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Hi LBT! Today is my one year anniversary! :clap2: YEAH I did it, one year down! I have had a great year. I have lost over 75 pounds in this year. I have only had to pb 4 times from eating too fast (yeah that is a hard one to break). I exercise every day - except Sundays (day of rest ya know). I had knee problems before this, my knee feels WONDERFUL. I feel WONDERFUL. I started out wearing a 3x, now I wear a size 18. I just had a fill the other day which feels great and am seeing results from that fill already so the start of my second year is starting on a great note. Life is good! I had my doc appt. the other day and they take a pic of you when you have your first consultation and then they took a 1 yr. pic, the difference is amazing! After all my agonizing over the numbers, even I cannot dissmiss the actual pics that show how I look. Its a good thing. I have had a great year and am looking forward to another great year with my band!

I am worried about my friend. My PA said that if I followed anything to the letter, it is to not drink any carbonated beverages! My PA said that carbonated beverages is the worst offender for stretching or moving the band out of place!!! Which would mean another surgery to correct or replace! And who knows if insurance would cover it for something you caused! Is it worth it?! I of course have shared this info with my friend. She said she has vastly reduced how much she drinks, and lets the fizzle subside before she drinks. But she recently visited and still drinks and eats fast, and therefore burps alot and gets stuck! She is a sad reinforcer for me to do things the right way.

So you will know if you are drinking to fast? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would have to agree with @LumpySpacePrincess...I wasn't able to eat KFC even before my surgery because I had a similar reaction. Grease is not my friend (but then, I haven't been able to eat fast food without adverse reaction since my gall bladder came out eight years ago) If it doesn't clear up, definitely call you doctor.

I got a fill today I have a 10cc band and now have 5.5cc. I totally notice this one. Good luck and dont go too fast, thats when people seem to have the most problems

Hi! Once the band is in it's our job to know when we need a fill. Thats the hard part. I mostly say I have not had a fill yet. Ask your Doctor what kind of band you have. If it's Realize you can go to RealMySuccess.com & have personal weight loss site. I think you can do this with lap-band also. Learn to know everything about fills. If you need it, get it. I have several support groups. I go to support group meetings over 5 x a month. This is a brand new science. Buy this book " Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band". It has Helped me a lot . I hope you reach all your goals. Good Luck. I think in 5 years time our bands & book will be history and weight loss will be different. Now I think it's 80% band 20 by-pass. 3 years ago opposite. I'm just starting on my weight loss journey. It's been fast,slow,hard,easy & lots of fun. Again Good Luck, Hasta Pronto, George:thumbup:

Thought I would reply to you as we are just two days apart of being banded on the same date. Currently, everything is well with me, just would like to have lost a little more this last month. But when I do, the doctor says I'm losing it too fast for someone my age. Finally though he did put in 2cc's on 9/9/10 putting me to 4.8ccs in a 10cc band. Not that I feel restriction, I'm just not hungry but eat two meals a day plus a Protein shake in the morning. Will probably hold at 4.8 cc's until Christmas that is if I take the 10 pounds off I signed up for by Halloween. Will be overseas at Thanksgiving and don't want a stuck moment in the air or in a foreign country. :tongue2: The good thing about the band is the fact we are taking off the weight, whether it be fast or slow, we will have a better chance of keeping it off. This is the best thing I think has ever happened since Peanut Butter was invented. :thumbup:

agree with Jamie, Check out Dr. Matthew Weiner's videos. He says there is no way to predict how fast or how much someone will lose because so much is dependent on factors outside your control. he has had super compliant patients who lose slowly and ones who aren't compliant at all lose fast. You aren't slow. You are losing at the same rate as me (faster actually), RNY and my dr's office thinks I'm fast and I'm super compliant, exercise and the whole 9 yards. I use patch vitamins by the way. you should try them. Thanks for the advice on the Vitamin Patches. I'm going to look into them. The chewables are just awful ???? Sent from my LGLS996 using the BariatricPal App

After researching lots of different pre op diets this is what I am following. Being banded August 4th - 1 week to go! Each day starting today I am eating: 3 slim fast optima shakes or protien powder shakes Water and decafeinated tea w/ splenda (unlimited) 1 Protein meal (plain tuna or baked skinless chicken breast) sugar free Jello sugar free popsicles spinach or green Beans Any of you think with this I will be succesful in "shrinking my liver"? Thanks for any input!

