serenity55

ButterflyGrl, I feel the same way. I haven't lost as much as I'd hoped to by this time, but I'm glad I got banded! Saahney, I know it's been a while, but how did your fill go? Debbie

I think it's safe to say that many bandsters used food, whether it was to numb out, because we were bored, because it was four o'clock and the sun was shining! LOL! When that is taken away, many of us feel deprived, because it means finding a substitute for our best friend. It can also mean, as in my case, asking if, in fact, there is anything to replace food. I'm learning that there are indeed other things, and each day I try to remind myself of them. But it is something I must do quite often. Some days are easier than others. Debbie

Didn't Karl Marx say that religion was the opiate of the masses? Somebody did. I think I'd rather achieve goals through hard work rather than risk turning them over to something that hasn't been proved to be real. I wanted to be a missionary. I wanted to get married. I wanted to be a "good Christian." I didn't get a husband. I didn't go overseas. And I didn't get any of the answers I looked for. And believe me, I read and reread the Bible. I did everything, prayed, screamed, cried, pleaded, and nothing worked. Which tells me that there's nothing and no one out there. If it works for all those who choose to believe, fantastic! I'm not one of them! Debbie

Isn't Christianity one of the youngest, if not THE youngest, religions? So if that's true, god can't possibly be that old, can he? I'm not trying to be facetious, but, I have heard that the early Christians took pagan holidays and used them, as someone else said, (but much better than I) to suit their needs. I knew a couple of people that were Jehovah's Witnesses. I guess one of them was trying to convince me of something, but all she could do was use the Bible, which, as I said in an earlier post, does nothing, if you don't believe. Debbie

One has to have a belief that god even exists before they can claim Jesus as their personal savior. Herein lies the rub, as they say Debbie.

You don't even have to believe while you're living. You can accept Jesus on your deathbed and you're in, so ... party on, folks! A chaplain told me once that if Judas had come to the foot of the cross he would have been forgiven. So why go through all the questioning and struggling when you can have what you want anyway? I even heard of Christians who were willing to believe that Ted Bundy "found the Lord"! What a crock! Just my opinion. Debbie

Hi, Just like you, I was afraid of all the complications, and I'm terrified of needles. But I've faced all my fears, and no, as the previous poster said, it isn't easy, but it really is so worth it! For me, the results were almost immediate. I could reach up to places on my back I never could before. I can now tie my shoes easily. I don't get winded when I walk. I'm off one of my blood pressure meds. As for the food, your surgeon's office will let you know what to eat before and after surgery. Usually there is some form of pre op diet, and then liquids after surgery for two weeks, sometimes more. Gradually you introduce soft foods, (mushies) and then regular foods back in to your diet. The important thing is to get in the right amount of Protein, which can be done through protein powders which can be added to things, or drinks. I choose at this point to get as much of my protein as I can from the foods I eat. I hope some of this helps. Congratulations and good for you for taking charge of your life! Keep us posted! Getting the band is the best thing I've done for myself, and I hope you will feel that way too. Debbie

Hello! and welcome to the forum! Since you've been around for the past six months, you know what a great place this is. Congratulations on being approved, and try not to re-live those feelings when they asked all those questions. Your life is about to change, and you will no longer have to feel that way. Good luck, and please let us know when you have a date! Debbie

Hi Laquita, I think you've shown a lot of courage, having dealt with the things that you've had to. I really hope that your surgery goes well in March and that you get to your goal. You sound like a strong, determined person and I think that will get you through. Please let us know how you're doing. I found that posting here has really helped me because of the encouragement and support I've received. Good luck, and I will keep you in my thoughts. Debbie

Thanks for the corrections. I realized my mistake about the airline after I'd signed off. And I'd heard from someone else about his profession. Thanks again.

Kevin Smith, who I think is a well-known journalist--someone correct me if I'm wrong--was removed from a PSA flight, not, according to the airline, because he was too fat, but because the arm rest wouldn't go down. Why not just say it? He himself admitted that he was fat, didn't he? I'm the first one to admit that I can't wait to see if I'll fit in a plane seat comfortably. I've always felt a little embarrassed when I fly; fortunately I'm usually sitting next to friends or family . It makes me sad. Is it discrimination? Would there really be safety hazards as I've heard? Should fat people be forced to pay for an extra seat? What do you think? Debbie

Thank you all for your replies. I wish I could remember the exact words of your posts because you've all given me much to think about. It's true that I'm happier after banding than I was before. I do get frustrated, and I'm no over achiever, so I don't do things "perfectly". But one day at a time there are differences in my life that I know wouldn't be possible without this little thing inside me. The rewards are amazing. The fact that I fit comfortably in the back seat of a cab with two other people was a big deal for me. Bandpal, I can't wait to give that shout out on that steep slide down the other side of this plateau! Laptastic, sounds like a bit of jealousy on the part of your sisters. I too am sorry you've had to deal with that. ! Jack, you always say things that encourage me. Jatchut maybe I'll be like you when I grow up! LOL!! Again, thank you all, very much! Debbie.

In the few blogs I have read, in the success stories I've heard, and the bandsters I talk to, I very seldom hear from those who have been successful about the struggles to get where they are. I understand about keeping it positive, but we all know that this journey can be a very hard one. Because I still have such a long way to go, I guess what I'm asking is if there are people for whom the road to success was filled with emotions, and if so, what were they? Maybe it's just me, but I feel like so many success stories make it sound like it's a breeze. I'm at a plateau, have just had another cc put in my band, and have no regrets about getting it. I know success can be achieved with lots of hard work, and I'm quite willing to keep doing that, but I would like to know that it wasn't always a breeze, and why. Debbie.

Hi LisaSusan, I started my pre op liquid diet two weeks before surgery. The last two days were Clear liquids. And I didn't get mushies until two weeks after. but it differs from surgeon to surgeon. I was at a friend's house on Saturday, and none of the people there had seen me at my previous weight. I showed them a before picture, and they all said, "Wow!" That said it all. Debbie

If you were banded in 2009 you are definitely one of the fabulous February bandsters!

Tomorrow is my bandiversary and I go for a fill on Thursday, so I'll find out if I've lost anything. I kind of doubt it and I'm hoping this next fill will help. I do have restriction, but I'm definitely not at my sweet spot. I still think getting a band is the best thing I could have done for myself. Debbie

Faith is the essence of things unseen, the substance of things hoped for. I grew up "in church." Hearing that Jesus loved me, but if I didn't repent, do God's will, that I would burn in an eternal lake of fire. I've heard people say the God doesn't give people any more than they can handle. I've also heard that God is a loving father. I don't buy any of it. And the wicked shall cry out for the rocks to fall on them? What kind of a loving god is that?! I voted yes, there may be, but I don't care. I don't want to serve a deity who, to my mind, is full of contradictions For me, the Bible is not enough proof that there even is a God. Or the Dead Sea scrolls, or whatever other artifacts may be dug up! So maybe I should have voted no way! Debbie. .

Hi Meg, and welcome to lap band talk! Getting a band was the best thing I could have done for myself. It's not easy, but the good news for me is that I'm not going to regain the weight I've lost. Please feel free to share your anxieties and someone will be sure to support and encourage you. Again, welcome to your new beginning. Let us know how things go. Debbie

Congratulations on your surgery date! Exactly one year ago on the tenth I got my band, so I think that's the best. Your husband will come home to someone who is healthy, happy and able to share a long life with him! Be sure to let us know how your surgery goes! Good luck! Debbie

Hello! Although it's true that you may have to give up certain foods, you may find that you can still enjoy them, just in smaller quantities. I'm not going to say it's easy; head hunger can be a bear. What is exciting is the numbers on the scale going down. One day, sometimes one hour or minute at a time, that's what keeps me going. As time passes you will find different ways to get you past the sad times when you really want to eat the way many of us used to. I would encourage you to just keep posting, talk about it whenever it or anything else bothers you, and I know you'll get lots of encouragement here. We have to unlearn habits that we've lived with for, in some cases, many, many years. Good luck. Debbie

bumping it up! Come on, fabulous February bandsters! You can either check in here, or on the monthly February 2009 forum! Would love to hear from you!

I know exactly what you're going through. I was denied several times before I actually got my approval, and the time could have passed more quickly if the woman in my primary care doc's office had sent the paperwork to my insurance company. To add to my frustration, the idiot submitted a request for gastric bypass, which is not what I wanted! I wanted to strangle her! And then the insurance company took forever. I had to keep calling them. People told me that I had to be persistent, which isn't easy for me. So yeah, I was definitely frustrated and fussy! Be sure to let us know what happens. Once everything got settled, things moved pretty quickly for me, too. Hang in there! Debbie!!

Hey Sarah, where in Los Angeles are you? I think I was worried about all kinds of stuff before my surgery too, but once I started noticing changes it sort of passed. This is a great place for support, so if you have any questions, or concerns, just come here, and someone will be there with encouragement, or whatever you need at the time. I've always believed that talking, or writing in this case, really helps! Good luck! Debbie

Hi there! Why won't your doctor give you a fill? How many CC's do you have in your band, if any? How are you eating? I'm sure you know that it's not just the exercise, but the food choices we make, and how much. Are you drinking lots of Water? Just a few things to think about. Debbie

I too had my surgery on February 10, 2009, and have never been stuck. After my last fill I've had increased discomfort from eating too fast, but that's all. Debbie