DMJ 0340

Bayou, we all have bad days. I have some really awful days where I couldn't eat healthily if you paid me to. Sometimes this lasts for a week or more.
I think banders do each other a disservice if we pretend none of us have days where we fall off the wagon. Hell, even the thinnest people eat crap sometimes - you read my FB, you KNOW I eat chocolate, drink wine, eat badly sometimes if I have a stressful day.
The difference though is not letting your bad day defeat you, so that one day becomes a bad week, and then that bad week becomes a bad year, and that bad year becomes your new lifestyle.
It's ok to fall off the program sometimes, we're all human after all. As long as you don't give up trying to get back on program. So instead of being ashamed that you stopped, be proud that you're starting again!

Girl, YOU are an inspiration. YOU are a success. You are beautiful and amazing and have the biggest heart ever.
I hope people read this post as they're starting out and realise that we all started out unsure about what the future held for us, but with hard work and a bit of luck, those size 6 jeans are possible for them too!
xxx

My wife and I went out for dinner at one of the local Soup and salad places. It is usually pretty busy at dinner, but tonight I guess the storms kept people home. So as we sat down I got a chuckle and said, "look honey the booth fits." Now looking forward to flying in October without having the fear of wondering if I will have to ask for an extender belt.

Banded on 3/25/2013
Starting weight 355.8
Current weight 270
Goal weight 209

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I had surgery on Dec 19, 2012 and 8 months later I'm down 80 pounds! I reached onederland about a week ago. I've lost more than 50% of my excess weight. Overall it's been a great experience. Just wanted to share this with people that would understand. Very glad I found this forum.

Walking will help with the gas pain!

Well I'm happy to say my weight today was 221 making my total weight loss pre band and post banding a total of 200 pounds gone! I got the high five from everyone in the doctors office. I lost 176 pre band and 24 pounds since banding on July 24th! I feel fine since banding! Also found out they used a 10cc band because of my lower weight! Those words and me were never in the same sentence together!! OMG huge first for me. If someone had told me 3 years ago that I'd lose 200 pound I would have rolled on the floor laughing than they'd had to call 911 to get me up! All I can say is God is good, and who says life can't be fantastic at 58! Blessings to one and all!

Finally got unfilled to 4CC now but feel sooo much better! What a relief!!! xxx

In light of some recent posts, I felt compelled to start a discussion on LBT forums and what you can expect.

At large, there are 3 phases to wls. The initial research preop phase, the postop losing phase, and the maintenance phase. Within each of these groups, you will find like-minded and not so like-minded individuals who are here to share their experiences and their story. Most of us speak to our level of experience. Anyone with over one year of being banded is probably the most qualified to give advice, however, anyone can contribute. Some individuals have additional experiences and knowledge sets unique to them which can serve us as a lbt community. Examples include those who have had complications, those with medical training/education etc. There's also those who have limited knowledge/experience, but yet still want to support and guide those with even lesser knowledge and experience and to reinforce their own learning.

When you post to the LBT community, you will get a wealth of information in response. However, some of the responses can be terse, irrational, unfounded, misguiding or simply confusing/contradictory to other responses. It is your responsibility to gather all the information and determine what is appropriate to make an independent decision on vs something that should be discussed with your physician. It is also your responsibility to determine who is misleading you and not. This is not a medical resource center, you are speaking to individuals of different levels of education and experience with the band. This is true for emotional vs educational posts as well. Some responses are supportive, some are keeping you accountable, some seem understanding and some seem accusatory. Sort of like real life right? No one is monitored here. You can speak freely without being overtly offensive. However, negative feedback is sometimes warranted. In order to grow in your journey, honesty is best. It will hopefully help you thwart negative behaviors and instill good ones to ensure success. Please do not expect positive support all the time. Tough love has it's place and is exercised on occasion.

Now, this post is also to address accountability. And I wish to take this from a 'oldies' perspective opposed to a newbies perspective. You will come across many 'oldies' who have had their bands for years. We deliberately come to the lbt site for continual support in our maintenance phase, but also to help newbies with a wide spectrum of needs ranging from general understanding of the band as a mechanism to how to live day in and day out with their bands. Most of the topics discussed on lbt is repetitive. The answers become more and more concrete as everyone becomes more educated on the rationale for the answers given. But there are times when a person's post can simply be a huge red flag. The response to these type posts typically become terse real quick..and here is why:

1. We wish to educate wls patients and want to prevent unsafe posts from serving as educational posts for others in the learning process. It only takes one poor post to misguide an individual in their journey. Bandsters will do anything they can to negate the wrong information simply to inform and educate.
2. We want everyone to realize that there are very real consequences to not following band rules. Too many people are becoming too lax with their rules and it's resulting in terrible complications that could be prevented. Posts that hilite poor band habits can also yield terse comments. This comes from an angle of accountability. The worse thing we can do is allow someone to leave feeling as if their decision was a small mistake, no big deal, nothing to worry about..its ok, you'll do better tomorrow. Let me reemphasize the very real consequences of these decisions and who has to live with those complications. It serves us better when we receive honest feedback that helps us adjust our mentalities and behaviors for the better. Support posts are great for those down and out days, not the posts where someone has identified a behavior that could put their life at real risk.

