Bandarella

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

It's normal for anyone having surgery, especially elective, to have tremendous buyers remorse a few days later...the "OMG! What have I done?" moment. Someone who posts about these regrets, doubts and worries needs support and encouragement. If you (not OP) are someone having these doubts, go ahead and post....

You ate tuna, green Beans, broccoli, salad, chicken, crab and string cheese at 10 days post op?

Hmmm ... wow. Please come back to this thread when you are a year out.

No sure if I count on this one? I had my surgery when I was 64 and BCBS paid for it. It works for me but I've been thinking lately that recommending the band might not be a wise choice unless the patient was cognizant of the difficulties and aware of how losing weight works.
So many obese people do not understand the math behind calories burned and calories consumed and how exercise can make a big difference? So many are so driven by their addiction or security blanket that they can't give up old eating habits.
Of course, much depends on the awareness of the patient but I would recommend the sleeve over the band if the patient seemed at all like she might not be the type of person who could control her cravings? jmo
tmf

Support YOURSELF!
I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support.
In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before.
This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling.
Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten.
The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements:
I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller.
It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much.
This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle.
You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on.
I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September.
So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control.
Bandarella????

Support YOURSELF!
I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support.
In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before.
This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling.
Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten.
The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements:
I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller.
It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much.
This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle.
You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on.
I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September.
So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control.
Bandarella????

I needed to read this..... Thanks. For years I called myself "the FAT girl," I referred to a women's clothing store where I shopped as "Dress Barn for COWS," I hung "FAT" pictures on the refrigerator instead of finding the one or two pictures taken when I was at a decent weight. Belittling myself day after day..... But I have recently been looking in the mirror and admiring myself. I looked at my wrists this morning (yes, kind of weird, but my wrists) and thought how I haven't seen them this thin in decades. I mentioned in another post how I had seen my butt in a mirror unexpectedly, and didn't realize it was MY BUTT. You are 100% right..... Positive affirmations are in HEALTHYNEWME's life NOW!!!!!! Thanks again!

Support YOURSELF!
I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support.
In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before.
This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling.
Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten.
The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements:
I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller.
It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much.
This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle.
You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on.
I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September.
So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control.
Bandarella????

I've heard all kinds of theory about fickle bands, fussy bands, etc. If food is coming back up, things aren't right. Regurgitation is a sign of being too tight and you most likely need an small adjustment.
Breakfast is the wake up call for your metabolism, gets things going and skipping it leads to increased hunger later...call your surgeon for an adjustment. You're in the yellow zone, maybe on the edge of red.

I've heard all kinds of theory about fickle bands, fussy bands, etc. If food is coming back up, things aren't right. Regurgitation is a sign of being too tight and you most likely need an small adjustment.
Breakfast is the wake up call for your metabolism, gets things going and skipping it leads to increased hunger later...call your surgeon for an adjustment. You're in the yellow zone, maybe on the edge of red.

Support YOURSELF!
I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support.
In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before.
This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling.
Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten.
The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements:
I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller.
It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much.
This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle.
You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on.
I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September.
So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control.
Bandarella????

HI!
I didn't have to do a strict pre-op diet for my lapband removal, just the regular not eating after midnight.
But I didn't have a slip. I had mine removed because of intolerance.
So, I imagine there may be a different pre-op protocol based on what the issue is.
Hang in there! You're almost done
This will also give you a headstart in continuing on to your weightloss goal without your band's assistance.
Hunger is no fun, but it's important to follow your surgeons instructions.
He may also be making sure your liver is nice and small when he operates -- just like when he implanted the band.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Your day will get here!
~hiddn

It's a shame that the photo you chose to illustrate your thoughts here just enforces the stereotype of the fat stupid female--indeed, she looks almost mentally-impaired-- powerless over food. I personally find this offensive, especially used in an article which is targetted towards people who might be sensitive to this stereotype.

