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I recently was admitted to the hospital for a bad cold and asthma problems, I have an immune deficiency so I have trouble fighting off colds therefore I usually get admitted 2 or 3 times a year for this problem...Since lapband this was my first admission and I was given IV steroids which of course increases your appetite. So I am now home and I am ten pounds heavier and have the hungry horrors So I called my lap band doctor's office so they are going to do another fill On 3/7 But I wanted to know Has anyone had this happen where they have gained some weight back? It is so discouraging and now I fear that I will be stuck at this weight forever, is there hope in sight for me?! I just hope to be restricted again to the point where I don't feel hungry so much.

i do not have to do a liquid diet because of my bmi. my doctor's office only requires them if you bmi is 45 or above. mine is 41. i'm kind of glad, i get a couple of weeks to say goodbye to my foods and a little bit longer for will power. i'm also kind of sad because i would lose more weight if i did the liquid diet. i'm having my surgery here in arkansas, i am a self pay patient also, by the time i pay this off, i probably won't want to pay for any other surgery i considered Mexico but i decided to have it local.

Love these ..they are the BOMB!!! http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product_brandboutique.asp?styleid=2876720&boutique=adidas&category=2376778~2372811~2380122~2380123~2380127&NextStyleID=2807253&PrevStyleID=2876044 When I lose all my weight and start running..I want a pair of these: http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product_brandboutique.asp?styleid=2882302&boutique=adidas&category=2376778~2372811~2380122~2380123~2380127&NextStyleID=2884485&PrevStyleID=2884672

Was that me who was mouthing off not a week ago about how she didnt need a fill, and wasnt going to have one, how she never thought about food and was still losing well? Hehehe, I'm eating my words now, not to mention wanting to eat everything else. Suddenly I'm hungry. I've only got to wait till the 19th, but we can hang out! Eat enough to satisfy yourself reasonable, the weight will come off faster again after the fill, just try not to go crazy.

"A Collection of Neighborhood Recipes" from Living after Weight Loss Surgery. Another great sight for support and information. www.livingafterWLS.com

I was banded 7/23/13 and got down to 172 last year back up to 188 as of this morning. I saw 190 yesterday morning and decided the only way to lose the weight and get to my goal is to put in the work. I can't blame my band because it's my hand that puts the food in my mouth. Journaling all food with my fitness pal. I am doing this for me. I would live to share this back on track journey with others in the same boat as me.

First question I have, are you staying there overnight? I had one overnight stay at the hospital, and I was in alot of pain thank goodness for morphine in the hospital and demerol when I left the next day. I was on demerol for about 5 days, but everyone is different, so you may be able or not be able to see the sights, depending on how you feel. I have about 85 pounds to loose to get to a normal weight for my height, so I'm looking forward to my first fill, so we can actually put the band in use. If your not from Ontario, who's going to do your fills?

Hi there, I just saw this video on the tube and wondered if one of you are the interviewee? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZzXV85dyw]YouTube - Dr. Ortiz - Interview Canadian Patient 10 weeks after surger[/ame] Dr Ortiz has some excellent videos posted with testimonials and some generic information. I am six months post-op and heading back down to OCC for a fill in March. Hopefully, that will restart my weight loss that has stalled for a few months. cujo

I'm looking for local banders in the Milwaukee, WI area? I would like to associate myself around postive, motivating individuals whom I can relate to not only regarind weight loss but life overall. Please response if your in the milwaukee area and would a banding sister....

Your rate of weight loss will slow at times, and even reach "plateaus" occasionally, where you can remain compliant with your diet and not see the scale move for a week or more. As long as you remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions, and continue with your exercise, the weight will come off. As I've often mentioned, this journey has taught me a life skill which eluded me for years, patience. Try to remember that you did not gain your weight in a short span of time, so it is not realistic to expect that you will loose it rapidly. Best wishes...

I am 2 days post op and doing much better than I thought I would. I feared cancellation up to the minute they rolled me into the surgical room, and now it is over and cannot believe I actually did it! Would love to meet others in about the same situation. I am on an insulin pump and it is also doing much better than I thought. Hope to make some great new friends here too! Where can I find the weight tickers?

olah! My name is Lindsey, i am 27, and i live in Savannah, Georgia. i saw someone mention this community on livejournal so i thought i would come see what its all about. i was banded on Feb 6th of this year, so that makes me almost exactly 6 months post-op. My surgery was performed by an awesome doctor named Oliver Whipple here in Savannah. he installed a 4cc lapband and i have had 3 fills so far, bringing my total to 3cc's. i have lost 53 pounds so far! starting weight: 310 current weight: 257 goal: 150 i stupidly did not take any full body pictures to use as "before" shots - this was taken a few days after the surgery, so i had already lost about 20 pounds (from the pre-op liquid diet) i dont have a current full body shot but this was taken 2 days ago. my hair shrunk too!

I hope you have better luck than I did with this. I'm being treated for back pain in addition to having a serious weight problem. My insurance company said that they consider the Lap-Band an "elective" surgery, so I'm having to be treated for obesity by my Doctor for one year before I'll qualify to have the surgery!! Even with a letter from my doctor, they will not consider the surgery anything other than elective. (Then I'll have to pay for part of it on top of that). I'll also have to have the standard documentation from my surgeon, a nutritionist, and a phsycologist evaluation, too. They did allow my doctor to amend some of my visits for pain management, because we did also talk about my weight problem. That allowed me to move my wait up about 4 months in the process. It's frustrating because I can't walk more than a few steps unassisted, and still they wont grant me the surgery. After tomorrow, I'll have 8 visits completed so I hope to get it before the end of the year! Good Luck!

lol- Well your sure looking skinny! Great job on your weight loss. I think when you reach your goal is you wanted a tuck it would look fantastic. What ever will make you happy in the end is what counts.

Good Luck to you! If you follow the band rules, you will lose weight! It's only normal to have all the emotions you are feeling right now. We'll see you in bandland!

During the first few weeks after surgery, you need to take the time to recover and to start adjusting to your new life with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. A big part of your long term weight loss success will be your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle that includes a new diet and exercise plan, routine check ups with your surgeon, ongoing LAP-BAND® System adjustments, support group meetings, and more. However, be patient with yourself in the first weeks after surgery. You've already taken the biggest step - the first one. Now, it'll be a new life and lifestyle you create over time, not overnight. Your doctor will work with you to address your needs specifically. Below are some guidelines: 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. 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®.

I really think I know how you feel, but there really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... I was sooo frustrated! I lost weight pre op and did well on the liquid phase but then...NO RESTRICTION. It was hell!! I could eat whatever, where ever and people were like.."Oh, we thought you had weight reduction surgery.."It was so bad. I thought my band had a leak or was misplaced BUT it was all due to the lack of fill. It took 3 fills and 4.6cc's for me to notice I even have a band. Now finally I can't eat. Any meats, solids, breads etc. cause me to vomit. So now I am finally FORCED to eat soft foods, smaLL amounts and VOILA, the weight is coming off!!! It was all a matter of the right fill. Without full restriction the band doesn't work and it is all too easy to fall back into old habits. We are human, we are over eaters, so of course you are not losing weight until you get proper restriction. And hey, this Dr needs to give you fills under fluoro at all times. What is he thinking...nobody should tolorate being a human pincushion.. :faint::faint::faint::faint::faint::faint::faint::faint:

Thanks Yoda.I am happy with the weight loss.

Well, your BMI isn't all that high... and you can't exercise. I'm not sure... can you diet and lose the weight normally? or have you done that? Most of us have serious problems, I've been overweight since I was a child, I've been on every diet.. etc etc.. it's not a quick fix, it basically just put me on a permanent diet. Also it doesn't control my life, or my eating. I have to consciously make these decisions. I think the worst thing I read online is that people thought it would physically stop them from eating. Honestly, all it really does for me is makes me not hungry (like i would be on a regular diet). It's not a miracle diet. Also can you give up soda? caffeine? I went through all that did my withdrawl.. Every body reacts differently too. I am not having problems with any food, and I'm not all that hungry all the time and I don't puke. But some people have trouble with all kinds of food, and get sick all the time. For me, as of now I'm glad I did it.

We're leaving for a 7 day Alaskan cruise on Monday! Already have my snack bag packed for the 8 hr drive to Seattle (almonds, Cheerios, jerky and a cooler for yogurt and water). Our last 3 cruises, I was banded and never gained any weight. This time tho I'm totally unfilled (slipped last month, awaiting a revision to sleeve in late June) and I've gained a few lbs since being unfilled. I've noticed tho that my stomach hurts really bad for about 24 hrs and I have to be on liquids for 2-3 days when I overdo (like I did 1 day last week) so I'm hoping that will deter me from eating too much. Anyone who's been on a cruise probably know what I'm talking about! Access to food 24 hrs a day. I plan on going to the gym everyday tho! And walking around in all the ports. Hoping that I don't gain. If I come back to my drs appt on May 22nd without having gained 10 lbs since the last time I was at the drs a few months ago, I'll be happy! Being totally unfilled for months and having gained only 10 lbs is a feat in itself, I think! Wish me luck! Marci

Has anyone experienced a plateau in their weight loss? I'm afraid I am right now How to get past it?

~~~CONGRATULATIONS~~~ on your six month annaversary! Mine is going to be on Saturday! I am going to a huge party on Saturday too. Im sorry that your surgeons office isnt providing you with enough support. I would hate to find out what that is like. I LOVE my surgeon and the office staff! They are wonderful people! Everyone should have an experience like that. I am right behind you on the weight loss. I am down 50 some odd pounds. I am with you on being a rule bender...but usually when I break the rules, I suffer. I will tell ya about the pretzel rod that almost killed me some day! YIKES! No more damn pretzels~~ You are sooo fortunate to have the support of your family! You are making your husband proud weather you fit in that penwar set or not, but cha know what, you WILL DO IT!! Well, I certainly am proud of you Debby Do~~~ Keep up the amazing work! We will pull into the station of our goals together!!!! We can do this! You have done amazing thus far!! ~CONGRATS AGAIN~

The liquid is not meant to be removed once you've met your goal weight. Obesity is a lifelong disease which we could easily revert back to without our bands. It is meant to remain adjusted only enough to allow you to maintain your goal weight. Hope this helps!

Thank heavens my doctors never uttered the word "goal" in my hearing! I'd have been finished before I started if I had ever been told weighing 150 was the only way I'd be a success. As for having your charts changed, what's the difference? Those charts aren't what measure your success. They only measure the doctor's version of success, for his statistical records. YOU make your own chart--use fitday.com or something like that--and put in what YOU think is a realistic, achievable, and MAINTAINABLE goal. Whether it's a size or a measurement or a weight, whatever YOU think is your objective is all that matters. My objective was to get healthier and have more energy and be more comfortable in the world PERMANENTLY. That I've done and am doing. Under no circumstances would it be helpful to be told I still have miles to go after losing 120 lbs. According to those absurd charts I'm still a good 60-75 lbs from a "goal" weight, but I know what is meaningful to me. And that's not it.

Has anyone had any experience with the Hamilton Weight Management team in georgia, specifically with Dr. Ponce? If so, what was your experience?