Miss Michelle

Take the gifts and enjoy! I am not sure about you, but as for me being so overweight has caused me to avoid spending any money on myself and the same for letting my hubby spoil me. I guess because I always hoped it was a temporary thing I didnt want to buy pricey clothing or shoes. I think it also had to do with having a low self esteem so I'd put myself last, always! My b'day is coming up on 7/15 and my wedding anniversary is that same week. For the first time DH went out and bought me a huge anniversary gift and I didnt argue. He bought me not one, but two Coach bags : ) (OK, I might have argued with that splurge if they werent a serious sale price but this time only because we are saving to buy our first home and I could sacrifice for that) I am not sure what I'll get for my b'day but I finally realized that with all of my hard work and dedication I truly deserve it...AND SO DO U!!! Let him spoil you- most women would kill for a hubby like yours! P.S. Happy Birthday!!!

Hey stranger! I was just banded on 5.23 and can only hope for the kind of sucess that you have had. You look great! Honestly, how much better is life now? I would put my money on 'alot'! Noone is perfect and we women especially are always much harder on ourselves than other people. You have done a hell of a job and should be proud of the changes you have made. I suggest a little retail therapy to remind you how much you have accomplished.

So right before surgery I went into Lane Bryant and bought a few items that were on sale and were dirt cheap. I bought some 18/20, 22/24 shirts- at that time I was a 26/28. I also found nice work pants for cheap so I bought 2 size 22, and one size 20. Two days ago I put on my normal pants and was disgusted by how baggy and saggy they looked. I have been hesitating to try my smaller size but finally decided that it was worth a shot. I grabbed a pair and they fit! Slightly tight in the booty, but not enough to not wear them. I also was super thrilled when I put on my 18/20 shirt and it looked good! I was so excited I called my mom and best friend at 7:30 in the morning to tell them that I had new pants on. But this is not even the best part! I washed them along with a few other things the next day and while folding I discovered..ready-here comes the BEST part!!!...I had acidentally put on my size 20, not the 22 like I thought! YAY, ME! I have gone down 3 pants sizes!!!

I am finally a bandster! I was banded at NYU by one of the greatest-no wait, maybe the greatest surgeon ever, Dr. George Fielding. I chose him for more than his supurb qualifications, I chose him because he understood me. Hell, at one point he was me. He struggled with his own weight until he was banded himself over what I believe was eight years ago. So to have the choice of a surgeon who was not only a doctor, but also a patient and has truly experianced things as I would eventually, it was a no brainer. Starting at 325lbs, I went through all the neccessary steps and took back my life on May 23, 2008. That day signifies so many things to me now, and in all honesty, maybe more than me taking back control, that was the day Dr. Fielding saved my life. In a little over a month, with the help of my band and my pre-op diet, I am oficially down 33 lbs! I have said goodbye to the 300's on my scale forever and each passing days reassures me that I made the right decision. I returned back to work just after two weeks and am doing well. I am finding that even with a mere thirty pounds gone, I am more active than I have been in a very long while and my clothes are getting to be huge on me! I know this is probably bad, but I have already started buying cute shoes for motivation to get to my goal weight of 165. I have always said that I dont want to be skinny to wear the clothes but I want to be able to wear all of those cute and sexy shoes a 25 year old wears that I never could! Seriously though, I truly believe with everything in my heart and soul that all the sacrifices, all the work and pain, will all be worth it. More than it already is proving to be even now.

I am finally a bandster! I was banded at NYU by one of the greatest-no wait, maybe the greatest surgeon ever, Dr. George Fielding. I chose him for more than his supurb qualifications, I chose him because he understood me. Hell, at one point he was me. He struggled with his own weight until he was banded himself over what I believe was eight years ago. So to have the choice of a surgeon who was not only a doctor, but also a patient and has truly experianced things as I would eventually, it was a no brainer. Starting at 325lbs, I went through all the neccessary steps and took back my life on May 23, 2008. That day signifies so many things to me now, and in all honesty, maybe more than me taking back control, that was the day Dr. Fielding saved my life. In a little over a month, with the help of my band and my pre-op diet, I am oficially down 33 lbs! I have said goodbye to the 300's on my scale forever and each passing days reassures me that I made the right decision. I returned back to work just after two weeks and am doing well. I am finding that even with a mere thirty pounds gone, I am more active than I have been in a very long while and my clothes are getting to be huge on me! I know this is probably bad, but I have already started buying cute shoes for motivation to get to my goal weight of 165. I have always said that I dont want to be skinny to wear the clothes but I want to be able to wear all of those cute and sexy shoes a 25 year old wears that I never could! Seriously though, I truly believe with everything in my heart and soul that all the sacrifices, all the work and pain, will all be worth it. More than it already is proving to be even now.

