WorkingMom

Woo hoo, I've been wanting nice black leather boots for ever and this weekend, I tried a pair on. They slipped right over my formerly very thick calves! Yippee! This is by far the best NSV to date! I might even go get another pair in brown!

Wow, that is great! I am at 73 lbs lost I feel great and have my bandaversary appointment next month. I wish I could drop another 20 by then, but am doubtful!

Joining in late, but hoping to lose 12 lbs by XMAS. Haven't been on this board in months and will need to update my ticker. Thanks!

Congratulations! You are about to start the best journey of your life! Let us know how it goes!

Hi, I am so sorry to hear the many stories of 'faulty' banding, realize or otherwise. It definately sounds miserable for you all who have had these issues. I am one of the fortunate ones, and have had only good experiences so far. I was banded in Jan 09 and have lost just about 70 lbs . I eat and drink almost anything, but just not a lot. If I experienced what the others have, I would want it out too.

Wow ! Congratulations! What an amazing journey you've been on! What an inspiration!

Rocky Mountain Mamma, I felt a lot like you and only my Mom, husband and one close friend know about my surgery. I was not embarressed, but more afraid that people would wonder why more weight wasn't coming off, etc. I am glad that I have kept my surgery private - no regrets, and really no temptation to tell anyone. When people ask what I have been doing to lose weight, I say that I decided to take care of myself, and started working out and eatting right. All true! Good luck, and do what works for you!

Good luck with your journey! Don't get discouraged if you learn that your insurance requires you to do a Medically supervised diet for 3-6 months. I was discouraged and let that get in the way for about 6 months ( had I just started it, instead of being discourage, I would have been banded that much sooner!) I have had my band for 6 months and couldn't be happier! I am running 6+ miles every other day, swimming and working out. I am 60 lbs lighter now, and ready to drop the next 40!

I couldn't be happier! It hit me today that it is EXACTLY 6 months since surgery and low and behold, I got past that 59 lb mark that I was stuck on for a week! Woo hoo!

Hi This has happened to me, it is great that you are writing and wanting to do something about it! I will share that when I see some bad habits and poor food choices come back into my life I have found that if I put on the breaks and do 2 days of a liquid diet it helps me get right back on track. Would this be something you'd consider? Also, I know that if I miss more than 2 days at the gym, I feel awful and tend to go for the wrong food choices. If I keep up my workouts I tend to gravitate to only good food choices. Maybe this is the same with you? Good luck!

Didn't need any post op meds - painkiller in hospital the first night, then tylenol one day at home. That's it. Oh and I am more careful to take a chewable Multivitamin on a daily basis. That's it for me! Good luck!

Woohoo! You'll have your surgery date soon! Get ready! You are about to begin the best journey of your life!

Good luck! That didn't work for me, but invitro did! It can be a tough road, but there are so many success stories! Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work first round.

I had surgery on a Monday and returned to work the following monday. I could have gone back sooner, but wasn't sure what to expect. I have small children, so perhaps I would have had it easier at work! I never once took pain meds once leaving the hospital. This surgery was quite easy to recover from.

Contemplating, Yes, I ran and finished a 10k - I ran 11 minute miles. I'll share a few things. I was a runner pre children, and although a heavy runner ( not heavy like after children, but heavy) I was very strong and consistent and ran and finished 6 NYC Marathons 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 - yup, each one- 26.2 miles. Finished each between 4 hrs 30 minutes and 4 hrs 50 minutes. Fast forward to this weekend... Hadn't run a 10k in 8 years. Only started running again in March. Had surgery early Jan and started at the gym 6 weeks later, using the eliptical and the bicycle for most of the time, then got the guts to get on the tread mill and started. I basically ( as I did in the past) run for a set amount of time, not for a set amount of miles. I cover the display board, as it makes me crazy. I ran a 5k about a month ago, and realized, heck, I need to get off the treadmill and on the streets! Such a different work out between running outside and running on a tread mill. Both good, but oh so different. As for where I am in my weight loss - well, I am about 1/2 way there. I know the running is helping me reach my goal, and I feel great. I do feel shy sometimes, but, you know, I do figure that I am at least trying to do something about my weight, and if someone wants to make fun of me while running, then it is clear who has a problem! Start slow, buy good running shoes and make sure not to run every day at first. Good luck and feel free to write anytime. I am so pumped up that I have signed up for a September 1/2 marathon! I can do this!

Today I noticed that in addition to losing 55 lbs, I have lowered my BMI nearly by 10! 1/12/09 it was 42.7, 6/9/09 it is 32.9 Woohoo! This band is amazing! I am so ready to be the healthiest mom a mom can be! My children are my inspiration, and now, I want to be their inspiration!

I too love my wine. I was prepared to give it up, but...my experience ( no bashing please) is this: 1. I had none during my 2 week preop diet. 2. I wanted none for at least 2 weeks post op. 3. I had a small glass and felt it go right to my head at about 3 weeks. 4. Within the 3 weeks I had another glass and couldn't finish it. 5. At about 4-5 weeks I could drink a full glass and feel fine - then I had a second glass, etc. 6. It doesn't take as long to feel the wonderful effects 7. I enjoy it, but do realize I am filling myself with calories and would lose weight faster without it. 8. I do miss enjoying a meal with my wine - can't really do that. Good luck!

Yahoo! Can I yell it louder? YAHOO!!! The first woman colleague to notice and comment on my 55 lb weight loss! Today! She came into my office, and said, hey, you are the incredible shrinking woman! What are you doing? I have had only a handful of people say anything to me, and I am sort of ok with that, but let me tell you, today, this put me on cloud nine! Just needed to share. I am coming up on my 5 month bandaversary and the encouragement comes at a great time! I also am thrilled, as I ran a 10K this last weekend, and finished strong! Life is good, and the Band is what is helping make it oh so much better for me!

Very similar experience here. Took three fills to get to where I am now - went in for the 4th and decided to go another 6 weeks without adding any. Good luck! I am a twinmamma too!

Bigpapa2 - You aren't such a big papa anymore! I loved your confession, and know you can do this! You have done a superb job so far, and I am certain you'll get back on track for the last pounds. Good luck and keep us posted!

/While there will be tempatations, think about how easy it will be to have all your healthy meals prepared for you! Also, just think you have a gym available to you 24 / 7 how great is that! GREAT! Enjoy, you'll do fine!

Way to go! What an inspiration! Keep going, you WILL do this!

Sounds like you are too tight! Did this just start happening after your 5th fill? From your signature, it seems like your 4th fill was the right place for you. A common misconception is that the 'tighter the better' - unfortunately this is not true, as if you are too restricted you eat the wrong foods, and or don't get enough nutritional foods in. Call your surgeon and discuss what is going on.

Sounds like you are too tight! Please talk to your surgeon and discuss. A common misconception amongst bandsters is that the 'tighter the better', and as your food log will tell us, it isn't true! Cream of chicken, 100 calorie Cookies will not sustain your nutritional needs, you will go into starvation mode and not lose. Call your surgeon today, as you should be able to eat regular food on a regular basis! Just not a lot of it! Good luck! Keep us posted!

Way to go! It is great to hear from strangers! My best compliment is similar and I posted the other day about it! It was from a security guard in my office lobby, who called me over and said "I've been watching you...you are looking great!" Keep up your good work!:thumbup: