DivaStyleCoach

Had to revive this thread and add my own list... Things I won't miss... Being insecure about having sex with my DH Struggling to find cute clothes (I'm 45, not dead!) Hating to pass a mirror anywhere, anytime Being thought of as the fat, angry black woman because I'm usually frowning (I'm either in pain, struggling to breathe, or just uncomfortable) Wearing "fluffed out" hair because short, cropped hair makes me look bigger Wearing "tent" swimsuits and dresses because nothing else fits Paying 2X more for bras that can hold up my boobies Buying WIDE shoes Not being able to wear FMB (F*ck me boots) because my calves are too big Being out of breath after climbing the stairs from the commuter train station Taking up more than one seat on the train Struggling with seat belts - in the car, on the plane, etc Shopping at Lane Bryant / Torrid / Fashion Bug / any plus size department Things I'm looking forward to... Kama Sutra sex...and LOTS of it! Not being out of breath at the top of the stairs Shopping at Spiegel / Victoria's Secret / Macy's / Nordstroms / anyplace that has a "normal" size range Giving up WIDE shoes Feeling strong and fit Getting off the meds (diabetes, blood pressure, etc, etc, etc) Loving my reflection in the mirror Not worrying about my DH leaving me for someone thinner Getting hit on by strangers who only see how attractive I am Going to my next HS reunion and being the 'hot chick' Setting a great example for my DD Running with my dog Riding a motorcycle with my DH and not being afraid of losing the bike 'cause I'm not strong enough to hold it up I could go on and on...this was / is a terrific thread!:teeth_smile:

Whazzup, People?:teeth_smile: I'm scheduled for surgery on November 17th and I can't wait! Jesangel76 - I'm being banded at Yale in New Haven as well...have you been to the new Lap Band support group? I started this process in August, with a discussion with my PCP - he said he thought I'd be a good candidate and wrote the referral letter to get the ball rolling. Pre-op appts with Nutritionist and Psych eval done in September, and I was hoping to be banded in October, but no such luck. I completed my EKG and blood work today, have a final consult with my PCP for a medical history on Monday the 7th, and a one-on-one with the surgeon on Nov 11th. I'm so excited that I'm vibrating in my seat at work and I'm so HAPPY! I've been fighting my weight since I was 12 - more than 30 years! I originally looked into the bypass, since I have a sister-friend who did it and was successful, and her hubby recently did it and has lost nearly 100 lbs. I decided the permanent change to my digestive system was not what I wanted to do and investigated the band instead. Now it's almost here and I can't wait! I'm so looking forward to getting off the medication - I'm a type II diabetic with borderline high blood pressure and a family history of the same. I want this to work - hell, I'll do whatever I have to do to MAKE it work. I'm doing my own 2-week combo diet - two Protein shakes during the day, a regular meal (LeanCuisine, WW or normal food) at night with the family, and fruit to supplement during the day. I've already lost 10 before starting this, and I hope to lose another 10 plus shrink my liver before surgery to make it easier on my surgeon. I'm very excited to be here, to be at this phase in the process, and wanted to welcome all my fellow Notorious Novembers!

Hi ThinkingSlim, Just because the pre-op diet is working for you doesn't mean you don't need the band. I, like you, have struggled with my weight before, losing some but usually gaining it all back and more. Don't take your name off that surgery list yet! Stick to your guns and go ahead with any pre-surgery appointments you have to take care of. You began this process because you had done your research (I'm guessing that you did, anyway) and you decided the band was for you. You qualified to get the surgery, and now you're less than 3 weeks away. I'm scheduled to be banded on the same day, as a matter of fact! We'll be band sisters - and I'm more than happy to help you through the process. The fact that you write your weight in kilos and not pounds makes me think you are not based in the U.S. - no matter where you are, know that we are here for you. I applaud you for making a difficult decision - it was hard for me to realize I needed the help. I'm now 45 and have struggled with my weight for over 30 years! Hang in there, band sister - it's gonna be a great ride and we'll both come out the other side MUCH healthier!:teeth_smile:

Go Trina! Go Trina! Do that thang, Do it! Worked out Tuesday night in my aerobic combination - 30 minutes on the ArcTrainer, 25 on the treadmill. I vary the incline on the treadmill from .5 up to 2 and then back down (avoids some of the boredom). I'm planning to start the Couch-to-5K program after I have my surgery. I've always wanted to run a race, but never had the gumption. Plus, I'm heavy-chested and couldn't find a good sports bra to harness the "girls". Once I'm banded, I hope to lose a little in the chest (but not too much) so that I can get a good sports bra and run some. I don't know if my knees will take the running, but I'm gonna give it a shot! No workout on Wednesday - it's my day off. Will be back in the gym tonight after work. No need to rush home - DD is working, DH is going to the flight simulator (he's a private pilot), so I'll be on my own for dinner. I'll go home and eat something good for me - protein! Monday is the 2 week mark prior to surgery, so I'll be switching over to a primarily liquid diet to help me prepare. Two Protein shakes during the day, with a regular meal w/family for dinner. I hope to lose another 10 lbs before my surgery. Keep up the good work sistas! Let's keep the 30 day challenge going!

Hi Chris, Welcome to the board and the New Haven area! I work at Yale, though I don't live in New Haven, and there are tons of resources around the campus for real estate and finding housing. I've got the name of a great real estate agent who works with the medical residents here at Yale - I'll email you seperately on that. There is a lapband support group that meets in New Haven - the surgeon's offices are at 60 Temple Street in New Haven - and the meetings are in the Fusco Auditorium on the lower level. Next dates are Wednesday, Nov 5th and Wednesday, Dec 3rd, and they start at 6 pm. I believe the airlines DO fly into New Haven - the airport is Tweed New Haven...I don't know if it's a major hub, but it is a good sized airport. My hubby is a private pilot and it's one of the areas he flies around when he's flying his small plane because of the traffic. Congrats on your loss and welcome to the Yale community!

I agree wholeheartedly with Lulu - this season SUCKS! It's so obvious that Brady and Vicki are game-playing...he loses 13 lbs in one week? Impossible - he's not that strong of a player. Someone on another thread suggested he was water-loading...a player last season did that too. It wouldn't surprise me... Hated to see the black team take a loss last night...but then the hubby that went home was really homesick and missing his family. The reunion with his wife and the ring he bought her for their 20th was sweet. They are coming back in 2 weeks for the special "they're back" edition...the preview had him asking someone "So you want to hit me?"... Drama, drama, drama...get back to the workouts for god's sake! I really hope Colleen wins...now Jillian has an all-girl team, so they've gotta step their game up another notch. It'll be interesting to see if the "alliances" survive when it's every man / woman for themselves. Then I bet we see Vicki and Brady turn on Heba. I think Vicki would turn on her own husband if given the chance... I hope they return to the old format - more workouts, more about fitness, less drama...we should start a write-in campaign to make them return to the old ways. I watch because it's now a habit, and ya just gotta watch the accident happen, no matter what side of the highway it's on...

Checking in... 30 min on the ArcTrainer, 25 on the Treadmill...the Aerobics concentration continues... Happy side effect - was off my insulin for a few days while the pharmacy caught up with me, and usually when I go back on, I gain a few. So far, the pounds have stayed off!

PJTP - had to break out my WINTER coat this morning! It's cold here in Connecticut - and the wind! I'm really glad I found this coat in August before they got "popular". Got an unexpected gift this morning - my manager, who has had the bypass and is MUCH slimmer, brought me one of her "old" coats. She dresses very, very well - has a wonderful sense of style. Beautiful ivory wool coat, classic lines, made for a tall woman. Now, shopaholic that I am, I've got to find some ivory leather boots to go with...Ebay here I come!

