Bandista

What a great post! I can really identify with those feelings of losing a self that I once was. In my case it happened very quickly; it was like a switch had been thrown and there has been no going back. Like every one here, I tried so many things but to no avail (down up on the scale, down down, up up up). It's hard to recognize myself and I don't feel comfortable in this body. The band is the missing tool in the arsenal I am bringing to this reinvention and my return to good health. That includes a lot I have learned in this twenty years of overweight -- not about weight management (obviously) but about who I am and what I want in my life, what my priotities are. The overweight is preventing so much and I'm so looking forward to shedding it along with the low self esteem that has been a companion on this journey. Good luck on the pre-op diet and all good things ahead. Thanks for an inspiring read on this Friday evening. Best wishes!

Hi there, this could be such a blessing. I hope it works out well for you! And now you've done all your research, have everything lined up, etc. Good luck!

Congratulations -- beautiful new baby and right on track with your band. Best wishes!

Yippee! Fabulous is right, and I bet you feel great, too. Way to go!

Hi there, you might want to check out buckwheat if you like hot "cereal" (it is technically not a grain though it seems like one, it's actually a berry!) -- and it's a complete protein. Also quinoa, though I haven't found a way that I really like it, it is worth exploring for its protein content,a high fiber, etc. I am prebrand but collecting ideas -- thanks for putting this thread out there!

Looking good! And I'll bet you're FEELING great. Congratulations on all the hard work that has brought you this success. You are an inspiration to those of us who are still pre-band. Thanks so much for posting!

Hope you hear very soon! Congratulations on taking this big new step in your health. I am right behind you (I hope!). I also can really identify with worries over people treating me differently and what that will feel like. The being more "acceptable" as a thin person is a sad statement on our society. I guess I'm hoping I'll be so healthy I won't care as much about the idiots out there. Good luck to you -- hope that phone rings right away with the good news!

I sympathize with you! My insurance company requires a BMI of 40 and there is no mention of co-morbidities like high BP or apnea (I have both, but BP is controlled by medication). I have been worried all along because I dip below the 40. Am really a 38. There are a few more weigh-ins and it's so stressful. Plus I'd like to be dropping now, now trying to maintain the heaviest. But I will do whatever indeed to do to make this a success. I have gotten creative.

Thinking of you! Sounds like you have all your ducks lined up. Great that you are a nurse and have that medical background. Good luck today -- keep us posted.

Happy two-month Bandiversary! I am still pre-band and can't wait to get there. One of the things I'm really looking forward to is losing enough weight to be able to exercise more comfortably. I know I need the outlet of exercise to help me manage stress (treadmill on incline seems to release those hormones), and I know once that cycle really kicks in then it's such a healthy time for the body. Lose weight = able to exercise = lose more weight = HEALTH! Good luck with everything. I think you're doing great. Two months out is baby steps and you are making great progress. Go Adrienne!

How about sitting down and writing a letter -- could be a letter to yourself for congratulations on how far you've come or maybe one to the remaining weight you want to lose. Why it's important to you, what is motivating you to do it, how much you want it..........

I am pre-band and have no experience of my own, but I am fascinated by what people refer to as the "slow stop." This is a signal from the body that it's had enough food. Maybe your signal is in your neck. I look forward to learning more about this -- and of course to getting the band so that I am able to keep from overriding a signal that I've had enough. Good luck to you! Sounds like you're really on your way!

Thanks so much! This is very informative for those of us waiting for bands. The various stages all have their challenges, that is certain. And now you are in the waiting game, too -- not only for those elusive five pounds to disappear but also the surgery. Waiting makes everything drag along so slowly. I know how discouraging that can be, plus you have a specific goal you are trying to reach prior to that. Just know that all the right things are happening -- you are working this and doing so well. You are an inspiration and I really appreciate all you have accomplished. Good luck with this next step!

So happy for you!

You look terrific! The picture of health! Congratulations on all the hard work that brought you to this place. I can't wait to begin the journey -- especially the part about being able to exercise more comfortably. Win-Win.

I am pre-band but from what I've been reading your body in that first month is healing up and many people don't have restriction until the first fill. The tool is placed but needs to be adjusted for you. Don't worry, you're on your way!

Thanks for blogging. I find that writing really helps with my stress load -- the naming what it is in my life helps me see it in a different way and that helps anchor me. We have a "light heavy bag" (there's an oxymoron for you) in our basement for our teenaged son to pound on. You may be on to something -- that need to release stress hormones. I can only seem to get it with the treadmill on incline and really walking hard, which I can only do when I'm in shape enough -- a vicious circle. So looking forward to the band as a tool for getting weight off so I can exercise. So much release is needed! Best wishes to you and thanks again.

I'm sure the body has to adjust to this big new change and you'll be down another twenty before you know it. Keep up the good working out and a pound a week is such a healthy way to lose -- it is all happening. Are you all good for follow-up, fills, etc.? So great that you can exercise.

I love autumn for the feeling of a new start -- must have to do with all the back-to-school energy. What a great time to get banded! You will be able to walk outdoors and by the holidays you'll be well into a good routine. So happy for you! Thanks for keeping us pre-banders posted. Hoping my hospital program gets a move-on so I will be right behind you. Best wishes!

Hip, hip, hurray! So happy for you......fall is a time of new beginnings.

Way to go! Very inspiring......thanks so much for posting! I am so excited to get banded and begin. Meanwhile it is hearing about this kind of success that is keeping me going. Congratulations and keep us posted!

Best wishes to you -- not an easy thing, the pre-op diet, but it's temporary and you are on your way to having a tool that will help you feel satisfied on much less food. Plus you'll get a head-start in the weight loss department and give the surgeon an easier time with your liver healthier and smaller, not in the way. And good practice for having less post-band, beginning the necessary change of eating habits. I have heard from others that the key is to want this change more than anything. Here's to your good health!

Hi Kespy, I am in the throes of the pre-op process and really excited about getting banded. This site has been the best source of information and inspiration. I will be 52 at the end of September and wish I had investigated this years ago as, like everyone here, I have struggled and worked so hard for so long but without success. I'm willing to do all the work but I need it to work; the band is going to give me that edge. The missing link. I need to do something about the joint pain, fatigue and sleep issues, plus feel better about myself. Good luck to you!

I Googled as well. The program coordinator at the hospital where I will be banded recommended another site, one hosted by the band manufacturer. I checked it out but it's more of a marketing tool. I like Lapband Talk for the real people who are contributing their experiences, ideas, ups and downs, etc. It's very human and doesn't feel like promotion. And tapping into that collective knowledge base is really something. All in all a compassionate group of people as well. Thanks for your role in making it happen!

Best wishes!