SillyAuntDi

Welcome and congratulations on the beginning of your journey! When my nerves started to get the best of me before my September surgery, I would remind myself all the reasons why it was the right choice. I would be healthy and more mobile. I would be getting the life I deserve to live instead of the life I was restricted to because of my extra weight. Make a list. Say it out loud to yourself when you get the jitters. And know we've all been there and we're all here for you! This group is the best ever!

Love it!

My eval was pretty interesting. We discussed life changes, ability to follow directions, support, self image. He wanted to know if I had any history of depression or other issues. I said a few things in the eval that made him stop and look at me with a bit of concern, but he smiled and relaxed when I said that I was already speaking to a counselor about my anxiety issues. He said that was great and put it in his notes. Then I had a take a battery of tests...questions like "I want to kill myself. True or False" It was about 2 hours long total.

I had to stop using myfitnesspal, as well. I was getting a little obsessive in my tracking and freaking out over my numbers. I know the foods I can have, I know how much I should/can eat, and I stay in control of it all. Life is good

I feel your pain. My doc's plan had me give up coffee/caffeine for the first 4 months after surgery. I'm not a big drinker, and I was already down to no more than 2 cups per day. My surgery was in September. In November, I begged him to let me start my coffee again. I almost cried when explaining to him that the busiest time of my job was coming upon me in December and I needed it to focus. He smiled and said yes, but no more than one cup per day. I don't always drink that one cup per day, and I'm OK. But, the mental part of knowing I can if I want has made a big difference. So, yes for me it's purely mental, but I'm a headcase for many other reasons too! LOL So, my advice is this: Talk to your doctor. Explain your situation. You may think you need the coffee, but it could be, as someone else mentioned, that you need to tweek your Vitamins. Good luck!

Us nice southern ladies may have also replied "well bless your heart" dripping with sweetness....and then walked off. What a jerk.

I was banded in September. My port area still gets sore every now and then. My cat likes to jump up and stand on it, mush it, "make paws" on it, and then lay down on it. That hurts LOL. My doc finds that funny If you are worried about it, give your doc a call.

I also have a soft burp to let me know I'm done eating. Sometimes the food tastes so good that I risk another bite....and then quite often I'm miserable It's funny how our bodies adapt to our bands! We just need to listen.

I am not a veteran since I was only banded in September. However, the appetite issue fascinates me. I lost my physical hunger almost immediately. In no way am I too tight since I have yet to receive a fill. I constantly have to remind myself to eat. But, I do eat every day. I get in my protein the doc and the nut want me to get. My doctor and my nut both are amazed and pleased with this part of my journey. We have strategies for me to continue to lose weight and eat enough each day. I don't worry myself too much if I skip a "meal" here and there over the course of a week. I've learned to down a protein shake here and there to up my protein for the day. When my doc or my nut become concerned, then I will. Until then, I just keep on keeping on. Each journey is unique and should be based on the relationship between the doc and the patient. But, I will admit it's nice to know others have similar experiences.

Hi Becky! Welcome to the group. I am so happy I landed here before my September surgery. I learned so much. You will be happy you did, too. Good luck on your journey. Use this time to really understand yourself and the process. Identify and change the things that need to be changed. Ask questions of us but most importantly of your doctor. You will rock this!

Name, real or screen~ SillyAuntDi (Diane) Goal weight for February 28th~ 254 (this will be 100lbs gone) Weight on February 1st~ 262 Age~ 45 City/State~ Raleigh, NC Dietary goal for February~ explore veggies more Exercise goal for February~ boxing and bicycle Personal goal for February~ don't fall off the bicycle again

I was banded in September. On the morning of my surgery I considered running out of the hospital. I didn't. Two days after my surgery I cried and thought "what have I done?" Today, with a few short-lived pity parties thrown in for good measure, I can tell you this was the single best decision I have ever made for myself. I've lost nearly 90lbs, i have my hunger under control, my energy is way up, I hurt less, laugh more, and most importantly I am no longer a slave to food. Follow your doctor's plan, ask him questions, and come here for the best support. Good luck...you got this!

January 1 276 January 8 276 January 15 269 January 22 265 This was my goal for the month!!!!! I won't be able to check in next week, so I'm glad I hit it today!

Fantastic job!!! Don't discount the non-scale victories! Feeling better, moving better, clothes and shoes fitting better...those are just as remarkable as the numbers dropping on the scale! Keep it up, sister

January 15 269

WAY TO GO!!!! I can see you beaming all the way here in North Carolina! This is why I chose this journey...this! I have my annual physical with my PCP next week. I'm so excited I'm giddy! Thanks for always stating it like it is! Your posts are motivating and inspiring. Keep on keeping on

I called my doctor's office with questions. And I believe that should always be the first action we take. But...it is nice to come on here and see that other people may have the same symptoms. It calmed my nerves a few times...but, always call the doctor!

Good luck! Let us hear from you as you recover.

What I didn't include in my check-in is that the scale actually moved down .3 lb. That is really just maintaining, but I'm happy. I've changed my exercise routine the past couple of weeks and my body is trying to figure things out. I think I'm still on target for my goal weight this month.

Checking in: January 1 276 January 8 276

I only managed one box during the first couple of weeks. Even sugar-free they were too sweet for me. I'm over that aversion now...I still keep them on hand. Find some broth-based soups to have on hand. I enjoyed the Chinese wonton soup...without the wontons!

YAY!!! So excited for you!

You know, I would love to have Sauve work for me...LOL Luckily my hair hero buys my big bottles of shampoo and conditioner for me at the supply store and passes along her savings. I switched to a Loreal brand for December and my hair dried out and got very stiff. Back to Redkin....love my soft, shiny, full-ish hair! It's worth the extra dollars, I guess!

I was banded in September and I'm thinning as well. I use a special shampoo/conditioner by Redkin that my hair stylist suggested. I also take Biotin daily. And, I'm upping my Protein as much as I can. My hair stylist says it's thinning all over and not in spots, which made me happy. I would hate to have a big hole in the back of my head! I have noticed in the past couple of weeks, the shedding has slowed down. So perhaps I'm turning the page

Bandista, you are doing a fantastic job. I think it's only normal to feel frustration at times. I think we have all been there. In the 3.5 months I've been banded, I've cried at least twice and had several pity parties. But, I am the happiest I've ever been with respect to my health and my well being over all. Think about where you are compared to where you were. Keep in mind why you choose this path. Eyes on the prize, my friend! We got this!