DivaStyleCoach

Hey Everyone, I realize this is a semi-old thread, but I just went to a support group meeting last night and ran into the same issues others did. I was the only non-bypass person there - I haven't had the surgery yet, and there were others who haven't either, but they are decided on the bypass. A few of the people there were uninformed about the band and made negative comments. It's really too bad - I know more about the process (thanks to this website and my own research) than they do, and they weren't about to shake my confidence in my decision. I have decided that the drastic restructuring of my digestive tract is NOT for me, and will continue on my path to be a Bandster. Thanks to all who post good information on this site - about all of their experiences - I feel I'm going to be a good, informed and empowered patient - and to me that means I'll be successful!

Hey Ladies, I KNOW I'm going to have to rein myself in...I'm already a heavy-duty shopper, and once I'm banded and lose some of the excess weight, I'm going to need serious help! :cool2: Not really - I have lots of other priorities, but I love the idea of setting up a special savings account for clothing purchases. I'm going to do that next week when I get paid again, and put it into a different bank than my normal so I won't think about it too much. If I put $50 away every payday, soon I'll have quite the little shopping nest egg... I'll buy a few things as I change sizes (and in styles that can move through a few sizes - wrap dresses, belted things, elastic waist that can be altered by me at home, etc) and save the majority for the new wardrobe I'll need when I reach my goal. I have to find a clothes swap though - or at least discipline myself to post my things on EBay...I have a killer leather dress in black and red that I'm going to HATE to give up, but just think of the hot one I'll get when I reach goal...:w00t:

Hi Fanny, I love this thread! I have noticed the same thing...though I'm not banded yet, I have been actively watching what I eat and walking more in preparation for my (hopefully) surgery. I have read so many posts in which patients had to lose a certain amount prior to surgery, so I'm hoping to head off that requirement and not have it slow me down. I have recently had to drop down a size in my shoes! I used to wear a 12 wide (I'm 5' 11" tall) and now I'm back down to an 11 wide. Some shoes I'm able to wear a 11M! :cool2: While I don't think I'll get back down to the size 10 of my high school days, I'm happy not to be at the severe upper end of the retail shoe scale. It's really hard to find cute shoes at my former shoe size - though if you visit the sites for Crossdressers on EBay you can find sexy shoes up to a size 15 or more! I'm already loving this journey, and I'm not even banded yet!

Dear Snapdragon, I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes...your hubby sounds so special! It wasn't until just now that I realized that my DH of 18 years often says very similar things to me...why was I not hearing him? Tell your hubby thanks for me and I'm sure for all the others who will read your post and smile. The last thing my DH said to me this morning was "Have fun - I love you!" Many of us don't think about having "fun" during our days because we have to "work"...but I promised myself I would concentrate on having fun today. And I found an opportunity to smile at a young child on the train today, to pat an inquisitive puppy on my walk from the bus stop to my building, and to say a hearty "Good morning" to the friendly security guard in my building who always has a cheerful lilt in her voice. Thank you for another reminder of how wonderful our lives can be...Thank you!

Hi Ladies, I'm not banded yet, but this thread is very interesting...I know I'll face some of this, so first, let me thank you all for sharing. I'll be ready with my quips and comebacks when the questions come! Regarding wardrobe challenges - I completely understand. I am a clothes horse - if I had enough money and enough rooms in my house, I could fill them all up! I love clothes, shoes, accessories and all of it! :cool2: There's a concept called capsule wardrobing - you purchase 5 - 10 pieces of clothing and then mix and match the garments to create many more outfits. I have worked as an Image Consultant, and this is one of the concepts I used to teach my clients. If you use consignment shops and sales to build your capsules at significant points in your band journey, you will continue to look your best at each stage. Self-esteem is SO important - please, please don't wait until you have lost all the weight you want to lose to dress your new (and evolving) body. I've already started virtual shopping for the new wardrobe I KNOW I'm going to need once I'm banded - and I can't wait to make some of my virtual picks a reality. Realize that you will WANT to wear different colors, fabrics and styles than you did when you started your journey - bring attention to the beautiful parts of you while your work-in-progress continues! I'll always wear shorter skirts because I LOVE my legs. I'll always wear v-necks and wrap dresses because they highlight my beautifully bountiful bustline and I pray I don't lose that while I'm losing the excess weight! Love yourselves, my sisters-in-the-struggle, and dress like the gorgeous women you are!

