lyndeeboo

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

Thanks for your message! Yes, you say it perfectly...unlike drugs/alcohol, we need food to LIVE, so it's always going to be there, always going to be around. It is completely up to me to know when to stop...it's just so easy sometimes to put it off until tomorrow...which is why I'm as unhealthy as I am.
Good luck with your recovery and with the rest of your journey! I hope that everything works out great for you

So far you're happy with him? I'm trying to find a doctor adn am SO afraid I will pick the wrong one!!!

No foods, even carbs, are against the law with the lapband. That being said some people can't tolerate thick breads, especially once they reach proper restriction.
Some people choose not to eat carbs, but other continue to. The choice is yours. I eat carbs and some sweets, and heres the catch- I count calories. I try to eat healthy most of the time, but when I really crave something I do have it and I count it in my calories. I LOVE spagetti and chicken alfredo, but both have Pasta. I choose to use spagetti squash for my noodles instead of regular Pasta and it is still awesome.
You can still eat your carbs, but in moderation. The biggest question to ask you self are you ready for MODERATION, not are you ready to give up xyz. Eating whatever and how ever much you WANT got you over weight, so you have to change in order to change your weight.
You can be successful if you are WANTING and WILLING to MODERATE yourself with your food intake. If your family loves you they will support you through the difficult times.

I, also, was a carb-aholic. I was raised in an Italian family, where Pasta and bread were plentiful! It also meant bread was a staple at pretty much every meal. Nothing was more comforting to me than a nice fresh loaf of Italian bread. I am 4 weeks out from surgery today and I can tell you that now, I can walk through the bakery at the grocery store without batting an eye. I don't know at what point of this journey it happened, probably during the 8 day pre-op liquid diet. My body stopped craving carbs and even better the thought of them just wasn't as appealing anymore. My surgeon has said from day one, after the initial healing stage (2 months of different phases liquid, full liquids, mushies, soft, etc.) that I can eat whatever I want, as long as it works for me. It is up to each of us to make the correct decisions on what we want to eat. So essentially, we are not "not allowed" to eat pasta, rice, or bread, it is just determined by if we can tolerate it....and if we want to still eat it. I have no desire at this point. I really believe once in a different mind frame, we are all strong enough and have enough will-power to get over those carbs! I am sure at some point in my life, I will sit down to a healthy optioned, correct portion plate of pasta again! You will do fine, start rotating the carbs out of your diet now, before you "have" to for your pre-op diet. Then you will feel in control of it, rather than feeling like it was taken away from you! You will be happy that you did. Good luck in your journey, from one recovering carb-aholic to another

I am a carbaholic. The band does not stop everyone from eating bread, Pasta, potatoes or rice......just so you are aware, nor does it stop you from eating toast and crackers (in fact those go down quite nicely). I track everything on myfitnesspal.com and keep close eye on Protein, calories and carbs. More often than not, I am eating less than my daily allocation of carbs. I am more concerned with getting my Protein in daily that I focus on that more. Carbs are a bonus and are the first to be cut (bad carbs - I still try to get my fruit in and sometimes you can't fight those carbs), if my daily meal plans have gone over in calories.
Why don't you join myfitnesspal, manipulate your daily calories to 1000 -1200 and eat like a banded person for 2 weeks. 70 grams of protein, 3 meals/day equal to 8oz per meal or 1 cup. 2-3 snacks/day equal to 3-4 oz. No drinking anything 30 min before and after meals and no carbonated beverages - at all. (you will shocked to see how quickly the calories and carbs add up when you realize that 2 slices of bread equal more calories and carbs and less protein than about 4oz of chicken, and it is the chicken that will sustain you longer.
I think my 2 weeks pre op liquid only kicked me off the carb cravings pretty quickly and post surgery, you are still on liquids and really have no desire to eat.
I understand it is a real concern.......I love carbs........but I love me more . good luck

lyn, I was also afraid of giving up my favorite food. But I was more afraid of giving up my life with my family. In my 2 week pre op I had to give up carbs and it did feel like I was in re hab and having with drawls. What happens when you eat and it gives you a good feeling, right. A feeling of happiness and comfort. And letting go of that feeling is fearful. Well, no one can make this choice for you but you. If you choose wls, you have to want it for the right reasons. And have a great support group to cheer you on all the way. Good luck with what every you choose.

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

I seriously want to hug you right now! Just hearing how much you have accomplished makes me want to jump for joy for you and also makes me KNOW that this is the right decision for me. For the past few months I keep going back and forth with it - - I'm scared. Scared of the pain, scared that I will get sick all of the time, scared that I will be a statistic and have major complications...but anytime I allow fear to creep in and begin to talk me out of it I let REALITY sink in - - that if I keep on a the path I'm currently on - 30 years old and 251 pounds - - that my sweet kids are going to find me one day, dead of a heart attack and that thought breaks my heart.So thank you. Thank you for your kind words and support and thank you for getting me excited!

