laurigee

Please go to or call your doctor. When the band is to tight it can cause aspiration. This could be the sound that you are hearing and the pain you are feeling. It is when the food comes back up into the asophogus. It can cause alot of severe problems. Remember the band isn't there to make sure we are NEVER hungry. The reality is that there is only so much liquid that can go into the band. As the stomach shrinks and fat around the stomach disappears the band gets looser. By the time we are at our goal weight we may never be able to get enough liquid in the band to feel the same restriction we do now. So it is so important now to learn how and what to eat and how to deal with hunger in a more productive way. Good Luck to you and I hope you feel better soon. Let us know how things go.

someone on a severe weight reduction diet where the body is starving, and there isn't enough available glucose and fat will burn for energy and the by product of that are ketones. high levels of bilirubin are usually seen in babies(Jaundice). It deels with the function of the liver. It also has to do with bile. Don't worry yourself, I had a high bilirubin test and when I retested it was normal. I was told that bilirubin can also be found in feces and if you didn't clean yourself well before the urine test some could be present. Of course there are other reasons for these results, but these are the most common. Again, don't worry yourself. Wait and see what the second results find. Good Luck and let us know how everything goes.

Be careful with to many fills right away. This seems to cause problems for alot of people with troubles in the future with the band. If you are able to eat only 4 oz of food or less a time this is exactly what the band is suppose to do. It is okay to feel hungry. You need to start rating your hunger between 1-10, if you are a 7 or more between meals have a snack. Eat something healthy. It will not hurt you (if it is healthy) it will only increase your energy and give your body the nutrients it needs to continue to exercise and function at its best. This will get you to the next meal without being famished, and that will help you to eat slower. I think sometimes in the beginning all of us think that this is about not eating, but in reality it is about making healthier choices. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.

I wouldn't tell anyone except close family members if I were to do it again. I told some friends (thin and thick) and as I started losing weight, when people started talking one of them slipped and mentioned my lap band. Now I get snotty comments from people saying "If I had the money, I could be thin to". Or from the thin ones thinking that I don't work as hard as them to stay that way. When people ask me how I lost the weight I tell them exercise and eating less(which is the truth), I will get people who roll their eyes because they know I have the lap band. So I guess my point is if you tell anyone don't be mad if someone slips and says something where more people know than you expected. For me, I feel better and healthier so I guess thats all that really matters.

I hit a plateau at 41lbs also. I would definately be considered a slow loser considering it has taken me over 2yrs to lose about 100lbs. Just remember this is not about speed, it is about learning and figuring out why we got ourselves into this position. It is a long journey. Just make sure you get there through exercise and correct food choices and not just by not eating. Don't get discouraged. And remember being hungry is fine. Rate it on a scale of 1-10. If your at a 7 or higher(not head hunger, real hunger) maybe you need another fill. Good Luck.

Deana....The challenge that I am doing right now is the Halloween challenge. As soon as this is done they will come up with a new one which will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. What you do is decide the amount of weight that you want to lose by the end date of the challenge. Post it on the challenge site with everyone else and you will change your weight weekly as you lose (or Gain). It really seems to keep me on track. The only thing that I would suggest is do a realistic goal. I sometimes get over zealous and think I can lose more than is possible and it becomes discouraging instead. Good Luck and I hope to see you on the next challenge.

Don't give Up! I had the same problem. I am over 2yrs out and have still not reached my goal. I was also self-pay also. I stopped coming on this site cuz everyone was losing weight except me. Which in hind site I can tell you was a big mistake. This site can keep you motivated with challenges, advise and support. You are not alone. I noticed that one of my problems was I didn't take the liquid thing serious enough. Don't drink an hour before a meal, during your meal, or 2 hrs after your meal. When I started following this again, I started losing again. Of course slow, slow eating is important. Good Luck and keep us informed on your progress. Please don't give up!

Jacole...I think that all of us have experienced what you are going through. I think that we have all been using food in the wrong way for so long that we don't know what to do other than eat when were stressed, depressed, overworked or overtired. I come on this site when I know that I am vulneralble. It seems to help me out. I hope you get back on track. Good Luck

Hi...Welcome to the site! Congratulations on your band! I am from WI also. What town are you from? Who did your surgery. I am from Cambridge and Dr. Erickson from Fort Atkinson did my surgery. They have a great program with support groups every month. It looks like we started at about the same weight, I was 267. I am glad you found this site, it can be a great support. I encourage you to join challenges, it really is a motivator. You can also get a ticker, which is also motivational. Any questions feel free to ask. Good Luck and Congratulations on your journey.

