I was banded on Jan 30th, few asked me to update and I will.

General info:

5'4" and started at 269 when my journey began in September. Majority of my weight loss so far occured between Nov and Dec. I changed eating habits to healthier alternatives early, because last minute is a killer so to GET on the Pre Op. High protein diet wasn't a big challenge, but most certainly tested my sanity. Lol! It was hard for a few days then the miracle adjustment occured.

I went into surgery weighing 236. First week diet was thin liquids. So oh the wonder of chicken broth. I was fortunate to not feel sick as some do, just incredibly bloated and in some mild pain. And by day 5 I was starving but the broth helped curve any cravings.

Officially after one week I was moved to thick liquids. This means pureed soups. And honestly that first serving of tomato soup(docs orders) was the best thing I ever tasted in my life.

I won't be filled til six weeks after surgery, HOWEVER, that doesnt mean I am as frequently hungry as I used to be. Seeing my family go about their daily food schedules has been making my jaw drop.

So! It brings us here. A few days away from soft foods, and I weigh 227.

I took a photo of myself few weeks before surgery but I haven't seen it yet. So it'll be a suprise for me too considering the most I have been using a mirror for is make up alone and I've all but covered my tall mirror. Buuuut, clothes fit different. Work uniform is too big now, yay! Even my car seat feels bigger. Motivated as ever! I'll post pics when I'm ready to be suprised, or shocked as my sister's like to put it.

They want to record my reaction because they're sure I'm going to cry like a baby. So here we are!

Close to Onederland.

Congratulations on your surgery and successes....

Just be aware, you are still on your "Honeymoon"....everyone looses weight during this period, how can one not with the pre and post op diets we need to follow...

Eventually, soon, the Honeymoon will end, and everything will return to the way it was before surgery, eating normal food again...

During this time I started to GAIN weight, and became very frustrated to say the least...people refer to this time as "Bandster Hell"...where the band is installed, but it is not doing anything yet....and it is all up to you just as it were if you had not had the surgery at all.......

Not trying to rain on your parade, just be aware...you're not alone, everyone has gone through this also.....

And know, the band does work...just not overnight, or even in a few weeks....

Edited February 10, 201412 yr by B-52

Congratulations on your surgery and successes....

Just be aware, you are still on your "Honeymoon"....everyone looses weight during this period, how can one not with the pre and post op diets we need to follow...

Eventually, soon, the Honeymoon will end, and everything will return to the way it was before surgery, eating normal food again...

During this time I started to GAIN weight, and became very frustrated to say the least...people refer to this time as "Bandster Hell"...where the band is installed, but it is not doing anything yet....and it is all up to you just as it were if you had not had the surgery at all.......

Not trying to rain on your parade, just be aware...you're not alone, everyone has gone through this also.....

And know, the band does work...just not overnight, or even in a few weeks....

Actually I already read up on most of these things. Thanks for your support. But just as a comforting thought I've taken my part of the deal very seriously, diet and all. Band or no band.

I agree Kayvon, I too have done a complete overhaul of my daily diet. With hubby on board it's been awesome. I'm going to the gym 4 days a week and loving it. I'm not even sure how the band fits into my plan at this point as I don't feel like it's doing much. Only one fill so far. My hope is that it's there for me in the maintenance phase. My plan is to never eat like before. Large size Arbys beef and cheddar meal with a side of jalepeno poppers? Never again. As a matter of fact, if I never have Arby's again, it'll be too soon.

Congrats! I am amazed at how much you lost prior to surgery. If that was me I might second guess my decision to have surgery due to all the success (but then again I had to take out a $10k loan for my surgery). My dr didn't require a pre op diet at all so no weight loss for me prior to surgery. I am a week post op now. You seem to doing great and losing a lot post sx too! Thanks b-52 for the reminder to us about the honeymoon phase

Congratulations and keep up the great work.