I've made a decision that when the surgeon's office calls to set up my surgery date in the next few days or weeks, I am going to push for February. Preferrably the 11th, because where I work that would give me two Holidays off, plus one of my Friday's off. I have the 9/8/80 schedule if anyone out there knows what that is, or has it. I plan to take full two weeks off. Why not? I have plenty of time on my books, and I want to be sure I stick to my liquid diet 100%! That can be hard to do if you're stuck at work and end up not bringing enough to keep you satisfied during the day.

So, anyone else out there with a date that month or trying to push for it? I'd love to hear from you and see how it's going.

Here is my journey, I hope your up to a long read...

I began looking into the lap-band surgery about three years ago when I first heard about the surgery. Not very intently at first of course, and I always said I'd never even consider bypass.

Not long after hearing about it my PCP told me I had chronic hypertension. Well, I was only 30 years old at that time! I was blown away. I was a chubby child (not bad), but at about 12/13 I lost the weight and was able to keep it off until about 19. It was about 2 years later I met my husband and we married shortly afterward, and it was at that time I made the most of my weight gain. It was like I was sleeping all though it and I never realized it happened. My eyes were really opened that day my doctor informed me of my disease. Well, needless to say I hadn't even stepped on the scale in many, many years. I was wearing a size 28 at the time of my diagnosis. I made a conscious effort to lose some weight on my own, still not fully supporting the idea of surgery. I did pretty good. I did it through good old better eating and exercise. I lost about a pant size before making that ultimate step onto the scale. It said 315!!!

OMG! :faint:

You know, I knew I was pretty bad off, but still - even then - I didn't imagine it to be that bad. Keep in mind I'd already lost some weight. I've come to terms with it now, and can easily say I was probably at my max upwards into the 330's.

Well, I continued to lose a little more weight in the same way - but somewhere betwee 270 and 280 I'd stopped. I've been yo-yo'ing the last ten pounds ever since. I've been this weight for probably the better of two years now. It was at the beginning of this year I realized I needed more help. I figured I needed a little something to keep my portions in control, as I noticed by journaling my intake I tend to "overeat" especially during dinner hour. Breakfast and lunch are perfect, as always. I do great when my mind is busy at work.

It took a lot of courage to ask my PCP about bariatrics. It was almost as if I was admitting to myself especially that yes, I'm fat, and yes - I can't lose it alone. My travels from there have been long and arduous. But one moment of it, I do not regret. I am so thankful for the six month dietician appointments, as it prepared me a great deal and in so many ways. I don't think I will be as successful had I not done them.

I am so close now, I can see the Bandland gates from here!

So, anyone still going through the toughest part, HANG IN THERE!! It is, and it will be SO worth it.

I simply can hardly wait!

ogli, Slimfast makes a low-carb shake that has low sugar and 20 grams of protien. You can buy the 4 packs in the grocerey store or Sam's has them too.

ogli, Slimfast makes a low-carb shake that has low sugar and 20 grams of protien. You can buy the 4 packs in the grocerey store or Sam's has them too.

Thanks, I actually like slim fast. I have three different flavors at home. Those cans saved me from the drive thu pitfall twice already because I was hungry on the road and I had one in my purse. I keep them in the fridge all the time. I need and love the convenience aspect...

I would like to join all the february 2008 bandsters. I was banded on February 8 and have lost 33 pounds. I would like to know if this is average for this time.

I was banded on Feb 7th, 2008 and have only lost 20 lbs!!!! Very frusrtrating! Ive had 2 fills of 3ccs each in my 9 cc band.....I keep yo-yoing!!!!

Oh and it best protein shake in the world is PVL Whey Gourmet Peanut Butter CHocolate!!!!!!!!!!! It is to die for!! So Good! Great taste, low card and high protein!

Hi erikadawn and lisalynelle, both WELCOME!

Everyone is welcome here in the Victorious Valentines! We even get posters who were not even banded in Feb. of 08. We accept all.

erika,

I would say that 33 lbs. is quite normal. I was banded on Feb. 11th and have now lost 36 lbs. Not much of a difference really. I think most of us have lost at or near that. Congratulations so far on what you have accomplished!

Lisa,

20 lbs. still falls well withing the average of 1-2 lbs. per week for lap-band patients. That in no way is an "only", it's more like an "already"!

Good luck to both of you!

I found a protein drink at Costco called "Protein" it is 160 cal and 30 gr of protein, and it is actually delicious:thumbup:

my banding was on Valentines day and to date I have lost 46pounds.. with no fills.

Carol -WA

I would like to join all the february 2008 bandsters. I was banded on February 8 and have lost 33 pounds. I would like to know if this is average for this time.

Yes, you are doing great! Most february bandsters have lost between 15-45 pounds at this time. Several people include weight they lost a few months before banding on their tickers, so it's kind of hard to tell when looking. But, you are right on track!!

I would like to join all the february 2008 bandsters. I was banded on February 8 and have lost 33 pounds. I would like to know if this is average for this time.

Hi Ericka! *waves* Welcome to our tight litte group, the Victorious Valentines!

Your progress seems very average to me.

Glad to have you here.

Hi L-M-B once again encouraging words I like saying "already" instead of only ... Thanks .... Kathy

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

I'd say that is very average. My ticker shows more because I'm going from the first time I stepped into the surgeon's office. 18 was from 6 month diet - I lost 24 and put 6 back on at Christmas. Then I lost either 16 or 18 on my two week pre-op liquid diet. So that puts me at 35-37 post op.

I was banded on 2/11 and just saw the scale move after many weeks of staying still. Started at 221.5 and now am 198. To me it is slow. I have had 2 fills. However, I see the difference in my clothes....

I was hoping for a faster loss. Well, I guess I should be happy that I am not gaining! :thumbup:

Does anyone have any suggestions? What do you eat to promote a faster loss? Anyone have sliming problems?

I was banded on 2/11 and just saw the scale move after many weeks of staying still. Started at 221.5 and now am 198. To me it is slow. I have had 2 fills. However, I see the difference in my clothes....

I was hoping for a faster loss. Well, I guess I should be happy that I am not gaining! :thumbup:

Does anyone have any suggestions? What do you eat to promote a faster loss? Anyone have sliming problems?

Hey Tina! You're in Onederland! WooHooo! That's great!!! I can't wait to get there! You are doing great! Try and remember that this is a slower process than bypass. You will also have plateaus that are incredibly frustrating! Try and be patient. You will be rewarded!

Personally I just watch the carbs. I try to stay below 30 gms a day. If I go over I don't beat myself up about it though. I just try to keep it at an average of 30. I still eat rice and potatoes from time to time but I definitely don't eat them any where near like I used to. When I eat I focus on my protein and veggies. That's about it really. Oh and I drink a lot of water! That helps with hunger as well.

Keep up the great work!!!

Yes, exercise, exercise, exercise...that gets the fat to moving outta town..lol froggie

Welcome Erica and Lisa!!!!

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction. Just think, those are not pounds gained. Add a half hour of exercise into the food changes and you'll see yourself pass the plateau. I was stagnant for a while too.Remember slow and steady......:confused_smile: