Keeper

I'm still adjusting. Had temporary green three times. However I have never had that pre op hunger return. It gets better with each small adjustment.

What sacrifice did/do you need to make in order to claim the ultimate reward?
Soda
candy
pizza
bread
Ice Cream
The feeling of not being worthy of success
The fear of failure
The fear of success
The perception of what others might have if they knew you had WLS
What's your reward? How badly do you want it? Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get there? Are you just half-hearted at your attempt? When the road gets too tough do you just give up, or instead when you find yourself getting off course do you pick yourself up and come back fighting harder than ever?
I'm a fighter. I always have been and always will be. I was raised that nothing in life is easy and you have to fight for everything worth having. Boy isn't that the truth! I wasn't handed the skinny jean, I'm not able to eat whatever I want and not worry about it permanently attaching to my stomach. That's ok though because 21 months ago I gave myself the best gift ever, the start of a new healthy beginning. Far from easy are the sacrifices I was and am willing to make every day in order to succeed but because of these sacrifices my ultimate reward has been reclaiming my life at the age of 35, being a healthy mom and wife able to enjoy life to the fullest with no restrictions, no shame and no feelings of inadequacy! Words can't describe how different I am today inside and out then I was 21 months ago.
When I signed up and fully committed myself to this surgery I had my mind made up on what life long "sacrifices" I was wiling to make for the rest of my life. Yes I get off course, yes at times I throw myself a pity party but I always pick myself up and come back fighting harder than ever. Why???? Because I want to keep the ultimate reward that I've worked so hard to achieve.
What are some of the things you need to sacrifice to obtain your ultimate reward?

I am so glad that i don't work right now. Some ladies I used to work with kind of all started losing weight and I, too, was super inspired by it, joined WW, etc. but it DID not work for me. I tried - believe me. One of the women had a sister who had had bypass several years ago and who was having it done a 2nd time. This woman was very judgmental. I sort of get it, because she was seeing her sister continue to make bad mistakes and not change, but it def made me not want to tell people. Now that I am not working (all that was a few years ago) I have the luxury of not having to explain myself to anyone, but I still haven't told many people. I have a couple of girlfriends who I don't see very often, but I was debating on whether or not to tell them. Part of our dynamic was that we were "fat gals who have fun.' It was part of who we were together. Even though I don't see them often, I thought about what it would be like to see them all of a sudden and I had lost a lot of weight. So I sent them both a message on Facebook just to let them I had the surgery. One of them was so supportive and enthusiastic that I laughed to myself about being worried of their reaction. But the other friend didn't say anything. I just assumed she let her sister (the other friend) express for both of them. Then I saw her at church randomly and she herself had lost a good amount of weight. I don't know; that kind of hurt. And I realize she went down a more traditional diet path, but I was surprised she hadn't shared with me when I reached out to her. Oh well. It just goes to show that you never know how others are going to react, but I am still glad I haven't told many. this is my journey, not theirs. And I, too, will respond with changing the way I eat, portion size, exercise as my response once the people who are around me start to notice.

This is a tough question. I am 34 now. I believe we walk the paths we are meant to. I don't know that I would want surgery younger, necessarily, but I desperately wish I had not been overweight my entire life. My children are 11 and 7 now. They have never seen me at a healthy weight. They are very healthy active boys, and I hope that as they see the healthy changes in my life, that they will remember it as they grow. I want them to want to be healthy and I want to be that example for them. I really don't want them to have to go down the same path that I have. But as many have stated, I would support them in whatever decisions they would need to make. I just don't want them to have to make this one.

ok, so I have had a crappy few days, maybe even a couple of weeks, so it has been super hard for me to find the positive lately.
But, today I was shaving, and this is going to sound so dumb, but I could shave the back of my thighs with ease. It made me smile. :-)

@@amponder that's great!
ok, so I have one. This is kind of funny but I am sure all you girls will understand. A couple of years ago - seriously, years - my MIL called to say that she was at a department store and they were having a huge bra sale so she wanted to know what size I was so she could buy me a couple. I don't mind telling the world I am a DD but the thought of telling MIL my band size was humiliating. She has never said anything about my weight before, but she is probably no larger than a 12 so I fudged and told her 2 sizes smaller than what I knew I could wear. So these brand new bras have been sitting in my closet still with tags on for about 3 years. Guess what?! I can wear them now!! Have to admit. it made me grin ear to ear!

@@amponder that's great!
ok, so I have one. This is kind of funny but I am sure all you girls will understand. A couple of years ago - seriously, years - my MIL called to say that she was at a department store and they were having a huge bra sale so she wanted to know what size I was so she could buy me a couple. I don't mind telling the world I am a DD but the thought of telling MIL my band size was humiliating. She has never said anything about my weight before, but she is probably no larger than a 12 so I fudged and told her 2 sizes smaller than what I knew I could wear. So these brand new bras have been sitting in my closet still with tags on for about 3 years. Guess what?! I can wear them now!! Have to admit. it made me grin ear to ear!

ok, so I have had a crappy few days, maybe even a couple of weeks, so it has been super hard for me to find the positive lately.
But, today I was shaving, and this is going to sound so dumb, but I could shave the back of my thighs with ease. It made me smile. :-)

I am so glad that i don't work right now. Some ladies I used to work with kind of all started losing weight and I, too, was super inspired by it, joined WW, etc. but it DID not work for me. I tried - believe me. One of the women had a sister who had had bypass several years ago and who was having it done a 2nd time. This woman was very judgmental. I sort of get it, because she was seeing her sister continue to make bad mistakes and not change, but it def made me not want to tell people. Now that I am not working (all that was a few years ago) I have the luxury of not having to explain myself to anyone, but I still haven't told many people. I have a couple of girlfriends who I don't see very often, but I was debating on whether or not to tell them. Part of our dynamic was that we were "fat gals who have fun.' It was part of who we were together. Even though I don't see them often, I thought about what it would be like to see them all of a sudden and I had lost a lot of weight. So I sent them both a message on Facebook just to let them I had the surgery. One of them was so supportive and enthusiastic that I laughed to myself about being worried of their reaction. But the other friend didn't say anything. I just assumed she let her sister (the other friend) express for both of them. Then I saw her at church randomly and she herself had lost a good amount of weight. I don't know; that kind of hurt. And I realize she went down a more traditional diet path, but I was surprised she hadn't shared with me when I reached out to her. Oh well. It just goes to show that you never know how others are going to react, but I am still glad I haven't told many. this is my journey, not theirs. And I, too, will respond with changing the way I eat, portion size, exercise as my response once the people who are around me start to notice.

Feeling that I might just be in my green, seeing this thread at the top of topics is very timely. I have only had one very small stuck episode - bread - and it passed very quickly. I have never slimed or PB'ed. I am grateful as I am one of those people who rarely gets sick - I just cannot handle it. Right now I am considering the fact that I cannot eat as much as I could before and the length of satiety after meals to be my green. I am feeling this was after my 4th fill which was last week, so I know I am still in the early process of learning how my band will affect me after this last fill.
I am sort of in awe of the people who do not crave foods the way they used to. I do. There are days I would do anything for chocolate, but there are days where I could absolutely care less. Since I got stuck on bread that one time I have stayed away from it and have not really missed it. I have had rice and potatoes but no Pasta. I guess I feel that cutting out some of the white starches is better than none.
Yesterday hubby brought home Chipotle for dinner. For those who don't know or have one around them, you can order salads, burritos, tacos, or "bowls" and pick your fillings. These are pretty large portions. I always get a bowl with rice, meat of choice, a little sour cream and a little cheese. Before being banded I could eat an entire bowl, plus some chips. Yesterday, I basically let myself eat until I was satisfied. Actually I ate a little more than I should have because I was a hair uncomfortable afterwards, but I was astonished how much was left in the bowl. There was this little part of me that wanted to finish it because it is good and satisfying and because I always used to, but the majority of me was happy to leave the rest of the food untouched. That, for me, is huge and a definite sign of success!