I'm also glad to hear things have improved a bit! I was going to suggest that you take (and log) your pulse and blood pressure several times a day so that you can show that to whomever is seeing you or treating you (I've gone in for runaway anxiety twice in the last 10 years and the time that I calmly produced a log of my (troubling) blood pressure and pulse I was taken WAY more seriously than when I just verbally told them that I felt like my heart was going to break out of my chest it was beating so fast :/.). Best to you!

I eat Built protein bars when I am on the go, or after a workout for a protein blast. While I do like the taste of them and they do have a candy bar-like texture, I do not find them to make me want to eat a real candy bar. They are a convenient fuel for my body. I am a bit of an exercise addict, and they are a go-to for me post workout. Unlike meat proteins, I find I can eat them pretty fast and they are just the right size to be easy on my tummy. With all of that said, it is always a good idea to check with your nutritionist. I also could not stand the taste of protein shakes early on. Try mixing with different liquids to mask the taste. Good luck!

You can eat whatever you feel like eating actually. The point of the clear diet is to jumpstart your weightloss. Your stomach will have swelling from the trauma to the tissue from surgery. The swelling will be the tightness you feel when you consume food or liquids. Heavier things could cause you to need to throw up, it isn't a regular nausea it is more like choking and needing to get it out, and I am sure you have been told that that is bad for your band. If you are very hungry try some Jello, fudgesicles, or a cup of warm tea. These will help aleviate the hunger, as will the Protein drinks. You can get some from quixstar online with 35 grams of protein and just 5 carbs. The vanilla is terrific. I am in hormone hell and having hunger issues way more than I can control, I was done on May 7, 2008. You want to lose 2 a week at most or you get too flabby too quick. See some on here dropping way too fast and know that my sister looks awful after doing that with bypass surgery. I fought getting this done for a long time, but know it is my tool I need. Plugging away at increasing exercise and hope in the next 2 weeks to control the hormone hunger then get my 2nd fill. My best help has been reading on here where I can get some shared info and incentive. Good Luck and work into soft slowly so you don't get disappointed in your weight change.

Congratulations Kat! Yes once approved it does go by fast. We will both be sleeved this month. My surgery date is Sept 10 th

Hiya I have an SAGB rather than a Lap-Band, but I'm pretty sure the same guidelines apply. I'd heard lots before my op about how you could never have carbonated drinks or bread ever again, though I must say the chewing gum is a new one on me. When I asked my surgeon he said he'd prefer it if I didn't have fizzy stuff (but not that it was a definate no-no) and that we'd have to see how I got on with bread later. Bread is still a bit hit and miss with me but I do now drink carbonated drinks, not nearly as much as I used to, and I try to have it out of a bottle rather than a can, that way I can open it before and let it go a little flat before drinking it. If you drink it too fast you burp a lot and its a bit unpleasant, but if you take small sips it seems to go down fine with me. I don't know if this will cause my band or pouch harm in the future, no one seems to know one way or the other for definate, but for now until I'm told otherwise I think I'll carry on. Claire

What is getting stuck? chicken, breads, rice, mashed potatoes, salads? Are you taking very small bites and eating very slowly? I got stuck a lot at fill 3 but it was my own fault. I ate too fast and put too much food in my face. It's a learning process and I'm still learning. I'm on fill 5 and got stuck at Breakfast this morning but only for 10 minutes. tmf I see we share the same birthday only 41 years apart.

I am 9 days pre op and it is killing me not to be able to eat. I drink 2 protien drinks a day and eat a can of tuna. That gets old very fast.

