Bandista

Fabulous! Very, very inspiring......thank you!

Thanks so much -- one half cup did not really seem like much!

Thanks so much. Finally an explanation of how the band really works with the brain. Even if it is still unknown whether hormonal or neural I love understanding more of how the process occurs. It will certainly slow me down..... Half cup is a smaller than the cup I have been picturing. Tiny! I am going to print this out and reread, especially those eight words.

Yippee! This is just the kind of perseverance that is going to take you to your goal. So happy for you!

I am on a CPAP machine now -- love/hate relationship. Sounds like you need one quick, regardless of whether it's only temporary. Could change -- or save -- your life. I hope to get off mine once banded and weight comes off but I had sleep issues as a thinner person so I don't know if that will be possible. All I know is my machine allows me to get into a deep sleep. There's nothing like it.

I can picture this -- and your face at that moment! She must be quite the cutie-pie and smart as a whip, too.

Donna, be sure to get unsweetened cranberry -- you will only need a splash so a bottle goes a long way. I really like the cleansing properties of aloe but can't drink it plain -- it is masked in the cranberry water. If you like a sweeter drink, you could try adding Steevia to it (Truvia is a brand of Steevia -- there are others, too -- Steevia is a plant and very, very sweet so a little bit will do). Hope you feel better soon. Hydration is so important!

Hi Nancy, glad you are recovering well. I am going in 11/5 and it will be overnight -- just the way they do it at the hospital I'm going to (barium swallow next AM before leaving). Can't answer your cough drop question -- don't swallow by mistake! Congrats on having this behind you and now new chapter beginning. Here's to health and happiness!

Not at all......and how are you doing today?

Just finished my first week of two-week liquid pre-op -- didn't want to do the HMR 800 my hospital uses (dairy-based would not be good for me, plus other stuff I didn't want in my body) -- using pea protein which is working well. No appetite so that's good. I'm drinking other liquids -- water w/unsweetened cranberry splash and aloe, tea, have had broth a few times, etc. It's going well and I'm glad to get a bit off prior to surgery. Have been doing liver detox herbs as well but will finish tomorrow as no herbs, supplements, ibuprofen, etc. one week prior to surgery.

Hope you are able to get to the bottom of these health issues. We have to be such advocates for ourselves and navigate so much. I had Lyme and co infections of Lyme two years ago and t was really something trying to figure out what on earth was wrong and then what to do. On water, I fill up a 32oz juice bottle nearly to the top and then add a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice and a capful of aloe Vera. It is delicious and cleansing -- sometimes I knock back three bottles of this a day. Also I drink a lot of ginger tea, cold or hot. Keeps well in fridge and has a nice mouth kick, like a cocktail.

70# in six months is amazing. Congratulations on the hard work and commitment that got you there. I was going to suggest changing something up as far as what/how/when you are eating. The Chris Powell carb cycling sounds very interesting for just that. Maybe add a unit of exercise somewhere each day? Stairs at work, around the block an extra time, change gym routine, etc.? But don't stress, your body will start letting go again.

I am loving this thread! Thanks so much for posting. The comments so inspiring. I am just about to begin and the thing I'm looking forward to most is the change in relationship with food. Like getting out of jail. For me, though, one small point of clarification. I was a good dieter. Still could not do it, however. That's why I need this band. No more deprivation for me -- nor the swing the other way and having too much. Just an easy, gentle approach to food as nourishment in small amounts with plenty of time between meals. I don't want to be thinking about what's next all the time and having more. I'll let you know how it goes. Not expecting overnight success but a trend in the right direction is going to get me there one pound off at a time.

Hi Cindy, so happy for you -- and inspired by your commitment to getting healthy whatever it takes. I know that return to self feeling, the renewed energy and connection. That is a wonderful place to be. I am feeling just a bit of that on my pre-op diet. Maybe it has to do with focus and intention -- that clarity of wellness. And Congratulations on reaching Onederland, too! Yippee!

New Hampshire here! Getting nippy -- had our first real frost last night. Day six of pre-op diet. Feeling clear and focused. Just got another canister of protein powder. The pea protein is amazing -- 26 grams protein for only 160 calories. Olympian Labs Lean & Healthy from Vitamin Shoppe. It's also less sweet than the other pea protein I've been using (Thorne Mediclear). Happy weekend everyone!

You must be so glad to have this behind you now -- sending best wishes your way. This is going to be such a big change in your life. Many happy thoughts for all the long walks you're going to be able to take. And dancing!

Work it, baby!

Beautiful post! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

So happy for you guys! Way to go. I am getting banded November 5th and really look forward to this coming year. Love your thoughts on the investment in our lives and well-being. So true. Here's to LIVING!

Glad you are going to see your surgeon -- it sounds like you're ready to get the next 27 off! Don't beat yourself up, but get your band working for you. Hope you find an exercise plan that works for you -- whether walking, a dance class, etc. Even when I have to drag myself to the basement to get on the treadmill, afterwards it feels so good.

Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery! I am right behind you, 11 days from now. Hope you feel better soon, back to yourself. It will all be worth it!

I was told no finger or toenail polish when I had the pre-op interview. Fingernails no big deal as I never wear polish (I'm a gardener and also make art -- they are pretty rough at times), but I love having my toes done. I will use this as an outing/reward post-band. Not that they'd kick me out if they found gold or fuchsia toenails but I will adhere to their protocol. Every place is different, I'm sure.

Choosing yourself first is a powerful thing, and not succumbing to old ways of dealing with emotions. Admiring your fortitude sending best wishes your way! Happy Saturday!

No basement workout today but have been cranking outdoors. It's blustery here and good to get everything put to bed before the snow flies.

Sending well wishes your way!