I put the recent stuff about me on my profile, so you can go there if you feel like reading.....the short of it is I am getting banded on November 9, 2011. I am looking forward to this journey. Excited about it. Looking forward to challenging myself again by eating good foods and pushing myself at the gym. My goal, more than a specific weight goal, is to be happy, self-confident, and athletic! I know the band will (barring complications) help me do what I already know how to do but without having to battle the hunger- which eventually took over every other time I've lost weight. My goal once banded (and after a few weeks of recovery), is to count calories/keep a food journal, exercise at the gym with cardio and strength training at least 3x/week, and shoot for weight loss of about 10 lbs/month. I did this without the band, on 1600-1700 calories per day, so I'm hoping I can do the same, while lowering my calorie intake and not feeling hungry!!

I don't believe in deprivation. I only believe that if I want to eat something that is not nutrient-dense or part of my plan, I need to work it off at the gym. There should be rewards and consequences for the decisions I make during the journey. I am going to a pretty extreme measure to make this stick this time. I am NOT going to fail ME!

Pictures to come...I know, a photographer and no pictures! I will post soon.

GO PATS!! (hiya )

GO PATS!! (hiya )

Hi! I know, right?? I've been a diehard Pats fan since college. I grew up outside of Boston, and went to the University of NH where I became friends with some football players and thus got hooked on the game. Proud to call myself a fan pre-dynasty!

Be careful Ladies you'll wake up the Jets fans. LOL

GO PATS!!!

Congrats on having your surgery date scheduled! I remember what an exciting time it was for me 18 months ago! Now I feel like an old school veteran

Anywho...a few pointers. Gas-X and a hot Water bottle are essential to help with the gas pains that seem to settle into your shoulder areas. made me feel 100% better. Don't try to overdo thing. Granted I was only off work for a week and to be honest, my C-section was more painful of a recovery, but still your body will be healing on the inside and you don't want to hurt anything.

Follow your Doctors eating plan. Don't cheat...It's not that hard to stick to, because you're so swollen at first, it's like having restriction. And remember, this is NOT a time to worry about weight loss. Your body is in a state of shock and some people lose, some don't, but please, please, please, DO NOT compare yourself to others and how much THEY lost. That is a quick road to insanity, because we all lose at different rates.

Lastly, take your measurements, because when the scale is not budging, but you can feel your clothes getting loser, your measurements will be proof positive that your body is changing. AND...if you like to write, I really suggest starting a blog on a place like blogger.com

it was there that I found such a wonderful support system of friends (the BOOBS...Band of Outrageous Babes) and I wouldn't have been nearly as successful without them. My blog link is below!!! I posted more before/after photos today!

-Stephanie

Good luck and have a great day!

Love your post and agree with every statement you made. I will be getting banded in October and am also excited to regain control, feel better~ live again if you will! Let us know about your journey! Love all of your thoughts!