Feb 2011 Bandsters: How much have your lost?

[Korilynn 1]

I'm just wondering how everyone is doing? I'm 2mos and 2weeks post op and I've lost 32lbs. I've had 1 fill and so far, so good! Everyone check in and tell me how you're doing!

[TexasMama 2]

I have the slowest thyroid on the planet, but I have still managed to lose 21 lbs, never would have been able to without the Lap-Band and working out!

[Korilynn 1]

Wow! That's great, TexasMama! Keep up the good work. The band is definitely a tool... It takes quite a bit of hard work and I don't think I could've lost any of it without my band!

[Elle23 0]

You ladies have done so well!

From the time I started visiting my doctor's office (I had to do 5 months of pre-procedure visits with my doctor and the nutritionist to qualify through insurance), I have lost 35 lbs. -- 18 lbs. since band day and having one fill. Working out definitely helps boost my metabolism...that and eliminating white carbs (which I am learning to live without -- and I really haven't missed that much -- shockingly).

I can't wait until this time next year around our B-days (BAND Birthdays) when we can look back on our journeys and see the progress.

[New chic 0]

Wow! Everyone seems to have done well? I am 8 day out, banded on 04/15/2011. I am feeling a little hungry even with drinking Protein Drinks and having yogurt. Will this go away after my first fill?

[wantinghealth 0]

Well I had already lost 45 lbs during my 6 month pre-op diet by not eating rice Pasta or bread and only eating small 1 cup portions. I had my lapband placed on Feb 17th 2011. I had my first fill on March 15th. My portion sizes went to 1/2 cup after my first fill. I have lost 18 lbs since the surgery for a total of 63 lbs. I just went to a follow up yesterday and did not get a second fill. I did not want one and the doctors said I did not need one. I had lost 11 lbs since my last follow up 5 weeks ago. My next follow up is in another 5 weeks or sooner if I think I need a fill at that time.

[Elle23 0]

New Chic ~ I didn't notice a huge difference from the way I felt before my first fill to after -- maybe a tiny bit more restriction, because I do feel fuller faster and on a little less food. I had some restriction from the initial installation (I had 2 cc in my band from surgery and they added another cc at my first fill for 3 cc total). I don't think I'm quite in the "green zone" yet, but I only eat three meals a day without much hunger in between and it has been pretty easy to keep to 65+ grams of Protein and 1200 calories a day. At your stage, make sure you get in your protein -- it helps you to heal and keeps you full. I really liked egg drop or Tomato Soup -- I would add in some Any whey to boost the protein (if you do it, read the directions carefully to make it dissolve smoothly into your Soup or drink). Good luck!

[Korilynn 1]

NewChic,

You are doing great for only 8 days Post op! It is pretty normal to start feeling hungry when your swelling goes down some! Just wait it out and try to follow your DR's instructions and before you know it you'll be having your first fill!

I personally did not feel a big difference with restriction after my first fill. I don't have much restriction, but I stay full forever! So even though it sounds crazy, I only ate 1 meal and 1 snack all day today. I need to get to a point where I don't eat a lot in one sitting, I just eat 3 tiny portions. I am still getting used to my band and trying to figure out what works for me!

[New chic 0]

Thanks for all the input! I really appreciate it. I will be having my first fill on May 16th. Will keep all posted.

[ck1redhead 0]

Hello all!! Glad to read you are all doing so well. I have lost a total of 40 pounds since starting the pre-op diet and having surgery. 22 of those pounds came after I had surgery. I hit a bit of a stopping point this past month and lost about 4 pounds. I have increased my cardio and weight training, and have been focusing on no carbs. I have already dropped several clothing sizes and feel much more energized. YIPPEEE!!

[mominoc 11]

Its now June. I've lost 60. Feb. 7th 2011 banded. 2 fills so far @ 7ccs now. Doing well. No problems and think I've found good restriction. Grateful for my band and that I hopefully will live longer, and now already can play with my kids much easier. Got rid of so many Clothes. Just kept what fits. BP is so much better! Got a lot more to lose but so many things are easier now.........sitting in booths, for one, is no problem anymore. walking more now too since my joints don't hurt so much. Yay!

[bigtom1948 8]

Well because of my age, 63, the doctor says I can expect the weight loss to be a slow process. I am losing about 5 pounds a month and have officially crossed from a BMI of morbidly obese to severely obese woo hoo. Thats really nice and all but I really want to be skinny.... (don't we all )

[mominoc 11]

I'm just wondering how everyone is doing? I'm 2mos and 2weeks post op and I've lost 32lbs. I've had 1 fill and so far, so good! Everyone check in and tell me how you're doing!

Hello! I was banded Feb. 7th, 2011. I've loved having my band! I've lost 55 pounds so far. Another 5 and I will be below 250 for the first time in many years! Can't wait to be below 200! I will really Celebrate that one! Wow! My osteoarthritis is better, my breathing is better, my asthma is much better, and soon hopefully I will be able to get rid of my Cpap. I can do so much more already and actually go swimming in a suit now. I went with some friends for a weekend getaway and put on a swimsuit. It was so fun being able to participate. As I lose the rest of my excess weight everything will just improve or completely go away. I know that now. I forgot how much of a drain all the extra weight makes on a body. Denial, I guess.

I love that food is no longer an option really in that I have good restriction and aim to get my Proteins in before anything else. I'm going through a divorce right now and this would have been a time when I would really overeat, but because of the band, I can't. I don't have to eat through my divorce. It's wonderful!

Very grateful for my band and have had no problems so far. I wish I could have been ready to get the band years ago, but at least I did get it put in this year. I don't feel hungry very often either, which when I dieted I was always white knuckling. I can take long walks now too.........swim.......bike ride..........it's a good summer this year! Thanks.

[Gentle Spirit 1]

I have lost 49 lbs since I started my pre-op diet on 2/1/11. 2 more pounds and I will drop below 300 for the first time in years. My weight loss has been slower than I would like, partly because I have to travel five hours to get my fills and my young children, life and work don't always permit the trip. However, I am enjoying learning new habits and not feeling like I am starving shortly after a huge meal. I used to feel like a bottomless pit--no restaurant portion seemed big enough,, so I would often order an appetizer or add an extra side to my meals. Now I feel satisfied after a small meal and I stay full for a couple of hours. I feel like I am close to the green zone right now, but going for a fill 10/6 anyway before my Dr. retires.

[jurhee19 1]

Hello all! I was banded Febuary 16, 2011. My starting weight was 231.8 and I am now at 130. I love having the band it has giving me my life back. I'm happy, and actually enjoy being around people. Where before I was happy just staying at home all the tome and didn't want to meet new people. Its going to help now that we are getting ready to PCS to Hawaii in April. I have been in the green zone since surgery I didn't have to get a fill. I have appointment on October 18 with my doctor to see about maintenance.

I enjoy walking, riding my bike, and just feeling young again! I feel great!