vlp1968

I was told I could expect to loose 60% of excess weight. That was never enough for me. I have lost about 80% and haven't looked back. I believe the band will be key in me being able to keep it off for good this time. As far as unfills for maintaince, I guess some people need them and some people don't. Of course, it will be important to be able to eat enough to maintain your goal weight.

Sounds like you need an unfill. I doubt your band slipped, since you just had a fill and are keeping some things down. You probably have some swelling, it can take a day or two for that to happen. I would call your doc. for sure. In the meantime maybe stick to liquids (protien shakes and water). Best wishes, keep us posted on how your doing.

I average around 900 a day. I have been loosing on average 2 pounds a week. I workout with weights 3 days a week and do cardio 4-5 days a week.

Sounds like you are doing great. If your satisfied with small portions and loosing weight I wouldn't get a fill. However, be prepared that you may need fills further down the road. Best wishes!

I agree- transfer of addictions is a real concern. Also- alchohol has lots of calories, it will affect your weightloss. It's a personal decision I guess. If you do drink I would certainly do it with extreme moderation. Best Wishes!

The reason for no carbonation is that it can stretch the pouch. Imagine shaking soda in a plastic bag- it expands. I think other posts are right- dr.s orders are there for a reason, I would reccomend following them.

Sounds like you are doing great.

If your not keeping even your own saliva down, I would call the doc. for sure. I assume you can't keep water down either. Sounds like you need an unfill.

I wouldn't worry as long as you are following doctors orders. Yes, the weight will slow down once you are on solids. Congrats on your surgery!

You have a lot to think about. WLS is a huge decision. Everyone makes that decision in their own way. Yes, the lapband will make eating the right things in the right portions a hell of a lot easier. However, you still have to do the work. Things like excersising, journaling what you eat (at least in the beggining) and looking at other ways to get what overeating gave you (stress release, boredom et..). Personally, I don't eat high fat or high sugar foods in any quantity. That is just what works for me. But you can loose weight and still eat the foods you like, but less frequently and in smaller portions if that's the route you decide to take. Keep us posted on your decision. I can say that for me it was one of, if not the, best decision I've ever made. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. However, I don't think that I was emotionally ready to "give up the food". If you are not ready now for the surgery, it may be that given some more time you will be. I wish you all the best!

I wouldn't worry- you should be fine. I would think it will clear your throat given time, with no damage done. However, if you continue to be worried I would call the doc. Don't be embarrassed, it won't be the first time they have heard such a thing. Good luck in your journey!

I agree, go! There will always be something coming up that will make the surgery a little inconvienant. I had mine right before Thanksgiving, and haven't looked back since.

You are in what is affectionatley known as bandster hell. The time after surgery, before the fills give you restriction. I too was afraid the band was never going to work. It took 3 fills for me to feel some restriction. Hang in there, it will happen. In the meantime, I suggest focusing on eating the right foods (high protein, low carb, low fat yada yada) even if the portions are bigger then they will be once you have restriction. Best wishes!

It's my understanding that insurance doesn't tend to pay for plastic surgery, however I would look into it. I saw my sister recover from a boob job, tummy tuck and lipo. She was out of it from anethesia and pain meds for about 2 days. She had trouble getting in and out of bed due to the tummy tuck. She certainly had some pain, but of course meds help. She would do it again in a heartbeat, says it was worth every minute of recovery. I am contemplating surgery as well. It is both very exciting and terrifying at the same time. I want tummy, arms and boobs. I have 20-30 more pounds to loose before I get serious about it.

I agree with throwing the scale out, or at least stop weighing yourself everyday. There are going to be natural flucuations, don't let them drive you crazy. Keep up the great job you are doing. Sounds like you are doing everything right. You will see that scale move. Also, hopefully the fill you will get will help with the hunger. Keep us posted on how your doing.

Fantastic! It feels so good to reach milestones along the way. Keep it up!

I have been experiencing the same thing since my last fill (which led to an unfill). I am super tight in the morning, moderate at lunchtime and starving from 4:00 on. I am due for a fill in about a week and a half- hopes it helps with evening hunger.

I am sorry you are having such a hard time. Sounds like you are in a tough place. I deffinately reccomend to excersise regularly. It will make all the difference in your mood, weight loss and hunger. I know when I workout I tend to make healthier food choices. The 2 seem to go hand in hand. Of course working out will help spur some weight loss. Start out slow and gradually increase your intensity and/or duration. Making the right food choices is tough. I suggest you only keep foods that are on your eating plan in the house. Talk with others you might live with. Hopefully you can gain their support. Maybe they can enjoy the treats they want out of the house, at least for a while. Remember why you had the surgery in the first place. Probably most of all, to be healthier. Hopefully your regular nut. will be back soon. She is a great resource. Knowledge is a huge part of winning the battle against excess weight. Keep us posted on how your doing! Best wishes!

Ambien doesn't work for me either. I do find benadryl knocks me out. Might want to check with your doc. and see if it's ok to try that. I havne't taken it since getting banded. There are some meds that are not good for the band, not sure if benadryl is one of them. Hope you get a good nights sleep!

What a nice post- I feel the same way about this board. Thanks to all!

80 pounds wow! You have a lot to be proud of! Welcome to onederland.

I agree with the above post- great advice. I would add sticking to liquids for a few days after the fill, might get you going in the right direction. Good luck! You can do it!

I agree, obsession about food is much reduced with restriction. However, I do believe that it takes some planning to eat the right things all day; making sure you get in your protien yada yada. In the morning, I pretty much plan out what I will eat for the day, and even what times, depending on what I have going on that day. I want to make sure I don't make a bad choice in the "heat of hunger" or let myself get to hungry. I eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day. I have steadily been loosing 2-3 pounds a week for a little over 6 months. Best wishes to all!

Dr. Phil talks about reducing your exposure to food. I think this may help some of the previous posters. Don't attend to the food comercials on tv (hopefuly you have tivo lol). Don't keep junk in the house. Whoever you live with doesn't need it either. Have a serious talk with whoever you live with and hopefully gain their support. Going out to eat can be dangerous- your around so many temptation. I don't cook but I would think cooking for others is a tempation, of course one many of you can't get away from. However, you could prepare them the same basic meal you eat, maybe adding a carb (potatoe, pasta, rice) for them. Most of all, don't give up. You have made a serious commitment by having the surgery. Now you just have to follow through. Every day is indeed a new day, and an opportunity to eat right and excersise. You all can do it!

Out of the mouths of babes!