Good morning Fab Forties, I went to a support group meeting here in New Haven last night - they only do them once a month, so as part of my research / investigation process I decided to go. The group is run by Yale University's Bariatric Surgery practice (Dr. Bell, Dr. Duffy, Dr. Roberts). First impression - warm, supportive and happy folk. All present were bypass patients though - not exactly in the same frame of mind as myself. :thumbup: There was a nutritionist, and Dr. Bell came to the meeting as well. As with all group meetings, certain people talked more than others, some were like me - just in the information gathering process - and there were veterans (over 6 months post-op) and newbies (less than 3 months post-op). Not really structured - after the introductions, discussion centered around food challenges, and when that topic slowed down, the meeting just kind of dissolved into seperate conversations. :sad: Not a bad experience, but I'm not sure it was what I was expecting. More structure, perhaps... I did meet another lady who works in my office building, on the same floor, who is at about the same place in the process as I am. Even if we don't do the same operation (she's leaning toward the bypass) we'll have each other for support. :party: Heard lots of inspirational stories, but also some challenges - the changes in people's ability to eat certain foods, rapid weight loss followed by loose skin, changes in taste buds (some complained they couldn't taste anything anymore) and other stories made me even more determined to stick with the band as my choice. :w00t: I probably won't go again - I'll be looking for a lap band support group either in New Haven, where my surgery will be done, or in my home community.

Hey Ladies, I'm not banded yet - hopefully soon - but I sympathize with all of your struggles and successes. I get up every morning at 5 am and walk with my family and the dog. It's only a mile, but it's something. The dog needs the walk and we go rain, shine, snow, ice, no matter what!:thumbup: If it's not raining at work, I also go for a walk at lunchtime. Prevention magazine's website has a great walking route mapping function that lets you map out your walks (work, home, 'round the neighborhood, etc) and tells you your distance. You can save walks, see walks other people have entered, etc. I love it because now I KNOW how far I'm walking! My regular lunchtime walks are just over a mile as well. I drive and take the commuter train to work, so working out is a challenge. I leave my house at 6:30, get on the train around 7, get to work around 8:30. Same in reverse when I leave work - get out at 5, get on the train at 5:30 (the express) get to the station at 6:00 ish. There is a gym at my train station so I joined there - I leave my gym clothes in the car, and when I get off the train, I grab my gym bag, leave my work bag and my purse in the car, and off I go. The struggle for me is to not stop at the fast food places on the way home! By then it's 7 pm or after, and I'm hungry...I've gotta pack something for after my workout. I may go back to getting Protein shakes - I love those, and after I'm banded, I can use them to keep my protein level up. Then I could plan a small meal when I get home, since I know the shake won't actually "fill" me up... Hang in there, ladies - we all know the exercise is good for us and we just have to make the decision, then make it right every single day!:party:

Hey Neighbors! I am new to the forum, still doing the prelim work for my (hopefully) lap band. I have been recommended for the surgery by my primary care doc and have my nutritionists' and psych appts in the next 10 days. I'm looking to lose 120 lbs and am currently dealing with type II diabetes and high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease. I am very excited about the possibility for me, and I really want to lose this weight. I will be doing my band appts in New Haven as well.

Hey Pete, Keep us informed of your progress - my best wishes to you and your family, and I look forward to hearing about your great results. I know you'll be great and you can encourage your wife as well..

