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Hello Banders! It's so great to be back!



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Hello Friends!

I gotta say that it's been a while and it feels so good to be back in the loving arms of my "BandFam". For my new friends, a little about myself. I'm Wendy Tippens. 48 FABULOUS years old and almost 100lbs lighter from when I was banded (December 22, 2008.)

I cannot begin to tell you all how much banding changed my life! At 271 pounds I was sick and tired of losing that battle...we all know the one of which I speak. There wasn't any real "moment of truth" or "breaking point" when I knew, I was just tired...tired, angry and READY. So, just to prove how ready I really was I payed for my banding, out of pocket and scheduled my surgery for December 22...right before Christmas! Trail by fire, baby! I knew if I made it through the Holiday season on the dreaded "clear liquids" only diet, I'd be good to go.

Long story, short: I did make it through and continue to "make it through" every day. I have never, for one second regretted that beautiful, wonderful, life altering decision. Hell, I'd do it all over again, pay double the money , bit the bullet and have that surgery performed with a dull butter knife if I had to. But listen up, kiddies, this surgery isn't for sissies or whiners. Yes, it's hard. I've always said, losing weight is hard and if it's not, then you're either doing something wrong or illegal. Banding is not magic. Let me say that one more time: BANDING IS NOT MAGIC! Hang in there. Do the work and hang on!

With that being said, I've posted some new pix and if you want you can check out my youtube web series about banding: That Crazy Fat Chick.

Until next time, Celebrate every lost ounce!

Kisses!

Wendy

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Congrats on your success:)

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Hopefully, a year from now I'll be able to write the same kind of message.

Congrats Wendy on your success.

I'm gonna go check you out on YouTube. :-)

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Awesome. Thank you for sharing your story.

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He

Long story, short: I did make it through and continue to "make it through" every day. I have never, for one second regretted that beautiful, wonderful, life altering decision. Hell, I'd do it all over again, pay double the money , bit the bullet and have that surgery performed with a dull butter knife if I had to. But listen up, kiddies, this surgery isn't for sissies or whiners. Yes, it's hard. I've always said, losing weight is hard and if it's not, then you're either doing something wrong or illegal. Banding is not magic. Let me say that one more time: BANDING IS NOT MAGIC! Hang in there.

Wendy,

Congratulations on your success. You look terrific! I have to say, I agree with you 100%. This band has changed my life and I would do it again, in a heartbeat!

Cindy

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Hi Wendy,

So glad that you wrote and told us of your success. I am scheduled to have my surgery done in three days (Wednesday) and am scared but excited too. It's great to read inspiring stories like yours. Congratulations on your loss and keep up the good work. (I know it IS work!)

Barbara

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Hello Friends!

I gotta say that it's been a while and it feels so good to be back in the loving arms of my "BandFam". For my new friends, a little about myself. I'm Wendy Tippens. 48 FABULOUS years old and almost 100lbs lighter from when I was banded (December 22, 2008.)

I cannot begin to tell you all how much banding changed my life! At 271 pounds I was sick and tired of losing that battle...we all know the one of which I speak. There wasn't any real "moment of truth" or "breaking point" when I knew, I was just tired...tired, angry and READY. So, just to prove how ready I really was I payed for my banding, out of pocket and scheduled my surgery for December 22...right before Christmas! Trail by fire, baby! I knew if I made it through the Holiday season on the dreaded "clear liquids" only diet, I'd be good to go.

Long story, short: I did make it through and continue to "make it through" every day. I have never, for one second regretted that beautiful, wonderful, life altering decision. Hell, I'd do it all over again, pay double the money , bit the bullet and have that surgery performed with a dull butter knife if I had to. But listen up, kiddies, this surgery isn't for sissies or whiners. Yes, it's hard. I've always said, losing weight is hard and if it's not, then you're either doing something wrong or illegal. Banding is not magic. Let me say that one more time: BANDING IS NOT MAGIC! Hang in there. Do the work and hang on!

With that being said, I've posted some new pix and if you want you can check out my youtube web series about banding: That Crazy Fat Chick.

Until next time, Celebrate every lost ounce!

Kisses!

Wendy

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You are super inspiring!! I hope I am in the same place in a years time!

I am so happy I found this board! I definitely didn't realize the hard work involved - but have come to appreciate over the past few weeks!

You are amazing :) !

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

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      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

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      2. Selina333

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      3. Doughgurl

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

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      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

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