make33

I have two wonderful cousins, one of which is about my size and the other is much larger (who started into bypass, but has much bigger health issues) When the other cousin found out about my upcoming surgery (and the other's attempt), she said "Oh, you two were going to LEAVE ME BEHIND!" I was shocked, because I feel it's an individual choice! The "General (Normal-Sized) Public" seems to feel that by having this surgery, we are 'cheating' and opting for a short cut to the thin and easy life. Boy, if they only knew what we've been through to try to lose the weight and what we face without the surgery! The Band rules are strict, and we all know what we have to do to achieve our goals. It's just a shame these people can't just have a sample, so they respect this decision more...

I was just banded last Tuesday, and I was so scared in the last days that I thought I wanted to jump out of my skin: doubting the decision it had taken me seven months to come to! We both know what we face without this tool, an early death but not before we develop diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, arthritis. So you do have a choice... I had decided to tell EVERYONE about my surgery, but I was shocked by some of the reactions--my whole office opposed my decision right up until the last week, when they were telling me it wasn't too late to change my mind. I even had people not respond at all, which is definite disapproval. This one's for you, kiddo, so really think about what YOU want for yourself and your future!

I'm afraid Chickatee is right--we all have our own monkey demons to deal with, for plenty of reasons. I too worried that after banding I would succumb to the same old issues--but the best thing about the band is that it is a "lock" I've never had before. Through all the dieting we've done, we've never had a tool that restricted us from falling back--permanently. This is what you have to consider--this is a permanent for-the-rest-of-your-life change. At the age of 43, that could be a lon-n-n-g-g time--but believe me, without the band is may be shorter! Your body is always your decision...

By the way, I haven't heard about the "papaya tablets". What are they all about?

Has everyone else told all their friends? I was just banded on the 9th, and for the last seven months I have been planning for this-- I told everyone in my office, my family, all my friends. And I have found the reactions very mixed, from very supportive to downright opposing me to the very worst, dead silence. Now, I'm more reluctant to tell everyone partially because of some of the reactions, but also because I feel guilty, like people think I've chosen "the easy way out". Last spring I was very self-righteous when I found out a friend's daughter (bypass) wasn't telling anyone and I said "I don't care--I'll always tell everyone!" Needless to say, I have since reversed my decision, sad to say.

Hi--I too was banded on the 9th!! I slept the first two nights on my back and was quite surprised that I didn't move!! On Thursday night, I moved to a little on my left side just for a few hours--and by Saturday night I was able to be more on my left side than my back. I get my staples out tomorrow morning (10/15)--did you have staples or steri-strips? I'm thinking that sleeping will definitely get easier once the staples are gone! This is so terrific--to find people that are going through the exact same thing at the exact same moment--WOW!:Banane10:

I'm only 6 days post-op and I've loved reading this post--to see what I might face in the next few weeks until my first fill. As all of you say, right now I feel so full I can bearly force in the 6-8 cups of liquid daily! One thing I will add is that Protein shakes really seem to make my body feel good and full--Before surgery, I bought whey protein isolate which mixes so-o-o easily with Water (and actually tastes better than with milk). I initially bought chocolate malt (amazon.com) but also purchased some unflavored protein as an adder plus, would you believe, chicken broth whey protein isolate from another site (

So glad you got over it! I was banded on Tuesday, October 9th and came home on the 10th. When I got my liquid pain meds, I took the first dose--and IMMEDIATELY I had the feeling of wanting to vomit (no nice way to say it!)--and no, it wasn't just a wave of nausea. (And yes, the "side effects" noted this!) I sipped water and walked around for a while, and once I began on a protein shake, it subsided. Since then, if I take pain meds (only three times in two days), I take HALF the dose! (My husband says liquid pain meds work instantly) When I see my surgeon on Monday, I'm going to mention it to him. But I wanted all you post-ops to know, too...

I was just banded Tuesday, October 9th and don't plan to return to work until Monday, October 29th! I'm so surprised at those of you who went back four days later--this is the morning of my fourth day and I cannot imagine having to be back at my desk worrying about catching all my staples on anything. I'm sore--but I haven't been using the pain medication--maybe pain meds make the transition back to work easier. And, the fact that I'm 60 (and I'm paid for my time off) makes a big difference!! Probably whether you are paid for the time off makes a BIG difference, and everyone IS different...

I started my Quest in March, with all my tests (a ton!) in April and May. But my insurance company required six monthly visits with a nutritionist, which I finished in August (to make sure that I couldn't lose the weight by myself--I only wish!!!). Took a month to get final approval from the insurance company, saw my surgeon last week and my date is OCTOBER 9TH!! (In the liquid diet phase since last Friday.....) Seven months for me--looks like it depends on your insurance company, if you're lucky enough to have one!!

Hey everyone! Phyllser, I'm so glad you talked about how to take meds because it IS one thing I've wondered about--other than being able to take chewables, but I'm not so sure the NSAIDS is available in chewables... I got my date today, everyone--October 9th!!! I'm 60 and have been working toward this goal since March (my insurance requires 6 months of nutritionist's visits) I am SO nervous and excited all at the same time! Is it rougher on people our age, recouperating, than the younger ones? Anyone know?

I totally agree with Wendell. I was bulimic for four years (late 80's) and I still have an occasional episode. It IS psychological and my suggestion would be to open up a discussion with your therapist about this behavior. You're not crazy!! It happens to the best of us... Hang in there, girl...