Hello Everyone! Yvonne, I am in almost the same place as you...I was referred by my primary care physician (PCP) in mid-July after I found out about bariatric surgery from a girlfriend at work. Her hubby just had the full bypass done about 2 months ago, and he's doing very well. I asked my PCP about it, and he thought I would be a good candidate. I started researching the bypass, but the surgery and the aftereffects scared me, so I investigated the lap band, and here I am! I've been scheduled for the psych consult and nutritionist in the next 10 days, and since I am a type II diabetic with a family history of heart disease and high blood pressure, so I think I'm a good candidate...:thumbup: I walk a couple of miles a day - in the morning with my dog, and at lunchtime at work. I also work out at a gym near my train station (I have a long commute) since it's convenient. I'm praying that I am approved. I want to lose 120 lbs and extend my life, increase my quality of life, and be around to play with my new 4-month-old grandson... I'm going to a support group meeting tonight to see what they are about - I've heard such good things about them on this site that I'm curious. I hope I am eventually approved by the bariatric surgical group here and that I'll get a surgery date sooner rather than later. I'd love to be banded before Halloween, but definately before Christmas. :tt2:

Hey Pete, I just read your blog entries and your entries on the website, and I am aghast. Why would any insurance company deny you this?!?!? I am offended on your behalf! I hope your family is able to come through for you and help you get the surgery. I am waiting for my nutritionist's and psych evals - my primary care doc has already approved the process. The next steps for me are to go through with the evals and then wait to hear if I am approved by the bariatric surgeon. You'll be in my prayers - I hope you are able to make it.

Congratulations! Keep us informed of your progress, your surgery date, etc...I've been approved by my PCP, have my nutritionists' and psych appts in about 10 days. Hopefully things will move fast for me - I pray that I am approved also... I'm going to a support group meeting tonight to check the lay of the land, so to speak...will report back!:tt2:

Hey CurvesinCali, My PCP was the one who recommended me for the process - he had to write a letter on my behalf. Does that mean I'm further along in the process than I think I am? It would be terrific if I could be banded before Christmas - by the schedule you reported (I know individual results may vary...LOL) I might be on the same kind of schedule. I think the fact that I'm >100 lbs overweight, plus a type II diabetic and on medication for high blood pressure, along with my family history of heart disease and diabetes :thumbup: might make me a prime candidate for the surgery. I pray that's true...I'd like to start my 47th year a whole lot smaller and in better health than I am now. My birthday is in February - I hope I'm banded before then!:tt2:

Thanks, CurvesinCali - I really appreciate the help and the tips! :-)

BlestButrfly - hope you had a easy and uneventful surgery today...

Hey Ladies, So far, I haven't told a LOT of people...my hubby is 100% supportive, and my homegirl co-worker who had the surgery (and her hubby too) is completely supportive. I don't think I'll tell a whole bunch of people - I don't need the drama. I guess the haters will be haters no matter what - though it is really hurtful when someone you considered a good friend is no longer treating you like a friend. I'm sorry for that and for your hurt - but as my daughter and her young friends like to say...Keep it movin!

Mornin' TravelLady, Congrats on your date - just think, you can schedule another cruise to Celebrate your victory and all the weight you are going to lose...

Mornin' CurvesinCali, What popsicles have you liked and disliked? If forum rules allow posting of brand names, that could be really helpful for newbies like me who haven't been scheduled yet, but are curious about what to eat... Surgery in 4 days...that's terrific! You'll be on your way very soon, and since you've already lost 12 lbs, you'll have that much less to lose. Keep up the good work, sis!

Hi Yvonne, I'm in virtually the same spot as you...I have my psych and nutritionist's appointments coming up in the next 10 days, and I am excited about the surgery and the possibilities as well. I've found this forum to be terrific - lots of first-hand experiences, testimony, and even troubleshooting. Because of all I've read, I know I will be ready when my operation is scheduled (I'm praying I am approved). I would love to stay in touch - we can support each other through this. I haven't been told to do a pre-operation diet yet, but that may come - I have heard others say they didn't have to do it. I'll report in tomorrow after the support group meeting here so others will know what those are about as well. Welcome to the sistahood!:tt2:

Good afternoon Sistas, I've told my hubby (he's 100% supportive), my daughter (she wants to do it too, but is too young at only 17 1/2), and my good friend at work. My work friend and her hubby have both had gastric bypasses - hers is older, his is more recent. He's lost over 60 pounds, and she's concerned about him getting too thin, but otherwise he's doing great. Thrown away the diabetes meds, etc, and is doing well. She's down 100 pounds from her previous high of over 300, and holding steady, but wants to lose more. I'm looking to lose about 120 lbs, have my nutritionists' appt and a psych eval scheduled within 2 weeks, and can't wait to see if I get approved. No one at work knows - if I end up being scheduled for surgery, I'll only tell my supervisor / manager, and ask her not to say anything to anyone else, just let them know I'm having elective surgery. No one needs to know what the specifics are, but the group here in the office seems to tell ALL of their business to everyone...I'm more closed-mouth about my personal business.

