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Oh, thank you all so much for the kind words. I just had to share my happiness and knew this was the place to do it! I have had some issues and apparently I am a slow learner b/c I have PB'd a lot but now I am getting better at just looking at something and knowing if it will be ok. Although sometimes I am still wrong or my band likes to play games with me...:thumbdown: Thank goodness, with the exception of one time, I was always at home when I had a problem. It has always been that I ate too much or that I ate something like bread. That will do it. To ahb08, I had gained and lost the same 2lbs for 3 weeks and was so frustrated. I spoke to the nutritionist and she said I was eating too much? Eating too much? hhmmmm I remembered that Wendie plan from WW and how she changes up her points to be some days really high and other days lower and that's what worked. I also read on Calorie Count that once you lose 10-20% of your body weight your body stops losing weight and rests a while. That made me feel better and since I had been in starvation mode for those weeks I just started eating more and low and behold 4lbs came off. If you start so low where do you have to go after that? I would have been like 800 calories? TO ME, and I am no expert or Dr. that is way too low. I also read that women shouldn't go below 1200 b/c it is unhealthy. I believe that. But this is what worked for me, for now. Believe me I'm not foolish enough to think that I wont be on here again crying about my newest plateau...but at least I'll get support again! lol Thanks guys, for caring. Poodles

Find another doctor. My reply ma be harsh because it's not six in the morning yet an I am up waiting to leave for the hospital. Yes today is the day I have surgery this morning. So maybe my reply is strong because I want so bad for this to work and not to be in too much pain. Travel Lady you can do this you are not that much older than me, I'm 54, a diabetic and on pressure medication, I have been through the years of up and down and working three times as hard because of bias, race, weight and sex. You can do this. I have been on the preop diet for 10 days and lost 10.5 pounds. Was it hard? You bet, never though I could not eat anything for almost two weeks but I did. The weight lost will make your knee surgery so much easier. Us older sisters tend to give people in authority too much power, get a second third and 4th opinion if you need to. This is not about failures but success. Keep me in your prayers and I'll let my sisters know how everything goes.

just got approved through UHC! surgery is scheduled for 12/16 with Dr. Keith Wright in San Antonio, TX! i'm looking to lose about 100 pounds and pre-op diet i've lost 10. i hate low carb!

I attended my info session 6/11 and just changed my initial consult from 7/22 to 6/19. I'm getting eager to start the process. I think due to my anticipated upcoming diet (physician monitored diet) I have been eating out of control. More proof that something big needs to change quickly.

Too all- it went well you really remember nothing! I woke up apparently talking about green beans and Ham my favorite foods and I told the nurse I had a dream about a cup of water lol I remember nothing. My throat is only a little irritated and I'm still loopy from the anesthesia lol Ohh and I got my date September 10!!!!

Well, I wanted the surgery this past summer (I'm a teacher) but my insurance wasn't going to come through in time...so we scheduled it for December 19 (Merry Christmas, right???). Since the summer I've been almost talking myself out of this whole thing. I got insurance approval in the mail today! Has anyone else gone back and forth with this? One day I feel like I want it and then the next I'm sure I can handle this 'disease' on my own. Please tell me others are as wishy-washy as I am!!! And how do I come to a final decision???

I got mine at the end of January. I was ready to go in November 2009, but I had to wait for the new year for my flex med insurance to kick in. If I could have done it in November I would have! I gained 10 pounds over the holidays and if I would have had my band, I probably would've lost 10. I'm 7 months in and I've lost about 64 pounds. Go for it, girl!!

