alicat3924

I had my lap-band done in october of 2006. I lost about 70 lbs, and then one day it just stopped working. For about one year I got more fills - until my band was over full and still had no restriction. I had all the saline taken out for a few months and started fills again. Had many a tests done, and after all this my Dr. and I decided to put a new band in. I still have about (60) pounds to lose. I am getting my old band replaced with the new Realize Band. I am wondering if any others have had there old band removed and this new band put in...and if so how has it been working for you? My surgery will be on Wed, and I am looking forward to finally shedding these last 60 lbs!!

Did everyone on here know that they do the bypass laproscopically? I did not know that, and now I am wondering if I should have done that proceedure, I did the lap-band because I didn't want a big scar-cut, as I already have had a c-section. I am really curious to know if I just didn't do my homework and if everyone knows this or is it just me?

Ok I am so totally confused now...I was banded on October 18th, I have lost so far 25 lbs (which includes the 2 weeks before surgery when I was on a total liquid diet) I am now in week 3, eating somewhat normal food, and I am exercising like an hour a day, 4 miles of walking every other day and strength training every other, I have actually gained a pound, BUT I feel like i can keep eating, and eating and eating. I don't get it I thought I was supossed to have a full feeling after like 1/2 a cup, not me Will I feel full after my first fill? (nov 25)? I am starting to get scared that this is not going to work for me. Any advise or similar stories?:think

Well I finally got the fill I have been waiting a year for on this past Monday. I now have 3cc in my 4cc band...it's a little tight but I am able to keep liquids down for the past 2 day so I hope the swelling will subside soon. My weight loss is headed back down and I plan to start exercising again next week. OH HOW HAPPY I AM TO HAVE MY BAND!!!!!:tongue:

Please pray for the family of a friend of ours who died from the lap band surgery last week. Boy do we take things like sagging skin, weight not coming off fast enough, fills and unfills for granted, I guess we should all just be happy that we made it through surgery to even worry about these things! My understanding is during the surgery (very GOOD surgeon, whom has done thousands of lap-band surgeries, with a VERY HIGH success rate) part of her stomach lining was cut through and she developed an infection due to that, and unfortunately passed away as result. Thank you for your prayers she was a younger woman with a family etc, they will def. need some prayers!!

Yes...I lost almost 70...gained back 15...now I am back on track, I found my sweetspot and will lose it again I am sure. There will always be ups and downs but the downs with the band far outway them without it.

WOW....what a crazy few months it's been! I had my lapband surgery on October 16, 2006. I had 2 fills the last one in Feb of 2007. Lost my insurance for a whole year, and now I finally got health insurance again! I havn't been for a fill in a year and so far I am down over 60 lbs. ~ Most of which were lost the first few months right after surgery. I have not really lost any weight in about 9 months and I have been playing with the same 5-10 pounds. ANYWAY...I AM BACK, I have my insurance back and I am scheduled to see my Dr. on the 28th of this month. I am def going to need a fill and plan to exercise my butt off. I am determined to lose the "last" 50 lbs I am carrying around lol. I will also dedicate myself to come on the boards a lot more to reach out for support and questions....here's to losing the last 50!!! THANKS for letting me get it all out there!!! :smile:

I go to GNC and buy the ANYWHEY, it's unflavored, and not that expensive compared to others. It's virtually tasteless so I mix it with a lot of different things, and it has 17 grams of protein per serving. It's made by optimum nutrition.

Hey yall, I haven't been on in a while, life has been crazy, I just got married last month, and my little one just started nursery school. But I am in need of your support/advice I have been at a stand still with my weight loss, really have just went up /down 2-3 pounds since about June. I am not in need of a fill i don't think, because when I eat "good" food = the food I am supposed to be eating, It only takes a little bit. I haven't exercised since I don't remember, and now I am beating myself up. I was comfortable with the weight I am at for my wedding and I think this comfortable feeling has taken over, I am so lax now. I still have 50 lbs to lose according to my DR. I went from a size 22, now I am in a 12 (OMG a 12)!!!!!!! I really want to knock off these last 50 lbs so I am no longer classified as overweight, so I think I am going to start back on my exercise routine tomorrow, and see where that takes me. As far as a fill goes.....do you think I should wait or not, I haven't had one since Feb, but I find when I eat chips, ice cream etc, I can eat a lot as when I eat a piece of chicken a few bites and I am done LOL. Should i see if i can do it on my own or is that why I was banded in the first place? I could use some advice......

So I am seriously considering getting a tummy tuck. I have soooooo much loose skin in my stomach area. I am only 8 months post op and would like to lose about 35 more pounds before I do it. My question is has anyone had a tummy tuck after the lapband, if so was it painful, and how was the healing process. And did you self pay or did the insurance company help? THANKS!!!

My biggest reason for getting the band was when I was in traffic and this guy cut me off and called me a fat bi*ch, I went home and was devastated but I knew I needed to do something, I wanted to be active with my 2 year old, and not inherit all the wonderful heart disease in my family! Every time I lost 30-40 lbs, I would gain it all back and then some, I LOVE MY BAND!!!

NO you are not being selfish at all. I am getting married in august, and my father and brother are coming in from CA, I too have a 1 Bedroom apartment, for myself, my future husband and a 3 year old, let me tell you its going to be a nightmare, I told my father if you want to sleep on an air mattress in the kitchen then fine you can stay, Now my mom wants to stay too, I am completely besides myself. I know it will be for only a few days but I can totally relate. The thought of having 6 people in a one bedroom is absurd. Tell her your situation, make it as grim as possible, mention no chairs, table settings, towels, ac whatever hopefully she will change her mind or not come at all. If this is something that is going to stress you it's not worth it. GOOD LUCK

This is totally normal until you have your first fill and then it may take a few fills to get to the point where a cup of food is enough. I felt like i could eat a horse until I got my first fill. And when I got the fill the weight came off. I know everyone will say this is the time for healing and any weight loss is a bonus, which I am sure is not what you are looking to hear, but sadly it's the truth, maybe try to do some walking at this point and drink lots of water and it will help curb the hunger. Just stay strong count down those days until your fill and you will do great!!

Hi i was hoping someone can give me some advice.... I am getting married in 70 days, I have had my band since Oct/07, so far I have lost 63 lbs, however I ordered my dress in advance a few sizes too small, anticipating my weight loss. Now with only a few weeks to go I would like to lose another 20 pounds. I have no restriction right now as I am awaiting my new insurance. I can't afford 500 for a fill, with the wedding coming up. I have maybe 3 inches to lose in order to fit into my dress. MY QUESTION IS: I lost 15 pounds pre-op on the liquid diet, do you think it would be safe for me to do Protein shakes as Meal Replacements for a few weeks- like 4? I will be getting in over 90 grams of protein, and I take a Vitamin every day as well as drink a lot of Water? Do you think this will be ok/safe? Thanks in advance!!!!

I started my lap band journey when I was just 24 just turning 25, I wanted to get it done since I was 23, but had to go through all the pre-surgery stuff and didn't have great insurance, I say if your doctor thinks you should get it done, get it done!! If you follow the band rules you will succeed!!

I should also mention the following about the tasteless Protein powder: Info per scoop: Calories: 70 Fat: 0g Carbs: 1g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Protein: 17g

Wow it sounds like we are so similar!!! I struggled with this same thing from the day I had my surgery, after spending hundreds of dollars on different proteins, I posted a thread on here and a lovely lady told me about Optimum Nutritions ANY WHEY ( I got it at GNC) I use it twice a day 17 grams of protein per scoop, I mix it with sugar free carnation and 1% milk, and I am a EXTREMELY picky "taster" and this is very tolerable because the ANY WHEY is tasteless, so all you taste is the carnation, if you like that, if not you can mix it in coffee, milk, juice, yogurt, soups, and there is no taste. A 2 week supply costs 19.95 hope this helps!!!

I was in your shoes after i had my surgery no weight loss until my first fill, then when I was told I could, I got my butt up started exercising and the weight has continued to come off since then, i know i wanted the weight off asap, but I was told to just wait until your swelling goes away and you can get your first fill and "miracles" will happen, and guess what they did so just hang in there!!

I am 26, I was banded when I was 25 have had my band for 6 months now and it's been the best thing I could have ever done!!!

So I am still waiting to see when my new insurance kicks in....I haven't been for a fill since February and my weight loss is stalling!! I have been stuck at 227 for like a month now, I am getting married in August and I would like to take another 30 lbs off before that. I am just getting so discouraged, I am trying to eat well but it's so hard with no restriction and a 2 year old LOL. I don't know what to do, because I have our wedding coming up I can't afford to shell out 500 dollars for a fill, but I want to get this weight off. Any suggestions????

Hi !!! I had my band done by Dr. Malhotra @ Long Island Jewish....OMG I love my Dr. he was great through the whole experience. He is very recommended and was referred to me when I was having my band done. It's been 6 months and I have lost 60 lbs so it's working. Another thing I like about him is he does the fills under floroscopy so there is no guessing about being too tight/loose. Good luck!!!

I had to to the lovonox shots 2x a day and I had to do them in my stomach...I found if I pinched the skin then injected it, it did not hurt as bad and YES you will get bruising which is normal. I was never "taught" how to do it I just pinched and injected...very easy not too bad at all, and that was what I was dreading! Good luck!!!

I am not sure why this is ...but ever since my lap band surgery I am SOOOOOO tired. I exercise twice a day and try to keep moving but I am tired all of the time, and I am not sure why. This is only been happening since I had my surgery 6 months ago. Has this happened to anyone else or am I just abnormal LOL. I was thinking about taking something to give me a boost of energy, I am eating enough protein , but it's not doing the trick. Are there any SAFE over the counter things I can take to boost my energy level?

Thanks for the advise, I am going to have to try the any whey and up my fluid intake. I take a vitamin everyday so I hope a combo of the protein/water will help.

I am getting plenty of rest like 8-9 hours a night and about 55+ grams of protein...can it be something else? Maybe not enough water???