Kat1215

Just saying hello. I am also new to the forum. I was banded yesterday. Your 22 lb. loss is awesome. I know you're already feeling better. Good luck to you.

My turing point was more of a gradual realization instead of just one thing. Over time I have noticed that I turn down social invitaions because of my weight. I am embarrassed for my husband to have to introduce me to people he knows because I figure they're wondering what he's doing with such a fat wife. Also, since I am a teacher I work on a campus with about 60 or 70 other women and I'm tired of being one of the heaviest. I have been telling myself that I am the same person fat or not but I'm not sure about that anymore. I'm hoping to get healthier and to gain more self-confidence as I get thinner.

Thanks for all the support. Darcy I'm going to look for the protein powder. Susan, I have a post-op diet that is liquids only for the first few days and then soft foods for 4 weeks. At the end of the first month I will be able to eat a more regular diet. I'm trying to be really careful about sipping until I can get a feel for my intake amount. At least I am home all week for Spring Break which gives me time to come up with a plan for work. The hard part will be lunch because I only have 25 minutes. I think I'll stick with protein shakes for lunch for a while just to keep it easy. Thanks again for your input. I'm glad I found this forum so I don't feel like I'm the only person with a band.

Mary, Can it only be ordered online or did you buy it in a store?

Good luck, Carla! I had mine done yesterday in Houston. I was nervous about the anesthesia, too. All went well and I know yours will too. I prayed all the way down the hall to surgery, it helped me feel a little less anxious.

I was banded yesterday morning by Dr. Spivak. I guess I'm doing pretty well. I have an excruciating pain under my right collar bone and shoulder. I guess it's gas, I sure wish it would stop. I'm still trying to figure out the whole eating thing. I guess that will work itself out once I can start experimenting with foods. I was surprised to find that I had lost 7 pounds since my consultation. I never weigh myself. That's gonna have to change. Do most of you keep food journals? They told me yesterday that I should be eating between 800 and 1000 calories a day with 60/70 grams of protein. This is going to be quite an adjustment.

Hey mini me, Dr. Spivak is doing my surgery tomorrow too! I have to arrive at the Surgery Center at 7:00, I'm scheduled for 8:00. Good luck.

I've never been on one of these support sites as a user. I have been reading some of your threads while I've been deciding about my surgery. I just got word last week that my insurance was appoved and will receive my band tomorrow. I know I'm going to be looking for support since eating is my favorite thing to do. I'm not really nervous about the procedure itself, I'm more worried about how to live afterwards. I'm 48 and I've been severely obese for most of my adult life. I gave up drinking 19 years ago and substituted food. I had always fought my weight before but managed to stay within 30 or 40 pounds of my ideal weight. Now I'm 110 pounds overweight. I don't have many health problems yet so it was hard to decide about the band. I finally decided I should do it before I have a lot of health issues. I'm married for 23 years and I have 2 girls still at home ages 19 and 22. That's enough for now. I feel like I'm making this too long.