peprmentpati

Before I had surgery, but knew I was getting it - I only told my Mom and sisters and a couple friends. But as it got closer I decided to share with others. It helped me stay accountable, in the past I went on a million diets and other programs and never told anyone or didn't tell everything - so I decided to be more open. That's what works for me, but we're all different. The doctor had me on a pre-op abd a post-op diet. I went on phase 1 of the adkins diet 3 weeks before surgey and lost 27 pounds. I pushed it to that limit. See, If I didn't lose those 27 pounds I was told they wouldn't do my surgery - that scared me! From the day of the surgery + 4 weeks I was on a liquid to soft food diet which went from Clear liquids to mushy foods as the days progressed. Every dr is different and will perscribe whatever they think is benefitial to their patients. It was tough the fisrt 2 weeks - I constantly thought about food - I mean all day long! But I stuck with the program to a T! It really skyrocketed my results. I joined a gym about 6 weeks post-op. I started at 349lbs, I was 300lbs when I joined the gym and I'm 205 now - and I'm 9months post-op. If you follow what the doctor suggests you will reap the success you want! I'm excited for you! Good Luck with your journey! Rebecca

Hello! My name's Rebecca, I'll be 29 tomorrow - yay me! I can relate as well about having a lifetime of weight issues. I would suggest that you be very honest with yourself about what exactly you want from the surgery and what your fears are. Then rewrite them into constructive questions and bring them to your consult. Some examples: what is expected of the diet, how much weight does the average patient lose, or like I said - what your concerns are. I've seen many posts on here where people have said that the diet wasn't explained very well. In the beginning (until you train your mind otherwise) before you get restriction - you have to rely completely on sheer will - especially during pre-op and the post-op liquid phase. To be honest, even after you get restriction you still have to make healthy choices. The band doesn't fix your behavior it just helps you modify them and hopefully as you see more results and get healthier along the way, if and when you do have a not so good day or days, you can get back on track easier with the help of your band. All of that aside, I'm so happy I got the band - I know I wouldn't have been able to make this far without it. This is a great place for support! Always come back here when you need help or a good talkin to. God Bless- Rebecca

From my personal experience: Background: Female; 5'11; start weight @ 349 Banded on 5/19/10 Current weight: 204 1st off I'm a food addict (recovering). I'm talking about constantly thinking about binge eating and always hungry. The band pretty much took away the physical hunger which encouraged my addiction. It doesn't "cure" head hunger or our behaviors, but it allows us to modify them considerably. I'm not hungry until it's been 5 hours since my previous meal and then my stomach will start to growl or sometimes I get edgy from being hungry (don't recommend waiting that long between meals). I usually plan 3 small, protien packed meals a day in which I each in 4 hour intervals. I've had some days where I try to eat more than my band allows because I'm still working on negative behaviors, but that's like maybe 1% of the time. The other 99% I follow my band rules and I feel awesome! I'm not hungry and my addiction isn't active. The band saved my life and has given me the opportunity to live as the real me! I wold do it again a million times over! I've read other posts where some people really struggle with their band. I'm not saying this has been easy, but by the grace of God, I've been successful and can't imagine it not continuing to work for me. Good luck and God Bless! Rebecca

Yes, I can relate. I've felt sad, but most of the time it's very matter of fact. Like I know that the foods that I can't have still taste, smeel, and look good, it's not like that changed. But, I state to myself and others that I can't eat that stuff because it's bad for my body, an allergy that I have an extreme reaction to. I'm a food addict,recovering daily. It would be strange if we didn't experience different emotions during our transformation, know that's it's ok and try to stay present with that throughout your journey. God Bless You- Rebecca

I was banded on 5/19/10. To date, I've lost 144 pounds - I guess that's an average of 4 lbs per week. I was at 210 for about six weeks and I finally had an unfill on Tuesday. I forgot what it felt like to eat food and have it go down without hurting. Today I'm 204.8 and I'm taking it easy - still have an ultimate goal of 165 (40 more to go). My next mini goal is to get to 199.9!!! Wish me luck as I do all of you... Rebecca

yuppers...mine was out of whack for the first 3 months, but I've been back on track ever since (to the day). Rebecca

WOW!!! Congratulations on meeting your goal!!! I'm so very happy for you, your success is inspirational for all of us!!! Be well and God Bless! Rebecca

I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled 1 week after getting my band - I was fine with the meds and obviouslly with the liquid diet, LOL Call your doc when in doubt, but my guess is that you're a-ok! Rebecca

I really don't have an answer for you, but wanted to tell you that I've been pondering that for myself. Do I keep losing until I reach my original, stop here, lose half of the difference, etc... I did change my original many months ago from 165 to 185. Right now I'm 209 (FYI - I set my ticker for mini goals). Back to my point, I don't have an answer for you just like no one has the answer for me - look inside, pray, meditate, write it out - whatever you do and I hope you find your answer. I hope I can find mine as well. I would like to find peace with my body - as much as I can. Good Luck Rebecca

I became addicted to pnut butter. I have dreams about it...for real! About two weeks ago I threw my jar away and went cold turkey. I never ate pnut butter that much before so I don't really know what the connection to PNB and LB is??? However, I needed to take a break because I was craving it too much and I never want to be obsessed over any/all foods again. Rebecca

PB = productive burping. swallowing your food but then it can't make it's way past your tight spot so it comes up. it's like vomiting, but it never made it down to your stomach, so it's a "PB"

Thanks everyone! I will talk all my options over with the Dr., but I really do believe that it's too tight. I really can't eat much at all. I will try a scrambled egg when I get home - if all goes well I'll live off those until my appt on the 8th. If not, protien shakes here I come! thanks again! Rebecca

Thanks for all the information! I believe and accept that I am too tight when before I was a bit obsesses with being "tight" because it meant sure weight loss. As we speak I just finished PB'ing...I need an unfill, like yesterday. Thanks again! Rebecca

Thanks jess! I really think it might be the best decision...

I was banded on May 19th, 2010. I've lost about 130 to 135 pounds (I've been fluctuating the last 5 weeks). I've had 4 fills and if memory serves me, I'm at 8.4cc in a 10cc band. I haven't been able to eat any meat (fish, chicken, beef, etc) since the 2nd fill unless I chop it up and add to a Soup or Water it down some other way. If I don't do the above mentioned I will PB whatever I do get down or I'm stuck with one small bite. I do eat and get my calories in, but I'm tired of eating Soups or meat sauces etc... I'm debating asking my fill provider to unfill me from my current 8.4cc down to 4cc (where I was after fill #1). My thought process is that I would be able to resume eating solid protiens in a more healthy manner with the hope and determination that I still manage my portions. Sometimes I get really frustrated when I PB over and over, it's almost depressing - I end up eating more than I should because I'll consume "slider" foods just so I can get calories in me. I would really love to get some opinions and feedback. My appointment is Tuesday the 8th of February. Thanks! Rebecca

I was banded on May 19th, 2010. I've lost about 130 to 135 pounds (I've been fluctuating the last 5 weeks). I've had 4 fills and if memory serves me, I'm at 8.4cc in a 10cc band. I haven't been able to eat any meat (fish, chicken, beef, etc) since the 2nd fill unless I chop it up and add to a Soup or Water it down some other way. If I don't do the above mentioned I will PB whatever I do get down or I'm stuck with one small bite. I do eat and get my calories in, but I'm tired of eating Soups or meat sauces etc... I'm debating asking my fill provider to unfill me from my current 8.4cc down to 4cc (where I was after fill #1). My thought process is that I would be able to resume eating solid protiens in a more healthy manner with the hope and determination that I still manage my portions. Sometimes I get really frustrated when I PB over and over, it's almost depressing - I end up eating more than I should because I'll consume "slider" foods just so I can get calories in me. I would really love to get some opinions and feedback. My appointment is Tuesday the 8th of February. Thanks! Rebecca

That's so cool!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Rebecca

Congratulations on your new journey! Take lots of pics of yourself and save a piece of clothing that represents your "biggest" size. You will be so proud of yourself and it will remind you of where you came from. Good Luck and use the boards for any bandster advice!!! Very excited for you!!!!! God Bless! Rebecca

For now I waer spanx, whuch works wonders! But I'm saving for plastic surgery. I also work out and recently started strength training to help tone everything thats underneath my loose skin. My plan is to get a full TT, breast augmentation (possible lift), and lipo for a few problem areas. Thankfully, my arms, legs, and back have been good to me... Good luck to you and the rest of us!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Rebecca

I never wanted to do the adkin' diet or no carb, but thru this process I've learned that carbs (especially junk food) will not digest! They make me feel bloated, lethargic, depressed, irritable, and I'm left craving more. I try very hard to aviod most carbs. For one I've haven't had any bread in any form since 5/1/10, the start of my preop diet. I don't plan on returning to any. I've had potatoes in Soup or mashed or baked as well as Pasta - everytime I eat them I feel terrible. Once I get back on track with protiens and no carbs I feel lighter, healthier, happier, I don't have cravings and I stay fuller longer. Through my experience I know that carbs (sugars) are not compatible with my body...so I won't eat them or drink them. Good luck navigating what's best for your health! Happy New Year! Rebecca

