KateB

The band only affects how you eat. It will not affect you in terms of your physical abilities you currently have. The band is a tool for weight loss. Use it if you think you need it. I lost 60 lbs before my surgery but that took me 3 years and i have lost the same amount with the band in 6 months. It is well worth it. Good luck with your decision!

That's great! Enjoy!!

I didn't have to gas pain everyone talks about. It never happened, it might not for you either. Best of luck!!

Welcome and good luck on your surgery. A new you is on its way!!!

That's amazing! I hope to do the same, eventually. Just afraid I'm too heavy to run right now. I'll stick with walking until I'm under 200, but I dream of doing a 5K. So weird after a lifetime of being a couch potato!! You are an inspiration! Way to go!!!

I do all the above to battle the brain hunger. I don't bring it in the house, think of my goals and let the band do its thing. The cravings have decreased but some times old habits die hard. I'll eat some grapes or a piece of cheese. Just think of how hard you've worked, don't go and sabotage it and let the old ways back in. You could easily buy a pint of ice cream and enjoy it but the guilt and setback are too high a price to pay for me. And really, it doesn't work any more. I can easily talk myself out of a craving. Best of luck!

Great insights B52, thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like a good plan to me!

I was told you should always be able to chug. It's hard enough trying to get it all in and not run to the bathroom all the time!

Hang in there! This totally works, you just have to give it time.

It's totally normal. I went through it too. It will all be alright. Mine went off without a hitch and I had an easy recovery. You got this, calm down, breathe, and remember why you are doing this. A new you! Good luck!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good. Feel good inside and out! It's all good and about living a happy, healthy lifestyle. Now the people that get multiple plastic surgeries have a problem.

Congratulations! I can't wait to get to where you are. Way to go, enjoy!!

You've done so well. Tomorrow is another day. Did you enjoy it? Good. It isn't the best choice but we've all done it at one time or another. I don't see it as a big deal. It's a far cry from what we could put away before.

The only pain I had was I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach by a horse. And a little gas pain but it didn't last long. Best of luck with your recovery and the band!

I drink while eating. Usually water. The only time I don't is when I get stuck. It makes it worse. My doctor would say not to, the whole 30 minute rule. But I have to drink while eating. Just a habit. It's a personal choice you have to make for yourself.

My port is north of my belly button and right below the incision scar in the center just below my breasts. Never have a problem with fills, they are painless. I can feel it now when I lie flat. I don't think it will be noticable when I lost more either. My husbands is right by his belly button. I've never heard of the chest port scenario. Good Luck! I'm sure it'll be fine. K.

It will be So worth it. You won't miss stuff for long. I don't miss drive thrus or chocolate. You will lose a chunk of weight with the pre-op and detox your system. You are on the right track and it will pay off. Be strong!!! Good luck!!

I can't wait to have a tummy tuck! I don't need excess skin as a reminder. I have pictures for that, embarrassing wedding pictures in fact. I plan on the tummy tuck and getting my arms done for sure if I can afford it. I don't care what pain is involved. I want to wear sleeveless shirts! It's an individual choice for sure.

Blissfully Banded: I battled my weight all my life, been to WW countless times and nothing ever worked as well as the band for me. 8.5 lbs a month and it slowing down. But it's all in my control. I need to step up the exercise. The first 50 lbs was easy. I didn't want the sleeve for the same reasons as you, but I know many that are successful with it. The only thing I don't like is that I miss bread. I can't handle it after my last two fills. But I needed the fills because I was hungrier than I wanted to be. Make sure you get protein in, my hair started to fall out. Best of luck!! I don't regret it for a minute. Almost to onederland!!!!

Congratulations! You are on your way to an all new you! I'll check out your blog :-)

You are totally acting normal. I was really scared of dying, never having had surgery before. I told me husband I would want him to remarry, etc. I think it is fine to be prepared rather than have regrets. I worried for nothing, everything was fine. Good Luck!

Being single I find I'm spending alot less now. I eat less at restaurants or share a meal when I can. What I'd used to buy to cover for a whole week now last way longer. And I don't like some of the same foods so I don't buy them but like others I spend a little more on fruits and vegetables.

I attend a support group twice a month and it is well worth the time. There are experts there that have had the band or sleeve for awhile and are more than willing to share their experiences. I have found it invaluable in regard to knowing that I'm not alone or what I'm experiencing is normal. Good tips too. And the leader of the group is a patient as well and very helpful. It is so helpful to stay on track.

It's natural to be afraid. I was. I'd never had surgery. I totally thought I would die. But it all worked out and was over before I knew it. The pain was manageable and recovery quick. I totally am glad I did it. I'm 60 lbs down now. It's worth doing and everyone is there to help you. Good Luck!!

Good luck! Broth is your friend. Take it easy and heal.