arkansasbandster

This is called "Bandster Hell" and is the time after the euphoria of banding wears off and before restriction begins. Don't worry about it -- this will pass. Just be patient with yourself, and use this time to try to begin making good food choices and practicing a bit of your own self-control. Begin an exercise program if you haven't. Doesn't matter how little, just get consistent with it. The band is a tool and doesn't do it all for you, so by the time it does start doing what it's intended to do, with multiple fills, you will be doing your part. Hang in there - it's all in the process.

Hi August Bandsters -- I was banded August 11, 2009 and have lost 52 pounds so far (started at 228, now at 176). I didn't go in for scheduled fills in December, January, and part of February, and had a pause in my weight loss. I was fine with that - I didn't gain anything (lost a few pounds), but we were travelling a lot and I was happy to be not too tight. I absolutely LOVE my band, and my most conscious thought is that I don't want to strangulate myself so that I won't be able to eat properly. So far, so good. I can't believe the difference in my mobility, and it's just so much easier to navigate my body around throughout the day. Keep on truckin'!

My doctor doesn't discourage us from having soda pop from time to time, after the initial healing from the surgery is complete. Some people can tolerate it better than others. For myself, I really enjoy a diet pepsi every now and then, so about every couple of weeks when it pops into my mind, I'll have one and enjoy every sip! I've never had any problems with it at all. My doctor is geared more towards balance rather than the whole good food / bad food perspective. This is working the best for me and my past relationship with food (either all or nothing). Talk to your doctor to see what his/her take on it is.

CONGRATULATIONS!! It feels so good to enter through the gates of onederland! Yay for you! : )

How inspiring!! And how FUN for you to let that ship sail! Congratulations! : )

I'm lovin' your blog - we can all so relate with your issues, and you make them so entertaining! Thanks!!

I went through the exact same thing, as I'm sure most did. I'm right with you about the pain vs. the nausea. I only took one pill after being home, and I was done. I can deal with pain, but absolutely cannot stand the way pain meds make me feel. So I walked ... and walked ... and walked. I ended up not sleeping that whole first night, and walked over eight miles in small increments. It was weird -- I was just walking like a zombie, but it helped with the pain. And I really believe that it helped me get over it all way faster than normal. My doctor strongly encouraged me to keep moving, and I took him literally! Keep your chin up -- it will all keep getting better from here out!

So sorry you're feeling down. This part of it will pass very quickly. Just remember that it really WILL be worth it in the long run, and in just a couple of days, you'll be feeling way better. Take it really easy, and you'll be fine and this will all be a distant memory. : )

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It's so important that we "newbies" (I got my band in August) hear from people who've had the band as long as you have, and beyond. It's great to hear it's all been worth it for you. And great job on the exercise!! : )

That is too funny - I swear that I just read another post on this site just this morning, I think it was, where they'd dreamt about pizza and donuts. What a combo!

Happy handfasting day!! : ) (And I think "mainstream attractive" is way over-rated - in my opinion, interesting looks trump cute looks every day of the week.)

Here's my doctor's recommendations for "soft food" stage: low fat yogurt, sugar free pudding, lean deli sliced lunch meats, canned tuna or chicken, soft non-fried fish, low fat turkey chili, meatloaf, ravioli, swedish meatballs, scrambled eggs, omelettes, cottage cheese, fat free refried beans with a slice of low-fat cheese (yum - this was my favorite!!). Lots of stuff to choose from!

I felt so nervous the first time I went out to eat with people, too. You know what I discovered? None of them were at all interested in what I was eating or not eating, and nobody noticed anything! I took smaller bites, chewed my food really well (like you, I certainly didn't want to have to make a scene by running to the bathroom!!), and made the whole meal more about conversation and laughter with my friends. I think a soft steamed or grilled fish would be perfect. Take your time, enjoy your friends, and don't be self-conscious. If you don't make a big thing of it, chances are nobody will notice a thing. Good luck, and have fun!!

Hi Cherie - I sent you an e-mail and would be happy to talk to you about Dr. Wellborn. I'm so pleased with him and his approach to lap band surgery and the aftercare.

Hiya Shonette - I accidentally deleted your message to me, but not before just glimpsing your name. Sometimes my fingers get carried away! Would you please resend your message? I promise I'll read it this time! : )