chasingadream

@@loveNlife76 I have not had a fill…...

Good question….it will depend on your doctor….so he/she is the one to ask. Ask questions…lots and lots of questions…. If you see something here but arent sure…ASK YOUR DOCTOR…. Many people, as of late, are saying how unprepared they were prior to surgery…this is YOUR time to get educated, ask any and all questions (no matter how silly). Now is your time to find out every little, nitty gritty thing that you will need done BEFORE surgery, what happens DURING the surgery and what you can and should expect AFTER the surgery. Remember…this IS SURGERY. You are going in for a specific reason and there is no reason why you should not be fully prepared. So, its great to ask questions here but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE follow up with your doc. It will make your process easier, smoother and in my opinion, more successful. Good luck to you!

I agree with everything @@gowalking has said. If you are not comfortable with your surgeon or the answers you are getting than you should surely try to find a new doctor. That person is the one that is going to perform surgery and give you the after care you need. In my opinion, you must trust that doctor 150%. As for what to eat…doctors vary as do individual results. I eat everything in much smaller portions. Pasta sits very heavy with me post surgery so i choose alternatives when my family eats theirs pasta. Otherwise, nothing is off limits….but i do eat my Protein first followed by veggies and YES some carbs. I even have a treat now and again. The great thing is I am NOT dieting and I am NOT deprived. I eat to live and not the other way around. And for me, I grazed for the past 30 or so years…so these are some really new eating habits for me but they are surely doable. Wishing you lots of luck AND success!

Awesome job…I LOVE the visuals! Good for YOU!

Well...it has been 9 months and 93 pounds gone from my 5'4" frame. I have been holding steady at my current weight for about 2 months. I am NOT done losing my weight and I am NOT on a plateau and I am NOT at a stall....I AM PLAIN OLD HAPPY. I am not a prisoner to that darn scale. I am eating and enjoying life and happy and feeling very blessed by the success I have had. It has not been magical or any kind of miracle. It has been work and I am happy to say that I can finally look in the mirror and like what I see in the reflection. Yes,I am still a work in progress and would like to lose the last 48 to goal and I would like to have some stuff "fixed" after all is said and done. But I AM HAPPY! I see the weight loss most in pics now and I am amazed....amazed at how far I let my weight go and now that I have let that go, I am amazed at how I have transformed. And this post isnt about boasting about my success or how much I've lost...I hope it helps one person out there who is just starting out like I was on this site exactly a year ago. Looking for support, looking for success stories, looking for people who were out for nothing but to give some encouraging words and support. I received all of those here and have even made some new friendships (some in person and some by text). This does work and it is hard work at times but the results are sooo worth it, in my opinion. So for all those starting out...wishing you alll the BEST.... and for those honest to goodness supporters (and you know who you are) I thank you from the bottom of my heart (and so do my ever-supportive hubby and my little girl and boy)

GREAT story- congrats to you! Glad to know DMV just won't pop out a new ID to someone (especially when they don't look like the person)

@@apespayne It is doable so don't stress over it. I was a volume eater my whole life. It is an adjustment but sometimes your tastes and appetite change so much after banding…you will have to wait and see since there are such different results for everyone. I was banded on 9/19/13 and after the 2 week all liquid pre op and the 2 week all liquid post op and the 2 weeks of mushies….it was awesome to eat solid food again…and I thought all hell would break lose when I really ate again and it did not. @@Colleen C And 8 weeks after surgery I not only enjoyed all of my favorites at Thanksgiving (turkey, homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and even a bite of cornbread)…oh and some dessert too. It was heavenly and delicious and just like it is every other year….EXCEPT….i didn't have to be rolled away from the table…I wasn't so stuffed I thought I would explode. It was a totally different and amazing feeling and accomplishment. And on top of all of that I was the one who cooked the darn meal…lol. So it is all doable. I eat out more now than before banding (and that still isn't a lot) but i eat what i want and just bring home the extras. It is quite a freeing experience. And 9 months later I now eat to live I don't live to eat. Do I have weak moments…yup….do i always make awesome food choices…nope….do I still eat too fast and too much(on occasion)…yup…am I still learning….yup…. but most of all I am 93 pounds down and living my life in a way that I haven't for about 2 1/2 decades (and Im only 44). Greatest decision ever…hope yours will be too. ***And if you think talking to someone will help you get to the root of your eating habits--kudos to you and go for it…it can only make you more successful*** Wishing you ALL the best!