I, like many of you won't reach my goal. I think I got a little over zealous with my last goal. I am in favor for a Thanksgiving or Christmas challenge. These keep me plugging away. Congratulations on everyone weight loss. ******NAME********START WEIGHT*****CURRENT WEIGHT********GOAL********LBS. LOST ****:cool2:*************************:tt2:*************:eek:*******:w00t:* 1dayatime..........263............261............243............2 2BHealthE!.........194............179............194............0 ahsem2bme..........244............244............225............0 aJoneen............223............216............213............7 Aphrodite1984......208............208............190............0 Ariel..............199............191.3..........185..........7.6 ArmyWife4life......209.5..........209.5..........190............0 Barb12590..........228............212............213...........16 Bea1128............210.5..........205.5..........188............5 blueriley..........206............206............190............0 Brandymom1234......227............151.9..........135..........4.1 Caramia71..........208............202............195............6 cQQlgirl...........194............191............180............3 Crzytchr...........281............266............265...........15 DebinFl............181............177............168............4 georgiagirl........245............227............220...........18 HarleyGirl.........188............182............175............6 HeatherA...........210.5..........199.4..........200.........11.1 HeatherO...........155............143............140...........12 Ivyrose325.........212............212............199............0 Jazzyywan..........255............255............190............0 Jodi_620...........196............178............177...........18 KikiVal315.........237.5..........229............220..........8.5 Lana24.............208............194............185............1 laurigee...........180............169............160...........11 Leslie2Lose........220............214............205............6 lindar172 .........274.2..........258............256.........16.2 LisaB..............205.5..........192............180.........13.5 livn4thm...........235............229............210............6 Long2bthin.........248............229............230...........19 Luu2008............203............199.5..........183..........3.5 Mamanmidwife.......299............283............280...........16 mamato3............186............186............170............0 MarinaBleu.........226.5..........226.5..........216............0 memom..............210............210............170............0 Minxz..............299............286............280............9 mominlv13..........299.8..........282.4..........280.........17.4 Momof5.............192.5..........187.5..........175..........5.0 nip50..............175............166............160............9 NukeChik...........218............215............208............3 NurseNiki..........258............244............239...........14 odamay.............242............242............225............0 paige65............252............242............232...........10 Peaches11..........205............205............194............0 pj_txlady..........220............213.5..........200..........6.5 Redtulips3.........180............171............169............9 Renee74............214............201............199...........13 Renewedhope........171............167............150............4 reif78.............294............195............185............0 savimama...........216............216............200............0 shaversd...........230.5..........225............210..........5.5 SpecialK...........294............286............280............8 Sunshine2..........177............167............167...........10 Tess...............304............296............280............8 thatDEgirl.........211............195.4..........195.........15.6 tp78...............201............192............180............9 Turler.............225............215............210............10 wendyw.............192............188............172............4 wowox7.............195............179............170...........16 WyominGirl.........327............321............312............6 __________________

It's to bad when a question from one person gets to the point that this has gotten to. Cursing and personal attacks is not what this site is about. Like I suggested, reading about the band is VERY important and I realize how stressed you must be worrying about your band. Truthfully, I have had the band for over 2 years and it is not as fragile as you may think. Sure people have had problems. Everyone makes mistakes with the band and very few have major problems. Don't be so worried about it, otherwise it will be a long life with the band. If you have any questions in the future and you are afraid of being bashed, send me a private message and I will be glad to help and support you. Very Best Of Luck! Its a hard journey but well worth it.

Swallowing gum isn't going to kill you or your band. The band isn't on the inside of your stomach. It's banded around the outside. I think maybe some of you should read up on the band a little more and learn the facts about it. Otherwise, I think your going to be panicing alot. There is alot of great info on the web. Good luck, and read, read, read.

I am also a slow loser. I am out over 2 years. Still not quite there. No hanging skin is definately the pay-off. So slow has its benefits also. Good Luck.

Welcome to the site and congratulations on your surgery date. This site will be your saving grace for your questions, concerns, and all around emotional ups and downs that this journey will present to you. Remember to use and rely on us, someone will always be here for you, and know exactly what your going through and here to support you. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY AND WELCOME TO THE FAMILY.

