Hello from Austin, Tx. I am Carrie, 35 year old, single female. I am currently in the process of doing my medical and psych exam before being banded. My surgery is tenatively scheduled for Nov 5. I am very excited to being my new journey.

I am fortunate to not have any weight related health issues and I want to make sure I never do. I would like to have a healthy relationship with food. I am active and actually don't mind exercising but it's not easy when with all this extra weight. I came to the decision to have the surgery after a tough year. After a lot of thought and research I finally decided it was time. Unfortunately I my insurance doesn't pay for a penny of this surgery. I am blessed to have a step-mom who is willing to help me with the cost. I am forever grateful to have her help!

I am happy to have found a forum of people who are in the same boat as me. And to be able to read success stories and other inspiring stories to help me. And it's nice to have a place where I can ask questions without embarrassment or shame.

I will admit I am a little scared about the pre-op/post-op diet. And some of the risks associated with the band. I hope that i don't experience any of those issues.

I want to start 2013 off healthier, happier, and on a positive note. I want to live a long healthy life with a healthy relationship with food. I have been successful in the past with weightloss through mostly exercise but haven't been able to keep it off. I need the tools to help me get there and stay successful. I am scared, but ready!

Hi

Welcome!

I was also self-pay... the lapband is worth every penny... it saved my life.

Here's a couple of things you might find helpful.

I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters.

Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger.

Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books.

Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey.

The second book is:

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler

Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.

When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

Hi Tom! Thank you so much for responding! You have given me alot of info to start with. I appreciate every word!!!!

I'm not sure how this website works or how to keep up with people since today is my first day.

I will go get these books this weekend. Thank you for suggesting them!

I have learned that the best info doesn't always come from just websites or doctors, but from the people who have actually experienced it. That's why i joined today. I have like a million questions running through my head all the time but can't think of one to ask you right now. except about the egg time distraction. I am very interested in reading that.

Do i email you on here? How does it work? Do i have a profile? I'm sorry if this is annoying. Just learning the ropes.

Carrie

HI Carrie

There is a private e-mail function on here but I know there is problems with it sometimes.

PLEASE feel free to e-mail me at tomander@bell.net

If you would like to chat on the phone I'd be happy to speak with you... I have free long distance and have many "phone band buddies" in the US.

If you e-mail me I have some other information I can give you.

I'm going out now but will be home the rest of the week. I'm also available during the day.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

I'm new to this site. I had my lap band placed 9/20/12, they had me do the swallow test and nothing went through......couldn't keep ice chips down all night they did keep me. The next day another surgery to correct problem, now it's ok. The next swallow test the next day went great! It was an ordeal. Glad to be home and ok. My first check up I had lost 15 pounds. I'm looking forward to the future!

Hello Carrie! true results did my surgery aug 2011 I live south of Austin. I am very happy with my results after a year down 91 pounds. I too had no weight related issues but i know it was coming the longer i kept the weight on. I was self pay too. You will do great the hardest time is the time after surgery and before you start getting fills. Let me know if you want a band buddy.

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Hello Carrie! true results did my surgery aug 2011 I live south of Austin. I am very happy with my results after a year down 91 pounds. I too had no weight related issues but i know it was coming the longer i kept the weight on. I was self pay too. You will do great the hardest time is the time after surgery and before you start getting fills. Let me know if you want a band buddy.

olivepickles thank you for responding! Yes, i would love to be band buddies! I am so happy to hear of your success! Congratulations!!!! I have to admit I spent alot of time reading last night from here and got alittle scared from some of the stories... but i can see that overall most people are happy with their bands. I am excited but scared.