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Thanks Krysty Ssilian I have 3 cats, 2 are like 12 the other is like 10. They are all crazy in their own little ways, haha.

My date is a few weeks out. I originally had the Lap Band back in 2005 and went from 297lbs at surgery down to the 160's. My husband and I had been married for 4 years at that time and we had our first child who had just turned 10 months old. About 6 months after I had my band put in my husband had his put in. He lost 20 pounds to this day. At this time we are both banded. I'm consistantly in the 220's and he is over 350lbs. He has promised me if I am successful and happy with this surgery he will follow me again and have the sleeve done. We didn't have any problems with me being "successful" with the band and especially with him not being successful. We have since had another baby, so we have two kids under the age of 5 and intead of weight loss, we are much more concerned about the health we have and our ability to provide our babies with a happy and active childhood. He loved me fat, he loved me thin, he loves me fat again. I think if your connection is more than just physical and at a deep enough level then it will last. I'm not a person who goes out, I have my babies at home and I have the rest of my life to go "out" but my babies won't be babies forever. That's just my experience with the weight loss and our relationship. I wish you guys the best.

10 days out , just what i needed thxs.

Try not to worry...you are going to be fine! My bmi at surgery was right at 40 and I think it made my recovery easier. I am so happy with the decision I made. 16 lbs down since surgery (10/25) and 33 down from starting the whole process. It will be over before you know it. You have come too far and jumped too many hoops to back out now Sent from my iPhone

My highest weight ever was 368 which was like 10 years ago. I had lost weight over the years and never regained (Atkin's etc.). So by the time I started inquiring about LapBand i was like 320. I lost 20 pounds from the time I got serious about band and surgery day. On surgery day, I was 300.5 & today I am 225. So not all of my weightloss was due to the band. Only about 75-80 pounds of it. I'm in a serious plateau right now but still losing inches. This bothers me tremendously because I want the scale to move some too. People say that is still good because means I am losing fat/gaining muscle but I'm not trying to be a body builder or anything. I just want to see 199.

Be heard many times we are thin people on the inside. Heck,'when I dream, I'm not the size I am. I'm really the size I was 19 years ago. So my question is this... After WLS, do we become a fat person in a thin body? We will always carry the scars and experiences. I even heard a friend say of another who had just had WLS, that she still thought like a fat person. So... What do you think?

I was also told 10 days & then I could add skim milk into my diet, so personally I would wait.

I think this is the perennial question -- does a person like us for us or for how we look? Do looks really matter? On a certain level they do, at least initially. But the real question, I think, becomes does this person care what I look like after the initial infatuation? And does it matter what I was in his/her perception of what I am now? I think I know what you mean, Globe. About 10 years ago, I lost 75 pounds and was under 200. I was thrilled and loved how I felt and looked. I was married and so the attention of other men wasn't important to me -- but I got it nonetheless and it was really uncomfortable because I had been fat all my adult life and didn't know how to adequately fend off unwanted attention. And then, too, I was pissed that all of a sudden I was getting attention when before, because I was fat, I was just a loud mouthed b**ch (or a woman who stuck up for herself). Like a lot of others here, I've been fortunate in that my husband has always loved me through thick and thin. But others' attention was not so consistent. And, frankly, that goes for a lot of females as well. After I lost the weight, a lot of females all of sudden wanted to be my friend because I was attractive enough to hang around. Prior to losing weight, I guess I wasn't. Still pisses me off to think of it. How do we know who likes us for us?? I think it becomes really obvious. You have to judge them on how they judge others -- do they stick up for those who have no one to battle for them? Are they empathetic? Do they try to put themselves in others' shoes? When presented with a situation in which they can choose to be nasty or choose to be kind, will they usually choose be kind? How do they talk about people behind their backs? Do they treat others as they would want to be treated?? It's hard, it's soooo scary. I remember when I had lost that weight and my boss's boss was in the elevator with me and had never said boo to me before and then all of a sudden he came on to me! I was stupefied -- I had never dealt with getting hit on as a married woman, much less by a superior. So I was mute. I guess now that I'm older I would have reacted differently. At least for me, the fat provided a form of emotional insulation -- most jerks didn't bother me, so I didn't have to deal with them. Now, it's gonna be a whole new adventure -- I think the answer lies in trusting our own instincts -- we know that there is more to a person than their size or their appearance. I think we just have to continue to be us, despite no insulation! Most importantly, if the guy can't understand where you've come from, how the hell is he supposed to understand where you need to go??

