shrinkinmom

Wow...it is so great to see so many December dates. I am being banded on the 3rd as well as many of you. I am so glas I am not the only one. I went to my pre op seminar the other day and not one person had the same date as me. It would have been nice to know someone going in. Cheers to liquids in Thanksgiving and mushies for Christmas. Chris

Hi Everyone I hope everyone is feeling and recovering well. OMG - Fran my thoughts are with you. I know you will come through this with flying colors. I can't wait to hear from you. Sue--I start liquids next week so if you are free for lunch this weekend let me know. Lisa - I am glad to hear you are feeling well and I would love to get together to hear your take on your experience. Christine - It was so glad to meet you last weekend. We live so close, lets make the most of it and use each other for support. I know the weather got cold quick but maybe we can meet at the Sunvet mall with the kids and get some walking in this winter. Amanda - it was also great to meet you. I saw your post on the convention thread. Are you considering going? I would like to once again throw out the conference room in my office as a meeting place for our group. Hold, Dec 10 at around 6:30 as a date. I just need to double check with my office manager to make sure the building is free. BTW--I thought of a funny name for our group. If anyone knows an alcoholic you may know that they refer to AA as being a friend of Bill W. Its like a code name. So I thought a funny code name for us could be....Friends of Betty. That's what i am going to refer to our group as. Chris

I am so glad Lisa is doing well. I can't wait to hear from her. Sue-Good luck w/ your surgery Thursday....(((Hugs))). Suecarole and Christine #2...2:00 on Sunday sounds great to me. Lets do it. And anyone else in the neighborhood is more than welcome. Chris

I vote for NYC...many of us will be using mass transit...like train, bus, subway, amtrak all of which are easier to take directly into NYC. Those of you who are flying in, trust me, the extra money to stay in NYC is worth it. You are not going to come all this way to stay in NJ. Disclaimer: There is nothing wrong w/ NJ but it does not offer the same excitement as the city.

HI skill Congrats on your date!! I have the same one. I can't believe it is only 3 weeks from Wednesday!! Wow! I have had this date for 3 weeks already and I can't believe how fast it is coming.

Hi Everyone - Lets send good thoughts Lcubed's way as she is probably having her operation as I type. I know she will have a successful operation with a speedy recovery. I send the same vibes to those of you having your operation on Thursday. Sue--I definitely want to meet up. I can usaully sneak away on the weekends--either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning and sometimes in the late afternoons during the week. Let me know when you are coming out--maybe this weekend or next. Candle--I saw the advertisement for those Cambell Soups ...they sound great. Doyou know if they are OK for pre surgery?? Chris

Hi Fellow December Bandsters... I am scheduled to have my band on December 3 exactly 4 weeks from today. Don't worry this time is going to fly. I guess for alot of us it willbe liquids for Thanksgiving and mushies for Christmas. I keep trying to talk my hubby into going to the parade in NYC. I noticed some of you are mentioned you are from Long Island. I live in Sayville. BTW, I voted for slender snowflakes but after meeting Pete I think Holiday Hotties is hilarious. Chris

HI Everyone...I feel like I haven't been here in ages but its only been like a week.. I was up to my ears in Halloween parties and Trick or treating. Last night I was intrigued with the election coverage. I didn't make it to bed until after 1:00AM. Susan...I would love to get together when you come to Sayville. I am walking distance to that Starbucks on Main. Lcubed...Wow I can't beleive how time has flown. I was thinking about trying my liquids a bit early, too ......for about 30 seconds. lol Cappy... I ordered the unjury as Slim suggested and it is definitely not bad. Almost good but I bet after a few days I will be able to eat wallpaper. Hello to everyone else...anyone else going to the Nov 18 informational meeting? Does anyone have HIP as insurance? I have a question about getting reimbursed for the psych and nutritioanl consults? I am glad that we are considering Farmingdale for our group meeting. I work in an office right on route 110. If we want we could probably meet in our conference room. We would be able to stay as long as we want, its pretty comfortable and we have access to coffee, tea and a Water machine. We would not have to worry about how big the group has gotten or how much to tip the waiter. and of course if everyone felt more comfortable at the diner that would be fine too. Since the next couple of weeks many of us will be having surgery and then there is Thanksgiving, I am going to suggest our first meeting be December 10 or sometime that week. What do you think? Do you want to try to squeeze it in earlier? Chris

