JosieK

Josie, thanks for the encouragement of your success story

Hi everyone, today is my actual 6th year anniversary. I was thinking 6 years ago this minute I was in surgery. And my life is completely different.
First I must say getting the band has been the best thing I've ever done.... But it is something I had to work at to get where I'm at.
I have to say this website was instrumental for many reasons.
1. Before I got the band, it gave me a clear picture of what to expect... The good and the difficulties. I was able to discern between people that were successful and people that had the band for a few years and didn't get anywhere. The successful people journaled their food, exercised and shared their issues to get solutions. When they fell off the wagon... They brushed themselves off and picked themselves off and started again.
I was scared when I read about people that didn't succeed but in reading further, I think they looked at the band as a magic solution rather then a tool to supplement the habits listed above.
2. When I got the band, the site helped me through things that popped up and how to handle. I didn't get involved in the negative comments. I just shared my experience and took others' experiences that made sense to me. We are all different so one persons solution is not another's solution.
3. After losing my weight it also helped me to find a plastic surgeon in my area. And I was thrilled with my choice. The girl that posted her pictures and journey pointed me in the right direction for me.
Since losing my weight, I have to say handling the head hunger has been a pretty big challenge. But I refuse to going back to being the "fatest person in the room". I had that role for too many years and do not want to go back there.
This year I put on 10 lbs and I'm in the process of getting it off. I look at food as an addiction. Having years of recovery in a 12 step program for another issue..... I am applying those principles to food especially sugar. For me it's a physical, mental and spiritual issue. I know physically to reduce calories and exercise. One thing I learned after being banded... 85% of my weight loss needed to come from reducing calories 15% came from exercising. Previously I thought I could exercise my weight to my goal weight.
Mentally I work with a counselor when the journey gets difficult. This helps me to identify why I turn to food when I'm happy, sad, stressed, excited. It doesn't matter what emotion comes up.... My coping mechanism is to turn to food/sugar.
Spiritually... This has been the hardest to develop even tho' I've experienced it in my 12 step program for my other issue. In the past 6 weeks I've made quite a bit of progress. Some of the practices I use to connect to a Higher Power:
1. Daily I read literature related to people that have overcome the food addiction
2. I talk to other people that are dealing with this similar issue
3. Prayer and meditation is key....
Many people are successful with Overeaters Anonymous and I suggest anyone struggling to try it. For me it hasn't helped. I use my other program to apply the 12 step principles and use the OA literature.
Some of the best benefits I've received are:
-Lost 120 lbs, my back and knees no longer hurt from the extra weight. I can breathe better
-I don't have to shop at large size stores. I actually was starting to outsize myself out of lane Bryant. I didn't know where to go after that
-I can sit in a airplane seat and not spill over to the next one or have to have an extension. I used to hate the look on the person next to me when they saw me coming into their row.
I met a wonderful man and got married 2 1/2 years ago. I wouldn't date when I was heavy so I never would've met him.
Most importantly..... I've gained self respect, I'm not ashamed of myself. This is HUGE for me.
Recently, I saw many people switching out from the band to other surgeries. I fully understand and am happy for everyone that finds their solution. I did investigate possible switching to the sleeve but the doctor recommends I stay where I'm at.
I'm not Pollyanna about the band... There are ongoing challenges. Some of them are:
I will always have to make sure I chew, chew, chew and eat slow, slow, slow. I happened to be a fast, large quantity eater in the past. I still have to be reminded.... My band is happy to help me on this ha!
I don't have any fill but I still have restriction. I'm happy about this. But restriction fluctuates when I exercise, fly on an airplane, in the morning etc. I've learned what affects my band and make adjustments.
I cant easily eat some of the things i really enjoy.....eggs, chicken, subway sandwich, peeps, twizzlers. But many of these things got me into trouble....
Is it a struggle? Sometimes....
A small price to pay for the life I have now.
I think as long as anyone considering any weight loss surgery as a tool and not the magic answer.... Can lose weight and have a new life.
I'm very grateful to Alex for starting this website as I'm not sure I would've been successful without it.
Momlambert: congratulations on your Bandiversary . Unbelievable we are still "keep on keepin' on"
I wish everyone success in your weight loss journey
JosieK

Hi everyone, today is my actual 6th year anniversary. I was thinking 6 years ago this minute I was in surgery. And my life is completely different.
First I must say getting the band has been the best thing I've ever done.... But it is something I had to work at to get where I'm at.
I have to say this website was instrumental for many reasons.
1. Before I got the band, it gave me a clear picture of what to expect... The good and the difficulties. I was able to discern between people that were successful and people that had the band for a few years and didn't get anywhere. The successful people journaled their food, exercised and shared their issues to get solutions. When they fell off the wagon... They brushed themselves off and picked themselves off and started again.
I was scared when I read about people that didn't succeed but in reading further, I think they looked at the band as a magic solution rather then a tool to supplement the habits listed above.
2. When I got the band, the site helped me through things that popped up and how to handle. I didn't get involved in the negative comments. I just shared my experience and took others' experiences that made sense to me. We are all different so one persons solution is not another's solution.
3. After losing my weight it also helped me to find a plastic surgeon in my area. And I was thrilled with my choice. The girl that posted her pictures and journey pointed me in the right direction for me.
Since losing my weight, I have to say handling the head hunger has been a pretty big challenge. But I refuse to going back to being the "fatest person in the room". I had that role for too many years and do not want to go back there.
This year I put on 10 lbs and I'm in the process of getting it off. I look at food as an addiction. Having years of recovery in a 12 step program for another issue..... I am applying those principles to food especially sugar. For me it's a physical, mental and spiritual issue. I know physically to reduce calories and exercise. One thing I learned after being banded... 85% of my weight loss needed to come from reducing calories 15% came from exercising. Previously I thought I could exercise my weight to my goal weight.
Mentally I work with a counselor when the journey gets difficult. This helps me to identify why I turn to food when I'm happy, sad, stressed, excited. It doesn't matter what emotion comes up.... My coping mechanism is to turn to food/sugar.
Spiritually... This has been the hardest to develop even tho' I've experienced it in my 12 step program for my other issue. In the past 6 weeks I've made quite a bit of progress. Some of the practices I use to connect to a Higher Power:
1. Daily I read literature related to people that have overcome the food addiction
2. I talk to other people that are dealing with this similar issue
3. Prayer and meditation is key....
Many people are successful with Overeaters Anonymous and I suggest anyone struggling to try it. For me it hasn't helped. I use my other program to apply the 12 step principles and use the OA literature.
Some of the best benefits I've received are:
-Lost 120 lbs, my back and knees no longer hurt from the extra weight. I can breathe better
-I don't have to shop at large size stores. I actually was starting to outsize myself out of lane Bryant. I didn't know where to go after that
-I can sit in a airplane seat and not spill over to the next one or have to have an extension. I used to hate the look on the person next to me when they saw me coming into their row.
I met a wonderful man and got married 2 1/2 years ago. I wouldn't date when I was heavy so I never would've met him.
Most importantly..... I've gained self respect, I'm not ashamed of myself. This is HUGE for me.
Recently, I saw many people switching out from the band to other surgeries. I fully understand and am happy for everyone that finds their solution. I did investigate possible switching to the sleeve but the doctor recommends I stay where I'm at.
I'm not Pollyanna about the band... There are ongoing challenges. Some of them are:
I will always have to make sure I chew, chew, chew and eat slow, slow, slow. I happened to be a fast, large quantity eater in the past. I still have to be reminded.... My band is happy to help me on this ha!
I don't have any fill but I still have restriction. I'm happy about this. But restriction fluctuates when I exercise, fly on an airplane, in the morning etc. I've learned what affects my band and make adjustments.
I cant easily eat some of the things i really enjoy.....eggs, chicken, subway sandwich, peeps, twizzlers. But many of these things got me into trouble....
Is it a struggle? Sometimes....
A small price to pay for the life I have now.
I think as long as anyone considering any weight loss surgery as a tool and not the magic answer.... Can lose weight and have a new life.
I'm very grateful to Alex for starting this website as I'm not sure I would've been successful without it.
Momlambert: congratulations on your Bandiversary . Unbelievable we are still "keep on keepin' on"
I wish everyone success in your weight loss journey
JosieK

hi everyone,
thanks for the well wishes.... it definitely was easier then the TT and breast lift. Coloradobanding...i paid 5500 for the brachioplasty. i went to the same doctor that did my TT/breast lift.
my arms are still a bit swollen but i love the results already. my arms made me look fat even when i was under goal weight.
since i was under anesthesia anyway... i had my top eyelid lifted and something called pearl fraxel for my face (some lazer thing). that was a pain in the butt but i'm loving the results.
i have to say i'm done with elective surgery. i can see how this can be addictive. now i'm going to continue to work on conquering the head-hunger part and accepting me as i am... i think that is what this journey is ultimately about for me.
vanillasky + betheboo... how long did you leave the compression garments on? my arms actually feel better with them on.... my doctor said the longer the better altho' 2 weeks is the least amount he recommends.
hey sue...how are you? i'm recognizing less and less people on LBT.
thanks
josie

Post op 6 weeks

Post op 6 weeks

hi,
i am going in for brachioplasty tomorrow and am really nervous. i had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift 2 years ago and was not nervous at all. My doctor told me the last operation was alot more complicated (8 hours vs. tomorrow 2 1/2 hrs). i'm sure i will be fine. i LOVE my plastic surgeon. he is so professional and really good at what he does. my scars from my last surgery are barely noticeable. Altho' he did say these will be more noticeable because they run against the grain vs. the TT runs with the grain of your body.

but i really hate my batwings....so batwings be gone!

anyway...just wanted to jump on and check in

josie

Hi Donna,
I lived on Protein shakes and Protein Shots my first year of being banded....especially in the morning when my band was very tight. I still use Protein Shakes periodically in the morning or when im travelling and when I work out to be sure to get it all in.
I also have trouble with chicken. I find if I cook beef medium instead of well done... It is easier to eat. I can't eat leftovers for the most part. Slow cooked pork works wells. But I mainly eat fish (which I love). But like you, when I get tired of it, I eat chick peas, Beans, etc.
When I didn't get enough Protein when I was first banded my hair started falling out. Hence the protein shakes and bullets. It immediately corrected the problem.
Best of luck
Josie

Hi, let me start off saying this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. It wasn't easy...but so worth it.
I think a few key things for me were:
1. Look at the band as a tool and not a magic cure.
2. I used this site for information. I did not get into any debates with anyone. (back when i was banded there were some pretty nasty people on here. It seems to have gotten much better...people are more supportive)
Each person's opinions and journey are their own.
-I tried to follow people that were banded before me that we're successful. These people journaled their food (myfitnesspal is a good one), they exercised and when they fell off the wagon....they worked to get back on track.
-i was concerned before being banded because I noticed some people hadn't lost weight after having the band for a pretty long time. But after investigating I noticed they talked a lot about dairy queen, taco bell, etc. and they thought the band was a magic cure.
You'll be able to see the people that are working hard at it.... Connect with them
My plan was:
1. Journal food
2. Exercise (3 aerobics/2 weight training per week) although when I started out I could barely do one class a week) I had to build up to this.
3. I only weighed and measured myself 1 time a month. I did both (weigh/measure) because I was losing inches fast. So I could see a complete picture. In the beginning I was weighing myself a lot and it drove me crazy. I actually put my scale at my sister in laws house so I couldn't get to it easily.
4. I wrote down my NSV's (non scale victories). Like the first time I rode in an airplane without the belt extension or when I first saw my collar bones. These helped me to keep going.
5. I also met up with other bandsters in my area as support.
6. I read LBT stories for support.
Anyway let me know if you have any questions or need more info
Best of luck in your journey...
Josie

Hi Cmarie,
Regarding foods you won't be able to eat....I can relate to your feelings.
The day before my surgery, I walked around Target saying goodbye to twizzlers, peeps and other such candy. I thought I wouldn't be able to eat them for the rest of my life. But fast forward I can eat them..l.but I dont want them anymore.
One thing to factor in... When you start losing weight, and your clothes are smaller, and you get compliments from friends and family.... You may not want to eat these things because you love your new life.
This happened to me... Don't get me wrong..I would fall off the wagon....but get right back on.
There's nothing better then to be able to fit in a plane seat without an extra belt. Plus the first time my collar bones came out....I was ecstatic.
Regarding soda.... I didn't drink some for the first 3 years. The first year I couldn't drink it without it bubbling back up. But then I got out of the habit of drinking it. I do drink soda now and it's fine.
If I eat too much... I have a PB (productive burp) and/or it starts to hurt. Before the band... I thought about food 24/7. After the band...I would only think about eating when I was truly hungry.
If you want this... You can do it. Some of the things that helped me was to journal everything I ate. I did it on my fitness pal. There are many good APPs to journal calories, etc. I also only weighed myself once a month. The scale was driving me crazy and I exercised. It helped me to reason not to eat junk if I did it.
Ice cream was a big issue for me as it is easier to eat then real food.
Anyway I hope this helps.....
Joanne

