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Good Morning All! I just wanted to share that today's my 1 year bandiversary! I'm down 110 pounds since surgery and 130 pounds overall. I have 9 pounds to go until my dream goal, and I'm hoping to get there by the end of October. I'm 10 pounds below the top of the average BMI limit for my height. I work out 1-2 hours every single day with rare exceptions, and I strictly watch what I eat 97% of the time. The lap band has truly changed my life!

Hope, you're lucky..my discharge papers said 2 weeks, but I had to start after about 10 days...couldn't do it anymore...my busy life just couldn't handle not driving!

Hello Forum, Question??? I had my band done on 9/19...up until Friday the only pain I had was sharp pains in my left shoulder...does anyone know what would have been causing this and will this be a recurring thing? Tammy

@bgtribble We have almost the identical stats. I am also 5' 6" and my heaviest weight was 259 pounds. As an adult I had always maintained a healthy weight for my female frame - about 145 - and was a lifeguard, canoe trip instructor, avid backpacker... never a 'small' person but fairly 'trim' and definitely healthy. I got married and had a baby and then the weight started to creep up on me... 10 pounds heavier, 20 pounds heavier... and over the past 15 years, I ballooned up to 259. Now that I'm back in 100's again I feel I have regained my 'old' Self. I'm not at goal weight yet, however I am feeling SO much better even at this interim stage of the process 65 pounds down! Like dear Bandista above (she is a guru - listen to her!) I also love food and cooking, and am able to still enjoy beautiful food and meals out... but in smaller portions. The best thing is having the background of satiety constantly there. The "Hunger Monster" that derailed my weight loss attempts in the past is no longer there. Now I have a can of tuna & mayo or a small piece of tender steak or 5 Tbsps of egg salad and that's it. Give me three slices of roast duck, a few spears of asparagus and no starch (potatoes, rice and breads are out for me) and BOOM. I'm sated. No desire for anything more. Happy for you, jiggyjiggy120 - you are about to embark on getting control back and feeling better. It's a tremendous thing!

I am interested in this too, so i googled it, this is what i came up with: homemade remedy for sagging skin site- http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/ Overview Sagging skin is often considered a normal part of aging, but it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for many people. Often caused by repeated movements and facial expressions, there are some natural, homemade remedies that use essential oils and carrier oils to help firm, tighten and lift sagging skin, according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to The Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being." </H3><H3>Step 1 Combine ½ tsp. clary sage essential oil, ½ tsp. patchouli essential oil, ½ tsp. rose otto essential oil, ¼ tsp. sandalwood essential oil, ¼ tsp. petitgrain essential oil and ¼ cup jojoba oil in a small amber bottle with a tight-fitting top. Step 2 Cover the oil mixture and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds to thoroughly combine the ingredients. The Best Skin Care System Celebrities Trust Simone France. As Seen In Elle and O Magazine! SimoneFrance.com/Skin_Care Sponsored Links Step 3 Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean cotton pad. Allow the cotton to soak up the oil for 30 seconds. Step 4 Dab the oil mixture on the area of skin being treated. Leave the excess oil on the skin for 20 to 25 minutes without wiping it off. Step 5 Rinse your skin with lukewarm Water and pat dry with a clean towel. Step 6 Apply your regular moisturizer after using this treatment. There is no need to wash with soap unless the mixture irritates your skin. Step 7 Use this treatment once per day for as long as necessary. Discontinue use if the essential oils bother your skin or cause redness that does not fade away after a few minutes. Step 8 Store unused portions of the oil mixture in the medicine cabinet or cupboard for 90 days. Discard the mixture after 90 days if not completely used. Tips and Warnings It is best to use therapeutic-grade essential oils when applying them to your skin according to Colleen Kaye Dodt, author of "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body." Therapeutic-grade essential oils are often more expensive than standard essential oils, but they offer the most benefit. They can regularly be found in most health food stores and online through specialty retailers that sell homeopathic medicine and aromatherapy supplies. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwxvl6e Things You'll Need 1/2 tsp. Clary sage essential oil 1/2 tsp. patchouli essential oil 1/2 tsp. rose otto essential oil 1/4 tsp. sandalwood essential oil 1/4 tsp. petitgrain essential oil 1/4 cup jojoba oil Small amber bottle with tight-fitting top Clean cotton pad Clean towel Moisturizer Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwnu29V Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/219143-homemade-remedy-for-sagging-skin/#ixzz1Alwc9n6q

1. Cheetos 2. chocolate 3. Cheetos 4. Tortilla chips 5. Cheetos 6. Cheetos 7. Cheetos 8. Cheetos 9. Cheetos 10. Cheetos Notice a pattern here? LOL

