jen_1381

I intially wasn't, and I've got super thick hair so it wouldn't really bother me to shed a little, but after dying my hair a few weeks ago I decided to start Biotin as a preventative. Not necessarily because of the band placement and diet change, but mainly because I've been in the habit of having my hair cut or dyed every few weeks lately and I'm sure it's taking a toll on it! It is one of the main reasons I focus on my protein intake though.

Waiting to eat food? Is that what you're asking? My surgeon explained that anytime they do a fill, it can cause stress on your stomach. He always recommends 24 hours of full liquids, 24 hours of mushies, then back to regular. Most likely to let your system ease back into things, and give you a feel for your new restricted feeling (if you have it).

Congratulations on officially becoming part of the Bandster Club!! Welcome!! The next few days may be kind of rough, just remember to follow your instructions and plan. Wishing you all of the success in the world!!

Hey, 33 lbs is GREAT! That's over 10 lbs a month since surgery. Everyone loses at different a different pace. It's hard to compare or tell if you're where you're "supposed" to be since it's such an individual thing. As long as your doctor (and you of course!) are satisifed with the progress, consider it success. Losing 33 pounds to me sounds very successful!

The whole process takes time. I think it's their sneaky way of making sure you don't rush into it When I went to the WLS Seminar, they gave me a timeline and the average process took 6 months through their program. I got it all done in 2 months but didn't need the sleep study and some other tests. I also was VERY prompt in getting everything back to them and took the first available appointments that everyone had and rearranged my schedule.

I wouldn't recommend diet pills at all. There is a flury of side effects they can have on your body, and I think taking them freshly post-op may be dangerous. Just my two cents though As TMF said, welcome to bandster hell. We've all been there and it's no fun. This is when you get to test your mental strength and will power. You CAN do this. I would just remind myself that there are people in the world who would LOVE to be able to have Protein drinks and Water all day. I wasn't, in fact, going to die of starvation....so my stomach had to get over it. And it did. Find an activity to fill your time if you're stomach is trying to convince you to eat. I myself spend entirely too much time on here! It's a good distraction though. Drinking water helps. I go running. Then at least I feel like I've worked up the appetite. Good luck to you making it through Hell! You CAN do this!!

I LOVE this entry!! Congrats to you on your amazing journey. I couldn't agree more - - it's ALL up to YOU with the band! I had to take all of the pro's and con's and consider what I could do. The number one most important thing I have learned on my journey is that I am responsible for myself. If I do bad things, I have bad consequences. Good things cause good things to happen. What a difference a year can make!!

I hit a four day plateau and was so frustrated (I know, only four days, but I have been consistantly losing so stopping scared me!) so I went to liquids for the day. I drank an extra 20 ounces of water, on top of my normal 80 ounces, and had a protein shake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also added a mile onto my normal jogging route. That seemed to kick me into losing gear again.

Remember two things - - first, everyone is very quick to talk about the negative, but when things are fine people are typically quiet. Second, the risks of being obese are worth comparing to the risks of the surgery. I looked at both and to me, living my life 80+ lbs overweight was much more dangerous than the band.

What you're feeling is totally normal. I haven't regretted the surgery for a second, BUT, I did have a moment post-op of "Oh my goodness, I've changed my life FOREVER, what did I DO?!" but then I managed to talk myself back down. What I did, was make a great decision for myself. You're very newly banded. Please don't worry about not feeling full, etc until you're healed. It's a process. A journey. There are some drawbacks to weight loss no matter what you do to lose it (diet, band, bypass, etc). When you lose weight, you may have some saggy skin. It depends on your genetics and age. The whole stuck/vomiting thing is a learning curve. It may happen to you it may not. I'm 10 weeks post-op and haven't ever been stuck or vomited. I eat small bites and chew very well, and avoid certain foods that I think may cause problems (breads, crackers, etc). I need to tell you though, this was by FAR the best decision I have ever made for myself. Losing weight and being successful feels amazing. It has been a huge lifestyle change but it was one that HAD to happen. My previous lifestyle was headed to a bad place. My family and a few friends know I had the procedure done and have been extremely supportive. All in all though, my life doesn't feel abnormal at all. I just have a new normal. A normal where I eat very healthy, run every day, and fit into pants that are two sizes smaller than I wore just two months ago. A normal where I go to a restaurant and ask for a to-go box with my order. I can make three meals out of what I would normally inahle in one sitting. It is a lifestyle change but not necessarily for the bad. Embrace the journey and keep your goals in mind. I have an overall goal (on my ticker) but I also set monthly goals to keep me on pace. I wish you all the luck and success in the world on your new journey.

I love my FitBit teamed up with Myfitnesspal just almost as much as I love my band. And my husband I don't eat back any of the calories I burned. I aim for "net" calories between 300-500 a day. I usually consume about 800 calories and try to burn off about 400 with exercise daily. It's been working great for me, but each person is individual. Can you give your nutritionist a call or email to have the calorie in/calorie burned process? That would probably be the best resource.

I don't remember feeling hungry until about 3 1/2 weeks post-op. Remember, when they place your band initially you will have some swelling which will feel like restriction. There was times when I had to "white-knuckle" it and ignore my stomach growls. I learned to be more in tune with when I was actually hungry or when Water would suffice. It's amazing how confused the two can be.

Great job Melinda! You're very inspiring. Whenever I'm feeling discouraged, I think about how heavy the weight is that I've lost so far. Picking up a 25 lb weight in each hand feels HEAVY - and that's how much I've lost so far! When you put things into real life terms (like your bag of dirt you have left to lose) it's pretty amazing. To think you've lost 2 1/2 bags of dirt!!

1. Can the procedure be performed with just local anesthesia and IV sedation? I am very afraid of general anesthesia. I can't wait until I see the doctor to ask this and I can't find answers on the internet.) No, they can't perform this procedure under local or MAC (IV Sedation). You need to be under full anesthesia since they are working in your abdomen. When they fill your abdomen with air to be able to move the laparoscope around, it will cause too much pressure on your diaphragm and you will feel like you can't breathe. Trust me, general anesthesia is the way to go. I asked my surgeon to do an ovary removal under MAC but he said any time they enter the abdomen and use air, general is typically required. 2. Are there lifting restrictions post-op? I teach Special Ed. and do tons of lifting and positioning. Every surgeon is different but you will probably have some lifting limitations post-op for a few weeks. My surgeon recommended no strenuous activity for two weeks post, until I saw him for the follow-up and was cleared. After the two week mark and I was cleared, I was able to start full exercises including ab exercises. 3. I love to eat - not as an emotional outlet but because I enjoy cooking, baking, going out to eat, and tasting food. I know I can handle the smaller portions post-op and that food types are limited but after the 6 week recovery, can I still go out to eat and eat whatever I want but just in limited portions? For example...can I go to Burger King and eat a couple bites of a Whopper to get the taste but not have any issues? Or will I have to eat pureed foods for a long long time? I crave certain tastes and don't want to live without that. There are a few different theories on this. There have been some very successful bandsters that still eat their normal way but just a lot less amount. That method wouldn't work for me; I'm an all-or-nothing girl so I completely avoid the burgers, fries, sandwiches, etc. I made a lifestyle change to become successful, and focus my diet on only Protein, fruit, and veggies. Honestly, I don't even miss the Big Macs or chicken McNuggets. My body doesn't need that type of food, so I don't eat it. I'm eating to live now, not living to eat. And it feels GOOD! Also - you will have a dietary protocol to follow post-op. The most typical transition is Clear liquids for a few days, then full liquids, puree, soft/moist, then normal food. You will find that there are foods that you can't tolerate with your band though. My best advice is make sure you are completely prepared for this. I am following my doctors instructions to a T and have been quite successful so far. I had a LOT of work to do on myself before I felt ready for the band. I made sure before surgery that my brain was completely in check, and I haven't regretted one second of being banded.

