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Having this Lapband was one of the BEST decisions i ever made. I am feeling great. and losing weight, I've dropped about 58 lbs to date. Haven't had any issues at all. sometimes if i eat too fast, i do get "stuck", i've even slimed for a few minutes. But it is teaching me to be more careful. i don't spend much time on the website anymore, and actually I don't spend much time on the Internet, I am too busy going to the gym, hiking in the woods, laughing and playing...... I am in the proccess of getting my body in enough shape so that next year at this time, i will be able to ride a bike to and from work (30 miles round trip) a few days a week. i am in NO hurry to lose this weight. I'll take what i get....... The band won't work on it's own........ but the Band and I make a pretty good team.......

I've had my first appt w/ ekg and was told it was abnormal and i need to come in tomorrow for a stress test. now i'm freaked out that i won't be eligible if it's not good. but i need to lose some weight for my heart to work properly, right? Has anyone been declined for a bad stress test? And is there anything I can do to ensure it goes well? i'm scheduled march 18. thanks, everyone...sharon

I'm so excited..I went to my surgeon's office for my post op visit and I'm down 13 pounds! Kind of nervous cuz my weight loss stalled a little bit, but excited that I lost weight! Going July 8 for my first fill....still really nervous about that, but you guys have made me feel alot better! Thanks for listening! Take care!

Congrats I was band on 11/2 I loss only 4lbs in 3weks but haven't gain that's good and bad I think Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I haven't posted in a while and realized it's been 3 months today since my sleeve! Life has been so different since surgery. I was exhaustes all of the time until about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Now I have all kinds of energy. I've been exercising since about week two. I ride my bike or walk. That's the extent of my exercise. I've lost pretty consistently since surgery, averaging 2 pounds a week. I'm eating approximately 800-1000 calories a day and at least 70 grams of protein. I still drink shakes-at least one a day, and sometimes 2. I still struggle to get water in. I'm lucky to get 24 ounces a day. I went from a tight size 18 pants to a loose 14. I even fit in a size 12 last weekend. Everyone tells me how young I look now. I'm not used to all the attention that I get, and it makes me quite uncomfortable. But it's to be expected. I'm so glad I did the surgery, and I'm even happier that hubby did it with me. Btw-he's down to 279 from 364!! HW 241 Pre Surgery Weight 3/1/18: 228 CW 182

Go you! Cycling is awesome. I used to cycle a lot before I gained so much weight. Can wait to get sleeved and lose enough to return to it! I will cycle vicariously through you for now. Good luck.

Ack! I seriously feel your frustration, kcg. I have lost about 30 lbs post op (all while starving), and had a fill last week that didn't do anything! I went into support group last night literally scowling because I'm actually pissed at my band that I am doing 150% of the work and it's not doing anything right now! I just want it to do it's job! Are you exercising? Doing cardio on a regular basis? I'd actually check with your nutritionist about doing any kind of diet while banded. I have heard some of these diets can do more harm than good, which is why the results are not typically long-term. Your next fill is 10 days away. Perhaps wait it out to see if the third time really is the charm and if not, you could talk to your surgeon and/or nutrition to get creative on how you can jump start the weight loss again? Please let us know what you decide. Hang in there!

Yes I now have 5.5 cc's in my band. I go for another fill on the 16th. I actually haven't seen the dr yet I have been seeing the the nurse that does my fills, but she did say I was doing good and that most people that come in have gained all there weight back from after surgery. I have basically been maintaining my weight it will go up and down just by like 3lbs. I was not eating right though and I think that's the problem. So yesterday I got back on track eating more protein drinking lots of water and working out at curves. So hopefully by my next appt day I will have lost a few more lbs. What have you been doing?

Program consists of a diet and exercise. If you dont follow it, of course you will gain weight. About a year or so the honeymoon period is over and your body learns how to re- absorb calories and work around your tool. And the sleeve, you can do that day one with sloder foods and eat around your sleeve. It is not a sure way to loose and keep it off. This isnt the easy way out as some think. You still have to put in work. Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

I'm doing OK! I'm a little tired of Protein drinks, so I think I'm going to order some of the unflavored protein and find other things to drink other than the milky chocolate/vanilla drinks... I'd like a savory choice I think! Maybe I'll get the Soups and just add more protein to it. I'm pleased with my weight loss, but I wish I could tell a difference... none of my clothes really fit any different, but my rings are big on me (and I've worn these rings when I was much skinnier!). I think my face is less swollen looking, but I'm positive that's because I'm off the carbs. The pains in the abdomen are so much better, almost back to normal there! How are you feeling other than the hiccups? How's your recovery going?

My port is just above the waist left hand side, and when i lydown is noticeble, when turn it seems to have a large lump up. Had lap banding sep 2006, my surgeon says is normal as lose more weight. Has anyone had this problem will it go away to speek with less or more fill, embaresed if get a new partner. Help:wub:

hello, i have had my band for 9 months, with no problems, 55 lb weight loss and have not had any fills, i was starting to get more reflux, and then finally a lot of pain on wed, turns out my stomach was obstructed, was able to have the old band 'tacked' back into place, which i was relieved, has anyone had this experience, and ultimately did you reach your goal?..i am nervous as i know the band is really not doing its 'job' right now, the doc said we could discuss a fill at the post op appt

Before and immediately after surgery, I had little nervousness, but my doctor did make me somewhat nervous. He had NO personality, but I kept making myself feel better by reminding that I wanted him to be my surgeon, not my cheerleader. I didn't want a buddy, I wanted someone qualified to cut me open. The first post-operative visit in the hospital was odd....he didn't say much and had a ton of residents with him--like 7 or 8! Even after that, my first two appointments were awkward. I had a complete change of heart at my 2nd fill when I was expressing some frustration and disappointment at not losing more weight. Much to my surprise, he was unbelievably supportive. I think it just took me opening up to figure out how much he had to offer. He's been great ever since. Once I allowed him "in", he used that opportunity to get to know me better. The moral? Tell your doctor you're nervous. I had no health issues at all--other than being overweight. I had no comorbities, other than weighing in at a hefty 304. Strange, I know...but it kept me from feeling like I had anything to worry about. If you're feeling nervous, tell your doctor. Go to a support group meeting if possible, and talk with people on here. Good luck! :redface:

I hope it goes ok for you after 8 fills. I have had 4 or 5 (or 6!!, I forget!) fills and have just gotten some restriction. However, I am not losing any weight yet. Dunno what's the matter. I finally have the portion size controled, doing ok with my water, getting the protein I need and fiber is ok. Eating protein first. Haven't been able to excerise, which I enjoy at this time of the year. No matter how bad Washington DC is, they have wonderful springs and Indian summers. I fractured an ankle and tore a couple of tendons (missed a step off my front deck at 4:30am, too dark to see. I finally got rid of the crutches but need the splint and sometimes an ace bandage. Somedays you just can't seem to catch that golden ring. Good thing I'm usually an upbeat person, otherwise, I think I could have stayed in bed for the past few weeks! Good luck! :)Laura

thank you guys so much. you're words, advice, and experience really helps me and it means a lot. thank you. i am really excited to see what life will bring with the weight loss. i've been heavy pretty much my entire life. probably starting around 12,13,14 somewhere in there. always husky and overweight with a belly. id say after highschool, college time, i really blew up. about 5 years ago i lost about 80lbs. kept it off for maybe a year. even then though i was still weighing around 265-270lbs. which is still a lot. you know? but back then i watched what i ate plus worked out 7 days a week for 1 year solid. but back then i was living at home, no wife, no kid, and only 1 mediocre job. now i got married have a baby bought a house and work 2 jobs so its like how can i work out??? i mean i know i shouldnt eat crap still but id say lack of exercise is my downfall and the fact that i have no time now. but still like i said there's no excuse for fast food like mcdonalds and chinese and soda and chips and icecream etc :'(

Thank you so much. I am going to try doing that for my eating habits and see if that helps. My sister even said to go on weight watchers and of course im thinking, FOR YEARS I have spent thousands of dollars on every weight loss program in the world to no avail, which is why I had ths surgery so I could for once and for all not have to do that. Here I am several months later looking the same. I am just hoping this next fill is the one.

I am not looking forward to the pre-op diet at all. One day at a time. Hope your back pain gets better. Bet getting the extra weight off is going to help in the long run.

WOW! what a ride. Much more than I expected. I am home. Trying to find something to drink that A. does not make my ankles swell. B. tastes tolerable.. I am still on the anitbiotics so I wonder if that is what makes every thing taste bad. Except S/F pudding. Sweet things taste OK. I am wanting something hot so I have been drinking herbal teas. Now, does any one have this swelling problem? Even with low sodium soups? Should I just make my own? seems such a waste as I can eat/drink only 1 or 2 oz at a sitting. The Experience was quite different. I really liked the care I recieved. If you choose Dr. Almanza. I would suggest the option of the hotel. I did not care for the recovery house. Here is why. rooms are small/tiny. no air conditioning. barking dogs outside. one shared bathroom upstairs. food is prepared down stairs for all. When you cannot eat that is hard to deal with. My hubby stayed there the two nights I was in the clinic/hospital. When I was to come out, he got us into the Hotel. I was concerned as I would not have a nurse, but, the fine staff brought me my meds and juices and teas and all was perfect. Hubby got American TV (baseball and football) He could go down stairs and get any food and drink he wanted. American newspapers, with sunday funnies. The Hotel provided free popsicles, soups, yogurts for me. Our room had two queen sized beds all soft and comfy. I had a table to sit and drink my meals, LOL. The hallway was safe/great to walk around for exercize. Walked at 12 and 2 AM one time, and, I got up to three times around before I left. The last night there I felt good enough to get dressed and go down for dinner. The Chef made me special soup, chicken broth blended with mashed potatoes. It tasted yummy. I am sure that is where the sodium overload started, but I loved that soup, all 1/4 cup of the huge bowlful they gave me..God I am still food obsessed, LOL I am sure the staff at the house does all this also. The nurse from the Clinic that did my IV came to the hotel and removed my drain tube. He was so good. (thanks again Edgar) I also had Sevier (on staff at house) come and give me a massage. He is excellent. My back was hurting and my right leg was numb from laying on my back for so long, so, he was a pleasant relief. Could not talk Hubby into massage, heehee. Overall my rating for the experience is an 8. (1 to 10) Here are my reasons for 2 points off. I would have liked to see the hand cleaning stations on the wall inside the rooms. I would have liked the appratias used to come in sealed bags that the nurses opened in front of me. I would have liked the nurses to put on gloves and dispose of them in my room. I wish the cleaning crew would come in after each shower and disinfect. I was lucky to be first both days. I hated (one full point off here) the drive clear across T.J to get the Xray Leak test done. yes, I understand the necessity, I still hated that dam trip.There was a parade outside the lab, so surreal. I know some go shopping and do stuff on their 3rd day, just not for me. I was finally ready on the 5th day. Felt good and upbeat. Finally felt good about what I had done. Met a lady that was escorting two friends having sleeves. (Canadian) She was 7 months out and looks soo cute. She is 5'7 and 165ish, So I have revised my goal to that. It has been so long since I was a "normal" weight I did not have a realistic goal in my head. I was 240 at weigh in, but 245 when I left. All the liquid retension I guess. Dr. Almanza got snippy with me under surgery,....I am a Moley person lots of raised moles. He asked my hubby for permission and they removed 4 from my lower mid section. Love that. Extra stiches, but who cares? Thinking of that,,,, did any of you remove your own stiches? Did that go OK? Gotta do that on the 25th or so.:crying: So, that is my experience. Great, positive and LOVED the staff/people I delt with.. My hubby even liked it. He got to talk with several couples and Dr's about this whole deal and got a MUCH better attitude towards my weight. He is much more supportive in a positive way, for that I am truly grateful. If I need any futher surgery, IE: tummy tuck, etc. I would go back there. But, I would drive straight to the Hotel and be picked up from there. Marriot, TJ. Hope that does not turn anyone off to this deal, it is the best. The nurses I had were so darn caring and good at their jobs. Ricardo was my assigned personal support staff. He spoke very good english and tried very hard to accomdate all my wishes. It all went well for me, hope it does for you where ever you choose to go. Just do not be afraid to get-r-done. Onward and Downward---weightwise:thumbdown::001_tongue:

Thank you for replying. I was thinking exactly the same thing you posted! I know there are bandsters who prefer low carb because the weight comes off quicker but I just gain it back once I eat something with "bad carbs". I guess I need to just a smaller amount of starchy carbs like Pasta so then when it swells, it won't stretch the pouch.

I was told by my nutritionist that bread and pasta do swell when they get wet and they can stretch the new pouch at first. Once the pouch is settled and adhesions have formed its OK. But they still recommended that protein come first then add a little starch. Once you're on solid proteins and are getting veggies and fruit (except for celery and carrots which are too fibrous), then if you're experiencing hunger and your meals aren't lasting, then add the higher fiber carbs. Protein is so important for healing and for getting the most important nutrients while you're losing weight that it has to come first and make up the majority of your diet. If you don't get enough you will lose muscle instead of fat.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Lymphedema in my lower legs. My cankles (how I call them) were huge and my calves soon became extremely large- I saw the vascular surgeon and he referred me for therapy- I went EVERYDAY for 2 weeks for banding and then wore compression stockings every day- Once the compression stockings started getting stuck where my legs meet my foot they told me I needed something more at night- ( I was wearing my stockings from 7:30 am t0 7:30 pm) so I got these Reed sleeves- they are like boots for your calves and have pressure straps that go up mimicing the banding and stockings- They are very cumbersome and I hate them plus they fall off at like 2am only after being on for about 4 hours because the swelling goes down. I was told my problem was due to my having auto immune problems, thyroid cancer treatments and being over weight and that when I lost weight the swelling would get better- My question is that if any of you have lympnedema and how long if you were cured did it take? I know there is no "cure" so to speak you just manage it from becomming worse and worse but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO over it and am looking so forward to wearing skirts and sandles but am still too conscious of my lower legs to do so... HELP:cursing:

Did you have surgery with the doctor knowing you thought you might have candidiasis systemic enough to cause you to alter your diet? I was told if you are thought to have any ongoing Candidiasis it had to be treated first. The "shock" of surgery can allow candidiasis to spread rapidly, especially if the surgery cause an infection that required antibiotics. If you think you have candidiasis please make sure to go to a doctor and have cultures done on the spots where you think you have it. You need to know for sure, because other serious problems are similar. Sorry its just that your post caught my eye. I had a friend thst nearly died to to mistreatment. They kept giving her antibiotics abroad. It was horrible. Talk about weight loss! She went from 5'1' 130 lbs to 72 lbs before she got any real help.

Got back from surgeon yesterday and found my liver is to big and is damaged from all of my med's. I have to lose 60 lbs before he will do the sleeve. He put me on the pre-op diet till I get my weight down. Has anyone had this problem?

As of march 23 I will have had my band 4 months. I have lost 39 pounds as of this morning sure hope i can lose one more pound by morning that will bring me to 40 pounds in four months. I had a fill last week and I think I hit my sweet spot at 5cc. Can someone tell me what the sweet spot feels like. I have to be very careful when I eat because my band is so tight. I have to take bite and weight for it to go down before taking another. staying full for about three four hours depending on what I have to eat. it is so weird to actually feel your food going into your stomach kinda freaky. thanks so much for all your good advice from those on this support group.