NCIS

Hi - I use Alli sometimes - when I have something that's fattier than I should. And I also recommend WW - for myself - I needed more structuring and wasn't losing so I didn't know what was going on. I find it helpful.

Feb 08 went to seminar, Mar 08 surgeon's ofc appt, blood work and pysch eval Apr 08, Apr - Sep monthly appts with primary care for 6 mo. Sep 08 - primary care submitted letter of history to surgeon's ofc. Had blood work done again. Sep 08 surgeon's ofc submitted paperwork to ins co..BCBS. Sep-Dec 08 called dr's ofc weekly for status - nada. Jan 09 - went to primary care dr's ofc for status - next day surgeon's ofc called with surgery date of Feb. 16. Jan 10 - down 85 lbs. 15 lbs from first mini goal. I actually gained weight the summer of 08 to make sure I was over 100 lbs overweight with no other medical conditions...I wished I had known about this site then bc I would have worn and hidden some ankle weights or something. It felt like a long time and it's still a journey but worth it. It takes time to get used to the band and your body. Follow dr's orders. I didn't see any real results until about 3-4 mos after surgery. Good Luck!

Hello - you should definitely not take this lightly. It is a big deal - it's surgery. I felt like it was. It was not an easy journey. It was painful and felt like a long time and I am still working through it but also SO GRATEFUL for this option and it actually happened. I had surgery in Feb 09 and am down 85 lbs. What a relief. It was VERY VERY slow at first. It took 50 lbs to lose before I could get to the gym not to mention while going through the trials and tribulations of life...very stressful but still glad. I try to be careful to not think I'm on the 'up' side of it yet bc I don't want to think I have taken anything for granted. The first three to four months were the hardest bc there was hardly any weight loss. I did not follow the pre op diet (liquids) in fact I ate 'like the russians were coming' which is not the right thing to do. I didn't weigh myself after surgery except when I went to the doctor's office for check ups. I wanted to let the band do it's stuff. I felt lost sometimes bc I just 'let the band work' and there wasn't any structure. Thought about WW and actually have attribute that to my success. But really it's the band. I did have an incident with an overfill and the dreaded ER visit. AWFUL. I have also experienced a lot of heartburn and burp ALL OF THE TIME..even with water. I have found my doctor's advice to be the best even though he's SUCH a nerd and not a people person. He's smart and well trained though - medically. I started with a seminar in Feb 08...follow up appt for which I was told I wasn't eligible...I was around 242 at 5'8". You need to be 100 lbs overweight but I had no other ailments. I persevered and continued following the process with dr's visits, blood work, psych eval, etc...then had to proceed with 6 mo (1x a month) visit with GP to document history. I also used phentermine, dr's recommendation, no weight loss. Grew to 265. Dr submitted required letter by Sep 08...Sep through Dec called regularly for status. NADA. So frustrated and fat. Jan I scheduled another f/u with GP for status and FINALLY day after the Jan GP visit, call from surgeon's office I was approved. I had surgery in Feb and since have lost 85 lbs. I want 20 more for minimum goal and would LOVE to get to 135..we shall see. It hasn't been easy and I still occasionally PB. At first, was like what is going on? I have no restriction, then I would have so much I couldn't eat anything, then occasional eggs, protein shakes, etc... I finally got 50 lbs off and was able to get to the gym. Started spinning classes (the best and only good addiction I have ever had)! I recommend it to everyone that can endure. I have even been able to get up to doing 7 days a week. THE BEST! Like I said still learning - ups and downs...but so glad! I hope it keeps getting better! From my lips to GOD's ears! Take care - good luck - and keep researching. This site has been my savior!

Are you for real? Seriously? Do you have a brother or a cousin? If so, here is my advice. Support her. Just support her.

I am about almost 11 months out...my hair was falling out fast and furiously...almost in clumps until about a month ago. I've been told it's from your body undergoing surgery and also weight loss. I'm not sure. I have taken biotin and any other supplement I can get my hand on..not sure if it's made a difference but it seems to have subsided. I hope so. I think it's naturall and will subside....so hang in there you worried ones...Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best and success with your new life.

Hi - Happy New Year to you all! It's all good ladies! All of you are GREAT! A great inspiration to all bandsters out there. You are real, honest. supportive and inspirational. Keep up the good work...and hang in there. It's all peaks and valleys..that's what keeps it interesting and definitely challenging. Thank you for your honest experiences and successes. I think you are ALL A SUCCESS! HAPPY NEW YEAR! What's your new year journey going to be? :-)

Hi there - well a lot of bandsters might not agree but I can't take that pain of food being stuck. Honestly, what works for me, is to then take a drink of water...it shoots that stuff right up and you are out of pain. Yes, unfortunately, it is throwing up. But the pain is gone. I too have tried papaya enzymes and they work sometimes when it's not so painful..but you know when it's sticking...I've tried waiting it out an hour or so and can't take it. I drink something and it all comes up. Sorry, it's not pretty but it does work - it's relief. Good luck.

Hi there - I think I know what you are talking about and I had some soreness as well but now I think it's more of not knowing and wanting to be careful nothing is wrong. I did take pepcid AC at first and that seemed to help. I read A LOT on this site and really leaned on it for the support. I swear it's the best support ever! I went through a lot of what bandsters have posted and am glad there were some common complaints. I also had soreness in my left shoulder up until about August or September ( I was banded in Feb) and it's gone..and hair loss has slowed down-back to normal-so a lot of this takes time. Just getting used to the band in your body. Keep up with your doctor's appts, ask him/her questions and follow their advice. Good luck and hang in there.

Immediately - at least after recovery. My experience only - I took off a week from work but could have gone back after two days. I was fine...like nothing happened. Generally after surgery your body needs to heal for approximately 6 weeks. Of course, follow your doctor's advice as to what to eat. I am a slow loser though. I was banded in Feb and for my first checkup after surgery I had only lost 15 lbs. Around April-May-June, my fills were more aggressive and I did have to be more careful but still pretty much fine. It is a tool and I think each person's experience is a little different. Getting used to this 'thing' inside of you - it has a mind of it's own - I call mine 'Princess'. I am glad to say Princess and I are getting along pretty well lately and am THRILLED to be down 80 lbs. I hope to be 100 by my Feb bandiversary...aggressive but we'll see. Best of luck and listen to your doc! I have found different advice from the PAs and my doctor - the doctor really is right! GOOD LUCK!

Hello - I was banded Feb 16 09 and honestly felt NOTHING until around the end of April after a few fills. I honestly didn't try to do anything differently bc I just figured I would let the band 'do the work'. My first fill wasn't until, um...I think the end of March..didn't feel a thing. I think I only lost about 15 lbs at that point. Then I went twice in April bc I felt like I was eating way too much. I actually had an 'unfill' at the beginning of May bc then I could barely get water down. It takes time...your body healing from surgery, adjusting to the foreign object in you, your food going down another way kinda thing (for lack of a better description), and learning how to use this tool. I am glad to say that I have lost 80 lbs YTD and am 20 lbs from my goal. I really want it to be 40 lbs. bc I don't remember ever being 145 lbs. I have found this journey to be wonderful though. It took awhile to 'kick' in but I AM SO GLAD it has. It takes patience...and learning and time. Hang in there. Best of luck!

I have been banded for almost 10 months and lost 76 lbs. I would like it to be more but will also take it! Am grateful for the band. I definitely (obviously) eat less and am less hungry. After surgery, I didn't even weigh myself or watch what I ate for awhile. I just listened to the doctor and did what was told. I didn't try to diet and was a little frustrated because I guess of no structure and just let the band and the doctor 'do their stuff'. It worked. I had only lost about 15 lbs. from Feb til May. It was tough but looking back I'm glad bc I think I let my body heal and 'this band/tool' (mine is named Princess) gave me time to adjust to it and fills, etc... Weight loss started to kick in around May/June - after 4 months or so. It's not superfast but I'm still pleased. I went last week for a vist and fill and my doctor wouldn't give me a fill. I think it's probably right - some acid refluc - so I've tried to be careful and exercise more. It's all good. Hang in there! I hope to be part of 100 lb club by year bandiversary on Feb. 16th. I think I can do it. Wishing you the most success!

okay...I went to dr today...I have lost 12 lbs in one month so no fill. :-( I have been experiencing some acid reflux for which is why he denied. I was banded on Feb. 16th and have lost 76 lbs. It's ok. I want to reach 100 - so I can be part of that club by the time my 'bandiversary' rolls around. We shall see. Did I mention I'm a 'spinner'. Addicted to spinning class and recommend it to anyone that can partake! Best to all!

Hi...I'm curious how people who have lived with the band are doing. Most of the posts on LBT are recent within the last two years. I'm interested in what we can expect after the first two years...like five or ten years. I wonder about scar tissue and build up around the band. Also, if you continue to visit your doctor monthly or keep getting fills. Is it once a year or how does it work? Anything anyone could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Hello - I'm out a little over seven months since surgery. I've noticed my dramatic hair loss in the last four months. Not in clumps so much as excessive strands..but lots. I've started taking 'hair, skin and nails' vitamin supplement...can't really notice. It includes biotin. I can't tell if it's subsided some or I have accepted it. It it still coming out more than let's say a year ago. I've read and heard multiple reasons such as due to anesthesia from surgery, weight loss, vitamin deficiency, etc... Maybe a combination? I do not know. But it has happened. I think it's a side effect. Who knows? I do think supplements have to help so I will continue to use them. Good luck and hang in there...I am probably not adding much value except letting you know it's fairly common?

Hello - can any feb bandsters please post? How is everyone doing? I've lost about 57 lbs. so far. Since Feb 16th - surgery day. Still have about that much more to go but whatever.

WOW! that was fast and is great! Congrats to you! Best of luck to you and keep up the good work. I wasn't banded in March - actuallly Feb but try to stay current with everyone's posts. I've lost about 57 lbs..not enough but still hoping and trying. Hope yours is still working too. Thanks for staying current. Just out of curiosity what is your line of work? Sorry - I guess I haven't read enough of the posts. Congrats though!

Hello - Let me start with I'm a slow loser. The surgery is the EASY part. The hard part is getting the band to work for you....figuring out the right fill, lack of structure, you are kind of on your own, etc... That's just me. I have found this website and links to blogs have been the most helpful. If I hadn't had access to this site - I'd be MORE crazy. (Consider the source.) The band is truly a tool and I'm a little over six months out but am finding it to be more of my friend. Some have had an easy time...GOD bless you..mine has been a struggle..but I am getting there. Almost feeling like myself. Still glad I did it but again it's a tool. The surgery is the easy part. I wish you the best of luck and encourage you reach out to this site. It's probably made me semi-successful. I don't have much to offer but bc it's given so much to me, i.e.; questions to ask dr's ofc, what to eat, how much, etc...I've been able to work with it. I am a fairly private person but feel to post these thoughts bc I have received so much from the site I hope it helps you. Some of my fav sites are: Chronicles from the Band and Once Upon the Time..in the Land of Cheese and Sunkist. I hope I am not offending anyone by posting the names of their blogs...but thought I would point them out on how they have helped me. I was banded on Feb. 16 and have lost - well I'm hovering around 55 lbs. Good Luck!

Good for you! Keep pushing...it took me a year to get approved. This included the 6 month pre op with primary care and constant calling to the dr's office. One year - a totally frustrating difficult year. So hang in there and be prepared it is going to take more time to get to know the band, work with it and get to where you feel comfortable with yourself again. I'm not there yet bc I'm only at a 51 lb weightloss in 6 months and can barely notice the loss. Hang in there and keep pushing!

Hello - I have been banded a little over 6 months and lost 51 lbs. Not as much as I would like, but I'll take it. I would say get a fill, be aggressive. Yes, it's a little more troublesome and difficult but if you want to see results it will work. I am still trying to figure out how to work with the band but it does get better. Hang in there...and remember a loss is a loss. :-)

Well, I too was banded on Feb. 16th - as of yesterday when I went to Dr's...down 51 lbs. I wish it were more but am grateful as well. My weight is 213. My doc seemed thrilled but I managed to get a little fill too. Glad for that because I want to get out of 200's! I also met with the office nutritionist - zero value. Supposed to have more bloodwork to review vitamin deficiencies. We shall see. My hair is falling out. Very few people have even noticed my weightloss - some. But it really doesn't matter bc I want to lose at least another 20 to be comfortable for a few months. I have discovered this is definitely a tool. I have not had an easy time - fills, unfills, dreaded ER unfill,pb'ing, learning what works an what doesn't, etc... I hope to continue to be somewhat successful as long as I am losing accept it all. I have learned more about the band from this website than anywhere so everyone PLEASE keep posting!!! Thanks for sharing.

I was banded Feb 16 and didn't even weigh myself unless I had a doctor's appointment. My first follow up was in late March. I had only lost 15 lbs at that point and knew it bc I couldn't eat as much as I did pre-band but could eat whatever I wanted and more than anyone that would/should be dieting. I wanted to let the band do the work. I don't eat much junk food anyway but I really wanted to let the band do it. It wasn't until the first of May that I got an aggressive fill and it started to work where I could feel restriction. I lost another 10 lbs in less than two weeks and since then it's been a battle and struggle but definitley coming off better. I am at about 50 lbs lost now and trust me I wish it was more. I am a slow loser compared to others. My weight also can fluctuate 5 lbs up and down depending upon the time of day that I weigh myself. The morning it's 216 and in the evening with work clothes and shoes it can be 220. Crazy I know but my clothes are finally getting too big. I am so freaking fat and need to lose at least 100 lbs total that people can hardly notice hopefully that means they haven't noticed how much I had gained. NOT! Also getting to this point has not been easy...fills...unfills...even the dreaded ER visit bc I was throwing up hourly but it was all saliva. Awful. It has been a battle and it's a tool. I used to think about doing this as the easy way out. It is so not the easy way out. Try to stick to healthy food choices and relax. It'll kick in and then you will have to work with it. I kept searching this site for clues, answers and support. I am addicted to it and appreciate all I have read about. I don't have a support group - this is it. I hope this helps you too.

I didn't follow the pre-op diet. I do not recommend it but I ate and drank wine like it was the last supper up until the night before it was my surgery. Don't know why or how I did but I did. My mindset was that of like I'll be starting my diet starts tomorrow - so have whatever u can. I did. I will also say that it's about 5 1/2 months out and I have not experienced quick results and have totally struggled with getting this thing right. I've lost 45 pounds since Feb. 16 and it has been a struggle mostly bc I was expecting 'it' to fall off of me. Not so. I'm ok with it...working with the band now. It is completely a tool - I've named her 'Princess'. :wink: