ChicagoRose

Isn't that amazing? I started writing my blog for the same reason and have been continuously amazed and blessed by the outpouring of support even from those I least expected it from. Good luck on your journey =)

Congrats! You deserve this =) Welcome to the group and we'll see you across to the other side!

My hospital discharge instructions were also different than my surgeons instructions but I was told to follow my surgeon's instructions! So I did!

I added you too =)

Based on your 18 weeks you can expect an average of 18-36 lbs in that time so hoping to see Onederland isn't entirely unrealistic, but with the Holidays coming up there might be some unforeseen treats in your future. Maybe give yourself until Valentine's Day. And then you will be in Onederland and can treat yourself so something sexy...hehe

You won't be "full" anymore as you know it. Try and focus on being "satisfied". To do this you need the highest amount of protein for your buck. My bariatric center which is in our hospital sold me New Directions Protein Shakes but I think the Atkins Advantage brand at your local grocery store are a close alternative. Also, LOTS of water, tea, or other calorie free non-carbonated drinks in between keep you from feeling too hungry. I do still drink coffee also even though I have been recommended to be on a caffeine free diet as well, but that's my choice, not my advice!

I'm a side sleeper and I go left and right all night. I did sleep on my port side but you have to kind of lift your body up and gently ease it down and stay there versus sliding and shifting on it. I still feel my port under my skin when I settle down on my left side but have no pain there anymore so it will get better!

Oh! And congrats and WELCOME! We welcome any and all experiences, young or old....bands that is!

Am I the only one who thought of the Flintstones? LMAO

I have been a serial yo-yo dieter myself. I decided I had enough. I KNOW I can lose weight on my own, I have done it several times in my 35 years. What I can't do is maintain, and I NEED the band for that. So the last time I got fat I just stayed fat because luckily I had insurance to get the band. I am doing well, but if I start gaining back in a year or two I now have a new weapon in my arsenal. That being said, I'm sorry you have to self pay, that sucks, but your health and life are worth much more than the price of the surgery. I can't even believe the new life I now have. You deserve it. Good luck =)

I have lost 65 lbs and am still in the same bras!! The cups are still fitting the same but instead of being on the last hooks with back fat bulges, i am on the inside hooks with no back fat bulges!

Cute!!

I have seen those and wondered if they really live up to their expectation? Review??

First of all, that sucks, I'm sorry that you were misinformed and had to pay the price for it. I have been told already that I would need an unfill if I would ever have another surgery. I also have a medical alert on my key chain and a bracelet (that I don't wear often but I still have one) that says I have a gastric band just in case I were in a car accident or something. Good luck to you and hang in there!

That's absolutely ridiculous. I'm sorry you are having to deal with that. I hope you are able to get the resolution that you need =(

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience and you have the right to share that with us, but I also hope that those reading this will make a decision that is right for them and not be scared of getting banded because of what happened to you. Every decision we make in life has consequences, and any risk we take may or may not end up how we would like. I chose to roll the dice and every day I am grateful for one more day of feeling healthy and strong and beautiful and less fat. I hope you are able to find the comfort and resources you need to recover from this tragic experience. =(

I agree, yes for me too. I was having a doozie of a day on Sunday and actually got stuck for the first time. Lesson learned, next time I am upset like that I will be drinking shakes LOL

I have always loved cheese and still do! I buy the big bag of mini baby bell light cheeses at my local Costco (wholesale club) and have one or two daily for only 50 calories each. Good protein too so ENJOY =)

I can't eat grits because I'm from Chicago just like I can't say "soda"....LOL

At the end of the day we are the master's of our own destiny. The good news is here that you are still alive and well and have your band ready to start helping you out. Find an office that WILL listen to you. Commit to starting over which is much better than giving up completely. Keep finding support either online or at a live support group. Good luck!

No. Words. =(

LOL a Worther's candy is my treat once a week at my daughter's piano lesson they always have a bowl out. Congrats on kicking the habit =)

I pretty much begged my family to go out and eat without me. Or I would have my husband bring food home for him and the kids and I would go out for a walk while they had dinner. It's all a mind game. Sounds like you will be on solids much quicker than I was anyways so lucky you!!

Yep....small variations here and there but this is basically the jist of it. It's a new life and this is the time where you see if you really are committed to making a huge change. I actually found it went by pretty fast and am now 6 months banded and incredibly happy with my results as I'm sure you will be too =)

6 1/2 months banded....65 lbs. lost. I have scrambled eggs or small bowl of Cereal for Breakfast. Sandwich thin for lunch with turkey, ham, tuna, or chicken salad (always homemade and always very low fat with extra veggies) and a sugar free pudding snack. dinner is whatever my family is having, but about 1/2 of what I used to eat. Myfitnesspal.com is what I use to track and I eat between 1000 - 1200 cals a day. I walk/jog 3 miles about 3-4 times a week also. GOOD LUCK!! YOU GOT THIS!!