Bandista

Very exciting!

I have been concerned about insurance as well. Mine requires a BMI of 40. I am a little borderline and have to be creative about this plus keeping weight up when I want to be trying to slim down a bit before surgery. 240s just not fat enough, have to be 250 or it's a no-go. Look forward to getting that stressor over with when I meet with surgeon and that's the weigh-in that the insurance receives. Otherwise my other worries have been alleviated here. Some people have a rocky few days but I am pretty tough and know I can get through that. Walking very important for recovery, to release any trapped wind from the surgery, learning to take small sips, etc. pretty exciting to be beginning this new chapter! Very best wishes to you -- have fun on Friday connecting with the people you will be working with over many months to come. It's not just the surgery, of course, but the important after-care, getting fills just right, etc.

Hi Sylvia, congratulations on this big step. I am in the process of getting my surgery date. It's taken longer than I thought it would but this has given me a chance to learn so much more about the band. This forum is so great for that -- a lot of information here and people are willing to offer support and answer questions about their own experiences. I'm sure True Results will walk you through everything. Take a lot of notes! Best wishes to you......

Hi Donna, congratulations on your success -- 74 pounds, wow! It sounds like you are working on getting the right fill -- making sure the band adjustment is right for you. I know that many people who have sugar issues find it easier to stay away from anything that is sweet, especially sugar substitutes, etc. but even carrots, beets, fruit sugars, etc. All these can trigger craving. I am pre-band (hoping I don't have to say that much longer!) and have been working with a therapist the last couple of months to help sort through the ways I have used food to soothe myself -- anxiety, stress, boredom, reward. I always take extra care at this time of year when the light is shifting so rapidly as that can be difficult for me -- time to review strategies for winter! Best wishes -- you are on your way to leaving sugar in the dust!

Good luck! I am waiting for my surgery date and actually looking forward to the liquid diet. You will love being thinner and healthier even more than you love pizza!

Congratulations and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hi there, very excited for you. I have my psych eval and nutritionist appointments this week then the appointment with the surgeon will be booked -- following that the date for the actual surgery. Maybe we will be Bansters together! I think it would be abnormal not to feel a bit nervous. I get worried that I won't qualify for some reason but I know that's silly -- so long as my BMI is 40+ I will be fine. I am a bit borderline, however, so that's been a stressor. Hopefully some others can tell you better what to expect tomorrow. I plan to ask a lot about after-care -- the fills, etc. I have a notebook to write down everything -- my own questions as well as things said in the appointments that I may forget later. Good luck -- let us know how it goes!

Hope you feel better today!

So happy for you!

Hi Sue, welcome! Like you I am waiting for a date -- in process. I've learned so much on this site -- very knowledgable and compassionate people happy to answer questions and offer support. I am feeling so ready and thats really thanks to this community. Glad you are here!

Thank you for posting! Pre-band here and so excited for all you new bandters. Hope you are healing well, sleeping, walking and recovering beautifully. Best wishes for this new chapter -- yippee!

I am pre pre-op diet but I love to cook, too -- cauliflower is amazing whirred up with a stick blender, Cuisineart, etc. I steam it then pulverize, adding organic chicken stock to get the consistency I'm looking for. Cumin very nice, ground coriander -- and I have made a kind of "pesto" with cilantro, garlic and steamed cauliflower -- needs a little salt & pepper. Also the Indonesian squash soups -- yum. Sautéed onion, garlic, ginger then spices: cumin, coriander, etc., many recipes call for several almonds ground up for a nutty flavor, add can of coconut milk if that is ok for your food plan, then the steamed squash of any kind and stock (can be veggie or chicken). Cook down then pulverize -- very savory and satisfying. Everyone is crazy about this soup. Freezes beautifully.

Yippee! Congratulations on all the hard work that got you to this far -- you're going to be seeing that 2## soon!

Good for you -- you are well on your way!

Dear Chaqwela, This is a long game and you are way ahead of it! So glad the surgery went smoothly and you are healing up quickly. You have months ahead of you learning how to use the band properly -- getting your fills and sticking to the plan is critical at this point and you will be off to an excellent start for your new healthy life. I have learned so much by reading people's posts on this forum. Many people do not lose in the beginning -- it's just too soon to think about that in the first month or so!

I am pre-band and fascinated by this -- look forward to making friends with my body again and being able to interpret signals. Thanks for posting!

Congratulations on your surgery date -- I am waiting to get mine and getting impatient for the new chapter to begin. Yours is just about to start! Good luck with all the good decisions you are making for yourself. Love the Big Picture comment above. How about a quick letter to yourself about what you want -- the things you look forward to doing when you are healthier. I have a big list and like to look it over for encouragement. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Thanks! Just sent this to my morning exercise partner. Time to regroup and step it up -- too many mornings when one or the other of us can't go that day for one reason or another. I find that laying out my togs the night before is enormously helpful.

Thank you! Much-needed encouragement for those of us waiting to begin. Congratulations on all -- so happy for you. Best wishes for all the continued success coming your way. Love it that you are working it and it's working, and that you're feeling good about yourself. Here's to it!

Hi Deb, I'm in my fifties, too -- BP issues, arthritis and sleep apnea. I stumbled on this forum over the summer and have learned so much over the last couple of months. There is a lot of knowledge here and people are very compassionate and happy to offer up support. I've learned more here than through the hospital program where I hope to be banded in the next month or two. Now I can really sense what some of the issues are -- sometimes people aren't quite ready to do the head work to deal with the reasons behind all the overeating that got us where we are. For those who are ready, the band is a tool which turns the appetite down so all the hard work of consuming small meals and increasing exercise results in real weight loss. I know it's not going to be easy but it's not easy now. I want to have a happy, healthy next few decades and be in excellent shape. Can't wait to get my band!

Yippee -- on the other side now. Glad to hear you are both recovering well. Have a nice healing weekend!

Wow, congratulations on all the hard work that brought you to this place. You are an inspiration! I loved seeing your age, that you've made this big change in the course of your life now when it is all ahead of you. Best wishes for continued success and all the amazing things you will do with your life.

First of the month -- very auspicious for a great new beginning. Congratulations!

Hi there, I am pre-band but I've been on here a lot reading people's stories to get my head in the right place and learn as much as I can while I wait for a surgery date. Some people actually gain in the first month post-op so eight pounds lost is great. Your body is healing up and adjusting to this big change and you just got your very first fill. For some it takes subsequent fills to find that green zone. You are doing beautifully! You are going to be gorgeous in your wedding gown, don't you worry -- and you've given yourself the best present possible, this band which is going to help you reach your goals. Try not to fret. Sometimes our parents well-meant "help" is not what we need and a wedding may be bringing up extra stress. You may need to let them know you are right on track and comments right now are not helpful.

Thanks so much for the inspiration! I'm going to get on that, the measurements and the (gasp) before photos. Yikes! Enjoy those jeans and thanks again.