Sarah F

Hey everyone... I've never used my card, but I have no problem ordering an appetizer. Or just asking them. But that's me. At Cracker Barrel, where we tend to stop when we're traveling, their kids meal states that it "is for kids of ALL ages" which is awesome... They have a veggie plate that I can get a (huge) salad and mac and cheese, or something else and a drink for $3.50. Also, they offer all of their fried kids options grilled too (i.e. chicken tenders can come grilled if you ask for it). Pretty cool IMHO. Good luck!

Wow... so many and I'm only 4 months out... I think the biggest has been fitting into a clothes size that I haven't fit into for almost 8 years! Also, my daughter telling me how skinny I am now (she's 5) and my husband noticing the loss when he hugs me. Lots to enjoy!!!

No regrets at all from my perspective. I am just over 100 days out from the surgery, and I truly feel like I've started a new life. I feel good, I am more confident... it has been a great thing for me. I will say it took me 3-4 years to get to the decision, and at times, I wish I had done it sooner, but the time wasn't right. This past February was right. I'm happy to be a resource... check out my blog or PM me with questions! Good luck. Whatever your decision, it will be the right one for where you are when you make it.

You have to make the decision that you feel right with. I was banded 3 months ago, and have lost a total of 33 pounds (including pre-surgery loss)... it isn't as fast as I would like, but it is slow and steady and showing no signs of returning. Good to have different points of view, but if you follow the rules, and are committed to the process, you'll have success - however you define it! Good luck

I weigh myself every morning, right after I wake up and potty! Although I weigh every morning, I only use my Friday weight as an "official" weight for tracking purposes. Otherwise, it helps me know how to manage my day!

Amy is right - be patient - the first 6 weeks for me were within 4 pounds of each other... until I started getting fills, I wasn't seeing as much weight loss. It will come though - let your body heal and trust the process! I'm down almost 35 in less than 3 months from my surgery. At first I thought it would be more, but I'm VERY happy with the process, because unlike before, it isn't coming back on!!!

I was just moved off 2 weeks of mushies yesterday, and only lost about a pound by my count. My doc reminded me that this is for healing, and to be prepared to gain a few pounds between now and when I get the first fill... then the losses will start coming again! Hang in there!

Thanks everyone! I love reading these... they are great!

Yours is actually one of the ones I follow on a regular basis!!! Thanks! It is a great tool - definitely eased some of my fears leading into my surgery. Keep up the good work! You've inspired me a good deal. Sarah

I'm wondering if anyone is blogging about your lap-band experience(s)? I've started one as a way to fill in my family on what's happening without having to answer the same question 18 times... it is http://losingweightgainingtons.blogspot.com. If you have one and are willing to share it, I'd love to take a look! I've found that these personal stories are so helpful as I'm going down this path... I was banded on the 20th, and thank god for a few other blogs answering a bunch of questions beforehand! Thanks,

Hi everyone - I was banded on the 20th, no BM for about 5 days... I had diarreah (sp?) though. I was STARVING on days 3, 4 and 5 but then it seemed to settle in okay. Got moved to mushy foods on Thursday last week, and have had a much slower weight loss since (about 1/2 a pound). Good luck to you all - the liquids sucked... but it is all part of the healing!

Hi everyone - I was banded on the 20th (yippee!). All in all it was very smooth. Got to the hospital at 8:30, and was called back within about 15 minutes... Got all my pre-op drugs started, and the doctor said that they had the band in place within 10 minutes of the surgery starting... I had done a good job on the liver shrinking diet, so he was able to finish up quickly. I had a few minor issues... I didn't have a great recovery - was pretty nauseous, then once I got upstairs my morphine drip broke - which no one noticed for 3 hours... and then later, I threw up because of the pain. Not fun. Then, my IV infiltrated my arm, so they had to switch that out and give me compresses for the swelling to go down. But after that, I was fine. Went home the next morning at 11, and have been since moved to mushy foods. Down 20 pounds from the start, but now that is slowing as I'm onto mush foods. Good luck everyone! :-)