KtKt

As I watched our baby :baby:granddaughter this past weekend, I got to thinking about the similarities to the diet of a newborn and newly banded... The baby is 7 months old... She started off with "protein drinks" (mom's milk) and has now started on "mushies" (ground up veggies & fruits). As she struggles to get from lying down to a sitting position, I also thought of the physical challenges I have and WILL CONQUER much like she is doing right now. :star:Being Banded is like a rebirth... and the more ways I have to visualize and make sense of it all, the more successful I expect to be!

I'm expecting the 6 month wait... and will use the time to my advantage, losing what I can before banding... I think I've shredded my weight watcher stuff... totally ashamed of my progress there! Stupid me....

I'm on the Aetna wagon too... I've never heard about 5 YEARS... unless it is to prove that you've been ow for 5 yrs or more... that should be in my medical records... My understanding is a 6 month supervised diet & exercise plan... which my Weight Loss Team recommends anyway...

I don't know what "POS II" is... my card says "NAP" across the top... I'm not looking forward to jumping through hoops, but once I actually get "on board" (following my 4 hr appt with the dr, nutritionist & psych), I plan to start "dieting," with the help of my "team." I can do it on my own, but not forever. I'm hoping by the time my willpower gives out, the band will come to my rescue... that's my plan, anyway... this weight has to go sooner or later... if I have to wait for the band --- I'll FOCUS on the sooner... keep in touch!

I have Aetna and am just starting the process... I know there are various types of coverage - so our policies may not be the same, but THE DID COVER LB SURGERY??? I hope, I pray...

The answer for your husband is: "I can do this for a short period of time, but not long enough to lose X number of pounds!" I did low carb for 9 months, and lost 60 pounds... I've gained it all back - 9 months of HELL for nothing... I'm done with Yo-Yo dieting... :eek:

LOL! I've wondered about "her" too... shall we name her? Ilene? (I lean sideways)...

I finished the book (#7) too (audio)... and am starting all over again! It has been an amazing journey w/Harry, Hermione, Ron et al.... I'm in awe of Jim Dale (narrator, "voice actor") and JK Rowling! WOW!

Well, you've heard of "Christmas in July" things... why not do "July in Christmas" --- make a coupon or booklet good for the trip... add in some sparklers, red-white-and-blue t-shirt, disposable camera, etc. and give it to him for xmas!?!?!!!? Sounds like a lot of fun, however you decide to do it!!! Keep us posted.

Argh! I was having thoughts about banding vs. bypass today too... this has snapped me back to where I know I belong... I gotta get more faith in myself... thanks from me too!!! katie

BEAUTIFUL! Do you feel as good as you look? Gotta love it!

Wendy... you could have a future in writing... I loved reading your journey and can relate to so much of what you wrote... Bless your little heart!!! The thing that bothers me the most is the way your dad treated you, talked to you... A Daddy should NEVER do that to his little princess, whatever her size!!! HUGZ!

I went to a support group meeting today -- the nurse leading the discussion said "don't be afraid to use medications while losing!" ok... sounds good to me! : ) 3 days worth... the dr. probably thinking you won't need it after that. I hope he'll support you if it turns out you do need it!

Oh Cookie! I hear you! and I don't even have a date yet... This insanity has to stop!!! : ) Try FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal --- it's FREE and you can secure your food diary (journal, weights/dates, etc) where no one but you can read it... be brutally honest as you enter your foods. I think of it as a way of becoming accountable to yourself... we all know we can't trust ourselves very far where food's involved... When I grab for something to GNOSH on, I think... nah, I don't want to have to enter it in my food list for today and it makes me STOP! Might work for you too... and if I end up GNOSHING anyway... at least it made me stop to think about it first! The band is a tool... and I think this will be for me as well... (Lord knows I need as much help as I can get) katie

I know I eat too fast and do not chew enough... I'm practicing to overcome this NOW and forever. I wonder if it came from the old family routine of "last one done has to do the dishes" ... ...slowing down, chewing lots...

