Bandista

Oh, that is brilliant! I like tracking my exercise -- it's the main reason I'm on there as I'm trying to break from calorie counting right now to see if I can keep losing without "dieting" -- but I like the accountability of MFP so much. So just change it all to a 1! Makes sense....

Hell yeah!

Wow, I'm filing away the funky chicken just in case! Had my first event a few days ago. Violent hiccups followed by throwing it all up.

So happy for you -- I am three weeks banded tomorrow and already feel better than I have in years. Having my appetite in check is such a relief.

Yippee! So happy for you!

Hi there, I'm three weeks post-op tomorrow and have exercised every day in the form of walking. Cardio all good but looking forward to strength training in another three weeks. Incisions are nothing but not taking any chances, just following the doctors' protocol. I'm pretty sure exercise is the secret to success. No muscle mass loss with this surgery to answer. Cannot speak to other questions as I'm so new. My first fill is scheduled for 12/4 but I may not need a fill as I've had no return of hunger as yet. I think this is a very individualized surgery and every one is so different -- but a positive attitude and sense of humor combined with the will you already have.....beautiful formula.

Appeal! What about co-morbidities such as high BP, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.? Be the squeaky wheel. There are three parties -- you, the provider and the insurance company. Going to have to work all three angles. Saddle up!

Hi there, loved reading your introduction as I can identify with all of it. Have not lived in the UAE but know that world a bit. And events. But mostly the long struggle with weight and all the self-restricting with no real result. I am only three weeks out but can say that I am so incredibly happy to be out of food jail. And exercising! That is something of a miracle, the way I now have the willpower to exercise and most of all I am enjoying it. Who is this person? Here's what I did when I started my process in June (banded 11/5): - started in on hospital requirements (mandatory info session, mtg with program Coord, psych eval and nutritionist then finally the surgeon -- no idea what your process will be in UK) - stepped up my exercise program to tone and build muscle as much as possible prior to the surgery - got a therapist to go through the process with me and work on food issues. Not that I haven't done that at age 52 but this time was different because there was a real solution on the horizon and specific things to address -- slow eating, small amounts, really listening to my body. I identified all the weak points in my overeating -- when, why, how, etc. Eating to prep before meetings, conf calls, eating from boredom or as reward. - started a separate journal to keep track go into, my appointments and my feelings. One composition book with everything I need to remember.

My post op protocol was one day clear then on to full liquids. Egg drop soup was on the list -- a hand-written note from the surgeon. I made a spicy egg drop soup that was really yummy. Now I'm three weeks out and enjoying hot ginger, garlic, etc. Made black bean soup with chiles and an Indonesian squash soup. There is yumminess in your future! Just follow doctor's orders, heal up well and then enjoy all the foods you love, just in very small amounts that, miraculously, fill you up.

This is so great! Happy, happy!

Hi there, I had never spent a night in the hospital before -- guess this was the perfect thing to break my record for because I am so happy to be banded! I'm glad I did a lot of walking. I think that was my body shrugging off the anesthesia and starting the healing process. Also glad I didn't do the prescription medication but that's just me. Good luck to you tomorrow! That is my three week anniversary and I have not felt this good in years. Yes, initial discomfort following surgery but having been in real pain the incisional stuff and even that shoulder pain from the gas felt so temporary and worthwhile. You'll do great!

Congratulations! I wish I was in Mexico right now -- it's freezing here in NH! Enjoyed looking through your blog. Great to be able to look back and measure your progress on so many levels -- not just the number on the scale but all those other ways we are changing our lives for the better. Icy One, we lived in Prescott briefly. My husband refers to it as the time we were abducted by aliens. Hope every one is doing well. I am three weeks out tomorrow and feeling GREAT! Better than in years.....

Ciao Rosetta! So glad you found this forum. There is a thread called "Hey Banders" in the 100+ to lose category -- a lot of long time banders posting on there. We are all a little mixed up because the site has recently been redesigned and they are still getting the kinks out. I am newly-banded and very excited to be out of food jail. I'm 52 and live in the north (an hour and a half from Boston) where it is very cold this morning. Troppo freddo! My Italian is terrible these days but I love Italy and lived there for a year a very long time ago. Sending you best wishes......

We are going to a retirement center for Thanksgiving then taking off immediately after for a couple of days in the city. Most of these elders already eat so little -- I will be in good company. People will hopefully be focused on the amount our teenaged son can put away! I will be three weeks out and having first fill 12/4.....I am mostly concerned about eating slowly and stopping. I just had my first event of throwing up my food and I never want that to happen again. The idea of this taking place in a large dining room or restaurant, etc. is horrifying. I was just eating too fast and then too much. Easy to do. Steamed beets and a little bit of tuna, a small spoon but I was going at it the way I used to eat. Not sure why it turned into a throwing up episode vs. spitting up, except I have always been gaggy. Sorry to bring this up here but a cautionary tale for those who may be new and tempted to have too much? If it doesn't have anywhere to go, it's going to come up. I had fifteen minutes of very loud somewhat painful hiccups prior to the event. Main goal for that day is exercising. If it's nice I will see if I can get every one to take a walk before lunch. If it's not I will go myself or be sure to get treadmill time in. This will be my first Thanksgivimg when I, thinking more about exercise than food. Feel ambivalent about the latter.....

Congratulations! That's a small bale of hay (picked that up from another thread, What Things Weigh). I can't wait to put down this bale of hay or two (!) I carry around 24 x 7. You must feel great! The pix are wonderful....waist, neck appearing -- and your beautiful smile.

Congratulations -- sounds like things are moving right along! I started in June and was banded in November. So happy! While I was waiting I kicked the exercise up and I'm glad I did that. Made me healthier for surgery and also able to step right into increased activity after banding. I'm pretty sure exercise is a key to success but I had trouble getting motivated pre-band. It has given me willpower. Keep us posted on your progress!

Hope you feel better, Bobbie. You did the right thing calling it in -- they will work with you to determine whether it's better to wait a bit or go forward. Do you like chicken broth and hot sauce or ginger, etc? Might want to stay clear of dairy, which can be mucus-forming....get well soon.

Great post; thanks!

Automobile tire! But I'm just getting started -- going for the set of four and a spare!

Oh yes, left shoulder pain.....a couple of ice packs did wonders. Some people use a heating pad, which is soothing, but the ice really helped (can alternate). Walking through it -- helps move trapped gas. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen as needed. It does go away!

I can cook but not bake so we'd be a good team. Sauté onions and garlic, celery if you like, carrots, mushrooms -- it's a free for all! I use a little high - heat oil like a safflower or canola, but olive oil is fine. This is a good time to put any herbs or spices as the veggies will carry the flavor. Salt and pepper, also rosemary is delicious. Some people like tarragon. I use Indian spices sometimes but of course that takes it all in a different direction. Now you can add the chicken -- pulled chicken from one you've roasted works really well, cutting up any of the white meat into small pieces. Then add the broth. Simmer to let it all come together. Enjoy!

Hi Tyler, I'm with you -- no surprises! Congratulations on your band....I am day 16 now and so, so happy. This was a life-changing event, not just the future weight loss and all that but I feel different in other ways.

Oh my goodness, what a huge loss! You have lost so much weight. Can you see it? Fantastic job -- you are really rocking this!

Roar! Congratulations -- happy for you! December 5 is right around the corner.

Princess Leah, hope you're doing well! I'm on day 16 so we are all together on this journey. Best wishes to you!