HI everyone... I have been away for a while but I am patiently counting down. My surgery is 5 weeks from tomorrow. Lcubed you are getting so close just a few day til liquids. I think a in person support group would be great. I'm totally intereted. I live in Sayville and work in Farmingdale. So Western Suffolk, eastern Nassau would be fine. Preference to south shore or north shore. Lets do the what, whens and wheres and then see who can make it. Chris

HI everyone I haven't checked in in a while and just wanted to say hello to everyone both old and new. Susan-- Wow..30lbs..what an accomplishment. You must feel great. I think it is a good ides to be conservative with the fills. There will be plenty of time for them when the struggling starts. And we all know it will happen eventually. Keep up the good work. You know you are our working role model right now. Lcubed--Your surgery is right around the corner. It is funny how time flies...It means that Cappy and I are right around the corner. So I have started to try to focus on things I like to that don't include either eating or drinking...here is what I have come up with... line dancing (even though Ihate country music) scrapbooking surfing the web going to the park with my girls watching decorating shows What do you like to do other than eat? Chris

Stop setting unrealistic goals for yourself...5 pounds in 2 weeks is a very good, very healthy weight lose. This is a journey that will last a really long time that will have its ups and downs...learn from both the positive and the negative. And for GOD sakes....THROW OUT THAT scale, it is obviously drivng you crazy.:biggrin: You should be celebrating not complaining. I applaude you on a great weight lose.:thumbup:

Hi Everyone...I love that we have so many people involved in this thread but it is getting hard to keep track. I can't wait to be able to faces to the names. Fran, Lisa and Sue I am so sad that I can't add Notorious November to my signature. I only missed it by 3 days. I know I could lay blame but what good would it do. I am not even sure what the Decembers are called. My meeting is not until November 18th. So I will miss all of you! Slim...thanks for the tip about the unjury. I went to the website to check it out. Are you still drinking protien shakes or did you stop soon after your surgery? I would so much rather drink real food. Is anyone else starting to panic about the holidays. I am basically skipping Thanksgiving but Christmas eve and its preparations are going to be a challenge. Question about the mushie phase...Is the concern what you eat or the consistency of the food? Like what is the goal at that time? Thanks Random thought: I really hate these new Brooke Sheilds commercials for Volkswagon.

Congrats!! I just got my date as December 3rd. I guess its liquids for Thanksgiving and mushies for the hOlidays for us! We can do it and know we are not in it alone. Chris

HI Everyone Welcome Amanda. I said the next time I would post I would have my surgery date and I do. December 3rd. I am really bummed that i was unalbe to get in before Thanksgiving but at least I will be mostly healed by the Holidays. Wow I think it has really hit me that this is real!!! I can't wait. Chris ps EVERYONE HAVE A NICE WEEKEND!!

HI Everyone-- So my file finally went to Liz today. I have been trying since last WEdnesday to get the Cardio Doc to write the letter of clearance that Dr. Geiss actually wanted. It turns out there was some miss communication between both offices. I was really stuck between two very strong personalities at both offices. I really wanted to give it to both of them but I followed the old bees with honey mantra. Lcubed - Do they give youa choice about the educational meeting? If they do the time you are going is perfect for me. Cappy -- it was so great to meet you last night. I feel like I know you my whole life. I didn't realize how effective that guy was until I thought about that excersize all day today. I can't wait for us to meet everyone else. Please KIT. Susancarole - you are doing so well. What is the best part about your knew lifestyle? Inspire us!! Slim2be - I would love for you to join us in Dec. I think the more of us that support each other the more successful we will all be. I am not telling anyone about the surgery expect my husband and mother. I know I will need someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of. Candle - All I can say is WOW!!! Elisa - you should be proud of yourself that you are 25 lbs down. I think that is a huge accomplishment. At this point I would cut off my left boob to lose 25lbs -- --- ok really my left arm. Have great night everyone. I am hoping my next post is a surgery date.:eek: Chris

HI Everyone, Susan--I am so glad to here you are doing so well and I would like to join you and Lcubed at one of those post op meetings. LCubed _ I'm hoping to have the same surgery date too but since Cappy just got Nov 20 it looks like it won't happen. My file looks like it is going to Liz tomorrow or Monday so I am hoping to have my date by the end of next week. I just want it already so I can plan around it. I am on our negiotations team at work and I keep trying not to committ to meetings in November but eventually I will have too. I would prefer to schedule the meetings around the surgery instead of the opposite. Cappy - I will look for you and your Hubby on Monday. I think my mother may come with me. She is interested in the surgery also. I thought it would be a good idea for her to come. When you spoke to Liz were they booked through Nov 20th? I was hoping to be banded around then. I would like to combine my recovery with Thanksgiving break. Hello everyone else...I hope you are all doing well. I can't wait for us all to be banded and sharing success stories. What changes have you made, if any, to get ready for our new lifestyle? I have started to cut up my food before I sit down. I also leave my 1 cup measuring cup on my counter top and I fill it up. Mostly Protein and then some veges and a carb if we are having. I just want to get a visual grip on what 1 cup of food looks like. It is slightly more than I thought although I can still eat at least double. I have also signed up for a Hip Hop class at my daughter's dance school. I thought it sounded like a fun way to get in some excersize. Have a great night? Is any one playing Palin Bingo tonight? Chris

Hello everyone - old and new So I finished all my pretesting and its on its way to Dr. Geiss's office. I was thier to meet with the Pysch on Wed. Jennifer said as long as she has my paperwork by th eend of next week I could have a date as early as mid-October. She said my insurance company is really quick to approve. I was reallytaken back by that. I think i will have to hold off until mid-November though. So I am looking at Nov. 10 or Nov 17. L-cubed we may just have our surgery the same day. I am so excited that it is so close. Susan - I have read that there are some patients that get very little fill and are successful b/c they are not hungary between meals. Maybe its the band sitting on that part of the stomach that sends messages to the brain. I guess it could also be a placebo effect. Either way who cares is it is working. Right? Hi Cappy - I am going to that Tuesday night meeting too. I will be the fat one. ( Just kidding--I know warped) My Name is Christine I will be sure to introduce myself. I am in my mid-thirties with short brown hair I will probably be wearing a dress of some sort. Musicmir--Hang in there!! You are in the home stretch. Everyone have a great weekend.

I have a few questions. I have been researching the LapBand option for months now and I am getting closer and closer to the actual surgery. I have all my finall preoptesting this week. While talking with the nutrionist and a friend about why I am considering the lapband, I began to wonder what is going to make this attempt to be a healthy wieght different? I read this site every night and it is full of people who done really well since there surgery and are well on there way to goal. But i have lost and gained 80 lbs 3 times. I know how to diet, I know how to follow a plan, my problem is always in the maintainance area. I like many others have this all or nothing attitude towards food and when it comes to dieting it is perfection of nothing. I am hoping that those of you that have reached goal and been able to maintain it for sometime can shed some light on how you got to goal and how you are able to maintain it. :eek: How did you pick your goal weight? How does the band help? Is it easy to gain wieght back? How much excersize are you really doing to maintain? Are you dieting? How do you handle social situations? :thumbup: I know those of you at goal are out there, I am just afraid that this site may be a bit like weight watchers. Where you sit in the room and they point out all these people who are losing but in a room full of 25 people only 2 have actually made it to lifetime and kept it off. I really what this experience to be different. Thank you in advance to all who answer.

Hi Candle...or should I say neighbor. I don't think their was anything pessemistic about your answers. They are the reality I wan to hear. I do hear more and more that the band is a safety net for those who were successful and that diet and excersize were really the key. I can totally live with that. Its not losing that scares me at all it is doing all that work and then gaining it back. I am really trying to wrap me head around how this will be different. Congrats on your success it is inspiring!!

Lcubed - It would be great if we can have surgery the same date. I am aiming for that Monday or the following one. Both of those days are short work weeks for me due to Veterans day and then Thanksgiving. I am jsut trying to minimize time lost with my students. The two weeks after Thanksgiving are Parent-Teacher conferences and I am going ot have a hard time taking either one of those off. I have an italian greyhound her name is Giovanna (italian name for an italian dog) We call her Gigi for short. She is 4 years old. WE thought about rescuing another one. Then the realilty of 2 kids under 3 set in. The last thing I need is another dog. But we lover her. :redface: I hear the big greyhounds are much tamer than the little ones. Have you all told people that you are being banded? I don;t really want everyone at work to know but I have no idea what to tell them. I am also trying to keep it from my mother in law (big mouth) but she is starting to question all my doctors appointments, she lives with us and is getting all the appointment confirmation calls. She thinks I am really sick which I find a bit funny. Anyone got a good lie for me? Susan--I think it is a great idea that you got rid of your scale. At this point I think we need to enjoy the weightloss journey and learn as many lifelong lessons as possible. I had to get through the batteries from my scale out I was freakin out weighing myself 100 times a day:w00t:.

WOW- Sue you are doing great? How do you feel? How long were you out of work? Any postop secrets you would like to share? Lcubed-when you got your date were to able to pick the time of day? I am hoping to get an afternoon date so I won't have to take that day off of work. I told my mother today for the frist time that I started this journey. Up to now i have only discussed it with my husband. I am trying to keep it as secret as possible but it didn't feel right not to share it with her. AS I expected she was so supportive and was really happy for me. She sort of came of like she wanted to suggest it to me sooner but didn't want to hurt my feelings. Anyway it seems real now. My last test is on Thursday so I hope my papers will be reviewed early next week. Lcubed--Is your dog an italian greyhound? Mine is sleeping on my lap right now!

HMMM...one beer. I think I am better off just staying away. My beer drinking could possibly lead me to a different 12 step website. :girl_hug: But makes me feel good to know that I will be able to have one now and then. Manatee---you are speaking my language. What you explained is exactly what I am looking for from the band. I almost wish I could just lose the weight and then have the band put on to stay that weight. But we know the insurance company will never go for that. So how did all of you Celebrate reaching goal? I am going to try to put away $20/lb I lose and celebrate with an all-inclusive vacation at a beach in the carribean. This time I will spend my time swimming, snorkling and maybe scuba diving and not drinking myself stupid trying to forget I am the fattest person there in a bathing suit.

Emilie...I thought the exact same thing!! hehe

I thank all three of you for your time and honesty. You all have answered exactly what I have expected and what I needed to hear. I know from reading this site that the Lapabnd is not an easy fix and it will take the same time and commitment as following any plan. But it is good to know that in the end that it will become a lifestyle change on its own. Amd I will not spend every ounce of my day thinking about food for the rest of my life. I have been "successful" on diets before but i have learned that true success comes in maintainence. That's the part I can't master. I don't worry about slider foods to much b/c they are not my problem foods. I am much more of a chicken wing and beer kinda girl. I will miss beer. Thanks again and kudos to all of you for reaching your goal and sharing it with the rest of us. Chris

Thank you all for getting back to me. Luluc - I always pay attention to your posts because I have noticed you have reached your goal successfully. I also think you look great. (We have the same haircut. lol) You said that you keep around 1100 calories. Is that what you need to be satiified or is it an effort to stay there? Do you count calories? I envy you having the time to workout 6x per week. i usually get in around 3 hours a week. I know that I can't committ to more than that for life. I can't wait to have more energy though so i am not dead on the couch by 8:30. Indiogirl-- I hear everything you say. And I am also at that A-ah moment. For me the a-ah was I am killing myself flucating with my weight and at the end of the day I am back to where I started ( actually heavier) and I am not willing to do this again and gain it all back. I need Brakes, I think that is what the band will be for me. Do you find that you make the right choices most of the time and let the band help you with portion control? Is this a lifestyle that you can up keep? Has it become natural or do you still spend a lot of your time thinking about food (like when you are on ww)?