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Hi Nan, I was banded on 3-5-10 and would be happy to go along the journey with you. I am 45 years old and at 5'9" my pre-op weight was 350 pounds, with a BMI of 52. This week will be my 8 month "banderversary"! I am currently down 93 pounds and absolutely love my band. It is deffinitly a journey and takes a lot of work. I think it is also different for those of us who started with SO much to lose and not being 20 years old any more!!! I will be happy to go through what has helped me so far. What is going on with you? In the begining it is very difficult before you reach restriction. What is called "bandster hell" here on the boards is oh so true. When is your first fill? WHat size band do you have? You can either message me here, or if you would like on my email. cynpatt@yahoo.com Looking forward to hearing from you. Cynthia

I thought it would be a good idea to have a gathering place for useful stuff so it doesn't get lost in the forum and maybe we can add to it and refer back to it. I found this under the articles section on this forum and wanted to share. Good info! The official Bandwagon® Eating Skills are: 1. Don't drink while you eat or for 30 to 60 minutes afterwards. 2. Take tiny bites. 3. Chew, chew chew. 4. Eat slowly. 5. Eat the protein first. 6. Learn your stop signals. 7. Pay attention to problem foods. 8. Eat only when you're hungry. 9. Avoid liquid calories and slider foods. 10. Use a small plate. 11. Plan your food in advance. 12. Don't watch TV or read while you eat. 13. Don't put serving dishes on the dining table. 14. Eat sitting down at the dining table. 15. Follow the HALT rule (don't eat when you're too hungry, angry, lonely or tired).

Well today was my surgery so far I have been in a lot of pain I can't tell if I'm hungry or not but I have been doing good with sipping allday I just wish the gas pain would go away... And when I can finally rest my Dr. Did a in and out pat so I got to come home and didn't have to stay in the hospital so I am walking every hour for 10 mins and then after midnight I'll be able to do every 2 hrs for 10mon and then back to the 1 at 7am so I want be getting any sleep tonight!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sometimes the body just needs time to catch up. And I find that I may not lose one week and the next week lost 3 or 4. So don't despair. Make sure you are getting ENOUGH calories, too! Some good things to bring with you for snacks/lunch: cheese sticks Dry roast edamame Greek Yogurt lunch meat babybel cheese Flatbread or tortilla (low carb/calorie) with 1 or 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter Protein powder (shaker bottle) cottage cheese beef Jerky (I love jerky hut jerky - 90 calories 14 grams of protein (I think) for 1 ounce - very filling but very meaty) Try to start walking just to build up your stamina and then add to it as you feel stronger. I really didn't exercise (other than walking) until I was about 7 months out. I started at the gym when I was 200 pounds (started at 278) before that I really don't think I would have been able to handle it. So walking (like walking the dog pace) a few days a week was all I got up to that point and I still lost. Not saying that is the best way to do it, but for me I focused on getting the nutrition and losing enough that I felt I could handle more intense exercise. (I also, because of my job sit at my desk typing for 8 - 10 hours a day 6 days a week -so I was VERY, VERY out of shape). I am now doing zumba, body pump, Warrior Workout, HIIT classes. So you will improve your fitness very quickly (4 months for me going from 30 minutes on the treadmill to the above) Good luck and you can do it. Keep working at it and make it a lifestyle and you will see the results. My new favorite saying is: Fit is hard. Fat is hard. Pick your hard. (Not my quote - but I love it!) Work hard....see results!

For sure. In fact, fat people are experts at this! I lost over 100 lbs 3 times in my life... and gained it back. Because in the end the hunger will get you. No way could I live on that limited caloric intake long term... it might take time for it to return but the weight always came back. I'm 5'0" and 63 years old. The number of calories I need to maintain a healthy weight is really quite small. The sleeve takes the deprivation out of he equation. I am 10 months out and the hunger has returned though not nearly as bad as pre-surgery. I am full on much less and provided I choose wisely I stay full longer. Listen to BLERDgirl! She is a pro when it comes to really getting the maximum benefit from surgery. ???? You lose and maintain weight the same exact way post surgery as pre surgery: eat less, move more. But for me it is the surgery that makes this possible.

