laurigee

I have lost over 100 pounds and have no hanging or saggy skin. I lost my weight slowly compared to a lot of people. I have also exercised from the beginning. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. I think there may be a lot of factors that play into it. Good luck!

Had surgery on Thursday and back to work on Monday. For me that was plenty of time.

It's great that you are getting control before you gain everything back! The hardest part for a lot of people is admitting that they are responsible for the set back and not the band! It's never to late! Get back on track! Start moving!!!! Congratulations on your weight loss!

Great story! I started to giggle because there is nothing better than being able to start tucking shirts in and wearing belts! Your clothes options become endless! Congratulations!!!

I hope that is the answer! Feel better!!!

I think that it depends on where you get your information from. I could find negative on anything if I looked. With any surgery there are risks and complications. It is up to you whether the potential risks are worth the rewards. If you look through the many postings on this sight you will see the difference the band has made in many people's lives. To all of us that have received the band, we have decided that it was worth the risk. If I were to have a problem tomorrow(knock on wood)I would still not regret the decision I made. It was right for me at the time. It's up to you! Is it worth it?!!

There is no point in concerning yourself with the future of your band right now. At 14 there are so many other things you should be concentrating on. Like having FUN! Get rid of this extra weight and enjoy your teen years! Worrying about something will not stop it from happening! If something were to happen, deal with it then! Take one day at a time and enjoy!

Are you taking pain meds? I throw up any time I use them. Not saying that's what it is, just wondering.

Mine also ok'd sugar free pudding!

Congratulations! I was self pay also! I feel your pain on finding jeans in long lengths. No matter what size you are it's a challenge. Some longs just aren't long enough! I hope your surgery was a success and your resting comfortably at home right now!

You have to realize that the problems you are having are not the fault of the band. It is the maintenance of the band that is the problem. All the problems you mention ARE normal if you are to tight. The smallest of .1 cc can make a difference. By leaving the band to tight can only lead to larger problems in the future. Then you will be really disappointed. It could be a lot more costly than just a doctors appointment for an unfill. I would make an appointment right away if I were you. Good luck!

I think Missy is right, once it's sagging it's hard to reverse that. Exercise is important whether the skin will tighten up or not. Now that your able to do it you should definitely make that a part of your lifestyle. Everyone is so different, who knows, it may make just enough difference in your skin where your comfortable with the results. Good luck!

You are such an inspiration to so many people! When I came back to this site after leaving for many years, it was your words, your advice, and your determination in your own journey that made me feel like I could do it also. There are people that come to this site everyday, like myself, looking for that little shove or pat on the back that you and some others give. I hope you realize how important you are in a lot of lives and successes. I only wish I was able to give something to you in return! You are a true angel! Thank you!

Kathy...My weight loss was very slow. However, I feel there was a plus side to it. I don't have any loose skin. 1-2 pounds a week is what my surgeon recommends. Does your surgeon allow for Snacks? I allot myself 1200 calories a day and I will save calories for a snack between meals. This just helps me so I'm not starving at my meal. If I get to hungry I tend to eat to fast and take to big of bites without chewing enough. If I stay within my calorie range, I don't think it's important when I eat it. Good luck and congratulations on your weight loss!

I don't know if the lap band is suppose to give you the "full" feeling your looking for. It's suppose to make you feel "satisfied" longer on less food. And you did say that you are not as hungry, so I'm assuming it's working properly. Unfortunately in the beginning it's very important to keep track of calories. Your trying to get to the proper restriction right now and without it, it can be very easy to overeat. It's also important to get the proper amount of protien and Water for the day. Like the others said, seeing a nutritionist is a great idea. Don't feel hopeless!!! It's hard to figure it all out. There is a lot of information we have to remember! Maybe take a relook at the information about the band and the rules to follow. There may be some things you have forgot to apply. Good luck! Your not alone!

I'm not sure the band is suppose to make sure you can't eat certain things! My perception of what the band is suppose to do is keep you satisfied on less food. If I was waiting for the band to stop me from eating certain foods I still would be waiting! I've had the band over 6 years and can eat anything I choose. Be careful when using the philosophy of not being tight enough if you can still eat certain foods. This can lead to a lot of problems including the band slipping, acid reflux, and throwing up.

I understand that your scared to go back! But you need to see your surgeon IMMEDIATELY!!!!! It could be something simple that removing a small amount of fluid could fix! Just as the first time your band slipped! If you would have went in immediately it could have resolved itself without surgery by just removing all your fluid for a couple of weeks! Time only makes problems larger! Please make an appointment today and let them know how serious your problem is and that you need to be seen immediately! Please keep me posted on how your doing!

I felt great so there was no problems for me. What I could think of would be a blanket, pillows, comfy comfy clothes, slippers, bottle of water, and a bucket just in case(nothing worse than trying to pull off the road in time when you get sick). Put some scented bags in the bucket so you don't have to wash out the bucket, just have to get rid of the bag if you stop. This is a ritual with my husband when he goes to the hospital several times a year with his kidney stones. Good luck, hope everything goes smoothly!

It's so important that people realize the band isn't suppose to stop you from eating or keep you from eating certain foods! This could be the reason why people have complications with the band! It could easily result in someone getting overfilled and having their band slip, acid reflux, or constantly throwing up! If you don't know what the band is suppose to do it's hard to use it correctly. Please read more information on the band so you can use it to it's potential. I wish you the best!

This isn't a quick fix! It's going to take time, patience, and will power in the beginning. Patience, exercise, counting calories and following lap-band rules and doctors visits in the middle. And all of the above to maintain! It's easier than without the band, but still a lot of hard work on your part!

I'm very excited for you! However, I hope you realize the complications that can occur if you do not follow the band rules! Many of use old geezers have a hard time understanding that. Hopefully you will be successful because you haven't had the years under your belt of bad habits to break like some of us! Please know that excercise is so important! This will help with your weight loss. This is not a quick fix so you should not be thinking about how fast you can lose the weight. You have a long life ahead of you! This is the time you need to concentrate on healthy choices and decisions that you need to make now and in the future! The reality of having the band with you for the rest of your life at this age to me is not realistic. You want to make this lifestyle a habit so if your ever without this tool in the future you will be able to continue a healthy lifestyle. Please keep us posted on your journey. If you need anything I am willing to help you any way I can!

I'm 23 pounds to goal and have stayed the same for 2 months now, so I know how you feel. I personally mess with things myself to see how my body responds. You aren't going to jeopardize your health by increasing your calories for a week or two. Seeing a nutritionist is great, however, everyone's bodies are different! You have to see how yours responds to different things. I have a identical twin sister that does not lose weight by doing the same things or eating the same things as I do. She will not lose if she eats any carbs or dairy or if she lowers her calories to less than 1000 per day. I can eat both of them and lose! Getting to know how your body responds to food and exercise can be just as frustrating as finding the "green zone" with the band. Good luck and I hope you figure it out! Keep us posted!

The band can't work if you don't see your surgeon for fills when it's needed. I was banded in 2006 and reached goal, then regained 40 pounds because I stopped maintaining my band. I had a hard time with fills so I just gave up! I, like you, am giving the band another chance! Staying in contact with your surgeon is so important, don't make the same mistake again! Good luck and keep us posted on how it's going!

HOLEY CRAP!!!!! I don't want to offend you in any way, but I can't believe what they can do with loose skin! You look AMAZING!!! It's like a totally different body! Your hard work has definitely paid off! We will be waiting for the next picture of you in a bikini! Your body rocks! I wouldn't be afraid of pictures if I were you, I would be posing for them! Congratulations!

Congratulations!!! When you see such drastic changes in your health so quickly you can't help but be proud of yourself! The numbers you seen today mean so much more than how quickly the numbers change on the scale! Health is the number one goal and you are definitely on the right path! Congratulations also on your great weight loss!