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Do you *REALLY* want to know what the band is like????



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I had my band almost a year ago and I have lost around 90 pounds. It's a great feeling. NO food ever tasted as good as being this pretty feels. Please, don't wait another moment because I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Through the port pain and the vomiting, I have never once regretted it. I do have a few complaints, though:

1. Clothes

I don't have any that fit. Twelve months ago, "my clothes don't fit" would have meant they were hugging me in all the wrong spots. Now I mean all my clothes are too big. My mom calls me "parachute pants" and it does not hurt my feelings. I have to spend hours upon hours shopping for new clothes in the mall. Since, now, I feel better about myself, I have to spend an additional half hour at the nail salon and hour at the hair dresser. How great! what is my complaint you ask? Well, I'm spending tons of money on clothse that are too loose next week. Sigh...

2. Reinforcement

I can't go anywhere these days without running into someone I know and them commenting on my appearance. "Wow! You look so much different!"... "How did you do it??"... "You look amazing!!"... that's just the beginning! Don't even get me started on the male attention!!! How great!! what is my complaint you ask? Well, all anyone wants to talk about it me and I like that a lot, but people only love me for my looks now! Sigh...

3. Mind

I used to think every time I went out that people were staring at me because I was so fat. Now I live a normal life. It's so nice. Before the lap band, I spent my down time thinking abut my next meal. I don't do that any more because I'm not obsessed with food. Now I get to read great books, watch cool movies and do so much more stuff... what is my complaint you ask? Well, now I have an occupied mind and sometimes I forget to eat! Sigh...

4. Money

A Lean Cuisene is a feast for me. Because of this, I have saved so much money. The month before I got the band, I spend $76.22 on fast food alone (pizza, tacos, fries, burritos, etc.)... and now I HAVE that money for myself! I spend this money on clothes that are from normal stores, bras from Victoria's Secret and getting my hair done... for me. (I can't begin to even think of all the time I wasted eating, too!)... what is my complaint you ask? Well, I'm spending more money than I can make because I'm so pretty I want to adorn myself... sigh...

5. Medications. I know a lot of you gals out there are on a lot of medications and are looking forward to getting the band to get rid of them. Well, I have some bad news. Since I got the band, I actually had to ADD a medication... well, that medication is birth control, but, you know... pills are pills. what is my complaint you ask? Well, that's a pill EVERY DAY! Sigh...

So, there you go. Just do it...

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Get the patch and you won't have to take that pill either!!!!

Of course you could practice abstinence, but what fun would that be??:(

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Thank you for your post! I'm being banded tomorrow and am very nervous. Your post made me laugh out loud...what you said is everything I'm looking forward to!

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I cannot tell you how much your post meant to me. I am self pay, and the more I read on the message boards the more I am in doubt of my decision. BUT your positive post and confirmation was just what I needed to hear. You hit the ball out of the park on this one. PLEASE KEEP POSTING - Although I want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly---your post was definitely music to my ears.

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Thanks so much for your post. It brightened my morning. I am just starting my lapband journey and have been hesitating over the decision. You have helped immensely.

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As a relatively new bander (5 months post op) who has lost 46 lbs, I must say I LOVE THIS POST! What an inspiration you are!!! Continue to shine girl!!!

I had my band almost a year ago and I have lost around 90 pounds. It's a great feeling. NO food ever tasted as good as being this pretty feels. Please, don't wait another moment because I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Through the port pain and the vomiting, I have never once regretted it. I do have a few complaints, though:

1. Clothes

I don't have any that fit. Twelve months ago, "my clothes don't fit" would have meant they were hugging me in all the wrong spots. Now I mean all my clothes are too big. My mom calls me "parachute pants" and it does not hurt my feelings. I have to spend hours upon hours shopping for new clothes in the mall. Since, now, I feel better about myself, I have to spend an additional half hour at the nail salon and hour at the hair dresser. How great! what is my complaint you ask? Well, I'm spending tons of money on clothse that are too loose next week. Sigh...

2. Reinforcement

I can't go anywhere these days without running into someone I know and them commenting on my appearance. "Wow! You look so much different!"... "How did you do it??"... "You look amazing!!"... that's just the beginning! Don't even get me started on the male attention!!! How great!! what is my complaint you ask? Well, all anyone wants to talk about it me and I like that a lot, but people only love me for my looks now! Sigh...

3. Mind

I used to think every time I went out that people were staring at me because I was so fat. Now I live a normal life. It's so nice. Before the lap band, I spent my down time thinking abut my next meal. I don't do that any more because I'm not obsessed with food. Now I get to read great books, watch cool movies and do so much more stuff... what is my complaint you ask? Well, now I have an occupied mind and sometimes I forget to eat! Sigh...

4. Money

A Lean Cuisene is a feast for me. Because of this, I have saved so much money. The month before I got the band, I spend $76.22 on fast food alone (pizza, tacos, fries, burritos, etc.)... and now I HAVE that money for myself! I spend this money on clothes that are from normal stores, bras from Victoria's Secret and getting my hair done... for me. (I can't begin to even think of all the time I wasted eating, too!)... what is my complaint you ask? Well, I'm spending more money than I can make because I'm so pretty I want to adorn myself... sigh...

5. Medications. I know a lot of you gals out there are on a lot of medications and are looking forward to getting the band to get rid of them. Well, I have some bad news. Since I got the band, I actually had to ADD a medication... well, that medication is birth control, but, you know... pills are pills. what is my complaint you ask? Well, that's a pill EVERY DAY! Sigh...

So, there you go. Just do it...

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LOVE the post...starting to get nervous for my banding on 2/11 and this was JUST what i needed to read! thanks! and congrats on all your success:thumbup:

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I agree with your post in so many ways. I am only 1 week post op and have lost a total of 20 lbs. It is a great feeling and already seeing the difference in clothes! I almost need a new part time job to pay for the new clothes I will have to buy. Congratulations on your success!

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Great post thank you! My date is 1/30 next Friday..well really THIS Friday it feels weird like it hasn't hit me yet hoping I don't have a panic attack in the OR lol but this was nice to read! :blush:

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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