lightenup!

Lauri, Hope you are doing a little better now! The holidays can be rough and emotionally-laden. I think the emotional eating is why most of us are overweight to begin with. Learning from these things is what this journey is all about. Just take it one step at a time. Yes, the band can slip due to overeating, but the chances are good that you will be fine. Just get back on track and talk with your Dr. if you are having difficulties. Good luck!

Hi There Cat, I found I had many similarities to you from your introduction. I have a 2 1/2 year old. My lifetime of weight issues just became a bit worse after my pregnancy and I just decided to nip it in the bud before I got any heavier. I got my band on 11/14. I have had all the same worries and anxieties about this band not working for me. You know what really helped me? I read "Fighting Weight" by Khaliah Ali and after hearing her inspirational story, I just decided to get over myself. If she could do it, than I will too. Arming myself with knowledge- from books and this website especially, helps me get past my worry and on with the business of living and getting better every day! :0) Take Care and keep working at it!

Tracy, I too have the 14cc large AP Lapband. Sounds like a lot of people on here have the 10cc one or the 4 cc one. I need to ask my Dr. the details of mine, how much was in after surgery and will want to keep track of how much is in now. I got about 3 good weeks of restriction and weight loss, but have plateaued now. I am looking forward to my 1st fill on 1/3, but after reading this whole strand it sounds like it can be difficult to achieve the "sweet spot" with the 1st fills. I'm going to ask for a bigger fill and ask if I can return before 4 weeks if I need it, I just want to keep the weight loss moving rather than doing it in fits and starts.

I've pulled out 2 pairs of pants that I had stopped wearing because they were too tight... they look great on my bootie! When I put on clothes that are too baggy, I immediately put it into the Goodwill box to be given away. I will never wear those big sizes again... AND- I will be going to Goodwill to pick up new smaller clothes, because like someone else said, I can't really afford to re-outfit myself several times over the next couple years! Did anyone see the Biggest Loser Finale?!?!?! The participants looked so great, naturally skinny even. If they can do it, so can I. Watch out!!!!!!!!!!

Hello All, I have not been on for a long time... but I logged on just now to see what you all are saying about the HUNGER! I had good restriction/weight loss for about 3 weeks, then plateaued for the 4th week... and I've gained back ~ 1.5# the 5th week... Its my goal to just maintain where I'm at through Christmas. I got my band on 11/14 and will get my 1st fill on 1/3. I'm a little worried to see my family at Christmas because I'm sure they are expecting to see results from when they saw me at Thanksgiving... and there isn't really any major change since then. So I can relate to the term "bandster hell". Oh, but if you all haven't read "Fighting Weight" by Khaliah Ali, I highly recommend it. Its an honest description of her weight issues, self esteem, etc. And she describes the period of time between week 4-6 after having the band placed and the hunger she experienced. Since she eventually went from 325 to 170, it put my mind at ease! If she can do it, I can too, I just need to be patient. I am so excited for the 1st fill, and then Spring and Summer, when the real LOSING will begin in earnest!!!!

Me too, me too! I want on the 11/07 bandwagon! I added myself to the 14th. 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy 2nd lizzie_07 lindata 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th ndmom 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 8th anw5102 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 14th lightenup! 27th 731Shawty 29th Sassafras

I too paid cash, awaiting banding... I'm so excited... Surgery here in AZ, with my surgeon is 16.5K. I'm hoping to get a hardbody from working out, to avoid plastic surgery, however, I might opt to have tummytuck and breastlift when I'm sure I'm done having kids... I think people who are overweight or normal weight can end up with loose skin.

Yes, I have had the same problem... since I made my decision and my banding is scheduled, I'm eating foods that I don't normally eat. Like I'm saying goodbye, I think. The problem is they don't make me feel good, just temporarily taste good.

Wow, this site is so great. It is a place where I can get the facts, experience and support from fellow travelers to help me with my own goals. I'm starting to get a glimmer of what the next year might hold for me physically, but the mental/emotional part is still unknown. I'm looking forward to this journal to be able to reflect on my process. My biggest mental hurdles right now- how to handle telling family and friends... whether or not to tell people at work. We eat A LOT there, it will become obvious that something has changed after my surgery. I worry that people will judge me for "taking the easy way out", for not having the willpower or strength to do it on my own. I also worry that people will think I'm vein or priveleged because my BMI is not really that high and I am a self-pay. Also, since I'm a dietitian, I think I am open to a high level of judgement about my weight anyway... this will just be another way people could judge... but then its not about anyone else. This is about me. And to tell the truth. I'm so excited. I can't wait!!! :sun:

Wow, this site is so great. It is a place where I can get the facts, experience and support from fellow travelers to help me with my own goals. I'm starting to get a glimmer of what the next year might hold for me physically, but the mental/emotional part is still unknown. I'm looking forward to this journal to be able to reflect on my process. My biggest mental hurdles right now- how to handle telling family and friends... whether or not to tell people at work. We eat A LOT there, it will become obvious that something has changed after my surgery. I worry that people will judge me for "taking the easy way out", for not having the willpower or strength to do it on my own. I also worry that people will think I'm vein or priveleged because my BMI is not really that high and I am a self-pay. Also, since I'm a dietitian, I think I am open to a high level of judgement about my weight anyway... this will just be another way people could judge... but then its not about anyone else. This is about me. And to tell the truth. I'm so excited. I can't wait!!! :sun: