Question:
needing lap band support

Hi everyone...I had lapband surgery 1yr and 2months ago...it has been the longest and hardest journey ever. I am getting completely frustrated. For months I have been standing still at 255 to 260. I just can't seem to lose anymore weight. I exercise daily, drink my water and eat no more then 1000 calories. I just don't get it... I started losing my hair 2 months after surgery and to this day I am still losing my hair. My doc ran all the labs and everything came back good. I am just getting so dang depressed about my weight lose..and hair lose. I'm feeling like maybe I'm just not meant to be thin. Maybe some of you could throw some support my way to help keep my going...thanks    — willish (posted on February 18, 2009)

February 17, 2009
Sounds like maybe you are not getting enough calories, your body will shut down if you do not eat enough--esp with exercise. WE are meant to be healthy and it sounds like you are on the right track--You can do this, email me if you need more help! [email protected]
   — vbaum

February 17, 2009
Hi Shanda, I am also a lap band user and I have had a very slow weight loss. I have a problem with my thyroid and have only lost 25 lbs and I am 7 1/2 months out. I exercise daily so we may be one of the folks that just doesn't lose weight fast. Have you been in to see your Dr. I still am not at my ideal fill so go back and see what is going on. You may need another fill. Are you eating mostly protein? Let me know how you are doing. I will be happy to be there for you for support. Add me as your friend on your personal web site. Susan
   — susangielda06

February 18, 2009
Hi all, My Dr. and nurtiti told me to NOT count calories or fat grams, but to pay attention to keeping my diet under 30 grams of carbs daily. My Dr. said I would lose 3 pounds a week this way, and I am. I can have all meat I want, all the eggs I want, all the veggies I want and the weight is just falling off me! I haven't had a potato, any pasta, absolutely nothing sweet like desserts, nor any bread since October. I had my LB 11-4-08 and I'm down 60 pounds. I have not lost my hair yet! I take 6 Ultra 40 (Protein) tabs a day along with Omegs-3 gels, Calcium, and at least 400 iu of Vit D a day. I read somewhere that it takes Protein to burn fat, and my minimum requirement of Protein is 60 grams a day. Don't know if this will help you or not.
   — BeenThere1

February 19, 2009
I didn't have lap band but I have heard of people not getting in the required amount of protein which shows up in the form of hair loss and continued hair loss. Someone suggested to me biotin which you should ask your doctor about. I have also heard that people lose more slowly with the band so don't feel like a failure. I hope you start to see progress soon in the scale but don't forget to look around for the non-scale victories like fitting into different clothes, changing your driver's seat chair, or your knees not hurting as much. Best Wishes.
   — Corina C

February 19, 2009
Hi, I had LapBand 01-08 and have only lost about 25 lbs. I've had alot going on though and I'm sure some of it is my fault. I'm getting frustrated too. So I just wanted to let you know we can talk and gain support from each other if you'd like. God bless! Hang in there.... We can get through this!!!!
   — CS1chance

February 20, 2009
If you started losing your hair 2 months after surgery and to this day you are still losing your hair, you are definitely not getting enough protein into your system. If you will go to my OH support group site, you will see that I am addressing the need for protein. I have a lot more to add, but, hopefully there is sufficient information there to assist you in determining exactly how much protein you are getting. Since you had lap band surgery, you do not suffer from MA (malabsorption); but, you still need to consider the BV (biologic value) of the protein sources you are choosing. I have a chart there, where the math is done. You will be able to see the net protein useable by your body, and from there, you should figure out how much true protein you are getting daily. Biotin is OK; but, it is so much better if you eat the right foods before you turn to a pill for the solution. If you would like to become a member of my support group, you could do this. I have not only a 3rd Thursday of the month meeting in Kirkland WA; but, I also have a telephone contact line at 10:00 a.m. PST every Saturday. If you become a support group member of North West Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, you would be entitled to participate in the Saturday telephone call. So, don't get depressed and don't give up! Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach and OH Support Group Leader, North West Weight Loss Surgery Support Group. 425-885-2634; [email protected].
   — Christine Gibson

February 20, 2009
Don't give up. I had my surgery in "2005" and I am losing Veryyy slow. I maintained a weight of 155 for months now. I just went for another fill and I still don't feel like I have much restriction. It takes time and patience. I know I don't eat enough protein also. I sometimes get mad and won't eat but, I need to realize that is wrong. My body will never loose that way. Hang in there. and write if you need support. stay on the websites. Donna
   — DonaJ