It is very easy to receive negative or honest feedback as an insult. But please realize, most of the posts come from a place of understanding and support. We are very scared for people who seemingly have very little knowledge yet have a band. It's a scary combination. For those banded for years, you see the same repetitive mistakes and ultimately complications and/or failures. We are here to support you through this process with refreshment of the band rules, tricks to the trade, and support you through obstacles. We do our best to provide you accurate information and some of us (raising hand) have spent over an hour researching information for fellow bandsters to ensure they get the right information.

Somehow this gets convoluted into others perceiving this feedback as "rude, cyber-bullying, offensive, unsupportive" etc. I think if you invested in reaching out to some of these oldie bandsters and knowing their experiences, how much they contribute, the typical responses they offer..you'd be pleasantly surprised that these are some of the most caring and supportive individuals investing a lot of their personal time for your benefit alone.

Being apart of this community, for myself, has been both rewarding and infuriating at times. As an RN I see people post inaccurate medical information all the time and it's simply irresponsible. Please refrain from 'educating' people by saying things like "I heard" "I think" "It might be". If you do not know the answer for certain than please refrain from answering at all. The forums are a wonderful way to communicate and get quick responses. But don't feel compelled to answer all of them if you cannot contribute a safe and accurate piece of information. But by all means, if you have the answer, help your fellow bandsters so they can make wise decisions or become better eduated in their band and the band lifestyle.

Thank you for listening. Wishing everyone a safe and successful journey.

I was 18 when the subject came up. If I remember correctly, it was my father's idea. Just bring it up casually. Explain your reasons for considering it, and let them know you've been struggling with how much and what to eat. Just be aware, as I'm sure you know, the lap-band is a tool that will only help you lose weight. You have to be willing to make the necessary life changes that go along with it, otherwise you can run into serious health complications. If you're prepared for all that, just casually bring up the topic. Let them know you've done your research and if it's in the cards, they'll listen to you and you can all come to a solution that is right for everyone. My favorite thing to do when I was younger and wanted my parents to listen was to make a powerpoint or a speech and explain as professionally as possible why I wanted whatever it was I wanted and why my having it would be a great idea. My parents were suckers for thorough research!
Be aware, some doctors won't do the surgery on anyone under 18 years old. At 15, you're not finished growing into your body yet, so you might have a harder time finding a doctor who'll do it.
Best of luck to you, and it will all work out!

Banded July 1 and a week later I went shopping with my sister and her kids. I found a DKNy dress in size 18w for 15 bucks. Post surgery I was a 22w (maybe 24) but I wouldn't buy larger than a 22. I saw that coral dress n it was a steal at 15 bucks. I bought it for my trip to Vegas in September in hopes it would fit (kept receipt in bag had 6 months to return just in case i love Macys !!! ) anyway Well I tried it on yestedat 1 month to the day I bought it and it fits ... It fits and looks nice it might be a lil big next month but ill get the sucker tailored . I'm super happy and wanted to share my 2nd first NSV... The first one was walking Into an all tone favorite bakery and had no Desire to purchase a dam thing to eat . Ordered the cake I needed for a party n left empty handed... A first !!!!
I needed to share with my lap band family because my real world friends and family get happy but don't see the joy way we do:)

Congratulations! Happy Anniversary, great share!

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

August 15 marks 1 year since my band! 94 lbs down, hoping to hit the 100 mark by the anniversary, and 130 by my wedding in November! Best decision I've ever made!

Even though I am down 60 pounds in 6 months, I am posting pics of my 50 pound mark as that is half way! I went from a size 24 to 18 and I feel great! I love my band!

I started my preop diet seven months ago today, was banded on January 14th, and as of this morning, I am down 78 lbs. with 39 or so to go. I will admit that I entered into this banded life kicking and screaming. I had no choice as my arthritis is so bad I need a knee replacement and there wasn't a doctor in the world who would do it at the weight I was a year ago...267 lbs. On my size frame, that's a bad bad situation.
All I can say today is that I'm so glad I had this done. My weight loss has been so good that I will be able to have the surgery six months earlier than my doctor expected. The additional weight loss I'm hoping to have is just gravy compared to the real goal here, which is to have the knee replacement so I can be more mobile again and get my friggin' life back.
I'm on the cusp of this new aspect of my life and I am grateful the lapband is working for me and grateful to all who post and offer support and information on this site. As I've said before, you have all helped me to be successful and I thank you.