K- I am going out first thing tomorrow and buying an excerise ball, lol...:cursing:

I have ALWAYS wanted to do a sexy photo shoot. My ultimate fansatsy-I can't believe I am even saying this right now- is to be able to have a shoot where I am in a bed with only white sheets. I'd be nude but have twisted sheets covering me stratigecally and big hair. You know, something super sexy without showing it all just for the hubby.

Hi everyone! I was banded last Friday at NYU. I went in at 8am, and went into the OR around 11am. I was terrified and everyone laughed at my request to reschedule, lol! The OR was much much smaller than I expected and I couldnt help but tell the nurse that. She giggled and said that alot of people think that becuase of t.v. Anyway, I am not sure exactly what time exactly I got out of surgery or when I woke up. I woke up to someone telling me not to rub my eyes, which I guess I must have been attempting. I was sore but most of all my throat hurt badly and I was dying for ice, water, anything. I think I finally made it to my room around 3pm and an hour or so later I was allowed ice chips. By 6 or so was walking laps around my floor and was given propel water to sip on. I was discharged a little after 8pm. I was super sore and my throat hurt badly from the breathing tube they put in durring the surgery for about 3 days. It was hard to move around at first, especially getting up or sitting down but pain was never severe enough for me to fill my vicodin rx. I also felt really swollen and bloated. Luckily I never really had the shoulder pain everyone talks about and 1 week later I am doing great. The only thing is I still am not walking as fast as I normally would and the stairs up to my 2nd floor apartment do take me a little while. I get to start purees and mushies in 2 days-YAY! So far, with the pre-op diet and my week and a day of being banded I have lost 26lbs. One pound to go to get back into twoterville for the first time in years. Good by 300's FOREVER!! Hope everyone else is doing well and feeling good!

I am seven days post op and on an all liquid diet. Which, by the way I have been on since two weeks prior to surgery. Anyway, as much as I have wanted to, I am to scared to chew anything and spit because I am terrified to accidentally swallow a piece. But I am dying to chew on something! I have developed a habit of licking food for the taste- yea I know how this sounds and I agree I am pathetic. So far I have licked a piece of steak, two fritos, and a piece of chocolate. Yup, I am off to a great start :w00t:. I am hoping though that I will mentally adjust to my new way of eating soon.

I was banded 5/23, only a few days ago, but since begining my pre-op diet I am down 20lbs!

I finally got my scheduled arrival time for surgery tomorrow! They originally told me around 5pm that I needed to be there at 7:00am. They called me back not too much later and told me I had been rescheduled for 8:30. I am just hoping - no praying- not to get bumped again. If all goes well by this time tomorrow I will be banded!

Well, I got the call...and then another 30 minutes later. I am now sceduled for 8:30 am tomorrow- as long as they dont change my arrival time again. I figure I will be in surgery between 10-11? Well, I will post once I get home if I am up to it!:crying:

Hi! Choosing a surgeon is a very personal decision and you have to do alot of research and find the doctor that is best for you. With that said, you should look into Dr. George Fielding of NYU. That is if you are anywhere near NYC, I am not sure where you are located exactly. Anyways, He is my surgeon and I chose him partly because he is exteremly experianced, super friendly and is also a bandster and has been for over eight years. I loved the idea that he is not only the doctor but also a patient and can share his prespective from both ends. He has offices for fills in White Plains, Brooklyn and New City. Google his name along with NYU and the website should come up. Good Luck to you! P.S. If you have insurance coverage for this procedure you should contact them first. They can give you the full list of surgeons in your area that work with your insurance. GOOD LUCK!!!

