Bright

Well done Teri! So glad you got thru the surgery without any problems - pity about your cold, but the best thing is loads of water to flush you out. Best of luck on your journey, and hope you feel back to yourself really soon xx:D :confused:

Eeek :confused: Sheryl, sounds really traumatic! You now win the "Most Challenging Fill" award from Donali! I really don't blame you for fainting - sounds like the doc was taking a stab (!) in the dark at you! You poor thing - sending u hugs! Hope you have the restriction you need now - let us know how it goes

Mary, I'm so happy for you - what a brilliant post - you read so much about people going on cruises who put on a stone (14lbs) during it, what with all the relaxing and constant food temptations - I am so in awe of you for actually losing 5lbs! The band is so great on it's own, but when you work with it, you can really see amazing results! You have so inspired me to kick myself in the ass :confused: and get exercising! Well done - keep in touch, and post some more photos when you can!

congratulations on coming so far in such a short time and WITHOUT flip-flops - I don't know how you did it!!!!:confused: Still waiting to see some photos! Well done hon xx

I find I have no appetite in the morning, as well as optimum restriction, so first off, I have a mug of Green Tea, then I have three dried prunes (the ready to eat variety) and five or six Brazil nuts or hazelnuts - it's a very small amount to chew and eat and I figure they're good for me too - I can't eat eggs or anything like that either so maybe a handful of nuts may work for you?

Welcome to Lapband Talk - wishing you lots of luck on your journey - come here often and you'll have any questions you may have answered, with lots of kindness and support!

Babs & Donali, your posts are brilliant - here in bloody freezing Ireland (-2 today with freezing rain and hail - lovely!) it warmed my heart reading about your triumphs! I'm jumping around here, so excited for u Babs, PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE post some photos! Dyin to see them! You've worked so hard with the band to get this loss, and I really hope I do as as well as you! Thanks for sharing the happy times with us! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana Ps - Vera, sorry you've been in a funk recently - hugs from me xx

Welcome to Lap Band Talk - I'm sorry you are feeling so stressed and frustrated right now - I really hope your insurance comes through for you and I would advise you to read through the many archived posts here, as lots of people discuss how they got through the difficult waiting time - there is wonderful support on this forum during all the difficult stages of pre-lap band. Wishing you luck on your journey, and of course with your insurance company

Welcome to band land! It's good that, for now, you aren't feeling hungry - that's probably the after-effects of the anaesthetic. I know it's difficult but drinking water at this stage is important - it may be easier to sip a warm drink like herbal tea, I found that helped a lot. It's easier to drink the water at room temperature too. Best of luck with your recovery - keep in touch and let us know how you're doing :confused:

Alexandra, a huge part of the reason I was so jubilant on Tuesday, when it was three months since the surgery, was because I coincidently came off a long plateau. I seemed to be weighing myself every ten minutes and getting more despondant when the damn scales swung either side of the same weight. Like yourself, I had settled into a period of being used to the band, eating smaller amounts but more of the not so healthy stuff. Like cookies too - we are doing the exact same thing here - weather crap, sitting watching movies, fire on, sipping mulled wine and generally hibernating! My husband made a really good point to me - he said maintaining your weight at this time of year is the same as losing 5lbs at another time! And we don't even have thanksgiving here, just the gluttonyfest that is christmas! I can't imagine what it's like having two such big holidays together. I cooked christmas dinner this year, so the house was full of goodies, and basically I was slowly and daintily (because of my band!) working my way through them - I ended up getting a refuse sack and binning practically a whole christmas cake, mince pies, snacks, chips, chocolates etc - it was a horrible waste but at least I didn't eat them! So, first of all, get rid of any left over holiday food. I know your husband is a chef, so ask him to quit making cookies, and let the kids make popcorn instead - nearly as much fun anyway! Your husband can stretch his creativeness by making soups and getting the kids to chop up veg maybe? When you can't rely on your willpower, you will have to rely on it being difficult to actually get your hands on less than ideal food. That way, if you really really want cookies, you'll have to get in the car and drive to get them - you may still decide to do that sometimes, and that's ok, it's just the absentminded nibbling that's destructive! As your children are small, I bet you just aren't focusing on yourself very much - try to clear out a cupboard just for you, and keep all your stuff in it - like shakes, or low fat products. When I'm peckish I go to my cupboard and like that I have my own special stuff to choose from. And you know when people tell you to buy bubble bath and relax in the tub? I know that's not always possible with small kids - so I used to fill the tub with bubbles, but put the KIDS in there! I read a magazine and had a low cal hot chocolate sitting in a beanbag just outside the bathroom door, where I could keep an eye on them! Ultimately, I think, when plateauing, you have to trust the band - it won't allow you to overeat or binge, u may make bad food choices but when you do perk up again, it will be there inside you, ready to help. You may get your inspiration from a photo in a magazine, or meeting an old school friend, but you will become motivated again, and you can take up the reins. I worked really hard during christmas not to put on weight, missing out on my favourite things and being a bit of a martyr, and in the end I didn't lose any weight anyway! Then I spent the new year eating all the stuff I missed out on! I went to the funeral of an old friend's mother two weeks ago, and loads of people remarked on my weight loss, this spurred me onto another "health kick" and I lost a few more pounds. I will lose more. I will plateau again. I may gain some pounds. But I'll get there and you will too. Sorry that this so long! wishing you lots of luck at this time, keep in touch and let us know how you are......:kiss

thanks for all your messages - brightened up my day! (which was basically evil plotting anyway!) Christine, Carol, Sassay, Sheila, Trmoll: Thanks so much for the complements! This is an old cliche but honestly, if I can do this, ANYONE can! Can't wait til you all get to Bandland! (god, this sounds like some weird cult!) Sassay - good luck in two weeks xx Vera: thanks for the gross tips - will definitely use the tuna one! Lovin your work!!! Jennye: I've never even been in Banana Republic, thought they only clothed anorexic folk so well done u if you're in there already! Please post some of your photos!!! Babs: I missed u! Brilliant to hear from you again - I always try to follow your tips (except for the exercising - gulp!) You are such an inspiration - I wouldn't worry about the chocolate cake, it's probably now out of your system (the binging!) and hey, you got to eat cake!!! Keep in touch! Donali: Great to hear from u again too....Hope you're fully clothed and respectable again (well, as much as can be hoped for...) - I'll keep a spot near me in hell for ya! Lurrvving ya! xx Alexandra: my second favourite LOTR nerd (after my son!) thanks for all your welcome and advice since I've been here! Nancy: Thanks for the compliment, and don't pretend you won't be right there in hell with me! Elise: I'll see u at the mini Dublin Bandsters Bash!!!

thanks for all the good feelings - I also forgot to mention another fun thing I am enjoying since being banded - it's a bit evil but great for a laugh!!! Basically, since I am losing weight so quickly, I find that suddenly all the Skinny Minnies who used to ignore me and treat me like walking fat, are now approaching me, begging for my weight loss secrets - as if now I can be part of their little gang!!! Anyhooo I amuse myself by giving them obscure "dieting" tips - like Oxtail Soup for breakfast, or swearing by two teaspoons of ketchup before every meal!!! I tell them I eat Wasabi with EVERYTHING.....! One particularly dim woman, who probably weighs 110lbs at my height, was thrilled to hear my "secret" of eating savoury and sweet food together (cos, like, that way you can trick your body into not realising the sweet food contains calories!)....so she's eating scoops of icecream in between forks of steak!!! Oh lord, I'm going straight to hell! Well, if people are stupid enough to believe that crap, and not bother read up on healthy eating, it ain't my problem! But I am sniggering a lot all day! I'm hoping as I get thinner, I'll get nicer too....whatdya think?

taken last summer...... (could my face be any bigger??!!)

Today is exactly 12 weeks since I was banded and all my expectations have been wildly exceeded with this marvelous, wonderful band! I am so thrilled with my progress in these few weeks that I had to post, in case there is anyone out there still undecided about being banded! Apart from feeling really ill after the anaesthetic, the operation was a cinch and since then the weight has come off pretty quickly. I wouldn't say it was effortless, I try to make the best food choices every day and have avoided Mc Donalds & other fast food (which I was kinda addicted to!) and fizzy drinks completely. I try to stay away from sugar and high glycemic food but other than that I eat what I want. I have never PB'd, or experienced pain or blockage or anything unpleasant ( I have the 9cc Inamed Band which was filled with 4cc during surgery) and don't plan on getting a fill until the end of February maybe.... I am fitting into clothes 4 sizes smaller, I have loads of more energy, am sleeping better and having much less PMT ( I am presuming cutting out all the high sugar and fast food is what's causing these pleasant side effects!) and am so happy and proud of myself. It was such a bonus this morning to step on the scales to see my total loss now at 42lbs! I haven't got around exercising yet :nervous and have still to get to the gym (I know, I know!) Well anyway - here are a few things that have helped me so far: I find it really hard not to drink while eating so have started to drink very hot herbal tea with my meals - I can't gulp it and I end up having very little. Also I eat a lot of Irish seaweed! It has the highest iron content of any edible food, and is high in protein too! If you can get seaweed in a health food store, I thoroughly recommend it! It's really salty too, so I bring it with me to the movies to eat instead of popcorn! Anyway - I am delighted with the whole experience so far - everyone on this forum are so supportive and brilliant, and I visit here at least twice a day - thanks so much for all your help. I've attached a photo taken just now, and will attach a before below - my husband/friends tell me most changed area is my face (they haven't seen my v saggy boobs!!!!)

great to see you here again Donali, missed u loads! Congratulations on coming so far on your journey, physically, mentally and spiritually - it's so inspiring to read your posts.... well done, and hope the next twelve months are as exciting, hopeful and delightful! Can't wait for that two year update!

