tjmiller

I have tears in my eyes, I am laughing so hard. I realize that I am being a hypocrite by even posting something on this thread, but, really? I came to this site for support and comradeship. I end up reading a lot of threads, though, for their entertainment purposes. It's funny to watch grown ups bicker like children. Didn't know anything about points until today. I have lately considered not visiting this site anymore because of the pettiness, but I am still around because there are people on this site for the right reason, which is to help and be helped, and not to just have something to say about everything for the sake of hearing themselves "speak."

For me...don't sell the band short...get out of the way and let the band do what it is designed to do...
I feel many people over think something and make it more difficult than it actually is....
It took me 5-6 months to figure that out....to let the band be in charge and dictate WHAT I eat, When I eat, and HOW MUCH I can eat....
After that it has become all MAGIC...the EASIEST thing I have ever done, and STILL IS...it was ME who made it difficult....
I stink at dieting, failed every time...I was a food addict, could not control myself and would eat all day...I could not follow any rules....so I had surgery to correct all that...once I learned not to fight the band and what it was trying to do....that's all it took.....my band is not a tool, it's THE BOSS....

I was very strict with myself and I lost 220 lbs in 23 months. I counted every calorie except toothpaste limiting myself to 1000 calories every day. I weighed all my food whenever possible and ate 3 oz protien, 1/2 c veggies or salad and , 1/4 c starch three times every day. I drank more Water then I care to remember and I saw my dr every month without fail. I rarely drank alcohol and cheated less than a handful of times. I didn't exercise except walking which I am not proud of but it's honest. I had plateaus like everyone else but I averaged about ten lbs monthly. I became one with my band and the lesson is now helping me lose a few extra lbs while I am maintaining.
I never believed I would not succeed. Getting banded was a drastic decision for me and one I took very seriously. My life depended on it. And the results are amazing.... Because now I am wearing a size 6 and considering I was born a size 14 I am sure... It's an incredible transformation...one that has changed my life.

Thanks for asking! First you need to define success on your own terms. The band's stats are pretty clear that over 3 years you can expect to lose an average of 50-70% of your excess weight. I knew this going in and was prepared to work extra hard at being compliant to maximize my tool. As of today, I'm down 91 lb and though I hope to lose another 30 or so, I consider myself a success.
In another post, it was stated that you should follow doctors orders, not test your band and don't cheat. I agree with the first two, I don't necessarily agree that not cheating is an absolute no-no. Naturally slim people don't fret over every bite they eat and one of the issues we have as obese people, is guilt. Let yourself off the hook and utilize your band to help you eat more like a naturally thin person. I was and am compliant, but even my nutritionist agrees that a too strict eating regimine is not a good idea. There are so many definitions of "cheating"...is it an extra tiny bite after you're finished eating or eating your veggies first or not getting enough Protein in one day? One poster even went so far as to suggest that eating standing up is cheating...
Whatever you define as success, write it down as a reminder, when that off day comes and you're feeling like a failure, that you choose what makes you a success.
Best of luck to you!

No real lssues with my band until it started leaking. Then realising that it's still a new science in a lot of ways and it's kind hit and miss sometimes. I have an issue with the band potentially (and likely) having a 'use-by' date but I got a breast augmentation understanding that it would not last my lifetime so I'm learning to see this as similar. I will use it while it's there to be used, and if it screws up, I'll fix it if I can, and if I can't I'll look for something else that will work in a similar way. Life doesn't have any guarantees and I expect that this won't either. And I'm getting better with accepting that.

At the doctors for my first fill. Down 28lbs since pre-op diet. Yay me!! Continued success to all of us January bandsters!!

I actually slipped and caught my toe nail on the bottom of about a year ago. I had to have it removed since it was mostly detached anyway. (Lovely, right?) First, I don't know what u think but the shots in my toe were more painful than childbirth. I got a little boot to wear while it was still sore and that really helped. I went for a pedicure and they attached a fake nail. Couldn't even tell it wasn't real. The first growth was bumpy, but it now looks as good as new. I hope u heal well.

This is easy, blame him for breaking it.

here is a picture of me and my hub in a skirt i was wearing 8 months ago..



we (both fit in it)






nearly at the 100 mark..

I just had to share with people who would understand, but I finally went shopping for pants today as mine are all too big and I didn't keep anything smaller, so it was time I got out of the "droopy butt" (as I call them ) pants. So I went in thinking, I'm probably and 18, nope, too big, I'm a 16, woohoo! I'm really happy, I was wearing size 24 about 7 months ago.

I woke up the third or fourth night in a complete panic wanting the thing out of me. I had to take a Xanax to calm myself. As every day goes on I feel more and more back to normal only better. I am so glad I am past those first couple of weeks. I am only a little over my third week post op, but I feel like I have come a very long way.

Im far from Goal....but today I went to weigh in with my nutrionast.....and I weighed 173....a year ago today I was 257.8....
I cant tell you all how good I feel now...Im doing things with my children I never tought Id be doing..
A yr ago when this date came up I almost called and cancelled it thinking...look at me and at my age...its to late....well am I ever glad I kept that appt...It was a life changer....
It hasnt always been easy...at the begining I couldnt walk to check my mail with out huffing...and I would of never thought of getting down on the floor to do exercizes....now I can easily walk 3 miles..I use a stationary bike and do floor exersizes.
Thank you all who share your stories be they good or bad...they all help me...and I want to thank my sister who keeps me pushing....Its been a great year...I have 49 lbs to be at goal...so still walking...
thanks all

I have tears in my eyes, I am laughing so hard. I realize that I am being a hypocrite by even posting something on this thread, but, really? I came to this site for support and comradeship. I end up reading a lot of threads, though, for their entertainment purposes. It's funny to watch grown ups bicker like children. Didn't know anything about points until today. I have lately considered not visiting this site anymore because of the pettiness, but I am still around because there are people on this site for the right reason, which is to help and be helped, and not to just have something to say about everything for the sake of hearing themselves "speak."

