raising3monkeys

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

Hi guys! I'm so happy to see you all here since yes, this place seems sluggish for banders. I tried over at Bandedliving.com, but it seems sluggish overall, too. I was able to follow them on FB, and that just doesn't seem like the right forum for it, either. Ah well.
I got banded on 11/10/17. No real issues here except that my band doesn't seem like it's restricting my eating any. I've managed to lose weight anyway - mostly on decreasing my intake and better food choices (low carb). But I want to have the band tightened to where it's an actual, useful tool. Otherwise what was the point of getting it, ya know?
I was on liquids for 6 days following surgery, then straight back onto solids. I haven't had even one incident of nausea or vomiting. I do occasionally get food stuck, which is painful and scary. But it's always okay in the end. I'm in Chicagoland in Illinois, in the U.S. I'm married, have 4 kids (all teens and young adults), and work full time. I've followed you all so that hopefully we can get more action and support.
I go by Kel, by the way.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

Hi guys! I'm so happy to see you all here since yes, this place seems sluggish for banders. I tried over at Bandedliving.com, but it seems sluggish overall, too. I was able to follow them on FB, and that just doesn't seem like the right forum for it, either. Ah well.
I got banded on 11/10/17. No real issues here except that my band doesn't seem like it's restricting my eating any. I've managed to lose weight anyway - mostly on decreasing my intake and better food choices (low carb). But I want to have the band tightened to where it's an actual, useful tool. Otherwise what was the point of getting it, ya know?
I was on liquids for 6 days following surgery, then straight back onto solids. I haven't had even one incident of nausea or vomiting. I do occasionally get food stuck, which is painful and scary. But it's always okay in the end. I'm in Chicagoland in Illinois, in the U.S. I'm married, have 4 kids (all teens and young adults), and work full time. I've followed you all so that hopefully we can get more action and support.
I go by Kel, by the way.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

I'm almost a month post-surgery on the Lap-Band. I've been eating solids since six days post op. Before that it was all liquids. I've never done a Protein Shake - my surgeon sees no need for that.
Here are my "rules" from the surgeon:
NO liquid calories. It doesn't fill my pouch, so it doesn't satisfy hunger. Only chunky foods go in. I can have drinks, but they need to have zero calories - even if that's from artificial sweetener. Only eat when hungry. My intake should be about the size of the palm of my hand. I'm to eat at a normal pace - don't overchew or the food becomes pulp that passes through my band. Stop eating when I've had that portion. Stop, assess whether I'm still hungry or not. If so, eat a bit more but call for a band fill. Low carb / low fat, high Protein. Eat non-processed meats, fish, low fat cheeses, nuts (but only in the shell, where cracking slows you down - otherwise it's easy to overeat nuts), eggs, non-starchy veggies. Occasionally a 1/2 piece of fruit. NO bread, rice, potatoes or Pasta. These things are not only high in carbs, but also often cause problems when eaten. No drinking anything during eating or within an hour afterwards. It pushes the food down, or turns it into mush that can easily pass, leaving me hungry again. I HAVE to have a drink if something gets stuck. Otherwise, I try hard to refrain. It's NOT easy. A typical day looks a lot like yesterday:
Breakfast: coffee, 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese and an apple
Lunch: chicken shishkebobs, mixed salad (all veggies), light dressing
Snack: Handful of almonds
Dinner: cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce leaf with onions and Tomato slices. Steamed carrots, fresh cooked spinich.
Snack: Cup of tea with artificial sweetener

Actually, yesterday was a really good day food-wise, actually. And I got in a lot of steps due to a busy day at work. We had a catered lunch brought in, and to my dismay, there was still a lot of the food that I couldn't eat. It was Medeterranian, and I couldn't eat the pita chips or the rice or the potato wedges. Only took a skewer of chicken and another of beef. Tried the beef and it was too try to get down. Didn't even try - spit it out. At a few pieces of the chicken and then the salad. It was not enough, but I wasn't hungry afterward. Until my evening commute, when I was so hungry I wanted to start gnawing on my freaking sleeve. Lol
I've lost 17 lbs. so far.

Kel

I've lost a Bald Eagle! They're endangered, and here I am, eliminating another one! Ha HA!!!
I can't WAIT until Iiiii get to newborn calf! Congrats!

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

My surgeon's office called me today to inform me that my insurance had approved my surgery. The surgeon's office told me last week that as soon as I had all my pre-approval requirements done, they'd submit it all to my insurance, and it would take up to 7 business days to hear back. That if they wanted any further tests, they'd find out at that time what else was necessary. I have an appointment in 2 days to visit my primary care doc for my pre surgical approval. So I figured the surgeon would likely submit my paperwork for approval next week. Nope - they did it already and I'm already approved! They still want the primary care doc's approval, but they know that'll come. I'm cleared!!!
I was already given surgery dates - I'm having my surgery in 10 days! On Friday I go to visit my bariatric surgeon one last time, and he'll put me on the pre surgical low carb diet. Then I'm on my way to surgery in a week. I cannot believe it! I'll be LOSING weight this holiday season! Yippee!!!
FYI - my insurance required that I do six months of a hospital nutritionist before qualifying. After that it was likely the same things anyone else has to do for surgery:
Lab work: CBC, CMP, TSH, PT/PTT, Urinalysis Cardiology: EKS, Cardiac clearance from cardiologist Radiology: Upper GI with double contrast Routine Wellness Screening: Mammogram, Pap Smear Misc.: Primary Care Physicial Clearance, Pulmonary Clearance (which in my case included a breathing test, and showing them my recent sleep study results, and giving them the chip from my CPAP machine for reading). Psych evaluation. I'm almost there!

I don't have any idea how to answer your questions as I'm still behind you in my timeframe. But..... good luck!

Not sure if most of you are aware but BariatricPal.com actually started off in 2003 as LapBandTalk.com! I've had Lap-Band surgery since 2003 and started this community the night I came home from my own Lap-Band surgery.
As mentioned in my recent article "Types of Bariatric Surgery: By the Numbers and What It Means" Lap-Band surgery has dropped 86.93% since 2011. There were still 7,310 new bands in 2016.
There isn't any perfect WLS. The band has been an awesome tool for me over the last 15 years. I've had minor complications along the way but nothing like the complications I'd have had walking around with an extra 100Lbs.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

Hi guys! I'm so happy to see you all here since yes, this place seems sluggish for banders. I tried over at Bandedliving.com, but it seems sluggish overall, too. I was able to follow them on FB, and that just doesn't seem like the right forum for it, either. Ah well.
I got banded on 11/10/17. No real issues here except that my band doesn't seem like it's restricting my eating any. I've managed to lose weight anyway - mostly on decreasing my intake and better food choices (low carb). But I want to have the band tightened to where it's an actual, useful tool. Otherwise what was the point of getting it, ya know?
I was on liquids for 6 days following surgery, then straight back onto solids. I haven't had even one incident of nausea or vomiting. I do occasionally get food stuck, which is painful and scary. But it's always okay in the end. I'm in Chicagoland in Illinois, in the U.S. I'm married, have 4 kids (all teens and young adults), and work full time. I've followed you all so that hopefully we can get more action and support.
I go by Kel, by the way.

I don't agree with their stance, either. The study they base this on was skewed; it was a very small group that was all from one area, and the devices are from so long ago that major improvements have been made in the materials used. On top of that, the surgeries they followed are from the very beginning of the lap-band approval time period, meaning that any doctor putting them in wouldn't have had a lot of experience. The need for removal can be from the surgeon placing the device improperly alone - so studying patients only from one area ups that chance.
In the end, lap-band patients are safer overall from major complications than sleeve or bypass patients. And over a 5-year span, their loss of excess weight is about the same. Sleeve and bypass patients lose faster than lap-band patients, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Slow and steady is a good thing - especially for your skin and bouncing back. Also for lifestyle change.
One of the things my doctor said to me was that if this doesn't work, then we look at other more drastic options later. If you go in with a splinter, they don't consider amputating the finger - they look at the smallest fix first. If the finger becomes infected beyond control, then you look at the larger, more drastic options. You don't jump ahead to something more dangerous and more permanent when you could do something safer and easier and get the same long-term results. That's my end game - permanent, long-term change. I'm willing to do it a bit at a time. I certainly didn't put all the weigh ton overnight. It seems foolish to try to take it off that way.
I don't begrudge anyone taking a chance on the more serious sleeve or bypass - to each his own. I just felt like stomach amputation was a bit extreme as a first step. I wanted something that could be a great tool - not something that I couldn't make choices with. I'm happy so far with my decision.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

I have that husband, too. He met me when I was around 275-ish and 40, and chased my tail every day since. I made it up to 323 and he never acted like I was anything less that a freaking supermodel. He's never said anything about my weight except "I think you're perfect the way you are, but if YOU want to lose weight, I'll help you in any way that I can." And he does. When I went on my pre-band diet for a week, he went on it with me - because "it's hard to do alone". He's still on a very low-carb diet with me now, because he wants to support me and go through what I'm going through. And because he feels that he could stand to lose weight anyway - why not try to keep up with my wife? Lol.
I would tell a man I was dating eventually - but no, not right off the bat. I'd tell him because in a real relationship, you want to know everything about each other - and this is a big part of your life and what you've gone through. If he really likes you, he'll be like, "Oh,... cool. Good for you!" It's amazing to me how little men care about how you go to be who you are today. If they like you now, they're thankful for anything that got you to be this person. They couldn't care less about what you do for a job, or why you have that scar there. If they like you, they like you.
I hope that you can see yourself as someone who attacked a problem when you didn't like something about yourself. You didn't just get surgery to fix it; you got surgery and then did the necessary work to take the weight off. The food you're eating now is different in quantity and type than what you were eating before - YOU did the work. You were willing to do the work so much so that you took drastic measures to make sure the issue was solved. And as a result of your tenacity and hard work, you're healthier and likely more beautiful (inside and out). You are to be applauded, and I bet he'll agree. If he doesn't, then he's not the right man for you.