Won't be long now Sheila! Hope the surgery goes well for you and you have a great band journey We'll be thinking about you on Monday - let us know how it goes! :D

Welcome to Bandland! So glad you got through the surgery ok - and congrats on your 5lb weight loss already! Sorry you're still aching, but it really does get better every day. wishing you the best of luck on your journey

glad you found Lapband Talk - this is a brilliant forum, I have learnt so much in the few months I've been "coming" here! I was banded in Paris, France, almost 11 weeks ago, and so far it's been great - the best advice I can offer you is to try to research everything you can about the lap band surgery itself, aftercare, food plan for the first few weeks and just generally try to read about all the experiences the different bandsters have! I have a list of about 22 other bandster's websites that I visit often - here are two to try! (Monica: http://www.thekarmalounge.com/myband.html) (Robin: http://www.geocities.com/robinh26/lapband.html) I also go to Spotlight Health's website (http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/SG/topics.asp?m=1&sb=25) And the Yahoo groups (Smartbandsters, Bandsters, Bandsters Recipes!) and of course, here at Lapband Talk! I would also advise you to visit the manufacturer of your intended band's site if you can (e.g. mine is an Inamed band: www.inamed.com) It's also a good idea to try to read as many of the archived posts on this and any board too as often any question you may have will probably already be answered somewhere! good luck in two weeks - hope this helps!

saw your posts on Spotlight, and just wanted to echo Alexis, my thoughts are with you and your family - hope you all get through this - thinkin boutcha xx

hey guys - Donali is currently entertaining (ahem!) her boyfriend who lives in Germany and is visiting for a week or so! We sure do miss u honey but hope you're enjoying the visit! In the meantime Sue, you'll have to step up on your usual pithy and straightforward advice - love it !!!

Hey Alex, how bout including Europe or some European countries in the local support section where we Irish, English, Scottish, French, Dutch etc people could "meet"? Also one for the Austrailians too? Pretty please? thanks a mil!!

Greetings from Ireland, where it's already 2004! It's about 2.41am here and I'm just off to bed, but had to wish all my amazing new bandster friends a very happy new year - like Alexandra, this board had been a wonderful support for me and for the first time ever, I really do feel like one of my biggest wishes, (and subject of so many new year's resolutions) is about to come true - me slimmer and healthy! Even tho it's only been nine weeks since my surgery, I feel more energetic, happier and most importantly of all, proud of myself, for taking this leap of faith and hope. I can't believe so much has come from such a little device! I hope all your wishes come true for 2004, and that we all continue to support each other through this wonderful medium. :D

Alexis, you really look fantastic - I know it's cliched but what an an amazing transformation! I'm loving all the photos coming up here - it's brilliant "getting to know" people! Michelle - I've only lost 35lbs (I'm delighted with the loss, but as a percentage of what I am hoping to lose, it is still in the early stages - hopefully!) but all the weight has gone from my face (yay), my waist is actually defined (also yay) but also from my boobs - I hadn't heard the expression sock boobs but I have definitely got the beginings of that! None of my bras fit me and my "push up" bra actually sniggered and was heard whispering something on the lines of "yeah right" and "I'm a bra, not a freaking miracle worker....." to the other bras eyeing me disdainfully from the drawer this morning - one of the few advantages to being large was (in addition to constant warmth!) was the ol' reliable killer cleavage....sigh....no more! I would have greatly appreciated a book on origami for christmas so's I'll be actually be able to get the damn things into a bra in a few months............! :D

just wanted to say Hi to Alexandra - haven't "seen" you for ages and hoping you're ok - missing all your good advice here - Have you gone into hiding to watch the new Lord of the Rings movie over and over????!!! take care, and know you're missed!

weird - i was just emailing you back Donali - worried that I may have insulted the whole of the USA, alluding that fast food was it's only influence on Irish culture..... I mean Dallas and Ben & Jerry's came too ! Kidding, just Kidding for all the humour impaired! And here you are in LapBandTalk at the same time! You're right tho, I was obsessed with fast food - my fridge was full of healthy stuff but I ate Big Macs or Whoppers three or four times a week - tomorrow it will be ten weeks since I have eaten any fast food and I can't believe either how the cravings have suddenly disappeared - not just that, i had been using way too much salt on food and recently find that "real" food tastes so great - I nearly always forget to put it on at all these days! My theory (more of my humble opinion) is, is that there is so much sugar and salt, not to mention chemicals added to fast food that everything else tastes bland in comparison - and you're right, Donali - junk food is never satisfying, you always leave craving more..... I'm too scared to go back to even small amounts of Mcdonalds etc in case my switch gets flipped to "on" and I'm back on the constant craving cycle....