GuyMontag

Plication is similar to the sleeve without the actual removal of stomach tissue. WIth plication they staple or suture part of the stomach over onto itself to make a banana like pouch similar to what you are left with after the sleeve operation. Like the band it is touted as being reversible.

I just meant, ignore the trolls that come in here and want to point fingers at why she 'caused' the slip. Many times people want to comfort themselves by finding fault with the person and not the band. I just wanted to head that off at the pass. While understanding why a band slipped is important, trying to find a way to blame the bandster without consoling them can be very cruel and happens often in my experience.

I know a lot of people swear by greek yogurt because it has so much more protein than regular.

I couldn't agree more. I constantly think about reasons why I can justify not losing weight or gaining weight back but the truth is there are ALWAYS going to be reasons. It's always going to be someone's birthday or an anniversary or a vacation or stressful or whatever! Good for you for sticking to your guns and maintaining the weight loss.

First of all ignore anyone that comes in here asking why it slipped. Secondly, you can come back from a slipped band. Whether they can fix it or they have to remove it you have options so just be strong and you'll get through this. If they have to remove the band you will probably have the options of either getting a new band or opting for a different surgery. That's the great thing about the band. If it doesn't work for some reason you can always switch to a different method. This will be a tough time but get support and you will make it. Good luck!

I think it also depends on what stage of weight loss you are on as well. There were changes I could make at 325 that weren't enough to get me under 250. To get to goal weight I have to cut out bread, rice, and pasta and carbs such as oatmeal, granola, sugared drinks, and fruit. Exercise is a key part as well. I do think that everyone's bodies are different and process foods differently but for me, carb control was that extra bit that got me under goal.

In my experience all calories are not created equal because of the different effects they have on your body. For me, if I eat carbs whether it be bread, rice, Pasta, sugar, or even fruit, my insulin spikes to break down the sugar in my blood and it slows my metabolism which hurts my weight loss. I've also found that I do really well when I eat foods high in fat and Protein. The fat makes me feel satiated and stops me from seeking out comfort foods later on. Plus, food that's high in fat and protein doesn't just turn into fat automatically. Your body converts it to energy. I avoid 'low fat' foods because they are usually high in carbs. Here's a simple article that explains some of what I have experienced: http://lifehacker.com/5922071/a-calorie-is-not-just-a-calorie-study-shows

I had quite the opposite experience in waiting tables as far the restaurant goes. The restaurant I worked at had to be scrubbed spotless every single night and you could literally eat off of the floor.

If you are sensitive to seeing the weight go up and down a little you might want to invest in a scale that will measure body fat percentage. I think it's a better indication of weight loss success.

The waiting is the worst part. Try to occupy your mind as best as you can. Read the the forums, play a Facebook game, etc. You'll get there and on your journey in no time. Good luck!

I'm about 75 miles North of Lexington near Cincinnati.

All calories are not created equal. You might want to look at the carb content of your diet. For me, when I eat more carbs than protein it spikes my insulin levels and slows my metabolism down killing my weight loss. Just something to consider.

18 for me. No lie. As I kept losing I kept needing more fluid in my band.

I always get weird looks by the waiting staff and they constantly ask me if everything tastes okay because I don't eat it all. Then they are always surprised when I ask for a box to take it home! I also learned that it's better to order a water and let it sit there than it is to say I don't want anything to drink. That always begins a weird back and forth that I learned to avoid.

Keep getting fills and stick in there.

I paid $15,900 and with that I got the surgery plus 2 years of free adjustments and appointments. It was worth every penny for me.

First of all realize that many doctors push a certain surgery based on what they simply like to do. Sometimes what's best for your doctor is not what's best for you. Sleeve and bypass are great for doctors because once they do the surgery and have your money they never have to bother with you again. Lapband doctors have to work with their patients for years because of fills and support. I've been banded for over 4 years and I have had a great experience with it. Unfortunately, not everyone that is banded has a great experience but that can be said for any weight loss surgery. If I had to do it over I would definitely consider the sleeve but bypass would be last on my list of considerations. Remember, you are paying for this or your insurance company is on your behalf. The doctor works for you which means you have the power to get a second opinion and look at all your options. Talk to other doctors and people that have had different surgeries. This is a major decision that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Do not be in such a panic that you make a decision you will regret. Good luck whatever you decide!

That's why I think charting your body fat percentage is much more beneficial than following weight or BMI while exercising.

I think you touch on a deeper subject in your post and that is, while weight loss surgery can be an effective tool, without behavior modification and dealing with the mental aspects of why we gain weight, long term weight loss can be difficult if not impossible. Honestly, I think everyone that has had WLS can benefit from therapy afterwards. It doesn't even have to deal directly with our food addiction specifically to be effective. As for soda I was definitely back in its grip for awhile but I'm barely drinking it again and I can tell in my weight. I really try to stick with decaf coffee and tea as well as G2 (low calorie gatorade).

Fruit is hard for me to get through my band because of its consistency. Also, fruit contains tons of sugar and definitely hurts my weight loss. I know that fruit has 'good' sugar or whatever but my body doesn't understand that and still makes me gain weight on it. If I do eat fruit I look at it like a dessert that should be eaten rarely and as a treat. Also, I seem to be able to eat dried fruit easier than regular fruit. Lastly, I'd advise against fruit juice completely because that takes all the Fiber out of the fruit and just leaves the sugar. I once had a discussion with my doc about fruit sugar and he said, If you were 150lbs then the sugar in fruit would be great for you but since you're not, avoid it and you'll lose more weight. If you are concerned with Vitamins either get it from other sources or take a Multivitamin. That's just my two cents. Mileage may vary!

You're always going to feel hunger. However, the goal is to get to a good enough restriction where you eat and feel full for four hours. Drinking lots of fluids about an hour after you eat will help prolong the 'full' feeling and keep you from getting hungry but at first, you just need to get fills/adjustments until you get to a good spot with your band.

The best advice I can give pre-surgery, post-surgery, and for the rest of your life is to always make sure you are drinking enough fluids.

If I was 16 and extremely overweight I'd want the surgery. I could have handled the responsibility as well. I'm not sure all kids could though.

See a doctor. That being said, ice and rest. If it's already injured you need to give it time to heal. After that you can worry about rehabilitation. Trying to exercise your knee while it's already injured will just further complicate the problem.