tracie30

Hi Sarah, I'm Tracie 30 years old, 5'7 and 339 at my heaviest. I was banded October 16th have lost about 44 pounds. My reason for being banded was simple. I want to be healthy. In your post, you reminded me of myself at your age. You're right, the world is not always kind to overweight people but you have to live life now. Just because you get banded and lose weight your life is not going to magically become perfect. I have been heavy my entire life but I accomplished so much while being 300+lbs. I finished college, I own an insurance agency where I employ 4 people. I have been married 11 years to a wonderful man who does not have a weight problem and yet he has never seemed to view me as a fat girl. He tells me everyday (true statement) that he thinks I'm beautiful. My life has been amazing weighing over 300 lbs. My reasons is truely to be healthy. I can read between the lines that you think once you lose weight that your life will have more value than it does now. You need to learn to love yourself before you embark on this journey or I fear you may have other problems arise when the weight is gone because life is not perfect and it won't be just because you lose weight. Getting a job should have no bearing on your weight. Employers need hard working, dedicated people everyday. I caution you to find out what your passion is and what you want to acheive and follow your dreams absent of how much you weigh. Good luck to you!

Thank you very much! I have experienced PBing. You're right...it's not a pleasant experience. Thanks again for clearing up my confusion!!!

What is PBing? I see that referenced a lot but have no idea what it means. I am guessing it means vomiting but I just don't know for sure. Can someone please let me know what it means? Thanks. Tracie

Hi Jenny, I think everyone who posted has great points but I would recommend breaking these issues down into managable tasks. Get out the Bandster Rules and pick 2 of these you can tackle and make as natural as breathing. Once you have those 2 down, maybe 2 weeks, tackle 2 more. This way it's not so overwhelming and you can get back on track. That's what I'm doing to try to keep from falling off my wagon. Hope this can help you! Good Luck! Tracie

Good Luck Wendy! I was nervous too but by this time tomorrow it will all be worth it and the journey begins. Once you get through the first day or two, it gets better! I'll keep you in my prayers! Tracie

Hi Everyone! I had my surgery on October 16th and like many of you I fear that the band won't work for me. I weigh myself twice everyday (once in the morning and once in the afternoon). I have 6.5 cc's in my 14 cc band and I have restriction but I want more because I think it will work even better for me. I have my 3rd fill scheduled for Dec 12th and I think that one will hold me for a while. The point of this thread is to share with everyone what I am dealing with personally and some things I have come to realize. I have lost 44 pounds since I was banded. This weekend I had more energy than I have had in a long time. I am assuming its coming from the little weight loss I have had. I also notice that I am losing about 1-2 pounds consistantly and am learning to be ok with that. I think many of us get freaked out when we don't wake up the morning after surgery and discover that we didn't lose the 100 pounds or more that we struggle with. I know I will have moments when I get down on myself but I am learning to enjoy this journey. To focus my attention on not only eating better but taking care of my skin, hair and improving myself overall in anticipation of the new physical me. I don't want to be the same miserable person that I was when I was 339 pounds. I want to look forward to all the things I will be able to do when I lose weight. I want to relish in those moments when I can cross my legs and put socks on without having to contort my body into embarrassing positions. It would be nice to wake up tomorrow and be 150 pounds lighter but in reality, I have to be patient. Good things are coming for me and will come for you too. Let's congradulate each other on those 2 pound loses as we do the 100 pound loses and be proud that we have 2 pounds less on our bodies. In a year when I am much thinker, I want to remember the journey rather than the negative self talk I have been having with myself. Good luck to everyone! Tracie

Welcome Mike! This is the best thing you can do for yourself!! Keep us posted on your weight loss! Good Luck!

Hi Everyone! Please know that this surgery is not the end of your world. I am 4 weeks post op and I had to call my doctors office and beg for a fill tomorrow because the swelling is gone and so is my restriction. I can eating anything and everything even though I shouldn't be. I have 4.5cc's in a 14 cc band, believe me, when you get to the other side of this, you're going to realize that you are stilling dealing with the same "head" hungry and that at some point, nothing is off limits. I also feel that food is my best friend. Thank God for LBT! Good luck to each of you!!!

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to share an idea I had about excerise. I just purchased one of those "Interactive Dance Mats". I thought it would be a good way to move without being bored out of my mind and staying in my own home. I purchased it on QVC today for $36 (including taxes and shipping). It's simular to a Nintendo Wii but it just plugs into your TV and and you can get started. It also has hand sensors so you have to move your arms too. It looks like a total body workout. I think it will be a great way to challenge myself and have fun with dancing. Also it will be a way of getting a workout through the hard winter months here in Ohio. If you purchase it and don't like it you have until the end of January to return it back to QVC. Just want to share! Good luck!

I was banded on Oct 16th and I had also had that lump in my throat. I believe it is just the swelling because everyday it seems to get better. I researched Lap Band for almost 3 years and there was things I never read about such as the large stomach growling but the pouch is full. That was the strangest thing for me. This phase of the band is a little discouraging but hang in there, it will get better. When you are putting on those skinny jeans you won't remember this part of Bandster Hell. At least that's what I tell myself!!! lol

I was banded last Thursday and I have my first fill scheduled for this Tuesday which is 2 days sly of 3 weeks. Is this too soon? My doctor told me I needed a fill every 3 weeks until I have enough restriction. Anyone else having fills this often?

I was banded on Thursday and today was my best day. The gas was horrible and I am still having issues that just seem abnormal but I feel so much better today compared to the 2nd and 3rd day. I under estimated this surgery. I thought I would be 100% in 2 days but as I found out...it takes a week or two to get feeling like your old self. Good luck to all of the new Bandsters!!!

BlakQueen, I wish I could help you with the ticker but the one I have is not set up correctly because I can't update it. I know there was directions posted one time; if I come across them again I will PM you. Thanks everyone!!! I know I just need to hang in there. It will get better. It's just a new experience and I appreciate your patience!

I know I don't have "head hunger". I haven't eaten a bite in 3 weeks...I know I am starving!!! My dr told me after the surgery that he left 3cc's in my 14cc band. I am scheduled for my first fill on Tuesday. Seems quick but my dr. told me I will get a fill every 3 weeks until my restriction is tight enough. I just hate the feeling in my throat...it makes burping hurt and hard but man does it feel good when I get it out.

I was banded last Thursday. I was told to drink Protein shakes which I can't stand anymore. I am having 300 to 500 calories at most every day since my surgery and I am so hungry I could literally eat the keyboard!! Even if I wanted to eat, I am not sure I could. I feel like there is something stuck at the bottom of my throat. It's not painful but I have thought it to be the restriction, but I have not had a fill yet. Is this just the "bandster hell" I have seen others refer to? I have researched to find out how you're supposed to feel and eat the first couple of weeks after surgery but I haven't seen anything on this forum. Could someone share there experience with "Bandster Hell"? I would greatly appreciate it.

I am 4 days post op...Wow! I can't believe how quickly it all went My dr. required 2 weeks carnation diet pre op and 2 weeks post op. First of all, I am sick of carnation, second I am so hungry. I had chicken broth and Jello today in addition to my 2 carnation shakes and as I sit here my stomach is growling. I feel some restriction and have been sipping Water to help with the hunger but so far it hasn't worked. I thought lapband would make that nagging hunger away. Does anyone know how long that hunger sicks around? Does the hunger go away when you get to the puree stage? I have 10 days left until I can eat puree and I can't wait. Also the gas is horrible. I seriously feel like someone has punched me between my shoulder blades...my poor husband has rubbed my back until his hands are sore. All feedback is appreciated!!!

That's great! I was one of the lucky ones too. I had my first consultation on July 29 and had surgery on October 16th. No PCP diet, just blood work and pysc. eval. Good luck on your journey!! BTW...I am very jealous that you got the news in Hawaii...lol

I know everyone out there has a story but my surgery is Thursday and I feel like I need to vent and have some clarity. Like most, I have been over weight my entire life. Unfortunately no one else in my family was. I was raised by a single month who weight an astonishing 111 pounds when she delivered me. That's right...111 pounds. I exceeded that weight in Fourth grade. food was always an area of focus in our home. Never seemed like enough food and so when there was food I would pig out...feeling like it would all be gone tomorrow. My mother, not knowing how to communicate with me always critique my weight and as a form of motivation (as she tells me now) she would say cruel things. This lead me to hiding food and eating when I felt it was safe. When I started dating my husband (who has no trouble with his weight), my mother would tell him not to take me out to eat on our dates. She would tell him I didn't need additional access to more food. This would embarrass me to a point that I wanted to hide under a rock, even though I knew she was looking out for me. She just didn't know how to go about being dignified about the situation. Even though I have come to terms with why I eat so much...it's hard to control those emotions. Now I have been married 11 years and my husband has never made one comment about my weight...NEVER! Even though I have gained 100 pounds since we married. My mother and I are very close however I can tell that she doesn't understand how I got to where I am. No one in my immediate family is over weight and even though I have finished college, have a successful marriage, and own an insurance agency. No one in my family has accomplished half of what I have done and even still I am looked at as the family member with problems. When I decided to have weight loss surgery I researched for nearly 3 years. When I made my final decision I made sure I was doing this for a healthy me and not just to conform to what they think I should be. My mom will be with me for my surgery and I am really glad for that but when I am thinner and healthier and I am going to remind her that I am still the same person she has known my entire life, regardless of the package and that my reasons for WLS was because I wanted to live longer not be the size she always insisted I be. Thanks for listening!!

Welcome to LBT!! You are going to be so glad that you found this site. It becomes your resource for all your questions. Best wishes in your Weight Loss Journey!!

Hi Everyone! I am sure this have been thought of prior to me but I wanted to share some ways I am surviving the liquid diet. My Dr. put me on the carnation Breakfast diet and I have been getting bored with chocolate and French vanilla (strawberry was aweful...in my opinion) So I went to the baking section of the grocery store and purchased flavored extracts. The orange extract mixed with the French Vanilla taste like a Dream Sycle. The banana is delicious!!! Peppermint extract, French Vanilla Carnation and warmed milk for breakfast...so good!! There are tons of flavors to choose from. All you need is a couple of dropped so I dont think it's adding more than 5 or 10 calories but it helps to get through the diet and add some variety. I hope this helps everyone. I am sure you could add the extracts to your vanilla Protein shakes too!!! Surgery 10/16/08 - Whoo hoo!!!

Thanks for giving me clarity on that issue. I am so close to having the surgery and I am just waiting for the shoe to drop and someone tell me my surgery has been postponed due to something I haven't anticipated. Thanks again for the advise!

Hi Everyone, I just read a post about having TOM during surgery and realized I should start on Tuesday next week and my surgery is that Thursday. Does anyone know if TOM might delay the surgery? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

My liquid diet is going ok. I miss FOOD!!!! But I am excited about starting my weight loss journey. Keeping my eye on the prize helps keep me focused!! Keep me posted on how everyone is doing!!

Hi Lisa, I'm Tracie from Ohio and I my surgery is scheduled for next Thursday. You will find a lot of support here. Good luck in your journey!!!

I HATE white lies. I honestly believe in karma but I don't understand why this machine is such a big deal. I just spoke to my husband and his uncle has one that he doesn't use. I may "borrow" it for a couple of days!!! I know what setting I'm required so this may be a good fix for my problem.