Hi
I had this issue in my first year.
I increased my Protein intake. I even started doing Protein liquid/shots.
Plus
I started taking Biotin.
Eventually it subsided.
Best of luck
Josie

Hi
These ladies have given a lot of great direction..... Main concept for me: The band is a tool but we still have to put effort into it. I was banded 3/30/07. I lost 120 lbs. and key for me was what many have said in the previous posts:
1. Journal my food in myfitnesspal APP. Calories add up in little bites and licks.
2. Drink lots of Water
3. Eat Protein first
4. Exercise
5. Only weigh myself 1X a month. The scale was making me crazy and made me eat if it didn't say what I wanted it to say. And of course I wanted to lose 20 lbs if I was good one day (just joking) but y'all know what I mean.
6. Followed people on this website that went before me that we're successful and tried to follow what they did. I also saw people that weren't successful and tried to avoid what they were doing... I didn't wait for the band the be a "magic" cure.
7. I stayed always from negative/argumentative people on the site. We are all in this journey and there are many paths to follow... Not just one right way.
When I did fall off the wagon (ice cream being the main culprit) as I did in my journey.... I would immediately start journalling again and tightening up my meals.
I still struggle up and down with 10 lbs.... So recently I started coming on the site again for strength from people on here. It seems like the people on now are more positive then when I started. That energy can be contagious in a good way.
Best of luck and keep on keepin' on in your journey
Josie

hi,
i am going in for brachioplasty tomorrow and am really nervous. i had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift 2 years ago and was not nervous at all. My doctor told me the last operation was alot more complicated (8 hours vs. tomorrow 2 1/2 hrs). i'm sure i will be fine. i LOVE my plastic surgeon. he is so professional and really good at what he does. my scars from my last surgery are barely noticeable. Altho' he did say these will be more noticeable because they run against the grain vs. the TT runs with the grain of your body.

but i really hate my batwings....so batwings be gone!

anyway...just wanted to jump on and check in

josie

hi,
i am going in for brachioplasty tomorrow and am really nervous. i had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift 2 years ago and was not nervous at all. My doctor told me the last operation was alot more complicated (8 hours vs. tomorrow 2 1/2 hrs). i'm sure i will be fine. i LOVE my plastic surgeon. he is so professional and really good at what he does. my scars from my last surgery are barely noticeable. Altho' he did say these will be more noticeable because they run against the grain vs. the TT runs with the grain of your body.

but i really hate my batwings....so batwings be gone!

anyway...just wanted to jump on and check in

josie

Thanks Cheri for your help.... I appreciate it
Josie

Absolutely will keep you posted.... My eyes are getting better each day.
Question: I'm 2 weeks and 1 day out from the brachiolasty. I wake up fine. Then at 3:00 in the afternoon my arms start really hurting. I don't take the pain meds unless the Tylenol doesn't work.
I feel like the first week my arms didn't hurt as much. Could be because I was taking meds more regularly back then.
I feel like I'm expecting too much too early.
When I had my TT/breast lift I was in a recliner for a month but that was definitely the "big kahoona" compared to this one....
Anyway was just wondering...
Thanks
Josie

Thanks for the feedback girls...
Vanilla: re: eyelids.. To be honest I'm not sure I'm happy I did these. My left eye is still swollen and won't close all the way. I know I'm only 2 weeks out so it's still getting better. I think I may have jumped the gun doing this. I probably didn't need it yet.
Also if I could do it over.... I would go to someone that specializes in the face. I'm realizing body plastics and face are way different.
At one point I told my husband to call me Paris Hilton. Not sure if you ever watch south park but they did a whole spoof on her and her messed up eye. Lol!
Thanks again for compression info.....
Josie

ha... i like apples suggestion of walking through a hardware store perplexed.....very creative!

ha... i like apples suggestion of walking through a hardware store perplexed.....very creative!

ha... i like apples suggestion of walking through a hardware store perplexed.....very creative!