Oh wow, thanks for all the info. That's great that you are happy with your band. I wish you all the success and happiness that comes with it. I am really excited to start the program at Kaiser. Right now alls I can do is pray that they will cover the lapband. I'll know more at my first appt on the 22nd. I totally agree with you about gastric bypass. I don't want to have that done but I'd like to learn allot more about it before I make my final decision, if it comes to that. I'm 320 lbs. I have three children under the age of 10 and there is so much I want to do with them that I just can't do because I'm to heavy and insecure. It breaks my heart. I've tried everything and I have lost weight but only to put it back on. I feel like this is my only hope, so I do understand how it is worth every penny. Its really nice to hear success stories and to be able to make friends on this website. Thank you for your support and keep in touch. I'll let you know how things go at my first appt. :tongue2:

I am 10 months post op TODAY and getting sleeved was one of the best decisions I have EVER made. I am at my goal and I feel pretty good. HOWEVER, I am always cold. I was cold before I had the surgery and lost weight, but now it is at least 10 times worse. I am wondering if anyone that has experienced this misery has tried using Cuddle Duds or Nikibiki garments? I think thermal underwear would be overkill and bulky and I would probably burn up, but if anyone has tried these garments could you please share your experience? It is 66 degrees today and overcast (in the deep south) and I have been cold, while running errands, I had the heat going full blast in the car....drinking coffee. Going out to see Tim McGraw concert tonight and plan on wearing my Nikibiki leggings under my jeans. We'll see how it goes. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

I started at 441 and at my surgery 12/29/10 I was 398 I am now 280 so we started at the same place!

Whether it be spouse, parent, best friend...anyone who has considered WLS has had someone in their life - some more than others that were against them having the procedure. It's one of the first steps you deal with on this journey, welcome aboard! He obviously loves you or he wouldn't be concerned, so consider yourself a lucky woman in that respect. Without knowing your specific situation (how many WL attempts, how long overweight, any comorbids or risks) it's hard to help you with a more detailed "reasons to have the surgery" list, but here is my two cents: 1. Yo-yo dieting is more dangerous than never having lost weight. 2. You can lose the weight on your own, but are you able to maintain it? 3. There are more risks to staying overweight than in having WLS. 4. People who have deadly diseases have been "cured" through WLS. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in February 2013. Six months after my surgery, I am happy to say that my blood glucose levels are normal without medication. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive sleep Apnea only after my band surgeon required a sleep study prior to my surgery. I have likely had it for years and it could have killed me, quickly...it certainly reduced my quality of life. Six months after my surgery, I no longer need my CPAP, I don't snore and I get the best sleep I've had in my life. I also need a lot less sleep than I did before. My blood pressure was starting to fluctuate in crazy numbers. After I lost 20lbs. my blood pressure stabilized and is back to 120/80 or less each time I check it. 5. Being overweight affects your psyche. Your self esteem, outlook on life, drive and ambition climb with each pound lost. 6. Being smaller feels good. 7. Being smaller looks good. I thought I was the cutest thing walking the earth at my highest weight but I didn't do it for vanity. 8. It will increase your chances at living a longer and better quality life. 9. He will benefit in many ways: better nutrition, a happier wife and better sex (trust me on that) to name a few. 10. You want it. You go out of your way to make sure your loved ones have what they need as long as it is in your control. You should do the same thing for yourself. No one else can or will ever live in your body, therefore the decision is ultimately yours to make. Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm very happy with my decision, I don't miss anything (I can eat whatever I choose to) but have gained so much...things that I didn't anticipate. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

Woo~ we're all getting the sleeve early! I'm having my surgery on the 3rd w/ Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras~! I'm super excited too~ I'm going alone on this journey.. but it should be OK! Let's keep each other updated!! How long is your required pre-op diet? Mine is supposed to be 1 week but I will try to do 10-14 days.... I'm hoping that if I lose more before surgery.. I'll lose even MORE after the surgery.

I have always struggled from Halloween thru New Year's - gaining about 10 lbs then having to make my New Year's Resolution to lose that 10 lbs plus try to lose what I still have on me.... Read my blog post about my 1st year being banded and tell me your stories... http://www.debbieposton.com/how-did-you-handle-the-holidays/

I have coffee 7 am and usually want a shake or protein bar at 10 am. I am usually not hungry before then. I also don't want to have to concentrate on eating when I am rushing in the morning. I need a hot coffee to open me up in the am.

i am 23 days from my last nutrition visit and my 10 day post op diet! im so excited and nervous...but more excited...anyway..thanks for the encouragement. i love hearing how everyone is happy they made this decision.

