lessofm3

She OBVIOUSLY doesn't realize the band is just a TOOL! Just because she now has the band in place it won't magically make the excess weight disappear. I'd be willing to be she will be the first one to complain that the band didn't work for her. How irritating when there are many out there who want the band yet can't have it done because their insurance won't approve it, and here's this nitwit who has the band and doesn't use it to their advantage. What a waste.

Unforgettable, Thanks so much. I'll check it out.

I also started my highest weight at 262, a BMI of 45. High blood pressure, and border line diabetes. Just mere weeks after I had my surgery I was taken off my blood pressure medication, and have already dropped my BMI down to 37.2. Deciding to have this surgery was the best decision I have ever made in my life. The band is a tool that does help me control the amount of food I eat, and I have a mind set after putting my body through this surgery to eat only the healthiest of food. Low fat, fat free, sugar free, high in protien. If you decide to have this surgery and stick with the program, and follow your doctors instructions I think you will be very happy with the results. Amazingly I do not feel the hunger pangs I did before the band. Good luck in your journey.

I went this morning for my second fill. I didn't think I was going to get a fill, but went because until December I need to see the surgeon and coordinator once a month. The doctor told me he coudln't justify giving me another fill since I've lost 18 pounds since I saw him for my first fill on July 16h. I guess I'm on the right track, however, I know there's no possible way I have reached my "sweet spot" after only one fill. The doctore said more than likely he will have to give me a fill on my next appointment. I'll keep y'all posted. Hope everyone is doing well in their journey.

Unforgettable, I was going to try the Greek yogurt, but when I was at the store today the label said 14g of sugar. What type of Greek yogurt do you use?

Indigo Girl, Thanks for your advice. I guess there's two reasons I didn't think I reached my "sweet spot".....one because in the past I didn't know what restriction was of course that was BEFORE the band, and I hear about how most need MANY fills before they've reached their "sweet spot", and two, my doctor didn't think I would be alright with just one fill, although after reading your post, who know's as you said everyone is different. I go back in a month I guess we'll see. To be completely honest though, I really wasn't too disappointed. Not getting a fill meant I didn't have to go back on liquids for two days. I know I just need to keep track of what I eat, and make smart food choices to succeed. Thanks again, and good luck with your journey.

Thank you

Tomorrow will be 2 months since my surgery. I have been doing alright so far, but for some reason suddenly I'm craving sweets. Does anyone know of any good sweets to have that won't have a negative impact on what I have accomplished so far? I pulled out some rice cakes I have in my pantry only to find out they're white cheddar flavor, not to mention I don't know if rice cakes would be ideal. I would think they would have a tendancy to get stuck. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Congratulations Teena! I agree 100% with the others about the new clothes. I have already gone down 4 pants sizes and 5 top sizes. I've bought some new clothes, but seems as soon as I did, I outgrew them! Good luck and keep us posted!

Thank you.

I just had my husband take a picture of me since I"m 2 months post op. We forgot to take my 1 month post op pic. Anyhow, I posted the pics on my profile, but the reason I'm writing is because I NEVER realized how BAD I looked prior to the surgery. Looking at both pictures I am shocked at what I used to look like. I can't believe I thought that was acceptable for me. I am so happy I decided to go ahead with this surgery. These pics for me were quite eye opening and if not even more reason for me to reach my goal. Peace out everyone!

Thanks everyone! I guess I forgot about the sf pudding and jello. I think when I posted this I was thinking CHOCOLATE! I do know that I don't want to deprive myself of anything because I know in the past with other diets when I deprived myself, it turned into an all out eating fest! Anyhow thanks everyone for the advice!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! May you have much success in your new journey. I too almost canceled my surgery. For weeks leading up to my surgery I kept questioning myself and my poor husband if I was doing the right thing. Deep down I knew I was doing the right thing, but I still had the little inner fear. Now I'm so glad I went through with the surgery and looking forward to a healthier, happier, and skinnier life with my husband and children.

Hello and welcome to the site! This is a great place! Congratulations on your future banding! I love my band! I don't regret for one day that I made this decision. Good luck!

Cloteal, I just came across this post. I also have bcbsnc. I'm happy you were finally approved. I don't understand what their (bcbs) problem was, but at least you are now approved! YAY! Let us know how you are.

I can understand being nervous, this is something new. I think everyone who undergoes this is nervous. Mainly because this is something that is life changing. I remember my surgery, leading up to the date I was becoming more and more nervous/anxious. You will do just fine and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Like Tonya said, there will probably be slip ups, but remember the band is there as a tool to help you along in your journey. Looking forward to hearing about your journey. Good luck!

Ok so sliming and pbing is this something that everyone goes thorough at some point?

The dietician that is with the program I'm in told me to keep my calories around 1,000-1,200 a day. I am having a VERY difficult time doing so. I always fall short. I find that I am eating somewhere around 600-700 calories a day, yet I do not feel deprived. It doesn't matter what I try to eat, I cannot reach the recommended caloric amount. What happens is I plan my meals out each morning, then when the mealtime rolls around, I am not able to eat everything I had planned. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can raise my caloric intake, or is this something I shouldn't worry about? I'm still losing at a steady pace.

Thanks I'll do that!

I might also add I drink anywhere from 4-6 16.9 ounce bottles of water a day along with 2 cups of decaf coffee once in the morning and once in the evening.

I wasn't instructed to wait 3 minutes between each bite, however I was told to put my eating utensil down between bites, and to chew, chew, chew. By doing so my meal lasts anywhere from 20-30 minutes. The only downfall is by the time I'm halfway through my meal is cold :-( but if that's the price I pay to be thin and healthy so be it!

I was just wondering if there was anyone in Watauga county NC and if so, if they know of any support groups. Right now the only support group I know of is more than an hour from me.

30 pounds since June 3rd? That's fantastic! Like others have said everyone loses at their own rate. You can't compare your weight loss to others. Also, keep in mind you didn't put on your excess weight overnight, so you're not going to lose it overnight. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!