Nette Fosters

(((Gentle hugs to you))) I understand. I had a full on panic attack the night before my surgery and even had DH take me to the ER to be sure I didn't have a heart attack. They did an EKG and other tests and said no heart attack. I chose to go ahead and do the surgery in the morning and not to sound sickeningly sweet but seriously- it was the best thing I ever did for my health and I'm SO grateful I did it. 265 -> 175 pounds; size 22/24 to size 12/14 I've had many times that I cursed my band along the way when I (foolishly) "tested" it and pushed limits- hey, I'm human. I didn't become morbidly obese by being sensible and perfect, right? But over time, I learned what the band would allow and not allow and now I can honestly say that it's EASY for me to maintain my weight loss and I'm MUCH healthier now than when I was morbidly obese. Good luck hun. It IS scary to consider the risks of surgery and a lifelong change. But...what are the risks if you DON'T do the surgery? It's your choice. Only you can decide what's best for you, what you want and what you're willing to do to get what you want. (((One more gentle hug))) Good luck.

CONGRATULATIONS!! :::high five:::

Hey Wannabe 1959, good question. I was banded in 2003. It slipped when I caught a bad flu virus and vomited/ heaved heavily before I remembered to take a Promethazine to calm my stomach/ system down. My band surgery was revised in 2005 (specifically the stitching of it around the stomach- the surgeon actually acknowledged that the stitch technique around the band had been improved since my band was first done) and it's been fine since then. I've gone from about 265 pounds initially to 175 now (and I hope to work my way down to 160.) How did I know it slipped? I didn't. I can't vouch for anyone else's experience but I did not have pain or feel different in any way except that I wasn't losing weight anymore. When I went in to my surgeon to check on it, they asked a lot of questions but instead of ruling a slip out they sensed it might have happened, took an x-ray and told me I needed a revision. Despite having had a revision (and my insurance changed between the two surgeries so I had to pay cash -small payments for years- for the revision!) getting banded was the BEST thing I ever did for my health. Learning from the feedback the band gives me has taught me to eat only small portions of nutritious, delicious food. I am much healthier than I was when I was morbidly obese. Good luck on your weight loss journey.

Thinking of you Steph and sending healing hugs as you begin this life-changing journey. Nette (and everybody else here probably) :-)

Same here, error message :-(

Argh...I wish I could edit a post if I spot typos after it's posted. Oh well :-) Should have been, "They come in a little plastic vial you snap open into a glass of water."

Someone recently told me that Amway now offers some liquid vitamins. They come in a little plastic vial you snaps spout into a glass of water. Has anyone tried them?

Hi ThisGirl7! How did you feel about the chemistry between you and Dr. Bounuoa? Do you feel like you want to work with her or do you want to keep looking for another surgeon?

Ditto, ditto, ditto. I totally agree with what everyone before me also said. Two silly things and one important thing helped me through that stage. Silly thing #1: Going to stores (either with a friend or alone, either thrift shops or fancy-schmancy boutiques, depending on what I thought would feel better on a given day) and trying on clothes with no pressure to buy but just to kind of begin to get to know my body again. Trying on a fancy gown and noticing a curve where there used to be a bulge. Trying on a new style of outfit from what I was used to wearing just to see what it feels like in my new body. Silly thing #2: Buying one gorgeous item of clothing that's a size smaller than whatever size I currently am and hanging it up on my bedroom wall. (Like someone else said, thrift stores were great during this phase. I could get buy Calvin Klein jeans for four or five bucks or a beautiful form-fitting dress for ten dollars.) Seeing it on my wall helped me remember that it's my goal/ reward. Some items took a week to wear; some items took a couple months to finally fit into but it helped me to have something to look forward to. Important thing: learning to use my words to share my feelings or ask for help when I need it. I haven't mastered it but I'm way better now than when I started. Good lunch with this phase. I promise it won't last forever. Hugs

Wishing you a fast and easy recovery :-)

Welcome! :-)

Sending you all hugs! I'm so excited for you all. This will be an incredible opportunity to create the health and life you want. Warning: unsolicited advice ahead. Feel free to ignore :-) ********************************************************** The band doesn't do it all; it's a tool that you have to use correctly. When I drink my Water and eat small portions of healthy food, I lose excess fat. When I eat ice cream as a meal and drink Venti frappacinos all the time, I don't lose weight. I was so stubborn I had to test that even though its so obvious :-) But the band is like my patient, loyal, hardworking friend. It reminds me not to over eat. It helps me feel full with smaller portions. And it doesn't give up on me.

Keda, Congratulations! You're on your way to a healthier life. This next chapter of your life will be amazing. Not necessarily easy all the time, but amazing. There will be more challenges ahead but you can handle them all. ::Gentle hugs angled to avoid your incisions.:: Look what you've accomplished already- jumped through all the hoops to qualify for surgery. And then when you were scared, you reached out to a supportive community. It's that kind of instinct that will help you be successful with this new tool you have! I look forward to hearing more from you :-) ~Annette PS When you feel frustrated or worried or whatever, remember that you have a community of people further down the road who have been there too and are happy to help you when asked. Just like we were supported when we were new.