It's been a long haul...being overweight, that is... I was told at age 9 that if I (and my parents) didn't watch my weight, I'd be at 200 lbs before age 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it before age 16!:crying: Made high school kinda tough...:thumbup: Struggled with my weight throughout my teens and young adulthood, though I was fairly active - worked summers as a lifeguard, lifted weights, etc. Never was thin, but not dangerously obese. The birth of my first child saw me complete a healthy pregnancy (gained only 20 lbs, baby was 9 lbs 9 oz) but sitting at home afterward saw me gain 50 lbs. I never took it off, and that was the beginning of the end. Over the years, I developed type II diabetes, borderline high blood pressure, and with my family history of diabetes and congestive heart failure, I decided my "willpower" alone wasn't enough and looked into weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass scared me - the permanent change to my intestinal system, plus (at the time) the extensive potential for scarring. I tend to develop keloids (raised, puffy scars) and having more of those (I have one from a cesearean) wasn't my idea of a good time. :eek: I have good friends who have been VERY successful with the bypass, but it wasn't for me. Then, thank GOODNESS I found LapBandTalk.com!:wub: I have learned so much here that I decided the band was the procedure I wanted. The process of approval was faster than some, but not fast enough for me! :mad2: I completed my nutritionist's consult and the psychiatric consult in September, and I was hoping above hope to be banded in October. An info session with the surgeon and I was approved for the procedure. Now I'm scheduled to be banded on November 17th, :wub::biggrin::biggrin: hence my decision to start a blog. I post to the website forums quite often, but this is a more concise set of posts that will describe more of my state of mind as I approach this life-changing and life-saving procedure. I'm thrilled to be headed for Bandland, and can't wait! :wub: I'll post periodically as I move forward - at least once a week, maybe more. For those considering the surgery, I advise you strongly to DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Take as long as you need to get the answers that will help you be secure in your decision. Try to get impartial opinions when you can - not every procedure will work for every person and you deserve to have the complete picture before making the decision. I decided the band was my choice because it CAN be reversed if necessary, and because there are far fewer issues with malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Most bandsters I've seen don't have them at all...that appeals to me because I've had my share over the years - most notably with Iron. That's enough for now...thanks for reading!

It's been a long haul...being overweight, that is...:biggrin: I was told at age 9 that if I (and my parents) didn't watch my weight, I'd be at 200 lbs before age 18. Overachiever that I am, I made it before age 16!:thumbup: Made high school kinda tough...:wink_smile: Struggled with my weight throughout my teens and young adulthood, though I was fairly active - worked summers as a lifeguard, lifted weights, etc. Never was thin, but not dangerously obese. The birth of my first child saw me complete a healthy pregnancy (gained only 20 lbs, baby was 9 lbs 9 oz) but sitting at home afterward saw me gain 50 lbs. I never took it off, and that was the beginning of the end. Over the years, I developed type II diabetes, borderline high blood pressure, and with my family history of diabetes and congestive heart failure, I decided my "willpower" alone wasn't enough and looked into weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass scared me - the permanent change to my intestinal system, plus (at the time) the extensive potential for scarring. I tend to develop keloids (raised, puffy scars) and having more of those (I have one from a cesearean) wasn't my idea of a good time. I have good friends who have been VERY successful with the bypass, but it wasn't for me. Then, thank GOODNESS I found LapBandTalk.com!:thumbup: I have learned so much here that I decided the band was the procedure I wanted. The process of approval was faster than some, but not fast enough for me! :confused: I completed my nutritionist's consult and the psychiatric consult in September, and I was hoping above hope to be banded in October. An info session with the surgeon and I was approved for the procedure. :girl_hug: Now I'm scheduled to be banded on November 17th, :tt2::biggrin::wink_smile::biggrin: hence my decision to start a blog. I post to the website forums quite often, but this is a more concise set of posts that will describe more of my state of mind as I approach this life-changing and life-saving procedure. I'm thrilled to be headed for Bandland, and can't wait! :w00t: I'll post periodically as I move forward - at least once a week, maybe more. For those considering the surgery, I advise you strongly to DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Take as long as you need to get the answers that will help you be secure in your decision. Try to get impartial opinions when you can - not every procedure will work for every person and you deserve to have the complete picture before making the decision. I decided the band was my choice because it CAN be reversed if necessary, and because there are far fewer issues with malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Most bandsters I've seen don't have them at all...that appeals to me because I've had my share over the years - most notably with Iron. That's enough for now...thanks for reading!

