Hi:

My name is Sandi and I was banded in May2004. I started my journey at 424 pounds and 55 years old.

Every day is exciting as I discover more and more of my new found abilities since I have lost 250 pounds. I am starting to believe that there is nothing I can not do.

I am a new person and I want to share all the little secrets and tips I have picked up along the way. I am offerring to mentor anyone who needs a friend to ask questions, hold their hand, provide factual information when emotions get in the way of good choices and generally just be there to listen to what you are currently encountering on your journey.

I am so passionate about sharing the wonder and the zest for life that I have achieved that I have started a blog at:

http://www.sandisbandedliving.com

I write about my journey from day one of exploring (looking into this miracle they call gastric banding surgery), through surgery, transforming (my weight loss journey) to today, maintaining a 250 pound weight loss and living my new life.

Each and every day provides an amazing gift. I am passionate about sharing those gifts with all who will listen.

Edited February 5, 201016 yr by sandi2004
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I started working on my food journal this morning & found a free internet resource to use. It has a complete fitness log that tracks food, calories, weight & a graph that breaks down fat, carbs & Protein. It's at www.fitday.com if anyone else would like to check it out....regards....hope all have a great day today!

Great resource. Thanks for sharing !

Sandi

Dear Sandi,

You are inspirational and brave. You look terrific! And, I am glad you feel so much better. Sandi, what made it possible for you to be more successful with weight loss strategies with the lapband than prior to the lapband? What keeps you from emotionally eating ?

Hope you have time to respond.

Judy:redface:

Cheers for you Sandi, What a great story and what an accomplishment. I really want to do that well myself :cool2: I am 52 years old, I was banded on 2-3-10 and my first post op visit was yesterday. I have lost 15lbs and I am thrilled. I am 50lbs away from my smaller goal of 180. I have a concern and was wondering if you had any advice. I have managed the band and the diet fine no problems no getting sick etc. When I saw my dr yesterday i was advised that my insurance company would not approve a fill for 90 days (meaning no fill til 5-3-10)?

I was really disappointed in this as the band 11cc is placed empty. I could pay out of pocket but it could be pretty hefty and i would rather not start having to pay for my own fills. The dr said to follow a 2000 calorie diet and i am worried this will lead me to overeat. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He told me to eat regular food and stick to the calorie limit (i think the cal limit is high). I think i have a little restriction in it and i DO NOT intend to over eat what so ever just kinda worried if you know what i mean. I have been following a pattern up to til now. I think restriction will be needed by at least another 30 days. Do you guys think a planned menu is best or just count as i go? i don't know guess I am just a little confused but SO happy i did this! Any advice on meal plans i can follow? I do best with one lol..After all I got the band because it was hard for me to diet and go it alone. Thanks all for their time!:tongue_smilie:

Edited February 23, 201016 yr by ElizabethS