so it doesn't go all saggy, so I'm not sure if that's helping or what!

I can totally relate to this! I was having such a hard time at first, then something really clicked. The head hunger is THE worst! To fight that I made sure I drank plenty of Water and ate plenty of Protein. I also started walking every day and when I would think I was hungry I'd take a walk first and by the time I got home, I wasn't hungry! Let me tell you, it's not easy, but it gets easier. Especially after my second fill. You're doing great! Keep up the good work!! :confused:

I'm not sure if they cover the Sleeve... we actually had Blue Cross of CA because my husbands company was based out of San Fran. Basically, it just had to have pre-authorization. So we discussed the options with the Dr and then he presented that to the insurance. Like I said before it was waaay simple and in the end we only ended up paying about $2000 out of pocket for everything- and that includes the $800 we paid to have COBRA for the month of our surgery (my husband got laid off and we needed COBRA for the extra month to cover the surgeries!)! Good luck!!

When my hubby and I got surgery we had Blue Cross/Shield and it was almost too easy for us! When I first called about having surgery my Dr's office found out I had Blue Cross and saidt it was the best insurance to cover WLS. That being said, from the time I went for my first consultation to having surgery was a little over a month. It was quick! I also agree, you're a married adult, while it's important what your parents think the most important thing is you and your hubby (believe me this was a hard lesson I had to learn). If for some reason Blue Shield doesn't work out, do your homework and make an educated decision that's best for YOU!

Well, I'm sure you know everyone's experience is different, but I personally haven't had restriction at all until the last month, and now I'm at 4 1/2 ccs in my band. I totally can feel satisfied after just 1/2 cup and I'm satisfied for a good few hours. Don't get discouraged. Go talk to your Dr and see if he thinks you might need a fill! Good luck!

Where do you track your calories? Or do you even track your calories? My husband thinks I'm way obsessed with this, but it helps me... I think. lol. Anyway, I haven't found a good online calorie tracker (that's free) that I'm too crazy with. Any suggestions?

I'm 27 with 3 kids and had surgery 1/16/09. When I went in for surgery I weighed 310lbs (I don't think I've admitted that to anyone) as of this morning I weigh 261. In about 2 months time I've lost just about 50lbs. But this is NOT just because of the band. I count my calories, I exercise about 3 times a week, and I make sure to eat plenty of protein. I made a commitment and I owe it to myself and my family to keep it. It's not easy. But when I have a craving for something I eat ONE bite. My husband got banded 2 weeks after I did and has had similar results. But you have to go into this saying "I'm going to change my life once and for all... I'm going to do this and be a success story". I would do this surgery again tomorrow if I had to. It's literally changed my life. Good luck in your journey!

Congrats!!! This is the most exciting journey! When my husband and I got our "approval calls" I didn't know how to react either! In fact, I think I showed little emotion until it was over! I'm so excited for you!! Keep us posted with your journey!! :thumbup:

I have PCOS and have been banded for 2 months. I have noticed slight differences (like starting my cycle on my own- but that's only happened once so far). I was told from a few different dr's that my symptoms would vanish once the weight does... I sure hope so!

Love this idea for a thread! My skinny goals since day one have been: 1. Lose 50lbs by my anniversary (3-23-- I'm only 3lbs away!!) 2. Have lost 80lbs total by June (any time in June) 3. Have lost 100lbs by end of August (10 year HS Reunion) 4. Be to goal by my birthday-- my goal isn't a weight but a feeling. And being a size where I can shop in "normal" clothes stores! Can't wait to see how everyone does with their goals! :sneaky:

I was banded January 16th and had my second fill last Thursday. My first fill was 3ccs (I have a 10cc band) and I had no problems at all. It was weird having restriction and feeling that things felt stuck if I ate too fast or the wrong foods. Last week (my second fill) I got 1.5ccs more and was totally stupid, didn't listen to the dr and ate a few hours later. I threw up like crazy. That night it was hard for me to even keep water down. I've been good since then, but I will NEVER not listen to the dr again! My restriction is awesome- I can hardly eat 1/2 cup of food and I'm losing weight at a good rate. The only thing that hurts with my fills is the numbing agent the Dr gives before he does my fill... and that just fells like a little prick! Good luck!

I was banded 1-16-09 and have been doing pretty well since then. I've lost about 32lbs in the month, and I'm not complaining, but I feel myself thinking wow I've lost 32lbs and still have a little over 100lbs to go :frown:. I am trying so hard not to get down on myself but it's hard when you look at the big picture. I'm trying to take it a day at a time. Any support would be great!

I'm totally with you on this one. Getting banded was my first surgery EVER! I wasn't nervous at all though. My husband got banded 2 weeks after me and he's had surgery before and our recoveries were night and day. Apparently they had to give me more anesthetic so I had a hard time waking up from surgery. My recovery was longer than my husbands who (against everyones advice) got up and went to work the next day. I rested a lot for about 2 weeks. But now, about 5 weeks out I feel great and my weight loss is going well. This is the best decision I've ever made in my life. I just wish I would have done it sooner! Good luck to you on your journey!

I got banded 1-16-09 and live in Mesa. If you guys are planning to get together I'd love to be in on it too! If you need help planning I'm pretty good at that also!