lchouinard83

I decided to get lap band because for my whole life I fought with weight issues.... Biggest issue was eating for emotional reasons.... If I was happy, I ate. If I was sad, I ate... And of course not healthy food! Not only did I want to be healthier, I also wanted to look better and have more confidence... I looked in the mirror one day and couldn't believe what I was looking at.... A lost woman in a sea of fat.... I had to do something about it... Not knowing how my family would react to going through the process, I started going through it all alone... Finally decided I wouldn't be successful without the support of my family and fiance... So thankful for their support! I spent 10 years of my life dancing and stooped when I was a teenager... After 15 years I decided I wanted to go back, but didn't feel comfortable enough to do it at my weight. When I finally committed myself to the Lap band journey, I went back to dancing... Definitely a huge motivator for me!! now 2 months after surgery I feel so much more confident and starting to feel more comfortable in my skin!

I live in chicopee.... Where did you have your surgery?

I read all 3 and waiting for another one( really hoping there is a 4th book)!! Other took me only 2 months to read all 3 ... I started reading the marriage bargain now and nowhere near as good, but still entertaining

Had my first fill today and feel great. A little pain getting the fill( only from the needle... I HATE needles!)... I'm back on the liquid diet for 2 days and starving. Definitely getting enough protein( 85 grams so far today). Any one have any ideas on how to curb the hunger? Very pleased to be down 28 lbs so far!

Finally able to go back to the gym.... And I was very thirsty while on the elliptical and I didn't want to drink too much water... Anyone have a trick?

It's not that I don't want to drink water, but I was told by my surgeon to not drink a lot at one time and take small sips.... I really want to drink water while working out.

I was banded on may 11... But we have the same birthday.... Isn't it a great present to ourselves??

I take the Flintstones chewable complete... They are a little bitter, but do the job!

Neece1, I started soft foods last week, I also started to incorporate some exercise in... I was worried that I would gain weight because I went from pureed food and Protein shakes to some actual food. I was very surprised when I stepped on the scale and was down 4 lbs. I am one of those people who before surgery couldn't lose weight and If I looked at food, I would gain 5 lbs... So don't be scared about gaining... I always had the anxiety of getting on the scale( and still do), but I'm starting to get over that! good luck with your journey!!

Has anyone eaten watermelon while they were on the soft solid stage? How well were you able to digest it? I am really craving watermelon especially on these hot muggy days... I know obviously I would have to have it seedless ... thanks!! :-)

I'm from western mass too! I went through baystate... I did not have a preop diet, but I ate less just so nothing would be complicated... What part of western mass are you from?

I tried the meaty ricotta bake from your cookbook!!! It was amazing!! So yummy!!!

I only have a week and a half left of soft solids... I guess I can hold out a little longer!! will really be a good treat then!

I had scrambled eggs for Breakfast and I couldn't believe how good they tasted!!! I guess lack of food will do that to you! Lol... Gonna try haddock tonight for Supper

Egg Drop soup sounds yummy!! I was going to try tomato soup from applebees but I don't think it's made very healthy!.. definitely looking forward to this journey with you too. So glad I found this forum!! :-)

I absolutely will!! Can't wait to try them!!

I was banded may 11th... I've been eating chobani vanilla yogurt and drinking carnation Breakfast essentials... I feel hungry every couple hours... Still trying to manage all my Protein and liquid I need for a day. Now I am trying to plan my soft solid meals( starts Friday!) Not sure what I can and can't have... Waiting for my cookbooks I ordered.. hopefully can get some great ideas

I am 28 and was banded 5/11/12

Don't think that you are a baby! I also had the same fears. I am someone who has struggled with weight my whole life... I was at first ashamed to even tell my family that it was something I was thinking about. When I finally approached my mother and told her I was thinking about it, she was on board right away... She even told me her friend had lap band and I talked to her for information to help me make the decision to go for it or not. I knew that I wouldn't be able to lose weight all by myself and I needed an aid... And lap band is just that, a tool to help you lose weight... There is still a lot of work involved. I found a surgeon that I felt comfortable with and went to an informational seminar and started my journey from there.... And for the fear of needles, I joke with the doctors and tell them "I'm deathly afraid of needles, so I'm just going to close my eyes". I don't have a success story to share yet except that I was banded on may 11th... But that is the biggest step I have ever taken to help myself fight the battle... I also had to go to support group meetings, and got a lot of tips from people who were already banded... Don't feel like you will be alone in the journey... There will always be people to support you either here on the forum, your family and friends, or support groups in your town! I guess my biggest advice is don't let things getting "stuck" or "needles" scare you away from being happy and healthy!

It is great to hear such a successful story... I was banded on may 11th and looking forward to all the great changes ahead of me! Thank you all for sharing your inspirational stories!

I'm so happy to find this forum... Already found answers to some of my questions! To start I am 28 years old.. can't tell you how many diets I've tried and either failed or gained all the weight back. I'm looking forward to finding support when needed and also hopefully able to give support.

I will definitely check it out! Thanks. :-)

Thanks for this! I too have 2 more days of liquid until I can start the pureed food... I love the idea of spaghetti sauce and cottage cheese! Thank you all for the great ideas!