Hi, my name is Caity and I'm 26. I live in Ventura County in So Cal and was banded on June 14th- just this past week. I live with my boyfriend of 4 years and was never heavy until 3 years ago when I developed PCOS and gained 80 pounds in 4 months. Since then I've gained another 20 pounds or so despite trying to lose weight.

Since the pre-surgery diet began about 3 weeks ago I've already lost about 20 pounds. Not sure exactly because my scale is different than the doctors. Anyway, I'm looking for someone who can help me get through this. It's been really hard emotionally for me.

I was a competitive swimmer my whole life until college so I grew up eating 5 big meals a day and snacking constantly because I was swimming and working out 20-30 hours a week. So I have a pretty messed up relationship with food. I'm changing that. Even when I quit swimming I could eat whatever I wanted without consequence until I got the PCOS a few years after that. So anyway, since I gained the weight I've struggled to change my relationship with food and my eating habits but now that I have the band it's been a forced drastic change and I'm having a hard time.

If someone out there can help me get through this and encourage me and tell me about their experiences that would be wonderful.

Thanks so much,

Caity

Caity I would be happy to help you through your journey! The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. This is a very emotional process that you are going through especially the first month. Just as you mentioned you are changing your eating habits drastically. Right now you are probably not even eating foods..you are probably still in the liquid stages or maybe starting the mushies. The best advice I can give you is to try to remain positive and keep remembering why you chose to have this surgery to begin with. Picuture the end results..it will happen. Try to only have healthy foods in your pantry, that will lead to less temptation. I am currently addicted to sugar free popcicles...my life used to revolve around ice cream. Your taste buds will change throughout the process..things you used to love--you may not like any more (normally the bad foods). Once you start to eat solids, remember to eat small bites and to really chew your food to avoid getting stuck. You probably do not have any saline in your band right now but you still might feel some restriction due to swelling. You need to concentrate on healing right now. Whenever you are scheduled for your first fill, then you can concentrate on feeling restriction. You just had a major surgery so let it heal, walk as much as you can (that will help with the gas as well as make you feel better) and make sure you are getting enough fluids & protein in each day. I hope this helps. You can send me a PM any time and we can talk more! Take care.

Hi, my name is Caity and I'm 26. I live in Ventura County in So Cal and was banded on June 14th- just this past week. I live with my boyfriend of 4 years and was never heavy until 3 years ago when I developed PCOS and gained 80 pounds in 4 months. Since then I've gained another 20 pounds or so despite trying to lose weight.

Since the pre-surgery diet began about 3 weeks ago I've already lost about 20 pounds. Not sure exactly because my scale is different than the doctors. Anyway, I'm looking for someone who can help me get through this. It's been really hard emotionally for me.

I was a competitive swimmer my whole life until college so I grew up eating 5 big meals a day and snacking constantly because I was swimming and working out 20-30 hours a week. So I have a pretty messed up relationship with food. I'm changing that. Even when I quit swimming I could eat whatever I wanted without consequence until I got the PCOS a few years after that. So anyway, since I gained the weight I've struggled to change my relationship with food and my eating habits but now that I have the band it's been a forced drastic change and I'm having a hard time.

If someone out there can help me get through this and encourage me and tell me about their experiences that would be wonderful.

Thanks so much,

Caity

Hi Caity-

I live in Ventura and have been banded for 6 years and have lost 250 pounds. I'd be more than happy to offer any help and encouragement that I can. You may want to check out my blog at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story

Perhaps you can find some words of encouragement there. Send me a PM or an email with any questions, comments, etc.