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HELLO ARKANSAS BANDERS I FINALLY HAVE A DATE 10/20/2010 THIS IS VERY LUCKY DATE FOR ME IT IS MY DAUGHTERS & GRAND-DAUGHTERS BIRTHDAYS. I AM GOING TO START MY NEW ME ADVENTURE ON THAT DAY. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND OTHER PEOPLE FROM THIS AREA TO TALK TO AND SEE IF I COULD GET SOME INFORMATION INSIGHT INTO WHAT THE NEXT TWO MONTHS ARE GOING TO BE LIKE, NO NO LUCK.:thumbup: IT SEEM FUNNY THE OFFICE IS FULL OF PEOPLE LIKE ME GETTING THE LAP-BAND®®® AND THE SEMINARS ARE FULL OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY ARE GOING TO THE SAME:w00t: DOCTOR BUT I CAN'T FIND ANY OF THEM TO TALK TOO? DR. JOHN BAKER IS MY SURGION BAPTIST HOSPITAL IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IS THE PLACE IT WILL HAPPEN. I HAVE STARTED MY 10 DAYS OF HMR SHAKES WITH ALL KINDS OF 2 TABLESPOONS OF FLAVORS:tt2: SUGAR FREE JELLO/PUDDING V-8 JUICE HOT & SPICEY CARROT JUICE / CHEESE SOUP NO FAT CONDENCED 2 TABLES SPOON IN VANILLA SHAKE WARM SOUP DRINK JUST ANYTHING TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE I AM EATING:thumbup: SOMETHING THAT HAS A TASTE. AND THE DILL PICKLES ARE TO DIE FOR SOMETHING CRUNCHY.:cursing: WHAT CAN I SAY I AM HERE AND I AM GOING TO DO THIS. CRYSTAL LIGHT IS A LIFE SAVOR TOO I WAS A SONIC DIET CHERRY VANILLA COKE ADDICT TOO MY TRUCK JUST WANT TO DRIVE RIGHT IN WITH OUT A THOUGHT. NO MORE COKES. :thumbup: I WILL TRY AND POST EVERY DAY HOPE SOME ONE WILL LET ME KNOW IF THEIR IS LIFE OUT THERE IN ARKANSAS BAND-LAND /

I would definitely ask the doctor to check your level of fluid. Everybody is different and reach restriction at different levels, but 8.2 in a 10 cc band is quite a bit to feel absolutely no restriction whatsoever, and leaks are not unheard of. I'm in the zone around the 6 to 6.5 cc area.

Here I can help you feel I bit better about your "slow" losses. I was sleeve 10/1 and down 44lbs.......you have lost at a really great speed. Don't be too down about it.

I believe the results will be skewed based on the choice of answers for question 10. Hopefully there is a larger percentage of margin of error for this question.

Hi Barb... I think you should not worry... and try to be happy about this next phase of life. You like and trust your surgeon, right? Then what I did was just left it in his hands (and the lord as well of course). I got sleeved the end of March 2027. The best thing I can suggest is rest... follow what your supposed to 'drink' and walk as best you can. Take your pain meds if needed, I didn't have to take many. I don't know how much you have to loose, but I can tell you honestly it's the best thing I ever did and wished I'd done it in my 40's. I had about 40 pounds to loose and am happy to report I am 5 lbs away from my goal weight. Don't buy a lot of clothes right away, if your like me the weight just comes off so fast that you'll want to wait till you level out a bit. I wish you all the best. The thing when you start eating regular food again, is don't over eat. I love to cook and still fix dinner for my husband and guest but I eat about 10-12 bites and that's it! I feel full and I stop. That is the key to maintaining. The hardest thing for me, is not drinking 30 min before eating and 30 min after. Just make your nutritionist your bff!! Best of luck... let me know if you have specific questions... hugs, Rose

My port had turned sideways and was embedded in scar tissue. He replaced the port and the tubing this past Tuesday and the pain from this surgery is 10 times worse than the original and I have a high pain tolerance. He moved it from my left side to the middle under my breasts about 4 inches. The port removal site and new port insertion site don't hurt at all. I have this terrific pain on my left front side probably where he tunnelled with and instrument. Feels like someone is stabbing me with a hot poker when I move. It hasn't gotten one bit better and it's been 2 days. I'm concerned that somethings not right. Will give it until Monday before I wig out. This may be a minor setback but it sure has me down.

Well my last appointment with my surgeon is August 6th hoping to schedule my surgery for August 21st. My surgeon requires a 10 day liquid diet. I have lost 40 pounds since April 30th. People are saying "you don't need the surgery". However I do need the surgery it is a tool not a miracle. I have had a weight problem since I was a child. I don't like a lot of foods. I am a very picky eater. I don't like any food that is mixed with anything. I have never had a Mcdonalds hamburger or any other fast food hamburgers. I don't like anything on a bun. Don't like soup, goulash or anything that mixed up. My problem is baked goods. I love to bake but I have not baked in the last three months. I joined the YMCA and I work out twice a day most days. I am up to about 6 miles a day now. Feeling much better than I used to. I am looking forward to the surgery so I don't have to worry about putting it all back on again. Good luck everyone on your weight loss journeys. I am so excited.

