Savannah26

Good luck - this is a journey for sure. I understand the weekend mentality. I eat so dang healthy during the week and am very disciplined, however, I usually go out to eat every weekend day with family, friends, etc. and am so busy that I wasn't getting in any exercise. This past weekend, I did sweaty home projects (cleaned the garage, back porch area, built some shoe shelves) and was too busy to think about eating. I did go out to dinner Sunday night with my Daddy, but I kept my calories way under budget, then ended up losing like 3 lbs. just over the weekend - a total a 6 lbs. in the past week. It was my best week ever!! You can do this - you got this. We are all here for you and each other. Keep us posted!

I did that once right before surgery and a couple of times afterwards. I am normally a very outgoing, happy person - we all can just have a bad day. This too shall pass. Trust me!

I have been banded for over three years and have told only two people - my husband and best friend. Here are my tips for eating out with others and keeping the "nosey nancy's" at bay : (1) Be very careful with what you try to eat. Avoid the bread, potatoes and other difficult food or you will need to explain why your eyes are suddenly watering, you sound like you're being strangled when you talk, or you have to lunge for the table to make it to the restroom. I tend to stick to soup or very small portions. My husband is also well trained in picking up the signs that I need a moment for a bite to pass and will fill in the conversation until I can talk again. In a pinch, I have gasped something like, "Went down the wrong pipe!" and then excused myself to go to the restroom. Fortunately, this has only happened twice. (2) Ask for a to-go box as soon as you feel comfortable and take a good portion of your food home. If you do this, it is not so obvious that you are sitting there with an almost full plate and you can eat it at home at a pace that is better for you and the band. (3) Tell people that you are a slow eater. Which is very, very true with a band. (4) Tell people you are dieting. Again very true. I tell people that as part of my diet, I have cut out things like bread and potatoes. (5) Go to the restroom during the meal, if only to walk around and let your food settle. This will give you some extra time where you are not just sitting there staring at your full plate or your dining companions. Good luck on the upcoming surgery! It was the best investment I have ever made in myself.

Great advice! I already do #3, 4, and 5. I have had to wrap my mind around NOT ordering a huge meal and have started ordering appetizers, saying I'm not that hungry or that I had a big/late lunch, etc. I told my family that I am trying to eat healthier and lose weight - ALL TRUE! At a party this past weekend, my neice actually mentioned to other people there, that I was trying to eat healthier when I passed on some sweets. Since the lap band weight loss is so slow - it's easy to keep the secret. I have only told my daughter and my out of state cousin. I didn't want anyone to judge me or what I had on my plate. No one else knows and that is what I wanted - it works for me! By the way, after my last fill a week ago, I experienced my first painful stuck episode with bread at lunch with a friend. I felt bad, but I totally told a white lie, saying that my esophagus was narrow and sometimes I get choked or food gets stuck - this is a real problem that 2 other family members have and had to have surgery to help the problem, so I claimed that one too - lol. Again, it worked for me!

That's my next goal too - been at 228 for a while, but first fill today - yeah!

How did it go? I get my first fill on Monday. My doctor does not use any numbing agents, so I am very anxious. I'm needle phobic, so that definitely doesn't help. Can you guys tell me what to expect? I've been watching video's, but I want to hear it from someone directly.

I was banded January 31st. Surgery was truly a piece of cake, well, maybe that's not a good reference, but you get the point. It was the easiest surgery I have ever had. I don't feel ANY restriction and can eat anything I want - which I hate!! I am so ready for a fill so I actually believe I am truly banded! LOL

Love it - let the countdown begin. In less than 24 hours, we will be banded!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm getting banded tomorrow too!! I am so nervous. excited, you name it. Praying that we both have a fabulous and pain free recovery. Let's keep in touch on our progress. Good Luck to us both!

I'm get banded on January 31st too - yeah us! I am also nervous and excited. I love this site and just recently started coming back to it. I am keeping my surgery a secret for the most part - only 2 people know. So, it's nice to be able to communicate with all of you. Has anyone else kept their surgery secret???

Wow - you look awesome - good job girl!