About me... I'm Dianne - also known as EbonyRose because I'm an African-American female (Ebony) living in Norwich, CT (the Rose city). Married 18 years to the love of my life and the one I should have married the first time - retired Navy Chief Aaron (Al) :w00t: Three kids - 25 yr old Chris, 24 yr old Ron (married and gave me a grandchild 5 months ago!:tt2:), 17 (nearly 18) yr old Ariana (my best friend):smile: Love dogs - currently have a Bull Mastiff named Sisko :biggrin:, owned a Black Lab (Dave-RIP) and Leon (a Leonberger). Love old houses - live in a restored 1850's vintage Greek Revival Have been overweight / heavy / thick since age 12 - puberty hit and I gained quite a bit. :smile: Have been over 200 lbs since age 13. Made high school kinda tough... Have been relatively active most of my teen and adult years - first as a lifeguard, then a gym rat - always strong, but not ever thin. Gain muscle easily, gain fat ever easier! :smile: Decided that with my type II diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and family history of stroke and congestive heart failure that it was time to do something more than just WISH I could lose the weight. Investigated the band and bypass, decided on the band because I already have enough Vitamin and mineral issues (low iron) so malabsorption isn't in my game plan. Want to lose the weight, but minimize need for further surgery - I keloid (raised, puffy scars) when you break my skin. Scheduled for banding on Nov 17th - and looking forward to being close to my goal weight by Summer 2009! :w00t:

Hi Ladies! I'm scheduled to be banded on November 17th, so I thought I'd join this group too! :biggrin: I'm soooo happy to have a surgery date! It's been a fairly fast process for me - started the process in August, had my psych and nutrition consults in September, plus an info session with the surgeon in October. I've attended two different support group meetings - one in September for bypass patients, and a new one in October for banded patients. I have a one-on-one consult with the surgeon on Nov 11th, and then I'll be banded! :wub::w00t: Nice to meet the rest of you - I am not required to do a pre-op diet (doc told me just don't GAIN any weight) but I am going to do a partial liquid to get used to it. Two Protein shakes plus a normal meal, with fruit for Snacks if needed. I've already lost 10 on my own pre-op eating and exercise plan, and my goal is to lose another 10 before surgery.

Good morning fellow Notorious Novembers! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin: I've been scheduled for my surgery on Monday, November 17th! I am so blessed - I had previously been approved for vacation the week of Thanksgiving, and with my surgery scheduled for November 17th, that means I'll have two weeks of recovery time! :w00t: I'm so excited! I started this process in August, completed the nutritionist consult and the psych consult in September, and attended a info session in October. I was hoping to be banded in October, but this works out well because of the timing. I'm happy to finally have a date and to introduce myself to the rest of the Notorious Novembers! :w00t:

Checking in... Walked at work during lunch yesterday - felt good to get out in the sunshine! Made it to the gym last night and switched up my workout to all aerobics. I had been concentrating on weights and building muscle, but when walking up the stairs from my train station, I noticed I was out of breath - not dangerously so, but more than I would like. That said, I've switched over to all aerobics for the next 3 weeks prior to my surgery. :biggrin: So - 20 minutes on the 'ArcTrainer' - a different type of elliptical trainer. I felt it in my legs and my butt. Exactly where I WANT to feel it, so I'll continue with that machine. I'll also alternate with the other elliptical that involves your arms so I get a balanced workout. Then I did 30 minutes on the treadmill - averaged 2.6 mph, and varied the incline from .5 to 2.0. I started out at 2.8 mph, but my heart rate went a little crazy so I slowed down. I had a bad episode with an irregular heartbeat and actually passed out on a treadmill over a year ago, so I'm careful about my heart rate. Looking forward to keeping it going over the next 3 weeks until my surgery date, and then getting back in the groove as soon as the doc clears me. I know I can walk right after surgery, but I'll take the gym activities a little slower until I know how I've been affected.

Checking in... Walked yesterday morning with DD and DDog...walked at lunchtime and felt great! Went to the gym and changed up my workout. I've been really noticing a lack of aerobic capacity - the walking isn't bring it up like I want, so I've changed up and I did aerobics last night. 20 minutes on the "ArcTrainer" - a different kind of elliptical that I've never used before. I found it worked the back of my legs and my bum more than normal ellipticals, so I'll stick with it for a while - I like it! No upper body involvement, though, so I may switch it up with the other elliptical which does involve arms. 30 minutes on the treadmill - averaged 2.6 mph (had it at 2.8, but my heart rate went crazy so I slowed down) and worked it between a .5 incline and a 2 incline. That's going to be my routine at least 4 days per week for the next 3 weeks until my surgery. I've lost a few pounds, but would like to lose another 10 before surgery. I'm also considering a primarily-liquid eating plan (2 shakes as meals, dinner with family, fruit for snacks) for 2 weeks prior to surgery to see if I can make it a little easier for the surgeon. Goal would be to lose 5 - 10 more... Thanks to all of you for being so consistent with YOUR exercise - it made me realize that I need to do the same, and posting keeps me more accountable. I wasn't 100%, but considerably better than before I posted here, so thank you!:biggrin:

PJTP... Fanny - your honey bunny is too cute! He does have a nice smile...congrats, girlfriend! :biggrin: I'm fortunate to have a not-jealous hubby, though occasionally he does get a bit "tense" if someone shows TOO much interest or says something less-than-gentlemanly...:tt2: Plain - we love you to pieces, so we'll be gentle with the photo evals...and besides, I bet you've made SO much progress that you'll get tons of 'love' on your photos!:w00t: SNT - I sympathize...in less than 3 weeks, I'll be hating food commercials too. Hang in there, girlfriend...you can do it!:w00t: BBK - you are my eternal shero - you have been such an inspiration, and I knew you would triumph!

Hey Ladies, Just checking in...actually bought more 'transition' clothes over the weekend, just so I'll have enough to mix and match. I've already got clothes that are two sizes too big (24's) so I'm preparing to either donate or EBay them... I may donate them - there is a "Dress for Success" chapter not too far away from me, and I know business clothes for full-figured women are often hard to come by. It's so much fun planning my new wardrobe - and I'm not even banded yet! Only 3 weeks to go!:thumbup:

Mornin' Sistas, Didn't make it to the gym on Saturday, but did take a couple of long walks. Did something to strain a muscle on my left side - deep breaths and stretching hurt, but I kept moving. Sunday was a lazy day - my side hurt really bad, so I took it easy. Today is another story - up with the birds this morning, walked the DDog with my DD. Back to the gym tonight, planning to hit the treadmill and maybe the elliptical machine as well. Have a terrific day!:thumbup:

Hey Fab Forties! I haven't checked in for quite a while...I finally have a date to be banded! I'm scheduled for November 17th (the week before Thanksgiving) and I'm so excited I can't stand it! It seems like forever I've been waiting...I'm filled with so much hope and excitement for this process that when it finally happens, I've gotta watch out that I don't experience a let-down! :frown: I've bought a few clothes for the transition, since some of my existing wardrobe is already loose on me. I am eagerly anticipating getting a new wardrobe at the end of this journey, and I am happy that my banding date is approaching. :wink2::thumbup:

Everyone, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am in a 18+ year marriage and my husband has brought up the idea of a girl - guy - girl threesome where the girl is potentially lesbian or bisexual. He wants me to be the focus of the action, while he either participates with me or watches her and I. I'm not quite comfortable with the idea yet, and he's sensitive enough to wait until I am ready. I have learned a LOT reading all of these posts and thank you all for being so forthcoming and letting us "newbies" learn from your experiences. Perhaps as I slim down (I'm not yet banded, but have a date) I'll be more adventurous. I think for me it has a lot to do with my self-image, which right now isn't the best. I know I'll be back in this forum to read the updated posts and to review information as I move forward. Thank you again for sharing, and I value all of your contributions!:thumbup:

