SherryA

Hi everyone... I am at goal (and a bit beyond my original goal of 150) and saw my surgeon today for my 2 year band-anniversary. My port is protruding quite a bit, and I told him that is the only thing that bothers me some, but can certainly live with it if it is my tool for life to keep me at my goal weight... He suggested we change the port, as there is now a "flat" port, and they can fit me in next Wednesday! Anyone ever do this?? THanks! Sherry

First and foremost, try to follow the "rules" to the best of your ability. I have only got 'stuck' one time (a long time ago) when trying bread for one of the first times after a fill. I dont over-eat, I followed my nutritionist and doctor's guidelines for eating what and when. I drink Water all day and I exercise. I wanted "it" so bad and was so mentally prepared for it, which I think is hard for some people. I also went from hating everything about running, to walking 25 steps then running 25 steps (back and forth), to running 3 - 4.5miles (depending on which route i go) 4-5 times a week (and I work full-time have 2 small children and a husband that works crazy shifts as a firefighter-but i just did it because I know/knew the benefits it would give me.) (And I still run now, because of the "body benefits" and health benefits too. Lastly, dont deprive yourself completely. If you want that piece of chocolate, eat it! BUT, only eat the one small square. I am not a fan of depriving oneself at all, because I think it is worse in the end, but again this is all a life-style change and using your tool that you had surgery for to the best of its and your ability!! Good luck!

Hi Everyone.. Actually yesterday was my one year anniversary for being banded (Sept 11th), but I didnt get a chance to log on. I dont get to the boards too often between work and kids, etc etc, but just wanted to say thank you to everyone on here because I couldnt have had such a successful year without the tips and invaluable information I have learned on this board!! Here are a couple of pics. The first one is from Aug 2006, where I was about 230. The second is from Monday (Sep 10th), my son's first day of kindergarten!

Thanks Karen! I go in Tuesday (Sept 30th) for the low profile port and I am so excited! LOL

Great choice for your first meal out (and going forward). They food is so fresh and so delicious and you can customize to what your needs are! Enjoy!

Congrats on your approval! I would say calling tomorrow morning (if they dont contact you today) is reasonable so you dont have to wait through the weekend. Just explain again (nicely :-) that you have insurance concerns. Good luck!

What do you mean you "were not around for the enrollment date"? Most companies offer a time-frame for open enrollment, it is generally not a one day or one week thing. If I were you, I would do your research about the band and make sure it is right for you since it is a long-time committment, and then when your company offers open-enrollment, join through them because it would probably be a lot cheaper than getting your own plan.. I would also inquire about your company's health insurance and make sure they cover this surgery.

I hate to be the one not to agree, but I have to say I respectfully do not agree. :-) The buffet-style restaurants did not charge any of us more when we ate more than the average person, so I think them offering to charge you only the child's price was more than fair. And I dont think going to a buffet is the best choice for someone's first experience out in a restaurant after being banded (I am not criticizing at all, just based on my own experiences). Good luck in the future!

Hi Shrinkinmom I am two years post-op this month and have lost a total of 123 lbs. I lost 88 or so lbs the first year and the rest has come off gradually the past year (quite easily). In my case, the first few months were the hardest until I had proper restriction, BUT I followed the 'way of eating' and 'plan' my nutritionist gave me, sort of like a "diet", but I never used the word "diet". It was easier for me to know exactly what foods I would be taking in and what my total calories would be for the day. Once I got to my 'sweet spot' with fills (and everyone is different), it became a totally different scenario for me in that I just wasnt hungry all the time and I lost the "head hunger' part of it, so was able to vary my foods from day to day knowing I would follow the rules, so to speak, only want a few bites and was done. I was using my new 'tool' to its fullest potential. Also, Water and exercise are key (for me anyway). Exercise, exercise, exercise. Not only is it great for you body in aiding in your weight loss, but it helps clear your mind, etc etc etc. Two years out of surgery now, I eat what I want. I do have that occasional small piece of chocolate, because that is only what i want at this point. Not the big bar anymore!! Before surgery, I could easily eat the whole bar (and more!), but I am at 'peace' I guess with food and realize it is fuel for my body and I want to give my body the best possible fuel and it is "OKAY" for me to have a taste of this or that, because I know I wont (nor do i desire) to eat the whole thing anymore. Good luck with your decision and your journey. Try to remember that the band is not a "quick fix", that it will take a bit of time (over gastric bypass) to lose the weight and it is certainly a committment. Sherry

Hi there I was banded 10 days earlier than you in 2006 and I can honestly say that the band did not have enough time to work for you before you got pregnant, and it sounds like you are just getting back on the "band-wagon" since having your baby. I think what some people do not realize is that the band is a tool, and only a tool. It is not a quick fix, nor can it work alone. After my surgery, I quickly initially lost 15 or so lbs from following the post-op diet, but then it took at least 4 or 5 months to see much better results, even any results. It was slow, but steady. Another huge thing is exercise. There are probably a few out there that do not have to exercise, but it is the best thing you can do to help in your journey. This is coming from someone who hated running, but i was so determined to finally lose the weight that I started walking 25 steps, then running 25 steps and so on and so on. Today I run anywhere from 3-5 miles about five times per week. If you want "this", you need to be your own advocate. You need to following the guidelines for eating, you need to make good food choices (i dont mean YOU in particular, just in a general sense). And exercise. And did I mention exercise??? :thumbup: I wish you all the luck in the world. It is a hard journey to begin, but once you see the results from your hard work it is just wonderful to want to continue on it. SHerry

No problem...When he first said it, my initial reaction was "oh, i can live with this if i have to", but then when i asked some more questions about it and realized it should be something fairly easy I was all for it!! Good luck to you!

Hi Jacqui I can see my port scar some and unfortunately I have a little 'tummy' area that 1000 sit-ups a night wont cure that I think I would rather have another little scar than the bit of a "bulge" you can see now when I wear a tighter shirt or have on my bathing suit. I can totally understand your thoughts though! Sherry P.S. You were such an inspiration to me when i first started on my journey and couldnt wait to get to the point where you were when i first started! Congrats!

No, because he wrote that it "protrudes, is sore at times, and irritates my skin". :-) Plus, it is a quick procedure where it is just done in a 'treatment' room and I wont be put completely under and will go home within a couple of hours. I had such an easy time with my surgery (surgery was Monday, back to work on Wednesday), that I hope the same goes with this one!!

If you have a desk-type job, you *should* be fine. I had my surgery on a Monday and went to work on Wednesday, but remember everyone is different... Good luck! Sherry

LOL. I am glad I inspired you to go to the gym since I missed my run today! hehehe Exercise is key though. I wouldnt be at the point I am right now without exercise! Thanks for the post! Sherry

You should be very proud of yourself! I wish you continued success!

Yesterday, Sept 11th, 2008, was my 2 year anniversary being banded! Here are a couple of pics! Now: Before,<style></style>http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/my-one-year-band-anniversary-41110/

Thanks EbonyRose! Good luck to you as well! Sherry

ME! 2 years out today and i have lost 116 lbs and am at goal!