Just wanted to offer up an update for those of you pre-sleevers (and post-ops looking for comparison). I know I really value the "what to expect" posts. I was sleeved 10/2 and feel great! Down 18 pounds and no pain since day 3. Started puréed foods today and indulged in Cream of Wheat, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and chicken (not all at once!). All went down very well but I was also very aware of how my stomach was reacting. dinner was about a quarter cup of mashed potatoes and maybe an ounce of chicken (ground up in the magic bullet). I'm still pretty gassy 2-hours later but overall feel really good! Also went back to work today on a modified (half days) schedule. It's not a physical job but requires lots of brain work. I held out OK and easily could have stayed a couple more hours! Still came home and napped though - have to enjoy it while I can :-) Enjoying reading everyone's posts, thanks for all the support!

Here we go 1. chocolate 2. chocolate cake 3. fast food all types 4. fried food all types 5. cheetos 6. corn chips ( I swear these were made by the devil ) 7. bread 8. Pasta 9. rice 10. chocolate chip Cookies I miss bread ......

This is funny! I don't think I have much at 10 months out that I can't eat at least a few bites of if I want it. But here's the few things that I usually stay away from: 1. bread in any form that's not thinly sliced and/or toasted 2. rice 3. Pasta 4. too much sugar (sadly, I define "too much" after the fact when I'm slightly nauseous!) 5. more than a few bites of fried foods. I ate a crunchy taco in August and did just fine with one crunchy chicken taco. 6. this is weird but meats that are cooked too dry. I have more trouble with dry meats foaming up on me - ewww! I eat too much pop corn and dry Cereal (I love to snack on multi-grain cheerios!) I really need to branch out my Protein foods because I eat too much dairy for protein.

I had mine with Dr Ortiz at mi doctor hospital. I believe it was previously a military hospital. It is not fancy by any stretch. But I was checked every 30 min or so after my surgery, my husband was provided a bed beside me and didn't leave my side other than when in the OR. English was not a barrier whatsoever, and they were very kind and compassionate. They are more attentive than they are here In Canada. You will be in good hands. Sleeved Sept 10/2016 HW 267 SW 252 current weight 232

Thank you all. I could not see myself ever being able to get to less than 2 protein drinks a day due to this problem. I'll start decreasing time frame by 10 min until i find my happy place, hopefully around 30 min.

[:thumbup::thumbup:Well, here goes, all or nothing. I can't wait to get going.I am only 10 days in and haven't had first fill yet. Everyone keeps calling this a journey. Well, i don't know if what it should be called for me is a journey, but more of a life preserver. anyway, i think that with the help of God, my life will be a blessing to others and this is something that is all my own. I am the one that has control:redface:. 10 lbs so far, 75 to go. I quess i am already on my way, lol. :thumbdown:. sweet!!!!!!!!!!! talk to u agin soon. see ya:biggrin:

When a craving strikes ask yourself Am I stressed out? When you're under pressure, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which signals your brain to seek out rewards. Comfort foods loaded with sugar and fat basically "apply the brakes" to the stress system by blunting this hormone. When you reach for food in response to negative feelings such as anger or sadness (like potato chips after a fight with your spouse), you inadvertently create a powerful connection in your brain. Its classic brain conditioning; "The food gets coded in your memory center as a solution to an unpleasant experience or emotion". Stimulate happiness "Women especially have a profound emotional reaction to music". Create upbeat playlists to listen to whenever a craving strikes. The songs provide a distraction and an emotional release. Wait it out "People give in to cravings because they think they'll build in intensity until they become overwhelming, but that's not true," Cravings behave like waves: They build, crest, and then disappear. If you can "surf the urge," you have a better chance of beating it altogether Choose the best distraction "What you're really craving is to feel better," You've heard the trick about phoning a friend or exercising instead of eating. But "taking a solo walk won't help if you're feeling lonely," Instead, identify your current emotion--bored, anxious, or mad; by filling in these blanks: "I feel ____ because of ____." Then find an activity that releases it. If you're stressed, channeling nervous energy into a workout can help; if you're upset over a problem at the office, call a friend and ask for advice. Ask yourself "Have I been eating less than usual If you're eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day or restricting an entire food group (like carbs), you're putting your body in prime craving mode. Even just 3 days of strict dieting decreases levels of the appetite-reducing hormone leptin by 22%. Do This! Lift any bans--safely Plan ways to enjoy your favorite foods in controlled portions. Get a slice of pizza instead of a whole pie, or share a piece of restaurant cheesecake with two friends. Don't "eat around" cravings; trying to squash a craving with a low-cal imitation won't satisfy your brain's memory center. For example, if you're craving a milkshake, yogurt won't cut it--especially if you've been depriving yourself. You may even take in more calories than if you'd just had a reasonable portion of what you wanted in the first place. Munching five crackers, a handful of popcorn, and a bag of pretzels, all in the name of trying to squash a craving for potato chips, will net you about 250 more calories than if you'd eaten a single-serving bag Are you getting enough sleep? In a University of Chicago study, a few sleepless nights were enough to drop levels of the hormone leptin (which signals satiety) by 18% and boost levels of ghrelin, an appetite trigger, by about 30%. Those two changes alone caused appetite to kick into overdrive, and cravings for starchy foods like Cookies, potato chips, and bread jumped 45%. Do This! Have some caffeine; it can help you get through the day without any high-calorie pick-me-ups. It won't solve your bigger issue of chronic sleep loss, but it's a good short-term fix until you get back on track. Portion out a serving, you probably don't have the energy to fight it, so try this trick: Before you dig in, dole out a small amount of the food you want (on a plate) and put the rest away. Are you a creature of habit? You may not realize it, but seemingly innocent routines, such as eating cheese popcorn while watching TV, create powerful associations. "The brain loves routine". The thought of letting go of these patterns can cause a fear response in an area of the brain called the amygdala. "Once the food hits your lips, the fear response shuts off in a heartbeat." Do This! Eliminate sensory cues; smells, sights, and sounds all act as powerful triggers. Watch television in your basement or bedroom so you're far away from the kitchen and the cupboard full of Snacks Picture yourself healthy; try the "stop technique": Every time the food you crave pops into your head, think, Stop! Then, picture a healthy image (say, you're lean and fit). After a while, your brain will dismiss the food image and the craving will subside. "One of my clients did this four or five times a day, and within 2 weeks, she stopped turning to sweets every night after dinner." Shift your focus; Australian researchers found that distracting your brain really does work. When a craving hits, divert your attention to something visual not related to food, like typing an e-mail. Passing up one bag of potato chips and 1 pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream per month can help you lose 10 pounds in a year

I must be a "glass half-empty" kinda gal cuz, although I have had great results since being banded 10 months ago, I am starting to have fears of losing my band! I have had no complications and am living comfortably with my tool. What I worry about is that something will happen that will cause my band to be removed... I worry that there is only a set amount of time that the band can remain inside one's body without the body maybe rejecting it etc... Is there anybody out there that can reassure me by telling me they've had theirs for ???? years? I know that the band hasn't been around that long, but let us know how long you've had it. (Then I can find something else to worry about!! ha ha ha).

I did my preop testing yesterday. They collected about 9 or 10 vials of blood. Performed an EKG, barium swallow test, pulmonary function test, X rays and abdominal ultrasound.

Congrats...I hope the 10 pounds come off quick and easy! It is exciting to get to goal!

I was banded last July. I just had my 7th(?) fill and I now have somewhere around 10cc in a large VG band. I now have restriction. I think it is the sweet spot. Before this last fill, I could eat anything. One thing you have to do, is start exersizing. I have a bum knee so I pedal an exersize bike for at least an hour a day and have averaged between 7 - 10 pounds per month.

I set my goals 10 pounds at a time

I started my pre-op liquids on 6/21 and had surgery on 7/1. Beginning weight was 320, day of surgery 296. I currently weigh 250. I have had 3 fills, plus the original 4cc's put in during surgery, for a total of 9.5cc in a 10 band. I still do not feel that I have true restriction but I have been able to follow the rules well enough so far. From here on out will be the true test for me, I can usually stick with anything for 3 or 4 months then I fall off the wagon. I, too, feel like it has come off faster than predicted but I'm not complaining. :eek:

Even though I had surgery before you2/4/19... I lost 25 lbs between my March 21st check up and yesterday.. with a few days when the scale showed a gain here and there and a few stalls... do t beat yourself up!!! You got this !!! You are doing well..

So as most of you know I had me sleeve done 3-20-19. This was the best decision I made for myself. Since my surgery I have only lost 25 lbs. I have been doing everything they have asked, just can't lose it. I work out, get my protein and water. I'm not gaining just don't know what else to do. I'm so scary this will not work for me after I went through a year and a half working for it. The one day of the week that I don't go to the gym I feel guilty about it At first I was thinking this is a stall but come on I'm in week 9. I just don't know what to do anymore, hoping this wasn't a waste of time. Sent from my Moto E (4) using BariatricPal mobile app

I just had VSG this last Thursday 1/5. So far so good. I can tell my stomach is still inflamed and it's hard to get liquids down currently but each day gets better. I have already lost 10 pds which was surprising to me as I thought I would be heavier after surgery. Glad to find a forum with people who are in a similar stage. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App