Hey guys...I am 23 yrs old and have been obese for 8 yrs now. I am tired of being disgusted by myself, so I have decided to band; however, I do have some concerns. Are there any lower bmi patients? I am 5'6" and 220 with a 35 BMI. I want to get the band done by Labor Day, but since my initial seminar isn't until aug 10th I have a feeling that it won't happen. I have an event coming up Sep 29th and I am reuniting with my old college buddies. I am not a heavy drinker, maybe once a month if that; however, will it be too soon to drink if I am banded labor day weekend? I also have a wedding coming up on December 1, is it plausible for me to be down my first 2 10%'s?? Thanks for your help, I am still pretty nervous about getting the surgery done. I feel likeI should be able to do this without the aid of surgery.

I felt the same way. I felt like I should be able to do it on my own too. My doctor doesn't let us drink for six months after surgery.

I lost weight really fast at first, I had a BMI of 35, but overall, although Im within my healthy weight range now, its taken me a good 18 months to lose 80lb. After the initial 9 weeks or so, in which I lost about 30lb (which is a lot when you're only 80lb overweight), my weight loss has been slowish compared to others. But then again, I havent had to lose 100lb before every few lb makes a difference iykwim. Like even when Iw as still 90kg, even 3kg made a visible difference on me, whereas you wouldnt even notice it on someone much bigger. So there's a trade off to the slower loss.

I felt I was blessed becuase I was still light enough and fit enough to plunge straight into running after my surgery and was able to exercise intensely from quite early on.

Also, I was banded right before Christmas 05, I had a champagne or two over the Christmas period. I'd avoid it for a week or two after surgery but after that, in moderation, alcohol is fine for a special occasion.

I was banded with a BMI of 33. I dont know when labour day is for you guys since im in Australia but from experience I feel that after 2 weeks I would be able to go out but ive only been done 4 days ago so im just judging on how im healing so far.

My surgeon had no problem with my low BMI in fact the less weight you have to loose and the younger you are means that you are most likely to achieve good results than older heavier people.

Im only 18 so in a similar boat! Good luck with everything and keep us posted. It is SO worth doing it!!

As long as you try to avoid anything carbonated, I wouldn't imagine it would be a problem- You might just have to watch how much you can drink, as you will have lost weight, and arent eating as much to soak up the alcohol! No matter what, you will have a good time, but cheap night.

Have you thought about what you will be able to eat at the wedding? I didn't tell anyone I was banded, other than my immediate family, so I am avoiding those social situations for a while. As long as it is 4 weeks after surgery, and you chew well, it probably wont be a problem, but maybe someone who has been banded longer than me might have a better idea (I was only done on the 23rd).

Good luck, have a great time at both events!

Thanks so much for your reply's it helps so much. Thankfully the wedding is in December so it will be a good 2-3 months after the banding. I am feeling quite nervous. I haven't had my first consultation yet, that's August 10th; however, I have lost weight, which won't be a prob for my dr I'm sure, but my insurance might be another story. Thankfully the doctor I am working with has a team of insurance specialists so they should get it approved.

Has anyone had any problems eating spicy foods? Have you lost your cravings for sweets?

Right now I am trying to do the whole no eating and drinking together and chewing better so that's one less thing to have to think about after surgery.

Thanks again for your replys they are really helping me be less nervous about this.