ChicagoWinter

When I was considering getting banded (and for weeks afterwards) I often looked through the forums for pictures. Although I still have about 60lbs to lose, I thought I would post a few pictures for other banders. It took some courage, but other's pictures helped me to be motivated and I wanted to share. People often say it, but PLEASE take pictures if you can. Even if you did not in the beginning, it is never too late to start. There are many days where I feel frustrated, and looking at these pictures help. I often say there is only one thing about my apperance that looked better BEFORE getting my band, and that was my hair. It has become very dry and unhealthy and started falling out. In fact, I recently cut it very short. However, it will grow back, and I would re-do my surgery a hundred times if needed. Hang in there! These pictures were taken the night before my surgery (01/21/10) and on 08/01/10. I am about 65lbs down here.

It is interesting how everyone has such different experiences with the WLS process. I had the opposite experience of the OP. My surgeon started out in bariatrics doing GBP, but stated that he stopped performing the surgeries when he realized that he would not recommend the procedure to his friends or family. In his opinion, it was much more high risk than LAP-BAND®®. Due to this, he only does LAP-BAND®® surgeries now. I cannot say that I am in complete agreement with his statement, but Bariatric surgery definitely seems to be an issue that comes with many strong opinions. (You only need to witness the "my WLS is better than yours" arguments to verify this. :laugh:) Although I am doing well with the band, I have yet to have a post-op appointment with either a Nutritionist or a Psychologist. In fact, this has never even been mentioned to me as an option. It makes me wonder if I would be even more succesful if I had that option. Overall, though, it is interesting to hear about everyone's experiences. The one thing I ALWAYS take away from this forum is that what may work for one person may not work for someone else. Good luck to everyone on their journey. :thumbup:

Thank you so much for posting!!! This really hit home for me, as we are the same height and were close to the same weight when we started. I don't see too many other women as tall as I am on the forums, and it was fantastic to see your pictures. You look great!!!! Keep up the good work!!! :thumbdown:

Here is a low-fat, low calorie Cool Whip recipe that I love: Low Calorie Taffy Apple salad 6 apples, cut into chunks 1 package of sugar-free Butterscotch pudding mix 1 container of Cool Whip Lite Empty Cool Whip into a bowl and add the pudding mix (in powder form, do not make into pudding). Stir until disolved into Cool Whip. Add apple chunks and stir until coated. Cover and place in refrigerator a few hours or overnight. Enjoy!!!!

I completely understand where you are coming from. I am down 46lbs and would have said that I did not change a pants size, but seemed to be one size down in shirts. However, today I went through my clothes and saw that I have bought jeans within the past six months that were a size bigger than "I wear". Also, jeans that were tight on me before are loose now. I think (hope) I should be changing sizes soon. I was very discouraged about this last week. Later that day, though, someone came up to me and said "Not to be weird, but I did not recognize you from the back. Your butt looks so much smaller! Have you lost weight?" I was thrilled, especially since she did not know I had surgery! So, even if my waist isn't shrinking quickly it seems other parts of me are. Hang in there!!! :smile2:

I also think it is great that you are helping your wife through a difficult time. Pre-op can be extremely difficult...most people have to make such drastic changes and it is hard to adjust. One word of caution, though, be careful not to let yourself be pushed into the role of "food Police". Supporting each other (as you said you are on the road to surgery too) is one thing...but getting angry at each other over food is something else. Everyone has moments of weakness, and it is fantastic to have someone to lean on. However, being asked for support and then having an argument because you are giving that support seems wrong. Ultimately, it is your wife that needs to be accountable to herself to be successful...not be accountable to you or anyone else. Good luck to you both! :smile2:

For me....YES...I was convinced that I would be "the only person" that the band did not work for. I remember reading through the forums before I had my surgery and seeing that this was not an uncommon fear. That made me feel a little better. I am having success with my band, but it is definitely a partnership. I don't eat "junk" and when I eat regular food my band stops me from eating too much. I am "lucky" that my problem foods were not ice cream, Cookies or cake (things that go down easily) but were things with substance (bread!!!). That has made things easier for me. Good luck! You have a lot of people to turn to for support on the forums! *hug*

I am ten weeks post-op and I am still struggling with not drinking while eating. When I do try it, it becomes a disaster for me about 90% of the time. As a previous poster said, the liquid builds up on top of the food I eat and causes it to come back up again (i.e. vomit). Every person's Lap Band experience is a little different, so this may not be an issue for you. However, I wish I would have been vigilant about this from the beginning so I wouldn't be struggling with a bad habit now. Good luck! :bored:

I must admit, when I read the title of this post I thought you were talking about something completely different. I suppose my mind must be in the gutter. *grin*

Congratulations Ladies! I was thrilled when I got approved and I don't regret my decision at all. I would get banded all over again if I had to. I am so excited for you!

:thumbup: Congratulations!!!!!!!

Lucky - Yes, it will pass. I remember feeling like I had an inflated balloon in my chest...I wanted to burp so badly!!! You should feel better in a few days. Ruthie offers some great advice on the gas...it definitely helps! Leigha - I laughed when I read your post...you & I are going through the same thing! A lot of people mention constant burping after surgery. Unfortunately, I have the gas instead. I try to console myself by saying that it will be worth it when I am thin. Of course, then I wonder what good it will do if no one wants to come near me because I am constantly farting... :thumbup:

I did not have a pre-op diet and I lost 18lbs the first week after banding. I did slow down after that, though, and am at 41lbs at 9 weeks out. I agree wit staying in touch with your doctor. Keep up the good work!

That is unbelievable!! Thank you for the great inspiration!!! :tt1:

Congratulations to those of you doing a 5K! I have heard a lot of great things about the C25K program, I will have to check it out! To Claricey & MizKelly, of course, I agree 100% on talking to your surgeon about your fills. I was just trying to get across to Claricey that a significant fill was not necessary for me and "rushing it" backfired on me! :thumbup: My surgeon does not do the first fill until six weeks post-op, and you are not on a regular fill schedule after that. He asks you to make an appointment when you stop losing rather than at set intervals. I do agree, every doctor is different! :smile2: Keep up the great work everyone! I really enjoy reading the updates from other January Bandsters.