bandlady1960

It is so good to hear all the success stories - I too was banded 12/29/2010 and have lost 65 pouunds. To this day i have not had a fill. My advice to everyone is listen to what the doctor, nurse and dietician says. It really works if you are determined and ready for this change. I exercise twice a day (before work and after work). I will be 51 at the end of this month and feel great. My husband has been so supportive of me and has helped me tremedously. I have about 30 pounds to go and am taking it slow. I want to lose those pounds but I want to be healthy also. Something I still do from what the dietician has told me is i do not drink 1 hour before or during my meal or 1 hour after. that really helps alot. If i don't pay attention to my meals i forget to chew sometimes, but for the most part all is going good. Keep your head up and your heart into it. It really works.....

Skinny - love your thread - I think we are about in the same boat only I have no teenagers at home. I was banded 12/29/10 and have lost 67 pounds. My starting weight was 253 and I am 5'5". I am 50 years old and I think I look okay in my size 12 jeans also. It is just so nice to be able to find cute jeans instead of the sam plus size dull looking jeans that draw up at the crotch. It is wonderful to see all the ups and downs are about the same. I really haven't "cheated" yet - I feel too good about what I am eating and the weight I am losing to cheat....lol. I have only had a couple episodes of being "stuck" and it really is uncomfortable, and it just reminds me to slow down and chew. I have found I cannot eat scrambled eggs, rice or bread - they are the most problem foods I have. I have a hard time when I am traveling for my job as far as lunch decisions. I want to go to a restaraunt that has nutrishous food and everyone else wants the fattening stuff. I can usually find something good to eat anywhere tho. I just need to stay focused. Thanks for all your advice and keep up the good work. Good luck to you.

I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

One of my very favorite food is meatballs, take some mushroom Soup, breadcrumbs, egg, and hamburger. They are mega band friendly, and I eat them for Breakfast too.....naver have been an egg or Cereal girl.

I like to make casseroles, stews, Soups, tacos, anything as long as it is balanced. I just eat sooo much less now than before and I exercise for at least 30-60 minutes everyday!

As far as bread, I use sandwhich thins(multi-grain)....and Pasta I can't eat in front of the T.V. because I have to focus on chewing all the Pasta up or I'm like a mama bird regurgitating to her fledgling...hahahahhahaha If I pb my dog looks longingly at me (I bet she would just love it)! You know dogs always eat their barf anyway!

If anyone wants my mushroom meatball recipe just respond to this and let me know, you will not be disapointed!

I did so enjoy this thread....night peeps!

I want your meatball recipe please. Send it to;

Tina_seaton@yahoo.com and any other recipe you have. Thanks a bunch.....

I too was bended on 12/29 - I am still on full liquids also and am sick of them. I have had a problem with not being able to get it all down. I get full so quick it seems to sit in my throat. I live in SE texas and also have a very strict doctor - but thats fine with me cause I heard he was one of the best. Keep me updated on your journey. my email address is Tina_seaton@yahoo.com.

I am doing better today 1/1/11 - I arrived at the hospital at 6:00am and was released at 11:30am. Got home and have really rested since. I had gas pains until yesterday but took GasX for it and it seemed to help. I am feeling better and able to sip a bit more today. Make sure you take your vitalins - that helps tremendously as far as getting your strength back. My mouth was dry for a bout a day or so but I thought about the tube that went down my throat contributing to that.

I was also banded on the 29th and I am feeling the same thing you are. I have tried to keep sipping on Water and at 12:00 I am to sip on some Soup. I feel like it is all in my throat. I am going to wait a couple of hours and see if it subsides a bit. Not to concerned tho. Make sure you are taking your Vitamins. That at least will help you some.

Tina

Good morning -

I was banded Wednesday. I am feeling full when I am sipping on Water. Tried to sip some yesterday but felt like it was all in my throat. Am also having trouble sleeping - cant get comfortable. I am a side sleeper and am having trouble laying on my side. I also feel the band from the outside of my chest - is that normal???? I am not having to take amy pain meds - dont like the way they make me feel - but havent been that uncomfortable.