REALIZEinCT

Hi Sara, My doctor said to do whatever I could tolerate as soon as I could tolerate it. There was no specific time frame. However, every surgeon is a little different and yours may have a more specific guideline. I started with walking the day I came home. Running wasn't comfortable for a couple weeks. Good luck in your journey!

Before: 9/08 273# After: 12/15/09 185#

You shouldn't have a problem getting approval with a 40+ BMI. Those who are 35-40 BMI usually need to have a co-morbidity. I was 42 BMI with no co-morbidities and got approved easily by Anthem BCBS. Good luck to you!

Hi Mya, congratulations on being banded! Many people gain some weight in that period known as "Bandster Hell" but it is not a given. I continued to lose weight during that time because I worked hard to limit food intake and count calories and I hit the gym. I wish you the best of luck for your journey :thumbup:

Congratulations on making the decision to get banded! Don't worry too much about the fills...it's a painless process (except for, perhaps, a quick pinch when the needle goes in) and it takes less then 10 minutes. You're not likely to feel any restriction after the first fill. I didn't feel any restriction until after my 4th fill...I've had 6 total and am in the sweet spot now. Good luck with your journey!

My surgeon is cool with coffee and alcohol...in moderation (maybe that's why I like him?!). Coffee is frowned upon mostly because it can act as a diuretic and alcohol because of the empty calories. I have not had a problem with either....

I've had 5 fills and have 6.2 cc's in a 9 cc Realize Band (1 unfill along the way too). I definitely cannot go any tighter. I've lost 83 pounds and can't seem to lose anymore no matter how strict the diet is or how much I workout. I feel great though and would be satisfied if I didn't lose another pound. Also, it's helpful that people, whose opinion I respect, have said that I don't need to, nor shouldn't, lose anymore weight. I also did the Couch to 5k Program this year and ran 3 (!) 5k's already!! The program works and it made me a runner. I love running now and would highly recommend it to anyone else. I am very happy with my decision to get banded and have enjoyed it immensely! Good luck to everyone else in your journey.

Just completed my 2nd 5k in as many days! I know, I thought it was crazy too when I signed up for two in one weekend. But it went great! Time was 29:34! Keep up the good work everybody...the program works!

Congrats on your amazing success Jenn!

Keep with it! When I started it I was like you describe. I'm now on week 8 (after 10 actual weeks) and I'm running for 30 minutes straight! Just keep with it. It works! Pete

No regrets whatsoever. In fact, I'd say it's the best thing I've ever done for myself :wink:

I got my 3rd fill last Friday... 5 cc's in a 9 cc Realize Band... wow what a difference! I think I'm getting close to the "sweet spot". :bored:

I think everyone has the pre-op doubts but I definitely have no regrets about my decision. Best thing I have done for myself! I would do it over in a second.

Congratulations on your decision Danielle. For me the surgery and recovery was surprisingly smooth. I had no issues. I have absolutely no regrets with my decision. It's normal for a mother to be worried about her daughter. Maybe if she meets your surgeon she will feel better as she will be able to get her questions answered and he will (hopefully) inspire confidence. Best of luck with your surgery! Keep us posted on your progress.

Personally, I'm avoiding all the "good junk" like the plaque. I figure that since I'm not really having cravings yet (or small ones that I can defeat) then why risk falling off the wagon? But, I think once you have a good handle on your new habits it's okay to have a treat once in a while.

I asked the clerk at GNC for the highest protein, lowest sugar, lowest calorie whey they had. This is what he recommended and it doesn't taste bad either! Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard - Chocolate Malt - OPTIMUM NUTRITION - GNC

Banded 4/1/09!!

I was banded on 4/1/09 and had an allergic reaction to the dermabond and to the glue used to hold the topical bandages on. It was itchy as hell but all better now!

Hi Ashley, I was banded on 4/1/09! Congratulations and good luck in your journey. Keep us posted!

Good luck Shannon! Keep us posted!

What questions do you have?