incredible_shrinking_man

I'm concerned about the location of my port. Most people I have talked to have theirs off to the side or further down their abdomen near their belly button. Mine is right in the middle of my gut about 6 inches down from the center of my sternum. Does that sound weird to you? Where is yours?

It has an opening in the crotch so your junk does not get squished.

Sometimes I get the feeling that it definitely impacts people's opinion of you at work. Fat people are stereotypically seen as lazy, sloppy, unattractive. It is unfair, but it is what it is. There is no doubt that it affected me during my military career. I struggled with weight the whole time, and was passed over for promotion twice for being overweight, and I was 6'3, 220. I would kill to be at that weight now. I'm interested to see how things will change once I've slimmed down.

Wow this sounds fantastic, but I must admit, I am very skeptical about this. I guess we'll see... I'll believe it when she starts walking funny.

My surgeon's office was also trying to insist that I buy their Protein shakes. I declined and went with myoplex lite instead, which was much cheaper by like 50%. As far as the 2 week pre op diet went, mine consisted of a Protein shake for Breakfast, 1 for lunch, and a small dinner, a baked chicken breast and 2 cups of of green veggies. Daily totals were <1000/cals a day. It was rough, but I got through it and lost 12 lbs pre op.

It was discovered during my pre-screening for the band that my testosterone levels were 4x less than what they should be. I've since been prescribed and have been doing injectible testosterone every two weeks. We'll see how that helps...

I got this compression garment: Design Veronique -- Non-Zippered Abdominal Garment I haven't used it yet since I just got banded, but I hope it helps.

I started out with 4ccs and I have my first fill in 2 weeks. I feel no restriction yet but I have been able to lose weight still by practicing self-discipline. That can only last for so long though. I definitely want my fill.

goals 1. To be able to shop in normal section in a clothing store... no more big and tall. Would love to be a size 36 in jeans again. 2. Sit comfortably in movie theaters, airplanes, rollercoasters. 3. I have always wanted to skydive but never could do a tandem because I weigh too much. 4. I want to complete a triathlon in 2011. 5. Be alive long enough to watch my baby girl grow up. 6. I want to be able to go back home and see old friends. I haven't done it in 10 years because I'm too embarrassed about my weight. 7. I want to be able to go to the beach and the pool without being embarrassed about my body. 8. I want to be more in shape than I was in the military.

drove after 2 days, sex after two weeks. must admit i was kinda sore around my port after the sex.

I have the Allergan AP 10cc band. The port is about 6 inches down from my sternum. Kind've awkward location. I definitely feel it. No problems with PB, no fill yet. We'll see.

I haven't worn it yet, becuase I was just banded a couple weeks ago, but this is the one I got: Design Veronique -- Non-Zippered Abdominal Garment

I am very worried about having loose skin after losing all this weight. I bought a compression garment to wear while I'm losing. Not sure what else I can do to help the skin shrink back. I'm fairly young, 33, and don't have much of a sag on my belly even though I am 300+lbs. I'm hoping it will just shrink back, but I guess we'll see. :wink2:

My BMI is more important to me than my weight. And I am talking about true BMI, not what you get off of a chart. I plan on getting the dunk test about 100 lbs from now.

I was banded on 9/17/09. First week was kinda rough, but doing good now. Can't wait to get my first fill! :wink2: