Bandista

Hi Harvey, hats off to you for getting the surgery done and now working through the recovery process. I am still pre-band but so appreciate all the input from recent as well as long-term banders -- really helps to know how to prepare myself. Obviously it's no picnic (ha! sorry!) but it seems like it gets better each day. You were courageous to attend a party. I have had some concerns about "normal" living following lapband. It seems like after the initial phase and getting into the green zone then it is definitely possible to have "regular" food, just in much smaller amounts than what we're used to. Please keep us posted and know that this is temporary! Best wishes.

Some people with reflux put blocks under the head of the bed to create a slight angle. Wheat allergies are becoming very common so there could be a food sensitivity going on -- maybe take away wheat for a while and see what happens? Celiac & company do not always show up on tests. Meanwhile, congratulations on your weight loss and don't worry -- you will get this figured out!

Thanks so much every one -- all your comments are much appreciated! I think as I get closer to a surgery date I am over-thinking everything. I love to cook and prepare food and obviously I'll still be able to do that -- and, no, I don't need to become a hermit just to be a person who eats very little. And let's face it, a teen aged boy in the house with all his friends, etc. will provide plenty of outlet for my kitchen energy. I'm sure it will all be fine -- at this point I just need it to begin! Anxiously awaiting appointment Wednesday at which possibly I will be given a surgery date.

Good luck and beat wishes!!!

Wow, thanks for the link -- this guy is amazing.

Hi there, I agree that a fifty pound loss in ten months is really great -- pat yourself on the back. I know nothing about any of this (I am pre band and of course every body is different anyway) -- it sounds like you now have the parameters for your fill needs -- more than what you have now but not as much as when you felt it was too tight. Is somewhere in the middle your sweet spot? Go put those medical professionals to work and find your correct tightness -- you deserve optimal health and happiness,

Congratulations on this big decision to change your life! It's not going to be easy but what a difference you will make to all that is ahead for you in your life. Here's to health and happiness! I am also pre band so can't give you any tips except to say I've bee on here steadily for a couple of months and have found amazing information and compassionate support. Glad you're here.

A few questions about post-band life: I know I'll be eating about a cup of food three times per day and really focusing on protein intake..... What about how you eat -- I.e will it still be possible to eat with family and friends? I'm feeling like eating is such a ritual -- the whole cooking and eating with people. Dinner parties, BBQs, etc. How do you handle this? Should I plan to hole up for a year? Also, are there people on here who are/were supplement takers? I take a small handful AM and PM and wonder about those (everything from fish oils, multis and calcium to melatonin, GABA, SAMe, etc.). Many of these are for joint pain, which I believe will be somewhat alleviated when I lose the major weight. Getting my ducks in order -- meeting Wednesday with coordinator of LB program at our local hospital. Paperwork is in, mandatory info session completed and now this appointment -- feel like things are finally moving and thanks to all the info in this site I'm feeling pretty ready to go!

Yippee! You are an inspiration -- thanks for sharing.....

Oh, meant to say I'm 52 in September......have always worried that post-menopause it will be harder to lose weight but let's face it I couldn't do it in my thirties or forties despite truly valiant efforts. Now I'll have the band as a tool!

I had a sleep study some time ago and it was a breeze. They make it very pleasant -- room was set up like a hotel room and attendant very nice. I ended up with a CPAP machine which I hope to ditch once I'm banded and my weight is down -- but I may still need it. Had no idea I was waking up so frequently all through the night!

So happy for you! You are really on your way.......

Congratulations -- so inspiring! I am hearing a lot about MyFitnessPal and tracking. You are doing so well! Keep up the good decision-making and enjoy your healthy body. Can't wait to get there (now at the very beginning). Best wishes!

Wow, what a story! Thanks so much so others can heed the warning and truly understand the seriousness of the protocol, etc. isn't it amazing how our monkey brains look for a workaround to what we know is best sometimes? Often it's the "thin end of the wedge" as the Brits say. Whenever I find myself thinking, "I'll just...." I know I am in a dangerous place.

So happy for you! I am photo-phobic, when the camera comes out i always make a joke about "not wanting to be documented at this weight." It's not very funny, of course, and no one ever knows what to say. Um, awkward! So today I'm putting on my list of all the things I want to do when I'm at a healthy weight: feel comfortable getting a photo taken. Thanks for the inspiration!

Congratulations -- on your way!

Hi Jimmy, I'm so glad you found the site, too -- it is good for me to cop to my weight issues on a forum like this, as though I could keep hiding from such an obvious problem with food. You have taken a big step to face your issues head-on -- don't beat yourself up; we all know the kind of courage required. Thank you for sharing. I am still pre band and experiencing some of the 'get it while I can' mentality -- twisted thinking. I decided to get a therapist to go through the process with me and that's been good. I eat from anxiety and I am doing some hypnotherapy and mindfulness work to alleviate that. The thing is, and what all of us here are familiar with, is overriding what we know to be best -- the doing it anyway -- that's why I need the band.

Great idea! Healthy mind, healthy body......

Thank you and best wishes for a really great day.

Congratulations -- you are an inspiration!

So inspiring -- thanks for keeping us posted. I can't wait to be on the other side. Best wishes for excellent recovery to all of you!

Game on! I like that....going to post it over my desk for inspiration. Thank you!

Thanks Penny for Miso soup idea -- I love that salty broth and nice to have something savory. Putting it on my list. Pre-Band list making is soothing somehow.... .LaLa good luck to you!

New Hampshire

Yippee!