YES! I am two weeks out and I'm so hungry. It's actually better today since I'm back to work (sedentary, work from home) so I'm distracted. I'm eating about 550 calories a day and I could eat more. I've heard it gets better once you can eat solid foods, so I'll know more tomorrow. Also, I had a lot of pain and gas the first few days, but now it doesn't take very long for me to drink a protein shake (longer to eat a yogurt, but I also had a tooth removed, so that is painful), maybe 15 minutes. It took me almost an hour the first night home to take 10 pills but now it's less than five minutes. I can drink a swallow of water that feels like a real mouthful, but I still can't guzzle or drink a full glass in one breath like I used to.

Twas the Night before Vacation, All dogs out of the house. Nestled on a Ranch, hopefully chasing a mouse. I'm trying to figure - what clothes to pack, keeping my mind busy so not to snack. It's that "in between" stage that's my daily struggle, size 10, 12 or a 14 I juggle. So and extra suitcase I order to hubby, to pack my workout clothes, to fend off the chubby. I'm going to run, workout, and take care & Hope the margaritas dont' kick me too hard - in the derriere. So off from LBT I am for a week, my support system in mind - so not to cheat. I thank you all for the journey right now, and hope my fill keeps me from eating a cow.

everyone had great ideas. the only thing i disagree with is "being his mom". sorry, but even a drug addict has to do it on thier own, my telling him to change will not change him. i will start to tell him the truth though, "yes you have been on too long" "no i don't want you to play" we had something come up and have to leave town this weekend, actually it will end up being a bit of a nice weekend after we finish what we are going out of town for (wont take long for that, other than the drive). i'm looking forward to this time as well as seeing if he has any withdraw, lol. I am going to talk to him about the game and our family. Tonight is a regular "night off" (as if that ever really happens, lol) and he asked if he could play because his friend from back home is playing and he's not going to be able to play all weekend. tonight is ok, as my daughter and i had some things to do, then she's getting ready for a class trip and i have a book i'd like to finish later. funny thing (ironic maybe) i'm taking my laptop with me, lol. but its only if he has to go w/ his grandpa for a bit i'll have something to do. during the middle of a raid, i understand ppl want him to help w/ the battle, but sometimes real life does interfer (o darn). and ITS A GAME! lol his raiding schedule is monday thru thursday from like 6-9-10. but its in an earlier time zone than we are so right when he walks in the door, he's on the game. when i approved these days, i wanted something like you can begin raiding like 8 or 9, that way you can have family time w/ us, dinner, and homework time. but he basically whined (not literally, but thats how i feel) about he's already in this guild, he likes it, and they are in this earlier time zone. i said, find a guild in our time zone, that way maybe you can find someone w/ same schedule. but i'm a pushover. i do sometimes say, when i notice he's still playing after 10, "i thought you guys finished between 9 and 10" then he will try to finish up whatever he's doing and get off. i will admit that towards the end of last summer i took on a new project at work, consumed a lot of my time in the evenings, mostly after my daughter went to bed. so, i rarely said anything about his game. but once he got off the game, i would put my laptop away. there was even one time he didnt play and i was working on my project and he said something about me working on it off the clock, like i should do it at work, hinting that this was our time. but yet, thats how i feel on most days, is that he is playing during "our time" also, one time he asked why i put away my laptop or book when he gets off his game. i told him i felt it was rude to do that when we could savor that time together. he said he didnt mind me reading when he's next to me in bed. but i told him i know what its like to be off to the side, waiting my turn and i wouldnt do that to him. i dont feel i'm playing mind games with him, he knows i hate that game (although today i told someone at work i wish i would have made it, i'd be rolling in the $$$ because most who start end up addicted) i've already told him we are not getting the expansion pack. i do know that if it wasnt this game, it would be another (used to play halo and some others) he's a "gamer" (he says it like its a badge of honor, i say it like its a nasty taste in my mouth). ang, i have heard stories, omg, that are just awful. i.e. a mother/wife/teacher quit her job, left her family, for a guy she met on the game. her family was so tore up, broke my heart. i know it can happen anywhere, but when its someone in a game, how do you know who they really are. i trust my hubby, but it still makes me uncomfortable.

April 4 58lbs no pre op I an not unhappy went from a size 18w to a 10 35 more to go Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

I've read conflicting info on which bmi is healthiest. One study said low in the range is usually best unless you're muscular, another said 22 is good. Another said 19 is most attractive (sheesh). I am shooting for 22, but just curious on everyone's thoughts...