Life is so much nicer when you love your job. Mine is super fun, meeting new people all the time and the people I work with are great. If you HAVE to do something, it may as well be something you enjoy, right?!

Okay 1) xsentrick you're job sounds like SO much fun. Do you love your job? And 2) I run a Physical Therapy office. I'm at my desk half of the time, and up and around the other half. I had surgery on a Friday, took the weekend off and was back Monday - - but I have an insanely high pain tolerance and saved vacation time for Vegas next month

If I'm kind of hungry, I'll go for a string cheese or a Laughing Cow cheese. If I feel like I'm just STARVING I'll have some string cheese with a piece of lunch meat wrapped around it. I was just having a V8 but my nutritionist pointed out better options. She also suggested some fruit and cottage cheese.

I have never really loved shopping. When I was 243 lbs, it was just discouraging. None of the cute shirts came in an XXL. I thought I would put on my brave face at hit the mall yesterday. I had nothing but time to kill, so I wandered through Old Navy. I haven't really shopped since I started my weight loss journey. I grabbed a few shirts that were XL (pretty confident they may fit, since I've lost a whole cup size!). Headed to the fitting room, cringing the whole way, and slipped the shirt on. It was TOO BIG! Tried on the next one (different style - love their "vintage" line) and it was WAY too big! I was actually smiling when I left the dressing room to grab a Large. I was so excited when I came home, I told my husband that I no longer required the "X". He was naturally a little puzzled since he has no concept of sizes whatsoever (I don't think the man has bought any of his own clothing since we started dating!) but he was excited for my excitement. For the first time, I felt like a "normal" girl who could walk into a store and buy a shirt without panic or regret surging through me. This journey has been amazing so far. I can't wait to go get my next fill and show my surgeon my progress. I set a goal of losing 10 lbs between fills. I'm 18 days from my next fill and already hit my goal! I hope he will give me the fill (last time he did half because I was losing fine on my own) but a little restriction would be nice. I'm at 4.5 cc right now in a 11 cc band and not feeling much restriction, it's all been will power. I do stay fuller, longer, but I don't get my "full" signal if that makes sense. Well I wish everyone out there in Band Land all the success in the world.

I think it's different for everyone. I have heard though that the flat sandwich bread and tortillas are less problematic. I've successfully had a tortilla before my second fill and it was aye-okay, but generally I've sworn off all empty carbs (breads, crackers, etc).

Myfitnesspal is the best. I'm only 10 weeks out from surgery and am still intensly focused on getting to my goal, so I try to only net between 300-500 calories. I eat about 300 calories per meal (Protein, veggies, fruit), 3 meals a day plus a snack in the afternon if needed. I also run every day, which burns enough calories to help me stay in my net range. It's different for everyone. I met with my nutritionist and reveiwed my plan. She made a few suggestions but said calorie wise I'm at a good target for me.

Checking in at 193.8 this morning. Exercised every single day (with the exception of 3 days I had tonsillitis). Life is feeling pretty good!

10 weeks out and 50 lbs gone, officially this morning!! Best advice? Stick to your doctors plan.

Full liquids was by far my least favorite stage It's a challenge to find filling, healthy liquids!

Are you in the full liquid stage? Also, did your nutritionist give you a list of options? I'm afraid I don't have much advice to offer, the first two weeks all I remember is things like Protein shakes, tomato juice or V8, and Water. Adding a splash of sugar free coffee syrup to my vanilla shakes did help mix it up a bit.

I've never been able to count carbs. My dad is diabetic and he can calculate carbs and grams of carbs in no time. The whole thing confuses me (he's allowed x amount of grams of carbs, so many carbs equal a gram...??!!). I do track every calorie that I take in though, using MyFitnessPal. Sometimes I have to do the closest thing if I can't find the exact food, but the barcode scanner makes it so much nicer. I just cut out foods that I know are higher in carbs (crackers, breads, etc).