dreamers

I love all of the talk on not needing a fill! I always get so worried for people that keep getting fills, but don't seem to be following the eating rules. I am so proud of all of you!
I was scared shitless when I got my band and even more when I read about problems people have. So I only had one initial fill. I eat right and am losing. Even though I have had a couple stalls I am happy with my loss so far.

I'm actually quite terrified of getting a fill lol. I'm almost 4 weeks post op and down just shy of 40lbs. I feel like my body has had so many changes that I'm not sure I could tolerate another any time soon. I don't feel any hunger really, and eat like my doctor instructed me too. So I guess I'm kind of leaning towards only have one if I REALLY need it.

i dont have a fill but i eat as though i do...to me, a fill will be my insurance policy for when the dr and myself think i need one...to have the band work, you gotta eat smart, exercise and leave fad diets at the curb...
bee well

Good luck to you, I am 6 months out and 53 pounds down with out a fill, with the diabetes my doctors said it's harder to lose the weight but he is still pleased with my progress especially so with me not having a fill. My plan is not to need one as well, if I feel that I do I will, but as of now I am GREAT! Best of luck to you on your new life journey.

I am 6 days post surgery and substantially less bloated.

I totally do not want a fill!I have been doing well with own new lifestyle...so,I do not want a fill to change that! You just keep up your GREAT work!!!!

So today i step on the scale and i have officially lost 10% of my body weight!! Yay!! I have always heard that losing just 10% greatly lowers your risks for obesity related illnesses so im very happy about this!! Hope everyone is doing well and everyone is staying happy and healthy
XOXO
Angela

You will be healing for at least 6-8 weeks. Don't rush things and you will be fine. It is major surgery, so expect some ongoing issues as your body heals.

That was the hardest part for me, but I like you kept busy doing things and it did pass quickly. Every day gets better &better.
Hang in there!
Congratulations on being on the banded side!

There have been several lessons learned obviously...... but overwhelmingly the # 1 lesson I have learned from my band is that my life doesnt revolve around food. Eating is no longer an "experience" its just filling a void which I need to survive. I am not saying I do not love food. I love to cook, entertain, plan family meals.... it is just so different now... I no longer care where we eat, I don't look forward to holiday meals for the act of eating food, I don't care if I like what someone is bringing to a picnic or other pot luck event... its just food. And I don't eat enough of it to care.
This became evident when for the hundreth time in the past 2 years my husband said... lets go out to dinner... where do you want to go? I was like I don't care.... I got the typical eye roll action .... so I said... its not because I do not want to decide...but because the food just isnt important so pick a place you would like to eat and I will find something on the menu for me. He finally got it....
For me this has been a key factor is becoming a thin person...

I make my own smoothie in the blender......100% whey, with fruit of your choice, Peanut Butter, etc.
I also add 15gm of pure liquid Protein.....total of 40 gm before starting my day....
I find this satisfies me for the whole day, plenty of energy to go to the gym at 5am and run 5 miles every morning......
I am not hungry at all during the day...wether it is the smoothie, the band, or probably both!
I cannot, and have not eaten any solid breakfast for well over 18 months now.....everyday I do the above with great results.....

I am getting banded tomorrow! I can't believe it's here... Although nervous about the unpleasantries of surgery, I am ready for the first day of my new life.
I did a little alarmed though when the nurse told me bring loose pants cos i will be huge and puffy from the air they use to pump you up during surgery.... Is it that bad? I understand that is why you get gas pain etc, but will I be waking around like michelin man? It's hard enough being large without them making you larger haha.
Anyone got any advice on what to expect in that sense? How long until you deflate?
I have a heat pad and Gas X ready for gas pain.

Not quite Michelin man, but elastic waist would be in order.

So I got 1.5cc fill. That's a total of 7.5 cc. Lost 7 lbs since last appt, my doc was thrilled and so was I! I don't go back for 3 months. That puts me 6 months post- op in March, here is to hoping I can lose another 30 lbs + by then :-) I'm feeling really great about myself right now! I wanna wish everyone else good luck in their journey.

She said please go easy!
I wouldn't send my mother out in the cold and dark for many reasons!

Thanks for the replies! Good to hear from someone in NYC using the same doc as me yay!

Do you mind me asking how old you are?? I was looking at your BMR and used my age (38).
How much do you exercise? I was also looking at the HArrison Benedict equation for how many maintenance calories you "should" be getting. For example... your BMR was 1925.95... multiply that by 1.35 ( light exercise 1-3 days a week) and you would need 2605 calories a day to maintain weight. Starvation mode kicks in after a sustained period of time below 50% of what your body needs.
I know they holler about 800 calories, but again, it isn't a once size fits all plan. Many people here will tell you they need 1200 minimum... heck, even MFP yells if you are under 1200.
I try to stick around 1000-1200 a day. Honestly, there are days I slip and eat "bad" things, but I log EVERYTHING. I am trying to address my sugar intake now b/c MFP tells me I am above my allotment often.
It's definitely a multi-faceted approach that's necessary.
And please, please, please don't think I am "preachy." I am as down to Earth as you can imagine. I just want to help you get this going. BTW... I work in a hospital.... the experience you described is RIDICULOUS!! I am offended for ya!

He doesn't do the fills. His PA does them, but you'll see him for your 1st post op appt (1 week after surgery). Garber was great though. Before surgery I had emailed him several times and he always replied quickly.
I didn't have to do a pre op diet. I just had to be on Clear liquids the day before. However, I did put myself on a diet the week before surgery anyway. Good luck to you!

She said please go easy!
I wouldn't send my mother out in the cold and dark for many reasons!

Wait until you have a problem to sorry about it. Meanwhile just take it easy and get used to your band. Fear is a poor motivator and leads to stress, which leads to eating... Capishe?

Just as other aspects of embracing a healthier lifestyle, exercise is one of the core values which come with that health. I raised 3 sons, worked full time, and for 3.5 years was also in school full time at the graduate level, all at the same time.
Yet I still scheduled daily exercise into my day/evening and made it a priority. Why??? Because it helped to keep me sane through it all...exercise tends to energize you as it creates the "feel good" neurotransmitters referred to as endorphins.
I previously used a treadmill, then after a serious car accident changed to a recumbent stationary exercise bike. Now I have orthopedic issues which temporarily don't allow for me to pedal the bike, so I add extra steps in the house. I intentionally make extra trips from the laundry room to the bedrooms. If carrying groceries into the kitchen from the garage, I make additional trips by carrying only one bag at a time.
I'm not happy with my current physical limitations, and I'm diligently working to have them resolved surgically.
The point I'm trying to make is that if you choose to accept exercise is a high priority for you, then you will make the time for it...it's a wonderful way to keep both your body and mind healthy and happy. Scheduling 30 minutes a day for 4-5 days a week should not be difficult.
Best wishes for your success...

She said please go easy!
I wouldn't send my mother out in the cold and dark for many reasons!

I believe I prefaced it with.........make it a family thing.........bring your family with you walking.

What I do sometimes.. I put on some music.. and I dance around non top while cleaning and doing things around the house.. shake the booty.. its fun.. and it will make you feel happy! and your husband will love to see it! hehe