@ I've followed you from the beginning of your journey….especially since I was starting out a few months after your surgery date. Congrats to you for all you have accomplishment and for being a success in SOOOO many ways! You are an inspiration and I love to hear the successes from those that were just starting out when I was. Thanks for checking in…..and yes, life does have a way of "getting in the way" of being here…and that is the best feeling EVER….. ….AHHHH LIVING LIFE…..TRULY LIVING LIFE!

Awesome post @@Leepers - love your story. Honest and supportive--what great success you've had and you have apparently worked hard for it. I also, feel very grateful, for the success that I've had. With a 4 and 7 year old and working as a teacher….I am always on the go…and besides not having time for the gym….i have NEVER liked the gym…so for me I try to walk ALOT. Love that you gave kudos to your supportive hubby. I also have one of those and it is a game changer, in my opinion… and big congrats to him on losing 80 pounds with you! I agree with you, I like using Fitness Pal…keeps you accountable in a easy and quick format. And yes, this is a long term trip that is becoming a lifestyle change for the better. Love that you commented on how fickle your band is…although I have not had a fill yet, I feel like you that some days I can eat fast (not on purpose) and it stops me and other days its like its not even there….sometimes i think Im the only one that experiences these things…. Thanks again for sharing your story…and GOOD JOB!

@@Apryl1957 Anticipate success and it may just come your way! The beginning is hard…lots of changes…lots of unknowns….just take one day at a time….ask questions when they come up….make the best choices for you…follow your doctors order to the 'T'….cut yourself some slack…don't be a slave to the scale (in fact put it away)…don't compare yourself to others….and remember…we didn't get to our highest weight over night and it will NOT come off over night. One pound down is one less you carry around….be proud of each and every ones of those pounds and be realistic when setting goals. Congrats on making a decision that will change your life….it surely changed mine!

You have helped many Im sure. Personally, I have followed you since joining. I know I reached out to you about someone I knew who is the same exact weight as you were when you began and I showed him your before and after pics and let him read your story and now he "sees" more now than ever that someone in his shoes can make the changes needed to be healthier. Yup, he knows everyones experience and success will be different but you've given him hope when things were getting a bit bleak. And he is moving forward to have the WLS that will work best for him. So thank you @@Jim1967 you are awesome and amazing and a true inspiration. Have a great day!

I hear you there…especially with little ones. I have lost 93 pounds and put a before and after pic up on the refrigerator and one in my bathroom…just as a reminder where I NEVER want to be again….and to motivate me to lose the rest!! My 7 year old son asked my why I did it and when I questioned him on the differences in the two pics, he pointed out my clothes were different….LOL….now thats UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

Yes, knowledge is power so they say…. However, you had the procedure done and not drinking a little before/during/after a meal is not life altering, in my opinion. I had the lap band with plication (imbrication) and honestly not a big deal. You have the information now and need to make the best decision for yourself. Give it an honest try and see if it works or have it reversed. Yes, you were shocked but now you know. Make the best of it….its not like you can never drink Water again!

That's awesome…good for you! It is SO nice to live life again! Yesterday, I sat next to my 4 yr old daughter on the swing set and ACTUALLY began to swing….wasnt afraid I was gonna break the darn thing. Amazing how the little things are the ones that mean the most these days…and make me realize how truly far I've come! Thanks for continuing to share your amazing journey!

Congrats on the wedding and on enjoying life! You look wonderful..and although not ready to show off your bikini bod just yet- you are ready to show off how far you've come and how wonderful you look. Congrats on a wonderful job and thanks for sharing!

@@momma2vincent and @@Zoco --- get that fear of failure out of your vocabulary!!! You made the decision to have this surgery to change your life for the better and failure is not and will not be an option. It is hard in the beginning and fear of what you can or cannot have ever again is daunting at times. Well, let me tell you, I can still have whatever I choose…just in much lesser quantities…and I do. I do not deprive myself…i do not diet….and life is SO much better. My cravings for all things sweet and fast food all but disappeared….the sweet one came back a bit but I control it and live my life. This was the hardest decision I have ever made (to have WLS)…….AND THE BEST! My advice…take one day at a time…follow your doctors rules to a "T"….call your doctor if in doubt or if you have questions….give yourself time to heal (it is surgery after all)….do NOT be a slave to a scale….take it one day at a time and one pound at a time….it took me 44 years to hit my max and although it will not take me another 44 years to get it off it will not happen overnight either…..but with hard work, determination, and belief in oneself…it just may happen quicker than you think. I have been blessed so far and truly take it one meal and one day at a time…so far….so good! I have a whole new lease on life and living and its not just about what I can consume anymore. Wishing you all the best….

NO carbonation NO straws NO gum Protein first, veggies, than carbs if room Eat solid food to hold you longer 4-5 hours between eating should be doable 8 glasses of water/ day NO drinking with meals NO drinking 15 mins before a meal and at least 30mins-1 hour after I'm a rule follower…working for me…so far so good. Good luck…. Maybe a trip to your doctor and/or nutritionist would help as well. Good luck!

I have been a slave to my scale and I AM TIRED OF IT! I just had a monthly follow up and decided Im going to get rid of my house scale and weigh in every month at my check ups! After all, I am following what Im supposed to be doing…and after almost 9 months i want to trust and believe in myself more without hopping on that contraption all the time! Im living my life more in so many ways now (93 lbs lighter)…and since I've ditched the diet and dieting mentality its time to ditch the scale too! WOO HOO…what a liberating thing to say!

Does depend on you and your job. I teach…I had my surgery on a thursday and went back a week later….I probably could have gone back a day or two earlier but glad I gave my mind and body some time to recuperate and rest…after all….it is surgery! Wishing you all the BEST!

Excellent job! You are always there for the support and words of wisdom for others….so glad I can be there to congratulate you on a terrific milestone! Onederland is an amazing feeling….now its on to the next goal…i love trying to get down by increments of five…. Keep up the amazing job! So happy for you!

Welcome and congrats on your surgery date…it is an exciting time! I, too, was a Weight Watcher veteran since about the age of 16 and it took me until 44 to realize it wasn't working for me….guess Im a slow learner….lol… Fast forward almost 9 months after surgery and I love that I AM NO LONGER DIETING….NO LONGER DEPRIVED…and feeling so much better about myself both physically and emotionally!! This is a great site with lots of wonderful people providing their experiences and support!! For me, my lap band w/plication has been a wonderful experience….not all peaches and cream….but I take one day at a time and am still learning so much from this whole process. I am now able to keep up with my 4 and 7 year old and actually went out bike riding with my 7 year old last weekend. Im not sure who was happier…me or my son….it felt so great being on that bike after so many decades….. Wishing you lots of luck….follow all your docs orders to a T….believe in yourself….give yourself the time you need to heal and learn….and just take one day at a time!

Hello all….For me, I believe, the WLS honeymoon is over so to speak…..I've followed all the rules, lost a good amount of weight and like what I'm seeing in the mirror (most days…lol). And now, almost 9 months out, I've learned a few of the tricks of what 'slides' down and how you can really get around the band if one choses to do so….my weight has been steady for a good month and a half and at first i thought i was done. Then I realized that I set a goal for me to actually meet…something i didn't ever think I could achieve…but darn it….I CAN REACH IT AND I WILL! So I've buckled back down and am tracking on fitness pal more regularly….back to those basics and stopping the nonsense that got me to the weight I was that I needed WLS. I love knowing I'm not dieting anymore and Im not deprived! How great is that! I will never return to that place again. I like this place so much more….I feel better and am happy at the reflection I see in the morning. No excuses for me…the only one I can hold accountable for my success or failure is ME….so watch out 100 pound loss….Im coming for you…and Ive almost caught you. Good job everyone….cant believe its been almost 9 months already!

YIKES….127 views and only 1 response….thanks so much @@rickm All great info. He had the seminar last night as a matter of fact and heard much of what you just said. Good to hear other peoples experiences. Thanks for sharing your wife's with me. Hope you are both doing well!

Call your doctor….most have an answering service of some kind. Reach out to them for help if you are in that much pain. Feel better and let us know!

Different people…different sizes…different metabolism…..different calorie intake…different amount of exercise…..different lives….. …its going to result in a TON of different experiences with weight loss…. My doc is happy with 1-2 pounds per week. I agree @@Jim1967 comparing only sets you up for frustration. Be happy with any loss….big or small….its that much less being carried around. I didn't gain it overnight and it surely isn't coming off overnight!