MaggieMay702

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have had to work very hard to "own" where I'm at on this journey and stop blaming others for my poor choices and habits. It was hard! I, too, was treated badly and it's not easy to live with. I'm sorry you went through that and I hope you're finding the support you need. The support groups are very helpful. I also went to therapy to help me through this journey. It's a huge transformation! Please feel free to email me westcomk@gmail.com anytime if you'd like to be pen pals through your journey. .

Yeah, I've decided to be very open with my surgery because I'm the ELEVENTH one within both sides of my family to undergo weight loss surgery. I know it sounds extreme but I have a very large family and that number includes aunts, cousins, second cousins, etc. But anyways I've decided to be open about it because many of my family and friends (might I add) who've had a procedure done have done so very quietly. I can't do that. I don't want to hide because to me that implies I'm doing something wrong. Well lately I've just felt like no one is really talking to me or checking up...like no I'm not gonna post my every update on Facebook but I'm not gonna hide myself until I hit my goal weight and then boom! I'm rambling. I guess the only way for others to understand is to have gone through it themselves... I guess I thought with the amount of family members I've had do the surgery that I'd have more support.

May I just vent for a minute? I'm feeling a lack of support in general. Believe it or not, from my own FATHER who had this procedure done as well as by my friends. My mom has been the only one to listen to my emotional roller-coaster and I feel horrible dumping it on her for the fourth day in a row since my surgery! For one, my surgery was out of town, the day before the 4th. I understand with the holiday, people are busy and such. But I didn't get many sell wishes from my friends and I didn't get any visitors in the hospital (despite having 10+ friends from the area) and a few people mention saying they'd visit. When my best friend had her baby, I drove out of town to come visit her. I'm just starting to feel like there's just not a friend out there that will reciprocate the support I offer them in times of need. Also, one of my best friends keeps asking over and over and over again about the program. The pre-op diet, post-op diet, fills, etc. I tell her the same info many times. Then when I explained it usually takes 2-3 fills before you start to feel restriction on your portion she said "that doesn't sound fun at all." I finally just said "Lol well I didn't do it bc it's fun. I did it because I needed to be healthy." Like support me much?! Lastly...my dad. He had the Lapband done in 2011. Followed the liquid diet, didnt lose any weight beforehand but lost like an awesome 15-20lbs before surgery. After surgery, he says he thinks he did liquids for a couple of weeks until he just transitioned into full solids. I know this slowed his loss down bc he never made the Changes. He made some protein changes, he meets his protein and hydration goals for the day. But he eats whatever he wants. Today when he got home I was in tears because nothing tastes good. Water tastes like metal, jello is gross, blahhh. He said "are you going to stick with this?" Then "are you ready to lose the weight?" Then I asked him, "are you going to let me cook my own meals!" "Well of course but I don't have to eat it." Like really dad?? Why can't you try to support yourself and me and try some healthy stuff? All the while, my mom is in the process too so if I move out of town is my mom going to have to do it all alone while my dad brings chips and ice cream into the house?!! Ughhhhhhh. Thanks for listening in advance.

Is this the email we use for Facebook? If so, it'll be ILuvEeyore702@aol.com. Is this just a more private forum? Thanks!

Good job Twinsie! I'm not myself either; I'm only 25 and Find myself to be very mature and strong. Anesthesia definitely made me very weepy as well as the unexpected amount of pain that I've been in over the last three days.... With the banding being the least invasive I guess I just didn't expect this much pain. Silly me! Anyway you're in my thoughts and you're not alone good job on your weight loss! Some keep in touch, Maggie

All I would say is its very important to discuss all meds with your prescribing physician. There's a reason you're on the metformin, ya know? I'm on metformin for PCOS and insulin resistance. I've had extenuating circumstances where I haven't taken the medication and it can be very detrimental to your health. So make sure you're assertive and proactive! Maggie

I'm not able to look at the moment but I contacted my specialist (endocrinologist) and requested the liquid form. I'm not sure of the kind but my dosage was 5 tabs of 500 mg extended release metformin a night.