@@Angelant76 congrats on your surgery and current weight loss! I don't know that I was confused about whether or not I needed a fill, but I definitely wanted them!
I just had my 4th fill and and I *think* I might be at green. Knock on wood! My fill process has been interesting, for lack of a better word. My first fill was scheduled 4 weeks post-op, and each subsequent fill every 4 weeks. I lost about 8 pounds in a couple of weeks but then nothing. I lost very slowly after that, up until this past month, another 8 pounds. The tech doing my fill was happy with that progress and asked why I thought I wasn't at green yet. My response was basically what you stated. I can pretty much go a few to several hours between meals, but I could still eat larger quantities than what I knew I was supposed to. I also don't eat as slow or chew as much as I know I should. I explained that my band hadn't stopped me. her response was that they didn't want me to have stuck episodes, which I totally get because I don't either, but at the same time, i do want to know my band is working. I am now at a total of 6 cc's in a 10 cc band. These past few days I have had to make myself eat, much like those first few days post-op. I am not hungry and that is an awesome feeling! I am not yet back on regular food so I will see how or if that changes anything, but like I said, my appetite is currently suppressed.
I guess my thoughts are to be patient with the process and follow your doc's orders as much as possible. Every one is on their own journey. I felt like I was losing too slowly, like I would be the person the band wouldn't work for, etc. but now I have lost almost 30 pounds and the weight is starting to come off faster.
Good luck! :-)

I am so glad that i don't work right now. Some ladies I used to work with kind of all started losing weight and I, too, was super inspired by it, joined WW, etc. but it DID not work for me. I tried - believe me. One of the women had a sister who had had bypass several years ago and who was having it done a 2nd time. This woman was very judgmental. I sort of get it, because she was seeing her sister continue to make bad mistakes and not change, but it def made me not want to tell people. Now that I am not working (all that was a few years ago) I have the luxury of not having to explain myself to anyone, but I still haven't told many people. I have a couple of girlfriends who I don't see very often, but I was debating on whether or not to tell them. Part of our dynamic was that we were "fat gals who have fun.' It was part of who we were together. Even though I don't see them often, I thought about what it would be like to see them all of a sudden and I had lost a lot of weight. So I sent them both a message on Facebook just to let them I had the surgery. One of them was so supportive and enthusiastic that I laughed to myself about being worried of their reaction. But the other friend didn't say anything. I just assumed she let her sister (the other friend) express for both of them. Then I saw her at church randomly and she herself had lost a good amount of weight. I don't know; that kind of hurt. And I realize she went down a more traditional diet path, but I was surprised she hadn't shared with me when I reached out to her. Oh well. It just goes to show that you never know how others are going to react, but I am still glad I haven't told many. this is my journey, not theirs. And I, too, will respond with changing the way I eat, portion size, exercise as my response once the people who are around me start to notice.

Feeling that I might just be in my green, seeing this thread at the top of topics is very timely. I have only had one very small stuck episode - bread - and it passed very quickly. I have never slimed or PB'ed. I am grateful as I am one of those people who rarely gets sick - I just cannot handle it. Right now I am considering the fact that I cannot eat as much as I could before and the length of satiety after meals to be my green. I am feeling this was after my 4th fill which was last week, so I know I am still in the early process of learning how my band will affect me after this last fill.
I am sort of in awe of the people who do not crave foods the way they used to. I do. There are days I would do anything for chocolate, but there are days where I could absolutely care less. Since I got stuck on bread that one time I have stayed away from it and have not really missed it. I have had rice and potatoes but no Pasta. I guess I feel that cutting out some of the white starches is better than none.
Yesterday hubby brought home Chipotle for dinner. For those who don't know or have one around them, you can order salads, burritos, tacos, or "bowls" and pick your fillings. These are pretty large portions. I always get a bowl with rice, meat of choice, a little sour cream and a little cheese. Before being banded I could eat an entire bowl, plus some chips. Yesterday, I basically let myself eat until I was satisfied. Actually I ate a little more than I should have because I was a hair uncomfortable afterwards, but I was astonished how much was left in the bowl. There was this little part of me that wanted to finish it because it is good and satisfying and because I always used to, but the majority of me was happy to leave the rest of the food untouched. That, for me, is huge and a definite sign of success!

