doubleg71

My xiphoid process protudes as well....I just haven't seen it in so long, I thought if looked funny at first! The Xiphoid is the cartilage part at the bottom of your rib cage...(many people use it to reference point during CPR). I have also found my hip bones as well! I kinda like it. I think the next bones I will discover are the cheek bones on my face...I am beginning to see them! good luck

I have finally made it and I got to tell you, it is better than I thought it would feel. It is exactly 5 months to the day that I had surgery and I have reached it by losing 69 lbs...:thumbup:. I know many people who read these posts and try to make that decision in their life whether or not to "Go for it" and get the band...I am here to say that I would not change it for the world. I remember the day that I actually started considering the band...I was watching "True Life" on MTV and there was this younger guy who had lost over 100 lbs. with the LAP-BAND®®. He was battling the urges to take Fluid "in and out" of his band because he thought he could control his eating habits but found out he couldn't. I began asking myself, "Is this the direction I need to go in order to lose weight?". I studied, asked questions and made the final decision one year ago (June 09). Seems like it was just yesterday, so for those of you who are thinking that the process seems so long, it really does go by fast! I have a 36 waist (on the last hole on my belt and they are fitting very loose! Woohoo). None of my shirts have an "X" in front and I am proud of my accomplishment! If you ask me what was the biggest thing I learned during this change that I never learned before was simple "Calories in, Calories out"...it is that easy! So many of my "diets" I tried before were unsuccessful because I never paid attention to the caloric intake like I do now. I still have a hamburger w/Cheese (Once a month), still have a donut (One every once in a while) and I still enjoy a beer (Ocassional only). I know I have conquered the PHYSICAL aspect, but I feel confident that I have the MENTAL part in check as well...because I have NEVER had a fill to my band. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and only use the band as a tool. It keeps me honest by letting me know...slow down and chew (still PB sometimes and have only gotten stuck 2 times...both at work but nobody around to witness...Whew!) I just want to thanks to everyone on this site...for making the move, sharing their stories, keeping everyone motivated during the hard days and cheering on the good ones!:smile: I THANK YOU!

First things first..don't feel sorry for yourself, feel happy that you made this move to improve your life. Secondly, I personally had surgery on Jan. 20 and have lost all my weight (66 lbs.) with absolutely zero fills. I found a healthy meal plan that worked for me, incorporated exercise into my routine and have not found it necessary to get any fills. My weight loss has slowed to a healthy 1-2 lbs. per week and I feel totally great! I have read many posts on this site to know that some people have better luck with fills and some don't need as many fills to accomplish their goal. I chose mind over matter and have come close to reaching my goal. Keep your spirits high and don't let the little obstacles hinder your progress. Whenever you feel down or need motivation, come read some of these posts to keep your spirits high. good luck!

All the time...No problems. I waited until I was eating solid foods but never had a problem with it. I would use one only if you feel comfortable. Good luck!

Hello everyone...I was banded on January 20, 2010 and I am down 26 lbs. since surgery (46 lbs. since Jan. 6th). I truly feel better than I have in a very long time. I went to see my PCP about 5 weeks ago and he told me that my cholesterol was nearing normal levels and blood sugar was in check...but still had some more work to do and wants to re-check in mid April. I am officially into my old "skinny" close and will need to invest in smaller clothes the smaller I get...Glad to have this problem. I went from a 42 waist to a 36 waist (comfortably...without sucking in the gut to button my pants). I have inspired many people at work and have had many compliments on my commitment and dedication to my goals. I had one of my co-workers ask me to write down what I have been eating on a daily basis because her boyfriend is the size I use to be and is wanting to lose weight too...I gladly wrote it down for her. Of all the things that I have experienced, the only thing that aggrevates me is the fact that I have an enormous amount of energy and seem to be sleeping less. I usually go to sleep around 10:00pm and I wake up around 4 am...wide awake and I don't have to be at work until 7 pm. I guess I am getting better sleep because I might not have the sleep apnea like I use to (can't tell because I am asleep and can't tell if I still snore like I use to). I decided to begin my gym membership again and do morning workouts to try to burn this extra energy that I have been expereincing. I have only had one stuck episode since beginning my journey...and it totally caught me off guard. I was eating some eggs and sausage and I guess I just didn't chew a piece of sausage enough...STUCK!! It came up quick and fast but took about 3 good heaves before it just stopped. For a split second, I just went back to my old ways of chewing and forgot to chew very well...Lesson Learned. I have NOT had any fills and really don't see a need to unless I see myself not losing weight or see myself losing control with my eating habits...but I just don't see that happening but you never know. I hope everyone else is having the success I have been experiencing....good luck to everyone!!

