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The Mint Chocolate Chip is pretty good. You are supposed to let it sit out for 10 minutes or so, otherwise it can taste icy.

I was able to get off of my depression/anxiety meds about 6 mo post op. I had been on them for 2 years before surgery. I did lots of research & knew what to expect each step of the way after surgery. I never hit a depression & never really mourned the loss of food. I just always looked at it as I can't have that right now, but one day if I want to in moderation I can. I was sleeved 1/22/13 at 241 lbs & I'm at 165 lbs now. I went from a size 20 to size 10. I'm also 32 yrs old & had the same worries going through my head. Is this the easy way out? I'm way too young to do this. I have a long life of complications if it doesn't work out. I'm happy that I did it & so far I haven't had any complications. My family finally respected my decision & now they are happy for me. I did "train" my husband before hand on things that I read just to prepare him for how to support me. You do go through emotions as your body changes, but nothing that the support of family & friends can't get you through. I think alot of people end up depressed when they think it's a magic fix, cause it isn't....I still have to calorie count & think of every bite or drink I take. Good luck & stay strong if this is what you truly think will make you happy.

Is it close to your Tom? I always would put on a little water weight prior to my Tom. Then after I would have it I would drop all of that weight plus an additional 5-10 pounds! I came to look forward to my Tom! Lol I guarantee that those pounds aren't real...that it is just fluid retention. good luck!

I too was banded 10/29...feeling alot of back pain and walking alot to eleviate the gas pain....hiccups for a few minutes the first day after surgery...doing better today but need to take lots of Milk of Magnesa...due to the anathesia I would assume...30 pounds is also my goals as my older children will all be home for the holidays, first time in 2 years and they do not know that I had the surgery, surprise.

I have PCOS as well ...this is one of the reasons I had this done on January 8th. My periods are erratic or non-existent. Mine started 4 days after surgery and lasted a week...heavy and crampy ...so I knew it was ovulatory. It was because my blood sugar was and has been very stable since surgery and about a week or two prior to that and since PCOS is directly related to high levels of insulin in the body it usually only needs a 10% reduction in your weight or less to kick start and ovulation or cycle.

Actually you did write a lot but it was all worth reading. You make many valid points. Just so you know I am 5' 1" so I do have at least 100 lbs that could be lost to get me to what is considered my "ideal" weight. But I would feel great at 145, i've been there before. I also do not have the $$ to be getting anything nipped and tucked and I know my stomach will never be bikini worthy because I had 4 c-sections and all of my boys were OVER 10 pounds. Again, a very valid point. As far as my surgeon goes, he is very familiar and does many, many band operations. He was even involved in a study for the swedish band and the new band that they recently came out with. He was also telling me that someone is working on a band that will automatically adjust itself so that you will no longer need fills. He's not sure what that technology will entail but that it will be a huge step for the band. I guess I have some more thinking to do, my surgery is scheduled for April 28th but I have to make a decision so they can submit to my insurance. Good luck with your surgery.

There is no better or worse between the two outside of each person's individual circumstances and lifestyle. Please don't think we're trying to argue which is better/worse. However, this is a BAND board, not a generic WLS board, so a lot of the responses you'll get are likely to be pro-band. I know many people who have had RNY, and it was right for them at the time. Some now regret it, some do not. I can say that the concern he mentioned about needing fills -- I'm surprised he didn't mention the RNY recovery time. Even laparoscopically, this is often about 6 weeks. With the band, it's often within one week. Just looking at it from logical numbers, fill appoinments (in over 2 years I've had a total of 5, one was for an unfill) take about 10 minutes at the most. So that's less than an hour I've dedicated to follow-up. Oh, plus the post-op visit to have my staples removed. Even after 2+ years, that's still a TON of saved time over an additional 5 weeks of recovery. The sweets - that's a very valid point. If you're an ice cream junkie, there's a risk you will not lose weight with the band. Unlike RNY, the band itself does nothing to prevent you from eating crap food. Even people who are overfilled and can only eat a few things often find it's ice cream, Cookies, shakes, etc. that go down the best. If someone isn't able to commit to the lifestyle & behavioral changes that come with needing to be responsible for their eating decisions, then the band may not be the best option. They call the band the "thinking person's WLS" for this reason -- we're still accountable. With some of the other procedures, including RNY, this isn't so much the case. You can expect some degree of hand-out weightloss, even if it comes at the cost of great pain. Best of luck inyour decision. :biggrin:

I am 7 days into my 2 week pre op diet and have only lost 6 pounds! I don't know if this is considered good or bad. I was actually hoping to loose about 10 pounds in the first week. I still have a week to go, so hopefully I can knock off 10 lbs by then. I work am a front desk medical receptionist, so I don't really do much running around. I guess that may be the reason why. I also am not a liquid kinda gal, I know I deffinatley do not drink 8 glasses of water a day. I guess i have to start drinking more water. How much weight have you lost during the pre-op diet if your on all liquids?

Highest weight 356 10/05 I lost 125# pre surgery. Banded 10/31/06. post op was 222 11/14/06. I will find out what I way on 12/13/06. can't waite. Love that sling shot!!! What to expect from the first fill? Any one?? Dr. Jeffrey Genaw Detroit, Mi. {GENIOUS!} Banded 10/31/06 First fill will be 12/13/06 356 highest weight 231 pre op 222 post op

Okay, I'm not even banded yet, but started my journey of Eating the Bandster way - I started out at 248 Today I weighed 229 I've lost 19 pounds so far, just eating my Protein first, veggies 2nd and starches last (usually none). I'm trying to get back to exercising, still having a hard time with it, but working on it. I am still waiting on insurnace approval.

I may have already done this, but I feel like shouting today!!! I used to weigh 365 lbs and I now weigh 186 lbs!!! I was popping out of a size 28 and now I am in 10's and 12's!!!!!

Yes, the powder and ready made bottled Isopure is the same. Isopure contains 50 grams of Protein per 12 ounces. I just mix it with Water. I've never tried the chocolate flavors becaue I didn't like strong flavors like chocolate after the surgery. During my two week pre op diet, I did drink generic chocolate whey Protein shakes from Wal-Mart. After surgery, I didn't like it and found that it wasn't nutrient rich as I would have liked. That's another rare thing with Isopure-it has added Vitamins and minerals. I've had vanilla, peach mango, and strawberry so far. There are many people that don't like the taste of Isopure or can only put up with it for a week or two after surgery. I had no problem getting my water and protein in after surgery. Here is my drinking schedule I stuck to for two weeks after surgery: 8 AM-10 AM.....12 ounces of Isopure (50 g protein) 10 AM-1PM.....20 ounces water, broth, or sugar free drink 1 PM-3 PM......12 ounces of Isopure (50 g protein) 3PM-6 PM......20 ounces water, broth, or sugar free drink I usually drank 1 ounce of Fluid from a plastic shot glass (they give them to you at the hospital) every 5-8 minutes. I also ate Jello when I got tired of drinking water. You sort of become a slave to the clock. I always wanted to get a timer that went off every 5 minutes, but did okay without it.

I was born weighing 10 and 1/2 lbs and was always big lol. My highest was 280 and lowest 140 which I was happy with. I had my surgery 4 almost 5 years ago and I have not gone back to my prior weight

I'm considering this surgery after researching all the bariatric surgery options. It seems it has the least amount of side effects, a great initial weight loss, and a decent long term weight loss. It all sounds really great, but I need to hear the "dark side" of it all, before I make the decision. I need to know the worst of the worst before I move forward with this plan. A little about me, I'm 31, 5'10", 280lbs. my BMI is 40. I've just had my second child 4 months ago, and my post-baby weight is the same as my pre-baby weight...which, as it happens, is the weight I've been for the last 6 years. I've always been an athletically built girl...never super skinny...but at my best shape, I was a size 10 and weighed 170. I also didn't have 2 kids, a husband, and a career, so it was a little easier to take care of myself. Weight problems run in the family; my mom and younger sister are both morbidly obese, as are all the women on my mom's side of the family. No one really sticks to a diet or exercise program, they just like to complain and blame their lots in life on their weight. I'd like to break the cycle while I'm still young, and can enjoy an active lifestyle with my family, etc. I feel like the surgery could give me the boost I need to lead a healthy, active, confident lifestyle I so desperately want. BUT, I'm concerned about the post-op world I'll live in. Here are some questions I have: 1. since you can't eat much, is your energy really low? I have to take care of 2 kids, so low energy is not too appealing 2. will you ALWAYS only be able to eat small amounts? Or, will your stomach stretch back to normal size eventually? 3. once you get past the first few weeks of liquid and soft foods, what dietary restrictions are there in your normal, day-to-day life? 4. I've heard you can throw up if you eat too much, what other physical side-effects can I expect post-op? 5. any regrets??? Thanks in advance for all your feedback. Some days I think this is the best idea ever, and other days, I think I'm crazy to consider it... just looking for answers either way at this point.

