RachelC

It's funny because you read all about Bandster Hell when you're a newbie and think about how awful it sounds, but never really think it will happen to you because well, you are hopeful. I am three weeks post-op today and I think I can officially say I am in Bandster Hell. I'm definitely hungry and I'm definitely eating. Not as much as pre-surgery obviously, but I'm sure if I wanted to push the boundaries, I could. I have been getting by the last two weeks with sheer willpower. It's been tough, but I've been somehow managing to control myself. That is something I've frankly never been able to do before. I thank god for the 25 pounds from my pre-surg and post-surg diet because it has given me something to hold on to. I think about those 25 pounds, and how impossible it felt for me to even lose a pound prior to surgery, and that is what holds me back. So, with that being said, I think I'm doing pretty good. I am officially eating whatever I want to eat which is kind of cool but kind of scary. I had some Talapia for lunch today and it went down just fine. It's kind of exciting to be able to eat normal foods again and not mush. I'm exercising as much as I can (walking) and it feels good. I'm making progress! Starting Weight: 313 Surgery Date (after pre-op diet): 300 4 days Post-Op: 293 3 weeks Post-Op: 283 I'm down a total of 30 pounds since I first embarked on this journey and I am really proud of myself! There is no better feeling!!!!! I think I can take a couple more weeks of Bandster Hell if I keep it up.

Lucky you girlie! Enjoy it! I start mushies week 3. My post-surg diet does not seem as strict as some others. Hospital stay - Clear liquids Week 1 - full liquids Week 2 - pureed Week 3 - mushies Week 4 - soft Does that seem pretty cohesive with everyone elses? I'm kinda petrified to move into pureeds on Friday!

Never thought I'd say this but I'M BANDED! I went in on 10/11/12 and everything went great. Surgery took about an hour and doc said it was completely text book. My nurses were wonderful. Absolutely amazing. I am so lucky to have had such an amazing team to take care of me. Doc gave me clearance to go home same day but I decided to stay overnight because I needed the rest (and pain meds). Now I'm just resting and taking advantage of the hubby and kids taking care of me. They've been really great and helpful. I am so lucky. So here are my stats.... figure I may as well start keeping track, huh? Starting Weight: 313 Surgery Date (after pre-op diet): 300 4 days Post-Op: 293 I'd say that is some good progress! Of course, right now I am not focused on weight loss, I am more focused on healing. But I won't complain about any weight loss during the healing process! Not to mention I can barely eat anything. I feel pretty good overall right now. The main thing that I've been struggling with is the gas pains. Oh, the gas pains. My chest and shoulders are so tight and the only relief is burping, which is far and few between. Walking seems to be the only thing to help, so I'm doing as much of that as possible. I'm pretty hungry but I think it is less tummy hungry and more craving hungry. Sitting in front of the TV watching Red Robin advertisements is def not helping! LOL I am just glad that it's over and now the real journey begins. Here is a pic of me the day after surgery!

Ouch, that is tough. I'm 4 days post-op right now and feeling lousy too, but my diet isn't nearly as restricted. I only had to do clear liquids while in the hospital and broth was included. Now that I'm out, I'm able to have protein shakes and strained cream soups. My hubby made me cream of mushroom today strained and it felt so good to get something with a little substance in my tummy. On Thursday I am able to start mushies. Most diets I've read start mushies week 3 and I get to start week 2 so I'm happy about that. This 1/4 cup business isn't working for me, I'm so hungry and weak feeling. I'm trucking along but it is so hard. I really feel for you!

October 11th here!

Eek! Sliming and Productive Burping?!?! A small price to pay but yikes!

Congratulations! How exciting for you! New job, new body, new life!!!

Welcome and good luck on your weight loss journey! I just found these forums and have been reading, reading, reading! There is a wealth of knowledge here.

Thank you both so much! That gives me hope that maybe I will get approved easily too I tend to think the worst with these sorts of things which I know I need to work on - haha. I will definitely keep everyone posted on my results once I found out!

Hi everyone! I'm Rachel, I'm 29 years old and I am looking forward to my first surgical consult visit on 8/2. I'm so excited and nervous and anxious and basically, you name the emotion and I'm feeling it. I have struggled with my weight forever... diet after diet, workout after workout, three kids and 300 pounds later, here I am. I was getting to a point where I felt totally and completely helpless over my weight. I would step on the scale and think... when did this happen? How did I let myself get here? I don't want to believe that those numbers represent who I am and how people see me. It is truly depressing and I don't want to live like that anymore! I am so blessed to have a supportive husband who has loved me unconditionally even when I didn't love myself, three beautiful children who I would do anything for, and extended family and friends who want me to be successful in my journey. I am so ready to start over, LIVE my life, ENJOY my children, and most importantly, be around to watch them grow up! I am really excited to have found this forum and connect with others who are on the same journey!