Dave, That is a hard thing to do. Often when you purchase individual insurance you are excluded for prexisting conditions. I know when I tried to get different insurance,being self employeed, that no one would take me because of my weight. So I basically have had my same insurance for the last 10 years. If what you are saying is possible often the super high premiums make it unaffordable, otherwise everyone would be doing what you want to do-get coverage for a pre-existing condition covered on a new policy. In 3 years of active looking for insurance-I never got accepted for new insurance due to my weight-- and by the way in the 10 years of health insurance coverage I used my coverage NEVER, ZILTCH, NADA. So I should of been an excellent candidate for a new company--but such is life in the world we know. T

I had my LapBand removed and revised to sleeve on 10/18/16. Wish I had done it sooner. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This may sound silly or crazy to some but I am very excited yet very scared about losing weight. I was banded on 1/19/07. I have lost about 28 pounds thus far. I have already experienced alot of firsts such as finally being under 300 pounds (after at least 20 years) and fitting into a size 22 pants after wearing 26/28 and a few 30's for years. One of my ultimate dreams was to get into a pair of Levi's. I did get in a size 24 (the biggest they sell in women's dept.) and they are now baggy. Alot of family, friends and co-workers know I had lap band surgery and have been supportive (although there have been a few negative people). They tell me I am "melting away". I have joined Curves and I think I have lost more in inches than the pounds show. Everyone acts and says it's such a "drastic" change. I don't see "drastic" yet but I appreciate the compliments and feel they are sincere. Do any of you who have already been banded have problems with not seeing all of your weight loss? I have been overweight for so long that it's scary to think about weighing 200 or even a size 20 or 18 but I am beginning to think that is possible. I am scared too because all I have known is 26/28+ for sooo long. I'm already excited when I go in the stores and have more options; especially size options, but yet I feel nervous and alot of pressure from fear of failure. I have not had a fill yet and it's becoming a struggle to lose a pound. I am thinking that it is time for a fill because I am terrified of gaining. But as long as I am losing a pound a week, the doc doesn't want to give a fill. I feel I need a jumpstart. Hope this doesn't sound too crazy and believe it or not, I work in mental health. Just wanted to vent and know if anyone else out there feels the same-excited yet afraid?

Just baned a week ago. Started liquids 2 weeks prior. Down 20 lbs. Getting my 1st fill 3/10/05

when you get "fills for life" from the Dr's in Mexico,,,who does the fills? do you have to go back to Mexico? I have insurance so my out of pocket will be about 2300.00. 1700.00 for my 10% copay surgery is 17,200.00 750.00 or so for the nutritional councelor, that is not covered un der insurance

I am have surgery on 10/23 with Dr. Enochs. I am in Gboro...they usually call me back although it may take a day or so...I just feel like he is worth it.

Well I couldn't resist weighing myself because I am scheduled to start mushies today. I weighed 283 when I came home from the hospital and this morning I weigh 263. That seems crazy to me!! I had about 3 oz of protein drink this morning and met friends for lunch at Cheesecake Factory. I had the broth from their chicken tortilla soup, which was fabulous!I also had 3 small bites of mashed potatoes and 2 teeny pieces of turkey. I was pretty full. My friends ordered a piece of cheesecake to share. I resisted for awhile basically because I was just too full to eat 1 more bite. After about 20 minutes or so I did take 2 small licks and it really was like heaven! but that was it - 2 licks and I was done! So far I'm loving my new little tummy especially compared to life with the band!!

