Bandista

Hi there and congratulations -- right behind you shrinking sister! Here is a poem for you in case those pneumo-boots are keeping you awake (I can hear that sound now): Some nights stay up until dawn As the moon sometimes does for the sun Be a full bucket Pulled up from the dark well Into the light. -- Rumi

Hi Courtney, sorry you are having a hard time. The headaches may be from detoxing -- you may feel much better tomorrow on day 3 as the first couple of days are the most difficult. But it sounds like the shakes don't agree with you -- that's not good...and of course it's the first day of a three day weekend. Is there any one to call? Are you doing clear liquids, too? Plenty of water, broth, etc.? You should be fine on reduced protein and calories but your body is adjusting and that is tough. You can do this -- nice liver cleanse prior to the surgery and a side benefit of some initial weight loss as well.

Hi there, I meant a chart of all the people being banded around the same time -- as for the tickers, those are under our profile, may have to be at a regular computer to find.....edit profile? Tickers? So glad for your surgery date -- we have healthy times ahead. Yippee!

Congratulations! I am adopted myself and my husband and I chose to adopt, too -- big believer in this beautiful way to make a family.

Hi Lu, so happy for you -- on the bandwagon and off of those sliders! You deserve to be your healthiest self.

Best wishes to you! I am a little jittery but I keep thinking about how I can't continue like this without really compromising my life. Apnea, high BP, arthritis.... I am in my fifties and want to have a healthy, happy future.

I've had trouble with irritated and broken skin under a breast....very painful. I went to the doctor a few times and tried everything, including wearing a gauze pad tucked into the bra, etc. -- it's especially bad after working out, can't do under-wires obviously. Finally went to a dermatologist. Told him I had tried everything -- powders, fungal sprays in case it was fungal, anti-itch creams, neo-sporin, A&D, glycerine, etc. Told him I absolutely didn't want a steroid cream. He wrote me a prescription and the thing cleared in a couple of days. After years! I looked it up and it is a steroid, so while he didn't listen to me I am really glad I used it as it totally worked. And where better to document skin issues for possible future need of tummy tuck, etc. then through a dermatologist.

Hi there, I'm so sympathetic -- worried all summer over this and finally it all came together. Yesterday I called the insurance company (again) just to be sure everything is completely set, that no additional notification pre-surgery is required, etc. It is all a go......Congratulations to you on getting through the whole process but especially on your commitment to yourself and your healthy future!

Whoops, messed that up -- BEGINNING of November, like me. It's Tifflo on the 29th....need a chart! Congratulations to all of us finally getting there. Very excited (and a little nervous). Just can't wait to begin!

Incentive for us to keep our Protein up post-band. I bought some Biotin, too, just in case. Only some people experience this with dramatic weight loss -- better if weight comes off a bit or two at a time, that 1-2 lbs per week? November 29, yippee! We will be November Bandits together!

What? OMG! I just had a cousin shoot before pix for me -- could not load them as that part of LBT is down right now along with the blogs. Wonder what the retooling is about but mostly now I'm wondering if those pictures were used with permission. As for comments, I try not to read them even in NYT on-line, etc. -- makes me lose faith with mankind. You know what Linus said in Peanuts, "I love humanity, it's the people I can't stand."

Hi there, pre-band and no advice for you but glad you are back -- that's the main thing, the commitment and acknowledgement of the need of a fresh start. Since I'm waiting for surgery and still obsessed with food, I've been trying to think up band-friendly foods for the future. People recommend chili a lot -- that's fun to make and can be very inexpensive, high protein, etc. Say hi to the chickens!

Yippee! Just what I'm hoping for -- smooth and easy, not obsessive but just a new way.

I'm pre-band and using My Fitness Pal for exercise motivation and the community value. Helpful as a place to track food as well. Even without a band I'd never rely on the calories burned or recommendations from the app. Had to laugh yesterday as it put me down for 860 burned for my workout plus some gardening -- I imagine six weeks from now I will have trouble getting that many in!

This is so great! Best wishes for a good interview but the main thing here is you are choosing yourself, selecting YOU to be seen and heard...not hiding out. I can't wait to be there and can see how this pattern of overweight has contributed to low self esteem and accompanying career choices in my life. I look forward to changing all that.

Good luck to you this afternoon!

Hi there, hope you're doing well -- resting and relieved to have it all over with. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hi Elaine, welcome to the party! I have been on this site since summer and have learned so much from the people here. I feel extremely well-prepared for my surgery in November and the journey following. Very thankful. Good luck with your appointment! So happy for you to be taking this step toward health and happiness.

You'll feel so much better on a clean diet. Carbs cause cravings for lots of people -- you are not alone there. And personally I think artificial sweeteners are not good for my body. Good luck today with your fill! And tracking. That helps me so much to see what I'm eating.

Congratulations Lynne, right behind you a month from now! Favorite pillow? People have suggested chap stick, a robe for walking the halls -- don't know what else except your positive attitude. You are going to do beautifully!

Yippee! So happy for you. My date is 11/5 and I can't wait to begin this new chapter in my life.

Hi Vince, I know how hard the waiting feels -- and all out of our hands. Hate that! My process was a mandatory info session (8/6), meeting with Program Coord. a few weeks later, then Psych eval. and nutritionist appointments the same day -- took a week for them to call for a date with the surgeon. Got right in. Surgery then scheduled for 11/5 so I guess for me it was just about three months.

Happy birthday!

I think the point here is that there is a restriction which means a closing off, like restricting an opening -- or restriction in terms of disallowing something. I totally get it but can see that the terminology might be confusing. Welcome to the English language!

Missy, thanks so much for putting this up. I keep retreading and hope to memorize this prior to surgery. (LOL.) Very important points -- helpful to me as I attempt to get my head screwed on straight prior to surgery.