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I dont know what I was worried about. I felt no pain whatsoever. It felt funny when he pulled the needle out but I never felt any pain. I already feel some restriction from it. Will this last or does it feel tighter and gradually loosen up over the next couple of days? He put 1.5ml in, plus he put some in when I had the op so...I think it is up to 3.5ml in a 10 or 11ml Vanguard. He said I can come in each week till I find the restriction I need. Kel

Hi guys, I was banded on 10/26. It took 4 months from my initial bariatric appointment to surgery. During that time I exercised like a fiend (walking program) and dieted and lost 59 lbs. I am a 49 year old male, 5'8" tall. I started at 290 lbs, today I weigh 215 lbs. My goal is to weigh 185 lbs. It's been just over 4 weeks since my surgery. I've lost 16 lbs since then, so my total weight loss is 75 lbs in 22 weeks. My results aren't typical, I look and feel great, but I have not yet resumed a full exercise schedule. Adjusting to the band and our new way of eating has been interesting. I'm not terribly hungry yet, but I think I'll be eager for a fill and some additional restriction in a couple of weeks. I'm still adjusting mentally to my new size and energy levels. I've got 30 more pounds to goal, but I've been amazed at how rapidly I've achieved my weight loss so far. I'm off of all of my diabetes medications and my blood sugar tests in the normal range now. Good luck to us all in this journey to better health!

Exercise: 1 hour each weekday Weight loss: 10 pounds All the water in a day I am suppose to get in All the protein in a day I am suppose to get in Learn to eat slower Learn to chew, chew, chew

Two months is not really a long time ot be on a plateau. My DH was on a long plateau, like more than 6 months before he started losing again. I won't denigh that you are not happy not losing. But I think with all the great success you've had, you expect things to continue the way they were before. I think at this point its' a good time to step back, and reassess what you are doing. Where you have been, review that list of NSVs. I think it is also time to look at your original goal. It is only a number, meaning less in and of itself. You are nowhere near being the same person you were before you started this band journey. Maybe it is time to reassess. Have your body composition measured. Have that consult with the plasitc surgeon too see how much of your excess weight is actually skin and not body fat. Please don't drive yourselves crazy with woring about 10 measily pounds. Especially when that 10 pounds might be muscle. I mean, you have all worked really hard to get where you are. Perhaps you are already "there" and don't know it. The BMI scale lies. The scales lie. And frequenly, our brains lie too. We have this idea that we will be oh so happy when we are size (insert number here) but when we reach (insert number here) we are no happier than we were when we were (insert bigger number here). Perhaps it is because I cannot lose weight that I have a different perspective. Perhaps there is somepart of me that is bitter and angry that Ya'll have had success where it is denighed to me, will be denighed to me. Oh, and Mandy is doing F.A.B.

congratulations on getting this far! i agree with everyone. and really be honest about your nutrition and exercise. if you are being honest, it may just take more--increased exercise time, harder exercise in the same amount of time, and also another fill. i will say that it is a mixed blessing, getting so close to goal. it's like, now you want to be perfect. you can see the finish line, the door at the end of the hallway. but it just so happens to be the door jo beth williams is running to in poltergeist. :faint: and on the perfection scale... going from 85% to 97% (i dare not say 100%) is a helluva lot harder than going from 10% to 60%.

Surgery: 10/25 Loss to date: 17 pounds in 5 weeks Frist fill: 12/12 Hunger level: I get a little hungry between each meal. I only eat 1/2 cup servings at a time. Calories: I currently range from 600-850 a day. I'm trying to stay between 700-800 Protien: averaging about 60-70 a day (one shake the rest solid) Goals: Continue logging my calories religiuosly and planning ahead for the next day Try to consume more solid protien and less protien drinks Reach for 70-80 grams or Protein per day Walk 3 days a week on my lunch break To be in anywhere in the 220's by the end of December I'm looking forward to seeing how my restriction goes after my first fill and how that affects my hunger and weight loss. Love this group!

