Bandora

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Great article! I experienced some Hair loss after my lap-band about 3-6 months post surgery. I was diligent about getting my Protein in ( even if I had to drink a shake a day to get it in) I take a multi & Iron and feel pretty good. I didn't lose much hair and my hairstylist says it is common to experience slight hair loss after any surgery as well as when we age. I simply had a hairstyle change and didn't sweat it much.

Great article! I experienced some Hair loss after my lap-band about 3-6 months post surgery. I was diligent about getting my Protein in ( even if I had to drink a shake a day to get it in) I take a multi & Iron and feel pretty good. I didn't lose much hair and my hairstylist says it is common to experience slight hair loss after any surgery as well as when we age. I simply had a hairstyle change and didn't sweat it much.

I am on a month-long plateau and its driving me crazy. I work out harder than ever. I just had to put the scale away. It makes me to angry. This happens every few months. I have been in the 185-187 range forever and just want to get under 180.

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

I didn't tell many people at first. I think mostly because I was afraid of failure. These were the people who had seen me lose and gain many times. Once it became obvious ( at about the 50lb mark) I did open up to a few people. Now I am open with everyone who asks or has not seen me in a long time. Some people are private I guess and don't want to make a big deal. It is the same to me as a person who gets a facelift or a breast augmentation. We can see you did something, why lie? But I just know in my own situation I did not want to broadcast something until I knew I was successful.

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

I am on a month-long plateau and its driving me crazy. I work out harder than ever. I just had to put the scale away. It makes me to angry. This happens every few months. I have been in the 185-187 range forever and just want to get under 180.

I have not had any surgery yet but I would say I would prefer to have a scar as opposed to the bat wings. I bet the scarring is really not that noticeable in your normal clothing. If it makes you feel confident I would say go for it!

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Miss you most: All You Can Eat Buffets
Don't miss you at all : Frumpy "fat girl" clothes
Overall there are not as many things that I miss about my pre-band life The ability to overstuff ones face is nothing compared to the joy of being able to buy cute clothes.

I am on a month-long plateau and its driving me crazy. I work out harder than ever. I just had to put the scale away. It makes me to angry. This happens every few months. I have been in the 185-187 range forever and just want to get under 180.

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Great post! ( Here are my responses. Banded June 2013- 111lbs lost)
What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? The band does not stop head hunger or make you magically stop craving food. The first 90days are tough in maintaining enough Protein and Fluid. Now it is second nature but those first few months are very challenging. I thought I would be stuffed after eating 2-3 baby bites of everything

What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery?
I wish I knew why I was fat in the first place. Understanding the emotional issues might make it easier for some to remain on the right track. I also had lists of suggested foods but would have liked a maybe some menu examples from my surgical team to make it a little easier at first. Dealing with the social aspect of eating was hard on me
What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I was given detailed medical information but would have loved to hear about others challenges in the event I was at a plateau or feeling down. All the focus is on the procedure and not how you will feel as the lbs come off.
Overall
I wish I was better prepared for all of the nosy people who either told me I was taking the easy way out that I should lose weight the "right ' way OR tell me I am not eating enough and am getting malnourished. When you lose weight you see that all of your friends are not always supportive and in fact they may be jealous. That still hurts

Miss you most: All You Can Eat Buffets
Don't miss you at all : Frumpy "fat girl" clothes
Overall there are not as many things that I miss about my pre-band life The ability to overstuff ones face is nothing compared to the joy of being able to buy cute clothes.

Miss you most: All You Can Eat Buffets
Don't miss you at all : Frumpy "fat girl" clothes
Overall there are not as many things that I miss about my pre-band life The ability to overstuff ones face is nothing compared to the joy of being able to buy cute clothes.

Miss you most: All You Can Eat Buffets
Don't miss you at all : Frumpy "fat girl" clothes
Overall there are not as many things that I miss about my pre-band life The ability to overstuff ones face is nothing compared to the joy of being able to buy cute clothes.

I have had multiple fills to reach my sweet spot so hopefully this will help you. Make sure you are really measuring all of portions. For me, I found that I overfill my plate unless I use measuring tools.

I too am stuck on a plateau .I have been 187-189 forever.I can wear smaller pants than tops due to my body shape. Although I have lost over 100 lbs., I sometimes still feel huge. It is hard because I should know I won't transform into a petite girl. My shoulders are broad and even if I lose 40 more lbs. I will never been teeny tiny. I am trying to focus on my cardio and workouts but sometimes I feel like a big old Amazon, surrounded by friends and family that are size 2's. I have to limit my weigh ins to once a week or I get super down for the whole day. Also, I have learned to really find clothing styles that flatter my body. The right cut and style for body type can make you feel and look slimmer. Don't be so hard on yourself. You look beautiful!

I too am stuck on a plateau .I have been 187-189 forever.I can wear smaller pants than tops due to my body shape. Although I have lost over 100 lbs., I sometimes still feel huge. It is hard because I should know I won't transform into a petite girl. My shoulders are broad and even if I lose 40 more lbs. I will never been teeny tiny. I am trying to focus on my cardio and workouts but sometimes I feel like a big old Amazon, surrounded by friends and family that are size 2's. I have to limit my weigh ins to once a week or I get super down for the whole day. Also, I have learned to really find clothing styles that flatter my body. The right cut and style for body type can make you feel and look slimmer. Don't be so hard on yourself. You look beautiful!

I too am stuck on a plateau .I have been 187-189 forever.I can wear smaller pants than tops due to my body shape. Although I have lost over 100 lbs., I sometimes still feel huge. It is hard because I should know I won't transform into a petite girl. My shoulders are broad and even if I lose 40 more lbs. I will never been teeny tiny. I am trying to focus on my cardio and workouts but sometimes I feel like a big old Amazon, surrounded by friends and family that are size 2's. I have to limit my weigh ins to once a week or I get super down for the whole day. Also, I have learned to really find clothing styles that flatter my body. The right cut and style for body type can make you feel and look slimmer. Don't be so hard on yourself. You look beautiful!

I was held back for several reasons. #1 would be the fear of failing. Ex: I had lost weight many times over the years( only to regain" #2 Listening to so- called friends. Ex: Everyone wants to fill your head with all of these bariatric horror stories. Looking at where I am now, I can't even comprehend why I was so afraid. I wish I would have done this years ago...lots of time wasted.

I too am stuck on a plateau .I have been 187-189 forever.I can wear smaller pants than tops due to my body shape. Although I have lost over 100 lbs., I sometimes still feel huge. It is hard because I should know I won't transform into a petite girl. My shoulders are broad and even if I lose 40 more lbs. I will never been teeny tiny. I am trying to focus on my cardio and workouts but sometimes I feel like a big old Amazon, surrounded by friends and family that are size 2's. I have to limit my weigh ins to once a week or I get super down for the whole day. Also, I have learned to really find clothing styles that flatter my body. The right cut and style for body type can make you feel and look slimmer. Don't be so hard on yourself. You look beautiful!

I was held back for several reasons. #1 would be the fear of failing. Ex: I had lost weight many times over the years( only to regain" #2 Listening to so- called friends. Ex: Everyone wants to fill your head with all of these bariatric horror stories. Looking at where I am now, I can't even comprehend why I was so afraid. I wish I would have done this years ago...lots of time wasted.