Mommy 202 & those who are struggling: try FITDAY.COM if you aren't already. Be honest about the food you eat and see if it helps... The band isn't magic, it's only supposed to help you on your way. I'm not banded yet, but feel like my BRAIN is in gear for this... and that's half the battle right there. I've just started with Fitday and think it'll be a great tool for me as well... It'll keep me accountable... If I'm not losing, I'll be able to pull it up and see exactly where I'm screwing up. No point in fudging food entries... you'll only by lying to yourself... Just another "tool!"

Hey Dustout... I enjoyed the description of your journey so far... please keep us posted on things are going!

I received a packet from the WMT* yesterday... my 4-hour appt. is coming up on Aug 7... this just explained where to go and reminded me to do my food journal for 3 days... Got that started... : ) Every meal I have now, I think about how it is going to change... We had steaks from the grill the other night and I told Dick I'd never be able to eat this again... now I realize I'm wrong.. I will be able to eat it, just not the WHOLE blessed thing! "Big Medicine" was on last night... A Father/Son doctor team doing bypass surgeries on 500-600 pound men and their sister/daughter had to fly in due to problems with her lap band. She needed an "unfill" and the doctors in Ohio didn't know what to do or how to do it. 30 sec. with her brother, and it was done! Like she really needed it... he high weight was 185 and she's now 135... cute as a button! They didn't show "before" pictures, but I wish they had. I'd be DELIGHTED to weight 175!!!! Another show about a bariatric center with bed-ridden folks weighing in at 700 pounds! Now, I didn't need to see that! Or maybe I did... maybe that's the kick in the butt I needed to get this in gear, going the downward direction! I worry about being able to do this... and can't wait at the same time! *Weight Management Team

I received a packet from the WMT* yesterday... my 4-hour appt. is coming up on Aug 7... this just explained where to go and reminded me to do my food journal for 3 days... Got that started... : ) Every meal I have now, I think about how it is going to change... We had steaks from the grill the other night and I told Dick I'd never be able to eat this again... now I realize I'm wrong.. I will be able to eat it, just not the WHOLE blessed thing! "Big Medicine" was on last night... A Father/Son doctor team doing bypass surgeries on 500-600 pound men and their sister/daughter had to fly in due to problems with her lap band. She needed an "unfill" and the doctors in Ohio didn't know what to do or how to do it. 30 sec. with her brother, and it was done! Like she really needed it... he high weight was 185 and she's now 135... cute as a button! They didn't show "before" pictures, but I wish they had. I'd be DELIGHTED to weight 175!!!! Another show about a bariatric center with bed-ridden folks weighing in at 700 pounds! Now, I didn't need to see that! Or maybe I did... maybe that's the kick in the butt I needed to get this in gear, going the downward direction! I worry about being able to do this... and can't wait at the same time! *Weight Management Team

Cookie... you crack me up... I love your posts!!! Hang in here with us... we'll all do it together and love every minute of it! :clap2:Good smiley usage!!!

Welcome Back Cissy and CONGRATULATIONS on your new little daughter!!! I'm sure there are some women here who will want to pick your brain about pregnancy & the band... Good for you getting right back into the BAND-itude!

Hey! :clap2: You lost around 200 pounds BEFORE banding with that decision, huh? Good for you!!!

Hey Chim.... We're all here for you... supporting you NOW and in the days (weeks, months) to come! The "general public" doesn't know what "we" know... PLUS: They have not walked in the shoes we've been walking in - and our FEET HURT and phooey on them anyway! Rant away --- get it out of your system, then smile and feel GOOD about your decision!!! (I'm talking big, aren't I? I haven't told anyone other than my DH about this ---- and you're reinforcing my decision to keep it to myself)

Congrats Candle! I hope the month passes quickly for you.... Nice to be able to start your official COUNT DOWN!!!

~~GOOD FOR YOU JULIE~~ I know it wasn't easy to go your way, but "BRAV-O!" for doing so! And THANK YOU for sharing. No one should put up with a PCP who is unsupportive. This is hard enough as it is! You took the high road, did what you needed to do for YOU and have just about beat that demon for good! I'm so proud of you!!! Katie