Lap-band support needed

Hello, My surgery was 5-2-06 in Oakwood Hosp. in dearborn Mi. I was lucky enough not to have any complications either obtaining approval nor the surgery itself. I lost 18lbs. at my first dr. visit 2 weeks after surgery and believe it or not I gained 1lb. at the second. Dr.Bacal inserted my first saline solution at that time and I now truly believe it is working. I was questioning myself up to this point but he assured me that everything will be fine. I seem to be losing inches and not weight he says the exercise I'm doing is turning my fat into muscle but that doesn't help my psych. I seem to want to lose weight first then tone up. I went from a size 24 to an 18 in a month. Is anyone experiencing the same thing? I am having a hard time giving up drinking with my meals, it's getting better but I still find myself wanting a drink. I am having a harder time with my food choices I have been gagging at a lot of stuff and have just about given up on any meat whatsoever! It just doesn't want to stay down yet I know it is the best way to get my protein other than drink it.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance. Ada

Ada, I am an not a lap bander, but I do know what you are going through watching for the scale to change!!! By the time I lost 80 lbs I had lost 78 inches all over which is a huge change just not in the scale. Keep track of your measurement in inches and try not to go to the scale as often. The not drinking with meals was very hard for me too, but with my surgery I literally got sick in the beginning if I did it so it became less of a temptation for me. Try to make sure during your "meal" that you don't have anything to drink even out so you have to make more of an effort to satisfy that need. It all gets easier, but we have to slowly work at retraining ourselves. I am not sure how many lap banders post on the MI board, but I know they have another website for that group on here you might want to try too!!! Good Luck!!! Mary

Hi Ada, I had my lap-band surgery May 16, so I also new to this. I had my surgery at Barix and I won't even be on regular foods until June 20. Wow, you went from a size 23 to an 18? WOW. I have lost about 20 pounds so far, not quite as good as you. usually I post on the lap-band message board but once in a while I come over here. You can e-mail me if you would like. I need all the support I can get.

Howdy, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I have been doing my research. According to my Doctor and a lot of profiles here in OH, Lap Banders don't loose wait as quickly as other wls right out the gate. However, in a five year study...at the end of the five years lap banders on an average loose as much weight as other wls. I am sure one more fill and you will see the weight come off. Also, when exercising, remember more cardio and more reps rather than more weights. Most important thing ever...Drink your Water! Good luck, I hope I helped. You can look at this way, I am jealous that you are a size 18.