Bandista

Wow, good luck every one -- it's like a Lapband Flash Mob! Best wishes for speedy recoveries........

Hi there, I had a Sleep Study quite a while ago -- I have apnea and now use a CPAP machine. One of my weight loss goals is to not have to have that machine anymore but in a way I love that thing because it helps me get real sleep at night and I'm so much better rested now. People have different experiences but I found the Sleep Study to be fine -- the hospital I went to had a room set up like a hotel. They put all kinds of leads on me and a kind of cap with a pony tail of wires. I was worried about having to get up and go to the bathroom in the night and they had that all figured out. The guy who monitored everything was extremely kind and it was all fine. Good luck to you! And exciting that you are getting nearer your date. Best wishes.....

Hi there, I am not banded yet but I've been reading so many posts from people who are right where you are now and having difficulties at just over two months. I wonder if it has something to do with the momentum -- all the waiting for the surgery, the drop in weight during pre-op and then getting used to living with the band. I think it takes a while for the body to recover from the surgery and adjust to the band -- and of course all the behavioral issues that need to be addressed as we go through that. You need to remember how amazing you are -- that you made this decision and you are making excellent progress. You really are! Many people gain during this time as until the band is adjusted properly it's just a tool waiting to be used. Only the installation has taken place, now it will be a process to get it working properly. You are doing the exact right thing by getting in to see the doctor and taking everything one step at a time. Don't dread it -- it's going to be fine. They are there for you -- be excited as it's going to help turn this around for you. The weight loss may seem slow but over time it's weight that won't be coming back. You are in this for the long game and you will be a winner. Chin up!

Hi there, best wishes for speedy recovery and easy transition into banded world -- so excited for you!

Hi there, good to hear you are doing well -- sending best wishes for continued speedy recovery and easy transition into banded life.

How exciting! I am adopted myself and we chose adoption as well -- a boy, 18 years ago (yikes!). Congratulations -- such a wonderful gift all-around and now you are choosing health for yourself as well. So happy for all of you! BTW I am still pre-band but I did have my gallbladder out years ago and it was not a big deal. Several GB attacks leading up to it and so happy to have it done. Best wishes for your new family!

Yippee! This is great so great to hear -- I fantasize about that feeling of lightness and feelimg comfortable in my body. It's coming! Congratulations on all the hard work that brought you this far. Here's to next summer and being really fit. Best wishes!

This is great! Good for you.....29 days to go. So inspiring to hear that you are able to exercise like this now that you've dropped weight. This is one of my big goals -- I do work out now but I want it to be easier -- and it will be when I get a chunk off. Have fun and watch those curves appear -- body definition, muscle strength!

That's great! I hope I am right behind you (waiting, waiting). It's great that you and your wife are doing this together. Even if the timing isn't matched at the very beginning, you'll be able to really help each other adapt to the new healthy new lifestyle and stick with it. Being male you are probably going to drop a lot faster than your wife -- it's just the way our bodies are. And you'll have this head start -- so she is going to need extra support and reassurance that she's on track. Gift certificates for facials come to mind.

How about a goal that isn't associated with the number on the scale -- like fitting into snazzy Jammies for Christmas morning or a new outfit, something like that? You are going to drop this weight -- you are on your way. But don't let that almighty scale drive you nuts. That's advice from some one not there yet -- you'll be telling me the same thing a few months from now when I'm wondering how thin I can be by such-and-such.

I love my treadmill -- I just walk on it now and even quite slowly sometimes to work out the joints first thing AM (i have arthritis). Last year it got stuck on the highest incline. Could not fix it and finally resolved with blocks of wood underneath -- it's ridiculous but it works and blocks can be removed to achieve incline again. Also have a recumbent bicycle which is good for warming up but for me not enough for cardio. Whenever I have tried an elliptical at a gym or wherever, I can't believe how hard it is. I think we get used to what we are doing regularly and something different really changes it up. Have fun!

Hi there, thanks for sharing your story and welcome to a world of on-line support here. (And 2muchfun, I thought immediately of the Flintstones as well -- yabba dabba doo).

Yippee! So happy for you -- you are doing beautifully. I can't wait to be on the other side. Love these pictures and your smiling face. You are on your way!

Hi there, hope you are getting some good sleep right now! What about bracing yourself in with extra pillows to prevent rolling over -- sort of like being tucked into place.....then you can remove pillows one by one over time until you're back to your regular sleep position. Hope your healing is going well and you're feeling well rested soon.

This is great -- so happy for you!

Thanks so much for this -- very inspirational. I really want to show up for my life and getting healthy is the key to so many doors opening in the future. For now the door opening for me is this process of getting the band. Like you I was not heavy enough (oh the irony!) and so many health issues mounting up. Now I am at the goal weight for qualifying for the surgery -- here's to being at the real goal weight -- that goal of optimal health. You are a rock star already because you're rocking this. I know early days are not easy but you have so got this. Have a great day!

The other day I was pondering this as I know it's going to be a big issue for me once I'm banded -- New Englanders eat so damn fast! Our kid likes to eat with chop sticks and it occurs to me that this would slow me down considerably. There is an elegance to them that appeals to me. A focus on the aesthetics -- how the food looks, smells, tastes. Really appreciating the meal in a slow way. Hey, maybe the Slow Food movement people have some thoughts out there about this......

Hi there, by the time you read this you will be on the other side -- in Band Land! Wishing you a speedy recovery. Look forward to being right behind you (waiting for that call with a surgery date). Keep us posted!

Hi there, congratulations on your success so far. I am pre-band but in reading so many posts these last few months while waiting for a surgery date it seems like this is a common point at which people feel a little stalled. Know that it's early days, your body is still adjusting and it is all happening -- you are on your way!

Such a self-esteem boost -- so happy for you! It's fascinating how we see ourselves (or can't see ourselves). Congratulations on having so many more options available in the clothing department. I can't wait to be a regular size again and to be able to wear pretty things instead of what I think of as my uniform now. Have fun!

Hope you feel better today! I have not had this surgery yet but from other surgeries I know that constipation can be a real problem. For me pain medication just makes all that so much worse. Best wishes for a good day of healing -- there's always that turnaround point when things suddenly are so much better.

Hi there -- way to go on the 40 pounds lost since March with no band yet, etc. That is a real accomplishment. Does your PCP or the WLS staff have thoughts for you -- we are all getting banded for a reason so how to get off big chunks of weight without the tool? My surgeon requires a liquid pre-op diet prior to the surgery and they provide a system called HMR800 for that -- shakes. The purpose is to shrink the liver. Good luck to you -- December 19th a banner day!

Hi Amy and welcome! I'm waiting for a surgery date and really looking forward to getting banded. I know it's going to be hard work sometimes but it's going to be so great to have success. I am going to be 52 and wish this had been an option earlier in my life, but I'm not looking back -- here's to a healthy future for all of us!

Hi there. Here's to Not Worrying -- just knowing that it is all happening. It's all happening. You are in the long game, the one that matters over time -- not the day to day or even month to month but what about one year ago and one year from now. What do those look like?

Mindfulness: it's where it's at! Great blog -- thanks so much!