Hi there -
I started out at exactly the same weight as you 318 (I'm closer to 5'9", though)That was just under a month ago, when I started my diet one week prior to surgery, which I had just three weeks ago today. I had a Lap-Band. I.feel.great. It was kind of like a non-surgery to me. My shoulders ached a bit for several days due to the air migrating up there from them my abdominal laproscopic surgery (look that up if you're unfamiliar - it's typical with any obdominal surgery nowadays - even getting your gall bladder out). THAT was the worst of my pain - and that felt more like I had flu-like pain in those muscles. Plus I felt bloated for a good week after surgery. Also not pain - just discomfort. By one week prior, I felt like myself again. I was only on paid meds for 2 days - the day of surgery and the following day.
So far I've lost 19 lbs. in less than a month. I'll be honest - a lot of that is just from the lifestyle change of eating differently. Today I get my first "fill" on the lap band, and I think that'll help immensely with eating smaller meals - which is where the bulk of the weight loss comes in. I'm already glad that I did this.
I'm very body positive. But I'd gotten to the point where I hated that I get winded after one flight of stairs. And that some seats were uncomfortable to sit in. It was difficult for me to keep up with a crowd when walking. That's in part because I have bad knees, too (have had one replaced and the other needs to be done in the next few years). Years ago I weighed 250 and went down to 225 in about 4 months, and I noticed a HUGE difference in my knee pain. Weighing less not only helps alleviate the pain you experience on a daily basis, but it also slows down the degradation.
You might be afraid that deciding to change your eating habits contradicts your insistence on body positivity. But body positivity is really about being grateful for what you have, and accepting that you don't need to change to be acceptable to society. That doesn't mean that there's not room for you to assess your life and decide where you want to make changes and embark on a path to get to your new goals. We do it all the time - we desire a larger house or a newer car, and we think it'll improve our life. It doesn't mean that we aren't grateful for the car we already drive, or that we don't love it and what it's given us. It means we want something more reliable, safe and/or convenient. Flashier is just the bonus plan. Body positivity is about YOU choosing where you're going to be happiest (for whatever reasons), and insisting that people respect that by not portraying dissatisfaction in yourself. You CAN be body-positive and a proponent for less pain and a more healthy body. That's me to a tee.

I've lost a Bald Eagle! They're endangered, and here I am, eliminating another one! Ha HA!!!
I can't WAIT until Iiiii get to newborn calf! Congrats!

ProfessorSlim brings up a great point - you don't have to be decided on WL surgery (and especially not which kind) in order to start researching, and to start the process of jumping through the required hurdles to get the surgery. That's what I did; I wasn't sure about the surgery, but I figured if I busied myself with getting through all the requirements, I could always quit or decide I didn't want the surgery. I'm in an ***, so there were PLENTY of requirements. I'm still not sure which ones were my insurance's requirements vs. my surgeon's, but in the end, it didn't matter - I just kept going to appointments. Below is an example of what I had to satisfy in order to qualify:
Initial visit with my primary care surgeon Initial visit with bariatric surgeon Six months of hospital nutritionist visits (once per month) Pulmonary clearance (which consisted of an initial visit with a pulmonologist, and a visit just to test my lung capacity). I had a recent sleep study since I was already on a CPAP machine. Otherwise I'd likely have had to have a sleep study done, too. Cardiac clearance - visit with cardiologist and an in-office EKG. All in one visit Blood tests Another visit with the bariactric surgeon - to discuss which procedure to choose, talk over any questions, etc. Psychiatrist clearance Surgical clearance from my primary care physician Upper GI - this was done in the hospital's radiology (X-ray) department I swear I'm missing a few things - because the grand total came out to about 20 separate appointments/visits. By the time I was nearing the end of all of the visits, I'd learned that I was in great health overall, AND that YES, I DID want the WL surgery. I'm not sure exactly when I made up mind, but it happened. And by the time I was at my last appointment, my surgeon had already submitted all the information to my insurance, and they cleared me within days. I scheduled my surgery for 10 days later. It took SO long in the beginning, and then it was a whirlwind in the end.