Best of Luck..... the one thing i learned in my journey is....we have to work with the band to lose weight. The band itself will not make us lose the weight. I had the same concerns before I was banded and decided to follow the people that went ahead of me that were working a healthy program.
On the other side there were some that did not lose weight and continually talked about dairy queen, margarita's, etc.
Of course i had ups and downs... but i keep getting up and brushing myself off and get back on track.
Some things that helped me...
1. journal what i was eating. too many times i was under estimating what i was putting in my mouth. also needed to make sure i was eating enough Protein. many great sites available. i used netdiary.com. but others are: fitday.com, (cant think of the other one i used)
2. stopped weighing myself daily as i would react poorly to whatever number came up. i weighed 1X a month and measured myself 1X a month.
3. exercised. weights and aerobics
4. used lapbandtalk.com for information. i didnt get into negative conversations as sometimes happens on this site. everyone has a right to their opinions. i can only share my experience and follow others that make sense to me.
5. did writings in a journals on feelngs, NSV's etc. best feeling was when i fit in an airline seat without an extra belt. or when i first saw collar bones.
6. drink lots of Water. at least 1 gallon a day.
someone once said....nothing tastes as good as thin feels....
anyway wishing you all the best.... and if any help needed...please dont hesitate to ask.
josie

hi wheezygirl
one thing i've learned is 85% of my weight loss came from eating properly. i didnt believe it even though when i was 270 lbs i exercised 2 hrs daily and never lost a lb.
i was taking in too many calories at the time.
so when i was banded, i journalled my food every day so i was honest with what i was eating. before journalling, little licks and bites added to alot and i never thought i was eating that much. wow...reality set in and i was able to make adjustments.
having said that...exercise has helped me shape my body and tone. it also makes me feel great. when i exercise in any given day, i am less likely to eat junk since i think to myslef "why did you go bust your butt to eat junk"
a few years ago i had a great trainer and he felt walking was the best exercise if you can get your heart rate up. i really dislike walking so i dont do it but i trust his advice.
i prefer kickboxing, cycling and weight training.
good luck on your journey. it is well worth it
josie

hi cajun
i have had spurts when i would eat junk because it was easier and my weight loss stalled. i sat down and asked myself questions similar to the ones you asked yourself in your email.
i was also pissed at myself. i said "i cant believe i had this surgery and i'm eating junk"
2 things that helped me
1. journalling my food on sparkpeople.com
2. exercise. i made myself go to a week long bootcamp to ramp up my endurance. and then i just stuck with a 5-6 day a week routine. when the weight started coming off...it was easier to maintain this and it helped me to stay away from junk
i still struggle with ice cream...but i keep trying.
good luck.

Hi!
Just checking in to see if we heard from any of the newly bandeds---and I see we have---hope the rest are following along as well!!! WooHooo welcome to bandland!!!!
Pamela, you can check out the syrups on the website www.davincigourmet.com they have tons of SF flavors---I have used several, and am hooked!!! They ship quickly, fairly inexpensively, and I have never had anything come in broken. I am a huge toffee addict, I love the English Toffee, and the Caramel. The Dulce Ce Leche is similar, but reminds me of the caramel used for caramel apples at Halloween.
I too love Mexican food, and had enchiladas as my first food, refried Beans as my first mushie....still it is the easiest of all food for me to eat.
Sorry talking about those things to liquid dieters, is referred to as "food porn"----I'll behave!
My 2 year old granddaughter has croup. Poor little darlin' sounds so horrible! When she coughs and makes that horrid barking sound she looks so confused as to why that sound is coming from her!!! Then she very meekly says "scuse me" she cracks me up!!! The best with her lately is when she wants to go to Fudruckers for a hamburger---do not ask a child who just turned 2 to say Fudruckers!!!
Well ladies, I hope all of you are hanging in there---I am hoping the rest of our new banders are ok----will check on all of you in the morning. sleep Well!
Kat