I was banded 4 Jan 10, and I don't think I could have went through an eval like you all. Of course I am in South Korea and all I was concerned was, how much and how long does it take and finally when can we do it. Yep those were my only questions. Only pre surgery was cholesteral level was high-he prescribed some meds on 4 Dec and by 4 Jan my surgery date, my level was ok. My wife and her sister coordinated my surgery due to language barrier, but the doc's and staff do speak English-yes. One Great Doc and fabulous staff too I might add. Recently had my 4th fill, and I expected to pay but guess what--it was free, love my doc's and staff. Oh I was allowed to eat up untill 1200 mid-night the night prior to my surgery. I went with the family to OUTBACK'S and had steak and salad. MY LAST GOOD MEAL! So I thought. Even banded, one can enjoy some dining, but at a much smaller scale-like a cup here and there of one or two items. Still not bad. The band helps curb the appetitie and when restriction is evident, you know it. At one point in my journey I tested the limits and not surprized, the band won-my bad. I am now enjoying my band, I love my band, and I do weight myself every morning. If I splurge some on eating, I don't get discouraged and resort back to the basics-soups, mushies, and solids. It's all control, willingness, and determination. One Key word discribes all Journey's= PATIENCE. Be patient and don't become discouraged if weight loss does not happen-it will happen, so don't worry. Best of luck on your journey and have fun, enjoy and be happy. Your on the right track to living a fuller life. ken

I was banded June 29, 2009 and I have over lost 110 pounds. I am so amazed at how well this band has worked with me. I fit in better now with the people I hang out with and work with. I always hated even dreaded having to buy clothes for a body that weighed in at over 250 pounds nothing looks or feels good on. I now have to be good as I spend all my money on clothes now. I am a size 10/12 and like to wear my clothes roomy. I think it is because my clothes were always so tight on me before. I have maintained my loss now for many months and I still need to look at myself twice when I walk by a mirror. I really do like what I see. I also feel great. No more pills, no pains in legs or knees, no more sleep apnea, no headaches. I am living the LB high life. Best wishes to all. imaluckydog

I was banded on yesterday.. Honestly I haven't had a whole lot of discomfort as of yet.. I was instructed to walk every hour for 10 minutes.. My husband set alarms. He has been my doctor at home.. I used the heating pad on my shoulder , a lil pain there.. I'm not sure if the fact that I am taking the pain pill every four hours on time is why I'm not really feeling the gas pain that others talk about.. It's like I'm waiting for it. I ended up having a hernia repair also... So far so good so good looking forward to the next phases.

i know EXACTLY how you feel. my surgery is 10-25-2013 so im right behnd you. it took a few weeks after setting my surgery date to open up about it family and friends. when i finally did it was over dinner (big mistake) my grandma, who is a very important person in my life and i use to talk to daily, was telling me how she thinks im going to fail at it and stadrted pointing out my plate i was eating at the moment.... it broke my heart but made me more motivated to do this right and be healthy. if i were you i would seriously consider finding someone else to be there for you after surgery.... you do not need to deal with that kind of negativity when you are trying to heal.

I get banded 10-22-13 i couldn't be more happy about my decision. It took me a year to get approved with many disappointing road block but I fought back and I've won my trophy!!! Now, I didn't want to tell a soul about my band because my gamy are very competitive and critical. I posted a lapband hashtags well, I'm caught red handed. So people know. Some are supportive and have thousands of questions and some are critical with millions of insults. One being my big sister. :-(( u Sadden because she is suppose to be the one with me the day of surgery. My mom had to work and I refuse to change the date. She has become very hateful she won't look me in the face and she even gives me bad looks. What's going to happen after the surgery I fear? I need a buddy. I will be there for anyone the same. I don't care where ya stay. I'm in need of a friend.

