msdeneen2004

It truly is a journey. Hopefully, the time you spend making sure of your decision allowed you to mentally and emotionally accept all that comes with it. Just know that our bodies are all different; some of us lose alot quickly, while others of us lose at a much slower rate. Stay focused and committed, YOU'RE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR !!

I am. It seems as though my progress is slower than most, but it's progress nonetheless !!

You have truly inspired me. It may have taken you 2 years, but the end result looks like the journey was well worth it. CONGRATULATIONS !!!

So excited. I had my 1st fill today, 3.5 cc's. I've lost 20lbs and 1 1/2 inches off my waist. No issues, whatsoever. All is well !!!

Girl, things are really going well. Still at 14 lbs so far, but I'm excited because I managed to maintain even after a 7-day cruise last week. The band is doing just what it's supposed to, remind me that IT IS THE BOSS and that I can't do what I use to. I'M LOVING IT.

Returning back to work wasn't bad at all. I took it pretty easy for the 1st two days back. I will tell you that I thought I was going to die on the 1st day, but that was because of my bra. So I'm telling you right now, wearing a bra afterwards may be a painful thing because of the pressure on your upper abdoment. After I "unsnapped", I was a brand new woman. So far so good. I'm on the next food phase and made myself some homemade chicken soup. TASTE LIKE HEAVEN !!!

Everyday is getting a little easier.

I bought a rotisserie chicken last night, cut a few pieces and put them in the blender. Who knew that pureed chicken and thin mash potatoes could taste so-o-o-o-o good.

I've lost 14lbs since 8-20-10. Even though, I can't exercise alot, I've found that if I walk just 30 min a day while on this liquid/mushie phase, the scale just keeps moving in the RIGHT direction. Yeah, ME !!!

Brina: Do you exercise? If so, what do you do and how often?

I hear ya. At one time, I was more mortified about having the EGD versus the actual surgery. It was fine. You really don't feel a thing. You'll be under local anesthesia. Your throat may feel a little funny afterwards, but you'll be fine !!!

You're funny !!! I'm actually doing ok. I'll be returning to work tomorrow. Two things have helped me: I found a GNC protein shake mix with 52 grams of protein in it and the protein really does help in keeping the hunger pangs in check. The other thing, and probably most important: A friend of mine gave me a divine word: "Don’t let your flesh try to sabotage what God has given you to help you get healthy. You are a strong and determined woman. Each time you drink when you really want to eat tell yourself you are worth the sacrifice because you are. Remind your body that your spirit man is in control now. She makes the choices that will produce the greatest reward (health) and give you the long life you desire.

After reading that, I was truly inspired to hang on a little while longer. Hope that will inspire you as much as it did ME !!!

Hi fellow August Bandster, always exciting to meet new friends along this new found journey. As much as I love my doctor, I wouldn't mind having yours right about now to advance me on. Even though this yogurt I just ate seems to be very satisfying at the moment. The other motivator is that I've lost 12 lbs since last Friday.

Let's definitely keep in touch. Hope to be celebrating "our" success stories REAL SOON.

Msscaramel, I've been on this journey since January 2010. I had to undergo a 6 month nutrition consultation, etc. Needless to say, I got thru all of that and had surgery this past Friday, 8-20-10. I'm still excited about my decision. I have not had ANY issues. I'm able to swallow, no throwing up, no pain other than what's expected as the incision sites. I've been walking since day 1. The only struggle I have right now is this liquid phase. Today is really hard, but I have to remind myself of the importance of healing properly so I won't have any issues. Lost 10 lbs since Friday, so that's encouraging. Stand by your decision, I don't think you'll regret it. When I turned 39 last year, that was my IT'S ALL ABOUT ME moment. Do the same and I'm sure we'll both be successful. Stay in Touch !!

Brinabrina, thanks so-o-o much for the encouragement. And you are correct, I'm about ready to kill just to have a scrambled egg. However, losing 10 lbs since Friday is somewhat of a motivator, even though I know it's due to starvation. I have to remind myself of the importance of the liquid diet and that's to "heal properly". I looked at your before/afters and I'm amazed by your progress. Keep moving forward and chat soon !!!

Brinabrina, thanks so-o-o much for the encouragement. And you are correct, I'm about ready to kill just to have a scrambled egg. However, losing 10 lbs since Friday is somewhat of a motivator, even though I know it's due to starvation. I have to remind myself of the importance of the liquid diet and that's to "heal properly". I looked at your before/afters and I'm amazed by your progress. Keep moving forward and chat soon !!!

Your profile is so-o-o-o encouraging. I've been banded now for 3 days. Looking forward to more of your progress !!

Wow, thanks for the encouragement. What post-op diet did your doctor provide?

My journey officially begins tomorrow. Can't wait !!!

Ladybug: I have the same requirement with my insurance company, Center of Excellence. I still went through Real Results, with Dr. Duncan, however he will do the procedure at Atlanta Medical Center, A Center of Excellence. Real results is marvelous because they offer 1-Stop Shop service.........

Just found out today that UHC has officially approved my surgery. Surgery date is 8/20/10. So-o-o-o-o excited !!!

Today was my 1st official visit. It was alarming to hear all of the many steps that must be taken before actual surgery, however, right now I'm totally impressed with the 1-stop shop approach with "True Results-Atlanta". They literally either set-up all required appointments for every test and consultation that is needed for the next 6 months.