I seen your thread and I understand how you feel. I was you 2 years ago. We actually have almost the same starting weight and goal as each other. I was one of the slow losers. I even stopped coming to this website cuz i was so frustrated at how everyone was speeding past me. Well, here is the benifit that you may not have considered. I have NO extra skin anywhere. I don't need a tummy tuck, arms done, hip or thighs, butt, or lipo. EVERYTHING is exactly were it should be. Well, I can't lie, my chest will never be the same, nothing a good bra can't fix though. Some of the fast losers are still trying to get rid of the last few pounds just as I am. It all seems to even out by the time you are 2 years out. I know that it sounds like a long time and truthfully sometimes it feels like it, but it is well worth it to me. Stick with what you know you need to do (exercise & eating right) and your body will respond. YOU CAN DO IT! It sounds like you can tell by the amount of exercise you can now do that your body is responding. BE PROUD. We like to have everyone notice our work and be able to see it on our body, it will come. Remember even if it takes 2 yrs. you have a lifetime after that to be told how FABULOUS you look. And I am confident you will look FABULOUS! GOOD LUCK!

I hate to say it but with all the fills I have gotten, which I am at 3.9cc in my 4cc band I have always been able to eat more than everyone with no feeling of being full. I have found that it is up to me, not just the band to do the work. I think to many people think this is the magic bullet that is going to do all the work for them, even though we are told that it takes hard work I don't think people believe that. You sound like maybe you want the band to do the work for you. SORRY, if your waiting, its not going to happen. Your young you have only yourself to take care of right now, CHANGE NOW, it only gets harder as you get older and have more responsiblilities and even more excuses to give yourself. Trust me, I have taken a long time to lose my weight and am still not there. I know what it means to make mistakes. I make them on a regular basis, but I never make excuses or lose focus of my big picture. Which is health and strength just as much as weight loss. Which takes exercise. DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP, WE ALL SLIP. REGROUP! My favorite quote is "NEVER CONFUSE A SINGLE DEFEAT WITH A FINAL DEFEAT." YOU CAN DO IT! We all like how the "forbidden foods" taste. You just have to eat more of the good than bad. Truthfully, if I exercise my 5 days like I'm suppose to I let myself have a day that I can have something "naughty". It gets me through the week. If you need anything even want to just chat private message me and I will give you my phone number. I really believe in you, now you need to start believing in yourself. GOOD LUCK

Congratulation on the 70lbs that you have Lost! That's great. Be careful not to make excuses for yourself of why you can't eat right. You can, but it may just take a little more planning. Remember, excuses are what put alot of us in the position we were in before the lap band. With the band we committed to change. Which is not always easy or convenient. If you are not feeling full, when is the last time you had a fill? Maybe you just need an adjustment. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! Just keep your eye on the prize! Good Luck

******NAME**********START WGHT****CURRENT WGHT*******GOAL********LBS. LOST *****:thumbup:***********:thumbup:*************************:biggrin:*********:wink2:* 1dayatime..........263............261............243............2 2BHealthE!.........194............179............194............0 ahsem2bme..........244............244............225............0 aJoneen............223............216............213............7 Aphrodite1984......208............208............190............0 Ariel..............199............191.3..........185..........7.6 ArmyWife4life......209.5..........209.5..........190............0 Barb12590..........228............212............213...........16 Bea1128............210.5..........205.5..........188............5 blueriley..........206............206............190............0 Brandymom1234......227............151.9..........135..........4.1 Caramia71..........208............202............195............6 cQQlgirl...........194............191............180............3 Crzytchr...........281............269............265...........12 DebinFl............181............177............168............4 georgiagirl........245............227............220...........18 HarleyGirl.........188............185............175............3 HeatherA...........210.5..........199.4..........200.........11.1 HeatherO...........155............143............140...........12 Ivyrose325.........212............212............199............0 Jazzyywan..........255............255............190............0 Jodi_620...........196............179............177...........17 KikiVal315.........237.5..........229............220..........8.5 Lana24.............208............195............185............0 laurigee...........180............170............160............10 Leslie2Lose........220............214............205............6 lindar172 .........274.2..........259.6..........256.........14.6 LisaB..............205.5..........193............180.........12.5 livn4thm...........235............233............210............2 Long2bthin.........248............230............230...........18 Luu2008............203............199.5..........183..........3.5 Mamanmidwife.......299............283............280...........16 mamato3............186............186............170............0 MarinaBleu.........226.5..........226.5..........216............0 memom..............210............210............170............0 Minxz..............299............286............280............9 mominlv13..........299.8..........284.6..........280.........15.2 Momof5.............192.5..........187.5..........175..........5.0 nip50..............175............166............160............9 NukeChik...........218............215............208............3 NurseNiki..........258............244............239...........14 odamay.............242............242............225............0 paige65............252............242............232...........10 Peaches11..........205............205............194............0 pj_txlady..........220............214.5..........200..........5.5 Redtulips3.........180............171............169............9 Renee74............214............213............199............11 Renewedhope........171............167............150............4 reif78.............294............195............185............0 savimama...........216............216............200............0 shaversd...........230.5..........225............210..........5.5 SpecialK...........294............286............280............8 Sunshine2..........177............167............167...........10 Tess...............304............299...........280.............5 thatDEgirl.........211............199.8..........195.........11.2 tp78...............201............192............180............9 Turler.............225............217............210............8 wendyw.............192............188............172............4 wowox7.............195............182............170...........13 WyominGirl.........327............321............312............6 __________________

