sandi2004

OK- so I'm here to help - having started out at 424 I definitely feel your pain. The ONE thing I learned for sure from this journey is that I have to stop beating myself up for whatever- bad food choices, gaining weight back, whatever. Being hard on ourselves and being negative doesn't help. You can't take back the food choice you made yesterday, but you certainly can make a better one today. Also, I go back to basics when I have strayed and it helps me get back on course. Please email me or PM me with any questions or just to chat. You may be able to find some useful information in my story which I am blogging at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story The whole purpose for my blog is to give some encouragement and hope.. I think it may be useful for you. Please let me know. I'm interested in your feedback.

You are incredibly fortunate! Most everyone I know here in California has had to dig very deeply into our own pockets to cover PS

Regarding insurance and paying for plastic surgery that is a very delicate subject. Some insurances MAY offer a little coverage for removing the apron of skin left at our stomachs after weight loss in certain situations, but for the most part they will not. It certainly is worth the effort of trying though. I was lucky enough to get some coverage for this after I had my lower body lift, but it didn't even begin to cover a big part of the cost. I was grateful though, because anything is helpful. I had to send the insurance company pictures taken by the plastic surgeon as well as his records, the records of the surgeon who did my banding and my primary health care provider's records- all to support the fact that the apron of skin was causing rashes, infections, and impinging on my movements. You can find some of my plastic surgery information on my blog at I’ve mastered my tool and I am maintaining my success. I hope you can find some useful information there or feel free to email me.

Wow, lots of mixed feelings here, but what comes through loud and clear for me is that banding is "easy" in that it works, but not "easy" in terms of what I (or each of us) has to put in it. I think the agreement is that the band, along with changes in what each of us do helps us lose weight, and, for the first time in our lives, keep it off. Also, easy is not a bad thing, and may actually be the wrong choice of words. I was suggesting easy from the point of view of what people who have never had our struggles see as out choice to have surgery. I know, because I thought that way too - I would never have weight loss surgery- it's the easy way out AND it is dangerous. Well, here I am, almost 6 years out, having had the courage to have surgery, and the motivation to learn and implement new habits and make them a part of my life. I could not have done this without the band..Nope, not easy, but the RIGHT way. Congratulations to everyone who has had the courage to make the choice. The journey continues for me.

Hi Meg: Yes, I still feel like it's a dream and I have managed to lose the 250 pounds already. i wake up every morning and run my hands up and down my body to make sure it is real- that I am actually a normal weight and no longer over 400 pounds. So, I guess, it never goes away. The one great thing is that when I'm done, and I realize there is actually empty space in my bed (as in, my body no longer fills it), I look at my husband sleeping and then get up (easily I might add) out of bed with a smile on my face. Dream, yes- Impossible, no! Check out my story - I have started a restrospective blog of my journey at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story You may find some inspiration and encouragement to help you along your journey. I'd be interested in your feedback.

Some other ideas for mushies could be cottage cheese, yogurts, oatmeal, beans with a bit of shredded cheese melted on them, mashed potatoes or yams, or, as Majj suggested, blended just about "anything". I never had any problem with scrambled eggs or poached eggs- and I liked a dab of cottage cheeses with a poached egg over it and a bit of sale..hmmmm - it's 7am here and I haven't had breakfast yet..think i just figured out my plan for breakfast..:w00t:

This is truly a journey and it takes time and committment. It starts when you begin exploring the possibility of surgery and continues for the rest of your life. When I looked at it as the beginning of a new phase in my life it helped me be a little more patient with the process. Another thing I kept reminding myself was that I did npot put the weight on overnight, that took years, so why did I think everything would resolve instantly? You have a hectic life, but it does sound full and rich. I found this journey only enriched my life. First by improving my health tremendously, both physical and psychological health, then by virtue of all of the wonderful people I have met and continue to meet along the way. You are doing the absolute right thing by reaching out. You'll make it to the next phase in the journey sooner than you think! You may find some of my stories about my journey interesting. You can find my blog of my journey from 2004 to now atSandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story I'd be interested in your feedback.

I was responding to a forum posting by someone who was having a hard time. She was wondering out loud if weight loss surgery was the easy way out. Apparently, that’s what she was hearing from people in her life. I know I have worked very hard to get to where I am today, healthy and at a normal weight. EASY WAY OUT? I don't think so. After battling obesity from the time I was 2 years old, the band finally gave me the means to win the battle. Almost 6 years later I am still having little skirmishes although I am maintaining my weight loss. Take last night for example. I made a great dinner- some salad a piece of salmon and some quinoa. I know exactly how much I can eat, but still put too much on my plate. I also knew when I was full, but continued eating past it, and was forced to pay the not so pleasant consequences of a hard stop. Why do I still do that on occasion? I don't know, but every day, with every meal I still need to make the correct choices. And every morning when I wake up I am still amazed that I am no longer fat. Face it- we all have issues with food- I definitely do, and it will continue to be a challenge for me. That's why we are all out here on line supporting each other, learning from each other. I plan to go back to basics today- everything served on a dessert size plate because that's all I can eat! What was I thinking? The point is, I wasn't...mindless eating is what got me to where I needed the band to gain some control and I am not about to let it take over again. So now you have my two cents on Gastric Banding- Is it the Easy Way Out? What do you think?