Some of this may be TMI for folks but thought i'd put it out there Got to the hospital on 10/11 surgery was at 7:25 on the dot and at 11:30 am I was in recovery not feeling a thing the doctor calle my daughter to let her know how I was doing, I had made the decision that I wasn't going to let anyone know in my family which I have stuck too its been hard because I'm excited to see the changes. any how on to the way i'm feeling- by 2 pm on Tuesday my heart was pounding I was not doing well, I ended up getting two blood transfusions, way to many pin sticks my orginal IV went bad by the beginning of night one so they had to fight to find another place for a new one- I have so many black and blues on my arms that I look like a needle junkie, finally they had someone from cardiac care come up and put a new IV in thank god I was in tears and it was 2 am. Lots of pills to help with my heart, way to many blood draws to make sure it was all going ok, today I'm home and resting. but I have the dreaded drain still in and it will be with me for 3 weeks it freaks me out big time trying to log the liquid and keep it drained I knew I wasn't a nurse for a reason. LOL I was suppose to go back to work next tuesday but due to complications there was no way he would release me so now I'm off until 10/25 when i see him and than maybe one week past that if he doesn't feel i'm doing well enough. I'm fustrated and I've certainly had the talk with myself along the lines of WHAT TO HELL DID I DO THIS FOR? but still hoping it will work out after a few weeks but right now WOW was I stupid for having this surgery, it was much easier having the band surgery.. in and out and back to work by day 3.. Well I'm off everyone i hope those that are on their way or have been sleeved have a much easier time of it best of luck to you all. B002011

I work for a hospital so its a little bit easier for me. The hospital is all about the employees being healthy. I only have to spend no more than $200 on everything. I only spend $15 for my visits to the nutrientionist (6), $15 for psych eval (1), nothing for all my tests and $10 for my appointments with my band doctor (3). But that is only because i am seeing all hospital doctors and doing my lap band through the hospital. If it wasnt for that than i think it would take me longer.

Greetings, I was banded 2 years ago when I weighed 330 pounds and very unhealthy, now I weigh 178 and I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been in my entire life. I went from a size 28 to a size 10. I am 46 years old and my only regret is I wish I would have this done earlier in my life.

Hi had band done on the 10/03/08 so afraid it wont work as i have been over wieght for so long any one feel like this:unsure:

I have been in the same slow boat. Had surgery on the 2nd and lost 10 pounds in 10 days, but haven't lost anything since! I am trying to be patient and do what the dr said and hope the weight will start falling off soon. But it is hard to not feel the frustration I felt before surgery about doing the right things and not losing!

Ok. For those of you who are finding it hard to get in all of your liquids, the diet my surgeon has perscribed for the two weeks after surgery has been doing very well for me. Of course, Follow your own surgeons directions but I hope this may help some of you that are having difficulty getting your liquids in. Instructions: 1. Consume 4 ounces of liquid per hour. (1 ounce every 15 minutes as tolerated) Include 2 ounces from Clear Liquids list and 2 ounces from Full Liquids list hourly. Do this every hour you are awake (at least 12 hours) to prevent dehydration. 2. As part of your liquids, include 8 ounces of a Protein supplement per day in 1 ounce portions. 3. Do not begin eating solid foods until directed to do so by your surgeon. Here is a list of items that my surgeon suggested: Clear liquid: *Fat Freem broth or Bullion (cubes, granules, or packets) *sugar free Jello *Sugar Free Popsicles (None with fruit bits at this stage as the bits could cause harm to sleeve) *Water and sugar free water flavor packets 10 calories or less- i.e. Wyler's Light, Crystal Light, Kool-aid. * Decaffinated Tea & coffee (can use splenda, equal, stevia, or sweet-n-low) Full Liquids: *Protein Supplement of choice *No Sugar added Carnation Breakfast Essentials *Mashed Potatoes (thin, no lumps) *Low Sodium V-8 juice (only during this 2 week phase) *No sugar added frozen yogurt (no fruit bits) *sugar-free custard or pudding (thinned) * Light yogurt (no fruit or nuts) *Skim, 1%, or 2% milk, rice milk, soy milk, Mootopia HEB Brand High Protein Milk (Probably only my fellow Texans will know about the Mootpia!) *Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice, Malt-o-Meal (thinned) *Blended, Strained, Creamed Soups ( Blended cream of potato made with skim milk, no lumps) (this is very yummy) Foods NOT Allowed: *Sodas (not even Sprite) *Solid Food: until directed by surgeon *fruit juice (my surgeon recommends that you no longer drink fruit juice) *smoothies or Milkshakes (also never recommended) *Stews or chunky soups: (until directed by surgeon) * Honey or Syrup (don't add chocolate syrup to milk unless it's surgar free) *Sugar or Candy (Sweets of any kind) *Protein Bars, Beef Jerky, and Pork Rinds Hope this helps some of you!! I know it's working out pretty well for me, my only problem is staying awake long enough during the day to get continual liquids!