I am exactly like you. I never had doubts beforehand. After I had it done I was like "what the hell have I just done to myself. I am 3 weeks out now, mostly healed and down 21 pounds and I feel really good. Those feeling of what I saw someone call "buyer's remorse" were very real at the beginning but thank goodness they didn't last long. Hope you feel good about your decision soon!

I resent that, the sound of my voice is extremely melodious. Of course I like listening to it.

laughing here.... cuz this is where Im thinking one of them ~'just rolls my eyes" buttons would do wonderful..i dont understand what the BIG fuss is all about....

It is very funny....I'm having fun with this......I guess there are those who think I'm serious......
I could care less....this s the Internet! People come and go......It's not the city planning board......
I have a real life....this is entertaining to say the least...I'm curious to see where it actually goes......
You have the right attitude.......

I have tears in my eyes, I am laughing so hard. I realize that I am being a hypocrite by even posting something on this thread, but, really? I came to this site for support and comradeship. I end up reading a lot of threads, though, for their entertainment purposes. It's funny to watch grown ups bicker like children. Didn't know anything about points until today. I have lately considered not visiting this site anymore because of the pettiness, but I am still around because there are people on this site for the right reason, which is to help and be helped, and not to just have something to say about everything for the sake of hearing themselves "speak."

I also had the "what the hell have I done to myself" thoughts that first week. You're on an emotional roller coaster the first couple of weeks. Now 8 months out and 87 pounds down, I can say without a doubt it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. It hasn't been easy, I've pushed myself harder than I ever thought I could, but it's been an amazing journey!

A committee for every forum topic......"All Chiefs and No Indians"
I'm curious too...a committee to do what?
Sounds like big government....if not big brother....
This whole subject is so LAUGHABLE.....and getting funnier every hour......for the 3 years I've been here, I did not even know there were any problems that needed this kind of scrutiny...

So, how about that Super Bowl?!

Today, 1/31...marks 2 years with the band, and all I can say is I could not be more happy and pleased.....
61 years old, going on 40.......
A little background on MY JOURNEY....
first 6 months was HELL!! Very frustrating to say the least...all that anticipation only to be told I had to count my calories and measure my portions...I did not go through surgery to do that!! I've done all that before, many times.....But the Dr. explained to me until they get the band properly adjusted, dieting is the only thing I could do...be patient....
3rd and final fill 4 months after surgery, and it still took me 2 more months to figure this thing out....I wish I had a dollar for every time I got stuck, slimed and spit everything back up! But I was determined to make this thing work....and after 6 months things finally started to sync...in other words I FINALLY BEGAN TO LISTEN AND OBEY THE BAND....forcing me to break all my bad habits that made me "Morbidly Obese" in the first place.....once I got my act together, eating (and avoiding) the right foods, etc, etc....then and only then I found that "GROOVE" where everything became effortless and easy...that's why I do not call the band a "Tool", but rather the "MASTER"...if I do what the band tells me to do then all is good.....
I have not been stuck in over a year.....I have automatic Portion Control, and I am seldom hungry...and most times have no interest in food.....all because of the band and truly being in the Green....I do not need to count calories nor do I worry about portion sizes......just choose good foods and listen to the band when it says stop, I stop....
I have not eaten Breakfast in 18 months....
I reached my goal app. 13 months after surgery.....but my body continued to change and tone due to exercising....(I don't have much excess skin)
And now, 2 years later, I have to say there is a life after lapband surgery...there is a time when there is no more dieting nor is there any worry about gaining weight.....I do what every other normal weight person does every day...I enjoy certain food pleasures, have a beer or 2 (I know how to do it), but the bottom line is i NEVER (cannot) OVEREAT....and I REMAIN ACTIVE...running 5 miles a day, 5 days a week....
And always...get my daily Protein, Water and Vitamin requirements......
I know other people have a different approach....and that is good.....as long as people are successful and happy, then nothing else matters....
YOU CAN"T ARGUE WITH SUCCESS!!!!

And to all who are starting out...STAY AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVES>>>>THIS THING DOES WORK!!!!

i had the same issue when i first had the band put in as well... i also had a friend with one put in a month after mine... she reached the green zone before me but her band was also smaller... she has also reached her goal and im still 24 away from mine but she also had a lower bmi then i did... but ultimatly i follow the rules just like she does! everyone is different and you guys have lost more weight then i did in the first month in a half! Also this is just a ? but without the band have you ever lost that much weight in a month in a half??? the lap band is to help lose weight at a slow and steady pace it is not gastric bypass which will allow you to lose weight alot faster! you guys are doing great and like i said your doing alot better then i did in the begining! give it time! your already sticking to the rules you will surely see results!!!

I ride a Harley, so I'd like a pair of leather chaps to wear over my tight jeans and a tight leather vest. I be one sexy grandma!
Everyone will be saying "damn, did you see that old lady". She looked hot! LOL
In my wildest dreams!

This is the best part of being banded so far...Learning to eat slowly and finally pay attention to what I am putting in mouth. I have to chew so slowly that the flavor of the food is broken down. For instance I recently ate a Weight Watchers frozen meal. All I could taste was how processed the food was. It was gross. Now I find myself only wanting "real foods" and appreciating how good they are. For instance I had grilled chicken, black Beans and a little bit if rice for lunch today. One of the best meals I've ever had and healthy too.