BandedKitten

I was banded by Gorecki in May and need support. Any Brooklynites out there? e

I'm trying to figure out the points plus system in combination with the band. I'm not too successful so far. anyone out there having success and figured out how to use it with the band? I eagerly await ANY advice on this! thanks, e

Wow. such a good topic. I guess I'm not the only one! My inlaws take pictures of EVERYTHING and I tried so hard to hide. Sometimes they would catch me. It was my son's graduation from middle school on Saturday and I HAD to be in the photos. I was so upset after. I've lost 28 lbs total (since January) and I have been feeling much better about myself. But when I saw the photos that a family member put on facebook I just cried. I have so far to go still and it bummed me out because I felt so cute and slim that day in a new dress. But the camera doesn't lie. My only consolation is that I know I'm on the way DOWN not up. I did the surgery first for health and secondarily for ego/pride/appearance. And my health is improving already....I know eventually teh appearance will too. It doesn't help when my mother in law (who lost 90 lbs on the lapband) made a comment like this: Well I see you've lost ONE of your rolls. Once we you've lost the weight we have to work on your skin. Now I had to go off antibiotics for my skin to have the surgery and my skin broke out like crazy. The surgeon wanted me to stay off the antibiotics for a little bit after the surgery as well. I've just started back on them this week. But did she really have to say that? I mean geez. She's no super model, either. Sorry this is turning into a vent/rant. Guess I needed it.

My hospital allows you to bring your own mask but they require you use their cpap machines. I was grateful to have it because the machine relaxed me. I am weird in that I actually like my cpap machine...it's like stress reduction therapy...breathe in....breathe out... my apnea is not just related to weight..i have a receded jaw line. Even when i was 135 lbs i snored like a lumberjack. So sexy! All the best, BandedKitten

I also had a large hiatal hernia repaired during lap band surgery. My acid reflux is greatly reduced. My surgeon said it was pretty big....check with another local surgeon. BandedKitten

Hey Nechama! I live in Brooklyn as well. Welcome to the Boards--congrats on your decision and good luck on your journey. I have found it was a great decision and I'm very very happy. All the best, BandedKitten

I was at that fork in the road in my life where it was going downhill fast. I was diagnosed as borderline diabetic and my knees were killing me on the stairs...was so stiff at such a relatively young age (52). I am on a cpap but my breathing is because of my jaw (i have a receding jawline) and the weight made it much worse. I will probably always need one but I had to have the pressure turned up twice because of my increasing weight and i still wasn't getting a good sleep. Now i wake up refreshed. If only I could get rid of my insomnia..but that's another story. At only 27 lbs lost (including pre-op diet) I am already in much less pain on the stairs, less stiffness and my energy is getting much better. I still have nearly 45lbs to go (i'm super short) but I can already see that I'm going to feel much better afterwards. I am off sugar..only rarely take a small bite. I am off stuff that was just plain bad for me..like diet soda, white bread, white Pasta, etc. Most white stuff is bad news. I'm still early in the journey but I FEEL so much better already. yay! hugs, DangerKitten

Thanks for sharing this. i just LOVE a good success story. and yeah..i DO know what you're talking about..people have NO idea what a big deal this is...how it's life changing. I hear you sister and I'm thrilled for you..and hope to be hot on your heels with my own story soon. hugs, BandedKitten