ElizabethAnne

Susan, Welcome to the group. It's great that your surgery was approved earlier than you anticipated! I think you'll find LapBandTalk is a fantastic source of information, and the people in the Springers group are wonderful!

Walmart has them.

I agree. Maybe she's trying to sort this all out in her head first and needs a few days away.

Me, too. I got on here the minute I arrived home today, hoping to see how she's feeling.

Congratulations!

I am sorry you are struggling. I understand why you are discouraged but please do not feel like a failure. Others have already given you many good suggestions. I am concerned because it sounds like you could be depressed. Sometimes depression gets better on its own, but other times, depression worsens if it goes untreated. Talking with your doctor sounds like a wise idea. Are your cosmetology classes offered through a community college? If so, your college likely has a counselor who could help you. Most colleges offer free counseling services. If not, perhaps your doctor could refer you to a counselor or psychologist who has an understanding of weight loss surgery. I hope you're feeling better soon!

As jayeedee said, you need to check with your insurance to know for sure. My insurance revised its policy for lap band last fall: BMI > 30 with one comorbidity. Prior to the revision, it was BMI > 35 with one comorbidity. There are other requirements as well.

I'm sorry this happened. Hope you're feeling better soon!

LOL...I experienced unusual cravings at first. I was expecting to yearn for chocolate candy, pizza, and French fries but wanted popcorn instead. Strange, I know. You can do it, and hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

You CAN do it!

Welcome to the group! I'm so happy you decided to post. Having a date scheduled makes it seem real, doesn't it? I want to get control of my food issues and believe we all possess the power to change if we'll make the commitment. So yes, you definitely can make the choice to do it!

I have only three questions: How many hours of research would you estimate you've completed? Why did the woman not post the information on the main forum where everyone could learn from her experiences? Is being obese less risky than the band? I am a perfectionist and most days, there are moments when I continue to doubt whether the band is the right treatment for my obesity. However, I no longer agonize about my decision and am completely ready to go. I have researched WLS extensively and have determined the band is the best choice for me right now. There may be something better in the future, but I do not want to wait any longer. Additionally, my surgeon thinks the band will work for me, and I do trust him completely. (I picked him based on his educational background and experience.) I wish I had a crystal ball, too, but since I don't, I am making the best decision I can, given the facts with which I have been provided. Though I'd like perfection, I'm realistic and understand fully that it does not exist in WLS. However, I am hopeful that I will someday have a weight management success story that will offer hope to other obese individuals. But if it turns out that the band is not for me, my life will hopefully go on, and after I analyze the situation completely, I will then move on as well. I have made many weight management mistakes in the past, but I have gained knowledge from each experience and will persevere. You still have plenty of time before your surgery to analyze whether you are making a decision you are comfortable with, but if you need additional time, postponing your surgery is always an option. Whatever you decide, I believe in you.

Congratulations! You have done an awesome job!

Hmmm...I don't know if it's available here, but I will check. Thanks for the idea!

Thank you for the tip! I am hopeful I will acquire the taste for Greek yogurt. The next time I go shopping, I will be taking a cooler with me so I can try a wide variety.

I've seen them being offered as samples at Costco but have never tried one. Thank you for the suggestion!

What a great post! I want to pick a hiking trail without having to consider how many feet of vertical gain it has. I want to be in control of managing my weight (and no longer allow my size to define me). I want to wear impractical stilettos (sometimes) instead of my usual "blocky" heels. I want to fit into "average" spaces without worrying about taking up someone else's space. I want to be able to climb as many flights of stairs as I want without feeling winded.

I'm sorry you've had so much to deal with in your young life but your determination will likely aid you greatly with this surgery. I hope you'll soon be able to walk better and find it easier to keep up with your precious little son.

Welcome to the group, Renee! Thanks for sharing your story. Local support groups are beneficial to many people, but I am like you and prefer this type of support. You'll find this is a wonderful group! The pre-op diet has been harder for me than I thought it would be, too. And I shouldn't be whining as mine is more flexible than most. Today hasn't been as much of a struggle, though. No more cravings!

Yes, you're right---checking with your doctor is best. If I were you, I would simply call his office and ask. But with that being said, my doctor said I can start walking again on my treadmill or outside immediately after surgery. When I questioned him about how many miles I could walk daily, he said I could walk as much as I want.

I know nothing about PB2, but it sounds like something I'd love. Where do you buy it?

Did you like the Unjury protein drink?

What a great story! The fact that he was a challenging student last year, and he's now complimenting on your weight loss tells me you are the type of teacher who touches students' lives. Way to go on your weight loss as well!

I appreciate your encouraging post! It's wonderful that your post-op time is going smoothly. Best wishes for the remainder of your journey.

I "get" the popcorn craving. I've been wanting a bag of popcorn on and off since the weekend. I buy the natural kind from Walgreen's that has only 100 calories a bag. Normally I don't eat much popcorn, so a box generally lasts a long time. When I emptied the box a few weeks ago, I didn't bother to buy more since I knew I wouldn't be eating it in the future. Tonight, I walked extra miles to get my mind off of food, and the minute I stepped back in the house, I was craving popcorn yet again! I this craving to be very strange. Freshly baked Cookies or chocolate candy, yes, but popcorn?