EverythingToGain

Thank you for your replies everyone...I really compare my issues with food like any other addiction to drugs. This whole thing reminds me of how meth addicts feel detoxing. Weird I know, but similar. It's a constant battle and Im starting to feel under prepared. I said earlier I felt prepared going in, knowing what tools were at my disposal, but food is a really hard addiction to break. I set out my day and meal plans, and end up way off track by the time my day ends. I'm so good intentioned, yet it definitely has a hold on me. What's worse, is that I could have possibly done damage...It's like eaters remorse. Before band I hated that I was constantly thinking about food and what to eat next. Now I need to invest that same time and energy, but its hard switching gears to the healthy state of mind. Its like the devil/angel thing on each of my shoulders...Im tired of letting the bad side win! Please excuse my moments of weakness. I just have to vent and need to feel like Im not completely alone in ever feeling this way. I woke up this morning so frustrated I can't decide what to eat...maybe out of worry I'll keep making mistakes. Im going to read over all my paperwork with a fine tooth comb! Refreshers never hurt! Thank you all for your support!
Banded 8/20/2012 - Heaviest: 512 - Current: 461

I appreciate everyone's concern. We are here to support each other and to kick each other's butt when needed.
I have had a good day and NO FEVER has returned. My port pain is greater than some, but remember I was a band removal and replacement, so the muscles where the port is attached did double duty getting the first port removed, then the new one clamped in.
My story in brief if you haven't read: banded December 2008. Lost 80 pounds in first two years. Started gaining weight in last two years - gained 30 pounds. Never felt much restriction. Determined thru testng over the last year that I definitely had a leak. Took 4 months back and forth with BCBS of AL (PEEHIP) to FINALLY get them to agree to replace and not just remove the first band. Removal and rebanded on August 20, 2012. The leak was obvious in surgery - the band was leaking, not the tubing or port - so i had a flat tire. I know I am swollen from surgery, but I actually feel restriction now. Don't ever remember this level of restriction! yeh!!!
Good luck to those being banded this last week of August. All of the August bandsters that have gone ahead of you are here to support you! Let us know how you do.

FINALLY!!! Below the 300 mark!! Woooohooo!!!

Where is she ? I want to take my size 26+ clothes into her and show her what I look like 21 months post op in my size 10 jeans.
why do people feel that they have the right to impose their opinions when unsolicited .....drives me crazy
Vent over....please carry on.

As a previous poster said...."Haters gonna hate." You are already a success because you have chosen to take control of your health and do something about it. It was a hell of a lot easier for us to put on our weight than it will be to take it off and we are moving in the right direction...no matter what sort of procedure we are having. I once told myself I would NEVER have any kind of weight loss surgery because that would be "cheating". It took some research for me to realize that the lap band is a tool. It is a tool you use and, just like any other tool, if you do not use it correctly, you will fail. I once had a state of the art treadmill with all the bells and whistles on it. We ended up hanging coats on it.
I firmly believe that if I am able to do this, ANYONE can do it. I have the worst willpower on the planet and have always taken the easy way out. Time to put on my big girl pants(no pun intended) and get to work.
Good luck and don't let anyone bring you down.
GOD bless!

It doesn't matter which WLS surgery you opt for, unless you change your eating habits for a lifetime you won't be successful.
I have two friends that had RNY within a month of me. One lost about about 60 pounds in the first couple months then stopped losing. The other has only lost about 20 pounds. Neither of them bothered to change their eating habits so neither of them have been successful.
Ironically, both of them came down on me rather hard, telling me how foolish I was for not getting the RNY like them. I've lost 129 pounds with the Lap Band. Needless to say, neither have a bad thing to say to me about it anymore
Don't let the ignorant idiots change your mind or scare you. You do what you know is best for you.

