Trying 2 Decide

Good point Chickie; I didn't see them naked. What I was noticing was their inner thighs and their arms. The last 4 contestants also "appeared" to have really flat stomaches. They were very overweight when they started the TV show. Isabeau, one of the contestants, lost a 113 pounds during the process! However, you did bring up a good point. Clothes can hide a lot. Right now, I am so far away from my goal weight, I would love to look good IN clothes. I am not even concerned about how I look naked. So, I am happy to hear that you look great with your clothes on. Kudos for you! I am hoping that someday I will be able to say the same thing.

Good question, goodtimes. I watched the Biggest Loser finale last night and I had the exact same question. How did they get so toned and a lot of them (some still had problems) did not have saggy skin? Wasn't that amazing!

My lapband surgery was on October 8, and I want to be a tenacious ten. Can I be a part of your group? I would love to get a little motivation as I am struggling a little bit. I am not sure why; I feel that I am following all the rules. By the way, I love the name! I want to be tenacious!

I am LDS as well. I am currently living in the Provo/Orem area, but I am originally from Southern Utah (GraceUtah - where exactly do you live in the St. George area . . . maybe my hometown?) I was banded a little over two months ago in Salt Lake City.

I had my surgery on October 8 with Dr. Hansen. I did awesome while I was eating liquids and mushies. But it has been over 2 months, and I have only lost about 16 pounds. I think I lost all but 4 of those pounds in the first few weeks. I have had two fills so far. I was scheduled to have another fill last Monday, but I have recently been throwing up. I have thrown up 4 times in the past two weeks (I worry because I don't want my band to slip). I don't know if I am just eating to much or not chewing my food enough. Well, last week I decided to get a grip on my weight. I was eating small portions, not drinking for two hours after I ate (I have never broken this rule), doing cardio and lifting weights. After a week of doing this, I gained .4 pounds! I am so discouraged. Does anyone have any ideas of what I am doing wrong? I would love any suggestions!

Hey, where did everyone go? I keep checking to see if anyone has posted, but it has been awhile for everyone. I would love to get this forum back up and running. I am kind of struggling (I can't believe I am because it has only been 2 months). I would love to get some tips and feedback. Thanks!

Hey, I would love to be a part of the Utah forum as well. I was banded on October 8 by Dr. Hansen. I have lost about 16 pounds since I have been banded. I would love to chat with other Utahns in my situation.

Well, it is done. I had my surgery on October 8th, and I am feeling great! In fact, I lost 11.6 pounds during the first week due to the liquid diet. I have gained a little back (1.3 pounds) and expect to gain a little more before I start heading back down. Only my family knows about my surgery so my roommates give me strange looks when I don't eat the food they offer me. But, I haven't even been tempted. My outlook is so different now. I keep thinking of all the things I am going to do when I lose weight. I finally have hope that I can actually live the life I want. How exciting! How long until I can start going to the gym and working out? Cardio and/or weights?

I am getting really nervous. My surgery is scheduled for early Monday morning. I can't believe I am doing this so soon. I am nervous, but SO EXCITED! I am pulling a late night at work trying to get everything caught up for the week I am gone. I am driving 5 hours to pick up my mom tomorrow, just to turn around and head back to Salt Lake. I am trying to stay busy so I don't think about the surgery, but it isn't really working. :whoo: I can't wait! Jill - I am happy to hear that your surgery went so well. I bet you are glad to be back at your place. I am staying with my mom for a week to recover. It should be interesting. Well, I will post more when I have something more to say than, "I AM SO EXCITED!"

Thanks Karen for your help. I have Dr. Hansen as well, and you eased my mind a lot. So, guess what I am doing now, having lots and lots of "last suppers." :hungry: But I am getting so anxious to have the surgery (6 days and counting!). I am also sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was diagnosed earlier this year with pancreatic cancer, and it has been quite a battle. He is only 58 years old, and was so active before all this happened. I don't know what my family would do without him. I think it is tough to lose a parent, no matter the age. Keep working at the weight loss, Karen and Sandranoelle. When I was trying to decide about the surgery, I really appreciated what was said on this thread. You gave true-to-life information that was so beneficial. Everyone has set backs; life happens. I will have set backs as well, and will be able to learn from you. Good luck! And thanks for all your help!

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted, but I have decided to go ahead and do the surgery. I will be banded on October 8. I am really excited, but a little nervous as well. This may sound crazy, but I am a little disappointed that I am not going on a pre-op diet. Everything that I read online, people have to go on a pre-op diets in order to shrink their livers. In my pre-op class, they mentioned that large livers may complicate the surgery, but did not set any guideline for eating pre-op. I only have a week until the surgery, but does anyone have any suggestions on what I should be eating right now to prepare? Can a liver shrink in a week? Can't wait to be "in the club." I know this in the right thing for me! I also know it is going to be a hard journey, but bring it on! I am ready to fix my weight problem once and for all!

Thanks for your comments. After searching the internet for about 2 weeks straight, today I scheduled to go to the introductory meetings for 3 different clinics here in Utah. I am so nervous! I do have one more question for anyone/everyone. How are you handling the emotional side of eating? I know that I struggle with that a lot. I don't necessarily eat because I am hungry. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

I do want a lifestyle change. It would be amazing if I could get a grip on my weight (aka eating), and actually do the things that I love to do (i.e. ride rollercoasters, go four wheeling, snowmobile, swim etc). BUT . . . I am afraid of drawing attention to myself because of my eating habits. Does that make sense? I don't want to have to explain to everyone I associate with the reason why I am only eating 2 ounces of food. How are you all handling this situation? Also, any pros and cons would be really appreciated. I analyze everything, and something as simple as buying a car stereo takes me months to decide. This is HUGE, and any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks! :tea:

Hi, I am 28 years old and trying to decide if I should do the lap band. My mom suggested it on Sunday, and since then I have been searching everywhere online to find the pros and cons. Can you tell me what the pros and cons are? I am afraid. Pretty much afraid of a lifestyle change. If I do the surgery, will I be unable to go out on a date and eat normal at some time in the process? I am a very closed person, and would prefer for not even my roommates to know. Is that crazy (or impossible)? Also, I am really concerned about the emotional eating. I know that is why I am so heavy, but haven't found a way to control it. Does anybody help you with that after the surgery? Any insight would be great. Thanks!