Infaith

I got those single hiccups (still occasionally do) the couple weeks after surgery. They would almost hurt, but they quieted down some now and only hit when I'm getting full.

WHOOWHEE!! Awesome nsv Nancy!

Wow, everybody's pictures are so great! Thank you all for sharing.

Congrats Blossom! Doesn't it feel wonderful? Keep up the good work!

Jonathan, thank you for posting that piece. Yes, I think most of us have experience that compulsive eating experience or some form of it...that's why we're here. I know that especially during the last years of my unhappy marriage, I would continue to eat all evening. My stomach would protrude and I would be miserable, but I couldn't seem to stop. Now with my band I have to totally rethink things...like when I shop. I have to remember that there is no reason for me to buy "value packs" of anything. I have also become much more selective on what I buy because whatever I eat, I want to thorougly enjoy it, not just stuff something down there (like I could if I wanted to!). My band forces me to face this challenge. Sometimes I get frustrated, but then I am thankful for my band. Good luck to you Jonathan!

WHOOWHEE Tammy! You're on your way! Congratulations.

Hooray Jonathan! I'm so happy for you to have gotten thru all the hoops and have a confirmed banding date. WTG guy!

That's quite an informational post Greg!! LOL

You are just too funny Greg!

Ok...here are my inspirations: My 2 wonderful handsome sons. This pic was taken almost 2 years ago-they were all spiffed up for the prom. My wonderful beautiful sister who I wouldn't have gotten banded without her. She's the brave one that did the research and got her band last summer. Tammy-you have the most beautiful eyes!! Thank you everyone for sharing their "inspirations".

Melissa, I love that you started this thread. I will see what I can do about posting photos of my "inspirations" when I get home tonight. Also-WOW...what a gorgeous family you have! Just beautiful!

Amoro-In making my decision to get the band, I had the very same feelings you're having (as I'm sure many others have too). I was so afraid that I might take this big step and then fail. My mom had even offered to pay for it, but that intensified my fear of failure. Now I'm 3 weeks post op and my fears are being quieted. This is the tool for me. It gives me the fill up button that I need and I've never had before. I still have to make good choices, but it helps me make those choices. Best wishes to you in your journey. You can do this!

My son has Crohn's disease and milk is really hard on him and makes him very gassy so he usually uses Lactaid or Mocha Mix (which comes in fat free) and that helps him a lot. I've been pretty fortunate so far, but haven't had a lot of milk stuff as of yet since my banding. Good luck!

Tracie-lots of loving thoughts and prayers to you on the beginning of your new life. We look forward to hearing from you when you return as a new bandster!

WHOOWHEE girl! You WILL see the 170s!

WTG Mary! Thanks for sharing. You should be very proud of yourself. My sis took before pics of me in Dr. Ortiz's office the day before surgery. Can't wait til I can show before and afters!

OMG.....I can't believe this thread. I'm laughing so hard I'm crying!! Delara-a Ben & Jerry's container????? How funny! ...and Greg...you are SOOOOO BAD! You too Jack! If nothing else, it's good we can laugh at ourselves, right?

My sister who was banded last summer was hungry from the get-go and couldn't wait to get her first fill. I knew from the forum that most do not feel restriction. I think I'm blessed like Jack. I really don't feel hungry (even when my tummy growls sometimes). Last night was the first I felt tempted, but I think it was only because I was tired of the sweet stuff like Jello, popcicles, yogurt. Took care of that by making a little beef/mushroom broth. Hit the spot and took care of that craving. I was also told to watch it with things like cream Soups and puddings as they are so high calorie. Congrats Jack on doing so well. Don't think I'll hit 20 by New Years, but maybe 15? another member of the 12/21 possee

Hello All! I'm back from Mexico with my new lapband. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez said they were astonished at the ease of my procedure and my recoop time. They said once they were there, it only took 7 minutes. Then 5 minutes out of the surgery room I was waking up. Everybody (especially me) was very happy. Had the regular gas pains, but walking, hot showers, warm tea has helped a lot. I just got home late tonight (Thursday the 23rd). Have not been hungry and for the most part feel pretty good. Will take it easy now for the most part as I don't have to return to work until Jan. 3rd. Thank you all for your wonderful support. So glad you're here! Merry Christmas!

Cheers and congratulations to you too Jack! Where is our other member of the 12/21 club....Barbara? Where are you?

Well....it's 1:45 am here on the Pacific Coast. We leave for Portland in a little over an hour. I'm okay. I'm at peace with the good Lord about this. Thank you all for your support and prayers. Talk to you in a few days! Love, Darcey

Banding day is almost here Jack! Prayers, well wishes and good vibes being sent your way.

Thank you all! You are so wonderful. My boys are gone for the evening and I was packing stuff so I can rest as much as possible tomorrow and I got all emotional and choked up. I signed on here and here you were with all this positive energy supporting me. Thank you so much. I'm a single mom with 2 college age sons, so most of my life has been for them and now it's my turn and I'm not used to it. I am so glad my sister is going with me (she was banded last summer). We will head out of Eugene at 3 am Monday to make our flight out of Portland. Labs and testing Monday and surgery on Tuesday. We will fly home Thursday afternoon. I will let you know as soon as I can when I get back. Thank you again and God bless you!

Hi Barbara, I'm also being banded on the 21st. Exciting, isn't it? Who is your doctor? I have been very excited about all of this, but today am exceptionally emotional. I don't know if it's because of the upcoming surgery, Christmas, work issues or just a combination of all of it. Are you feeling that way? Did anybody else have this? Take care all.

Hey Darcy, Very cool meeting up with another Darcy. Occasionally I run into another Darc (y, i, ie, ey), but even rarer when I find one with my same spelling (Mom liked the "E"). I like to tease my close friends that forget and spell mine Darcy...sometimes too much as some of them now just call me "E". Your stats are great! Looks like Banding was definitely a good thing! I'm on a countdown now....4 days! Thank you everyone for your input and info.