CJZ

I got kidney stones about 2 months after my surgery. My urologist told me it was due to my increase of calcium supplements. So.....I stopped taking those and have been getting my calcium through my diet instead. I hope I never have to go through that again!!!

Congrats on joining the gym. I go to 24 hr Fitness and it was the best decision. I never liked exercising in the past and now I go right after work and its such a stress reliever. I've made that my "ME" time. I have come to enjoy exercising (most of the time that is ) My partner says that I am obsessed and maybe I am just a bit, but I rather be obsessed about exercising than being obsessed with food! Well anyway....enjoy yourself! Chris

Ok...I was banded last March. Since then, I have lost about 130 lbs. I'm always excited now to go clothes shopping. (Never liked it in the past). Well, anyway....I used to be a 44 waist and today I was able to put on a pair of 30 inch waist jeans!!! OMG! I couldn't believe it. I'm sure I was getting looks from people at Kohls when they heard me scream "Hot damn! They fit!" So of course I had to buy them. I wore the pants the next day to work and I got a comment from a female colleague....I'll paraphrase "Wow! Nice ass!" Ok...I know I'm a guy, but that was AWESOME to hear!!! Just thought I'd share. Chris

As for exercise....I go to the gym and do cardio for at least an hour. I actually enjoy going to the gym now. (Thats something I thought I would NEVER say..LOL!) I rotate among the treadmill, ellipitcal, crossramp machine, and stationary bike. Afterwards, I'll go sit in the sauna and/or steam room. I've been doing this after work and I love the fact that its such a stress reliever. I go home in a much peaceful mood and that actually helps me control my evening eating habits. As for clothes....I was shopping at Casual Male as well. I hated shopping there. Prices were crazy! Guys you can do it! I went from a 44 waist to a 30 and a XXXL to M in shirts. Congrats to everyones progress!!!! Chris

I have been very open about my journey. Honestly, everyone I have mentioned it to has be supportive (to my face that is). I'm hoping to be an inspiration for others and have had several people ask me about the process. I honestly dont care if people think I've "cheated". I'm healthier than I have ever been. In fact, I just had blood work done; the first since my pre-op appt. My cholesterol dropped from 239 to 126!! That only made me realize that my health is far more important than peoples feelings and comments. I understand some are hesitant to share and I understand their reasons, but consider this. You should be proud that you have taken control of your health! That control will, in the end, make you a much happier person. Good luck on your journey!

Thats the way to do it! I had 5lb goals. Every 5lbs was a victory for me and it also motivated me to continue my path. Keep up the great work Amanda!

I lost 18 lbs after my first week. I swear I must have stepped on and off the scale several times to make sure my eyes weren't decieving me! Some of it is water but you body is starting to burn fat because of the change of diet. Congrats on your loss and hopefully you will have a prosperous journey!

I use Lose It! You can track calories, protein, carbs, etc. You can also record your weight daily and the app adjusts your calorie intake according to your weight loss goals. Another app is Livestrong. I downloaded that one as well. Has many of the same features. Seems to have a more extensive database of foods but I use Lose It because I think its very simple to use. You can also add the calories you burn from working out. Hope this helps.

I was banded by Dr. Atkinson too!!! They told me that they put some Fluid into to the band at the time of surgery. (Not much .5 cc) but that may be part of the reason why so many of us have lost weight without a fill. I have been very pleased with the way I've been treated there.

I lost 18 lbs after my first week. I must have stepped on and off that scale several times within a 10 minute period to make sure my eyes wern't deceiving me. As for those who gained or haven't lost weight.....it will happen. Don't dramtically cut your calories! You will put your body into starvation mode and you will lose absolutely nothing. You have to learn to "trick" your body into thinking its getting more than you're giving it. In fact, when I hit my first major plateau, it was suggested that I should in fact INCREASE my calorie intake for awhile. I thought that was crazy but I tried it and all of a sudden I started dropping again. The band works differently for everyone and you need to remember that its a tool. The band doesn't lose the weight for you. You HAVE to be commited to changing your eating habits and slowly incorpating exercise into your life. Please remember that. I see way too many on here that get the band and whine and complain that they haven't lost weight and they have done nothing to change their lifestyle. Make sure you find a support system. EIther through your surgeon or maybe you can find one through social website like Facebook or MySpace. Good luck to you!

I'm sorry that is the case. You need to check to see if having the band removed would preclude you from enlisting. However, do you REALLY want to possibly sacrifice your good health for going into the military? Just playing devils advocate here.... I have an 18 year old that wants to go into the military and thats ALL he talks about. I hope he considers all his options before making a decision. You should do the same.

I know how you feel. I've lost about 130 lbs now and I feel incredible! I still have a hard time thinking about what I used to look and feel like. I, too, believe that the lap band saved my life. Congrats on your accomplishment!!!

Be careful though. I've lost over 100 lbs and I went out with my sister and brother in law for some Mexican food. I had 2 pina coladas and that was enough to make me wobbly. I was almost 300 lbs prior to surgery and alcohol did little to me then. I had to be reminded that it will definitely affect me now! LOL!