Hey Ladies, Had to weigh in on this one...the guy from Jennifer Holliday's video is Ryan Gentles - he's worked with Tyler Perry a few times in his movies and plays. Dat man is jes too fine...I'd take him in a heartbeat! LL Cool J - too fine - especially dem lips! :tt2: Boris Kodjoe - I know he's married to Nicole, but DA*N! Ving Rhames - shaved head, thick muscles, what more do ya need! :biggrin: Michael Clarke Duncan - shaved head, thick muscles - can ya tell I love big men? :tt2: Michael Jai White - from Why Did I Get Married the movie - what a body! :mad: Carl Weathers - from the Rocky movies and countless others - fine, fine, fine! Avery Brooks - Star Trek (Next Gen) but I fell in love with him as Hawk on Spenser for Hire - that shaved head, the big gun and that fly BMW! :tt1: Shemar Moore - just plain fine! Idris Elba - the accent does it for me too! I love men with shaved heads - my hubby shaves his, and he's 6'3" tall, 300 lb powerlifter (big shoulders, thick muscles, da*n!) Gotta love da brothas! Oh, and I agree on Nick Cage - he's a cutie pie too!

Good afternoon Ladies, Just found this forum within the lapbandtalk.com site and I am so glad I found y'all! I'm 45 - a big haayyy to all my 40-something sistas out there. I joined this forum looking for support as well - I've been referred by my primary care doc, and have my nutritionist and psych appointments in about 2 weeks. I'm hoping for a surgery date before Christmas - my family (and personal) history with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure is the main reason for the surgery. I investigated the full bypass, but the surgery scares me. I tend to get keloids, so the less surgery, the better! I work at an Ivy-league university and am happily married (just celebrated 18 years of bliss). I have three children (his - 25 yr old son; mine - 24 yr old son just made me a grandma; ours - 17 1/2 yr old daughter). You have all posted such motivational messages and photos - thank you so much - you have inspired this newbie! I'll be sure to check in often as my approval (hopefully) comes in and during my journey. I want to lose 120 lbs - that would put me at 140 lbs, a weight I haven't seen since before I was 18! I'd love to be able to wear a swimsuit with pride - not a bikini because of the scarring, but definately a slim-fitting swimsuit (not a tent!). Nice to be here...:biggrin:

Good morning Ladies, I am just getting started on my banding journey - have been approved by my primary care doc, have nutritionist and psych appts within the next 2 weeks. Hopefully after that, I'll get a date. I'm 45, family history of diabetes, heart issues, and high blood pressure - makes me a good candidate, right? LOL Can't wait to join the sistahood...good luck to all, and I'm glad to have found you!

Good morning Ladies, I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm a potential lap band patient, have been approved by my primary care doc, have my appointments with psych and nutrition in 2 weeks. Hopefully I'll be approved and can get the band placed before Christmas. I'm currently on Actos (45mg), Metformin (1000 mg 2/day) and 12 units of Lantus insulin (the slow-release stuff). I'm looking forward to getting off the meds and will take your experiences as advice (plus talking to my doctor). I'm really excited about the possibilities for me (want to lose 120 lbs) and giving up the meds. I'll keep checking in as I progress - thanks so much for being here!

Congratulations on your 100 lb loss - that's terrific! I'm looking forward to when I can post that as well... I've been referred for WLS by my primary care doc, have nutritionist and psych appts in September, and hopefully I'll be banded before Christmas. I investigated the bypass, but the surgery aspect scares me since I also have a tendency to develop keloids (raised, puffy scars) like a lot of African-Americans. I'm not up for such a drastic change to my anatomy, but the band I could definately do...I also believe that for me, the slow and steady weight loss will minimize my need for cosmetic surgery afterward (again with the keloids). You are definately an inspiration!