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

Your story brought tears to my eyes because it is so similar to mine. Honestly, a year ago I could have written it!
I thought long and hard about the surgery(5 years) and ended up having surgery last Jan 27. Honestly, I wish I had done it sooner!
This past year has been amazing. Hard yes, frustrating at times, sure....but I have lost almost 70 pounds and feel like a different woman. To be able to run with my kids, fit into the seats at the amusement park with the kids and not worry about the bar not closing, hanging out on the beach and not worrying about covering myself up the whole time, walking into ANY store and finding cute clothes, having guys check me out again(weird but flattering .....yes, you can have all these things as well!!!
You have to make the decision and then never look back. Come here for support and when you make a mistake, know that it's ok. One bad food decision will not derail you this time. You can do it....do it for your kids, do it for your hubby but most of all, LOVE YOURSELF enough to do it for you

Good luck to you Nicole! How very exciting about your consult. Hopefully it goes great.For me, I want to be a great example for those around me who also struggle and more than anything, I want to prove to myself that this body that I'm in and this life that I've been leading doesn't have to be my death sentance. I've tried so hard, so many different ways on so many different plans to lose weight, I just can't stick with them. I'm hopeful that the band will be a good tool that will assist me in a lifelong journey. Like you say, it can't control what I put in my mouth...but I think that it will be that extra motivator that I need to stick with my new lifestyle.
Keep in touch! I'm interested to know how your consult goes!!!

Hello Lyn....
I feel what your saying....for drug addicts or alcholics....every one sees the problem.....and in so many ways its easier to kick them habits...you just dont buy the drugs or liqure....but food...OMG we need it...and its all around us every day every where we go....
The day I went for my first appt to see about the band...was the last day I can honisly say I bindged or ate a full size candy bar...or a bowl ( or 2) of Cereal for dinner...
I do mess up a lil here and there..Im a food addic but I make it always a good choice...this weekend at a halloween party I had a fun size kit kat and I think that was a good choice...I had just 1 and it felt good to be in control....
Good Luck.....dee

Reading your post was like reading my own story. Thank you for sharing/venting and just know that you are not alone! A lot of us feel the same way.
I am just beginning my journey; my first consultation is on 10/30/12. I know that the lap band won't make me eat better, but it will be a tool to help me eat less, and give me the drive and determination to make the right choices when it comes to food and to exercise.
Good luck to you

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

OK... lapband basics...
Buy the book by Jean McMillan and read it cover to cover! (an unpaid commercial)
The amount of weight you lose varies by person, but you doc should be able to help you set a reasonable goal.
Many docs have a pre-surgery diet to help shrink your liver, some don't
Start NOW with trying and tasting various Protein Shakes. You will be on them from 2-3 weeks post surgery, so sample now and be stocked up on you favorites before surgery. I have found several that are very good. The powders are cheaper in the long run. Nashua Nutrition allows you to order samples. http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/protein-powders/protein-powder-samples-1-serving.html?_vsrefdom=google1&gclid=CIzH54m1nLMCFQWe4AodV2kA0Q
Also start now with lapband eating protocols. Nothing to drink 30 minutes before eating, nothing to drink with meals, nothing to drink for 30 minutes after eating.
Chew, chew chew with very small bites. This will help prevent stuck food episodes with the band, and it gives your body time to send you the "full" signals before you overeat.
After surgery, you may have gas pains in your upper chest and back. Walk, walk, walk! I found that windmilling arms while walking helped with the gas.
Recovery is not as bad as you might imagine. My surgery was outpatient and took less than 45 minutes.
Ask you doc NOW about port size. There are two, one is shallower than the other and will not protrude as much once you have lost weight.
Follow all doctors orders and do not be hesitant to call in with questions. That is what you are paying for.
Keep posting and asking your questions here. You will find a lot of support and great ideas.

We have all been where you are now, and this is a caring and giving group. Best wishes! If you have specific questions, ask them.

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do.

I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!!

I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself.

…Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask???

End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

Yay!!! Best wishes

It's funny. I've been overweight my entire life and even though I know my reasons I've never really admitted them to anyone...very liberating

I want to be able to buy clothes somewhere other than plus-sized shops. I want to go for a walk and be able to not be out of breath. I want to walk down the hallway without my thighs rubbing together.
Mostly, I want some random guy to check me out...I don't know that I've ever been 'checked out' before and I would like for someone, just once, to make me feel sexy. Yes, I'm married and no, I wouldn't ever cheat on my Husband, but just once for someone to think I'm sexy enough to glance at would be nice.

I want to be able to buy clothes somewhere other than plus-sized shops. I want to go for a walk and be able to not be out of breath. I want to walk down the hallway without my thighs rubbing together.
Mostly, I want some random guy to check me out...I don't know that I've ever been 'checked out' before and I would like for someone, just once, to make me feel sexy. Yes, I'm married and no, I wouldn't ever cheat on my Husband, but just once for someone to think I'm sexy enough to glance at would be nice.

Both terms make perfect sense now...Thank you!
Green is GOOD, stuck sucks

It's funny. I've been overweight my entire life and even though I know my reasons I've never really admitted them to anyone...very liberating

I want everyone to know that I don't think any of your answers are silly. A lot of people take these simple things for granted. We all have our reasons, even if they aren't health related, or are superficial. We want what we want, we're human, I figured we might as well own up to it!
Keep the answers coming! Love em!