Today is exactly 12 weeks since I was banded and all my expectations have been wildly exceeded with this marvelous, wonderful band! I am so thrilled with my progress in these few weeks that I had to post, in case there is anyone out there still undecided about being banded!

Apart from feeling really ill after the anaesthetic, the operation was a cinch and since then the weight has come off pretty quickly. I wouldn't say it was effortless, I try to make the best food choices every day and have avoided Mc Donalds & other fast food (which I was kinda addicted to!) and fizzy drinks completely. I try to stay away from sugar and high glycemic food but other than that I eat what I want. I have never PB'd, or experienced pain or blockage or anything unpleasant ( I have the 9cc Inamed Band which was filled with 4cc during surgery) and don't plan on getting a fill until the end of February maybe....

I am fitting into clothes 4 sizes smaller, I have loads of more energy, am sleeping better and having much less PMT ( I am presuming cutting out all the high sugar and fast food is what's causing these pleasant side effects!) and am so happy and proud of myself. It was such a bonus this morning to step on the scales to see my total loss now at 42lbs! I haven't got around exercising yet :nervous and have still to get to the gym (I know, I know!)

Well anyway - here are a few things that have helped me so far:

I find it really hard not to drink while eating so have started to drink very hot herbal tea with my meals - I can't gulp it and I end up having very little. Also I eat a lot of Irish seaweed! It has the highest iron content of any edible food, and is high in protein too! If you can get seaweed in a health food store, I thoroughly recommend it! It's really salty too, so I bring it with me to the movies to eat instead of popcorn!

Anyway - I am delighted with the whole experience so far - everyone on this forum are so supportive and brilliant, and I visit here at least twice a day - thanks so much for all your help.

I've attached a photo taken just now, and will attach a before below - my husband/friends tell me most changed area is my face (they haven't seen my v saggy boobs!!!!)

Wow you look great I hope it works that well for me?

thanks for all your messages - brightened up my day! (which was basically evil plotting anyway!)

Christine, Carol, Sassay, Sheila, Trmoll: Thanks so much for the complements! This is an old cliche but honestly, if I can do this, ANYONE can! Can't wait til you all get to Bandland! (god, this sounds like some weird cult!) Sassay - good luck in two weeks xx

Vera: thanks for the gross tips - will definitely use the tuna one! Lovin your work!!!

Jennye: I've never even been in Banana Republic, thought they only clothed anorexic folk so well done u if you're in there already! Please post some of your photos!!!

Babs: I missed u! Brilliant to hear from you again - I always try to follow your tips (except for the exercising - gulp!) You are such an inspiration - I wouldn't worry about the chocolate cake, it's probably now out of your system (the binging!) and hey, you got to eat cake!!! Keep in touch!

Donali: Great to hear from u again too....Hope you're fully clothed and respectable again (well, as much as can be hoped for...) - I'll keep a spot near me in hell for ya! Lurrvving ya! xx

Alexandra: my second favourite LOTR nerd (after my son!) thanks for all your welcome and advice since I've been here!

Nancy: Thanks for the compliment, and don't pretend you won't be right there in hell with me!

Elise: I'll see u at the mini Dublin Bandsters Bash!!!

You look wonderful!!! I am jealous at the weight you have lost!!! I am 5 mths out and have only lost 35!!! Thanks for the inspiration that you have given many of us watching (reading) you closely. Take care and keep posting.

this originally posted as a duplicate; so I had to change the words; don't know how I did this....SORRY!

you look awesome & it sounds like you are very happy. i want to thank you for all you cool postings that inspired me. i first saw your postings around november before i had my band placed. reading your stories helped me think that everything would be ok. i am so glad that the band is being so good for you. saturday i go for my first (desperately needed) fill so hopefully the losing games will begin.

oh by the way i LOVE your dieting success secrets. i have to think of some even GROSSER ones. perhaps liverwurst and peanut butter on seaweed?

i also just wanted to throw it out there that i kind of wish doctors here were like in europe where they fill you right at surgery. at any rate, i guess as long as you lose and feel better, the pace is simply secondary.

keep up the awesome work and hope to hear more stories of your continued successes....

Congrats Bright!

Bright,

I love your posts! Congradulations on your success! It must be sooooo much fun torturing the skinny people! I can't wait to get my turn!

Keep us posted!

Marsha