Catherine55

Both are fine. The pre-op diet for me was a little scary because I was worried about sticking to it -- but I did, and it was just fine. Bandster Hell is hard in a different way because you can eat normal food and have to do your best to control the quantity. A lot of people gain weight during that time. . but it all comes off when you get to restriction. I put on 5 pounds. Cut to today. . and I'm down 63 pounds and am 12 from goal! It all works out in the end! Best wishes, Catherine

I was the same way!! I spent way too much time on this site, blogs, researching, etc. :wink2: Congratulations on your surgery date! You have a lot of things to look forward to!! Best wishes, Catherine

I was banded a year ago in Monterrey, MX by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I had a great experience, and Dr. Rumbaut had a relationship with doctors at a few places in my city (NYC), so I was able to set up my post-op visits before I had the surgery. And, my insurance covers my fills -- even though I was self-pay on the surgery and never even told them about it. (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO). You can see photos of the hospital and info about my experience at the beginning of my blog. I would do this all over again the same way -- I had a really good experience and was very impressed with my doctor, the hospital, and the whole process. I hope that helps! Catherine

2Fly, maybe it would be good to get some distance from that friend. What she is doing to you is not nice or supportive. There is no legitimate reason for her to put you down to be validated in her decision. Maybe she has other good qualities that make staying in touch worthwhile -- but from your post, this doesn't sound like a great person to be around. Hang in there -- you are doing so amazingly! Actually, you may have the fastest loss rate of anyone I've seen on here! Best wishes, Catherine

I forget the exact number of days, but it was while I was still on the liquids phase. It was totally fine. Only thing is. . just be sure not to overdo it. You do NOT want to be hungover to the point of throwing up. Other than that, most people are fine to enjoy in moderation! :wink2: Cheers! Catherine

Among the things I had were. . . mashed potatoes with melted cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt poached salmon refried Beans with cheese turkey chili (I put it in the blender to thin it out, and added chicken stock as well) Soups everything I enjoyed on liquids Sweet potato (yum!) That's all I can think of right now! Hope it helps! Catherine

No -- but I can definitely eat more some days than others! I think it's a bit stress related.

What are you talking about? You are doing great!! :wink2: You are losing between 1-2 pounds a week -- that is a really good, healthy rate of loss. I've been losing at that rate -- and I experience the bouncing up and down between pounds lost too -- and, while it seems slow. . it does the trick! I'm now only 12 pounds from goal. So, hang in there and try not to get too frustrated. Slow & steady wins the race!! :cryin: You will get there in time. Best wishes, Catherine

Weird -- I'm a year out, and this has not happened to me. It really shouldn't be band-related. . your taste buds are in your tongue, not your stomach! :wink2: Maybe something else is going on. Good luck -- I hope it clears up soon! Catherine

I love the Give-Information-And-Educate approach. Your DH may well get with the program once the fear factor is taken out of it. Today is my one year Bandiversary, and I am filled with positive feelings about what the past year has held for me. I have gone from a 1X/16W/20 to a size 12, and have only 12 pounds to go to get to goal. What an amazing ride so far, and knowing that my band will help me keep it off indefinitely is a tremendous source of comfort! Congratulations for your decision! Catherine

Thank you!! That is so nice - SNIF!! - uh-oh. . here I go again! :closedeyes: Catherine

Hi CC -- great to see you on here! That sounds like a tough situation with the work issue, but you really don't have to tell anyone about your surgery if you don't want to. In fact, I think you are smart to keep it to a few people, especially at first. Today is my one year bandiversary!! It's been a fantastic year, and I have been enjoying life with the band and am so happy to be 63 pounds down. . only 12 from goal! I'm wearing size 12 now, whereas I was at 16W/1X/20 when I started. My feet and back no longer hurt, and so many other good changes have happened as well. You have a lot to look forward to! Best wishes, Catherine

I love your list, Louie!! I couldn't agree more with what you said. Today is actually my bandiversary. . and I totally have PMS. . . so it's an emotional day for me! I was talking to our receptionist for a few minutes, and three people came by separately and all exclaimed about how great I look, congratulated me, etc. Mind you -- I haven't told anyone in my professional life about the band. I totally got choked up! Fortunately, only our receptionist knew and she's a sweetheart, so it's fine. It really is a big day for me today, and I am so happy with all of the strides I've made over the last year. It has felt so good to have a whole year of feeling good about my weight, how I am doing on my diet, and how I am improving my appearance, and I'm looking forward to many many more of the same. I love my band. Catherine

Today is my first bandiversary!! What a great year it's been. I've lost 63 pounds and am just 12 from goal! And, along the way, I've had fun, enjoyed myself, made some amazing bandster friends, and had a really wonderful year. For the first time in my life, I feel good about my weight. I am happy with my appearance, and I don't want to hide from old friends because I am embarrassed by how much weight I have gained. Instead, I actually really like shopping again, and I am in the best physical shape of my life. The band has made this whole process so much easier -- and very sustainable for me -- and I feel so happy and grateful to have been able to take this path. Thank you to all of the wonderful bandsters on this site and on my blog who have encouraged me this year!! I have benefited so much from your shared wisdom, empathy and support! With very best wishes, Catherine

Honestly, much of it is due to me not being able, physically, to overeat. I plan my meals, do a challenging workout 3x a week, and stick to the bandster rules about 90 or more % of the time. Works like a charm. Today is actually my bandiversary! I'm down 63 pounds. . and am just 12 from goal. I feel amazing. I did not expect to actually LIKE how my body looks at this point in my life (after how it looked during the past several years), and I feel great about how far I've come! Feel free to check out my blog -- link below -- I have lots of photos, recipes, etc. on there. Could be useful. My best advice to you for right now is to take your measurements and some before photos! You will definitely want them later! Best wishes, Catherine

Louie, you are awesome -- and I love it that DH gave you props on your awesome Boot Camp strides!! Isn't it so amazing how far we've all come this past year?!? Honestly, it was so hard for me to understand a year ago that all of the WL success of the past year would be real. . . But it is! Gooooooooo October (and all other) bandsters!!!!! Catherine

No -- but I can recommend Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. They have a gorgeous new hospital there, and Dr. Rumbaut is banded. He also does 2-incision surgeries for some patients (which is what I had). I put photos of the hospital at the beginning of my blog. Best, Catherine

That is so great! Congratulations and best wishes for a safe surgery and speedy recovery! Catherine

You could probably do it, but if you are planning to be at all private about your surgery, it might be better to sit this one out so that people you may not want to share this with won't be asking you questions about it. BTW, be sure to take before photos and your measurements! You will want them later! Best, Catherine

Right. :cursing: Catherine

I'm glad that Happy2Lose responded -- that is 99.9999% for sure your port! No need to worry -- that's where mine is, too. Congratulations on getting banded! Take your measurements and some before photos asap if you haven't already! You will definitely want these things later on! Best, Catherine

I try to keep it low fat, but I also try to focus on eating real food. Honestly, I eat so little (compared to before) that I feel like it's healthier to eat real ingredients and forego the fake stuff. I still have Diet Snapple Iced Tea (have been off my daily Diet Pepsi for over a year and don't even miss it, surprisingly!), and also have FF/SF Jello chocolate pudding every once in a great while. But, other than that, I try to keep it healthy and just eat real food. Hope that helps! Catherine

There is a simple answer to your question. . . H*LL YES!!! Just be prepared for "Bandster Hell" (when you're back on food but don't have restriction yet). It will be hard to stay on plan, but it's just a few weeks. . . and when you get to restriction, it will be smooth sailing from there on out. I'm not saying you won't have to do any work. . . plan your meals. . . eventually exercise, etc. But it is SO MUCH EASIER than staying on a diet for over a year. And, having your band remind you not to overeat every single day . . at every meal -- while at the same time, you get full quickly and don't feel deprived -- is a huge advantage. So, YES. Not to channel our President or anything, but yes you can. And, you will. Welcome to Bandland. Lots of great things in store for you this year! Best wishes, Catherine

I totally agree with the other posters -- this is just temporary (and if it doesn't go away soon, check with your doctor). Once in a while, my stomach will gurgle weirdly, but it's no biggie -- now that I'm only 12 lbs from goal, I just say -- Wow! Guess I'm hungry! (Whereas before, I never would have talked about wanting to eat.) Apples2 has the right sentiment -- it's been SO worth it! Best wishes, Catherine

Take a bunch of "before" photos so that you can see how big a difference there is later on! Also, take your measurements now -- it's great to be able to see inches lost, especially when you plateau (e.g. when you start seriously exercising). Best wishes, Catherine