I was sleeved in May, 2018 and before Christmas was having moderate pain in my upper right side. Was sent for an ultrasound and they found gallbladder sludge which I wasn't told about until this week cuz doc was on vacation. Over the holidays, I did indulge in some favorite high fat treats. Last week, before I was told and after N.Y.'s Eve & day (with more fatty favorites) the pain did get worse and seemed to spread upwards into my chest. It didn't last long but was intermittent for days. When the doctor called I told him this and he immediately went to removing the gallbladder. I asked about medication and he said there's only one and I'd have to take it for the rest of my life. He's a surgeon, so naturally, he's recommending surgery. I'm just not sure if it's really necessary. I went back to the low fat diet after NY's and the symptoms are getting better. I still feel something like cramping and/or quivering in the area but it's milder and less frequent. I'd really like to hear from anyone/everyone who has had experience with gallbladder problems after WLS and/or anyone who might have some insights into this problem. I really don't want to have surgery unless it's absolutely necessary. I don't understand how the WLS causes gallbladder problems in the first place. I'd like to know if there are any other approaches to the problem I'm experiencing? Any thoughts you have will be very much appreciated. thanks!

Hello everyone. I've struggled with weight almost my entire life. Now, I'm only 19 as of April, but growing up and living in today's society is a struggle. Luckily I was hardly ever bullied on growing up in school. They had the "decency" to laugh behind my back. I'm a social butterfly whenever it comes to people. Growing up I had a lot of friends, and to this day I only speak to TWO of the ten friends I used to have and hang out with. I'm glad that they are still with me and have encouraged me through everything. Whenever I was a Junior(2011), near the end of my last semester I had decided for the first time about having Bariatric surgery. At the time I was at 416 pounds. Whenever I saw that number pop up on the weight scale I just thought about a tiger. I weigh as much as a full grown tiger. I was so embarrassed. Whenever she read the number out loud to double check I just about lost it. I never thought I would ever get to this weight. My surgeon told me that my next appointment would be in about 4 months. He had said to follow my diet and to have lose close to 40 pounds. I felt that was easy enough seeing as how overweight I was and that I knew that if I tried that I could lose over that amount. After the seminar was over and I met with my surgeon I was feeling more than ready. I was feeling so excited and ready to start my new life. Next I speak with the dietician and then it hits me again. Just hearing myself tell her everything I consume in one day was just phenomenal. I couldn't believe it! I left that day with a diet plan and a change of mind! After following the diet for about a month I just started feeling like I was wanting to give up. I was feeling depressed as I lost some weight. It wasn't happening fast enough for me. Sadly, I fell out of the Bariatric process. I was so disappointed in myself. Soon after that I just gave up entirely. I started eating worse than ever before. I wouldn't go anywhere near a scale. I was so intimidated by them. Also, I forgot to add that I've been in Marching Band since the 8th grade. Because of all of this my band unifor.m started getting tighter, and tighter. At the end of the marching season I could barely zip it up. I was so ashamed. After I graduated (2013) I had met an amazing guy named Ryan. I started dating Ryan June 21st, 2013. He was my everything. Soon after about 5 months things started turning for the worst. We would fight constantly and it would never end well. Being with Ryan for the first 5 months I had lost around 15 pounds if I had to guess. We were on and off for a little while after. Finally I done a little maturing I had considered Bariatric surgery yet again. This time was the real deal. So I packed up with my mom and Ryan and off to Indianapolis we went. I went through the seminar and everything was fantastic. After everything was over and we got back in the car my mom had called my dad and told him how much he would have to pay (half because of the divorce.) My mom fell silent on the phone and then said, "Okay well we will be home in about 3 hours." After she hung up I asked what was said and she said that he told her he just couldn't afford it. I was completely heartbroken. I was so devastated. Yet again, I thought it was too late. I didn't want to try anymore. Months after that Ryan joined the gym and we both would walk down there. The gym was 3 blocks away from my house so to start off we would walk down there and he would work out and then walk back. I was so winded from walking those 3 small blocks I could find it in me to exercise. Eventually I started working out and I wanted to actually stay over there for an hour and a half working out, and then would walk back home. I started feeling so much better. After a while, Ryan and I weren't doing all that well so I lost all motivation to go. Again, with the giving up. Anyways, here I am in 2014. I'm 19 years old and weigh approx. 380 pounds. Ryan and I are doing extremely well and just had our 15 month anniversary September 21st. He is supporting me as well as my dad and his sisters (my aunts). I meet with my surgeon December 2nd to discuss the possibility of having the Sleeve procedure done versus the RNY. I'm in this 100% this time and I hope to be able to have a happy life for as long as I'm allowed. As soon as I get closer to my surgery date, (whenever that is) I will be uploading pictures on my progress. If anyone has any advice for me I would be so grateful to hear it. Thank you (:

i think for me it's a pain in the chest area. i'm still on liquids but i can tell when i'm drinking too fast because i feel a pain in the chest like it's hard to get all the way down. a friend of mine (who was banded almost two years ago) has been kinda "coaching" me on the feelings of things and she says the pain in the chest is the restriction and the sign that you are filling up. lol

Thank you so much for responding so fast! It's so hard to tell if I'm keeping my saliva down because after the Gatorade I have just been miserable! I prob did drink it to fast, going a yr with no fill I forgot till I had already did it. . I'm going to try pineapple and pray that helps a lil and that I just irritated it!! I pray!! Thanks again

Thomas and wynellgray, My hubby weighed over 500#'s. Way back 17 years ago. He presued WLS back in 2000. His Surgeon convinced him that he needed the Lap Band. He lost 100#'s but had nothing but problems with it. In Sept 2013 he went in for a revision to the RNY. The band had eroded into his Liver so they removed his band and gallbladder then told him in 3 months after he healed they would do his RNY. He ended up with abcesses and was deathly sick for 9 months. (3 of them he doesn't even remember!! So after that he found out he has Cancer in his Kidney (which Tuesday he goes in for a ebalsion to kill the Cancer. He weighed to much for them to do anything, this was a huge reason that he needed to lose more weight. Fast forward to June of 2016. We went to Mexico and again they gtried to do the RNY not happening!! His total eft side was solid scar tissue!! So he got the Sleeve!! Now he has lost 135#'s. We are so excited!! Like I said earlier he gets his Cancer zapped like POPCORN in the microwave. LOL That is what his Dr said. thought it was a great metaphor. Any how I wanted to share some of his walks in the fast lane. Both of you KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!!

I feel the same way!!! Each and every pound is a milestone no matter how fast or slow! I have lost 18 and I am feeling great!!!

I hope you heel well and rapidly...that six months will go by fast.

hi, I had lapband 1 yr ago and also I am a nurse. thats a long time to fast, not surprising you couldnt do it. if we didnt have problems with food we wouldnt be doing lapband. dont worry, tell your dr and>>> ABSOLUTELY fast after midnight before your surgery<<<<. if you cant do the pre-op fast they will have to cancel or you could inhale vomit, not pretty. thats the reason for the nothing after midnight rule.its very important. good luck on your surgery. sara

Nice to meet all of you...I am very, very new to the whole thing...just found out yesterday that I should consider lap band surgery. You know, it's always nice to be told you are too fat...this time, by an orthopedic dr. who is treating tendonitis in my ankle. He asked if I had ever considered it. I said "No, not until now." :phanvan He gave me a referral for a surgeon, so I called my "real" dr. and asked her about it...she seconded the motion and volunteered to write a letter. The ortho will write a letter, too. Things are going pretty fast, don't you think? Just kidddng... I guess it is time to face the music...I'm not just chubby! I have been reading a little about lap band, and I think it is the best method...but I guess I am just a little sad that I will have to give up one of my favorite things: food! OF COURSE, that's how I got here in the first place! I've enjoyed browing around your place here and hope to meet you all and learn from you. Thanks for being here! PS How do you get the ticker tape that measures your weight loss?