I was banded on March 1, 2010 and I just had my first fill this past week. I lost 120 lbs without the fill. Most people will say, "You're doing so well! Why did you get a fill?". I did it more for preventative measures with the holidays coming up, plus my hunger has increased over the past month. The doctors are very pleased with my progress as I'm almost to my goal now.

I say go for it!!! Just admitting that you need to re-commit yourself is a big step. Go to your doctor that performed the surgery and see what they can do fo you first. I'm sure they would still have your files. You might also want to inquire about a local support group. That might be beneficial in keeping you on track. Best of luck! Chris

I usually have about 1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese mixed with either chia or hemp seeds and season it with some cajun spices! YUM!!!

Congrats to you!!! I, too, have lost over 100 lbs. I still have issues with looking in the mirror and "not seeing it", although I get comments daily. I had to get rid of 90% of my wardrobe! Anybody have suggestions on where to go to get cheap clothes?

My doctor has told me that my case is very rare, but I'm just curious if anyone out there has reached their target goal without having a fill. I'm 6 months post op and have lost 100 lbs so far and have not had a fill yet. Each time I go in and expect to get one, but the doc keeps telling me that as long as I'm losing weight, I don't need a fill. I was concerned about losing too fast, but he looked me in the eye and told me "You know how many would want to be in your position?" I'm happy with my success, but still concerned that I'm losing too fast. :thumbup:

I was having adequate progress then in May I started exercising on the Wii Fit. But in the beginning of July I joined a gym. (Haven't stepped into one in MANY years!) I was scared at first, but now have found that I enjoy it and I make the time to go. (That never happened in the past!) I'm focusing more on cardio at the moment, but I plan to do some light weights soon. As for eating, I usually have a protein bar in the early morning, something like string cheese for a late morning snack. Lately, I've been eating quinoa and soy chips for lunch. Dinner usually consists of fish or a turkey burger. I think the important part is that I'm in a routine. If I deviate...I usually eat a bit more. I thank everyone on here for the support. Its been a tough 6 months....experienced my first kidney stone in May....ugh!! But I am feeling good now.

I was banded on March 1st, 2010. I have lost 55 lbs. so far. I was concerned that I was losing too fast. My doctor said that as long as I had energy and making sure I get my protein in that I was fine. He even told me that I didn't need a fill. I have an appointment next week for another follow up. I'm curious to see what he says this time. I'm still losing, but its at a slower pace.

I was banded on 3/1. As of today, I have lost 51 lbs. and I still haven't had a fill yet! When I went into my first monthly followup, I was averaging 4 lbs a week. My doctor was pleased and said that since I was still losing weight, he saw no reason to give me a fill yet. However, the loss is slowing down so I'm pretty sure I'll get my fill on my next appointment. Congrats to everyone on here! I'm glad to hear all the success stories. I'm happy with my weight loss, but I'm even happier with the way I feel. That's more important to me. Have a great day everyone!

Hi everyone! I'm currently entering my 6th week post-op and have a question. My upper back has been very sore and tender the past 2 weeks. Some days are better than others. It doesn't keep me from any activities but it can be very aggravating at times. I went to my chiropractor a few times and today he told me that because I've lost some weight that my posture has probably improved and that my back muscles that were used to compensating for bad posture have to re-adjust because they do not have to work as hard and that they may be sore until they get used to working "normally". Do you think he might be right and has anyone else experienced this? Thanks, Chris

I also went through the Gastric Band Institute. Dr. Atkinson performed my surgery. I'm 3 weeks post-op. Their staff is very friendly and have answered any concerns / questions I had. Check them out.

I'm a teacher. I teach 1st grade. Love the little ones! And along with the little ones, you get to know the parents very well. I had one mother (I had taught her 2 daughters) come up to me and bluntly said "You're getting big! You don't look healthy". At first, I was SOOOOO mad! How dare she say something like that. Then by the time I got home, I was crying. A big 300 lb. man crying!!! That was my moment. I got banded on 3/1 and the pounds are coming off. I went up to that same parent to say hello. Her eyes got big and she gave me a big hug! She was so happy for me. She later told me that the only reason she said what she said was because she (and her daughters) adored me and wanted me to be happy. All is forgiven! :-)

Ok..... I had to return to the ER the day of my surgery (3/1/10) because I couldn't pee. They put in a catheter and was told that it was just the anesthesia. I was able to pee by midnight that night. No problems until....Thursday night (3/11/10) when I stuggled to pee. Long story, short...I went to the dr. on Saturday and he told me that I had a bladder infection and it was probably from the catheter. Has anyone else experienced this? How long does it take the clear up? I'm on 2 antibiotics plus a med that is supposed to make my urethrea relax. I'm a male and was wondering if any other guys out there have experienced this. It's really freaking me out. I couldn't even pee after dinner. Any comments or words of wisdom would be appreciated from anybody. Chris