sandi2004

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there

Wanted to be sure all of you bandsters or those of you interested in learning about bands were aware of the NW Weight Loss Conference in Portland OR 10/28 through 10/30. Check it out here. Dr. Emma Patterson will be speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living will be conducting a table talk and presenting a break out session. Look forward to meeting some of you there!

Hi all: Just wanted to let you folks from Oregon know that lap bands will be well represented this year at the NW Weighloss conference in Portland 10/28 though 10/30 with Dr. Emma Patterson speaking and Sandi and Gloria of Banded Living conduct both a table talk and break out session. You can check it out and register hereNW WeightLloss Conference. We sure would love to see our fellow bandsters attend and get your input!

Toni - just take it one step at a time, one day at atime. I know it's nerve wracking but if you get a positive decision you schedule your surgery, if you get a negative decision you regroup and figure out how to stage an appeal. Once you've decided you want the surgery I know it's hard to wait, but one day at a time.....

Beer bubbles actually feel uncomfortable to me AND my surgeon would kil me as well.

Each of our journeys are so different and for some of us daily weighing will work best, others weekly weighing will work best, and others monthly weighing works best. That's what is so great., we can each find what works best for us and follow that pattern. For me, journaling works well when I want to be in weight loss mode or when I've fallen off the wagon along with weekly weighing. At the beginning, monthly weighing and journaling worked best, but then I had a huge amount of weight to lose. You can follow my journey at Sandi's Banded Living.

LOL Maybe you should give your scale away for a while. You are doing great!

Personally I have been able to have a glass of wine with dinner (with my doctor's approval) on weekends since about 5 months post-op. I allowed for the 100 calories in the wine in my planning and still managed to lose 250 pounds an dhave been maintaining that weight loss. It is all doable. You don't have to "eat diet food" or be "on a diet" for the rest of your life, but you DO have to be careful to not sabotage yourself by having the second glass, or the little dessert, or a glass of wine every night. My band helps me deal with satiety so I can plan those little outings with the glass of wine, and yes, even a small square of dark chocolate. I did weight until about 2 years out to add the occassional square (about 60 - 80 calories) or dark chocolate, but I am now almost 7 years out and have learned how to be "normal" while using my band.

The bariatric nurse in my doc's practice suggested only weighing in once a month at the doctor's office. This worked for me, especially since the scales I could get for home couldn't weigh me. It was difficult but it was a good hting because rather than seeing 1/2 pound at a time I got to see bigger nmbers which were very motivating and I used my clothes and how I felt the rest of the time. I must say for a while at 3 months or so out I did weigh once a week at the doctor's office, but that got old so I went to once a month. As you get down there - you may want to weigh a little more often if it helps "keep you honest" It really is a personal decision.

Be patient and think positive thoughts. My fingers are crossed for you. Lap band surgery literally saved my life! Read about it at Banded Living.

You are still pretty early post - op and pain for a couple of weeks on sudden movement is not unusual, as is after drinking either big gulps or cold Fluid. If you are at all worried call your surgical office. Please feel free to PM me with any other questions.

Hi Colleen: I'm in Ventura and I was banded 7 almost 7 years ago. I'd be available to help any way I can. You can email me at sandi@bandedliving.com and we can hook up by phone. You also may want to check out my site Banded Living for some articles to help calm you down for th enext few days and get you through your recovery. You are almost "on the other side" and starting your new life. I know I was excited but terrified at the same time. Think of us sitting at my kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea and coffee and discussing what exciting things are about to change in your life. I know mine did. I have my health back and that is great, and also is only ONE of wonderful changes. I lok forward to hearing from you.