I will try and provide some anecdotal experience around cross fit to answer your question. In addition to this online approach to cross fit, there are usually 1-3 cross fit gyms in a local area. Usually these gyms will be open gym format and like to cater to military, police and fire departments. They are also open to anyone who is interested in a really challenging workout regimen. Most cross fit gyms require all members to take a foundation class with a group or a PT set of sessions to become familiar with the exercises and equipment before participating in a group setting. This can be waived of course if you demonstrate proficiency from previous cross fitting. Usually this will cost about 100. Typically, the cross fit routine involves a WOD (work out of the day) that is different every single day and is designed to push your individual athletic ability. You are side by side with a group of others doing the WOD going as hard and as fast as you can. It is intense and will challenge you because every time you personally strive to better your results. Usually a monthly membership will cost about 120. My gym dues are 150 a month. Some gyms also let you pay per session, but this is usually more expensive. When finished with a WOD you record it on the board and in a notebook so you can have a record of all your progressions. You are competing with yourself for more reps, faster time not with the others even though you will all be doing the same workout. You will be pushed to the extreme, heart rate soaring sweat flowing and sometimes a little blood (not seen myself). These workouts give you real results not to bulk up, but to become a high end athlete. A workout of the day might involve Olympic lifts, squats, burpies, rope climbs, handstand pushups, 1 mile sprints, pull ups, push ups, etc. I think there are probably 100s of different exercises that are available to build billions of different WOD combinations. For this reason, I wanted to become technically proficient with a PT before participating in an open gym with a group of others. That is just my decision because I am a relatively new lifter and want to prevent injury and also learn how to be successful in the WOD groups session. I paid for 18 PT sessions up front ( about 700) and it is entirely worth it. I am learning so much plus I have a PT who is really challenging me on technique and on becoming stronger. She is great. There are a few WOD I have posted here on VST. For example, 2 mile sprint followed by heavy squats for 2 minutes, repeat 4 x. Some guys are there 6 days a week. I think this is possible because most WOD are HIIT and not strictly lifting. However, I have seen some of these guys do a 1 rep of 500 lb Olympic lift and they are not body builders. Incredible! So I guess I am saying that the cross fit gym can be both for HIIT cardio and lifting outside of regular exercising. Again, you (anyone) will really enjoy the challenges and results of cross fit. I hope you (everyone) decide to join. You will have a number of friends on VST that will share in your successes. So far, I think I have counted about 10 that have said they cross fit with 2-3 really involved in it. I am sure there are many more that have not posted heir cross fit experiences and results. My results from cross fit are similar to Aarons, but not quite as far along. I hope to reach these types of results in about 4 months. You can be the judge at the end of the 4 months.

Hi - I am going to Mexico to have my surgery on 8/28 (Dr. Ortiz) I'm planning to have my fills in Southern New Jersey - there is a fill center in Mount Laurel (look up fillcenter.com) -- it's about 10 miles from Philly. If you're in Northern NJ a few good fill doctors are mentioned somewhere here in Manhattan who will take Mexico patients. Danielle

Roxanne, it takes a few days to get back to feeling normal. I was banded 10 days ago and with each day you just feel better and better. Also, you can take in more Fluid each day too - like the other replies it is usually swelling that stops you getting in too much for the first few days. Good Luck Glenda Banded 29 July Dr James Ritchie - Sydney Australia

I wanted to go the route of least invasive and least down time. I also thought that if there's a problem 5, 10, or 15 years down the line, they may have come out with another equally less invasive procedure to perform. I would really like to keep all of my anatomy. I also am young and plan on having a family someday, so it's important that I could still lose weight now, but have the possibility when pregnant to remove part of the saline to allow for adequate nutrition. I also considered the actual weight loss aspect. Although gastric usually loses more weight at a faster pace initially, there is a chance of regaining after 18 mths-2 years (when the body learns how to reabsorb) if you did not learn to eat properly. The band causes you to change your eating from the start and also requires less nutritional supplements.

Good luck! I'm headed in for pre-op tomorrow. My first real appointment with the surgeon was back in September and I didn't get my official approval until early December. It takes a while but I can't wait to have my surgery complete. I go in Monday morning at 8:30am and surgery is set for 10:30!

Does anyone know if a patient has been denied surgery due to not losing enough weight during pre-op diet? I ask because I gained about 10# during the holiday since turning in my health questionnaire. So far I'm following pre-op to a t but will probably weigh the same as listed in the health q I filled out 2 months ago.

Mine was almost an exact replica of this but add 10 minutes of making sure I understood the sleeve was permanent.

I was banded on 1/10/08 and my post op is not until 1/28/08. They said I cannot drive until after that, so looks like 18 days! You're not the only one. I was also planning on going back to work after a week, but my doc has other plans!

hi my name is linda. i was banded 10/26/07.immeditly lost 20lbs.and have been 215-220. i was down 2 more today.im hoping im going to be on the move down again.my next goal is 200.ill be 53 on my next bd.ive always been heavy.even as a child.my family and i moved from li ny 8/89 to everett wa .dr.macdonald @nw did my band.even though its been slow going im glag had it done.everyone have a great evening

I am .....I'll just say my plate is full. I feel like I don't have anything to give to anyone else right now. I feel like I am eating everything. few string beans, 2 bites of beef...golf ball 8:30am granola bar 11am brownie sundae 1:30 asian salad 2:10 cereal, fried chicken thigh5:45 grape mike and ike candy 6:30 piece of eckridge sausage and fruit 9pm Bed 12pm Again it is not a meal. I am scared to weigh in this evening. The weekend was so full I did not walk. Sat morning ran errands to begin DD hair for school. I was so tired I went to bed early. Got up early to volunteer and came home to continue to hair. Washed clothes and then she took a nap so I cooked dinner. She got up and I finished her hair but I kept going back for another piece of beef. Yesterday I do go to TTC so I am happy about that.

I've been down the last month or so because my weight didn't seem to be moving. I was following the doctors orders, doing what I was suppose to, but the scales were not moving. Then last week all of a sudden I came to realize geez my pants are falling down, my shirt feels bigger. The scales weren't moving, but the inches were. I purchase some summer shorts and capri's in 14's and 12's - holy cow, WOW!! A XL in the ladies section is to big, I need a large. Yesterday the hubs and I went to the mall to finish getting what we needed to our Florida vacation in a few weeks. I tried on a new pair of flip flops and was standing in the mirror looking at them. It took a second for it to register I was looking at my leg- OMG- it's not huge. I look nice. I am sliming down all over. When heading to the store I was tell the hubs- last year at this time I was poured into my 20/22 capri's and wearing a 2XL shirt; yesterday I had on a pair of 14 shorts that are loose in the waist and a size large ladies t-shirt. Wow- this has worked, I did it. I have lost weight. I feel good. At the start of this journey I said I would be happy to get to a size 12/14, well I am here. But, now I am thinking a 8/10 would be nice. Me in an 8/10 WOW- what a thought. I never imagined that could happen and I could still eat good food. I don't feel like I am being deprived or eating rabbit food. I eat the same things I have always loved, just less of it. I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. The only thing I could totally go for that I really should avoid is a slice of Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake. Most likely I will get one for my anniversary (we got engaged there), but I will likely eat it over a few days vs at one time or share it with the hub. So for anyone reading this just starting out or hasn't been banded yet, good news, you can loose weight and still eat good food. It's possible to have it all!!! Today I am on top of the world!!

Makes heaps of sense! I find the term "emotional eating" a very annoying overused excuse for people not taking responsibility for their own behaviours - which as you rightly point out means identifying learned eating patterns that are not helpful. Tying it up neatly to "I saw my dog get run over wehn I was 10 so I cant help but eat to squash my anger and misery" is just too easy. Admitting "this is a behaviour that I can control" is not so easy. But people dont seem to realise that controlling it by degree is an achievement too! We dont have to totally obliterate every bad eating behaviour, we just have to try to make enough difference to our intake and enough difference to our output to reach a new balance. Its not an all or nothing thing. How disappointing about the newborn analogy though. A bottle? Tsk tsk. What's wrong with a breast? Sorry, lifelong member of the milk mafia here.

My surgery date was August 7, 2006 but now it is cancelled.:cry I got a call on Friday morning at 11am stating the doctor was not feeling well. They are gonna try to reschedule my surgery but they don't know when. Maybe August 10 or 11, or maybe August 28, 2006. I am so disappointed. I finally came to turns with the surgery and now this. I am self pay so I have paid the surgeron and just this morning I went and got the cashier's check for the surgery center. Now no surgery date. I have a $9200.00 cashier's check made out to the surgery center and I don't even no when or if I will get to have the surgery. I made all the arrangements for work and now this. I am on call 24 hours a day Monday thur Friday and every 3rd weekend so this has really messed my schedule up. I don't know if I will be able to find some to cover for me because they may have vacations planned. I am also on schedule to be on call the Labor Day Weekend :cry . I will have to wait until Monday to find out when they will be able to do surgery. I know they couldn't help this but I just had everything in place for Mondayk. Plus I have travel plans to Las Vegas on September 28, 2006 and I was hoping to be healed and eating by then:mad: So now I must wait on the surgeon's office to call and let me know if it will be August 10 or 11 or August 28. If it is August 28 I will have to make a decision to have or not to have.