MandaMom23

I researched all options excessively for a few years before pursuing the band. For me, the other options were just too invasive. I also liked that the band is removable if absolutely necessary, and I can have it adjusted as needed for the rest of my life. With the sleeve/bypass, if you stretch your stomach back out there's no simple adjustment to fix that, and once you're insides are cut out/ and or rerouted, you can't just put that back. As for weightloss, I'm 9 months out, and have lost 120lbs. The weight I'm at now, was where I wanted to be after 2 years. For me, the band has been an incredible TOOL. No matter which surgery you go with, you have to remember that you're responsible for making the right choices food wise, and it's up to you to put in the effort to make the weightloss happen. There's no quick fix, and at the end of the day, you have to decide what will work best for you. Wishing you the best of luck with your decision!

Just pick yourself up and get back on track. You'll lose that pound in no time!! Good luck!

Love Wendy's chili! It's one of my go to's when we're doing fast food!

Congrats! Wishing you all the best on your journey!

Sorry you have to wait, but it sounds like you're doing great! Congrats on your loss, 35lbs is amazing!

I follow skymoon on youtube, and she waited until she wasn't able to keep any food down at all, and was violently vomiting (for a few days I believe) before she was taken into the ER, and had to have an emergency removal. Even she herself stated that she should have known better, and went to see her doctor right away. The slip may have been prevented if she had.

What you're feeling is TOTALLY normal! I too had second thoughts. I remember the night before surgery laying awake, and asking my husband "WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING?!?!?"! This decision is really life changing, and as with anything life changing there's always going to be a whirlwind of emotions, along with 'what if's'. For me, I just had to step back and remember what brought me to this point in the first place. I had to think about all the years of yo-yo dieting....yes, I could take weight off, but the second I fell off the wagon I always gained it all back. I also had to think of my well being. At 300lbs I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without being winded, or I'd sit on the floor to play with my kids but couldn't get back up. I wasn't living the life I knew I wanted to live. I can tell you that the band has changed my life. I'm 9 months out and have lost 120lbs. Yes, I still have a bad day every now and then, and in the past I would have given up and put the weight right back on. Now, I have my band as a reminder...not only there to remind me how to eat, but also to remind me of where I've been and where I never want to go back to again. I have no regrets. At the end of the day, you need to do what's best for YOU! Don't let anyone else's reaction influence your decision. It's your life, and you deserve to live it to the fullest! Wishing you the best of luck!

My surgeon recommended two weeks, and I'm SO happy he did! There was no way I could have returned to work sooner than that, and I have a desk job. I was uncomfortable going from sitting to standing, and I was just so tired for about a week after.

I sometimes have issues with ground beef, but ground turkey goes down great!

I've worked at the same place for 8 years. Yesterday our maintenance guy (who I haven't seen in awhile) came into my office, held out his hand for me to shake, and said, "You must be new, I'm Dan, nice to meet you." I was like, "Ummm, Dan, we've met! I've only worked here for 8 years!" HA! He couldn't believe how different I look!

Raw carrots don't work for me, but cooked they go down fine!

Hahaha! Sounds like something my kids would do!

That's great! Happy Band-iversary!

AMEN!! It's so important that people remember that every.single.journey. is different. You can't compare yourself to anyone!! What works for someone else may not work for you! It's up to YOU to make the necessary changes, and adjustments to make your journey a successful one! Be proud of every single positive change, no matter how big or how small! Every ounce, every inch, every step you take towards your health counts!

Awesome!! Congrats!

I just started this last week. Today I'll be doing week 2, day 2. So far so good! I remember trying this 100lbs ago, and literally couldn't make it past the 5 minute warm up!! I've always wanted to be a runner! Looking forward to the day I can run an actual 5K!

Not sure if this is really an NSV, but I'm calling it one anyway! Walking into the grocery store I saw a reflection in the glass door...a 'normal', healthy looking person. It honestly took me a second to realize it was ME I was seeing.

CONGRATS!!! You look AHHHH-MAAAZING!!!! *high five*

You look amazing! So beautiful! Congrats!!!

Yep, what Missy said! Couldn't feel mine at all in the beginning. Now, I can see it!!

I'm not a very open person in general, but it was important to me to be honest with my kids. I have 3 daughters ages 10. 9, and 7. They're young, so I just told them that I was going to have a surgery to help me better my life, and get me healthy. I told them how my life would change, and how it would be good not only for me, but for them. I couldn't wait to be able to sit on the floor without my legs going numb, and worrying about whether or not I could get back up. Or running after them at the park. They didn't have much to say in response, and I'm not sure how much they really understand, but I'm happy I told them and if they have questions I'll be here to answer them.

You look amazing! Congrats!

Just get right back at it. One bad day...or even one bad week doesn't mean you've undone the great work you already did. Life IS going to happen (birthdays, holidays, just plain rough days...), but also remember that these things typically don't happen everyday, and it's important to get right back on track once they're done. Don't be down on yourself, you can do this!

That.Is.Awesome!!!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!

Remember, the first 6 weeks are for healing, it's very common not to lose much weight during this time. Also, I know you're hungry, but makes sure you're following your doctors guidelines for the post op diet. At 2 weeks, I was just starting to introduce mushy foods (but I know this can differ from dr to dr). Hang in there, it'll get easier.