I am sure there have been several threads in the past and in different locations regarding depression and our band process, but this is about me so I am starting a thread.
February has not my friend. My oldest son's birthday is the day before Valentine's and that so far has been the highlight. My husband and I actually have a very strong relationship, but it seems, without fail, that we always end of fighting on Valentine's. I think I officially hate it. I'll save my romance for a non-commercialized day, thankyouverymuch.
There have been 4 bad-food events in just these 2 and a half weeks. And I know food choice should be up to me and that it is possible to make good choices even when someone else is serving nothing but junk, but my head has been in such a bad place that I have definitely turned to old habits for coping. I am actually surprised that I haven't gained any weight, though it has fluctuated a few days.
I can't always tell the difference between stressful situation-depression and real depression. My husband is looking for a new job, I don't work and home school my oldest. We want to move (in a better neighborhood at the least, out of state if that is where work takes us). Neither of us have family in TX as we are not from here, and I guess I just don't feel like I have a lot of support right now.
Right now I am leaning toward both - situational and real. I already take a mood stabilizer and am thinking of adding back an antidepressant. But right now this is really affecting my eating. I only eat about 2 meals and a snack (sometimes 2) a day but I know I am eating too much. And eating slider foods.
Has anyone else fought depression while going through this whole banded process? I know people have. I would love to have some advice because I am feeling particularly alone at the moment. How do you stay strong when you feel like sh!t???

My surgery is in two weeks and I've told some people but not broadcasting it to the world. I get either supportive (well go you! that's awesome!) comments or the total opposite (don't do that! I knew someone who died from that! I knew someone who blah, blah, blah). They are ignorant and I just smile and keep firm to my decision. I'm doing it for me and not for anyone else.
Plus I secretly think the haters are afraid that I'll get skinnier than them

I don't understand why people feel they are the expert and can sit and judge someone for a choice they are making. I don't even like to hear people put down one wls over another. It's all about personal choice and what an individual needs to be successful!!! Best wishes and good luck with your decision. You did not take the easy way out. Those thoughts just come from uninformed people!

Congrats on your surgery! Your Littles are going to keep you on your toes! :-) it'll be so great to enjoy your success both for yourself but also for them as they grow up with a healthy mom. (my youngest is 7)
The only other advice I'll give is follow those instructions, but don't forget about grace. Self-care is a must, esp considering that you have children and actually car for seniors as your profession. I bet it is so easy to forget about yourself when you are constantly giving to others.
Use this early time to get used to the things you know you'll need to do long term - chewing slowly, putting down the fork between bites, eating small bites. I sort of feel like I still don't do all of those things and I hope they don't impede my own weight loss.
Good luck!

What a great thread! Been married for over twenty years, but it's so nice to hear these body-positive stories. My TMI NSV is to be on top without crushing the poor man.

I had my surgery Nov 2013. I weighed 353 pounds. I had no idea how big I really was. I was in denial. I finally made the choice to be a better me. I have lost over a 100lbs. It's has taken me blood sweat and tears. I would do it over again. I still have 47 more pounds till my goal weight.

congrats on your way to your new life an healthier you!! your amazing your strong an we are here for you! KEEP YOUR PAST IN THE PAST!! Iv had a bad past I was in a bad 20 yr previous marriage that I heard the little words here an there "I would like to be able to count your ribs again like I used to"?? what a JA**! yea he was a womanizer I was young an fooled. my parents they were judgmental about "overweight" ppl. they didnt come across as bad in their younger days nor tell others but as they got older in their 60s an 70s OMG I totally ended up putting them in their place! dad was the worst! mom now everytime they see me which we went to FL an spent the wk with them they hadnt seen me in 2 months an the first words out of moms mouth was "HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LOST"? my first words were "A 5th GRADER"! she repeated again bc she had to hear numbers! I said to myself oh gosh if I dont just give her a number she isnt going to let this rest..so I said 100. she said GREAT! how much more you going to lose? I said how ever many my body does! I dont care! it took dad a few days to finally bring it up I was just waiting for it. he finally asked "HOW MUCH YOU DOWN NOW"? I said "A 5th GRADER"! an I left it at that..I told them to STOP with the number game...grrrr...I no what it feels like. they both are very health conscious an dad especially is vain! oh yes he is the vain one! always has had a number obsession on the scale. thats where I get mine! but I had had enuff of the living fat, unhappy with myself I was angry at myself but even though I was finally told my weight issue wasnt not ALL my control it was mostly medically induced yet I also used food as comfort over the yrs due to abuse from ex an I wanted to take CONTROL BACK! an so I did. I had 10 yrs of therapy, finally got to underlyning medical issues it was my time! with drs referring me, right meds great surgeon an a great supporter cheering me on I DID IT FOR ME!! no one else..I have learned to say NO an I am truly happier for the first time in my life honestly! proud of you!! this is the hardest surgery I have ever done an I have had a dozen surgerys over the yrs. it takes strength, bravery an courage..an your on your way! yaaaaay for you! keep us posted dear!! best wishes..