The very best to you! I'll be right behind you--I see the surgeon 9/24 to schedule a date!~ You are so-o-o lucky to be on liquids only two days prior to surgery--I know all docs are different, but my requires 10 days before surgery (liquid and soft) to make band placement easier. Good luck!!

Seven months ago I told my family, friends and coworkers I was starting on the road to banding. My family and friends were just great, wonderful and supportive. My coworkers (four thin/average women), though, have been totally non-supportive of MY decision, telling me I can lose it on my own (I've only been trying for 40 years!) and using slight inuendos at lunch like saying "Oh, you won't be able to eat that after you have surgery". They haven't deterred me (I see the surgeon on the 24th to schedule a date)--but after reading all the posts, I do wonder if I should've just not said a word and pretend it was something else. At this point, we just avoid the subject altogether--they really will never understand. I am so happy to have this forum and all of your support!!

"there is "no discrimination" --ha--when you're heavier--you're discounted as "stupid"--which i'm not. As girlinnyc wrote, we have all known the physical and mental stigma that goes with obesity most of our lives. The thought process is that we could not possibly have a brain, or why would we CHOOSE to be obese? (As if it's an option!) I read in a book (The Underburner Diet) that the author's daughter said to her "I hate to see fat people chow, Mom" and it's really the way society views us. Even alcoholics can hide their disease and are held in higher esteem... It is just so terrific that we have a relatively safe choice now to limit our portion intake. Your size 3 daughter doesn't realize the issues we've all had to deal with--you just go for it, Jeanne...:clap2:

Jeanne, when I first told my family, friends, and coworkers 7 months ago that I was beginning the process for banding, I got wonderful reception from my family and friends--very supportive. However, my coworkers are a different matter altogether! As others have stated happened to them, all four girls (who are thin/average) tell me constantly that all I have to do is to lose it on my own--which we all know is temporary at best. It's tough, but they cannot deter me--as was said, we are the ones living in these bodies! We all know this is the best opportunity we have to lengthen our life and enhance the quality of it to boot! Your husband's support is crucial--everyone else's will have to come in time... (I've been approved and see the surgeon on Sept 24th to schedule a date--whoopee!!!)

Forgot to say: our cost is $29 a month (automatic from your checking account) for a year at a time. Our owner also offers month-to-month for $39 a month.

I've been a Curves member for 4 1/2 years--our Curves has just such a great social atmosphere; it's more like a really fun social club! (Although I recently heard about another one in our area where you weren't allowed to talk during your workout!). I go to Curves twice a week for a cardio workout more than anything... Curves is circuit weight training: the machines are preset with the weight, so there's no changing the weights up or down on each machine. The 8+ machines are alternated with 'resting' pad-stations (although most people do some form of cardio on them). I also joined the YMCA this year and do weight training (free weights and machines) twice a week, since the machines at Curves really no longer present a challenge, and I really look forward to going to the Y also! Alternating the two just makes it so much more interesting. AND you just feel SO-O-O great when you finish working out!!!

Many of us count calories and are quite strict, others are not. For those of us that count calories that mac & chz would take up a good portion of our calories for the day. That's not to say we don't cheat, I do because I agree with you. But one thing about being banded is that it's a lifestyle change. Many of us just prefer to stick to healthier foods. Also, when you are losing weight you produce keytones and keytones tend to change your tastes. What used to taste great suddenly becomes vile and what you used to hate (for me it was oatmeal) is surprising yummy. I have been reading about "tastes changing" but I never understood the reasons behind it--figured after I get banded (hopefully in October) maybe it would happen for me, too. What a great post! Thanks for the info...

Wow, you are an inspiration for me! I'm 60 and hope to be banded within the next two months and was unsure what our (older women) loss rate would be!! And the "not suffering" was a blessing to hear! Good for you--keep up the great work!

I've been working out since 1983 (started at "Elaine Powers"--you are too young to remember them! Think Curves, without the machines!). Recently at the YMCA an older woman said to me "You don't have to work THAT hard, honey"--I just smiled... I guess most people must not know just how terrific you feel physically and mentally after a workout! Congrats to you, girl...!

I loved your post! Am from your area--and yep, UPMC also has the six-month supervised diet requirement. Lucky you, having already been supervised for two years! Congratulations on the approval, girl! I finish my sixth visit with the nutritionist August 7th so am hoping for approval and a date in August or September. My options were to downtown (Pgh) or locally in Greenville, so opted for Greenville--they have a great Bariatric Center. Hopefully we'll be like Butch and Sundance, girl, and not Thelma and Louise!!! Best wishes to you...

You misunderstand me--I'm not negative at all--au contraire!! (Darn the written word anyway!) :clap2::clap2:Just glad to have this option available!

I am so glad to hear you say that. Are you having any difficulty? I get banded next month and have worked out since 1983--I am freaking out about how long I'll have to be away from it--I was hoping 4-6 weeks. Thanks...

I'm currently working out 2 days at Curves and 2 days at the Y (machines)--OMG it is such a rush when you are done--all your cares just melt away! At my first visit to the nutritionist I told her about working out--so when I went for the second visit, the first words out of her mouth as she opened my folder was "So-o-o-o, were we able to get ANY exercise in this month at all?" I just stared at her. To her, I was just a lazy obese person! Working out just feels GREAT!! (I'm 60 and going to be banded next month)