I've lost 9 pounds, was banded 3 weeks ago on 10/26th. im surprised ive even lost that much with this appetite of mine. im like what is this band good for cause it doesnt stop the hunger thats for sure but i hear all of that will change once i get filled. im going on a cruise dec 10th so i am going to wait to be filled after that. my goal is to lose 10 lbs a month. workout 2 hrs per week in december that's it! im trying to be realistic in my approach to lose weight. i dont want to lost too quickly or start any diet or exercise plans that i wont keep up.

Yipee!!! I finally found some Toledo people. I had my Lap band done on Jan. 10th at Wood County Hospital by Dr. Peter Lalor. Just saw him yesterday and asked him where all the band people are. He said he only has about 10 and they don't seem to come to support meetings. I still don't have my first fill because I'm not hungry and I'm still losing weight but he will do one on the 31st. I was wondering if anyone else has Paramount Elite insurance and if so what your experiences are with them.

Hey Crishell! My 2 year anniversary is Jan 11th. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I am about 8 lbs from my initial goal of 180 and am in my initial goal size of a 12 after my high of 330 lbs and a size 28. I had a tummy tuck in October and am feeling pretty good, although I definately got off track over the holidays! I've revised my goal for the new year and am now trying to get to 165 and a size 10 by July when I hope to have a thigh lift and finish my lower body lift. I'm 5'11, so at that point I will be on maintenance. I can't say enough good things about my band, and hope all my Jan'07 friends feel the same! ~Lori

It's because fat keeps those wrinkles filled out.. I noticed the aged thing when my younger sister had bypass 10 or so years ago.. She looks older than I do.. That won't last I guess since I finally had the bypass 2 months ago Munky

Yep I agree....goals need 2 b reasonable. I have lost only 61 pounds in 15 months but I feel great and wear a size 10 again. I am below my surgeons goal for me and only 20 pounds from my personal goal. In the first 6 mos I lost about 35 pounds. Its more about learning to live with the band....how and what to eat....and exercise exercise exercise! Be good to yourself! This is the beginning of the rest of ur life!

Dec 30, 2013 was the day i thought my weightloss journey would change my life for the better. As soon as i awoke, my life was changed, i was in excruciating pain in my chest that they thought i was having a heart attack. I ended up staying for 1 week n a day. It would've been longer but i was scared of getting a feeding tube do i forced myself to drink. To make a long long story short, I'd end up having an egd monthly, upper gi 3 times, sent to specialists to figure out what happened to me. I've been on so many meds, throwing up most nights anything that I'd eaten that day to present, acid reflux an understatement ! Ph tests, swallow test, had 3 different surgeons see me. Finally, lots of continuous praying, i was sent to the surgeon that was suppose to do the surgery initially. After 3 months of her investigating, she decided that i need a revision. So here i am, starting all over again with the stages, minus 85% of my stomach. To this day, i can still only drink about 32 ounces of liquiq per day, forcing that. It hurts to drink, eat, swallow my own saliva, i hate to think of eating or drinking. I lost 83 lbs, put back 10 bc i started eating rice, although it hurt, it was less painful and simple to cook wo wasting it bc i can't eat it! I gave up on exercising and even caring. I told my doc that as well. She's very kind and hard knocks at the same time. There will be 2 surgeons, i am scared, she said id need a drain, i might be cut instead of scoped bc of possible scar tissue from vsg, and a higher chance of leaking. Wow, seems like i can't catch a break. Please pray if you don't mind. I just moved up and fixed thanksgiving so that i could try and eat with my family. Dec 4th, im discouraged but trying to be hopeful. God willing, this will make things the way they should have been b4, if not better! God bless you all and gl. Thank you for reading my story. I hope to have good news postop!

