NurseLaureli

Good job! What progress!! That dress is so pretty! It is amazing at what looking at a pic will do for you if you are feeling down about the scales moving slowly. Keeps up the motivation! Again, you look great!

I just wanted to chime in and say from someone who is banded, I went through the same thing you all are. I researched this band for 2 years before I decided that it was time to stop wasting my life being obese. Then, once I decided that it was the right thing to do, it seemed like an eternity before it even happened. Even though my insurance covered the procedure, they would only cover it at the hospital I worked for at the time and they were in the process of changing lapband doctors so I had to wait another 4-5 months before I could even talk to the doctor to see if I was a candidate for the surgery. Everyday I would come to this website and look at the before & after pics and it would motivate me to keep going. It is a long road, and not one that can be rushed. I am guessing that is for good reason though to ensure that you don't rush into a surgery w/o considering both the pro's and the cons. Also, I would recommend taking the before and after pics. They really are motivating, especially when you plateau b/c it shows how far you have really come. I didn't realize how much I tried to avoid the camera when I was obese, not that I jump to have my pic taken now, but atleast I am included in my family's pics now. You'll be glad you did it.

I can eat almost everything. The only foods that I have had a problem with are french fries and tater tots (which I don't really need anyway...I can usually get by with eating 2 or 3 but more than that causes me pain). I don't really eat tortillas b/c they take too much effort. When we go to a Mexican food resturant, I'll order fajitas, and just eat the steak and chicken and veggies and my husband & daughter will eat the tortillas. eggs....I have only PB'd 2 times since I have had my band and one time was on a fried egg (the other time was a dry piece of chicken). Totally my fault though...chewed it twice, and swallowed it (I was so hungry and reverted to my old habits). It sure came right back up. But, as long as I pay attention and chew well, I can do eggs (fried and scrambled). I acutally usually eat 1 egg for breakfast almost everyday. As far as bread goes, I don't really eat that either. I was just too scared to try it after I got my band so I pretty much stay away from it. I LOVED bread before, but don't really care much about it now that I don't eat it. I can eat pizza w/o problems. Usually only one piece, and it takes forever! Red meat....I eat red meat w/o problems providing I am chewing well. If we go out for steak, I'll usually order a baked potato and salad, then my husband will give me some of the steak he orders. It is just enough to satisfy my craving, but not enough for me to get in trouble with. All in all, as long as you chew well and don't let yourself get to hungry so that you are rushing to eat, I think you will be surprised at what you can still eat. I would stay away from anything too dry though!

Hi Devera, I haven't blacked out but I will say that if I eat too quickly and start to get stuck, I will get an instant headache, usually on the right side of my head. It has only happened a couple of times, usually when I let myself get too hungry and eat too fast, but my hea really hurts. I thought it was a bit weird, but I always forget to ask about it when I see my doc. I have never blacked out though...that sounds pretty scary. I hope you find some answers!!

I had a new NSV yesterday. I went shopping for a pair of pants and actually bought size 12's!!! Starting at a tight 24, I was SO very happy.

I actually had a new nsv yesterday. My husband had surgery yesterday and while he was in surgery, I ran down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. I took my food to go and was sitting in the waiting room eating. About half-way through my meal I realized that I had the styrofoam container sitting in my lap while I was eating. Ummm...OMG!! I have a lap...an actual lap that I can sit stuff on now and use. It didn't hit me until that point. I have never been able to hold something on my lap b/c my belly has always been too big. I must have looked like a dork b/c I sat there staring at my styrofoam box in my lap like it was an alien. Someone walked by and asked me if I was okay...I just smile and said yes. Crazy!! I also went to Old Navy the other day and bought a new pair of pants...in the normal size section...size 14!!! Coming from a 22/24 size pants, I was thrilled. It has been 9 years since I could wear a 14. LOVE my band!

I tried editing my previous post but it wouldn't let me for some reason. I actually forgot a NSV: I got my wedding rings resized. I've got from a 9.5 to a size 7 in ring sizes. I was able to try on a ring right out of the case and it fit me...I have never had that happen. I've always had "sausage fingers".

1. Being able to cross my legs without leaning way to the side. 2. Going from a size 22/24 to size 16. 3. Shoes fitting better (yes...I am losing weight in my feet). 4. My daughter can put her arms all the way around me and touch her hands when she hugs me...I cried when she did this b/c she was so happy too! She thinks it's fun to show this to everyone now too! 5. I can run and play with my daughter. 6. People at work are noticing my weightloss. 7. Putting on a size 14 pair of shorts that I wore when I was pregnant with my daughter...little tight but I got 'em on. First time in 9 years! 8. I got into my PROM DRESS!!! OMG!! This happened last week...just on a whim I put it on and it fit! I thought I was going to die. 9. Taking a picture of myself where I actually think I am sorta pretty. This is a great thread and until now, I hadn't actually written down my nsv's. Very motivating!!

I like the orange and grape flavors. The fruit punch one to me was WAY to sweet, but I'm not a big fruit punch person myself. I got a grape one in the hospital after I was banded and I liked it. So, I went to Vitamin Shoppe to get some and they only had the orange. Turns out, I like them better than the grape so it worked out for me. They are VERY tart and sweet though. Kinda shocking when you first take a drink, but they aren't bad. I MUCH prefer them to any Protein shake that I have tried. Also, when I was first banded, I couldn't get down a whole protein shake during the day and I was coming nowhere close to meeting my protein requirement. Since these are only 3oz, it is much easier for me to meet my protein requirement since they have 42grams of protein each. Good luck to you on your surgery!! :clap2:

Hi Joanne... I was banded the same day as you and I am HUNGRY too! I am so sick of Soup and broth right now that if I never see it again, I swear it will be too soon. I can't go on mushies until Monday so I am feeling your pain. Just trying to count down the days and promising myself I will not cheat and eat mushies too soon. I have found that the New whey Protein bullets are helpful with hunger. I drink one in the morning and have had to add another in the afternoon. Seems to help.

A friend of mine who had GBP had this happen to her. She went from 257 to 145 and was denied access to a club b/c the bouncer said it wasn't her ID. She said she asked him if he really thought that she would use a "fat girl's" ID to try and get in if it really wasn't her. She said he told her congratualtions on the weight loss and that she looked really hot, but that she still couldn't get in. She wasn't happy! She really does look like two totally different people when you compare her old DL to her new one...I hope I have the same success!!

Here is a pic of the damage to my truck...

Thanks everyone for your replies...I think I'll try to get ahold of someone at my Dr's office tomorrow. I have my one week post op appt on Monday so I guess if I can't get someone tomorrow, I'll be okay until Monday. I don't have any bruises or anything...I'm not even sore. I don't think I hit the car that hard, but my husband said it was a pretty good whack. I'm such a goober. Thanks everyone for listening and caring...I really appreciate it!

Okay...so my surgeon said I could drive 5-7 days after my surgery. I was banded on 5/14 and today being day 5, I decided that I was ready to go out. Besides, I needed to go to the Vitamin Shoppe and get those New whey Protein bullets as I have been having a hard time getting all of my protein in and the one they gave me in the hospital was pretty good. Well...long story short, I was attempting to change lanes and looked behind me to "safely" change lanes, when I looked up again, the car in front of me had stopped and though I tried to swerve and miss him, I ended up hitting the back left hand side of his car with the right hand side of my truck. Noone was hurt, and my truck is still drivable (though there is probably a good $3k worth of damage) but I am worried that I may have done something to my band seeing as I am only 5 days post-op. I don't hurt or anything, and I can still drink my liquids and protein bullets so I think I am okay. What do you all think....should I be worried??? (PS...I was NOT on pain meds...haven't used those since the day after my surgery) I've never had a car accident...I'm so mad at myself!!

I totally agree with the above. I told everyone I knew b/c I knew that I wouldn't be able to cheat and get away with not losing. To me, it is an incentive to keep losing, and it keeps me honest. I guess I am just that kinda person though, I need the encouragement and I need to hear how well I am doing to keep it up.

I have 5. Haven't really had a good look at them b/c I still have my steri-strips on them, but I have 4 small ones (one of those is hidden in my belly button), and one longer one that is for my port. Not sure how long it is yet...can't wait for these steri-strips to come off!!!

Hi Robert...I was banded on 5/14 and I have that same lump in the throat/chest that you seem to be feeling. There is no way that I am getting enough water or protein down at this point. I have been walking and walking and that seems to help, also the Gas-X dissolvable strips seem to work for a bit, until I try to "eat" something. I usually get 2-3 sips of a protein shake down or some water before I feel it again. I am working on making sure that I am not gulping when I drink....this definitely is a whole new experience!

I am not banded yet but a couple of years ago I lost 60lbs on Weight Watchers and my feet got smaller. I used to tell my husband that I was going to end up looking like Patrick Star from SpongeBob with those tiny little peg feet and big belly. Not sure why my feet got smaller, but they did. Would have really rather had that weight come from by belly...or my butt for that matter!

Hi Marci, I am not yet banded but will be on 5/14. I just wanted to say Happy Bandiversary! 80lbs lost is superb! I hope to be like you this time next year. You are an inspiration to us soon to be bandsters! Keep up the great work. You'll get past the junk food cravings, though I now it's hard to do. Congratulations on your weightloss so far!

No pre-op diet required for me. Like some others I've seen, only one day of clear liquids the day prior to surgery.

I need some advice. My doctor doesn't require a pre-op diet, only Clear liquids the day before surgery. I was kinda hoping to jump start my weightloss so I was thinking of starting my own pre-op diet, but I am not sure what to do. I thought about doing just Atkins so I can still actually eat, or just doing Protein shakes for a week before surgery. Did any of you out there not have a pre-op diet and start your own? What would you do? Thanks!

MusicalMomma, So sorry it took so long to answer your question...my dr. only requires Clear liquids the day before surgery; however, I think that I may try doing Protein shakes for the week before surgery. Don't know how well I'll do, but we'll see.

Congratulations on getting your date!

Congratulations on being approved! It is the greatest feeling (I just got my call letting me know I was approved and I am so happy too)!! Good luck with everything...I hope you get your date soon!

Awww...thanks so much everyone for your support. I know that it is normal to be scared at this point but I have totally made up my mind to go through with the surgery. I have been researching this for 2 years and I'm ready. I am SO stinkin' excited right now. I really am glad that I found LBT...everyone here has been so great and supportive. I'm sure to have more questions as I start my journey and I know that I can find the answers here!