I was banded 3 days ago and am already feeling sooo much better! The gas still comes and goes for me. Tried GasX and that really only helps me with the gas bubbles actually in my tummy from eating. I swear every time I take a sip of broth a bubble goes down with it. Walking makes a big difference...And it doesn't take much walking really. 5-10 min here or there. I have been trying to get out of the house, but don't quite have the stamina to make it all the way around the store, so I'll walk to and from the entrance and grab one of the little motorized carts. I HATE using them and God only knows what people say when my chubby self goes scootin' past them. But, I know its temporary and if it gets me out and working the gas out, I'll do it! The port hurt me the most so far..but I can gladly report that Im writing this from my cellphone laying on my right (port) side! Something I didn't dare attempt less than 24hrs ago! Im back to work after tomorrow, and super confident that it'll be smooth sailing! And another thing...Milk of Mag did help some with the gas. Unplugged me and have been able to pass more of that irritating gas. Just remember, no trips out or anything til its done working on ya...Otherwise, be near a restroom, Haha. Made that mistake today...Good luck!! So excited for both of us, Haha!

Hi guys!
Was banded 6 hours ago and sitting in a hospital room overnight. Everything went great!!!! I'm surprised actually how little pain I feel. No pain meds so far. The only thing I have is major discomfort from gas but that's discomfort, not pain. I just got up and walked for 5 minutes. That felt good although I was moving in major slow motion.
Sipping Water. Working up to 4 oz and hour by tomorrow.
So excited for this new journey. It's day one of the REST OF MY LIFE!!!!
Thank you for the great posts and support here!!!!

I can't imagine what you're going through right now but you've got this amazing group of on-line friends to turn to for support. Vent any time you need to and let us help you get those feelings out so you can start focusing on you again. Chin up! Will be thinking about you!

hi Jason and welcome!
You are not a pansy lol. It's totally normal to be scared. I think I'd question anyone who wasn't at least a little nervous. It's a major lifestyle change!
You have nothing to fear. It's a minor surgery and the recovery process after is fairly quick. The lifestyle change can definitely be daunting. I know for me, that was the hard part. Many of us (myself included) actually go through almost a mourning like process, leaving behind the lifestyle and eating habits we've known our whole lives. I know it sounds weird, but in some ways, it's almost like losing an old friend. So many of us grieve with food, Celebrate with food, even kill boredom with food. No longer being able to do that is difficult and often emotional.
The good news it, it gets a lot easier as time goes on. I was banded 7 months ago and have lost 125 pounds so far. I love my band and the new healthier lifestyle I've adapted. I still have to do the work. I still regularly battle the difference between physical hunger and head hunger, too. But with every pound the scale drops, I am reminded how far I've come and how happy I am with my new life. I have no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat.
My best advice is to educate yourself on the band thoroughly before surgery. Learn all about not only the mechanics of it but what to expect from it- as well as what not to expect from the band. I would also highly recommend seeing a nutritionist before surgery. A nutritionist can help you set up food guidelines specifically for your needs and lifestyle. For me, this has been a crucial part of my weight loss so far. By having clear guidelines and an understanding of nutrition, it takes the guess work out of eating.
Best wishes to you

Cruel yes. Hurtful yes. Mean spirited yes. BUT common lets all admit it yes we get the band for better health to be off of meds to be physical BUT also BECAUSE WE ARE TIRED OF BEING FAT ! Now atleast we have a surgery for that but really what type of surgery is there for a wretched disposition do not let it matter to you what mean people say. Start your journey you will be better for it.

Clearly for whatever reason she is threatened by your relationship with your ex. Maybe he talks about you a lot or you two gel in a way those two never have.... whatever. People who are insecure need to make other people feel "less" about themselves. She obviously went for the jugular with you b/c she knew it would hurt. It was childish and insensitive of her. Cruel is a perfect word.
Just try to rise above her petty BS and remember... you are taking real steps to improve yourself. Addressing your weight is way better "fix" than if you had to fix her problem... a lack of compassion with an overflow of evil.