LoseIt!

Best of luck to you! I'm sure it will go well.

I encourage you to look through this site. You are going to find so many answers and even answers to questions that you didn't know to ask!!

1. I was self pay, so I don't think I can help you here. Since I was paying, I didn't have to wait. My cost was $10k for the surgery and a full year of after care.

2. My pain was worse than I had anticipated for the first week. However, I had esphogeal spasms because of my swelling which I'm finding out is rare. Plus, after a week, it faded and I was great!

3. The Lap Band doesn't work like Gastric Bypass, so the weightloss is lower at first. However, through good aftercare and getting fills, you get to a good restriction that allows you to control your hunger. I lost about 12 pounds on the 2 week preop diet and I lost about 10 pounds in the month following surgery.

I also encourage you to research your surgeon. Even better, if they offer support groups, see if you can attend one prior to being Banded. I think aftercare is SO IMPORTANT. If your surgeon focuses a lot on that, I think it is a good sign.

Good luck to you!!

You CAN do this!! You ARE doing it!!

I don't have anything more or better than Bklynike or sandra, but just know that what you are feeling is very normal. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make it any less FRUSTRATING!! But know that we are all here for you and just keep up with your aftercare and it will get better. In my opinion, this is the worst part! You WILL make it!

You just got me excited, ha! YAY for you!!

Good for you for making a healthy change even prior to surgery! That is really hard to do and in my opinion, even harder when it isn't required. So kudos!!

I do want to tell you though that with the Lap Band surgery, things won't necessary turn around immediately with surgery. There is a period after surgery that is affectionally (or not!) nicknamed "Bandster Hell". Once the swelling goes down and before you are filled to proper restriction through aftercare, you are probably going to be very hungry. Just know that once you do get proper restriction, you will have a lot of help you need to battle that weight! I don't want to discourage you...quite the contrary. I want you to know that it takes a little while so you don't get too discouraged up front.

Just stick with it, do what you know you need to do, and come out here and vent! Best of luck!!

I think you did a fabulous job, considering! Now that I have the band, it is easier for me to make some better choices, but I'm not so sure I could have pre-band. Maybe it was a good sign for you to see that you need the band? I know I went through the same questions. Good luck on the rest of your pre-op diet. It sounds like you are going to do well.

I did want to second what Sandra said about seeing how you can work with your hubby to help you along. I'm sure he definitely doesn't mean to trigger you, but he mind need some pointers on what to do to help you. Choices will be easier once you have some restriction, but you still have to make them.

Keep at it, chica!!

Oh gosh, I hope you feel better soon!!

Awww...I was a Job's Daughter when I was young and I always recall his suffering when I'm faced with trials. It always puts things into perspective for me as well.

Great way to look at things! I remember my two week preop diet. I won't lie, it was harsh. BUT, it was only two weeks. Now I'm 8 months out and feeling groovy. You will be too!! Good luck!

Oh gosh, don't stop talking on this site...we need you!! Talk to us, we love to hear what you have to say.

I completely understand what you are saying about "outside" people. I have the same tendency to talk about it all the time and then my friends (who are EXTREMELY supportive) are like ENOUGH ALREADY! But we are here for this exact reason. You should feel safe to come out here and say whatever you are feeling!!

Struggling with compliments IS tough. I understand that as well. It takes everything in me to just say thank you. I have gotten better at it, but I still say "but..." in my head. That's going to take a little longer.

We love you, girl! Please never feel silenced. You are valued and cherished!

I should have looked at them before I posted. WOW! Such a difference. I knew you were doing well, but it is really apparent!

If you read my blog at all, you know I LOVE pictures! They aren't so fun now, but I absolutely assure you that you will be so happy to have them later. Keep up the good work!!

Woo hoo! 32 pounds gone. Over 20% to your goal. Congrats!!

Oh my gosh. First of all...hugs to you! The boyfriend thing had to be horrendously hard and I'm so sorry. Second, we are all like you. It is such a struggle and we have to support each other. I suppose there are folks out there that do everything right and never revert back to bad behavior and that is awesome! But the rest of us can stick together and get each other through it.

You've taken a first step. Now take the second. Make a plan, set some goals... It probably feels so overwhelming, but step by step is how we get there. Good luck to you!

When I first read your post, I read 31 pounds. HA! I was like, holy cow girl! Congrats on the loss!

Attitude is SO important! It seems to be the most important key for me. If I'm feeling good, I do well. If not...well, I don't do so well. Positive thoughts and moving forward!! Whoop whoop!!

I agree. I think many of us had that issue right after surgery and it will course correct with fills. I think it is always best to follow your doc's advice.

You are going to look spectacular!! Can't wait to see!

Girl you are absolutely adored, so you blog whenever and whatever you want. I've found that the blogging should be whatever you need it to be. I need it to be every day, or I lose my focus. Even if the entry is boring and no one comments. I LOVE comments, but sometimes, it is just about doing what I need to do to focus.

You keep up the fabulous work, girl!!

Glad to hear that you got the "all clear" yet again! Fills are an important part of the process, so good luck! You are doing just great.

That is amazing success!! If I lose 100 pounds in a full year, I will be ecstatic. Excellent job and you should be quite proud of yourself!!

I just realized that I have a neck! Woo Hoo!

Good for you! It will be hard, but it will also be worth it. Cucumbers and bell peppers are my favorites and it looks like you have them covered.

That is so, so, so EXCITING!! Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the recipe! I love hearing about things that people have tried and love.