I have a lot of old clothes I can use as I work my way down in sizes. The items I got are my ultimate goal clothes. I didn't buy a lot. Mostly tops and dresses (that I can easily alter if needed), I've fluctuated so much in weight in my 31 years that I have clothes ranging from size 20 down to 10.

The first part of this post is copied from the About Me part in my profile. I decided to use it here because I would like some feedback please. I was banded in March 2009. I came home, somewhat in discomfort and over the following days I progressed into agony. I ended up back in hospital having emergency surgery at 2am five days after the placement. I had been nicked in the first surgery and had an infection. The band was removed and I spent four days in ICU and then another four or five in the ward. It was the most PAINFUL experience in my life and it wasn't too good emotionally either. After I returned home there was a long recovery period and I initially thought I could not face hospital again with rebanding. My surgeon explained that I may have to be opened up again (I have a huge scar down my middle because of the emergency surgery) if it proved impossible to do it keyhole. I had to gather up all my strength and return to try again in August 2009 because I didn't want all that pain and money wasted... with no outcome except a scar to show for it. Fortunately the second banding went without a hitch and it was a keyhole op. It hasn't been an easy journey. I can't seem to tolerate a decent fill without severe reflux and choking during the night etc. So, I only have enough fill to make sure I don't suffer those symptoms but then it means I can fit way more in than I would like to. I initially lost a decent amount... but only after low carbing combined with 3 or 4 days at gym every week. I have the metabolism of a slug!! Over the past 12 months I have regained 10 kgs (22 lbs). I am just beginning again to try to start from scratch in my mindset. Force myself to eat less, chew more, don't drink with meals etc. People who look at banding as 'cheating' and 'easy' have NO IDEA. Us banders still need colossal willpower and determination. It is a life-long struggle and the trick is to remain proactive in our journey and not give up. I always knew banding was just another tool in my arsenal and not a magic fix... I just have to sharpen this particular tool at this point in time and make it work for me. Don't get me wrong though I WISH THIS BLOODY BAND WAS A MAGIC FIX and I didn't have to diet or exercise!!!!! Now... first of all I am not vying for sympathy here or wish to put off any potential banders. I am just saying it as it is for me. The band has been a wonderful tool for many on this site as the many glowing posts attest to and I wish all you newbies the best of luck. I would like to hear from others who have been on a similar journey. Having a fairly successful honeymoon period... putting in the hard yards with diet and exercise... and then grinding to a halt. I would like to know how others who suffer from severe reflux and choking from having the band at a level where restriction is effective but need to unfill it enough so that those symptoms don't occur... and therefore can eat more than they should on the band. I have considered changing to a sleeve but from what I have read they too have a honeymoon period of losing and then the same problems can occur... starting to eat more etc. I don't want to change one set of problems for another... I want the band to work for me... I want me to work for me. I am at bit of a standstill. I am still having the same problems that I have had all my life. I hate people harping on about willpower. I have lost 1000s of pounds in my life and put them all back on. The periods of self denial and exercise are far more than most people ever endure. I have also enjoyed the times when I have got into the zone and eating well and going to gym etc has been easy and something that has become a pleasant daily ritual... and I believe that 'yes, I can do this for the rest of my life'. But life long habits are insidious... and creep stealthily back... and before I know it... here I am... asking for some advice from you guys because I honestly don't know what to do anymore. I wish I could get my band filled more without the painful and scary side effects. I wish I could maintain control as an ongoing thing rather than in spurts. I wish I wasn't failing... and no matter how you dress it that's what I'm doing. I know I have to climb back on the will power horse and just do it. I just feel like I'm on this endless cycle. I hoped before I got banded that I would be able to break the cycle. I was wrong. Thanks for listening.

My doctor required me to lose 10% of my weight prior to surgery.

Hi there!!! I have been reading about everyone. The sixties group is great. I was wondering if I was the only one in my sixties going for Lapband. I am 62 and also a grandmother. My five grandkids ages are 17-15-4-2-1. They are my pride and joy. I have had back surgery and one knee replaced, with the other one needing replacement. I also had blood clot go to my lung, which complicated my requirements for Lapband Surgery. All said and done though I am scheduled for surgery on July 17th. It took approx 10 months to finally get a date, but I'm finally there. Will be posting as events occur. Best of luck to all, you will all be in my prayers.

I am not your doctor, but I would suggest you need a fill. For instance, I have a 10 cc band and am at 5.5 ccs. I have mild restriction but able to swallow my medication and when I forget to chew thoroughly, I don't vomit very often. My doctor had put my band on fairly tight so I had a natural restriction as well. Ask your doctor what the average restriction for your band is, when you reach that level you should have restriction. However if you have to go higher than the average, go slowly in the amounts such as .5 ccs or less. I have been taking .5 ccs but now I will go now to .25 ccs. My band's average is 6 or 7 ccs. Hope this assists you.

Well, I said that I was going to do a happy dance when and if this happened. I am sitting in Starbucks right now, near two attractive, seemingly single women. I noticed them when I came in, I've been here for like 10 min. Well, one of them just looked my direction, look back at her friend and then her head snapped back to me and she checked me out!! *huge grin* I don't think I have ever had anyone do a double take for any reason other than my enormity. Woot! I'm pumped!!!

I was banded on 4/8/10 and find that evenings are hardest for me as well. My doc says 3 meals a day only, no snacking the only thing that helps at all is I make Protein shakes everymorning and then freeze the rest as pops so no added calories and get the extra needed protein. Go in for first fill 5/10. like the others have said tho don't beat up on yourself this is a one day at a time journey. <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/woPx0Wr/weight.png"></a>

So does it have to be six months straight? If so I need to start back now. If it can be three/four times a year, or once/twice a year with my OBGYN then I am good for the past 10+ years.

Whenever I need to jump start weight loss, my best bet has been something along the line of Atkins induction phase, high protein, low fat--no carbs. It gets old quick, but it always drops me several pounds in a hurry! Now be careful on this, because of the way it changes how your body burns fat, it makes your breath AWFUL for a few days!!! Not something you want to happen with your formal function coming up. I agree, DRINK lots of water, help flush out what you are losing. How much are you hoping to drop in 9 days? gonnabeskinny---it is normal, to have a pause in the weight loss, your body is in shock, it likely thinks it is starving. Try shakes with high protein, maybe you can get by with less than 10-20 a day. You can also drnk liquid protein(I used Zero Carb isopure from GNC)---and the protein will curb the hunger a bit. Before your first fill, your body is healing, and any weight lost is simply a bonus, and most will regain some of it when food is re-introduced. Be careful not to injure yourself by doing too much too fast---your port was sewn into muscle, and needs time to heal. Once the healing process is done, you can get down to business and get the weight loss started. You are in what is referred to as "Bandster hell"....an empty band, and being unable to eat----the good news is , it does get better, and easier! Hang in there, it is not a miracle, none of us loses 50 pounds overnight----but the band sure does make it easier to lose anything!!! Oh and I would follow my Dr.'s eating plan, you need to know if you can eat, and tolerate food prior to the first fill, so you will have proper comparison! Good Luck all! Kat

Hey I am right there with you also. I had my band on 10/26/07 and lost 45 lbs, was soooo excited. I was getting in clothes that I had not worn in forever. WELL I got very sick with broncitis, flu and strep..which is NOT fun with the band. I had to get all my fill taken, my doc thought that I might have done some damage to the band since I was so sick for so long and coughed soo hard. Well it was empty for 2 mths, in that 2 mths I gained 15 lbs. I got a fill on 3/24 and have lost 3 lbs. I have sooooooo miserable with myself and so ashamed. I NEVER thought I would have been the one who "fails" with the lap-band. I am disgusted with myself. I was getting some many people telling my, wow you look great. Now my own husband tells me honey your face is fat again and it looks like you have gained all you weight back. Well that just makes it worse and I just feel like giving up. I am getting a fill tomorrow and hope that I can get turned around for the good. I hate myself right now and the disappoinment in my parents face(they paid for it--in cash) is killing me.