Y'all are puttin' me to shame! Wild week at work - application deadline has come and gone, so I've been printing out applications, assembling them and filing them all week. No walk at lunch (until today) and no gym at night (I've been mentally fried). Finally got out and walked today - felt really good...will go to the gym on Saturday and hopefully Sunday to get my 'groove' back. Now that I've got a band date (YAAAAA!!!!!) I'll be trying to eat nothing but good stuff and get ALL of my planned exercise in. I want to be in the best shape possible for my surgery and the recovery period after.

Congrats, April!:wink_smile: I like your sparkly September Samurais at the bottom of your signature...I may visit that site to get myself one for November, since that's when I'll be banded.

Mornin' Scorpy! I'd love to take a bellydancing class...a friend from church is part of a group that is all full-figured women. Somehow, the moves just look better on an ample body, and these ladies are SO impressive. The costumes are just gorgeous, and the music is infectious! :biggrin: After my surgery and recovery, I want to take a pole-dancing class too - wouldn't that be a cool surprise for my hubby! I also admire the ease of movement that dancers of all kinds have. I took dance classes early in college and danced ballet until I was 6 months pregnant with my son. Just never went back afterwards, and I regret it... Your workout sounds good...I like the treadmill, and we walk at about the same speed. I have to be careful because I have a slightly irregular heartbeat that gets worse when I push my aerobics too hard. I actually passed out on the treadmill once because the beat was so irregular and I had to be "shocked" back into a normal rhythm. I'm praying that the weight I lose after being banded will help change that, and that I'll be able to push hard on the aerobics again. I do walk - every morning with DDog and DD, and DH when he's home (and not working midnights). I also walk at lunchtime, though not this past week because of application processing for the MBA program that I work for. No real hard gym work at all this week - I'm feeling a bit guilty about that, but planning to go to the gym on Saturday and Sunday to get back in the groove. I'm actually looking FORWARD to liquids for a while...I haven't seen the scale move much lately, and I'm eagerly anticipating the jump-start I'll get from being on liquids and mushies after I'm banded. Nice to have you here on the boards!:wink_smile:

PJTP...I am finally done printing applications for our MBA program! Woo Hoo!:tt2: Four days of printing, packaging and filing...whew! Not to mention all the phone calls and emails from frantic candidates who wanted to make the early deadline to improve their chances! Dinner with the girlfriends tonight...three of my crew have gotten promotions lately (including me), one was laid off but recalled shortly after to a better job, and one is celebrating an impending divorce from an emotionally abusive fathead of a male. NO, he's not a MAN - real men don't do what this a**hole did. :biggrin: Probably NOT going to be a "good" dinner - I'm gonna order a huge steak (protien, Yaa!), and probably have cheesecake for dessert. We're going to laugh too loud, talk too much, and have a generally GREAT time! :tt2: Now I wish I'd brought a camera - we don't see each other that often because we work across campus from each other instead of just down the hall like we used to...I'm really grateful for my girlfriends! :wub: Countdown to banding continues...I'm going to get one of those cute countdown graphics for my board sig, plus a counter for all the weight I'm going to lose...I can't wait!:wink_smile: Happy, happy Friday, Everyone! :cool2:

PoohPrecious - I just saw this thread, and I hope I'm in time... Another LBT member, MacMadame, underwent a revision from the lap band to the gastric sleeve. She would be a great person to contact about the sleeve. I don't remember why she had to get a revision, but she's very knowledgeable and has a great personality. Reach out to her and anyone else you need to in order to make an informed decision. I am with everyone else on this board in wishing you nothing but the best and praying for you to be healthy and encouraged. Just think how much healthier you are with the weight you've lost already!:eek: