Bandista

What is five-day pouch test? I am pre-band -- know nothing -- but keep reading about this.

I am so there with you, Icy One -- a few more hoops but I am SO READY!

I love the title of this blog as I sometimes feel like I lost part of myself along the way -- or that I'm in there somewhere under the extra weight that of course holds me back. I am so happy for you to have made this big new change in your life and I hope I'm right behind you. Thanks for giving a glimpse of what it's like in early days......I know it's going to be a big project, Project Me. Have fun cuddling with the cutie-pies -- best wishes.

Thanks! I just pasted that into a note for myself. Not sure what a Genie bra is -- going to have look that up. Does it come with three wishes?

Hang on Little Tomato! (From a song by Pink Martini...).......

Hi Micki -- congratulations! By the time you read this you'll probably be walking up and down the hallways and thinking about what movies you're going to watch over the next few days. Wishing you a smooth recovery and lots of good wishes for this new chapter in our life. So happy for you. I can't wait to get banded!

Here's to courageous women standing up for themselves and LIVING. Best wishes to you -- choose yourself first!

Thinking of you....Best wishes for smooth sailing and relaxing R&R as you heal up and get used to the band. I can't wait to be where you are now!

Hi Chloe -- congratulations on getting that weight off and remaining positive during difficult times.. Life is not easy sometimes, but what a difference it is to be able to navigate stress with a healthy body to help carry us through. Don't forget to pat yourself on the back and take a lot of deep breaths. Best wishes!

Hi Sylvia, just another voice of support here -- it sounds like you're really in top of your end and five months will whoosh by before you know it. Keep us posted!

Hi there -- so happy for you. Good for you for wanting to get as healthy as possible prior to surgery. You are going to do great!

Hi Betico, congratulations on the thirty day mark. 280 -- you are going to be seeing seventies very soon! I am not banded yet but working on dissecting the cravings -- what's really going on when I have that WANT. For me it's boredom, anxiety, etc. looking for workarounds so I don't go for the automatic, which of course is food. I'm hoping the band will really help me do that.

Hi there, congratulations on first two hurdles -- that your insurance now covers this and that you qualify. It sounds like the surgeon's office is double-checking with your insurance company on any requirements. You should call them, too! My insurance company has only a BMI requirement -- must be 40 or above. Many insurance companies allow for co-morbidities such as high BP or sleep apnea but mine appears to be firm on the BMI of 40. Some insurance companies require particular pre-op diets, etc. My guess is now that you've seen the surgeon the administrative staff will be right on it. They want to make sure you don't end up with any unanticipated expenses. I feel frustrated by how long the process has been for me but I think in a way it's been good as I've learned so much more about post-band life by reading people's questions, answers, thoughts, etc. on this forum. I have a much better idea of what to expect -- and although I've been given info by my hospital it is nothing compared to the real world experiences of this sampling of people who have walked this road to wellness. Best wishes to you as you start this journey!

Congratulations on all the hard work that brought you this success -- very inspiring for those of us waiting to begin. Thanks for posting!

Hi Yadaira, I am pre-band and have no advice but I'm sure it will all go well -- another opportunity to check in with your medical professionals. Listen to your body and tell them what you're feeling -- let us know how it goes! Best wishes......

Me, too -- well said above on all counts. Congratulations on your weight loss and all the changes in your life -- this new business venture is coming together at the perfect time. Best wishes with that and with everything unfolding in your life right now -- you are rocking it!

Sounds like you're doing very well -- so happy for you. On the other side now! We have a new driver, our teen aged son. Loved reading the yogurt escapades -- bet you were glad to get horizontal again! Now a new week...it's Monday morning and you have a band. Can you believe it?

Oh, I so get this victory and cannot wait to be able to report the same! Married 22 years and gained the hundred in cycles of loss/gain back more, loss/gain much more, etc. while husband has remained the same. Thank goodness, really -- one of us facing this is enough. But still, I can't wait for that day I am in One-derland and less than him. Congratulations on such a great beginning to your weight loss -- thanks so much for posting. I can't wait to begin!

Congratulations -- you look great. Thanks for posting the pix; so inspiring! And Morocco -- I have never been to North Africa but have been close (Lampedusa, etc.). Travel is something I have on my list in so many forms -- having the energy, the wherewithal, being able to make things happen. You really describe all that in your post -- not just the mobility (yippee!) but the inner confidence. I feel like I lost that somewhere along the line and I can't wait to get it back again. Best wishes during this time of stress and managing day-to-day heart patient recovery with your boyfriend. Life throws up some surprises, that's for sure. Glad you were well and able to navigate this so well -- here's to your health!

Yippee! So happy for you. I can't wait for "normal" sizes -- a 14 sounds fabulous. Congratulations on all the hard work that brought you this success. Have fun getting some fall/winter clothes then spring will be a whole new ball game!

Hi Jakki, welcome! I have found this to be a great place for info -- have learned so much here compared to literature, etc. provided by hospital. My process seems to be moving along but I feel impatient -- so ready to get out of food jail and be on my way to weight loss and better health. I met with LB Coord. at the hosp. where I will be banded, did the psych eval and 1st mtg. with nutritionist. Waiting now for date with surgeon then hopefully it will all happen quickly! Best wishes to you.......

Thanks for this -- so helpful for those of us pre-band. I'm glad you are doing so well and experiencing hunger, learning to respond to those signals, sorting out head hunger and real hunger, etc. I can't wait to get banded!

Hi Autumn, so happy for you. I hope to be banded soon and i look forward to a whole new world of health. Best wishes!

Congratulations -- you did it! You look great, and you look like you FEEL great. Way to go...

What a motivating post; thank pu so much! I am waiting for a surgery date and love to read stories like this. Congratulations on the 60 pounds gone forever and now on to the next chunk. You are doing beautifully -- so great that you have found a new surgeon to work with -- so important to have the right medical professionals. Best wishes to you!