chasingadream

I had the plication with the lap band back in September and have done well with it so far. I have not had a fill as of yet and some say it is due to the added plication. I was lucky and did not experience "bandster hell" as many experience until their band is filled to a good level, also some say due to the plication. But even with plication it is different. I know a terrific gal who also had the same surgery as myself but experienced "bandster hell" hunger from the very beginning and has had several fills and is now feeling as though she is in the green zone ...so it is a very different experience for many. So far so good...one day at a time is my motto these days!!

I agree Cheryl....well said and SO true....its been an interesting 5 months for me but SOOOO worth it. And I feel proud to have only 4 pairs of terrific size 16 pants in my closet to wear because I threw out every size larger than that because I will never EVER go back to those sizes (18-24) again. And I do not want to have too many 16's because my size will go down some more.!!! And it IS hard work....and I WANT it....and I WILL have it from here on out!!!!

You did a GREAT job Liz planning our very first NYC get together and it was fun! Alex, I am also interested and would also be more than willing to help out in any way that I can...great idea!

AMAZING job...AMAZING you! Congrats on a terrific weight loss and more importantly for feeling so GREAT about yourself now! Keep up the great job!

Amazing story...what a great job!

Congrats on the first week of success. My suggestion...take it one day at a time...remember the rules and your mechanics and don't fear solids. For me...I've feared food my entire life....to the point that I let it rule me...NO MORE I am happy to report. Of course, many have and do lose weight moving to the solid phase. I know weight loss is the ultimate goal...it definately was for me...but over the past 5 months that has shifted some....I feel better physically and mentally....my clothing fits better and I'm moving into smaller and smaller sizes and its easier to move around. For me, that is even more important than seeing the scale move down. Losing weight happens in many more ways than just the number on the scale getting lower. Try not to compare yourself to others...there are SO many....maybe even TOO many factors to take into account in ones life and body to make any kind of comparison....and sometimes it only sets you up for failure and makes you feel bad about yourself (it did for me)... So, yes , I am happy to see other peoples tickers to see what great successes they have had but I have stopped comparing it to mine....and I am much happier in this lap band journey we are on. Wishing you all the best....keep your eye on the prize!!!!!

Like everyone else said...it is TOUGH...no lie! But as each day passes you are more and more and more successful and it only sets you up for future success. I always remembered why I chose this route when I was on the 2 week liquid pre-op AND the 2 week liquid post op...UGH....but 5 months later I can honestly say I barely remember it....I wouldnt want to ever do it again but I dont remember it. Now I look forward to wearing smaller sizes and enjoying all the foods I loved before but in way smaller portions. I dont deny myself of anything but I definately make better food choices. I love that I am no longer ruled by food! So hang in there and YOU WILL DO IT....your surgery date is almost here....so close...good luck and keep us posted!

Congratulations on the beginning of a wonderful journey! And extra congrats on the super supportive husband! Mine is awesome too, although he didnt even think about joining me on the 2 week pre-op AND 2 week post-op I had to do..LOL..but he is so supportive and helpful! It is nice to have that extra support at home. And you will find some awesome people here to support you also! It is tough, especially in the beginning, but just hang in there and remember why you chose to go this route in the first place. You WILL get through....just take one day at a time! Best of luck and keep us updated!

Had to cave in and buy new bras today.....46D to 42C Didnt even care the lady had to see me half naked to make sure they fit....had a nice conversation with her about my weight loss then she tell me she had bypass a while back and lost a ton of weight so I tell her I had the band. It was just a nice experience!

Congrats on your surgery.....sounds like you are doing great already!! Each day gets better with the recovery! Take one day at a time and keep us posted on how you are doing!

He's so cute! Have fun with him....those long legs will keep the pace moving!

Excellent article...I am 5 months post-op and I went through pretty much all of the beginning phases. Always remembering to take one day at a time, remembering that is a journey with a lengthy process and that giving up is NEVER an option!

NIce job on the meds being cut back! That is wonderful! Love the bike too! It is so nice here in NY today....a little preview of Spring I think! Was nice to go out and just take a stroll... have fun riding the bike! Keep up the amazing work!

I must admit, I LOVE when it growls these days...lol. For me, I was a constant food grazer pre-banding so I never really heard it before or ever let it get to that point...so I like to hear it....it reminds me of my choice to have WLS and reminds me that I will not wither away or perish from malnutrition if it growls for a few minutes....lol I try not to eat after dinner but at night it makes all of the weird noises that sounds like gurgling and growling but I'm not hungry. Im getting used to it and my hubby just looks at me and laughs now as we try to figure out if it his stomach or mine making the alien noises!

My doc/nutritionist said between 60-80....i usually get in around 65-70 daily. I do not drink any shakes...all solids for me!

Hang in there...I had "buyers remorse" too in the beginning and wondered and cried often about what had a I done to myself. It does pass if that is any comfort. Can you reach out to your doctors office for added supported...a nutritionist or the psychologist....just to get you through this phase....any WLS is a shock to your system and there is definitely an adjustment period. Wishing you much success! Feel better!

Some days I look at myself in the mirror and say "I look the same as before" and then I see something like this and say "Oh My"!! Down 80 pounds as of today...am eagerly waiting for that 1 more pound to finally say I'm in one-derland. It's been an interesting ride so far...and I have worked hard at it!!!! I am so thankful to so many of you for your support and guidance and new friendships! (you all know who you are!)...and thanks Alex for putting together a unique site where people can come together and truly understand the success and joys as well as the frustrating and tough times! I am feeling very very blessed! Thank you WLS for helping me change my life!!!!

I like the Pure Protein bars....20 grams of protein 190 calories

Sorry my refrigeration ideas just went out the window...lol...but good to know also maybe you can just do some Snacks....almonds that are already portioned....high Protein Cereal in baggies (without the milk)...i like the tuna in the pouch idea and since i cant eat mine dry I would be finding some individual fast food packets of mayo...lol... Most of all...have fun and enjoy the company!

Wonderful post....beautifully written and obviously straight from your heart! Congrats on all of your successes!

Yikes...that's a tough one! Im NO camper...lol...and the mechanical toilet you speak of would have me running for the hills....lol....but im sure you will do fine. I would think some Protein bars would be good. Im guessing there is some kind of refrigeration there???? If so, cant you just make yourself some salads (tuna/egg/chicken) and pack them to go with some crackers....im thinking things in cans....tuna fish...swanson makes chicken in a can and I have it for chicken salad lunches all the time...so yummy. Fruit cups.... I know there will be some great camper friends coming on to give you much better ideas than those but maybe its a start....guess you would need to ask about the refrigeration part because that would give you way more options.... Good luck and let us know how your trip was....sounds like a lot of FUN!

That is awesome that your hubby is so supportive and has reaped the benefits of your surgery, so to speak!! My hubby is SO supportive too and I am truly blessed! He continues to be a snacker but never really gains any weight...arrgh! LOL . He has about 15 pounds he plays with...we have become more conscious at the dinner table though and plate the food in the kitchen since my surgery instead of bringing all the bowls to table. Stops both of us from mindless 2nd's/picking and it does make him think twice before getting up and getting more. Once Spring finally arrives in NY, can't wait!!!, we will go for walks as a family with our two little ones...so that is always an added benefit! Thanks for sharing your successes....way to go! And ABSOLUTELY LadyBandito!!!

Sorry you were offended by my ticker. As gowalking posted it is a signature on my replies and appears on EVERYONES response when I post. I am 44 years old and have been overweight my ENTIRE life. I have dieted since I was 16 years old and was ashamed to have let myself get to 280 pounds....my highest weight ever before having this surgery. So although I can be sympathetic to what is happening to you, no I do not understand how you are feeling. Luckily I have had success with my band and am proud of what I have been able to accomplish with alot of hard work on my part....for that I will not apologize. So if you only want unsuccessful people to read and respond to your posts than that is what you should add in your title...or perhaps you can message Alex and have him ban ALL tickers so noone will every be offended. I wont lie....your response was very hurtful to me that you would make a broad assumption that I was here to "throw it in your face or show you up" when you were down. This is the problem with this site, at times, people are just out of line! Wishing you all the success you deserve and hoping you solve your issue with your surgeon!

I didnt tell anyone but a few very close family and friends (only 4 people before surgery). I didnt want to hear ANYONE'S opinion on a choice that me and my ever supportive hubby made together wisely, after researching and after many many questions. I didnt want people looking at me afterwards looking to see what i was eating, was i doing the "right" things, and most importantly was it working or was I failing as I did with ever diet in the past. It is a very tough decision to have WLS, in my opinion, and I really wasnt interested in hearing anyone else's view points....i told my immediate family after the surgery...and i felt bad that some of them were perturbed that they werent "in the loop" prior but honestly they didnt need to be. Even to this day, 5 months later and 79 pounds down...only my immediately family knows and a few close friends and a few people from work. People ask me daily what "im doing" and I just tell them eating small portions and working hard...both the truth. I am finding myself coming out and saying i had WLS when people ask me what i am doing. Maybe I am more comfortable with it and myself now that I feel better about myself both mentally and physically. Thats my story...do whats best for YOU! This is YOUR decision and YOUR life and YOU need to feel comfortable about it. Best of luck on your upcoming surgery and be sure to let us know how you are doing!

My doctor required me to be on a 2 week ALL LIQUID HIGH Protein diet before surgery AND after surgery. Before surgery it was to shrink my fatty liver prior to surgery. From what I understand they lift your liver to work under it...if its too fatty it makes it large and slippery to deal with. It makes the surgery easier and less chance of complications. I basically used all high Protein shakes that were recommended by my nutritionist. Feels like so long ago...lol only 5 months...we could also eat smooth Soups...but we definately needed to focus on the protein. After surgery it was to allow for proper healing. That was what my doc wanted me to do and the reasons why.