I had my surgery on 1/20/10 and I know that feeling you are feeling. I followed my doctor's order until I felt that I was ready to allow myself to eat a little more than he suggested. Today, I am happier now that I followed the rules and I suggest you do the same if you really want to work on the mental aspect of this journey. I still find myself feeling guilty if I eat anything that resembles "unhealthy". I have never stopped losing weight since the surgery and continue to lose 1-2 pounds per week with diet. I just keep the portion control of anything considered "unhealthy" in total control (unhealthy to me is a hasbrown stick with my eggs or 10 tortilla chips with some salsa). I have not had any breads, pasta, cookies, sodas in the last 2 months...and you know what...I really don't miss them as much as I thought I would. I have really made up my mind that I don't need to have those things in my life...There is still a mental journey to take along with your physical journey and don't let the guilt de-rail you...just know this is not an overnite fix.

I am 6 weeks post-op and I have lost a total of 42 lbs since beginning this journey and I have not been happier. I have really learned to limit myself to healthier choices and I also keep active by walking 45-60 minutes, 3-4 times per week and I go bowling on Saturdays...keeping my metabloism working by eating 4-5 times per day (small meals and nutritious snacks. I am back to wearing a 36" waist pant and comfortable in X-Large shirts. I have steadily lost 1-2 pounds per week. I visited my PCP 2 weeks ago and he told me that my cholesterol had decreased significantly but still had a little way to go...so he wants me to return in 6 weeks to see if I was able to lower it more so he would not put me on any medication. I know this will happen since I plan to increase my exercise by the time that I return to see him. I hope that most everyone is as happy with their choice as I am.:biggrin:

Totally Normal...You should just keep up your doctor's recommendation. You will probably not feel restriction until after you get your fills. Most, if not all, of your restriction is due to swelling and/or any fill material you may have been given during surgery. You will become more hungry as the days go by and you return to regular food again. As for your port, generally it is located near the larger incision near your belly button and I feel mine all the time. Sometimes, there is still some soreness but overall I don't even realize that I had surgery. I am sure you will have other questions but always check back with this site because there is a lot of information of this site...Good luck on your journey

I would say that this is totally normal for you to be hungry as heck!! You had restriction due to the swelling inside and the band being tight around the swollen area. I am four weeks post-op (1/20) and I haven't this good in a very long time. I have not gotten a fill yet because I have not stopped losing weight since surgery (2-3 lbs. per week) and the diet plan I have been on seems to be working without the fills. I am scheduling my first post-op visit soon and will probably get my 1st fill then. I really don't miss the food I use to consume and it doesn't seem hard to keep eating small portions for meals (5 oz. per meal). I wish everyone the best and continued weight loss.

I don't know whether my doctor put any saline in during surgery...forgot to even ask that question. Currently, I am in the mush stage of the post-op diet. My daily meals consist of (EAS Advantage Carb control for Breakfast...S.F. Jello pudding @ 10am., chicken or Tuna salad lunch or baked fish with mushy broccoli @ noon, and a EAS shake again for dinner @ 5pm). I drink approx 40 oz of Water during the day, 16 oz. of Crystal Light per day. I have been averaging about 60-70 grams of protien and 40 grams of good carb average per day. In week 4, I go to one shake per day and two sensible meals per day (Turkey,chicken or fish) with Veggies. I agree with you in that "why would you mess with perfection" because I feel like everything is working better than I ever thought it would. I plan to call the doctor tomorrow and see what they suggest. I really appreciate your advice...Thanks and good luck with your journey!!

I am just curious and would like everyones opinion about getting my first fill...I am 3 weeks post op and have been feeling great...as a matter of fact I have been steadily losing about 3 pounds per week since my operation. I am suppose to be going back to see my doctor (I assume for a fill) after week 4 but I am not sure whether or not I need it! I have been logging everything on dailyplate.com and have been taking in 800-1000 calories every day. I don't find myself hungry all the time and if I am hungry, I will have a drink of water, eat some greek yogurt, or just find something healthy to snack on. I have begun having the creamy soups and today I moved up to grilled salmon...which I only ate half and felt completely satisfied...I wonder if I should return for a fill or just wait...Thanks for your advise in advance!!

I called my insurance company today and asked about fills and they told me that they are covered if "medically necessary"...does this mean that they are covered or what? I am not sure who deems them medically necessary or is it just the process? please advise me of your experience with Cigna..Thanks