Hey all, was banded the 3rd, spent the fourth watching (kinda) fireworks from my hospital window lol. Looking to get discharged this morning. Everything looks good to the surgical team so needless to say I'm ready to go home. Not looking forward to the 2.5 hour drive home but it'll go quick! I'd say the most annoying symptoms were my own personal anxiety, coughing HURTS (mucus built up for me), and mild to moderate pain near my port. It'll get better though!

Hello all I was banded yesterday morning! I'm very excited to report however was also very surprised to learn that my surgeon decided to place the realize band inside of me. I instructed her to use her professional opinion based upon my health history, risks, etc. I left the office under the impression that she was leaning towards the smaller band, meaning the Lapband. So I didn't Even read the literature on the other bands as I have full confidence her and still do have confidence in her. I'm still on the hospital but it's a holiday so she's unavailable to consult with. So if banders please me what you know about the realize band and how you feel about comparison between the two. Please keep it positive I've been very emotional since the anesthesia wore off. Thanks in advance Maggie

I'm on it and bad my doctor order the liquid form. Good luck!!!

Thank you so much for takin the extra time! I will read in the morning when I'm more "with it." Lol

Thank you. Remind me of when your surgery was? I'm trying not to get discouraged because I am also insight from my cousin who has a realize band. She told me it took her six months to start losing weight....which just baffles me. I'm a sissy when it comes to pain, so with this unexpected band, I'm very emotional and anxious bmabbhh

Hey all... I finally took initiative and joined my local gym with a lap pool. I was on the swim team in high school (I swam in the slow lanes, but it kept me in shape!) so I know "how" to swim and I can honestly say it's the most confident I feel about. Anyway, I haven't truly swam since high school. That was 100lbs ago. I am pre-op and starting to get nervous for my first swim tomorrow. Thoughts of "how will I get in and out of the pool?" "Will the ladder break?" "What if I slow others down trying to work out and swim around me?" Are starting to consume me and I have to be awake to leave for the gym in seven hours! These thought patterns are what got me to this weight in the first place. Ugh. I guess what I'm asking is: if anyone out there had these doubts or worries, please reply. Also, any avid swimmers out there? Give me some advice. I know technique. I'm just nervous about the logistics of my weight and capabilities. Thanks Maggie

Hello everyone! I am banded! I And say say to report the news and hope that everyone is doing well. I do have a question! As I lay here at my overnight stay in the hospital I'm trying to go over this in my head. I gave my surgeon permission to as use her tprofessional judgment on which band (size, brand. My placed the realize band In me. I was very prepared for the regular lapband however I completely respect and value her professional opinion. So: 1. Does anyone already have the realize band? If so, please explain the difference between the Lap band and realize band? 2. Has anyone requested a realize band? Any other pertinent info? Positive remarks please, I'm having a very emotional reaction to the Anesthesia. Thanks in advance.

In a little more than twelve hours my surgery to begin my banding will be underway! I'm scheduled for 11:30am EST, reporting to the hospital at 9:30am. I am SOOOO EXCITEDDD! Spending the evening taking my "before" photos, making sure everything is packed, and then it'll be time to try and sleep and get up to start driving at 7am for our commute to the hospital. Can't wait to report further! Keep it up, Maggie

Sending warm wishes your way!

I would just like to commend everyone on their progress with their liquid diets! It takes a lot of will power and endurance and you're all doing so well! My liquid diet isn't required, but I decided to do a ten day one due to the safety perks, added weight loss and most off all to start getting me psychologically ready to let go of food...and let me tell you, best decision I've made! I'm just wrapping up day seven and I feel good. Tonight, I really struggled with a fast food craving. I found myself rationalizing "my surgeon only requires liquids after midnight the night before....this isn't required...I could do it and get back on track in the morning." But then I thought of all of you. You've all done so well. Keep up the good work and this forum really does help!

Good to know! I will check with mine personally, too surgery Wednesday!

Wanted to share this with everyone....interesting! I found it relaxing more than anything else! I found it on Pinterest, and usually enjoy Dr. Oz's shows. So, enjoy http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hypnosis-emotional-eating