blacktxbelle

As with anything we do in life, knowing why you are doing something is pivotal to your success. I know you will do great as you grow into you new healthy lifestyle. I can speak from experience when I say children are some of the most powerful motivators we have sometimes. Even when we forget to love ourselves they remind us what true love really looks like. Here's to love, health, and happiness. Good luck and sweet dreams!

So the jitters have for the most part passed. I thought it through, and stopped watching procedures on YouTube. I've got the general jist by now. Thanks for the reassurance.

I used to take it quite regularly. It made me very irritable and you have to drink gobs of Water with it to keep from being hungry. It does work for a while but you can build a tolerance to it...37.5 is the most I was ever on and could take. There were times I lost and times I just stayed stable.

Knowing that you have tendency to overeat is a major step. From there you figure out what you want to do about it. Are you going to give in or are you going to take control. I myself, I want to be healthy and I am not going to lie I want to look good and feel good. Are you willing to make yourself miserable to continue overeating? We all know from everything we have read and been told the band is going to let you know when you aren't complying with the program. It's okay to be afraid but don't let that fear move you away from the confidence it took to make such and important decision.

It's always nice to have that support. I know what you mean about the emotional support. It stinks when out biggest fans can't really relate on that emotional level. They trust our decisions, root for us, and even feel bad when they see that we are in pain but to honestly know what it feels like is different. I'm kinda in the same boat. My boyfriend, Dad, Mom, G-Ma etc. are all rooting for me but I don't think they really get the emotional theme park I am entering. I would love to chat back an forth. I only use email and the whatever communication we have here but you can always shoot me a message as well at banded@belletx.com. I will look into instagram though...I'll let you know.

I completely get what you all are saying about the risk factor. I guess it was just "in your face" at that moment when I was watching the video. I understand that most of the band failures have to do with non compliance. I also understand that erosion is less common than when the band was originally introduced. It was just in that moment I was mortified. It was really an attention grabbing moment. I would like to note, the Youtube video that I was watching did not explain the conditions surrounding this patient's band failure. I was just in awe of the damage it did and what the site look like compared to the patient who just occluded their band or even actually just slipped. I've been in an operating room twice so again I get it...I guess the "uncontrollable factors" sometime make my mind wonder too.

The nutritionist I see says we should not use straws for at least 6 months. This gives you time to heal and prevents excess trapped gas (and pain). I think different Dr.s have different opinions about this as well. Personally I have an in-law that has had the lap-band and she drinks from a straw all the time. She is a number of years post op though.

Hello all. I tried to search energy on the board but I never got a really clear answer about energy during the pre-op diet phase. I lead a pretty busy life. I know from past experience doing the induction phase of the Adkins diet I get pretty lethargic. I was wondering how everyone managed their energy levels. Did you take any supplements, any Protein shakes better than another, what. I will not cheat but I have to be able to function over that 2 week before surgery and even the 2-3 weeks after surgery. Being low on energy makes things difficult.

Has anyone with a lower BMI used compression wear to minimize loose skin? Once upon a time I lost a good amount of weight and had minimal loose skin. I don't know that I will be that lucky again without either plastics or even compression wear. Does anyone have any experiences to share.

Just wondering is the low profile port pretty standard now?

GRE110 where can I find these shakes? Is there a website? Thanks in advance.

I'm helping with a baby shower on the 1st of Aug. I was wondering about how much does it typically run you to make the diaper cakes. 2-3 tiers? She is having a boy and I think I will do Mickey or his colors one.

I was wondering if anyone has tried OhYeah!, 52, or Lean Body on the Go shakes. How much protein should we be taking in by shake before surgery and after until the mush food phase? It is my understanding once we get to mushies we should try to wean off the shakes because they slip through the band.

My surgery date is July 29. I am working on creating my shopping list both pre-op and post-op. I see that there are items that sometimes the weight-loss team forgets to tell you about. I am so grateful for all the people before us who have been kind enough to share what has worked for them.

Hello all. I too am trying to get a grip on what I should expect and what I will need. So from what I can tell we are told to take a chewable multi-Vitamin, liquid pain meds, and possibly something for nausea. I read on a post surg. forum that we should not be taking NSAIDs. What are the alternatives aside from tylenol. I usually take Ibuprofen at migraine onsets to keep from having to take something stronger. I know this is something I will discuss with my primary and surgeon, I just want to know what to expect. I am still unclear if we are given antibiotics. This question is important to me for personal reasons. I had one other question concerning the vitamin. What are the main minerals that this vitamin should include. I currently take a chewable pre-natal vitamin (not for pregnancy) but for additional minerals Can anyone shed a little light here?

I totally agree. When my boyfriend of 8 years tells me I look good, although it's nice to hear, I wanna feel it too. Don't get me wrong, I'm a cutie but fat rolls can definitely get you down sometimes.

txgirl10326, Thank you so much for replying. I was so happy when I found this forum but I noticed there isn't as much activity here as there is on the other boards. I know they can relate to some degree but from everything I have read, the journey for those with a higher BMI and a lower BMI can be quite different. If you don't mind me asking, what is you workout like and when did you start working out? Any insight you can give as I gear up for this ride would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Leigh

I am really glad I found this site. It is often easier when you know what to expect. We all have someone to turn to on our journey toward our goal.

Hello all. I have finally decided I am done fighting myself so hard. I lost weight 5 years ago. I was for the first time in 10 years down to an ideal weight and bam, I gained it back just shy of 10 pounds. I am 5'1" and a massive 184 lb. I have a small-medium frame so right now I feel large and in charge. It's uncomfortable to site down and feel like the fat around my stomach and sides are cradling me. There are times if I slouch in my chair at work I find it a little difficult to breath. I found an office that is willing to do the band for me. My BMI is 34.5. At this time I don't have any co-morbities but I have a family background of diabetes, and heart disease. I know that I have to work hard even with the surgery but, I am excited to have a tool that will help me along the way. I look forward to being comfortable in my own skin again. I haven't decided what is goal yet. Right now to get to 150 from 184 would be a blessing. I am however a little curious about the progress a low BMI person can make in comparison to those who start with more weight to loose. I plan to excercise the 30 min minumum per day but want to hit the gym at least 3 times a week and maybe 2 classes as well. I want to make sure what ever I do, that I keep it realistic. Something I will want to continue to do. I currently follow two lapbanders on Youtube but they had a lot more weight than I do to loose. Just wondering if anyone about my height and weight has anything they would be willing to share.