Bklynike

In the beginning the weight comes off rather quickly. It slows down from time to time, but don't give up. 3lbs is amazing! Now that you had a fill you will start losing again. Don't give up, work with your doctor and you will continue to lose. Have faith.

You did fine. You cannot possibly be a perfect lap-bander all of the time. If you completely cut out everything you used to like, you will never be happy. Once in a blue moon is ok. You enjoyed, now move on.

Today was my first follow-up visit to my surgeon. It has been 2 weeks since my re-birth and it was even better than I thought it would be. First, I was asked to get on the scale. I was at the doctor's office on the Thurs before my surgery (6/21 surgery date). At that time I was 254lbs. Today I stepped on his scale and weighed, drum roll please, 238.4. Yes you are reading this correctly. I am actually out of the 240s for the first time in years. He said my incisions (3) have healed so nicely that you can barely see them. I have to say I do heal rather quickly. My new "diet" has been good for me. I am more energetic, feeling better and sleeping better. I was an insomniac, but now I can actually sleep in bed all night. I can now eat regular foods, no more pureed or mushy. He wants me to stay away from sugar, which not be a problem for me because I never cared for sweets and carbs. Now carbs are where my problem has always been. I am a french fry and pasta-hollic. He said to lay off them for about a year, then if I wanted to add a little bit every now and again I could. But if I work my ass off to lose all of this weight, I am not going to want to add anything that could jeopardise my loss. Further, he said I can start lifting weights, just not to hurt myself. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I am not going to kid myself and think I will lose weight each and every time I step on the scale, but I believe that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, the weight will eventually come off. The funniest thing happened this past Friday night at the gym. I got on the scale and couldn't imagine why I was 2lbs heavier than I should have been. Well, then I realized I was wearing my breast prosthesis for the first time to the gym, which must weigh easily 2 or more lbs. When I went back on Sunday, I didn't wear the "boob" and my weight was back on track. Dr. Bass, Hollywood Bariatrics, Hollywood, FL said I should make an appointment to see him in 2 weeks, but if at the time I don't feel I need any restrictions, I should make it in 3 weeks. I have a 14cc band and he usually inserts 2cc a visit. I may need a fill by then, or not. Because everyone is different, only time will tell. Best of luck to my fellow bandsters.

Thank goodness you didn't hurt yourself. That is really all that matters. Continue working out and stretching, as your doctor advises. Don't overdo, that will only inflame things and make healing worse.

R U kidding? Who cares what anyone has to say, especially someone who is probably jealous of your weight loss or just to stupid to keep his mouth shut. You keep getting thinner, feeling healthier and do this for you. Not for anyone else. You know how good you are feeling about yourself. You certainly don't need the negativity in your life. When we are heavier than most, we get enough of that. This is for you - don't care what anyone says.

Wow, that is so great. Keep up the good work. I am only 2 weeks out and hope I can do as well as you have been doing.

Not knowing where you had your surgery, but I joined the gym affiliated with my hospital. The price was so good, that my husband joined and we paid for the full year. We got a "corporate" rate because I had Lap-Band surgery. You should check in with your hospital. My surgery was two weeks ago yesterday and I haven't been this happy in years. Good luck at your visit.

Give up? You are joking, right? 18lbs is an amazing weight loss. Come on, you have to know that. It doesn't matter what a picture shows, you have got to be feeling better. You are using the lap-band "tool". You will not lose the weight overnight or everyone who is overweight would get one. This is going to be a process, long, but worth every lousy second. Shake it off and get back on track. YOU CAN DO IT!

50lbs - what an amazing job you've doing in a short 6 months. We all know the lap-band is a great tool and that if we do what we are supposed to do, we can lose weight. But you are proof that it works. You should be so proud of yourself. Thanks for posting.

Happy 4th everyone. I hope you get to enjoy the holiday with family and/or friends. The hubs and I were at the gym today - our regular Sunday visit. We both worked out and when I was done, I went off to weigh myself. I don't weigh myself anywhere but at the gym on Sundays and if I have to go to the doctor's office - they make me weigh in:cursing: So I stepped on the scale and almost fell over. I am down to 240.0. I can't believe it. Just one more ounce and I'll be out of the 240s. It has been years since I was in the 230s. I go for my first post-op follow-up visit on Tues. I am hoping he will tell me I am doing great and that I can start lifting weights. I do a lot of cardio, but one of my trainers said the cardio will help me lose the weight, but in order for me to loose the fat grandma upper arms and thighs I need to do some weight training. So I think that is my next hurdle to conquer. Then of course I think I am ready to eat all foods, not just the pureed salad things I am eating now. I have to say I am not hungry nor do I feel deprived of anything. But I would love to have a regular dinner with my husband. I truly believe the Lap-Band was the best thing I could have done for me and the weight coming off and the fact that I feel amazing is confirming it. To all of you thinking about having the surgery, go for it. This is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I truly believe that!

They will not weigh you before the surgery. Consider one thing, if you cheat you are only cheating yourself. You got yourself to the weight where you need surgery by not controlling yourself. The band is only a tool - it will not stop you from eating. If you have not seen a psycologist prior to the surgery, you may want to talk to one afterwards so you can find out why you do what you do. I wish you the best of luck. The post-diet is pretty difficult so know what you want, get your head on straight and go for it. You will be so proud of yourself when you have come through it and look what you are heading towards - better health at a "normal" weight. Good luck to you.

I had no intention of telling anyone about my lap-band surgery, but in October I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy. I was afraid that if I didn't tell them and I started to lose weight, everyone would think I was dying from cancer. So, I told my co-workers first and they were all so supportive. Then I told friends and family who were also supportive. Like you, I didn't want people to think this was the easy way out. But it is probably one of the hardest things you will do for yourself. Don't worry what people will think. This is your life and your future - good health and happiness is yours for the taking. Jump in with both feet - let everyone else work out their own problems, you work on yourself. Good luck.

How wonderful! Keep up the good work. I have a sewing machine so I will be taking my clothes in as needed. Replacing everything in my closet would be wonderful, but not practical. Have a great holiday.

It is the best gift you can give yourself. Best of luck and welcome to the club!

I don't know how to update my information on this thread. But I am now down to 240.0, as of 7/4/10. Banded on 6/21 and feeling amazing. Thanks...

You got that right, the USA is the greatest country in the world. We are very lucky to have men and women still committed to fighting for our rights and freedom to choose. I am happy for your success. Congrats and keep up the good work.

Believe it or not, the pain meds are not only making you want to sleep, they are probably making you groggy. Stop the pain meds and take some Tylenol and get out of bed. My suggestion is sit in the living room or where ever you have a TV and everytime a commercial comes on, walk back and forth until your show starts again. The only way you are going to feel better is to walk, walk, walk. You will be very happy in a few days when you are not in so much pain. I was fortunate that I was only "laid up" 1 day, but I know the getting up and walking did the trick for me. Good luck and keep us posted.

So, I started myself on pureed food this past Wed night. Today is Sat and I am doing really well. I feel content - unlike with the soup thing my stomach is not always grumbling and I am not always hungry. I am sticking to 4 oz tuna or chicken salad, jello, string cheese, scrambled eggs, ice pops. I see my doctor on Tues and I'll see what he says. My only concern is that I am not sure if I am getting enough protein. The doctor's office told me not to worry at the beginning and I just had surgery 2 weeks ago this coming Monday. I am averaging about 45 grams, but I do feel really good. I guess I could add a protein shake or Isopure, but I haven't NEEDED to add anything. That may change once on regular food and after I have healed more. Anyone have any suggestions as to what you did at this point in your journey? I am at the gym 3 days a week, although next week I want to go to 4 days. I am happier than I have been in years. Have a wonderful 4th to all of you bandsters out there.

I am so excited to hear how well you are doing. In fact, I asked my husband to help measure me tonight so I can keep a list and check on a monthly basis. I know I am thinning down and I do go to the gym 3 days a week and will be increasing to 4. I am going to purchase a resistance band today and start using it on the days I don't get to the gym. I am so excited and so glad to read how wonderful everyone else is doing.

Maggs, you have been doing so well to this point. The whole idea of the lap-band was the restriction, and you have not been restricted yet. Do not walk around hungry, that will defeat the purpose. Make a protein shake, drink an Isopure or have a cup of soup or broth. You must stay satiated or you will blow yourself up. I find ice pops and Jello help me when I feel somewhat hungry, but not really hungry. Something to take the edge off. Are you having 70-80 grams of protein? I can't seem to hit that number - I'm around 60, but I have only been post-op since 6/21. My first dr appt is Tues. I went to pureed on my own because the soup didn't work - I was hungry all the time. Now I am doing great and you will too. Don't be so concerned about the numbers yet - get your first fill and then see what happens and as Debra G say, exercise is key. Have a great 4th.