happy2lose

With all do respect Elfie, studies old and new show that diet and exercise together contribute to a healthy lifestyle. There is no way I could have hiked up the Big Sur River and climbed over huge boulders as big as an average sedan last month if I didn't have the upper body strength or stamina I earned through hard exercise. Not to mention how much worse my body would look with all the hanging excess skin if I didn't exercise. Exercise is the only way to maintain lean muscle through weight loss. You are in denial if you don't see the health benefits of exercise. I don't care if you exercise or not, it's your choice. I just hate to hear you misinforming other bandsters.

I was told by my surgeon that 1-2 pounds per week is average. Keep in mind that your body will plateau possibly for weeks at some point. Don't get discouraged, this is normal. Also, I have found that since I exercise a lot, sometimes it takes a while for the scale to catch up. This is why it is a good idea to take measurements of your body so that when this happens you can see the progress without the scale. I went all last month without losing but 4 pounds but I lost 10 inches.

Way to go! You stuck it through the hardest part.

How much excess skin one has also depends upon the elasticity in their skin. My way of thinking is to work as hard as I can not to have it and whatever is left I will deal with best I can.

I applaud you Colorado. Well said!

If the queasy feeling is bothersome, your surgeon can prescribe some meds for it. Port pain can last approx. 6 weeks.

Yes, I did experience this. My surgeon told me to expect the port pain to be bothersome for approx. 6 weeks. My incisions healed for the most part in about 2 weeks I think.

The puppy in this avatar is the cutest I have ever seen. What breed is it?

Just one more thing........you do not have to go on a diet. You should be able to eat a normal high Protein, low fat, low carb diet and still lose. Whoever told you that you had to do weight watchers is incorrect. I'm sure it would be of some benefit but hardly necessary. If fact, I don't think of what I am doing as a diet at all. I went into this knowing I needed to make a lifestyle change which is what I have done. I just make healthy food choices and eat 3 meals per day. I rarely snack. I no longer live as a couch potato. I am active and enjoy life so much more then I ever dreamed possible. Getting into shape (exercise) has helped me to achieve this. Note: I am only half way to my goal.

Elfie, If you are not planning to exercise then I don't think the band is going to give you very good results. I exercise daily for the results that I have obtained and I still feel the weight is coming off very slowly. The average with the lapband is 1-2 pounds per week. This is the result I am getting with exercise and I am right at 6 months post-op. If I were you and not wanting to exercise I would look into a different WLS such as the gastric bypass where you will lose the weight faster whether you exercise or not. Sorry if you don't like my answer but this really is my honest opinion. Hope I have helped you.

77, It sounds to me like you are not eating enough calories and your body is storing fat cells. If you are not able to add another meal then I suggest perhaps getting a slight unfill so you can eat just a little more at each meal. Or, perhaps try adding a Protein shake to your day. I recommend you keep a food journal to keep track of your calories so you can see exactly what you are eating. You should also consider making an appointment with a nutritionist who can plan a meal guide for you and advise you how many calories of what type your body needs. I hope my suggestions work for you. Donna

Yes, shrimp is a protein. I hope your nut. can help you out. Donna

Gloria, Didn't your surgeon explain to you that the band is only a tool to help you eat less? You still have to make healthy food choices. If you stuff your face all day with slider foods not only will you not lose the weight but you will get even bigger. You need to eat Protein first (3 oz.), veggies and fruit after if you still have room. I suggest you contact your surgeon and ask him/her to explain to you the lapband rules.

Honestly, what is described above only lasted a short time for me. Once you have restriction you will require much less food, thus you will lose weight without starving. The period of starving as described above is referred to as "Bandster Hell". It has a name because it is a common experience. Be patient people, the band really does work.

Gloria, You have lost nothing in 18 months? You must be so disheartened. What does your doctor say?

