Karina150

I have had the lapband for 10 days and it is a life changing journey that is VERY challenging. Emotional moments, food cravings beyond what you could imagine, body adjusting to lower amounts of food/liquids, and feeling like you are alone in the moment really tests you. However, this forum provides such amazing support, ideas, and understanding it helps you feel like you are not alone. People here get it. They understand the food cravings, hunger pains, and so many other things regarding our journeys to being healthier. You will go through challenges and you have to keep your eye on the prize and why you wanted to go down this path in the first place. Set small goals for yourself and they will add up to great rewards in time. Best of luck to you and keep moving forward....

So I have decided to name my band "Brandi". Her and I have been getting along for the most part. She thinks she is the boss and is VERY vocal about it all day long. She did this great little magic trick this week in making 13 lbs disappear from my scale. I am not sure if this is a good amount for one week (too high or too low) but needless to say, I am listening to her and giving Brandi only the Clear liquids that is required. I am pretty much hating broth now but know that mush like food is coming soon. I have also discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was with this whole will power and determination. I have gone to restaurants this week (only ordered clear Soup and drank only the broth. Hated to waste food but it had to be done) and I went food shopping for my family as well with all those lovely smells of pizza, fresh baked bread, and other wonderful smells that made Brandi scream! I have learned to walk around with a bottle of Isopure to keep her quiet when I am in situations like that. Last night I was extremely dizzy and not sure why this occurred so this will be a conversation on my Wednesday follow up meeting. Curious in knowing what to expect for my 1st check up? If you are reading this, please share your experience. I have my grouchy moments just because hunger sets in. I am looking forward to not having that feeling or at least lessening that feeling once fills begin. Only my immediate family members know I did this surgery (5 people) because I didn't want my family and friends to think I took the "easy" way out. Well, I couldn't be more wrong! This is NOT the easy way out but rather a HUGE committment to a lifestyle change that you can just fall off today and redo on Monday. I am concerned about stiches popping, liquids passing through, getting enough protein/water, and etc. It is a life changing moment which is NOT easy by any means. To all my fellow LapBanders out there....we are a unique group of people who are strong enough and dedicated enough to our well being that we have the inner strength to make changes so we can thrive and be happy from within! So I begin week 2 with Brandi and feel better than I a week ago. Still hungry. Getting my stamina back slowly and looking forward to another magic trick by Brandi soon.....

Beautiful!!!!!!

You know...I had dreams of food as well the first few days out of surgery but was too afraid to post anything here. (I thought the LBT police would take me away!) My dreams are that I am in situations in which I need to make decisions about family get togethers with the comfort foods that are often found at BBQ's or holiday gatherings. Seeing as no one in my family knows I have had surgery it is difficult to explain why I don't want to eat anything in my dreams. So everyone piles up my plate real high and I want to run. I end of waking up feeling grateful it was only a dream. My dream will become a reality when the warmer weather hits but by then I will be down some pounds and the craving to have those "dream" items will be replaced with other new foods that help and not hinder my life.

I am so happy to read that you all eat almonds. I was concerned I would have to give them up along with other nuts. Anyone have issues with digesting nuts? What about almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Morristown here and a support group would be nice.

Not sure if it is too late but I would like to be included in the challenge. Name, real or screen~ Karina150 Goal weight for March 31st~ 285 Weight on March 1st~ 300 Age~ Dietary goal for March~ Exercise goal for March~ 15 min/3 days/week Personal goal for March~ Stay on th Date banded~ 3-4-13 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ What is your good luck charm? I don't have one but now I will keep my eyes open for one.

24 hrs after surgery and I am sooo hungry I could cry! I had to make dinner for my family which included angle hair pasta and sauce for the kids and a tuna fish sandwich for the hubby. It absolutey killed me to drink 4 oz of chicken broth for my meal. My stomach is growling all the time. I have to go through this for 2 weeks? I need some extra support with this one that is for sure! So sad....and hungry!!!! How do you get past this stage and keep the cravings at bay?

I choose lapband because I didn't want cutting or rerouting of any digestive parts. It is also reversible if need be.

I have no idea so this will be a question for my first follow up on Wednesday. I am curious now.

It's coming! It will be before you realize it. What day in April?

You had me at cheesecake! Looking forward to trying this!

6 weeks....40 lbs....that certainly does not add up to failure with my calculations! 3 lbs is annoying but I am sure you will kick them right off the scale just like you did with the other 40!

Hi there! I created an account since you all seem so motivated and I could certainly use that and want to support you as well. I tried to add you but I can't. My username is 150Karina150. Is anyone able to add to their friends' list?

B-52: I appreciate the detailed response and the different scenarios that have happened based upon your experience. These are the types of posts that educate all of us to make the right decision for ourselves. Two common things I often read : listen to you body's signals and ask your doctor.

Sounds interesting! I must give this a try! Thanks for posting!!!

By the way I think you can drink bacon juice! Lol!

Perhaps attempting turkey bacon would be a good option. I know it's not the same but this way it doesn't kill the calorie count for the day. Just a thought.

This is exciting! New foods with better options than fast food. I am getting excited to venture down the healthy lane here! Great stuff!

What a great idea! Quick easy and just the right size! Bravo!!!!! I love the fact that you posted a picture of it too as I am totally a visual person. Yahoo!

Cozy: The hunger pains are very much there which causes some major air pockets and sounds I have NEVER heard from my system. My incisions are healing nicely. When I stand up, gravity is not my friend with the major incision but it is better everyday. Today I didn't take any pain meds but I will take on to have a good night's sleep. I am glad I took off work for 2 weeks so I can adjust to all of this and read all these good posts to stay movivated. Right now my scale is trying to be my friend as it showed today I am down 8 lbs. I know it is probably "water" weight or whatever, but I will take it for now as another rumble from my stomach comes from deep within.

So today it happened. I had my teary moment of frustration of the hunger pains and the gas pains. I basically know that I am detoxing my body from chemicals, sugars, fats, and all those other "wonderful" ingredients that has taken home in my body for way too long. I am frustrated and writing helps me to get it out so just bare with me for a moment. Despite that, I am still mad at myself for letting things get to this point where now I must endure this. But deep down I know that this was meant to be as I have a goal to go to a water park, hot air balloon rides, wearing skirts, and overall wearing a "Yeah...I know I look good" look on my face that hasn't been there for years. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. So for now the tissue box needs to go away and I need to have a serious talk with my stomach as it seems that it ALWAYS has something to say. Just like my teenage daughter! LOL! Stomach, you are on a SERIOUS time out! Back off buddy!

Let's Go by Ne-yo Numb by Usher More by Usher Stronger by Kelly Clarkson Numb has great lyrics for this lapband journey.