djzlady96

vayiayia this is an incredible journey. Once you set your mind that this is really right for you, it doesn't seem that hard to give up the "junk" and eat healthy. At least for me it didn't. I was ready. I set my mind to it and that was it. Took me 3 years to get to this point, and I knew I was ready. I did the pre-op diet and didn't sway so then I really knew I was ready. It is amazing that I don't miss a lot of things. The thing I miss the most? A slice of bread with chunky peanut butter. Yep, not the soda, or the coffee or even the fast food. It is that one thing. So for everyone it is different, and you have to just be ready to live differently. Support really helps as well. Good luck, djzlady96

Not sure but why believe that? You can do anything you set your mind to. I am glad my doctor didn't say that or I may have opted not to put myself through this if that was the case. I have talked to people 3-4 years out and they are doing great, and have kept it off. That doctor wasn't being very positive. You decided to do this, so you set your mind to it and you can do it. Think positive. Best wishes, djzlady96

Welcome to the other side. I know that pain in the arm business. That was the worse for me. It is the gas, or so my nurse said, and it will go away. It did, thank god!!!! I am just into 3rd week. Hungry all the time, but that is normal. Stick to the small portions no matter what. I find mixing two scoops of protein powder helps relieve the hunger. Once you are on soft, refried beans really stick to the guts and help with the hunger. I get first fill 4-2, and I cannot wait. Welcome!! It is going to be a great journey. djzlady96

MyMy, Hang tough!! I know what you mean. This is EXACTLY what I was saying at one time. This surgery isn't as easy as most people believe. They think they know but they don't understand the mental part of it. I have had those hungers, and I am getting a fill on 4/2, and I am trying to concentrate on other things till then. Drink the protein shakes. When I am really hungry I mix 2 scoops into a shake and that takes the edge off. DON'T LET YOURSELF GO THERE!!!! Email us all, and rely on people to help you through it. There have been times I wanted to say screw it, but the people on this site have been angels. We are here for you. Go to the chat room and type the hunger away. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! djzlady96

My doctors nutricianist said chicken can cause problems. She did say fish was the most torable meat. I haven't had a fill yet...just banded 3/9/09, but I really can't wait. I am hungry now, and it is hard as heck to ignore that. Surgery restriction didn't last long for me. Hope this tip helped. At the support group last week, another girl had the same problem with meat.

Well I am officially down 12lbs. YEA!!!! It is a small milestone I know, but to me it is HUGE. I am happy to see it coming off. I started at the gym. Oh yea, a lot don't know that story. My wonderful hubby, while I was recovering, went to Lady Fitness and spoke with Joyce the manager. He explained my surgery and got me a membership, and Joyce is my personal trainer. That was so sweet. Some of you may have experienced the emotional ride with this surgery, and I had it bad. I cried when he told me. Anyway, I am now working out. Only treadmill till after doctor appointment Thursday. I hope I can do more then. I have been walking. My gal Caryn, what a treat she is, has been walking with me on days she works. We do two rounds, and it is great to have someone to share this with. My first goal is 20 pounds. I have 3.5 goals to meet. 20 lbs, then the 40 lb mark, and then 68 pound mark and I will be there. It doesn't seem like that much but on this end it is. This surgery is a very emotional ride. You give up alot, but the reward is sweet to me. To others it may seem like we are giving up our whole life, when in actuallity we are getting something great from this. I miss somethings, don't get me wrong. I might smell coffee and really want that Starbucks, or making hubby a Pepsi and then I really wish I could have one. Those are fleeting thoughts, and then I am okay. All in all, I don't regret my choice to have this done. I know it will be worth it when all said and done. :thumbup:

Well I am officially down 12lbs. YEA!!!! It is a small milestone I know, but to me it is HUGE. I am happy to see it coming off. I started at the gym. Oh yea, a lot don't know that story. My wonderful hubby, while I was recovering, went to Lady Fitness and spoke with Joyce the manager. He explained my surgery and got me a membership, and Joyce is my personal trainer. That was so sweet. Some of you may have experienced the emotional ride with this surgery, and I had it bad. I cried when he told me. Anyway, I am now working out. Only treadmill till after doctor appointment Thursday. I hope I can do more then. I have been walking. My gal Caryn, what a treat she is, has been walking with me on days she works. We do two rounds, and it is great to have someone to share this with. My first goal is 20 pounds. I have 3.5 goals to meet. 20 lbs, then the 40 lb mark, and then 68 pound mark and I will be there. It doesn't seem like that much but on this end it is. This surgery is a very emotional ride. You give up alot, but the reward is sweet to me. To others it may seem like we are giving up our whole life, when in actuallity we are getting something great from this. I miss somethings, don't get me wrong. I might smell coffee and really want that Starbucks, or making hubby a Pepsi and then I really wish I could have one. Those are fleeting thoughts, and then I am okay. All in all, I don't regret my choice to have this done. I know it will be worth it when all said and done.

Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so great to hear people's stories. It makes me have more determination. It is inspiring. Keep up the great job.

I have started at the gym and it is AMAZING. I feel so good when I leave there. It is an accomplishment feeling. And it is great. Keep up the good work....26 POUNDS IS AWESOME.

Hi Tammya5, how are ou feeling? Phase 1 can be a tough one. Just keep looking forward to the better days to come. I am 2 weeks now, and 11 pounds gone. I am really looking forward to the first fill. Still feel hungry now that surgery swelling is down. Just remember not to over do it. Take care, djzlady96

Well, I have finally hit Phase 2. I not longer have to puree my meats.(Can't tell you how disgusting that was :thumbup:) Anyway, I finally have some normal food. The hardest part for me is that I still feel hungry, but now that I am on some soft foods, that will change. Can't wait for the first feel. I am down 11 pounds!!!!!!:cursing: I am so excited. I start working out at the gym today with a personal trainer, and I think that will really get me rolling. I am ready. Take care all my new friends and old friends. I really appreciate ALL your support. Wendy

Well, I have finally hit Phase 2. I not longer have to puree my meats.(Can't tell you how disgusting that was ) Anyway, I finally have some normal food. The hardest part for me is that I still feel hungry, but now that I am on some soft foods, that will change. Can't wait for the first feel. I am down 11 pounds!!!!!! I am so excited. I start working out at the gym today with a personal trainer, and I think that will really get me rolling. I am ready. Take care all my new friends and old friends. I really appreciate ALL your support. Wendy

I am a March 9th bandster. Yea!!!! I am one week out a feeling great. Can't wait to see some real progress. I have a suggestion for a name. Several posters have the glittery tracker that says LUCKY LOSER. St.Patrick is the luck of the Irish. Why not use that and name us the LUCKY LOSERS? Just a thought. Good luck everyone, and would really like to hear how it is going for you since surgery.

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As your new friend, and fellow bander, I am very tickled at your success. It really makes me look forward to when I meet those. You are a source of great encouragement. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, one week gone. WOW!!!! It has been an experience. I have had some ups and some downs. All in all, I do not regret my decision whatsoever. I will say it has been an experiencing. It is not something you should do unless you are truly serious about it. It is hard, but it is also the dream I have always had. I was finally at that point in my life where I haven't been before, and I knew I was finally ready to committ. I am very anxious to go to my first post op on the 26th. Since surgery on the 9th, I am 8 pounds down. I am on my way, and looking forward to my brand new life. Thanks for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, one week gone. WOW!!!! It has been an experience. I have had some ups and some downs. All in all, I do not regret my decision whatsoever. I will say it has been an experiencing. It is not something you should do unless you are truly serious about it. It is hard, but it is also the dream I have always had. I was finally at that point in my life where I haven't been before, and I knew I was finally ready to committ. I am very anxious to go to my first post op on the 26th. Since surgery on the 9th, I am 8 pounds down. :thumbup: I am on my way, and looking forward to my brand new life. Thanks for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Balletgirl I know where you are coming from. I just got banded on 3-9-09. So I am still recovering. In five days I am down 8 pounds. Good start. I understand the mental effect this can have on you. Before surgery I was so emotional and cried a lot. The thought of not eating this or that ever again, really played hell on my mind. Even now, as the swelling in the stomach is going down I am getting hungry again. I am wanting all those great tasting things I had before. Then I remember why I am doing this. I have to really hold myself back. It is not easy. I joined on this site about a week before surgery, and it has been great to read others stuff like yours. The only place I haven't really thought to be helpful is the chat room. Rarely chat about lapband or anything. Wish it was a little more along the support line, but hey. Well if you need someone to talk to feel free to contact me. I truly believe in having someone who has been through it to talk to. Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, it is great to hear stories from people farther out than myself. I was just banded on Monday the 9th. So far, day by day is getting better. Had to rough days, but all in all I am not regretting my decision. It is really great what you have done so far, and I am sure you will do even better. I know I am just new at this but I am looking forward to my new life. Thank you for sharing yours. Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:scared2:

granntj: even though the after involves a little pain, the hunger is way different for at least 4 days. I really didn't want to eat a lot. Even now I am just starting to get my desire to eat back. I just realize now that I am on the other side and things get better day by day. Everyone deals with it differently. You may not experience my pain, you may be up and running in three days. Keep your chin up and look at it in the whole, the benefits to this new journey. I am rather excited about my whole new life ahead of me. I would totally do it again. Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!!

Band_Groupie, I did get stuff while in the hospital for nausea. It really helped during that time. If you take the vicodine, you won't have a full stomach, but try to take it with milk. You will be able to have cream of wheat or malt o meal, so take it with those. I am better now. I am on Tramadol, and am taking less each day. You will be good. Best Wishes!!!!!!

I have been there and I can relate. Please stay strong. Keep your thoughts on the end result, what your goal is. I did the three day, and I truly believe other people should try it to see how hard it really is. I relied on this web site a lot for support. Keep going. It will be worth it. Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!

I am still anxious, but all in all I don't regret it. I know there will days when I do regret it, but I know I have to stand strong and have the willpower. A strong support system is also key. If you ready you will be able to do it. I have those thoughts and there are times when I cry because I am scared of the new life style. But, I am ready. I made the committment, and I know that once I did that, I would be fine. Good luck and only you can decide if it is time for you. Best Wishes!!!!!!

I don't know in that area, but I bet if you phoned my surgeons office, they maybe able to give you a referral. 303-861-1790-Dr.Brown. Amy is the office manager. Whatever you do make sure they are ASMBS- A center of excellence certified. I researched Dr.Brown with the AMA and found he had a good record. This web site might be able to help you in your area if you find someone in your area who has had it done. Be selective. Good luck!!!!

I sure wish I hadn't had to pre-op diet. I would agree with your surgeon. I would have felt better getting to eat. Good luck. Hollar if you need anything.