Chickie

I have always eaten a "normal" small portion of food. I have never felt "out of place" at the table. Actually I eat more than some of my female friends who are on "diets". I am normal. Smaller portions are normal.

For me, Docsdeb, being "stuck" is nothing like choking. Nothing at all. And PB'ing in not a medical emergency. It is unlikely that you will need any sort of assistance to PB.

I totally changed my lifestyle. I started by going organic, and concentrating on whole unprocessed foods, and later became vegetarian. Personally I do not subscribe to the "protein first" thing. I eat a balanced diet of veggies, protein and carbs. Because we need all three to fuel our bodies. Best of luck!

No, I don't think it has done much to change my confidence. That's why I cringe when I hear, or read about people saying "I will feel so much more confident / have more self esteem when I have my TT (or breasts, or face or other cosmetic surgery, or even losing weight!)" because it doesn't always work that way. My confidence came from growing up a little (I was in my early 20's when I was first banded, a hard time self confidence wise for any woman) getting to know myself, and achieving in other area's of my life. While it is very nice to be pretty, and have a nice body, my life is so much more than the way I look. And my self esteem and confidence stems from that. ~Tracey~ You are making me blush! Thank you!!

I would do it all again a million times over. No regrets at all.

Wow! So many Aussies coming out of the wood work! Welcome everyone!

I think people are just concerned by the misinformation a professional is giving you. Something else to consider is fills. If insurance is going to be an issue in the next couple of months, you might want to think about how you are going to get fills paid for.

I am so glad you are feeling better!

2 weeks of liquids, followed by 2 weeks of mushies.

Hiya Cagstorm! Welcome to LBT. My whole family (my almost 11 year old, and husband) have become so much more active. We all eat so much better than before, and I think we are just more aware of our bodies, and what we are doing to them, and putting in them. I have never really subscribed to the whole "Protein first" thing. I eat a balanced diet, and while that (to me anyway) includes protein, it also includes veggies and carbs. But to answer your question, beans go down great! I would starve without them (I am vegetarian) I wish you the best of luck on your banded journey!

I think perving on one's self is a common side effect of weight loss. I am finding myself pretending to look in store windows just to check myself out :pound:

I was banded 31 months ago, I went in for fills as needed, usually every 6 weeks for the first 6 months or so (I would have to find the diary that has the exact dates and fill amounts to be more exact). My last fill was February 2006. My last unfill (a total unfill) was in January 2007.

It takes about 5 years for most people to lose all they weight they are going to lose. Most studies show that the average bandster is still losing something at 3 to 5 years post op. I think it is just that most people hope to lose their excess weight in 2 years.

It's in your blood now. Congratulations!!

I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but wanted to wish you the best of luck!

Hi Kathryn! You would be surprised at the amount of will power you have! The band is designed to work best with fluid in in (a fill) but some people find that just the band alone provides enough restriction to keep them from overdoing it. Best of luck.

Hi Ginaki! I would imagine, that unless it was a huge issue to the banding surgeon, or a life threatening condition, they will be able to band you. Best of luck tomorrow!

Do you shop in a speciality boutique for your bras? If you don't get thee to a bra fitter. When we are, uh, "blessed" with large breasts, unless we are in the best bra for our back, and cup, we are going to be uncomfortable. I brought the best sports bra when I started running (I was like a J cup when I started running). It looks like a crop top, but holds me down, and sort of flattens the breast against me to minimise any bounce. Best $120 I spent on a bra, ever! I still buy the same bra now that I am down to a DD. Bras do a lot more than make our boobs look pretty. They change our posture. Best of luck!

Hi Shanimal! I just wanted to welcome you to LBT. You are not alone with your PCOS. There are a lot of us out there who suffer. I was banded at 24, and honestly, it was one of the best things I have ever done. Best of luck! Hi DLew. Welcome to LBT. Read around the forums, there are so many differing accounts of banding here (the good and the bad). And there is never a "good" time to do these things. Best of luck!

We have a tendency to underestimate ourselves. Anything is possible. With a lot of work, and dedication, we can do anything. And thank you. I feel better than I look, and that is most important!

I would be very interested to hear your story Debi. I have read stories, but never heard a first hand account of a VBG surgery (and what can go wrong).

I think she may have had the old style vertical band. I have no answers for you Debi, but I wish you the best of luck!

Hi and welcome to LBT!

If you are only 3 weeks post op, it may be a bit soon for such solid foods. I know every doc is different with his/her post op instructions, but I can almost guarantee that you are still swollen from your surgery, and that is why the chicken is getting stuck. If you must eat chicken at this stage, try it, as was suggested before, with something to lubricate the meat. Best of luck.

I am glad to hear that you are doing so well! Thank you for sharing your update Karen.