I'm glad your doctor was able to help you. I too suffer from depression but haven't noticed it to be any worse since being banded. Around time for my period I sink pretty low into depression but I'm otherwise okay. Having the band has given me back the control of my weight that I was lacking for so long. I hope it has this effect on you as well. Hang in there. Take each day as it comes. Donna

There have been other threads of this nature in the past. Not all surgeons charge a program fee. Be very careful of paying a fee up front and find out what you get for this fee. My surgeon DID NOT charge a program fee.

Can you please be more specific about what your issues are?

If you are having trouble keeping food down I think you should contact your surgeon.

From what I've been told, lettuce is a slider food. Goes down easy with little or no nutritional value. Try eating solid proteins such as chicken or fish. They will stay in your pouch longer and you should be able to go 4 hours between meals. If you are eating solid protein and get hungry in between meals, you most likely need another fill. Be sure to get in your 64oz of water and don't drink with your meals. Wait 30 minutes after eating to drink water again. I get stuck about once per week and find it is usually because I am eating too fast and not chewing enough. If you are unsure how many calories you should be eating check with your nutritionist. He/she may be able to suggest a diet that will help you lose. I notice that your BMI wasn't real high to begin with. Your weight will come off slower then somebody with a high BMI. Exercise is imperative. Try and get at least 30 minutes of exercise in each day and mix it up often so you don't get bored and increase your time each week by 5 minutes or so. Hope this helps! Donna

I'm not sure why you are not losing weight. Like others have said, keep a food journal. Focus on eating Protein first and veggies if you still have room. Without proper restriction, you will eat more. Be sure you drink your 64 oz. of Water each day too and watch your sodium and carb intake. The person who told you to go to your next appointment armed with your food and exercise journal is correct. This is the only way to show your doctor that you are doing what you should be doing. I suggest you exercise daily. Perhaps add 60 minutes of walking on the days you don't go to the gym. I find I lose more regularly if I exercise daily. Keep in mind that you may be losing inches rather then pounds. Are your clothes fitting better? I started at the same weight as you but I am much older. From everything I have learned, you should be able to lose the weight faster then I am. I lost 37 pounds in the first 2 months after surgery. Are you insulin resistant? Maybe you should make an appointment with your primary care physician and ask him/her if there may be a health reason that you are not losing. You may also want to ask your nutritionist for a diet plan. Otherwise, count your calories religiously and up your exercise regimen. I sincerely hope you figure this out. Donna

My healthcare provider was also very negative about the band. They pushed the gastric bypass surgery as well. I did not want the bypass for reasons I will refrain from stating. Because I wanted the band and my provider refused to do it, I went to Mexico and self-paid for my surgery. It wasn't until I arrived in Mexico that I heard of the sleeve procedure. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had the sleeve. Don't get me wrong, the band is working for me but long-term I feel the sleeve would have been a better choice.

You really need to follow the post-op diet your surgeon gave you. This is very important! Eating solid food too soon can cause you problems later. The first month or two after surgery is meant for healing not weight loss. If you do happen to shed some weight during this time is an added bonus. The time span between surgery and your first fill is known as bandster hell. It is called this because you have little to no restriction and are hungry all the time. You are not alone. All of us bandsters have been through this. Make sure you drink 64 oz. of water. The water will help somewhat with the hunger. When the hunger becomes unbearable, change your focus. Go for a walk. The exercise will help keep the hunger at bay for a little while anyway. Repeat as needed. Hang in there. It will get easier.

Hello Contemplating, At the point that I was able to eat a 6" sub I had very little restriction. Once you have good restriction I guarantee you that you will NOT be able to eat a 6" sub. With good restriction, I am not able to eat bread at all and if I eat one bite too much of anything I will spend the next 30 minutes or so running to the bathroom to throw-up. I am generally finished eating after about 4-5 bites. Once you reach proper restriction you will have definite consequences with over-eating. Hope this helps. Good luck to you!

One thing to keep in mind that I never thought about until now: I am having issues with my pancreas. I am a drinker and have only been drinking on a regular basis for about 2 years. Obesity and significant weight loss can bring on gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption can directly affect the gallbladder and the pancreas. Just something to consider