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my name is Carla, I live on the Oregon coast. I have mobility trouble so it's hard to exercise out of the water, but I do swim twice a week. I was banded in Mexico 4/10/07. I've had a hard time of it with this band. I'm down almost 40lbs. I have a hard time with drinking so much water. I do eat good food but not much of it. I know I'm going to beat this weight issue and be healthy someday. I will not ever give up no matter how slow I lose the pounds. Good luck to all with a healthly life.

Good Morning All! I just wanted to share that today's my 1 year bandiversary! I'm down 110 pounds since surgery and 130 pounds overall. I have 9 pounds to go until my dream goal, and I'm hoping to get there by the end of October. I'm 10 pounds below the top of the average BMI limit for my height. I work out 1-2 hours every single day with rare exceptions, and I strictly watch what I eat 97% of the time. The lap band has truly changed my life!

I can relate. Like music1618, I started logging my food and exercise. I found an app (my fitness pal). I am 3 years out and I have gained 10 pounds since I moved to DC last May. Unfortunately, I can tolerate almost everything, except ice cream (of any type). I feel like such a failure, which puts me in a serious funk and not so pleasant to be around. I am trying to get back on track, but I am afraid I may have stretched my pouch. Looking for a local Dr. to do some follow-up.

Hope, you're lucky..my discharge papers said 2 weeks, but I had to start after about 10 days...couldn't do it anymore...my busy life just couldn't handle not driving!

Hello Forum, Question??? I had my band done on 9/19...up until Friday the only pain I had was sharp pains in my left shoulder...does anyone know what would have been causing this and will this be a recurring thing? Tammy

I have the VG and I didn't feel a thing until I got to 10 cc's. This doesn't concern me or my surgeon -- he says he'll fill until I don't need a fill any more, whether that's 11 cc's or 15 cc's. I LOVE my VG. I think it's a better band in the long run (my personal opinion only, of course). I seem to be able to eat more textures than many of those with the smaller band and the "pillow design" of the VG gives me comfort that I may be at less risk for both slippage and erosion. I think the hold up in your weight loss is your fill doctor. Force him to be aggressive! I went it for my first fill and they took me to 6.0. A week later, when I felt no restriction, I went back and they took me to 7.6. A week after that, I still felt almost nothing, so I went back and they had me drink Water while they were filling me until the water wouldn't go down, then they backed some out. That's how I got to 10.0. I've been at 10.0 since June 3rd and have lost about 90 lbs on this fill with none of the problems I read about (knock on wood), so I'm a fan. Get a fill if you can. You won't believe the difference once you have real restriction. I know how frustrating it is until you get there, but you will get there!

So this morning was my pre-op Cardiac MRI. I was downtown at AGH (hospital) early and after muddling through registration I finally navigated my way through the halls to the right elevator. The hospital must have had a million additions to it over the years…it’s like being a rat in a maze..you know, lab rat…fitting. I finally found myself in the bowels of the earth with no one else around and found the two solid doors that read ‘Cardiac MRI’ waiting room...my luck, they were locked…just about the time I was questioning if I'd made a mistake and came the wrong day I found another door down the hall. Apparently I was the first appointment of the day and the receptionist thought she’d unlocked the door – so apologetic! The people there couldn’t have been nicer. I got changed, hooked up to the equipment and then onto the MRI bed…ready to start. Let me tell you, I had a brain MRI done this fall at a different place as a clearance for putting me on medicine for my migraines (which have mostly disappeared…fabulous!). It was quite the adventure…they had me lay on a bed, then WHAT”S THIS? Without a word they snapped a plastic mask over my face (I felt like Hannibal)…no instructions, no panic button…just “Hold still. This should take about 10 min.” Out they went. That’s it! Suddenly the noises start and the bed moves…WTFlip?:ohmy: Why am I moving? Just when I got used to one noise it would stop…ok…WHIRL, CLUNK, WHIZ…bed moving!:clap: Yea…lay still?? Are you kidding me? How can you lay still when this cacophony of sounds keeps startling me…and couldn’t you warn a girl that the bed will keep moving?!! Thank God there wasn’t a panic button, and only my head and chest went into the machine, and that it only lasted 10 minutes! Geez…give people some warning!:Dancing_wub: So I went this morning with some trepidation. They asked me if my blood pressure is ‘always that high?’ (yea, and I’m on meds). The Tech was so sweet and started telling me about everything that would happen (this is new), but I panicked a little when she said it would take about 45 min. I could hardly handle 10 min. how was I going to make it through 45??!! Now this is different…“pick a radio station and here are your headphones to drown out those awful noises”…smart!...and “I’ll be talking to you and telling you when to breath and when to hold your breath and you’ll hear me through the headphones.”…and the best part “Here’s a ball to squeeze if you need to come out.”…YAY…‘a PANIC BUTTON!’...oh, whoops I just said that out loud!:wink2: The Tech laughed and said, “Well, yes, but we don’t like to call it that as it gives the wrong connotation and might scare people!” OK, lay down, eyes closed…I’m thinking “Go to your Happy Place, go to your Happy Place” and into the tunnel the bed goes. Now, I’ve got to say my hips and my arms were squished a bit against the walls of the tunnel the whole time…and I’m big, but I’m not enormous…I can now see why some here say they had to do this with their arms above their heads (I feel for you!). The music is playing and the Tech starts giving me my breathing instructions with her most soothing voice “In, Out, In, Out, Hold, Breath.” She warned me when the bed would move and the music drowned out a lot of the noise. After awhile I calmed down,:thumbup: just in time for Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” to start playing on the headphones:lol:…it was so fitting that I almost started laughing…almost.:frown: P.S. Got my computer back tonight…all better!

Well yeah, I could do that but does that count? I mean, it could still have some tiny bits of starch left in it. 10 days pre op I'm supposed to eliminate starch. UGH this is already getting hard and I have barely started!

No pre op diet? Lucky! I'm ready to pull my hair out already and I've only eliminated the stuff I needed to for day 10 (starch, soda, caffeine). I could still eat meat up till this point. Now It kicks it up a notch with the 7th day to no carbonated drinks, no caffeine or sugary drinks and only full liquids. I have been on a similar diet before but I remember the first 4 days I felt like I was starving (mostly due to withdraw from craving carbs) then it got easier but I felt tired all the time. I hope that is the case this time but I still feel the anxiety coming on to make it through the hardest part (the cravings).

I'm wondering if anyone else is having to complete the following checklist from their PCM with Tricare Prime? I'm actually Tricare overseas Prime Remote. I just spent the entire AM on the phone trying to explain that this is not the requirements per the Tricare Manual Chapter 4 Section 13.2. After I couldn't get a clear explanation on how they came up with this checklist through International SOS (3rd party used by Tricare Prime overseas for referrals) I spoke with the regional Tricare office in Germany. I was informed they came up with this checklist so "not just anyone" could get the surgery. I was then informed I could just go to the PCM and have them submit a letter addressing my Hx of attempts, comorbid Dx and etc. But was informed approval was on a case by case basis and if denied could appeal. (Duh Rolling eyes) So aggravated that the requirements are not the same across the board for Tricare Prime. I'm 5'1 and approx 198lbs with sleep apnea. I'm aware that b/c I'm not 100lbs overweight according to Metlife charts I will be denied although my BMI is and has been above 35 with the comorbidity for >5 years. I have tried every diet known to man as I'm sure you all did too. I loose the weight but it never stays off. We have been overseas now for 6 years but I don't have the documentation they are requesting in my medical record b/c we are remote (not at a MTF) and these diets are not covered by Tricare therefore paid for out of pocket. I also recently read in the Fed Recorder that the requirements will change from the Metlife Chart to BMI on 3-16-2011. Anyone else aware of this and have spoken with Tricare in regards to the change. Right now I'm afraid that I've stirred the pot too much and will be denied just for demanding where they came up with this checklist. If anyone has a better contact through Tricare I'd love the name and number. Any advice is appreciated. Wish me luck. I plan on seeing a PCM on the 16th of March and keeping my fingers crossed. Step 1: Patient Review (All items must be checked by the PCM and applicable to the patient) Documented morbid obesity for 5 years. Meets definition; body weight is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure, according to the most current Metropolitan Life Table, and such weight is in association with severe medical conditions known to have higher mortality rates in association with morbid obesity; or, the body weight is 200% or more of ideal weight for height and bone structure. List any co-morbid conditions: ________________________________________________________________________________ DEROS date at least 12 months from the anticipated surgical date. Date of DEROS: _____________ Participation in a documented nutrition/exercise program for a cumulative total of 6 months with documented ability to lose 10- 15 lbs within the last two years. (Patient‘s inability to comply with a diet and exercise regimen prior to surgery indicates poor compliance and an increased risk of adverse outcomes) Comprehensive evaluation and review of significant medical or psychiatric history by their Primary Care Manager (PCM), surgeon or mental health professional/counselor indicating good candidacy, readiness for bariatric surgery, and confirmation of positive family support system. Education regarding the need for lifelong follow up. The patient has been advised that TRICARE policy does not cover breast lifts, thigh and arm reduction, and that a panniculectomy must be deemed medically necessary to be covered by TRICARE. Step 2: Post-operative Management Primary Care Manager must acknowledge capability to provide appropriate post operative medical management to include: (all items must be checked in order to be considered for approval): Dietary Counseling Mental Health assessment or referral Laboratory assessment plan for possible nutritional deficiency _________________________________ __________________________

What does your schedule of food stages look like after surgery? This is mine. While in hospital - Clear liquids 7-10 days - full liquid 2-4 weeks purée Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've been banded since 2005 also. I went through this once and have realised that there's really only so much a band can do. No restriction is ever going to be able to stop you eating when you're not evem really hungry and no restriction is ever going to make good food choices for you. You cant just keep getting tighter forever and at four years out, I decided that the band has really dont what it can for me weight loss wise and any further tightening would be really silly. I find I no longer have that initial enthusiasm, I'm not motived by or excited by constant weight loss as I hit goal a good 2 years ago now and I just dont really have much left to lose. So I find its harder to make good choices. I'm much much more likely to eat junk these days because I can - i dont gain, I exercise a lot, I'm fit and healthy so there's just a lot less reason to avoid it. This worried me and I went and got more fill. But I dont think it works that way, lol. I just got too tight and had to take it out again. that was a year ago now and I havent gained an ounce, so I really didnt need it. I'd really like to see another 10 or even 15lb gone but I really know deep down, that only I can do it and going tighter is not going to help. Its all down to my choices.

@bgtribble We have almost the identical stats. I am also 5' 6" and my heaviest weight was 259 pounds. As an adult I had always maintained a healthy weight for my female frame - about 145 - and was a lifeguard, canoe trip instructor, avid backpacker... never a 'small' person but fairly 'trim' and definitely healthy. I got married and had a baby and then the weight started to creep up on me... 10 pounds heavier, 20 pounds heavier... and over the past 15 years, I ballooned up to 259. Now that I'm back in 100's again I feel I have regained my 'old' Self. I'm not at goal weight yet, however I am feeling SO much better even at this interim stage of the process 65 pounds down! Like dear Bandista above (she is a guru - listen to her!) I also love food and cooking, and am able to still enjoy beautiful food and meals out... but in smaller portions. The best thing is having the background of satiety constantly there. The "Hunger Monster" that derailed my weight loss attempts in the past is no longer there. Now I have a can of tuna & mayo or a small piece of tender steak or 5 Tbsps of egg salad and that's it. Give me three slices of roast duck, a few spears of asparagus and no starch (potatoes, rice and breads are out for me) and BOOM. I'm sated. No desire for anything more. Happy for you, jiggyjiggy120 - you are about to embark on getting control back and feeling better. It's a tremendous thing!

Mine went great! How did yours go? I was pretty hard pressed on the sleeve but I think GB will be better! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App I really enjoyed the seminar the surgeon is awesome. I'm still going for the sleeve it just seem right for me. But the GB is great as well my mother had it done 10 years ago. And she still looks great. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

Ah, I miss the 4 am Denny's runs after those "19-year-old male with profuse vomiting, alcohol ingestion" 911 calls! These days, when I'm away at school all day, I pack hardboiled eggs, small yogurt containers, Protein shakes, and a couple of wheels of Babybel cheese - Gouda is my favorite, it's quite soft. I don't know if you are doing a low-carb thing, but I also like fruit. Right now, I've got plums and persimmons in the fridge.

I am interested in this too, so i googled it, this is what i came up with: homemade remedy for sagging skin site- http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/ Overview Sagging skin is often considered a normal part of aging, but it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for many people. Often caused by repeated movements and facial expressions, there are some natural, homemade remedies that use essential oils and carrier oils to help firm, tighten and lift sagging skin, according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to The Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being." </H3><H3>Step 1 Combine ½ tsp. clary sage essential oil, ½ tsp. patchouli essential oil, ½ tsp. rose otto essential oil, ¼ tsp. sandalwood essential oil, ¼ tsp. petitgrain essential oil and ¼ cup jojoba oil in a small amber bottle with a tight-fitting top. Step 2 Cover the oil mixture and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds to thoroughly combine the ingredients. The Best Skin Care System Celebrities Trust Simone France. As Seen In Elle and O Magazine! SimoneFrance.com/Skin_Care Sponsored Links Step 3 Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean cotton pad. Allow the cotton to soak up the oil for 30 seconds. Step 4 Dab the oil mixture on the area of skin being treated. Leave the excess oil on the skin for 20 to 25 minutes without wiping it off. Step 5 Rinse your skin with lukewarm Water and pat dry with a clean towel. Step 6 Apply your regular moisturizer after using this treatment. There is no need to wash with soap unless the mixture irritates your skin. Step 7 Use this treatment once per day for as long as necessary. Discontinue use if the essential oils bother your skin or cause redness that does not fade away after a few minutes. Step 8 Store unused portions of the oil mixture in the medicine cabinet or cupboard for 90 days. Discard the mixture after 90 days if not completely used. Tips and Warnings It is best to use therapeutic-grade essential oils when applying them to your skin according to Colleen Kaye Dodt, author of "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body." Therapeutic-grade essential oils are often more expensive than standard essential oils, but they offer the most benefit. They can regularly be found in most health food stores and online through specialty retailers that sell homeopathic medicine and aromatherapy supplies. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwxvl6e Things You'll Need 1/2 tsp. Clary sage essential oil 1/2 tsp. patchouli essential oil 1/2 tsp. rose otto essential oil 1/4 tsp. sandalwood essential oil 1/4 tsp. petitgrain essential oil 1/4 cup jojoba oil Small amber bottle with tight-fitting top Clean cotton pad Clean towel Moisturizer Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwnu29V Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwc9n6q

No comparison I was back at work day after having my gallbladder removed. Had absolutely zero "side effects" from the surgery. Took 7 days to return to work after VSG. 4 months of not wanting to eat and about 10-12 months before I felt totally "normal" again. Of course the other side effects, namely losing 100 pounds puts VSG at the top of my list for best surgery I ever had!

I had my band removed in Nov, recovery went fine but i can still only eat small amounts at a time (small compared to what i could have eaten before the band). I assume my stomach has become smaller. I am having vsg in 10 days so i figure i am already prepared for smaller volumes.

I had my third fill on November 5. I am really now feeling restriction! The weight is starting to speed up dropping off and I'm feeling confident. I've become a lot more committed to eating healthy and not relying on food to occupy my time. With the weather getting cold I'm working out indoors on an elliptical machine. I've only been doing it a week and can only manage about 20 minutes (2 miles) 4 times a week. It's a lot harder than just walking or biking!! It's a great feeling to reach that 20 minute goal, though. I hope maybe next month I can work my way up to 30 minutes - then maybe 45 minutes! My 4th fill is scheduled for December 10. I'm really nervous about Thanksgiving on Thursday. It's going to be a challenge to not dig into mashed potatoes and pie. I'm confident I can do well, though. I hope all of you other August bandsters are doing well! It's really encouraging to read your success - and it really makes me want to try harder to keep up or do better!

I'm not an alcoholic don't get me wrong. I'm scared to drink, but wondering when did u just start to try it??!!!

I have a BMI of 34, and have only lost 3lbs since being banded 5/04/10, while another person I know banded the same day has lost 8lbs, and is like 300lbs. I had a tinge of jealousy for a quick second... Thanks