incolorado

Thank you, more helpful insights! I understand that losing 100% of excess weight does not happen for everyone. Still, amazing!

Thank you. I think I am starting to understand what you all are saying about this surgery being a "tool." And I am hopeful because I do think a big part of my problem is constant hunger. With that removed, I really hope I will finally find success. I did have a small glimpse of what life could be like as a "not always hungry person" when I started taking Wellbutrin for depression. It really helped reduce my appetite, and I found it much easier to stick to a diet. Sadly, that effect wore off after 6 months or so......And my hunger returned with a vengeance. I also am in a good place (mentally and literally) for exercise - I currently run/walk several times a week, and one of my big motivators in getting the surgery is the desire to go back to running like I used to. It is a life-long love of mine, and not being able to run without stopping constantly just makes me sad. I live in a place where EVERYONE is extremely active and in good shape (including my husband and ALL of my friends). I want so much to be like that again. So, I am hopeful. Congrats to all of you, and thanks again.

I have my first appt with the surgeon this Friday, and will be doing all the psych and nutrition consults on the same day. I was told my surgery could be scheduled as soon as Sept 17! Next month! I am paying myself since my insurance has a blanket exclusion for WLS. Thanks again, it truly sounds like the band has been miraculous for you and so many others.

Restless, Thanks so much for the very helpful reply. Your way of eating makes a lot of sense and seems very reasonable and do-able. I am so excited!

Very new newbie here, another question for you: Describe a typical day of eating, after the liquid and mushy stages - typical meals and favorite foods? I am trying to picture how this will be, as I am the primary (um, make that only) cook for my husband and 4 kids. Do you generally make some of the same stuff and just eat less? Or have you totally changed the types of meals you make (ie less Pasta, more Soup or whatever). Many thanks!

That would really be a dream come true. For so many years I have not even dared to imagine losing enough to be in the "normal" weight range. How amazing, congratulations to you both. And thanks. :thumbdown:

Hi all, I am new here. I have my first consult with a surgeon in Denver this Friday, and will also do my psych, nutrition, and other consults on the same day. I was told I could have a surgery date as early as next month! (I am self pay, hence the speed....) My question is, how much is it realistic to plan on losing? I am pretty close to my all-time highest weight right now, 230. My high school weight, while I was running track, was around 130. My college weight was 140-150. Pre-kids, in my 20s, was 160-170. And after my 4 kids were born, for the past 12 years, I have been at, close to, or over, 200, dieting and exercising constantly only to gain more than I could ever lose. Anyone with similar BMI or weight who can share their experience? Thanks!

Hi there, I am new and on the fast track here...just decided this week to go ahead with surgery, and already have first appt. next week and tentative surgery date for next month. I will have MANY questions, but in the meantime I thought I would introduce myself by repeating the "story" I wrote for my profile, below...... I am have read enough of others' stories to see that mine falls right in line....I always struggled with my weight but was able to maintain a reasonable size (from 140-160 lbs) with diet and excercise until I had my first child at age 29. I gained 60 lbs with that pregnancy and was never able to lose most of it no matter what I did. Three more pregnancies and babies followed....and more weight. I am now at an all time high, 231, which gives me a BMI of 40. Now, that first baby is 12 years old. I have been dieting, exercising, and repeating the cycle of failure over and over and over again for twelve long, hard years. I finally realized I simply cannot do this anymore: it is not working. I lose 10 lbs only to gain back 20. I am missing so much from my former, healthier, thinner life -- like running longer distances -- that I used to do and now just cannot do. It makes me tremendously sad. So, I just made the call to a Dr. in Denver and have my first appointment next week, during which I will do all of the psych and nutrition testing (I am not even sure what all - pretty much everything I need!) I should have a surgery date in September - just a month away! So fast! I am paying myself (my insurance has a blanket exclusion for WLS), so things are able to move rapidly. I am just excited beyond belief. I have much to learn in the next month, and hope to gain from the wisdom shared here.