I thought I was going to dodge that bullet, because at six months, I had not lost any hair. Then, BAM. It did not fall out in chunks as some report, just one hair at a time. I could feel a single hair hit my face in the shower, when I towel dried it, when I styled it, and sometimes just throughout the day. Over time, I'd say I've lost maybe a 1/4 to a 1/3, but fortunately I had crazy thick hair to start with. Finally at 10 months the loss is slowed almost to a stop. Just waiting now for regrowth.

I went to the doc 10 days ago because my calf was bright red, swollen and hurting. Turns out I have a staph infection and am on 2 antibiotics. Well, I have another appointment this morning because it has gotten better but is not 100% gone. Now I have a rash on my leg and in my trunk area, a yeast infection and diarreha from the meds along with a constant headache from one of the meds. One of the worse things is that I'm eating more than usual because I get naseated if I don't have food in my tummy from the meds and I've gained 6 lbs since my visit with the surgeon a week ago. I'm also trying to eat 4 oz of yogurt 4x a day to help with the yeast. Grrr... I just hope this gets cleared so I can have my surgery in 3 weeks. I guess I should start a blog so I can rant on there...:embaressed_smile:

I'm really surprised that, over the past several months, I've found such a discrepancy between doctors on post op eating. My doctor said liquids for 2 weeks after surgery and mushies for the next 4. Needless to say, I'm eating normally now...I'm losing weight and eating healthy but hell, I was eating chicken, bread, etc. after the first week. I even drank a red bull the other night...slowly, of course, and tried to keep belching to handle the carbonation but had no problems. You would think there would be some kind of standard set or at LEAST a little more similarities in this whole band process with the doctors. I'm starting to feel like the band is the phen-fen of the 2000's. Meaning the docs are just doing the surgeries in bulk and not giving a damn about the aftercare. Now, before you launch with your doctor testimonials, understand that I AM generalizing and speaking in majority terms. To prove my point, these seem to be the common stories that continually crop up on this thread. 1-Why am I starving? I sure as hell wasn't told that I would be struggling with the hunger I'm dealing with. No wonder I see so many stories about bandster hell and poor people falling off the wagon...we're not equipped to deal with the hunger we're feeling. 2-Why isn't the scale moving? Probably because we're eating a little too much or there's been no behavior modification offered. I have to go to a nutritionist once a month (at a 500 dollar extra cost) and am not offered ANYTHING but an 'opportunity' to purchase crap from them. I'm forced to drive 3 hours round trip to have her spend 45 minutes telling me what to eat. Hell, she could've faxed it to me and saved me a half tank of gas. 3-Why am I depressed? Well, I'm going with a couple of things. Withdrawel, for one. food was a drug, we went to rehab and are now trying to find things to replace it and I daresay, for me and a lot of others, food was a HUGE part of my life. I've also found myself trying to reconcile this person I'm becoming with the person I've always been. Let's not play the 'you're still the same person' game...you may be but for years, I've villiafied slim women, believing they must not be good people (to make myself feel better, of course). Now, I'm becoming one of them. I understand that therapy is a great option but what about those who don't have that insurance option? What about those who can't afford it? It seems to me that a procedure that costs 10-20 grand should be a little more involved with the aftercare of a patient instead of just doing a fill or two. Sorry for the long post...I just read so much here and feel like the majority of us have fallen by the wayside. I also receive way too many private messages after my comments and posts from women who are afraid to talk about these things because of the few banders who are very aggressive in their cheerleading...those of you who are breezing through this are the minority...trust me. We could stand to be a little gentler with one another. I wish all of you much luck and love...this is harder than I was ever told it would be. I'll say again that I don't regret this decision, I just wish I'd been better prepared. The only thing I ever heard was 'you'll have to do the work, the band is only a tool.' Well, DUH! But HOW much work was never specified. I don't think it's too much to ask to be properly and honestly informed. If it weren't for this site, I would've been completely lost. Best to all.

Hey Erin, My Realize band is 11cc. Ihave had 1 fill of 3cc. I go tommorow for a fill I think? we'll see. I fell restriction on some foods but hardly any on others. I was banded 8-10-09 I'm down 30lbs never been stuck or pb or slimed everything going well but do get hungry. Spank