I was responding to a forum posting by someone who was having a hard time. She was wondering out loud if weight loss surgery was the easy way out. Apparently, that’s what she was hearing from people in her life. I know I have worked very hard to get to where I am today, healthy and at a normal weight. EASY WAY OUT? I don't think so. After battling obesity from the time I was 2 years old, the band finally gave me the means to win the battle. Almost 6 years later I am still having little skirmishes although I am maintaining my weight loss. Take last night for example. I made a great dinner- some salad a piece of salmon and some quinoa. I know exactly how much I can eat, but still put too much on my plate. I also knew when I was full, but continued eating past it, and was forced to pay the not so pleasant consequences of a hard stop. Why do I still do that on occasion? I don't know, but every day, with every meal I still need to make the correct choices. And every morning when I wake up I am still amazed that I am no longer fat. Face it- we all have issues with food- I definitely do, and it will continue to be a challenge for me. That's why we are all out here on line supporting each other, learning from each other. I plan to go back to basics today- everything served on a dessert size plate because that's all I can eat! What was I thinking? The point is, I wasn't...mindless eating is what got me to where I needed the band to gain some control and I am not about to let it take over again. So now you have my two cents on Banding- Is it the Easy Way Out? What do you think?

Hi Jeri: You have made a great decision for your health and happiness. With every pound you lose moving around becomes so much easier. at 61 I am now in great shape- it's fun to look at my muscles in the mirror- and off of all of my meds- blood pressure, asthma, arthritis and my C-Pap machine is gone! I work out 6 days a week and actually look forward to it. I am here to help any way I can. sounds like you have started out with a great attitude and some instant success- that will keep you going- but remember to reach out for us as questions or concerns come up- you are not alone- that is the most important thing I learned when I started this journey in 2004. Good luck!

You guys are amazing- there are more and more of us over 50 every day- When I was banded in 2004 I was the exception on 2 counts- my age was high (56) and my bmi was high- (68+) and here I am now, living life and loving it- today in a pair of size 10 jeans, pink sweater, tucked in with a belt studded with pink crystals..who'd have thought that about a 424 pound lady 6 years ago- and now I'm 61 and catching up for all those years of sedentary living- there's no holding me down... Themoral of the story here is _ GO FOR IT!

Easy way out? I don't think so. after battling obesity from the time I was 2 years old, the baand finally gave me the means to win the battle. Almost 6 years later I am still having little skirmishes althouh I am maintaining my weight loss. Like last night for instance, I made a great dinner- some salad a piece of salmon and some quinoa. I know exactly how much I can eat, but still put too much on my plate. I also knew when I was full, but continued eating past it, and was forced to pay the not so pleasant consequences. Why do I still do that on occasion? I don't know, but every day, with every meal I still need to make the correct choices. And every morning when I wake up I am still amazed that I am no longer fat. Face it- we all have issues with food- I definitely do, and it will continue to be a challenge for me. That's why we are all out here on line supporting each other, learning from each other. I plan to go back to basics today- everything served on a dessert size plate because that's all I can eat! What was I thinking? The point is, I wasn't...mindless eaating is what got me to where I needed the band to gain some control and I am not about to let it take over again.

Hi Debbie: You are so right- it's not easy, it takes alot of work, but be assured, it can be done. I am almost 6 years post op and have been maintaining a 250 pound weight loss. every day I still have to think about what I am going to eat. Don't get discouraged.Every single one of those pounds took work and planning on my part. I am up in Ventura so we are close. If you like send me an email at sandi@bandedliving.com and we can start a conversation. Where are you on your journey? If you would like to read about my experiences you can find my blog at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story You are not alone.

The windy city deal can last for a while...just be patient- it's the drastic change in diet probably. And the restriction you feel when you drink is probably due to swelling...but I felt restriction and didn't require a fill for a long timeso who knows. Just take it one day at a time right now. I am so glad you're feeling better. Every day keeps getting better- just don't overdo it. I have started a blog (a retrospective) of my experiences over the last 5+ years and you will probably get a kick out of this post Recovering # 002: What Have I Done? Or – The Day After Lapband Surgery – May 29, 2004 I'd be interested in your feedback.

Hi all: I'm Sandi and I am 6 years post op and maintaining a 250 pound weight loss.My desire to give back to this community which has supported me in reclaiming my life, has inspired me to start a retrospective (reverse) blog of my experiences on my journey. One of my most memorable experiences was the morning after my surgery. Please share it with me at Recovering # 002: What Have I Done? Or – The Day After Lapband Surgery – May 29, 2004 Please let me know if you find some useful information.

I was also worried that I wouldn't wake up from surgery, or that the doctor would not be able to band me because I was too big. These seem to be normal concerns, so I guess we're normal. regarding the pain and the gas post surgery, 2 weeks later it seemed like a distant memory to me. The brain is a wonderful thing. Now here I am, almost 6 years post op maintaining a 250 pound weight loss and my only regret is that I didn't do this sooner! I am so passionate about my new and improved life of Banded Living that I am blogging my experiences from the beginning of my journey at I’ve decided on a band and I’m working with my surgeon to get ready for surgery. See if you can find some words of encouragement to help the next 9 days go a little faster for you. I'd be interested in your feedback. Good luck on your journey!

I think a "refrigerator magnet" for the 10 Things... is a great idea. what a perfect place to keep all of us thinking about what we're doing.

Welcome Christine, You have made a great decision. I have been on this journey for almost 6 years and would be more than happy to share my experiences with you. I have been successful (250 pounds lost) and am feeling great for a 61 year old woman - certainly better than I did at 50! How are you doing - are you still on liquids?

OK- I only met with a dietician once before surgery and I do not even remember what she said- but then it was a long time ago. What I've learned is that every doctor has a diferent set of "rules", of what they want their patients to do before surgery and immediately post operatively. It is important that you follow the instructions you get from your doctor. I know this sounds a bit "straight-laced" but you will find all sorts of, let's say "interesting" information on various boards and you may find yourself so overwhelmed with information you may not be able to distinguish what your doctor told you vs what you read somewhere. That aside, I have almost 6 years experience with the lapband, I am now 61 years old...ughhhh...and have successfully lost 250 pounds and am maintaining that weight loss. I would be delighted to share my experiences and help you any way that I can. I feel so passionate about "paying it forward" that I have begun a blog of my experience. You can find it at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story You may find some useful information and tips there. I'd be interested in your feedback.

One final word- the results are worth it! (ok- that was 5 words) Best of luck to you!:thumbup:

With your family it certainly will not be easy, but it certainly will be worth it! When do you start it? You may find some "words of wisdom" on my blog where I am writing about my almost 6 years of experience with the band. Specifically our "7 things I wish I knew before having lapband surgery" which you can find at : YouTube - BandedLiving's Channel I'd be interested in your comments. You can find all of the blog posts (like how I got through my surgery and what the anticipation was like) at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story I'd like toknow if this information is helpful

Here's a list of 7 tips for preparing for getting banded: 1. Start documenting your journey - Use a 3 ring binder. Get a head on, full body before picture. Write down important phone numbers. 2. You’ve decided to have surgery, now who are you going to tell? – This is a very personal decision and should be carefully considered. Weight loss surgery is still not understood by many people. Once you tell someone you are getting a Lap-Band® or Realize® band, you can’t take it back. 3. Keep your doctor’s instructions in reach - You will be referring to these instructions frequently in the weeks before and immediately after surgery. Having them handy is important. 4. Useful things to bring with you the day of surgery that may not be on your doctor’s list – Your doctor’ list will include ID, insurance card, someone to drive you home. We add a pillow, your IPod® for distraction, and please wear loose, comfortable clothes. 5. Prepare your home for your first days after surgery- Have someone available to check in on or look after you the first few days after your weight loss surgery. Take into consideration where you want to spend your time for your first few days home. 6. Stock up on things you will need for your first weeks after surgery - Can you say Protein drinks, Soups, sugar free popsicles and juices? Learn from others who have bands and who have been successful - Use your doctor’s support groups and find a mentor. This journey of Banded Living can be more successful and more fun when you share it with others also on the same journey. If this is useful for you please check out my blog for further tips. You can find it at: Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story I'd be interested in your feedback

Glad the soreness is minimal, and yes, the food choices are limited but you can do it. Just little bits, slowly and plenty of fluids between meals. Be sure to stay in touch with all of us and let usknow how you're doing- or ask any questions, or just comment on what's going on. You have a big cheering section so use us! I'm here to help.

That's great! I'm glad you are planning on waiting, and yes, the hanging skin really does get annoying (and in the way). good luck on your journey. You will be thrilled with the LBL if that is what your final choice is. I know I am. I love my flat tummy! My loss was 14 pounds from the LBL and about 4 lbs from my arms - or batwings as I not so lovingly used to call them. And remember- slow and steady wins the race.

Consistent losing is what is important- and keeping it off.Learning how to work the tool and then making choices regarding your food, etc is what this is all about. you should be thrilled with your loss, and as long as you keep at it, it will keep coming off no matter how slowly. If you decide you would like to kick-start your weight loss, send me an email and I'll share some ideas that worked for me as well as others I have been a mentor to. I set my exercise for first thing in the morning before work because I know myself well enough to know that I would never get there after work. I also bring my Breakfast and lunch with me to work to try to keep myself from making not so great choices. these are just a few....Basically, it's have a plan and work the plan, don't expect miracles, MAKE them!