I posted this on another bandsters page the other day...I think it could help you too! In addition, do you see a therapist? I do! Do you have Jesus or and spiritual leader in your life to give to strength when you exhausted all of yours? I do! It saved my life. Good luck in your journey, you can still do this! Sometimes we need more help and that's ok it doesn't make us unloveable or unworthy of our dreams, so don't give up! Everytime I have a fill I have to completly change my current diet. Sometimes I eat the same thing from one day to the next - where one day it goes down and then it doesn't. I think our bodies all work different with our bands and no two of us are alike. What I have found for me is that most meats don't go down unless I'm satisfied with two baby bites, anymore and I'm stuck. This process can be frustrating at times, but it will also work! Not that I should be giving much advice because I have rough days and struggle myself, but try going back to the basics... 3 meals a day - avoid snacking etc... protien first (scrambled eggs with cheese or cottage cheese - yummy and don't get stuck!) 20g per meal of protien lots of Water no eating and drinking at the same time work with your band. whenever I get frustrated and try to eat foods that won't go down and end pb'ing all day I get discouraged. When I follow the basics I feel healthy and proud of myself - so try doing that, you've got nothing to lose if you don't (no pun intended) God Bless, Rebecca

Everytime I have a fill I have to completly change my current diet. Sometimes I eat the same thing from one day to the next - where one day it goes down and then it doesn't. I think our bodies all work different with our bands and no two of us are alike. What I have found for me is that most meats don't go down unless I'm satisfied with two baby bites, anymore and I'm stuck. This process can be frustrating at times, but it will also work! Not that I should be giving much advice because I have rough days and struggle myself, but try going back to the basics... 3 meals a day - avoid snacking etc... protien first (scrambled eggs with cheese or cottage cheese - yummy and don't get stuck!) 20g per meal of protien lots of water no eating and drinking at the same time work with your band. whenever I get frustrated and try to eat foods that won't go down and end pb'ing all day I get discouraged. When I follow the basics I feel healthy and proud of myself - so try doing that, you've got nothing to lose if you don't (no pun intended) God Bless, Rebecca

Add me to the list! I ate carbs and sugar...yikes! I went back to Protein only today but I'm still thinking about sugar Cookies and chips! Good idea Cheri - I'm gonna do a liquid fast for a couple of days to get my mind and body back in balance! God Bless Everyone! Rebecca

Thanks for your input ladies! Merry Christmas as well! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it means a lot to me! I will be working on acceptance within myself - it's to think that this may be the end, but I also know that I feel amazing compared to me before. Why can't I be satisfied? Not sure, but I'm going to keep searching... Thanks again, and best of luck to all of us! God Bless, Rebecca Hi Rebecca! Happy Holidays! I think you said it best with : I just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head…thinking about nixing the scale, but maybe I just need to find a way to accept what numbers I'm given and practice loving myself and my progress even more. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it uplifts you. If the scale makes you crazy and doesn't contribute to you loving yourself ... maybe you should stay off of it for a while. You are doing a WONDERFUL job. I hear the last pounds are the hardest to get off, so keep doing the right things, take a deep breath and let your body do it's thing! YAY REBECCA! Happy Holidays to all! ~Fran

I got my 4th fill on 12/2. Prior to that I was stuck between the 3-5 pound range for about a month. I started to get that feeling that maybe this would be where my weight loss would end. Well, I decided to get that fill and I’m so freaking glad that I did. Not only did the encouragement from my fill provider, but the residual effects have been excellent! Basically, I just started dropping weight – like I did when I started my pre-op diet. I was eating mostly Protein (protein first!), feeling satisfied, and loving the weight melting off. I went from 228 to 210.8 (-17.2) in less than 3 weeks – so awesome! Here’s my problem…classes ended on Saturday 12/18 – they had me so stressed! I started back at the gym on Monday and have gone 2 times since then. I made some homemade tomato Soup which I’ve been eating for a couple of days. My weight stayed at 210.8 for a day or so, went to 211, back to 210.8, and now 212.8. The fluctuating between a few ounces to a pound doesn’t bother me, but the 2 pound gain has me beating myself up all day long. I know that I didn’t consume 2 pounds worth of food, for sure! I know my body changes and adjusts without my permission (lol). Why the hell do I have to feel like crap just because my weight mysteriously goes in the other direction?!?!? Maybe I was too greedy with the weight and secretly wanted it to keep falling off because I’m so close to the end (less than 30 to go)? I just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head…thinking about nixing the scale, but maybe I just need to find a way to accept what numbers I’m given and practice loving myself and my progress even more. Sorry for the cry baby session, I feel a little selfish, scared, and confused. Thanks to who ever reads this and understands… Rebecca