thenume....congratulations, another 3lbs lost forever! Keep up the good work.

******NAME**********START WGHT****CURRENT WGHT*******GOAL********LBS. LOST *****:thumbdown:***********:rolleyes2:*************:smile:*********************:thumbup:* 1dayatime..........263............261............243............2 2BHealthE!.........194............179............194............0 ahsem2bme..........244............244............225............0 aJoneen............223............218............213............5 Aphrodite1984......208............208............190............0 Ariel..............199............196.4..........180..........2.6 ArmyWife4life......209.5..........209.5..........190............0 Barb12590..........228............218............213...........10 Bea1128............210.5..........205.5..........188............5 blueriley..........206............206............190............0 Brandymom1234......227............151.9..........135..........4.1 Caramia71..........208............202............195............6 cQQlgirl...........194............192............180............2 Crzytchr...........281............272............265............9 DebinFl............181............181............168............0 georgiagirl........245............229............220...........16 HarleyGirl.........188............187............175............1 HeatherA...........210.5..........203.9..........200..........6.6 HeatherO...........155............144............140...........11 Ivyrose325.........212............212............199............0 Jazzyywan..........255............255............190............0 Jodi_620...........196............179............177...........15 KikiVal315.........237.5..........229............220..........8.5 Lana24.............208............195............185............0 laurigee...........180............173............160............7 Leslie2Lose........220............214............205............6 lindar172 .........274.2..........262.6..........256.........11.6 LisaB..............205.5..........194............180.........11.5 livn4thm...........235............233............210............2 Long2bthin.........248............230............230...........18 Luu2008............203............199.5..........183..........3.5 Mamanmidwife.......299............286............280...........13 mamato3............186............186............170............0 MarinaBleu.........226.5..........226.5..........216............0 memom..............210............210............170............0 Minxz..............299............286............280............9 mominlv13..........299.8..........286.4..........280.........13.4 Momof5.............192.5..........187.5..........175..........5.0 nip50..............175............168............160............7 NukeChik...........218............218............208............0 NurseNiki..........258............246............239...........12 odamay.............242............242............225............0 paige65............252............247............232............5 Peaches11..........205............205............194............0 pj_txlady..........220............220............200............0 Redtulips3.........180............171............167............9 Renee74............214............213............199............7 Renewedhope........171............168............150............3 reif78.............294............195............185............0 savimama...........216............216............200............0 shaversd...........230.5..........225............210..........5.5 SpecialK...........294............286............280............8 Sunshine2..........177............171............167............6 Tess...............304............299...........280............5 thatDEgirl.........211............202.6..........195..........8.4 tp78...............201............192............180............9 Turler.............225............217............210............8 wendyw.............192............188............172............4 wowox7.............195............183............170...........12 WyominGirl.........327............321............312............6 __________________

Did anyone else have to see a shrink before? I had to. I was also presented with the different options that I had. I was told upfront that lap-band was not a quick fix and that it would take alot of discipline as far as diet and exercise. I don't think that even with the band it is a fair assumption to think you will never feel hunger. I can't say that the band has been perfect for me. I have 3.8cc in a 4cc band and I have never really felt restricted. If I want to eat a steak and potato I am able to. I just make different choices and I do feel that I eat less than I use to. The reality is that 3500 calories equal 1 pound. That is the same for everyone. If you were to add just 350 calories to your diet for 10 days (piece of cake, milk shake, candy bar) you will gain 1lb in 10 days! Every little sip, taste, spoonful counts. I wish the people that are having bad experiences the best in the future but I think to tell people not to have the surgery is hasty. I think that with some of the anger issues Iv'e read that maybe they need to see a therapist. Being that angry isn't good for anyone and can be very self distructive. BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE.

