auntlucy

It may not be a big deal, but if I were you I would go ahead and call your surgeon. That is what they are there for, and it's better to be safe than sorry. I did have a little "spotting" after surgery, but it was more of a yellowish red color that my surgeon's office said was normal. But, it truly was spotting and not draining. Let us know what you find out!

You might want to research the mortality rates a little more on GB. I'm not an expert by any means, but my surgeon didn't say it was nearly as high as 25%. For me, it didn't take me long to make the decision with all of the risks of GB. I ruled it out as an option about 10 minutes into the seminar. Despite my exces weight, I'm actually pretty healthy. I just didn't see taking those risks. I knew with either surgery it would require me to make significant lifestyle changes. So, I had to commit to that before the surgery. I've been overweight ever since I an remember (my Mom said my first diet was at age 3). I've dieted my whole life. I needed a tool to help me, and it has been the band! I am more optomistic than I've ever been about successful weight loss and keeping it off! Commit to making these changes for your beautiful children...you are very fortunate to have them! And, they are fortunate to have a mom who is willing to go to these extraordinary means to be a healthier mom for them.

Fletcher, Don't beat yourself up! You have already done it and you can't go back and correct it. But, what you can do is make a decision right now to stay on track. If you are like me, your dieting history probably included so many starts and stops. As soon as I blew a diet, I would think, "well, I already messed up, so I might as well eat this too." Don't let that happen to you this time. Instead, get focused on letting your body heal...that is the whole point of the liquid phase. If you keep eating solids before your body is fully healed, you could have some complications. I came to love tomato soup during the liquid phase. My doctor even let me crumble up some crackers in the soup. If you make the soup with milk instead of Water, you are adding some Protein that way. Some milk has more protein than others. If you are in an area with a Braum's store, their milk has a lot of protein compared to most. Hang in there! You can do this. I know that it seems like the liquid phase will last forever, but you'll be through it before you know it!

Well, this hasn't been a FUN post, but perhaps it is therapeutic for us to get some of these things off of our chest. Let's use this as an opportunity to say goodbye to those painful memories and move forward with our new and improved outer shells!

Thanks Jacqui! You are an inspiration. From your picture, it looks like you look fantastic! I've enjoyed reading many of your posts over the last few months.

Thank you so much Tess! I appreciate all of the support. It's odd how the support of someone I really don't know means a lot. I think the fact that it seems like we are on the same journey is the reason. Today was a great day! Even though I think some of my hair is starting to come out, I just let myself enjoy the day with my best friend (after I went to the healthfood store to get some Biotin and Vitamin B with folic acid so I can try to keep my precious hair from shedding so much). And, as far as rewarding myself, I went and withdrew $400 from my account so I can add it to my growing clothing fund! I'm going to NYC in the fall, and I'll likely need some new clothes by then. Thanks again! Now that we've both hit our 50 pound goal, our next goal is to get under 300! Have you given thought to what your next goal will be after that?

Thanks everyone! Tess, I appreciate your support and encouragement! I agree that even if we set our goal weights, they may change. We need to base it on how we feel once we get closer. The lightest I've ever been was 155 when I was a senior in high school (I went on Medifast for several months to get there). I was about a size 8/10, which seemed to be a good size for me. (Of course, my friends at the time were confronting me thinking I was anorexic. I mean, come on, I wasn't that thin!) I'm 5'8", so that would be at the top of the range using the formula that vegwannabe posted.

It does make sense...I've seen that "formula" before. Thank you for responding!

While I have a ways to go, I've been thinking about what my goal weight should be. Sure, I'm setting small goals along the way (e.g., first 50 pounds lost--which I reached today:thumbup:), but how much should I ultimately weigh? I'd love to hear what factors you all are using to set your goal weight.

I'm in TX too, and they did ask me my weight last time (so they must have it in the system), but thank God it's not printed on the license.

I want to go parasailing on my trip to Maui planned for next summer. I also want to be able to go hiking to a waterfall. And, I want to be able to do some of the advanced moves in pilates.

Wow...we're neighbors. My surgeon is actually in Plano. Dr. Stephen Hamn (Dr. Cribbins is his partner). I have been very happy with my choice. Through my research, I found that Dr. Hamn was among the best in the area. Here is their website: Obesity Surgery In Texas - Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth TX. Their staff has been great too...they have not hesitated to answer every question (pre and post surgery). If you call their office, I think they have weekly seminars. I liked it b/c it was in a small setting so you felt more comfortable asking questions. Dr. Hamn was actually the one there to do it. I will tell you that in my experience he is much more personable one-on-one once he knows you are doing the surgery for the right reasons. It's almost like he's trying to discourage people from doing it...he probably sees a lot of people who are just there thinking the band is like a magic wand that you can wave once and suddenly be thin. He will tell you it's not for everyone and that it takes a lot of hard work. Let me know if you have any more questions...I'll be happy to answer any I can!

Maybe he just isn't quite sure what to say because he doesn't want you to think he's unhappy with you the way you are. He obviously loves you and doesn't want you to think you have to do this for him. Ultimately, this is for you! If any of my experience with men holds true, you are probably thinking about it a whole lot more than he is.

Welcome to the site! We're glad you're here! I'm in TX too! I was banded in March, and it's been great so far! I feel wonderful and am down 50 pounds as of this morning. I have a ways to go, but this has definitely been the right move for me. Where in TX are you? Have you gone to a seminar yet?

I thought it might be FUN to ask you all what the rudest comment you have had is and how you responded! I'll get it started: Last weekend, I went for my hair appointment. I had not been for 9 or 10 weeks. When she saw me, she said, "You've lost a lot of weight...did you have gastric bypass?" I couldn't believe she would ask such a personal question...people sure are bold! I simply replied, "Nope, I didn't." And that was the truth! :redface:

Stephanie, I'll be your friend! Let me know when and how you need support, and I'll do my best!

I didn't think it would happen this week, but when I got on the scale this morning, I had lost 3 pounds since last week. So, I've hit 50 pounds lost! I want to call someone and tell them, but it's too early...so I'll have to get all of my excitement out here!

You know...now that I've slept on it, I think they gave me a shot of it before my surgery at the surgery center.

That is so exciting newkimberly! Congratulations! I lost 18 pounds the first 2 weeks. But, I encourage you not to focus on the weight loss immediately after surgery. Instead, focus on letting your body heal. That is your top priority. After your body has healed, focus on the behavior changes that you need to make in order to be successful with the band. If you focus on those two things for the first 6 to 8 weeks, you will very likely lose a healthy amount of weight. Keep in mind that you might hit a plateau at certain points (mine was as early as 2 weeks after surgery), but by focusing on the two things I mentioned above, you won't get as stressed out about the scale movement. Even with my plateaus, I've still lost 50 pounds (as of today!!!) since my surgery date (3/10/08). Good luck as you continue down lapband road!:biggrin2:

Mine was really fast...about one week. I have United Healthcare.

Jim, what a great husband you are! Definitely ask your questions here...of course, keep in mind that things are different for everyone, so ask the important questions of the surgeon she ends up choosing. Good luck as you go on this journey with your wife.

There are times when I eat more than my brain tells me I should, but the fact is that I have very little restriction still. My doctor said I can eat about a cup at each meal (ex: 2-3 oz lean protein and small salad), and right now I do eat a little more than that at times. But, what I try to do is stop eating for 20 minutes after my allotted amount. If I still feel very hungry, I'll eat a little something else that is low in calories (ex: sugar free pudding). I think it's all normal until you reach a good restriction. You might want to talk to your doctor's office or nutritionist about it to see what's right for you.

Welcome Tammy! Try not to be discouraged by the 6 month diet. Use that time to go ahead and get used to the lifestyle changes (eating slowly, taking small bites, chewing more, not drinking within 30 minutes of your meal, eliminating carbonated beverages, etc.). That way, you will lose some weight and it will make it easier once you do get the band. Good luck on your journey! I know it seems like a long one, but 6 months will fly by. Just think...if you lost an avg of 1 to 2 pounds a week (very possible on WW for most people), you could be down 26 to 52 pounds!

thedailyplate.com is a good suggestion. I use it too (should have mentioned it in my earlier post). It does really help me be more conscsious about what I'm eating. I mainly use it to make sure I'm getting all of my protein in.

I haven't heard of them, and my doctor didn't have me do it.