I have been nervous on and off for the last few days. I ran out of things I have to do to prep for surgery (i.e. doctors appointments, testing, medical clearances, etc) so my mind has had some time to wonder about things. So today I was off from work and truly srubbed my house so clean it sparkles and then my mom treated me to a pedi to relax a little. I think I am all set to go and I really appreciate all of the good thoughts and am sending mine to Sarah! Sarah, Good luck to you and dont forget to let us know how it goes and how you feel afterwards. XOXO, Michelle

I know that you must be in pain, but just think of it this way-you made it! I am gonna be banded on 5/23, this Friday and cant even begin thinking about the pain. I am just praying to God that I make it through the surgery. I will worry about the rest later. Just take it one day at a time. Pretty soon you'll be feeling better and the weight will be falling off!

My surgeon once said the cadillac of insurance for this kind of surgery is Oxford. I have it and was approved in a matter of days and so was my hubbys cousin who had gastric and Oxford as well. Good Luck:thumbup:

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that I am on that bus too! Once you get past the first three days you'll be fine. I have been on my pre-op diet for a week and a half now and am to the point where I am ok with it now. Losing 10 lbs has helped me keep on track too! Just take it one day at a time and try not to watch the food network all night like I was doing, lol Its just torture!!!

Good luck both of you, you'll do great! Let us know how everything goes!!

K, so I am officially approved by my insurance and cleared for surgery! YAY! Thanks to you all for the congrats and best wishes!:scared2: Sarah, congrats on your date too! If you are up to it let us all know how it goes!!! Good Luck-only a few days left...

I am not banded yet, but will be on Fri 5/23 and have been on my pre-op diet for over a week already. I havent gone grocery shopping yet since begining my diet but in the last week I must have saved $70 on my breakfasts and lunches at work. I used to spend $4+ a day on coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast and atleast $7-10 on lunch. I am so excited at the thought of never going back to this. Now I am going to use my grocery and lunch money savings for new clothes and shoes!:leaving:

Ok, wow. I think this is a great case of somethings are better kept to yourself. Hearing this from a best friend is one thing but a boyfriend/spouse is totally different. Maybe its stupid of me but even if I had that experiance of thinking of someone else I would never tell my hubby something like that simply because I would not want to hear if he does! I'd rather talk about our fantasies that we can act out together:wink_smile:. Sometimes guy say things without thinking and he was probably just responding because the assumed you'd say something similar. I would not worry to much if hes a good guy but I would atleast tell him how you feel.

I am schedules for surgery 5/23 and already had a blender and have gone out and bought a food processor. I got a large one for a great price from Walmart. It was only $27 while the small 1 cup size is $17. I figured it would be great for cooking for me post op and even for daily meals for my family. I really have no plans on buying a scale though. After reading this I will probably buy new measuring cups because like half of mine are missing.

I say buy some sexy lingerie and heels and take a few teasing pic's - nothing crazy that would have you worried about them landing in the wrong place, just enough to make him hot-and send them to his cell while he is at work. Start off with something sweet and then sexier as you send each additional one. By the time he gets home you wont have to ask for it :thumbup:

Teenagers can be so mean! I am sorry that you had to go through that but I have a funny story that might make you smile about a time I had my feelings hurt recently. I have a beautiful, smart and very very outspoken 5 year old son. He is very much into sports and health after hearing that I am going to 'get help' to lose weight has actually said that he can't wait for us (myself, him and my hubby) to be a 'skinny family'. Anyways, I bought a whole bunch of slim fast for my pre-op diet and stocked the fridge. He saw them and asked if he could have one since he thought it was a milkshake. I told him no because it makes you lose weight and then he would just be a head on legs. So that was that and he forgot about it. Well, my diet started and he saw me drinking them for the first time and was so excited. He says "Mommy, your drinking those? The one that makes you skinny?" So I tell him "Yup, do I look skinnier yet?" He thinks about this for a moment, then reached over and pinches my belly fat. "Nope. I think you better drink all of the other ones in the 'fridge too." FUNNY, YES! But boy did that bruise my ego!

I LOVE SHOES!!! I can't wait to be able to wear cute ones like these!!!