JCulver3

Ventura county in the house! Lol

Ok, so I had my lap-band in Nov 09... About 7 months ago. It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am down about 100 lbs from my pre-op weight, and about 120 from my all time highest. I had a friend over the other day that I met recently, in the past couple weeks. They saw a family picture that I have in my living room and asked, "where are you in this picture?" I pointed myself out and their response was, "WHAT! That does not even look like you!" It is kind of funny to me because when I look at those old pictures, in my head that is still pretty much what I look like, but it was nice to see someones reaction who did not know me pre-op. Anyways, not to boast or anything, but I have worked really hard in the past seven months so I deserve to a little bit! Hehe.

Hi there, I am 28 and was banded on Nov 17 2009... It has been great for me. I am down about 84 pounds and still dropping. Socially, not a lot has changed. I have been pretty open about it from the start so my friends have been very supportive. I still drink, but that has slowed down a bit. I am just careful with it and take it one drink at a time. Dating has been somewhat of a challenge, but I have not done a whole lot of that because I am really trying to focus on myself for now. Anyway, good luck to all! Seems like everyone here is doing very well!

OK, so I guess I can post some pics now... I haven't really taken a whole lot since I had my surgery, and still have a while to go before getting to my goal weight... BUT I am down about 84lbs and over half way there... And feeling GOOD! The first one, I am on the right, this pic is about a year old. The second pic I am the one on the left and this was in October, about a month before surgery. The third pic was taken today, not the greatest but it is recent. The last pic I am on the left and this one was taken a couple weeks ago.

This has been a concern for me too. I have been on maybe two dates since my band. I am not really interested in dating a whole lot right now because I am very focused on my own health and the changes I am making within myself, but being young and single, dates are bound to pop up from time to time. The first date I went on I ordered a small meal and just made sure to take a lot of time to converse in between bites so I did not end up throwing up in the bathroom. The second date, I decided to make it so it was not focused around food, so I went for tea and a walk on the beach. I honestly would not have a problem letting somebody know on the first date if it came up, but I don't think it would be something I would just throw out there if the opportunity did not arise. I am not ashamed of it at all, I actually have gotten very comfortable talking about it with people. I think if I were to go on a date with anyone who half sparked my interest it would be something important for me to get out because it is such a big part of my life right now. Anyways, just sharing my thoughts on it.

Hey Lauren! I wanted to commend you on your accomplishments so far! I got banded one month before you... Nov 17 2009. I am down about 67 pounds so far. I have been overweight since childhood and for the first time in my life I know that this weight loss is for good! I have been working very hard the past couple months, like you have, on self discipline and my behavioral changes are really starting to feel like habit, which is a good feeling! Anyways, I was interested in your post because we are the same age and were banded close to each other. Also, close to the same starting weight. It is nice seeing people on here that I can relate too. I know a whole lot of people that have had gastric bypass, but very few who have done the band, so I am always interested in other peoples stories who have had the lap band. Again, great job so far, and keep me posted on your progress! Janelle

Doing great since my surgery! Recovery is coming right along! Very excited for what is ahead! I would be interested in a Nov 17 group! It would be nice to have some extra support!

I was banded on Nov 17th as well. Doing pretty well, not a whole lot of pain... mainly the incisions and port sight when I am getting up/down or switching positions. Not a lot of problem with gas pains, but I have been walking like crazy... trying to keep myself moving! Glad everyone is doing well! Wish you all the best of luck! Kimmarie... the right shoulder pain is gas! A lot of times gas pains are felt in the shoulders... totally normal!

Hello fellow November 17th bandsters! I am right there with you guys... Also waiting for a call on monday with my time, but the 17th it is for me! I am excited! Been waiting a long time for this... and it is finally here! We should all keep in touch since we are starting this journey together... Good luck to you all!

Right behind you guys! I am getting mine on Tuesday! Good luck to the both of you!

Hi there... Just read your post... you are probably in a fat burning stage called ketosis... this happens with high Protein and low carbs... and it makes your breath and your urine smell strange. When you are in it you are putting ketones out in your urine, hence the odor. Just a thought, it could be something else too! Oh and good luck on your surgery... mine is on November 17th! Janelle

November 17th here! Still not set in stone, waiting on insurance. Just finished all of my workup, but the 17th is the date they do it at the hospital I work at, so that should be it!