Hi Fab-forties!!

I am 46 yrs old and have started my lab-band journey!! I have not been banded yet, but I can't wait to start that new chapter of my life. I have a date set for May 1st. I have a few questions:

first, what is the average weight loss for everyone and how long did it take? I have been struggling with my weight since I was a child. I can't even fathom wearing a size 8!!! I am 5'3" and weigh 235. I noticed that StephC has similar weight stats.

I now have diabetes and severe sleep apnea. I am ready to take charge of my weight and get rid of these annoying conditions.

The reason that I am asking for support on this thread is because our metabolism in our 40's changes (not for the good).......

How about support from friends/family? Has anyone experienced someone who did NOT support them? So far this hasn't happened, but I am sure it will.....

Still trying to figure out how to do the weight tracker, etc.... I'm usually good with the computer, but this one has me stumped!!!

Any input or support would be greatly appreciated!!!! :teeth_smile:

What valueable information here! This is the first time I have ever posted anything. I am 48 and will be banded on June 12th. I teach so I thought that summer vacation would be a good time to begin my "new" life. I am excited, but yet quite nervous about what is going to happen. I want to lose 150 lbs. I have been approved but still need to go through several more test before surgery. I'm lucky as I am not diabetic and not not suffer from sleep apnea. Just high BP and tired bones for me. My PCP told me that this would take care of those problems. Yeah!

Welcome Jules!! You are going to LOVE coming on to this site for reassurance, questions, support and a whole lot of sisterhood!!!

I am getting banded on Thursday. I don't even know how I'm getting to the hospital yet, but no worries!! If I have to drive myself, so be it!!!

Congratulations on your decision to take care of YOU!!!!

Bandfan - we're almost there! Exciting hu? Just a couple more days and you'll be banded and hopefully I'll have a flat tummy. I've never had a flat tummy in my life, even when I was thin I had a little pouch.

Why don't you have someone to drive you? My hubby isn't sure if he's going to come yet, I told him he didnt' have to (but I think I want him there) my bestfriend offered to come and my daughter. The thing is that I know me and surgery, I like having someone there before surgery to reassure me and pat my hand but then afterwards I don't want bothered, I just want to be left alone to sleep and let the nurses take care of my needs.

Hey StephC: I have arranged to get a ride to the hospital. My friend is going to take me. Honestly, my husband will come if I want him to, but he is self-employed and it woud take him out of work for the entire day. Also, he is not very good at waiting around. The hospital is about 30 miles from where I live. I would rather just go, have the procedure done and let him come up later after he and my kids have had dinner.........

I don't mind not having anybody there before I go in. I will be so tensed up, that I won't even know they are there. In my hospital experience, the nurses are really great about holding hands, etc.... I know, I'm too independent for my own good, right?!!!

Personally, I would prefer not to have my kids there, but I'm sure they will want to see me (at least my 7 yr-old). I will tell them that it has to be a short visit after dinner.

I have another friend picking me up on Friday. Again, I would prefer my husband take care of the duties at home (i.e. getting the kids off to school) and then go to work. I don't want to cause a huge disruption in our daily routine.

God knows that I will be depending on them enough over the weekend!! I have a new soft mattress. I already told my husband that he will have to help me roll over in the bed :wink2:. I also told my kids "NO FRIENDS OVER FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND"!!!

All the best to you!! I am already talking about the tummy tuck that I will need after I lose all of the weight.... This has been a long time coming and you deserve it!!! I'll be anxiously awaiting hearing from you after the surgery!!!!

By the way, my name is Marilyn

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow, Marilyn!

I'm sure it will be a breeze and you'll be with the band!

Best of Luck!

Marilyn, Good luck tomorrow! What time is you surgery? I will be sending good thoughts your way. How exciting! Let us know how it goes. Jules

Hi Jules: I have to be at the hospital at 6:30am. Surgery is scheduled for 7:30am...

I am going to go to bed now and try and get some sleep......

I'll let you all know how I made out!!!!

Marilyn

Goodluck Marilyn & Steph! How exciting for both of you, let us hear from you when you are feeling up to it!

Dear Marilyn,

How are you doing and how did your surgery go. After to talking to several in my support group, they sar the first couple days are hard,but it does get easier. Been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. Jules K

Hi guys: My first couple of days were very easy. yesterday was only 2 days out from surgery and I was only taking Advil during the day. I took the stronger "stuff" last night, but I don't know if I even needed it!!

I even went to the grocery store yesterday and went food shopping!! I took it nice and slow and just leaned against the cart if I needed to. My kids unloaded the car when I got home.

I have had no shoulder pain from the gas, but have been moving air the other way (if you know what I mean ).

I have had several other abdominal surgeries (2 hernia's, 3 c-sections, 1 tubal ligation), so maybe that is why it has been so easy...I don't know....

I am just thrilled that I feel so well.

I'm sure you'll all have the same experience!!!

Great that you are feeling so well. I too had 2 C-sections and wondered how it would compare. Good to hear you are not having shoulder pain that sounds pretty miserable. Best wishes for the coming days! Jules

I'm 42, going to turn 43 on July 14th. I had my surgery yesterday and know this was the best gift that I could have given myself. I'm still a lot sore, lots of gas. Trying to walk around. I tried to go to work this morning and could only stay 5 hours. Everything has gone smoothly so far. I see my surgeon again on Thursday. I lost about 8-10 pounds before surgery. I did an Atkins type diet for 2 weeks pre-op. I am excited to be on this journey.

Hi Caminco!! My birthday is July 16th!! Great time for a birthday!!!

Congratulations on your surgery!! It gets better every day. Just try to walk as much as you can. :tt1:

My biggest challenge is getting the 64oz of Water in every day. :Dancing_wub:

So far I have lost 13lbs..I was banded on May 1st. I have never lost that kind of weight in such a short time, but I feel great!! :biggrin2:

All the best to you, you deserve it!!!

Miss Meliss: Tomorrow is your big day. I want to wish you all the best. Most of all, don't be nervous. Think positive!! Before you know it, it will be over and you will be in bandland.

My best advise to you is GET OUT of bed as soon as you can so the gas/air doesn't have a chance to get to your shoulder!!! Walk the hallways if you can with rest in between!! It will make all the difference in your recovery!!

Good luck!!! Let us know how you make out!!!

BandFan, thanks for the reasuring words. I can't believe this time tomorrow I could be back home and an official bandster! I guess my Mother day lunch will be my last big meal ( if I stay on top of my fills!). I really can't believe this is really happening. I have not truely believed I could lose all my weight since my 20's and now I know it really will happen with my band and this great support team! I appreciate your advice and I will be moving & walking around!