Hello !! chicagowinter I have just read your post !! Hope all goes well with all ya'll --------------------------------------------------- I am just now trying to get my LAP-BAND .. My ins-denyed me also .. So i am trying to raise the Money on my own through cooking sale and just friends and famliy helping out anyway they can .. ( I have already set in on Dr,Bagnato's Meeting about the surgery.) I fill good about it so far .. He seem's to be very nice . First time i have ever met him .. I will be going to Dr.Smith's meeting on 2-27-10 to check things out with him .. I really wont this Surgery , my health is starting to give me a fit ..... I have just signed on at this site and i will be back to keep ya'll updated .. I have enjoyed ya'lls and other post i have read so far .PRAYERS is out to all .. PLEASE SEND PRAYERS back my way think's. ------------------------------------------------:redface:

Hello, Everyone! New here...so glad I found this site!! I have been researching the Band for years and was going to have it done in September, but have changed my mind and am now doing the SLEEVE! Yay! So, SO 'cited :Banane03: My only questions are these - since I knew all the 'Band rules' inside and out and was totally prepared for that way of life, I need to figure out the "Sleeve Rules". For instance, with the band, you need to chew, chew, chew and then when you think you're done, chew some more, until your food is basically mush before you swallow. Also, your bites need to be really tiny, toddler-food style. All this to avoid getting stuck since your stoma/stomach opening is so restricted. Also, you cannot eat 'slider' foods or drink with meals as this will wash out your pouch of food, leaving you hungry again right away. No Soup, no 'runny' oatmeal. :sign44: And the other big band rule, you can almost never eat bread/pasta/rice, etc again as it's gluey and starchy and will get stuck, also. Now, don't get me wrong here! I don't need a lecture about how you shouldn't eat those things anyway, as I know that, very well - been dieting for years, just like most of us . But my reason for doing this is so I can be a 'normal, regular' person and eat like a 'naturally thin' person. LIke the nutritionists, say, be good 90% of the time, play 10% of the time. Those times I may want to splurge and have a half sandwich, or some Pasta, or a piece of pizza, I want to be able to have a little bit every once in a GREAT while - like I said, be normal!! One of my main reasons for doing this is so I can have a normal, healthy relationship with food. Not obsess over soup or a roll, or stress if I'm going to party for crying out loud!! And no popcorn, my favorite food!! :scared0: So, Sleevers, aside from the fact that you need to obviously eat slowly and we all need to take smaller bites and chew more within reason, are these things such a big deal with a sleeve? I am guessing it's not AS imperative since the stoma/stomach opening is not made any smaller with the VSG, but I don't know for sure?? Any band-to-sleeve revisioners that can outline the differences? And, honestly, do you vomit if you eat too much, or don't pay attention to yoru full signals? With the band, vomiting and "PB''ing" are VERY common, but how common with the sleeve??? Thank you guys, so very, very much, for all your willingness to help, support, and share with us "newbies". SO many of us would be lost without our experienced trailblazers to lean on. Love you guys and so glad I found a 'home!" Started 6 month supervised diet - 3/11 Psych Eval - 3/11 Band Surg Consult - 3/11 VSG Surg Consult - 6/11 (Dr. Lauter) Final Insurance Approval - ?? Surgery Date - 9/?/11?

Yep, They had prescribed me loritab 10's, 120 of them for after surgery and I had no clue how much that was in liquid form so I went and exchanged it from my pharmicist and it was 5 huge bottles of liquid loritab which I never even needed. I finally threw it out it went out of date, but you do need to either crush or quarter larger pills or use liquid. I felt what you are feeling after surgery for about 3 weeks and then I guess after the swelling went down I got hungry again so I got my first fill at 3 1/2 weeks. To get really good restriction it took me 2 fills but it feels the same as what your feeling and it stays that way when you keep your fills right. You know it when you get there. I don't ever sit and think, hum, what do I want for lunch or supper, you just don't sit and think about food anymore and usually after 1 cup your like, God, I'm so full. You stay full too until next meal and I forget to eat alot of the time. It's a great feeling.

Where is everyone? Our two year bandiversary is rapidly approaching. Time has surely flown by. Hope everyone had a safe and merry Christmas and that 2009 will be a great year for everyone. My 2 yr bandiversary is Jan. 19. While I have not reached MY goal of 199, I have experienced a lot of positive results and NSV's over the past two years and I am closer to it than I have ever been. Hopefully I will reach it before April. I gave myself four more months. Been in a prolonged plateau. Currently 219. Surgery day I was 300.5 with an all time high of 368 about 10 years ago. Trying to get back on track from Thanksgiving and Christmas. I allowed too many carbs back in my life over the holidays:sad_smile:. I know I have to buckle down and get back on track.Happy New Year!!