On the other hand, often people who post opposing opinions are often called "trolls" or "basher" without any dialog having taken place. It might be just someone sharing their opinion with a member who has asked for it. If a member asks for advice about which wls to get, they need to hear from opponents as well as proponents. Posting about a true experience that was negative isn't negativity per se, as long as it's within posting guidelines.
On the side bar, there are lots of status updates, topics posted and they may be in a forum that isn't relevant to our particular situation or for a different WLS. It might be good, at least on the Lapband forum, that the sidebar topics be related to Lapband topics only.

On the other hand, often people who post opposing opinions are often called "trolls" or "basher" without any dialog having taken place. It might be just someone sharing their opinion with a member who has asked for it. If a member asks for advice about which wls to get, they need to hear from opponents as well as proponents. Posting about a true experience that was negative isn't negativity per se, as long as it's within posting guidelines.
On the side bar, there are lots of status updates, topics posted and they may be in a forum that isn't relevant to our particular situation or for a different WLS. It might be good, at least on the Lapband forum, that the sidebar topics be related to Lapband topics only.

If you're deadset on believing that Lapband is perfect and can do no wrong and don't want to hear about complications, then move on to the next topic. Given what I've gone through, I think I'm obligated to say something. When I was first investigating whether I wanted to get this surgery for sure, I would have appreciated a lot more honesty and more stories about what HAS happened to people.
I got my lapband in 2007. I followed all the rules and did what I was supposed to - so I'd appreciate not pointing fingers. It is a FLAWED mechanism. I would be shocked if this device never got recalled. I've had problems off and on over the years. Success and failure, both. Since about 2011, I started having problems with severe heartburn, pain, and fluctuating weight. I was in the hospital a few times. An upper GI in December showed a major slip.
I went in for surgery two days ago to have it removed. The surgeon told me it's one of the worst cases he has seen. No fault of my original surgeon, and nothing I had done wrong. He said the band had deteriorated INTO my stomach and was in pieces. He had to open up my stomach to get it out. I now have two drains - one coming out of my gut and one through my nose down into my stomach. It was supposed to be a quick turn around surgery with me flying home yesterday. The surgeon is keeping me here at hospital until Sunday and the NG tube will be in until tomorrow.
Who knows the state of my stomach once everything has healed. I know part of the appeal of this surgery is that it's "reversible." Is this really what you'd consider reversible?? I urge everybody to read the story in "complications" called "My Stomach Died" and tell me if that sounds reversible to you.
It's a dangerous surgery. I know this won't be EVERYBODY's outcome. But had I known 7 years ago that this (and ESPECIALLY the "stomach died" story) was possible at all, I never would've done it. Do tons of research. Be sure you can live with ANY of the possible complications.
I share this story because I don't want anyone else to have to go through it. Research other surgeries. I refuse to get a revision. But knowing what I know now - if I'd known it in 2007, I probably would've gone with the sleeve or similar. I would do a ton of research and find the worst complications to decide if I could live with that possible outcome. Just be careful, people - I don't want anyone to have to go through this.

Curiousone, good post! TMF seems to be very happy with his choice of WLS. Unfortunately, many who haven't suffered complications of banding are very enthusiastic in voicing their pro band position and in calling anyone of a different persuasion a brasher, denier, negative, etc.
This "least invasive", no rerouting, reversible device, is in fact none of the aforementioned. After 3 years of being banded, a year of undergoing some pretty invasive tests and having my GI anatomy permanently change by the device, I can speak to that. It's removable, but the damage it leaves behind is permanent.
Many who have trouble free bands just can't deal with the reality that at some point, they will most likely lose their precious tool! It's a devastating reality for many of us.
I ignore such people except when they cross the line of name calling or bullying.
Thanks for your post.

So only pro-band members can post biased opinions??? We all post based on our own experience...who says one person's experience is more valid, accurate or reflective of the efficacy of a particular procedure?
Posting a contrary opinion isn't "bashing". The newbies of which you speak, are able to read posts on both sides of the argument and, as you noted, are able to make up their minds.
By all means speak up! But understand, you also can expect a response.

Mentalist stunk on Sunday eh? Usually quite good though. Wonder if and where it will end up at seasons end?