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That's great to hear Chelle. I didn't have my first fill until Jan, so if you are still feeling good and not eating much then you don't need it. If I remember correctly they do start us off with a 2ml fill. Big congrats on your weight loss. Did you stay at the B&B in the middle of the country and have the famous steak at the pub?

Hi there, I 've been sincerely enjoying your messages so much. So I thought tonight I would stop lurking and introduce myself. I am now at day 4 post-op and day 18 into my liquid diet. So far I am doing perfect plus I have lost 15lbs. I am so excited to be back into bandland after a year without a functioning band. I pray all here will have a great exsperence and all of us will far exceed our goals to loss weight and run from our food bondage. I look forward to getting to know more of you and gaining your support as well. Sincerely,:clap2:

I had lapband in NYC April 2006. Lost 50 lbs (2 fills) in first 6 months, then no loss over the last year (no fills). I have moved (to Martha's Vineyard) and need to find a closer place to get fills. Who is good in Boston or Providence area? I'd appreciate recommendations. Thanks.

you are so lucky you got to start solids on week 3, I had to wait till week 5. OOO wheeee! I tell ya, nothing like good ole solid foods, never thought I would say that! Enjoy experiementing and great job on your weight loss

I think that rewarding yourself for the progress you have already made it a GREAT idea. YOu are going through the same thing that we do through before the band, right. Lose 40 pounds and not cheat once on weight watchers. work out everyday and then..... from no where comes the loss of motivation. and over the next 6 months the weight comes back. Here's my advice..... thank God for the band and band police...... Make a pact with yourself that you will put protien in your body first then treats. Only cheat on days your exercise....... that sounds like pre band days advice too. I think it must be in the head. I was banded on wednesday and I have not been hungry yet..... But head hunger.......oh how i just want burgers and steaks and good food. I am working on my food addiction. I will overcome it........ people beat addictions everyday. I am using the band as a tool to help me beat this food addiction. It has controlled me for 15 years.... I think that being banded is a great tool but I also think that demons that got us to need the band in the first place do not disappear..... We must work out our demons........ url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/] [/url]

I want to congratulate you on your astounding weight loss. I'm truly amaze and impressed. In my almost 5 months post surgery, I've lost 36 pounds. So, whatever your doing is really working for you!! I cannot imagine running so soon after your surgery, when did you start? You certainly are a motivator. I have been thinking about your post since I read it last night. Keep up the great work. Shawn

I would definitely let the doctor know about her behavior, and that she is affiliated with a wt loss program in another hospital. Her opinion is clouded concerning WLS since this is the case. That cloudy judgement is definitely portrayed with the personal attacks on you in saying that you can just lose wt again with dieting.....the only reason she's there is to make sure you're not doing this to compensate for something else that's not going to improve with this type of surgery. Anyway, that's my soapbox. I'm glad you got through that without losing hope and patience. Don't let one quack end your journey. Good luck.

Fisrt fill is set for 4-20-04. already lost 45 lbs. I'm glad it's coming off but hope it's not to fast. anyone else loss that fast? is it ok?.... been feeling ok, but feels like i have a blockage. a lot of heart burn type pain all the time. i have been strickly follwing the Dr.'s orders with regards to what type of food, liquids, mush ect... I figure i'm lucky and can just feel the band... very happy i'm losing started at 338 down at 293 on the way to 240

Sooo happy for your happiness. This is what it's about, take the good with the bad and keep it moving!!! Learn along the way, some people are so depressing it will drive you CRAZY. Now I understand why some require the psych examine. Way to go on your weight loss and I pray your 97lbs is a success. Congratulations

wow Babs, you're doing brilliantly! congratulations for making it through the first four months so successfully - Pleeeeeeeeese post some pics soon - 60lbs loss must look amazing! So happy for u!

WOW Your weight loss is amazing! I remember how it felt to lose that much weight (but that was before my band, back when I was taking those over the counter diet pills, and of course when I stopped taking them...I pretty much gained it all back!). It must feel good to lose that much weight the right way...with propper diet and excercise, knowing that you've made a positive life change. I can't wait to lose my weight again, but doing it right this time :cool: Congratulations! You really have inspired me. ~Amber~

I went to the doctor for a check-up last week now that I'm six months out and have lost some weight. Insulin resistance: gone! High cholesterol: gone! Borderline high blood pressure: gone! I'm ecstatic! I hope to lose considerably more weight than I have so far for the sake of my appearance and overall well-being, but even if I don't, I will consider myself a successful bandster from here on out. What scared me into taking this major step to aid my weight loss was that I saw that I was beginning to develop signs that my health would truly suffer if I didn't lose weight. It's all about health. Nancy

Hi Shana, I had my first fill in August. They gave me 1.00 CC. I came home and felt hungrier than when I went there. I called my doc and told him that I wanted another fill immediately. I came back the following week and they took me to 1.75 where I stayed for 3 months. In November I had another fill to 2.00 and a month ago I had another fill to 2.25. I just had one of my highest weight loss months at 10 lbs lost. Before the fill, I was averaging 8 pounds a month. So if your doc is cooperative, try to see if he will bump it up some to give you the restriction you are looking for. You have to be proactive and write down what you are able to eat in a diary. This will give them a better idea what kind of restriction you have. Babs in TX 334/241/180 -93 6/23/03

hi Bradi! Congrats on your weight loss!What do you eat during the day?As i'm writing this it's lunch time and i am eating a beef jerky strip(what I really wanted was a McChiken x-tra mayo! ) I have half an hour for lunch so I tend to eat at my desk.I don't have alot of restriction and i am sick of eating the same stuff all the time. Good job!! Chantal

IS this what you are looking for? Most of those exchange diets are for diabetics if I am not mistaken. I found this one - The American Diabetes Association and Dietetic Association have developed a system of food exchanges that work well in the treatment for diabetes. You can now find the food pyramid on most products you buy in your local grocery store. Usually found on the side or back panel. These guidelines are not to be substituted for your complete regime. Consult with a registered dietician as your physician instructs you to. meats. The exchange groups for meat and cheese are categorized by lean meat (55 cal) and low fat substitutes, medium-fat meat (75 cal) and substitutes, and high fat (100 cal). Exchange sizes on the meat list are generally one ounce and based on cooked meats (three oz of cooked meat equals 4 oz of raw meat) These Proteins are found in meats, fish poultry, cheese, eggs, milk, dried Beans, legumes and some nuts. Starches and Bread. Each exchange contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates; 3 grams of Protein, and a trace of fat for a total of 80 calories serving size may vary. A general rule is that 1/2 cup of cooked Cereal, grain, or Pasta equals one exchange and one ounce of a bread product is one serving. Vegetables. (25 cal) are 1/2 cup cooked, 1 cup raw, and 1/2-cup juice. Each group contains 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and between 2 to 3 grams of Fiber. Vegetables can be fresh or frozen, canned low sodium is also acceptable. Fruit has about 15 grams of carbohydrates for a total of 60 calories. The serving size varies. Example ½ of banana is one exchange, 1 small orange is 1 exchange.Milk is usually one cup or 8 oz. For those who are on weight-loss or low-cholesterol diets, the skim and very low-fat milk lists should be followed (90 cal). Fats store in the body for extra calories for in the future. A fat exchange is (45 cal) usually varies in serving size. Avoidance of saturated fats and choose polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats instead. Fats are found in margarine, butter, oils, nuts, meat fat, and dairy products. Free foods. Sugar free soda, black tea and coffee, sugar free Gelatin, and I cup of raw lettuce.It is very rarely recommended for anyone that is diabetic unless instructed by a physician to go on a 1200 cal ADA diet. The following is a list of how many exchanges from each group is needed for the calories listed above. Cal 1200 1500 1800 2000 2200 Bread 5 8 10 11 13 Meat 4 5 7 8 8 Veg 2 3 3 4 4 Fruits 3 3 3 3 3 Fats 2 3 3 4 5 Milk 2 2 2 2 2 Sample Daily Exchange for 1500 Calorie ADA (Diabetic Diet)Using common sense and the above exchange list you can figure out how many you need for each exchange. Never skip a meal or save up your exchanges for another meal. Example: 1 hamburger is 2 starches, 1 meat, 1 fat, 1 vegetable if with the works. (Based on a 3oz patty) 1500 Calories sample Break lunch dinner Snack Bread/ 2 2 2 1 Meat 0 2 3 0 Vege 0 1 2 0 Fruits 1 0 1 0 Fats 1 1 2 0 Milk 1 0 0 1 DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your health provider. It should be re-emphasized that nothing herein should be considered medical advice. Diabetic exchange diet Hope this helps!

HI! I'm almost 4 weeks out and starting to feel better.. When did you start working out and what did you do?

There is a support group at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Woodlands that meets once a month. It is for anyone who has had any type of WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) so there is a combination of folks with the lap-band and folks who have had RNY. It's a very nice group of folks that share experiences, successes, ideas and information. Here are the details: Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery Support Group Memorial Hermann Hospital - The Woodlands DATE: 3rd Wednesday of each month TIME: 6:30pm - 7:30pm ADDRESS: Memorial Hermann Hospital 9250 Pinecroft Drive The Woodlands, TX ROOM: Conference Room, 1st floor CONTACT: Linda Nelson, 281-364-2458

I was just curious to see if anyone got banded, met their goal weight, had a TT and then lost their band? If so, were you able to maintain the weight loss?

I haven't told too many. Just really close friends and family-- Parents, Neighbors that are like family, couple other friends and my hair stylist (I can tell her anything) I haven't told my cousins, aunts and uncles or even my grandmother. Just think they would be too judgemental. I will eventually tell them but I just want to give my self the chance to make the band work and to work on myself. The ones who know have been very supportive and it helps that I can share my experience with a few.

I am not sure if this post belongs here but I am just looking to get somethings out and this site has always been very helpful and you all seem very understanding. I have been thinking about weight loss surgery for years now (I worked in a plus size womens clothing store and it felt like everyday I met someone new who had surgery) and I finally think I am ready to go through with it. I have been to a few info seminars to get an idea of what the surgery was all about and to check out a few different doctors. I have also been reading this site for sometime now (thanks for all the great info) I went to my primary doctor this weekend and I am going to make the appointments for my psychiatric evaluation and some other test within the next few weeks so I am now well on my way. I am not close to having a date set but I am still nervous as all heck as I make my way closer to the end. I think my biggest problem right now is I dont have much of a support system to talk about my fears and nervousness with. My family is supportive but they dont understand what its like to be fat all there lives and the one person that I know has my back and understands everything I am dealing with just moved to another country and its not easy not being able to just call and say "I am going crazy" and she would be there in an second. I wont let any of this hold me back because I know I need to do this for MYSELF and no one else but everyday is a struggle one way or the other. Sorry for the rant and babble! :cry

Hello Everyone...First time on this site and still trying to navigate through all this very helpfull info!!! I'm scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, August 14 and am very nervous but quite anxious to finally be able to proceed forward with this banding "tool" for weight loss!!!:clap2: I do have a question...my most recent labs suggested that I am low on magnesium. Does anyone have any comments on magnesium levels? Thanks!

That is something I think about, the erosion, and causes. I know we are limited but for it to wear out like that. I think if it happened to me, I would not put a new one in for awhile. my weight loss has been swift and before I had lapband done, (6 days ago). The surgery you mention must really be new if insurances aren;t covering, but I always have assumed if its for health reasons and your doctor would vouch for you, they would cover. I wish you well on your decision , keep us updated! Bert

I went a seminar in Sept 06. Called my insurance co. Oct. 06 and ask what was needed for approval. Made a list as they dictated the info necessary for approval. Went to my family practice MD with my list. He scheduled my sleep apnea test, stress test, chest x-ray, blood work, and gave sent my medical records for past 5 years that showed my many attempts at weight loss and my health issues with BP, arthritis, back pain, family history of heart and stroke issues. He also sent a letter of recommendation for the surgery. My neurosurgeon that I went to for back pain also gave me a letter of recommendation for the weight loss surgery at my request. This all took 6 months to complete only because the dietician and the psych visits had to be scheduled by the weight loss clinic as well as the videos and questionaires. I was told I needed additional blood work to rule out bacteria in the stomach. It took two more weeks for that(actually 10 days). I was approved on March 23, 2007 and had surgery the following Thursday March 29, 2007. Hope all this makes sense. Good luck with your adventure!

So she's stated her opinion. She doesn't think you have time to devote to successful weight loss after a sleeve. Now it's your turn to state YOUR opinion. You are informed, committed, and ready to move forward. Since you know yourself considerably better than she does, your opinion is the one that matters. You got to this point with the input from your physician. How dare they second guess the both of you. Stand up strong against this woman. She's wrong and you know what you want!! Tell her and the rest of the team this is right for you.

Hi Jacksbanster, I was banded back in 2004 and weight loss was great. I went from 322 pounds to 140 pounds. In 2010 my band seem to stop working and i started to gain weight (plus I stopped following the bandster rules) but that is because again I didn't feel I had the control the band gave me originally. Anyway, after gaining 60 pounds I was fed up and decided to investigate if others where experiencing the same thing with the band and if there were other options out there for me to look into. So I did a lot of reading and research and found out about the plication surgery. So I met with my Lap Band doctor and he told me more about this new investigational surgery called Plication. Fast forward, I had the surgery Dec 8th 2011. The surgery was a success, recovery was a breeze, the liquid diet was hard, but I got through it. My first post op visit I had lost 8 pounds. Then I got walking pneumonia and had to go on prednisone - this made me ravenously hungry and of course I regained all the weight I had lost back. I was so disappointed and frustrated that I wanted to die. But my doctor told me that prednisone is know for weight gain and I'll get back on track soon. So fast forward, my next appointment with him I had only lost 4 pounds which did not make me happy because before I had lost 8 and now I was starting all over and at a slower pace. It is now Feb 16th 2012 and I've not gotten on the scale because I don't feel like I've lost any weight. All my clothing fits the same and I just don't see any change and I've not weighed myself since my last fill. I've had two fills since my plication surgery and I'm still hungry (more than) I thought I would be with the band and the plication. This is a different experience than when I had the lap band surgery, the lap band surgery had the weight come off very quickly. I didn't even have to think about dieting I just wasn't hungry. With this surgery (albeit it is a revision of the previous band, new band with more capacity, and the plication) I'm not as pleased as I had expected. With all that said I think my expectations need to be adjusted. I wonder if people who have had the band and have had some type of complication with it (slippage, erosion, etc) it the pouch that is above the stomach is premanently stretched out of shape. I don't have the answer I just know that the experience is not the same. I'm having to really monitor what I eat and exercise everyday. So I eat around 900 to 1000 calories a day, and I exercise on the stairmaster for an hour/ or I go for a jog. I know that I need to incorporate some weight training but I'll just have to get to it when I can. As for your questions above: How was your recovery? Recovery was great. The first couple of days there was a little pain but after that it was a breeze. How soon did you go back to work? Surgery was on a Thursday I went back to work on the following Wednesday. Do you follow a low carb diet? I followed the liquid diet they put me on for about 4 weeks. Since then I've tried everything - right now I'm basically eatting lean cuisines or smart ones. But I think I'm going to try a one week Medi fast - we will see. Right now I'm so hungry between meals I doubt if I can pull that one off. Have you had to have any fills in your band? Yes I've had 2 fills since my surgery and they don't seem to have made that much of a difference. The doctors, are being cautious because they don't want me to get too tight and have another band slippage.. I understand that but in the meantime I wish I had more restriction. How is your hunger level? Higher than I thought it would be. But if I try to stay on an eat every 4 to 5 hour schedule I do okay. How much can you eat before you feel "full" If I allowed myself I could eat a lot. The think is I count every calorie that goes into my mouth. I use www.fatsecret.com they have an incredible food database - almost everything you can put into your mouth in in their database, So that helps. I hope that my story has helped you and I will keep you informed on my progress - I hope that you will do the same. Regards, Willowsdoweep