Paulax

Absolutetly, the alternative would be to continue suffering the shame, dread and health effects that obesity has on the body.

AND, if you needed a new knee, would you worry abuot having something 'foreign' in your body, of course not. What you are doing is enhancing your life in many ways and this will prevent many obesity related diseases in the future. I believe that with all my heart.

Diva, I HEAR YA GURL! I can't tell you how ashamed I felt, how truly helpless and hopeless. I had to keep telling myself that I am not dumb, I am not lazy and I do not have a character flaw. But finally I just gave up, remembering myself that 95% of dieters fail. I know a lot of people, a lot of very intelligent people and I still know of no one who has lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off long term. I am only 9 days out now and I am so glad that I didn't jump off the operating table. One thing I left behind was my shame for not being able to do this myself and dread, dreading one more diet, one more comment, one more year of being obese. For the first time in my life I feel free. Free from shame and dread. We have each new day to look forward to and so far, each day for me has been lighter. Lighter on the scale and lighter on my mind. hugs my dear

Hmmmmmmmm those tables make me even more confused. Lol! I have an "I can handle life at that weight" 190-198 and a "Dream weight" 180 I guess I will know more the closer I get.

I am RIGHT there with you Vince. I had my surgery the same day, cheers. I lost about 15 pounds already. I want to encourage you follow your fast for as long as your doctor is suggesting. I have one of the most strict surgeons on this board. He recommends 30-35 days of liquid fast. CLEAR LIQUID FAST. Honestly, I don't know how I am going to make it, but I am encouraged by the fact that THIS is the most and the fastest weight loss we will encounter in this whole journey. So I will bite my tongue, get out of the kitchen, watch tv, play on the computer, get out of the house, anything to get my mind off food. Funny you should be posting this as this is by far the most difficult days for me too. I am thinking, only a little yogurt, only a smidge of something. But no, I just have to try my best to give this band a fair fighting chance to heal. It is only a short while and my surgeon assured me that out body is busy using our fat stores and supplying us with all that we will need. Let us know how it is going Vince. We are here for you. Paula, who is DYING to eat something, 9 days out now.

THAT is so awsome! Congratulations on your hard work. I am one week out and I still can't believe the progress some of the people on this board have made. It is very inspiring.....thanks for sharing.

Yes, yes, YES. I am 9 days out now and feeling awsome. I can hardly believe it. Yes, and I agree take advantage of this non hungry stage. My surgeon requires 30 - 35 days Clear Liquids. I don't know how I am going to make it but the scale moving has sure encouraged me to try. hugs to all

:clap2: Hip, hip, lose your hips HOORAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Gilbert!:clap2: Dr. Leung is awsome isn't he? I took my bandages off yesterday and my incisions look great. I dont' know why I was expecting great gaping holes. But alas, he put everything back into place. One week out for me and I feel great Gilbert. Every day gets better. Hugs your band buddy Paula

I am one week out, feeling great and I have taken on a healthy "I just dont' even care" attitude. For now, I am on a clear liquid fast and I just don't even care that I can't partake in the beautiful food I am feeding my dh and 3 kids. I just don't even care how long it takes to lose this weight, because I know that every day I make good healthy choices, I will be lighter tomorrow. If it takes me 4 years, I will still be here, God willing. I don't care that I only have one pair of pants that fit because I know that each and every day I will be getting closer to fitting allllllllllll those sizes in my closet. Looking forward to each and every day.

You guyz are all so awsome. I am one week out now and yes, so greatful to God for allowing me this opportunity. I am shocked and surprised at how little pain I felt afterward. I am shocked and surprised at how calm I now feel. I am shocked and surprized to know that everything is going to be OK. I have left dread behind. I no longer dread getting dressed in the one and only pair of pants that fit, because I know that I will be shrinking soon. I no longer dread the day because I know that each and every day I will be lighter and healthier than the day before. I honestly don't care how long it takes to lose this weight because I know it will come. I am on a liquid fast for 30 - 35 days. My good Canadian surgeon is very strict. I am willing to do this as it is only temporary and reminds me of being pregnant and giving up on some of my habits to keep my baby growing safely. So onward we go. I just about tear up when I think of all the kind words I have gotten here. Thank you all I will now pass on the good support to all the newer bandsters. hugs all All is well....you were right and Jack, I too thought of jumping off hte operating table and running...hahhahahaha...but gee, I am glad I didnt':nervous

Today is one week since I was banded and I can't believe how easy it has been thus far. My surgeon requires 30 - 35 days of clear liquid fasting, I can't believe that I have this much energy on broths and water, the odd dash of cranberry juice. I feel great. I am wondering how the heck I am going to make it to day 30 or anywhere near that. But as a dear banded friend of mine said, we can give up anything for the short term and we must do the best to give our bands the best chance. Much like what we had to do when we got pregnant, giving up alcohol and such. Anyway entering week 2. Very glad I have this place to come, to get inspired and read everyone else's story. Cheers Paula

Banded yesterday July 21. Felt pretty good, got home later that evening. Today feel very sore at port sites. Must sit up straight, but can walk and no problems with taking in liquids and such. Just excited to begin this journey. Paula

:cry: Thanks you guyz are the best. :cry: I am making chicken stock right now....

:clap2: I love this quote...can I quote you DonnaB?

Two days to surgery and I am beside myself. I will feel better once the ball gets rolling.........I guess........but my monkey brain has even though of cancelling. Please, hold my hand and tell me it is going to be allright.

Not banded Anaed2, but did have surgery, hmmmmmmmmm, I remember stitch sites being warm, I thought it was that they were healing. Don't get paranoid, but do phone or ask your doctor. I am under the knife in 2 days and pooping my pants for lack of better description. So scared, not of the surgery but of the unknown. Glad I have all of you to bounce my head games off. On my way to the big city of Vancouver tomorrow morning. hugs to all who went before me and those to follow. Where is the scared smilie? :phanvan

good for you, i am already PLANNING to clean out my closet. I don't want clothes that don't fit and chothes that I don't wear. Good luck and be brutal. my surgery is in 2 days!!!!!!!!!!!!! but a girl can still plan...

I'm preband, but my banded friend went to second hand clothes stores and bought whatever she needed in smaller sizes. I am sure she saved a LOT of money that way, and as a school administrator, she needed some pretty semi-dressy clothes. As a mom at home I can get away with very little. I like jeans and t's. Good luck, but a couple of pair of pants and a few shirts sounds like a good plan too. I guess it really depends on how much money you have to play with.

Good lesson learned, thanks for passing it on. I am gonna keep my eye on this post. Those food choices sound awsome.

Ya, now I know.....:eek: I need the red mad stomping feet smilie here.

I just splashed the filter cleaner on my very favorite and new 'fat' shirt. Surgery in one week. Big BBQ at my house tomorrow night. Have only 1... maybe 2 more shirts that I really like. Should I ................A) go buy another one or ............................:mad: forgetaboutit, buy a new smaller one in a few weeks :biggrin1:

I have heard of it, but not sure exactly what it involves. If as the name implies, it involves a sleeve that goes over the stomach to reduce the overall size, I think it sounds bloody brilliant.

Me, me, add me to the list. July 21 and I my butterflies have moved up into my throat.:nervous

OK so now I am curious. What now? Do you keep the fill the same and up your calories or do you get a defill to maintain your weight? Just curious! Anybody at goal can answer. TIA!

I am one of the dorks too. And I too, am greatful for the wonderful responses I have gotten here. Good luck diva! I am getting close to and can't stop the butterflies everytiem I think of it.