Hi All. I had my 2nd fill today & orginally I had 5 ml in my 10 ml band. My consultant told me he takes out the fill first & checks the amount then adds more. But in my case he told me he could only manage to take out 4ml & explained this as sometimes the band is 'crinkled like a deflated paddling pool' & some of the liquid gets stuck in the ridges & some amount stays in the band'. Has anyone else experienced this? I now have 5.5 ml (or is it 6.5ml) in my 10 ml band. I am a bit concerned & confused about all of this - anybody out there had this experience & could put my mind at rest? Thanks in Advance Confused Gingercat :laugh:

I hear u.. I started August if this year.. I have my psych evaluation on wed... And Thursday my pulmonary and 3rd weigh i .. Then my endo on Momday 10/6 .. I don't see the nut til jab.. But by then I will be done with my weigh ins..at first I was anxious... Like omg.. 6 months.. But it's going so fast...I can't wait either.. I've been ready!!! I'm going for bypass.. I have reflux and sleeve would make it worse ... How is ur experience with the surgeons office? I love the NP.. She is so nice and always emails me back on the PT portal

hematologist was 6-7 years ago but my main dr knows all about it… normal wbc is 7-10… i usually run 13-17… yesterday was 20, so double normal limit… so-far i haven’t gotten a call about it, so maybe not a problem (wishful thinking)… just don’t want anything to derail things at this point !! (side note: my a1c dropped from 6.2 to 6.1! was hoping for more but i will take any reduction)

I'm sorry to say I've become a lurker. .... Life has become so incredibly busy that it's getting harder and harder to relax!! In February 2011, I headed down to Mexico and had my sleeve done. Since then I've lost 100 lbs. I lost the weight in about 8 months and have had no trouble keeping it off!! A huge reason I can keep it off is due to being VERY active! I've become a long distance runner- tomorrow I will do my 4th half marathon. I have another half marathon in September, and my first full marathon in October. In January, I'm traveling to Disneyworld to do the Goofy Challenge. I get up Saturday and do the Donald Half, then go on Sunday to do the Mickey Full. If I complete both in the allowed time, I get a Goofy medal!!! In march my fiancé and I are finally getting married in Hawaii!!! - and yes, there is a half marathon tied in 6 days after : ) My biggest changes?? To do what I CAN do! When I was big, I'd give up on everything- including myself. Now? I've had a running injury for the last 2 races. My second half, I ended up walking the last few miles. My third? I got injured 3 mile in and WALKED the next 10 miles!!! I won't give up!!! Eating wise? I still do Protein first and I still do not eat and drink at the same time. I still carry a drink with me everywhere and get 3 liters liquids in per day. I still stay away from popand slurpees like it's the plague as it's just too much of a slippery slope for me. Since having the sleeve my attitude has changed so much. I'm enjoying life and the people around me. I've gone onto a major fasttrack at work ( I've had 4 promotions since surgery, 6 raises, and 3 bonuses) Life is good My biggest recommendation for new sleevers? CHUCK YOUR SCALE!!! I only lost weight one week a month. It majorly f$cked with my brain! One more thing- get active! The trick is to find something you love. Running for me gives me time to myself ( which I very rarely have), and it allows me to think things through and clear the cobwebs. I also like hiking and do it multiple times per week right now. Now I'm off to pack my gear! Have a great evening!!!

I've had my band since 3/19/12, and boy have you hit the nail on the head! I really hope folks will let you know. I am wondering too!

Hi Meggie, I didn't count carbs. I've been scared off from that a bit since I did Atkins for 10 days and gained 7lbs - and I stuck to the diet 100%!! I'm just happy doing low carb rather than super low (plus I get constipated if I go too low).

I am 2 weeks post op today and feeling great! No more gas pain. Just a little tenderness near the biggest incision. But I can already sleep on my stomach which is amazing. Sleeping was hard before, most of first week, since I'm a stomach sleeper. I was waking up every 2-3 hours. But thankfully it's improved now. Been exercising everyday at least 15 min up to 45 min walking or going to the gym on the stationary bike. I'm down 19 lbs since the pre op diet and have a goal of 65-70 more to go. Been tracking food, drinks and exercising on myfitnesspal. It keeps me honest. On soft foods now starting today although I've been slowly adding day by day since I've been hungry. I'm scheduled to get my first fill week after next. I'm a little nervous to travel next week on a 4 hour flight. Sitting for a long period of time is uncomfortable. I've been working at home since 4 days after surgery so it's been easy to just lie down whenever needed. So any suggestions anyone has would be appreciated about flying and sitting for so long.