Unfortunately it doesn't sound like you have failed at the band, it sounds like you have never given the band a chance. I feel your pain and embarrassment because it took me along time to get it also. I still am not free from my food demons. But you have to give it an effort, and get rid of the word FAILURE in your vocabulary. It sounds like you may be more worried about how others see you than really ready to start changing your lifestyle. I know that you know to be healthier you have to change your eating and your exercise needs to increase. YOU CAN DO IT! Take baby steps. Maybe start by exercising 30 min. every other day. You'll be surprise how that can change how you feel about yourself. Don't think of changing everything at once and being perfect, that's not a reality for most of us, and can seem very overwhelming. Look at the small picture for awhile. Day by day is an easier way of looking at things. Small goals. GOOD LUCK. YOU CAN DO IT!

This is the question that I have been struggling with now that I am on the last leg of my weight loss. Last year I thought I wouldn't care what my weight was as long as it was less than 200lbs. At 194 I felt good, at 180 my doctor said that he didn't care if I just maintained that weight, but now at 173 I feel I should just keep chugging along until 150's. It seems to change daily for me. I guess I will let my body decide when It stops losing weight doing my current regimon and I don't feel like I'm overdoing eating or exercising and it is something I can stick with that will be my goal weight.

I think genetics, age,exercise, and how fast you lose weight are all factors. I personally took 2 years to lose almost 100lbs. During that time at certain points my skin seemed flabby then it seemed to tone up gradually over time. At this point I have no skin hanging anywhere. Unbelievable to me not even on my stomach. My chest is another story, everything has gone south. A great bra does wonders for that and I don't at this time plan to do anything about it. But who knows. When looking around on this site I did notice that the people who lost their weight the fastest seemed to have more problems. But there are so many factors who knows. I am sure you will be successful in your journey and look great regardless. Good Luck

NICE WORK EVERYBODY! I THINK I WAS OVER EXCITED WHEN I SET MY GOAL. DON'T THINK I'M GOING TO MAKE THIS ONE. OH WELL. SOME IS BETTER THAN NOTHING! ******NAME**********START WGHT****CURRENT WGHT*******GOAL********LBS. LOST *****:Banane53:***********:laugh:*************:Banane27:************:smile2:*********:Banane27:* 1dayatime..........263............261............243............2 2BHealthE!.........194............179............194............0 ahsem2bme..........244............244............225............0 aJoneen............223............216............213............7 Aphrodite1984......208............208............190............0 Ariel..............199............196.4..........180..........2.6 ArmyWife4life......209.5..........209.5..........190............0 Barb12590..........228............218............213...........10 Bea1128............210.5..........205.5..........188............5 blueriley..........206............206............190............0 Brandymom1234......227............151.9..........135..........4.1 Caramia71..........208............202............195............6 cQQlgirl...........194............191............180............3 Crzytchr...........281............270............265............11 DebinFl............181............181............168............0 georgiagirl........245............229............220...........16 HarleyGirl.........188............185............175............3 HeatherA...........210.5..........202.1..........200..........8.4 HeatherO...........155............143............140...........12 Ivyrose325.........212............212............199............0 Jazzyywan..........255............255............190............0 Jodi_620...........196............179............177...........17 KikiVal315.........237.5..........229............220..........8.5 Lana24.............208............195............185............0 laurigee...........180............173............160............7 Leslie2Lose........220............214............205............6 lindar172 .........274.2..........262.6..........256.........11.6 LisaB..............205.5..........196............180.........10.5 livn4thm...........235............233............210............2 Long2bthin.........248............231............230...........17 Luu2008............203............199.5..........183..........3.5 Mamanmidwife.......299............285............280...........14 mamato3............186............186............170............0 MarinaBleu.........226.5..........226.5..........216............0 memom..............210............210............170............0 Minxz..............299............286............280............9 mominlv13..........299.8..........286.4..........280.........13.4 Momof5.............192.5..........187.5..........175..........5.0 nip50..............175............166............160............9 NukeChik...........218............218............208............0 NurseNiki..........258............246............239...........12 odamay.............242............242............225............0 paige65............252............242............235...........10 Peaches11..........205............205............194............0 pj_txlady..........220............220............200............0 Redtulips3.........180............171............167............9 Renee74............214............213............199............7 Renewedhope........171............167............150............4 reif78.............294............195............185............0 savimama...........216............216............200............0 shaversd...........230.5..........225............210..........5.5 SpecialK...........294............286............280............8 Sunshine2..........177............169............167............8 Tess...............304............299...........280.............5 thatDEgirl.........211............202.6..........195..........8.4 tp78...............201............192............180............9 Turler.............225............217............210............8 wendyw.............192............188............172............4 wowox7.............195............183............170...........12 WyominGirl.........327............321............312............6 __________________