How shameful that your mother in particular treated you this way. Being a mother and grandmother myself I cannot imagine ever making my children feel this way.
You definitely don't need that in your life. It sounds like you are persevering and have made steps to become a healthier new you. It will be important for you not to allow your family to bring you down. Half the battle is about staying positive.
You have friends here on this site when you need them. As hard as it might be to ignore and stay away from negative influences in your life, you will have to continue to stay strong and lean on your wife and friends that are supportive. You should be very proud of yourself for taking steps to improve your life. It is so worth it!
Good luck and God bless!

As I sit here reflecting on my past as my surgery date is a head of me, I can never recall a positive affirmation in my family when it came to my appearance. Not saying that obesity is something that should be affirmed, but at least to be told you're loved beyond what your outer appearance looked like would have been generous.
People always think the safes place is home...but when I entered the doors of the home of my youth, it was like entering into a Grimm Fairytale. My mother was the Evil Queen, my father though there, was like he was dead with his slience, just a figure in the background and my sisters were like the evil step sisters. As I was celebrating with my wife this morning of my coming WLS, reflected on a story of my youth, where when I was 10 or 11 one my older sisters told me that I was as big as a baby elephant at birth aka, I was the elephant in the family. That raw spot is still there and it appears each time I look in the mirror.
My narssaistic mother, who never in my life privately given me positive affirmation. But always calling me fat while still serving me deep fried southern food while drinking Mountain Dew in my sippy cup and giving me sneaker bars on the side. Even sharing with her the news of weight loss surgery, she even had negative words to say about that.
I have been so destroyed for 35 years. The Cinderella or Cinder-fellea if you allow me to say so, in this life. However, on March 3, my life will never be the same again.
Though words of my past may haunt me, it won't defeat me. In two weeks I will begin a new journey. A journey with its own struggle, but to a happier ending.

Hi there and congratulations! I love my band and feel this was one of the best decisions of my life. Being out of food jail is amazing. Glad you stumbled on the forum; you will get a lot of support here. The links below in my signature helped me understand how the band works and how to work the band. I was not hungry after surgery but my hunger returned in time for my first fill. We are all different -- I required several fills to reach the green zone. My appetite is dimmed so I can make good choices. I do not diet -- that didn't work for me but the band works beautifully. My advice is to follow your plan and keep all your appointments. I gave myself a year, the year of me. Feeling great! You will, too.

Thank you for the acknowledgement, Mark. That was very thoughtful and kind. I am so happy for you and proud that you had the courage to take control of your health, your happiness, and your life at such a young age! You have a long and wonderful life ahead of you. Always remember to live it fully and with no regrets!
I also am glad that you have the support of a loving family and friends in your journey. That truly makes a vital difference. One can never have or give too much love.
I followed you on Twitter and checked out your Instagram pix. The one pic you have of your full body already looks like you had plastic surgery! You look fabulous. When you are all done you'll have to do a photo shoot to Celebrate the new you! You'll be more fabulous than ever.
With love upon you!
Cheryl

Hey all,
Excited to post in this section of the forum for the first time! I thought it would be nice to share my ever-evolving journey with you all
To make a long story short:
My name is Mark - I am a few months shy of 23 years old and live in New York City.
I am a proud Bandster, having had lap band surgery with Dr. George Fielding of NYU Langone Medical Center on May 6, 2013.
My highest weight ever was 357 lbs. As of February 21, 2015, I am 201 lbs, giving a total loss of 156 lbs! I have attached some pictures that are pretty recent.
I am overwhelmed with joy to say that my next chapter in getting to my body goal is super near - I will be undergoing a body lift (tummy tuck + muscle repair, thigh and butt lift) as well an arm lift this coming Friday, February 27th at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
My plastic surgeon is Dr. Joseph F. Capella who specializes in bariatric patients and was recommended to me by fellow member Cheryl, also known as My Bariatric Life! I am eternally grateful to her for this.
I am excited to document this part of my journey with you all and become more active on this forum again! I'm super nervous for the recovery but have zero doubts that it is what I need for myself.
Thanks for listening please feel free to add me here, Twitter and/or Instagram.
- Mark