My weight at my doctor's appt on Tuesday was 229. My start weight was 330. I have lost 100 pounds. That sounds so strange to say. I am really excited about it and my life has improved immeasurably. I still have a ways to go to get to my first goal, which is 175 but I'm very thankful with the amount of weight I've lost these past 9-10 months. My surgeon is extremely happy for me. My resting heart rate is 50, which he says is awesome. My BP is 125/67 and all my blood work came back in the normal range. All my clothes are way too big, even the ones I just bought a month ago and I have stamina and can do normal tasks, as well as work out for a long time at the gym without feeling tired. I don't feel awkward in social situations, like going into a room and wondering if I'll fit in the chair. When people see me, they usually ask how much weight I've lost or say that I look great. I can see the bones in my face, in a good way! I'm not skinny in any way, but who knew I had cheekbones under there? I have no more plantar fascitis or foot pain and my back doesn't hurt anymore. I don't get winded going up a flight of stairs or walking around the mall or taking my dog out or shaving my legs. I've gone from a 24/26 size clothes to an 18-maybe even smaller since my clothes are too big now! This has not been easy, but I guess I'm amazed. It's actually working! I guess I never really believed I would continue to see the scale move down. I still can't imagine being below 200 pounds. I haven't weighed this weight since my freshman year of college and I'm now 30 years old. That was 12 years ago! Lap Band: 12/1/08 330/316/229/175 5'9" st.w/sw/cw/gw Ht. (my highest weight ever was 347) :thumbdown:

Holla bandmates! I hope this finds you nice and cool in the perspective areas in which you reside, cause it is HOT in the midwest for sure. They are canceling the fireworks around here and nearby cities, please be careful it is indeed dry, I expect to see tumbleweeds roll across the prairie anytime now. I've had a little excitement today. First I had my first BM today, I know I can hear the applause coming from you through cyber world! Next, had a little "tiff" with someone because he thinks the United States started going downhill when they gave women the right to vote, no wonder I have a headache. I believe the headaches are being brought on by my cold turkey dismissal of Diet Mountain Dew, not to fret as I have found a not only suitable replacement but a Fabulous one: Crystal Light Wild Strawberry (energy) it has some caffeine it in and my headache subsided quickly and it does taste like strawberry, I don't know how Wild it is, but it works for me. Today I had about 25 oz of Chocolate protein drink, I prefer vanilla, but the Chocolate Malt wasn't bad and change is good. I also had a cup of Kroger brand "Carb smart" tropical yogurt. The Carb smart brand is more the consistency of pudding and you don't have to stir it up and of course there are less carbs, and as an added bonus you can get 10 for $4! I also had about 16 oz of water and who knows how much CL lemonade. I also walked 1.3 miles and I took my time. I'm an early riser so that's when I walk, this may change however to when it's dinner time. Although I'm not too tempted with food at this time, I'm sure it's right around the corner. I've decided when I fix dinner, I will either walk, go to Zumba, the gym, bird watch, underwater basket weave, anything not to be around when the table is set. The boys can then put the food away, etc. so it's done and over with upon my return. The thing I'm missing is a glass of wine, I put my CL in a wine glass but I would like to have a glass in the evening, or a bottle of tequila, same thing. I hope whomever's reading understands and "gets" my humor, laughing burns more calories than not laughing, it's a fact! My pain level is at a 1, still a little sore but feels like I just did like maybe 20 crunches after not doing any ever. I have an appointment for my first fill Thursday, however, after posting my concerns and reading the forum regarding your first fill, 9 days after surgery seems very fast and I can't locate another that has had a fill that early in the game. My conclusion is when they called to schedule it they said "fill" when what they probably meant was "Post-Op" visit. Either way I am not afraid, I am excited and welcome each and every step of my yellow brick road. I reference that because like the "Good Witch" says: "You've had the power all along" and what a true statement. We have had the power, we just needed the perfect tools-and by gosh we finally have the tools that we may tap into that power, not only for now, but forever. Thank you bandmates for being candid, honest, and sharing your stuff to inform, enlighten, and sometimes make us laugh or cry with each other. Until tomorrow, Onward and Upward, and as always Lo & Behold! .....Velvet

Hi everyone. I just had my first fill yesterday. I had 2.1 cc. I have a 10 mm Inamed band. I forgot to ask the doctor how much can this band hold? Also, he told me 5 days of liquids!!!?? Why so long? I was reading other posts and seems like no one is every told 5 days. His nurse told me 1-2 days and then he said 5 days. I am feeling really bloated today and kind of icky feeling but able to take liquids just fine, is this normal? Thanks!

I totally HATE exercise. . would rather have a root canal, but i know i have to do it. . i'm not sleeved yet, but don't want to be sick. . . what i do everyday (except for Sat and Sun) is include my workout as part of my job. . . I leave my job at 5pm and drive home, but on the way I turn the other way (about 10 miles from my house) and go straight to the gym. . . cursing all the way of course you know. . . i do my treadmill at 3.2 mph for 45 minutes and my random hill stationary bike on level 9 for 15 minutes and go home! I literally run out of the gym! But the next day i do it again. . . i've been doing this for quite some time now and must have the best BP on the earth. . . last doctor appt (last week) was 110/64 HR 69 . . . not too shabby. . . guess it pays off. .

Personally, I was sleeved in MX so I didn't ahve any post op follow up. I had surgery and flew back home less than a week later. My loss was really slow at first, then accelerated, then stopped, then slow, then stopped....I'm just getting off another plateau now. I'm 15 and a half months out, and I think this final 40 lbs is kicking my a**, but I know that slow and steady will win the race. It's easy to get discouraged and to look at the tickers of other who had surgery the same time as you and wish you had their results already, but the most honest and best advice I can give is: Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Compare yourself to you. When was the last time you lost 10 lbs before surgery, how long did it take? Did it take longer and was it more difficult than the current 10 lbs you're lamenting over? The answers are probably yes and yes. Another thing to remember about your loss now, is that, you're not losing weight, you're GETTING RID of it!! That is 10 lbs you will probably never ever ever EVER see again!! How great is that!?! One day at a time, if you do the right things, Protein first, exercise, you WILL see results, you WILL lose the weight, and you WILL look hot and feel great!! Welcome to the losers bench!!

What is everyone been asked to loose before surgery can be done? I have heard of 10 lbs and I thought that was pretty normal. However, my doctor is suggesting 25? I know why (to shrink the liver) but I wanted to hear from you what you were asked, if it was more than the 10 lbs? Thanks!

Hi Renee, congrats on your new sleeve and your amazing weight loss before surgery too! Discomfort in the left side is common. I’m 10 days out and the only lingering soreness I have is sort of a tugging sensation there when I stand up. Before surgery I remember reading somewhere the left-most incision is where the retractor goes in, so a lot of manipulation in that area. Makes sense that it would take longer to heal. Of course if it’s something really sharp or a new pain, I would call the surgeon. Good luck & keep us posted on your continued progress.

I did the preop liquid diet for over two weeks and it went ok. I didn't cheat, just kept focused on the prize and did fine. I had surgery 10/27/09 and will be on this same liquid diet for 4 weeks. But I really am not that hungry right now, just trying to get the water and vitamins in along with the other liquids. You can do it! Jan:thumbup:

As a fellow teacher, I totally understand the push to get that date all squared away for summertime! I'm probably going to be a July sleever too, unless I end up having to wait longer than anticipated for insurance clearance. *fingers crossed* I'm itching to get my date set in stone, too, but in the meanwhile, I just keep planning for success after the procedure. Got my vitamins, got a protein powder that I've been incorporating into my daily diet, and so far I've lost 10 pounds. I'm trying to keep my focus on things that I can control, while I wait for The Date to be finalized. It'll get here, and then we'll really be headed for success!

Do a lot of research. I got my band about a month ago and i am sooooo glad i did. I do not get my first fill till tomorrow, but just having the band in there has really reduced my appetite. I have lost 19 pounds so far. Best of luck. Donna

Hi everyone, I had my surgery on May 12th, 3 weeks later I got my first fill. Last week (07/15) I went in for a 2nd fill. After the fill I was able to drink water, no problem. 2 days after the fill, food started to get stuck. Actually, Protein drinks started to get stuck (I used the Ready to Drink, so it's not like there's protein chunks in it). Puree food started getting stuck. I only had problem with food getting stuck in the morning and afternoon. Once it's dinner time, I'm fine. I usually get up around 6 AM, and had my dinner at around 7 pm. This past weekend I woke up a bit later (10 AM). At my usual dinner time, 7PM, I couldn't eat. Well I took a couple of bites of food, then I relocate myself from the dinner table to the restroom. My first heart-to-heart conversation with my Toilet bowl:eek:. I started thinking that could it be possible that my band stays tight about 10-12 hours a day? So around 10PM, I tried to eat, and I was okay. So my questions are, is this normal? Does your band has a mind of it's own? Is there anyone out there who experienced this time schedule tightness? I love my band, I'm just trying hard to understand it:confused2:. Thanks! Love you all! :crying:

I was gonna ask if anyone kinda tried something Mushy within the first 10 days and if so what was the reaction , if any...So you're saying you went on soft food 4 days after surgery..

very well put! ive had both my tonsils & gall bladder removed & im getting my wisdom teeth removed next week! haha. i guess im so used to being over weight and people OPENLY commenting on it. the one comment that SERIOUSLY gets under my skin is, "omg!!! i didnt know you were pregnant!! congrats." its a double slap in the face for me since im not & i have pcos (irregular periods, very difficult to get preggo) due to weight gain. it makes me so depressed & 10 times more embarrassed than any other comment. then they used to do it in front of my bodybuilder boyfriend who wanted kids! i felt embarrassed and like a complete FAILURE!!!!!

I agree with everyone I've read so far - definitely do your research. Like ShrinkingPeach & Miss Mac, I wanted the fewest complications and the least rerouting. I also suck at taking pills, and I haven't had to increase my Vitamins after the sleeve - my Protein shake has most of them in there. Five and a half months after surgery, I have lost 115 from my high weight and 72 from my surgery day.... my loss was very fast at first and has slowed to about 10 pounds per month because of crappy food choices and the fact that I was recently diagnosed with MS and now take a medication (Tecfidera) that is much less horrible when you eat it with 200 calories of fatty food twice a day. The Lyrica that was added to my routine at the same time has a side effect of weight gain - but it is worth slow loss not to hurt. I last weighed today's weight when I graduated from college the first time. I've been so busy and so stressed out that I haven't been smart in my food choices and my exercise has been pretty much walking to the car, to class, to work, to bed, to the bathroom, and repeat. I finish classes in one month, at which time my routine will totally change, and I anticipate making my goal well before the one year mark. I am so grateful that I had the sleeve, and glad that I chose it when I did.

Hey, Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 28-year-old full time college student finishing up my degree in Elementary Education. I've been battling with my weight since I was about 10 years old. My weight has caused many problems in my life and I see it getting worse as I get older. I come from a family were both of my parents are morbidly obese. I've been thinking about getting the Lap Band for about a year now but wanted to try other options before I went with one that is so drastic. Like almost everyone else on this forum I've tried every type of weight loss pill, exercise, program, etc. out there. In the beginning of March (2013) I hit my highest weight of 225.6 lbs. I am only 5'3" so this is A LOT of weight for my size. I can barely squeeze into a size 18 pants. That day I said, "I've had enough!" I quickly went to Innovative Weight Loss Solutions at Geary Community Hospital and learned about my weight loss options. After deciding that the band was the right option for me I learned that my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas) wouldn't cover the procedure. This quickly put a damper on my decision. Fortunately for me my grandparents are loaning me the money to cover the surgery. They know that this new, "tool" will help with my weight loss. I've paid for the surgery, completed all of the paper work, attended a mandatory informational meeting, and met with a psychologist and a nutritionist. The next step on my journey is to meet the surgeon and set up a surgery date. As the days go by I have quit several of my bad eating habits. This includes my daily large sweet tea from McDonalds and my daily fast food lunch. These changes as well as going to the gym on a regular basis have helped me lose a few pounds. Ideally, I would like to go into surgery weighing around 200 pounds. My goal weight is 125-130 lbs. or a size 6 whichever one comes first. The weight loss and size is important but most of all I want to be happy and healthy. Thanks for taking the time to read my introduction post. I’ve been checking out these forums for about a month now and have learned a lot about the band. I hope to gain more knowledge and some friends along the way.

What doctor did you go to? I'm in Northern NJ and am looking for a good physician. I have had two gastric bands erode through my stomach and would like to have the gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass this time. I'm not sure about going to my past physician, or possibly trying a new doctor. I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and am thankful to hear that you were approved for the sleeve. Would possibly like to go to the same physician as you since you were approved for the procedure. Thanks "I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and they got rid of the 6 month wait right when I went through the process to be submitted (dec 10). Before that time my friend had a revision from a band to sleeve and after 3 denials did get approved and didn't have to do the 6 month wait. Be sure to call because requirements change and you may not be aware. I was approved very quickly. Within a few days of submitting and approved the first time. I was very surprised. Good Luck"

Its been 15 years and 10 months since my surgery and I have lost 196 lbs and kept it off. I have a goal for this year of getting down to 164 lbs from 199 lbs where I'm at now. I was 24 lbs heavier just over 2 months ago. I've been using an app called myfitnesspal.com to lose the weight. It took my a little bit to get the hang of it but now I'm comfortable with it. I pick my foods and it gives my the serving size and calories and deducts the calories from my daily limit. It sets up your plan by diet, starting weight and goal weight. As you lose the weight you change your current weight and it adjusts your allowable daily calories to keep you losing weight. I tried it free for a month and was shocked at how much I had lost so I purchased a one year plan and it wasn't expensive. I have the app on my phone and it is easy to use. I hope that this information is helpful for someone.