Wow, what an adventure! It sounds like you're doing great. Can't wait to see the pictures. Congrats on the size 10!! :eek:

Finally my surgeon submitted for approval for my Lap Band! To get to this point: Feb 02, 2010 = Lap Band Consult Feb 02, 2010 = Blood drawn Feb 05, 2010 = sleep Study Feb 08, 2010 = Medical Records requested Feb 13, 2010 = Upper Endoscopy Procedure Feb 17, 2010 = Psychological evaluation Feb 24, 2010 = First Nutritional consult (1 of 3) Mar 03, 2010 = Diagnosed w/Severe Obstructed Sleep Apnea Mar 17, 2010 = Second Nutritionist consult (2 of 3) Apr 12, 2010 = Updated medical records requested Apr 14, 2010 = Third/Last Nutritionist consult (3 of 3) Apr 19, 2010 = Updated Medical Records requested Apr 26, 2010 = Submitted for Lap Band Approval Wish me luck!!!! :thumbup: How long does Aetna take to get back to us??

I was sleeved on 2/10 and was invited to brunch and Bloody Mary's with friends. I wasn't going to go but I wanted to see them. I had a half of a virgin bloody mary and a meatloaf slider no bun. It was nice to get out and I didn't envy my friends giant burgers and friends one bit!

Aw, I hate to hear that for you!! I know that feeling also, of cringing at myself in the mirror. I still do! What about starting smaller, maybe! I'm 234 lbs and even though I'd love to be in a 10, I think I may go out and purchase a pair of 14's. I don't know what size I can get into with my med bones and my child bearing hips. Hehe. If I bought a 10 and came to realize its not a healthy attainable weight for my frame, I think that might depresse again. I think you will do fabulous!!

I used pain meds for a week. But I mostly took them at 10:00 pm to get some sleep. I only slept until 2:00 am though. I slept in a recliner for 11/2 weeks. DOS 12/17/12

Hello...My name is April. I am from Sacramento too and have been banded for over 3 years. Maybe we can exchange emails and we can swap stories. I wanted to give the information for the support group the I am co-moderating in Sacramento on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome! Let me know if you need more info... The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011! ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!! Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30. Sutter Cancer Center Classroom 1, First Floor 2800 L Street, Sacramento Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour. This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area. Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend. Please join us!

Hi, I am two weeks 5 days post op. I am in the soft food phase - fish, well-cooked vege, egges, fat free cheese, sugar free pudding and tofu are allowed. My typical three meals are like the following: Breaksfast: 1 hard boiled egg; 1/4 cup of fat free cottage cheese with pineapple Two hours later I would feel hungry again. Snack: Edyy's no sugar added popsicle (30 cal, 1g sugar each) Lunch: 3 to 4.5 OZ of flat fish (half to 1 fillet); half cup (4OZ) tofu; 2-3 OZ of vege Snack: Edyy's no sugar added popsicle (30 cal, 1g sugar each) Snack2: 1 sugar free popsicle (10 cal each) Dinner: to 4.5 OZ of flat fish (half to 1 fillet); half cup (4OZ) tofu; 2-3 OZ of vege Snack: Edyy's no sugar added popsicle (30 cal, 1g sugar each) Three or fours hours after lunch or dinner, I feel hungry again. All the meals and snacks combine to about 860 calories per day. Do I seem to eat too much? I read that a lot of people are only eating 1 cup of food? Exactly how much is that? Are we talking about stuff the soft or solid food into a cup sized cup to measure? Yesterday morning, I suddenly gained 3 lbs. I did a post about it here and a lot of responses were it was probably water retention and it will go away eventually. I think that it is probably most water retention; however, am I also eating too much to contribute to the 3 lbs gain?

So here goes nothing.. I'm two days away from my surgery date, full of nerves, but ready to start my new life. I'm 30yo and I've been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now. I'm currently 280lbs, 5'4" tall, and I wear a size 22. My BMI is 48. I am not married (yet) and I do not have any kids (yet)! I've been diagnosed with PCOS, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Sleep Apnea. I do suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety. I feel as if everything in my life revolves around my weight. It controls my every move. I go to school worried about being bullied or not fitting into the standard small desks. I apply for a job and wonder if they will judge me because of my size. If I go to a restaurant, I fear not being able to sit at a booth with the rest of my family. If I'm invited to go to a theme park, I cringe thinking about all of the potential rides I will be turned away from because I don't fit. I have limited myself from enjoying life to its fullest potential, and it is time that I make a change. I don't want my weight to bind me anymore. I vowed to myself that I wouldn't let another year go by feeling unhealthy, out of breath, and out of shape. I want to have energy! I want to have a family! I want to be healthy! I want to LIVE! I decided that I would have to do something that would take a lot of courage and a lot of dedication to reach my goals, the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I had been researching this specific surgery for over 3 years, but never had the financial opportunity or insurance approval. My insurance company refused to approve my surgery because I didn't have any of their required co-morbidities (ex: Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.). I appealed that decision, and their medical director decided to create new approval parameters for patients like me! After the new changes were implemented, which took about a year, I got back on track with my other requirements and was approved October 2014. My surgery is scheduled for December 30th, just a few days shy of the New Year. For me it’s the moment I've been dreaming about for over a decade. It’s my chance to feel like me, and to look into the mirror and see the REAL me in the reflection. I've been wearing this "fat suit" and lugging around it's baggage for way too long. I know that having this surgery is in no way "taking the easy way out". By reading everyone's blogs and knowing people who have had this surgery done, I know it's not a simple fix. But many have said it's the best thing they've done and wished they would have done it sooner. I'm glad to see that there are so many sites that offer support to those people who are pre & post op like myself. I hope to be a success story as well, and I want to inspire others to never give up. Don't settle for a "less than life". Lift your head up, dust yourself off, and go for what you know you deserve, and LIVE! PS. I want to thank my family and friends, in advance, for their love and support during and I’m sure after my surgery, as well as throughout the years of my food addiction and weight issues. You all have stood by my side when I felt my worst, when I couldn't see the beauty of my soul, and when the light at the end of my tunnel was dim. Thank you for your loyalty, your encouragement, and your support! I love you!

So I just had my 1st fill a few hours ago, and it feels like someone is sitting on my chest. When my doc first 'filled' me, I immediatly felt pressure in my chest, and I told him. He told me that it was normal and some people feel that. I am a paranoia freak, and wasnt satisfied with that answer. So then I sit up and drink some Water. Everything goes down fine and stays there. But I still have that pressure feeling in my chest, and I tell the doc again about it. So then he says maybe he put too much in and has me lie down again and takes some Fluid out. (he put in 4, and took out 1) I drink some more water, everthing still stays down. Is this feeling in my chest 'normal'? I have to drive over an hour to get to the docs office and am REALLY hoping that I dont have to make another trip, and have it be nothing. Im just really disappointed in this doctors office. In the beginning I thought it would be great because I heard some good reviews, the doctor calls you to check on you and you have his cell number in case you need anything. But really, I havent gotten any soild advice. Everything I've learned has been from fellow banded patients on this site. Today I had to ask him how much he put in and how much he took out. I asked how much could the band hold, he said "14" but didnt seem to sure about it...And during my visit today, his cell rang...AND HE ANSWERED IT!!! I was a little irritated. Not to mention I walk into the EMPTY waiting room, but have to wait an HOUR before I get called to see the doctor?? And the girls at the front desk had walked into a back room (their break room maybe?) I am a cash patient and paid $13,000.00 for this surgery, and honestly I feel jipped with this whole thing. Ugh!! I asked when I should come back, how many weeks. He tells me whenever I start feeling like I need a fill. ...........ummm ok? I have heard from people on this site that its normally 4 weeks you go back after your first fill, and that sometimes you need that long to see how the fill is working for you. WHY is my doctor not telling me these things?!? AND!...(yes there's and "AND") I got weighed while there and it said that I have only lost 4 1/2 lbs. My scale at home that I weighed myself on pre-surgery and everyday since has said I have lost close to 10 (2lbs being before I started my pre-surgery diet). Talk about frustration at the scales!! So I hope anyone reading this can remember what my question was before I starting on my rant session and maybe give me some insight to this chest pressure feeling.