laura395

I've had my band for over three months and I'm very happy with it. I, too, did my research, and, being a self-pay, thought about it carefully. I think any form of WLS will take the pounds off and there are people on here who have lost quite a bit of weight. I liked the aspect of the band as a maintenance tool. If you continue to go back to the surgeon and get your fills (or unfills) you will keep the weight off and the band will keep you in line, no matter how many years out your are from surgery. But here are some things I didn't know and I was too unknowledgeable to ask about. 1. Fills and unfills are expensive. My surgeon told me he waves his fees for the first year, which he does, but there's still a hospital fee of $140 for me each time. After the first year, I'll be paying $140 plus his fee for $275 each time. 2. If you have insurance, you don't have to worry about paying this....but... if you or your company changes insurance plans and your new insurance doesn't cover this procedure, you will have to pay it also, if, for any reason, you lose your insurance...then of course, that means you or your husband is unemployed and you probably won't be able to afford to maintain your band 3. I've seen several times on the various lapband message boards where the surgeon temporarily or permanently leaves town. This can create quite a problem in many cases because new lapband surgeons don't like to take on other doctors' cases. All this being said, I'm still glad I chose the band for the same reasons others have stated. Not having malabsorption issues and losing the weight slower, means we have a better chance of keeping our bodies nutritionally sound. Hope this helps!

Do you mix your protein drinks with milk? Maybe you're lactose intolerant.

Hi Jukebox, Could you explain what causes "first bite syndrome." Is it because your band is too tight? Thanks.

Did you read about the Mayo Clinic study that just came out looking at WLS patients? Apparently we are more than 5 times more likely to break bones because of vitamin depletion. They recommend for bandsters at least 1500mg calcium citrate a day (in addition to whatever calcium you are getting with your meals. ) Also extra D3, so make sure your multivitamin has that as well.

I was on solid foods by the 3rd week. Started with fish, then did dark chicken, ground beef and ground turkey. Then dark meat turkey and white meat chicken.

Do you take in at least 60g protein a day?

Hi, I was banded on April 1st. WEIGHT: Highest- 242 (around March 1st) Surgery-236 Current- 211 FILLS: May 11--not sure how much RESTRICTION: Really none, can still eat large portions, steak, etc. RULES: I keep to all the rules, journal, exercise, haven't cheated with anything ANYTHING ELSE: I never went through "bandster hell", have no cravings, am usually mildly hungry at most, and have been losing about 2 pounds a week, although this past week I didn't lose anything. I attribute my weight loss and lack of cravings to a low carb diet. I get in about 100g of Protein a day, eat less than 30g carbs, and keep my fat intake low. I also try to get in about 80 oz Water.

Hide your scale!

Hi Folks, I was banded on April 1, and had 1 fill May 7. I'm still hungry but it's not too bad. I've lost steadily and am down over 30 pounds. I'm not a fast loser, but I think my diet is what's helping me to lose weight even though I'm not anywhere near my sweetspot. I have over 100g Protein a day, under 30 g carbs for the day and try to stay around 1000 calories 64 oz Water I limit my food to Protein shakes, dense protein like chicken and fish, and some vegetables. You might want to try this until the magic "sweet spot" happens.:frown: