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Good job! I should follow in your steps as I've been stalled for a couple of weeks

:straight Just some thoughts that I have been having, I started to think about the lap-band 2 weeks ago, but my breaking point was Tues. 3/27/07 at the doctors office. I got on the scale and the nurse read my weight to me witch was 247 and I just wanted to cry. That is the heaviest that I have ever been. I was sitting in the doctor exam room thinking to myself that I should ask her about the lap-band, I was a bit nerves about asking but got the nerve to ask. What she said I was not happy about. With the many steps that have to follow before surgery, I wasn't so sure that I want to take all the steps. But as I get heavier the more I realize that I need help. So I have been on the Internet for 3 day studying the lap-band system, and how it works. I was thinking that the process would be a lot easier. As I read the information on the surgery, I find that you have to go thought many steps to get this done. I have found a date and time of a event that is close to me and I will attend this, in hopes to learn all that is needed to be learned. I know that it will not be easy to do this but with the help of my friends and family I think that this would be right for me. I will write in later to keep updated.

:straight Just some thoughts that I have been having, I started to think about the lap-band 2 weeks ago, but my breaking point was Tues. 3/27/07 at the doctors office. I got on the scale and the nurse read my weight to me witch was 247 and I just wanted to cry. That is the heaviest that I have ever been. I was sitting in the doctor exam room thinking to myself that I should ask her about the lap-band, I was a bit nerves about asking but got the nerve to ask. What she said I was not happy about. With the many steps that have to follow before surgery, I wasn't so sure that I want to take all the steps. But as I get heavier the more I realize that I need help. So I have been on the Internet for 3 day studying the lap-band system, and how it works. I was thinking that the process would be a lot easier. As I read the information on the surgery, I find that you have to go thought many steps to get this done. I have found a date and time of a event that is close to me and I will attend this, in hopes to learn all that is needed to be learned. I know that it will not be easy to do this but with the help of my friends and family I think that this would be right for me. I will write in later to keep updated.

My husband and I split 6 weeks ago. I guess it's taken me this long to admit that it's over. I have been asked if it's to do with the weight loss, but to be honest, the problems were there when I was big, and they didn't go away when I lost the weight (which I was hoping would happen - it's funny how you think losing weight will miraculously 'fix' what's wrong with your life). So here I am, at 40, single again. I am lucky to have a good job, am in the position to be able to buy over the family home, will have primary custody of my 4yo son, and sole custody of my 16yo son (from my 1st marriage), so it's not all bleak. I know this is the right thing for us, but being single again is scary, and not having been single for any longer than 3 months since i was 16yo, I feel like a fish out of Water, all of s sudden, not quite sure of what my new life entails. Anyhow, I would love to chat with others in the same boat, who can help guide me through the 'maze' of this change in my life.

Oh the dreaded three in one. You'll do great! Trust me!

By the way the cost is $1,500 double occupancy, for 1 week, ALL inclusive, EXCEPT air fare. It includes my workshops and all activities at the resort which includes two trips a day to the deeper reef for snorkeling. The shallow reef is the resorts backyard. It is so great one week will not seem like enough! Flights leave from Houston and Miami non-stop to Roatan. Continental airlines and I think another one is starting to fly there also) It is a short 11 1/2 hr. flight from there and both airports(HOU and MIA) are easy to fly into from any city in the US. The cost of my flight last year cost around $550 round trip from San Francisco.

The tighter your band gets, is it easier to get stuck?? I got stuck on everything for 3 weeks after my last fill and I'm afraid to go for another fill...just can't get this chew, chew, chewing down! I blame it on my adhd...I can't just sit down and eat, I have to be working, on the computer, watching tv, talking, etc.

So a little over two weeks ago I had surgery. So as of today I have lost 26lbs!! Holy crow. It kinda doesn't feel like it. Nothing fits but this stinky inbetween stage has got me only being able to wear three skirts, tops that are to big( boobs are like gone) and as my husband says my people of WalMart yoga pants : ) But for all of this I am doing the happy dance!!

Just thought I'd share this photo! I was so excited when I saw my x-ray today!!! I am having esophageal spasms so I had a barium swallow test done... You can see my spine in the background, and My itty bitty tummy is the tube that comes from behind it and gets darker at the bottom!!! I'm so happy with the way my surgeon cut my stomach, and my surgery experience itself has been great! 4 weeks out down 30 lbs!! Woohoo!!! God is Good!!

I think it's the thought of getting denied, the worry of the surgery itself, crazy kids, your friend (aunt flo) visiting this week.. We all feel/felt it! It can be a emotional roller coaster. Set your mind on a mission and focus!

Hello All! I'm Nanster. I was banded by Dr. Spivak 6 days ago in Houston, TX. The surgery itself was not so bad, but I was unaware of how "SICK" I would feel as I "detox'd" from my old way of eating. I planned to be banded Friday and return to work Monday...they told me "no problem"....WRONG....I felt like CRAPOLA for several days.:sick Each day has gotten a little better, thank the Lord. I guess my body has just been "crashing" from the reduction in calories, the lack of caffeine, the fact that my tissues were healing, etc. etc. I just wish I had been more aware that this was going to occur, rather than expecting "no big deal" for an outpatient procedure as was projected to me by the doctor, the surgery center staff and other "losers" I've met. Perhaps it's all my fault for not having gone to a low-calorie, no-caffeine diet ahead of time, but I was primarily told to go off "whites"-flour, sugar, Pasta, rice, potatoes. I'm having difficulty getting enough calories in right now. I'm "full" before I even start!!! I don't have ANY desire to eat and feel full with an "empty" stomach. I have to push to drink Water, broth, soup. I tried some grits this morning...only ate about 4 tsps full, over the course of 1/2 an hour and they felt like a huge rock in my gut for 2-3 hours!!!! I finally laid down and they passed while I napped. The rest of today, I've been having only liquids...ensure, Boost, Atkins shake, water, tea, and a little no-sugar-added applesauce. I assume from the majority of posts that I'll actually be one of the "lucky" ones in the future, as I will be able to put off a fill for a while since I feel full ALL THE TIME! :confused: Is that a correct assumption? I have actually lost 8 pounds in 6 days, which I feel is TOO much - not that I don't like seeing it on the scale - for such a short time. I think that is a further indication that my body is really "crashing" and that's why I have felt so poor so far. Does anyone have any suggestions for a "newbie"???:biggrin1: I am taking tomorrow off work-make it an even week! I need to get my home back in order and try to catch up on my bills, etc. and used to functioning on all liquids. I still have shakes and sweat constantly....any idea on how long these things will last?????? Am I almost past the "detox" stage??? (I hope, I hope) Thanks for your replies!!! Nanster

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Pre Surgical weight 260 Surgery weight 232 1 wk post op 216 Pre Surgery

That's great! I'm one week post op as well and am down another 6 lbs. I go to my surgeon on Friday so hopefully a few more pounds will fly off. I been walking like crazy since that's all I can really do. Walked 5 miles yesterday, gonna aim for 6 miles tomorrow! Keep it up!

That is where your stomach came out... They place an extra stitch there so every time I moved it pulled/ stringed but the pa told me it was totally normal. It lasted about a total of four weeks until the stich dissolved.

Today is much better! I can drink my coffee and plan to have my yogurt and blueberries mixed together (my fav. morning treat!). I really do think I am either in the green zone or at least very close! I am glad I went-even stepped on the scale today to see 2 more pounds gone! I really think the gym has helped with getting my sluggish metabolism going. After a long plateau things are finally starting to kick in! Melissa-I am going to New Orleans on Thursday for 2 nights and then sailing out to Mexico for 4 nights-I can't wait!! I would have preferred to have my fill last week but the doc was on vacation. Where are you cruising too? By Feb. you will be in excellent cruise shape!! Dave- These guys were so proud and they were actaually talkingto a young girl who was filling out a form for the Lapband. I personally don't think she will qualify because she didn't look like she had much to lose. It was really good to hear 2 guys with 100+ weight lost-and you too!! I have heard so many people say it was the best decision of their life-and I really feel like I am beginning to understand why!

I started this journey back on July 5th and after completing Tufts "Can change" program and all my doctors requirements, I finally got my surgery date today! March 1st! 3 weeks from today!! I can't believe it!! I'm ecstatic!

Hi there, it's funny because my husband and I went to Mexico exactly 3 weeks before my surgery. I checked with the hospital nurse and the doctor and they said it was no problem. Please check with your doctor to as they may have different requirements. Also, watch what you eat there as my hubby and I both had quite a bit of tummy trouble once we got back. Good luck to you.

I know it wont make you feel any better but 3 weeks out I remember asking my Dr why I was still getting shoulder pain. He said it was normal and not to worry about it...Dont worry you will look back in 12 mths and it will all be a distant memory...especially when you will have probably lost stacks of weight by then.

(stole this from March bandsters group!!) There are so many different opinions about what to eat and not to eat post op, I thought it would be helpful to post the LAPBAND SYSTEM guidelines. Hope it's helpful. Recovery Here are some key points for your recovery in the first few days and weeks. First Days You can expect some soreness, especially where the access port is, but it should subside (Please call your surgeon if the pain persists after a few days). To prevent infection, your surgeon may tell you not to shower for a day or so after surgery. Try to walk as much as you can comfortably, so that you'll regain strength and prevent blood clots, but take it slowly. [*]First Week(s) During the first week after surgery, allow yourself to recover and get plenty of rest. In about a week, you should be able to return to work, provided it's not physically demanding. For more physically active jobs, allow yourself two to three weeks to recover. Within four to six weeks, you should be able to resume all normal activity and start a new exercise program. Note: Before engaging in any physical activity or exercise program, first consult your surgeon. Click here to learn more about Exercise Guidelines Many surgeons see their patients weekly or biweekly during the first month after surgery, so you will be sure your recovery is going well, and have any questions answered. Dietary Guidelines After surgery, you'll need a new nutrition plan. You'll learn about the positive changes you can and need to make in your diet and lifestyle from your surgeon and/or dietitian. It's very important to follow your new eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the surgery. In the first few weeks after your LAP-BAND® System surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, after about six weeks, you will be able to eat solid foods. The First Few Days Post-Surgery It's extremely important to follow the eating and drinking instructions immediately after the surgery. This allows your new stomach pouch to heal completely and the LAP-BAND® System to stay in the right position. In the early weeks, it's crucial not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND® System. Vomiting will do this, while also increasing the chance of stomach tissue slipping up through the band. Right after the surgery, you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. Don't take any more liquid than this, though. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear Liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. [*]liquid diet (1-2 weeks post-surgery) Your goal during the first few weeks is to protect the small stomach pouch so that you can heal properly. It can only tolerate thin liquids at this time. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (small amounts at a time). Other liquids recommended during this phase include: clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy) skim milk fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles [*]Pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-surgery) Now, you can start adding slightly textured foods. Think of the consistency of baby foods. This stage will help you transition to more solid foods later. Protein is very important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight. So, you should eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding [*]Please note: In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, because they may contain too many calories. [*]Remember, it's more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your personal timing and progression into each dietary phase depends on your progress. In general, when it comes to your nutrition, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian. [*]Soft Foods (5 weeks post-surgery) Your meals can now include tender, cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. By not chewing properly, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction (obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System). Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause you problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. These might include foods such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish. If solid foods cause any nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask your doctor or dietitian for advice that is specific to you. Again, remember that vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND®.

You seem to be doing just wonderful! Keep up the good work and I will be thinking of you this week! Now, I am hungry, it is nice that you are not. Just a difference in doctors I guess!

Just wanted to do a little shoutout to my sister TriciaN. we started this journey at the same time but due to different insurances we can't get banded together. When she told me she was able to do it within a month of our first consultation i was extremely upset that I wouldn't have the support of my sister. During these last few weeks she has always been there to tell me what she's going through and tried to give me pointers. She is 8 days into the presurgery diet and i know she's miserable but she doesn't let on. She keeps right on chugging those dang shakes she hates so much and no matter what obstacle comes her way she's smiling. I'm so proud of her. She is truly my inspiration. i love you sissy and wish you the best!

7 days to go So I have been on my pre-op diet for three days now. Only seven more to go. My surgery is scheduled for July 9th, a week from tomorrow at 12 noon. So I have been drinking so much fluids that my stomach feels different. I'm full but a different kind of full. My husband is getting me some sugar free hard candy so I can have the idea of chewing something. My doctor allows us to follow the South Beach diet phase 1 so I am lucky there being alllowed to consume some food pre-op, but it's pretty simple and basic and I am bored! Nothing sounds good. Even foods that are on the unapproved list don't sound good to me. The first couple days of the pre-op diet were horrible, but now...I get hungry and just drink some Water or my Protein Shake. I am not really having any cravings. The hardest thing was last night I went with friends to Olive Garden and watching them eat all the yummy stuff I couldn't have. The only thing I wanted that I couldn't have was the bread, but after it being in front of me a couple of minutes, it didn't bother me anymore. I am very proud of myself for not breaking down and having any bread. Everyone says it won't hurt to cheat a little, but if I am afraid if I cheat a little, there will be no end to it. Being that I am on such a strict diet right now, they let me order from the kids meal. I ordered the grilled chicken breast with broccoli and instead of the Pasta it comes with I asked for mushrooms. I had salad and they were out of their light dressing, so I used a drop of olive oil (on my approved list) and balsamic vinegar and it was very satisfying. It seems real hard in the begining, but is getting easier. I just can't allow food to control me anymore I have to control it. Now after surgery, that may be a different story. We'll see!

i am gonna try to get back on track. I just stress myself out about my calories if i get anywhere close to 1000 i freak out and think i have messed up and ate to much for the day and worry thats why the scale isnt moving but like i said i am def more hungry this past week than i have been since the surgery so its getting kind of hard.

Just got back on track! It's common to stall and if you stick with your plan - the scale will move.