angel bear

Thanks Heather. I'm seriously thinking about asking Dr Yau to put the band back in - it was so much easier living with the band. But I'm waiting until I'm a little stronger to approach that subject. When I hear about the few that have struggled with complications but have made it for years - it gives me hope. Have a great week and thanks for posting.

I agree with Heather. Ask questions if you have doubts or feelings about the cost. Believe me Dr Yau and his staff are worth the money. They care about your health and your success and the follow up care is so valuable that you will be so very happy you paid it. The staff are their to make sure you're cared for - and they do care. I look at it as an investment in your health and happiness. Do it for you and your loved ones. Get the answers you need and then enjoy the process. You'll be happy you did it. You don't need good luck - I know you can do it! Hugs,

Just wanted to add my two cents worth having experienced an emergency and received excellent care from Dr Yau and his staff. The clinic certainly has lots of follow up care to ensure your success... be sure to use it. I was banded in Aug 06 and the clinic has gone thru lots of changes since then but all great ones. The staff are wonderful and friendly as I'm sure you're now aware. Be sure to let them know if you experience anything that is out of the ordinary - and because you are new to the feelings ask what it should feel like. They all care. And don't just rely on the website and advice of fellow lapbanders. CALL the clinic. I lost my weight quickly - I dropped from 245 to 102 in less than a year. I think because of the rapid loss and added stress (my youngest son spent 2 weeks at emergency for a serious bladder problems) didn't help the band and it tightened. Being new (and stressed) I didn't realize that it was too restrictive until the PV was daily and I couldn't keep anything down. I asked Nancy for had a total defill (except for 1 cc to keep the band in place). I felt better for a few weeks. But I still continued to lose. My GP had been treating me for anorexia - you can imagine that at 102lbs I was very thin. So she missed my assurances that I was eating and that I didn't think I was "fat". I went to a phyciatrist (excuse the spelling) who said that I didn't have a "weight" issue and proposed that I have a gastric x-ray to determine if it was a problem with the band (yeah Duh!). I should have called the clinic to discuss this but I went back to my GP.... yep! So you know what happened. Suffice to say Dr Yau saw me in Emergency at the Scarborough grace (I weighted less than 90lbs) severely dehydrated and vomiting even Water. After ordering the x-ray -he quickly assessed the problem booked an OR to remove the band. Because I was too weak for the surgery (dangerously low PB) surgery was delayed. Dr Yau removed it the next day after my PB was stabilized. I was home by Christmas eve. I'm sure he had to delay his holidays to care for me. Are there many surgeons like that - ?? I don't think so. It's been a rough journey to regain - I never thought I'd hear myself say those words. But coming back from such a dangerously low weight to a healthy weight was hard. In my mind I still had the band and although the vomiting stopped I didn't want to eat all the things I had given up - my danger foods - the past year. I miss my band. I had such great success with it and I would do it again in a heart beat. The staff have remained concerned for my health even though I feel as though without the band I'm no longer their responsibility. I feel lost. I've maintained a healthy weight of 135-140 and although I struggle I know I never want to be big again. I've gained knowledge and I'm a success. I pray that all of you will have the success of weight loss and the joys of staying banded and using your tool for many years to come. Good luck on your journey. And have faith in whatever clinic you choose.

Wow Andrew, congrats on your success. I know how you feel - 100% better and loving life. Keep up the great work!

Female complaints seem to be part and parcel with weight loss - they come to haunt you. I had a scope and cysts removed from my ovaries in July. I never had a problem before I lost all my weight. Good luck with your appt and let us know how you're doing. Hugs,

Yasmina, when's your surgery date? How was your appt? Was it all you expected after being here on the site? Fill us in (no pun intended)!

Driving to TO is stressful but it's such an accomplishment when you make it and get back without any incidents. I made the trip myself and I was so happy that I did it. Congrats on all your successes.

Well gang, I never thought a year ago that I would reach my goal or surpass it but Aug 31 was my bandiversary and I'm below my original goal. I feel more energetic and I can do more things plus I love to shop in "normal" stores. My family and friends are so proud of me (those who I shared with). I feel fantastic. The support I received was the key to my success. When I hit a plateau, my friends offered encouragement. When I was sick my family nursed me back to health. When I faced the unknown this site was there to answer my questions. I've made some great friendships and met wonderful people on my journey. This is indeed a change of lifestyle. I love the band and the opportunities it has given me. It helped police my food cravings and has proven to be a wonderful tool. It stops me from over eating which has been my problem since I was young. I've learned better food choices and I don't ignore my cravings - just limit them. It is a tool and you have to learn how to use it to get the desired results. Each journey is unique. But it is a continuous journey and I know I will have to be vigilent. It seems that once we reach a certain place in this journey, busy lives take over and sometimes we think we stumble but I believe it's learning to listen to our bodies and know when to stop. It took a year to lose over 100 lbs and it certainly doesn't take long to gain any of them back. I'm looking forward to the next years with excitement knowing that I will be around for my kids and grand kids because of an increased healthy lifestyle. I often "lurk" on the site and occasionally add my "two cents worth". Keep your goals manageable and in small increments and you will succeed. Good luck and thanks for all the encouragement over the last year. Hugs,:clap2::whoo:

Hi Frenchie, Some days are pretty scary and then others are over flowing with joy - at the new abilities and the joy of having an abundance of energy. I think the roller coaster of emotions is normal for anyones life let alone for us struggling with food issues. I'm an emotional eater and I had to learn to channel my emotions into other things rather than the sweets. I'm happy to say that I'm feeling fantastic and thanks for the Kudos. We all need praise to keep going. You'll do great on your journey. Positive attitude and reward yourself as you meet your smaller goals - it's worth it! Hugs - have a great weekend!

Call the clinic but I think the slower the fills the better cause then you'll know when you reach your "sweet" spot - restriction but being able to eat what you're suppose to eat without pb. You seem to be doing well with weight loss - 38lbs gone YEAH!!

Ha Ha LoL. that's funny! Poor victim - better them than me. Yes, I get it from carbs or certain gassy foods but if I eat slower it doesn't happen as much. Food choice is the key.

Argon, Where are you off to? A new job? or just moving?

Thanks Peaches. You'll do great - August is a long ways away and you've done very well so far. Now you have some restriction you'll notice more coming off.

Thanks. When I started out I never thought I would feel this wonderful. You are in a great club! Staying focused is half the battle. Have a great autumn - best time of the year - cooler and lots of new things to try and do!

Loriely, Thanks. You've been an inspiration - and your advice has kept me on track. I bet you're feeliing fantastic right about now! Good luck and be sure to stay in touch. Hugs, HAPPY LONG WEEKEND

Mandi, You're almost there! Way to go girl. I bet you're feeling on top of the world. Thanks for the kudos!

You look great. Congrats on your journey! Your son is gorgeous.

That's terrific. Happy to see that. Good luck with the food choices. I found being at work much easier than on vacation for sticking to the good foods. Have a great long weekend and see you thinner next week.

Hi Doddie, Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I'm happy that you are using coping strategies to keep from binging. Stress and emotional eating are very common and finding ways to combat them is very important on our journey. Knowing its going to happen and preventing it is half the battle. Know that we are all here for you. Hugs, Bear

Andrew, You are doing fantastic. I can see life insurance in your near future. Over 100lbs gone is terrific. You should be so proud of yourself. Have a great week!

Perhaps now is the time to increase the protein and add some "danger" foods. I gradually added all kinds of foods but I still eat in small portions, eat slowly and I feel so much better. Will power is not a factor since I have what I want just not as much or as often as I use to since I plan on NEVER being obese again. You're doing great!

Sounds like you had a great first experience. It gets easier and you'll know if you're too restricted - like the gentleman who started to slim. Congrats on the next step of your journey!

That is fantastic! Way to go. How is your week going?

You've already lost 24 lbs so in 7 months you should lose quite a few more - depends on how determined you are. Add exercise and lots of fluids and it will fall off. It's all a matter of choices and quality over quantity. Any amount lost will be a bonus for your trip. Remember to celebrate the NSV (non scale victories) too. They are just as important as the numbers on the scale. Good luck and let us know how you're feeling.

Hi everyone, It's great to see so many successes. I've become a clothes junkie. I love shopping for clothes and shoes. I guess one obsession for another but this one I can live with. Sharing successes and set backs makes us stronger. Thanks for keeping this thread going. Even at goal we need encouragement - this lifestyle is a life long committment.