breakinfree

Banded in Sept 2012. I have not had the success I dreamed of as stuck at the 30lb mark since November. Could be I need to come out of hibernation. I think Wiarton willie (Feb 2nd- if you are not a ground hog day fan) predicts 6 more weeks. I really need to move before then but just hate the cold.

I was banded Sept 11th, and feel great. I went through the same discomfort the first 1-2 weeks with extreme shoulder pain and happy when I could sleep on my side again. I started eating "normal" pretty much by week 3, I use a side plate and follow the fridge magnet picture with a protein/meat about the size of the palm of my hand i.e. 2 to 3 oz max. Veggies 1/3 and a small 1/2 baked potato or skip the starch and have more steamed veggies. I have never had a problem yet, I can't explain but I remember the Lap band consultant telling me you will feel satisfied and I do. I know when I've had enough and it's not uncomfortable or feeling stuffed, just "oh, I feel satisfied". I simply can't over eat. I have lost 26 lbs and I am losing at a pace of 2 lbs per week. I walk but need to start adding the exercise component to my life to make this work. I live in Canada so insurance did NOT cover my surgery, I am in the hole $18,000 but will have it paid off in 3 years and will also be 100 lbs less, YES I will be. I only told a couple of people initially and of course my best friend blabbed at our girl weekend. Behind my back was the discussion of lack of willpower etc, but hey I admit, I suck at willpower. I am doing this for myself, I will be 50 next year and I broke a promise to myself to be under 200 lbs by the time I was 40. I haven't been under 200 lbs since the birth of my 1st child and she'll be 22 next year. Needless to say, being banded is not a secret or something to be ashamed of. It's smarter and safer than having 2/3 of your stomach removed, it's like VIAGARA for impotent men. It gives you your confidence back. There are commercials for men celebrating their returned virility and yet fat people that are trying to improve their health are still mocked for lack of willpower. So what?! No one can or will ever understand the mind or reasons of why people turn to food, there is no definitive answer. Whatever your reason is for putting on the weight, you have decided to do something about it for yourself. Congratulations and don't worry about anyone else. Guess what, you can still go out to restaurants, go with your family, tell the waiter your splitting a lunch size entree with one of your kids, I do this with my 17 year old who grazes (small portions 4-5 times a day). Restaurants want your business, tell them you have had restricted surgery and be PROUD, look'em in the eye. I went for a road trip with my 17 year old 2 weeks ago through the US to visit schools for her. NY, PA to NC and WV without a single restaurant giving me a hard time. We can do this, one step at a time. I can't wait until our group celebrates our 1st year next September. My bday is end of August so I will be fabulous and 50!

Hello September bandsters! I was banded Sept 11th, in at 8am and home by 12 noon. Admittedly 1st day was awful but somehow while i was under something happened to my left shoulder which was more painful than the healing stitches. By day 4 I was out and about and have been back at work the past few days. I am eating pretty much soft veggies, eggs and baked potatoes. I have not experienced any eating problems, gagging or nausea? I'm almost thinking the doctor forgot to put the device in and just made some incisions. I'm kidding ( I hope) but I actually feel great. I have been walking regularly but want to start going to the gym soon and aquafit once the stitches are healed. The only disappointing thing is no great weight loss. I have lost 18 lbs so far in the past 4 weeks including the 2 week pre-op fast? But it's 18 lbs and the goal is that much closer. My clinic has a lap band support group and I will be attending the first time this Wednesday. I honestly don't know anyone else personally that has the band so am looking forward to meeting local people that can offer insight. I have only told a few close colleagues and of course family, they have been a great support and behind me from the get go. So to all of us that have been or are being banded in September, Congratulations!! I look forward to hearing how everyone is doing.

I have told close co-workers and of course my family, all have been very supportive. I was banded Sept 11th, 2012 and just prior to this went on a girl's night outing. Apparently my best friend told the others what I was having done after I left. She told me yesterday that one had made a comment about my lack of willpower and anyone can lose weight. At first I was angry but then realized that I don't care if people don't understand, they mock you if you are fat, they mock you if you are trying to lose weight. In the end, I know I have done the right thing and have a tool that will help me reach my healthy weight.

I was banded on Sept 11th, worst gas was the day after but everything fine now. Up and about, just can't bend down too easily