I finally broke out of the 300 pound world! I had my surgery April 1st, and have lost 58.5 pounds..... I haven't been out of the 300's in a long time. I almost couldn't believe my ears when the scale spoke today!!!!
Now on to break out of the 200's which will take some time, but every pound lost is a pound closer to onderland!

Alright, first the positive and than feedback...
It is great that you are motivated to put yourself on a healthy track and taking measures to prepare yourself. I wish you all the success
However, I wanted to play psychoanalyst for a minute. After reading this statement "I feel like this whole banding transition is like an extreme life change and the fact that I can never seem to do anything in moderation has led me to want to fast just to really put into perspective the change that is to come" I wanted to talk to you a little about reframing your mindset so that you can be successful with the band.
Prior to being banded, the concept of going on a liquid diet for a day,nontheless for weeks, can be overwhelming. It starts from day one, an opportunity to fail ourselves. So many people feel disappointed because by day 3 they find themselves eating a morsel here and there because they can't resist. This disappointment starts a downward spiral of feeling like they are failures, that they can't do anything, that this will somehow prevent them from getting the surgery. It's almost like self-sabotage. Something all of use are experts at. And it all starts in the mind. What is necessary is to understand, health is only accomplished through moderation and accepting setbacks. This is not another diet that you have to be 100% on. Nothing about this change is extreme, it's merely a change. It requires adaptation and flexiblity as well as patience. But it's not extreme. If we start telling ourselves something's extreme, it makes it hard and hard can be a challenge that most likely results in failure. Instead, invest some time into learning how to retrain your mind to practice balance and moderation. If you are only going in one direction, setbacks (ie gaining a lb) is defeating. If you think eating 100% clean is the only thing tolerable, the time you cheat will feel like failure. And it's not. Learning how to eat in moderation is the whole key to the band. In time you will eat like normal but in moderation. You still need to control frequency, but small bites of icecream, or an occassional fav food will not hurt you and should be incorporated into the plan. Learn to accept that this normal, that fluctuations will exist and none of it is wrong or a failure. When you liberate yourself of this pressure, you will learn that is the key to success.

The place I notice it most of all is in the airplane.....all the seats on those planes sure are getting larger lately :-)
Ohhh, you meant on me.........My wife says she notices it most in my face and neck. I notice it in my belt. I had to keep closing it one more notch each week, to the point where I had to buy a new smaller belt. Now that new belt is one notch away from being too big too.

I have finally reached my goal. Yes, it was a long hard journey but it is so worth it.

i am liike missy (somewhat)
13 months post op, not ever stuck, no slime, no pb'ing.....no issues what so ever--my dr/nutritionist advised me to eat small bites, go slow, chew well and relax...i was too scared to test the waters so took their advice and just did what i knew i had to do...sure i took some larger bites and it kinda was uncomfortable...you do that once or twice and you wont want to have it happen again..just take your time..

Great share! Way to go!

Phew I survived today and it wasn't bad. I have been avoiding social situations that involve food cause I'm newly banded and few people know and i need to get my grip on this and don't want to eat the wrong thing and cause damage to my stomach and my band . Im following the rules as best as i can. I was so anxious about this bridal shower only my best friend knows I was banded. Nervous wreck to be out in public not eating or drinking alcohol and u know what? It was all in my head. Nobody cared If I drank Water all day or that I had very very little on my plate. I'm on mushies so I picked foods I could fork mash as recommended by my doctor and I survived. I ate the way I should with the band although I had 3 tiny baby spoonfuls of mouse but its ok . I have to live with this band and still be me. I did have a hard time waiting the 20 minutes to drink after eating and tried my best. It surprises me how little I can eat and be satisfied!!! The best part of the day was not being so horrified when we took a group shot down 26 pounds and such difference I didn't notice until the picture. June 1 I went to a bridal shower and hated the me in the photo we took because I couldn't believe it was me. 26 pounds gone and feeling great can only imagine how different I will look at the wedding in October. Even already committed to being the designated driver so I don't waste my calories drinking
Just had to share no matter how supportive those that know are not being in my position I don't think they understand the feeling of being the new me. Trust me i have tons of emotions going on .... I'm different but I'm not but I am if that makes sense:) thanks for listening ....

Hi guys. Just wanted to post an update and progress pic. It's a little over a year since surgery (banded 5/29/12). I'm down over 75lbs and in the normal bmi range. It's SO strange to be able to say that! Lol I'd still love to lose a little more weight to get to my goal. These last lbs are slow, but steady which is fine by me! My mind still has trouble catching up with my body, but looking at old pics now and then helps put things in perspective. Hope everyone's having a good summer!

Thanks for sharing what sounds like a fun treat!