mminuk

As of today I am down 89 lbs since being banded December 20th. I am super happy. I have a ways to go but am starting to feel so good about myself. With me, I cut out alcohol, red meat, most grains and coffee. I calorie count and try to stay around 1000 - 1500 per day. Breakfast I eat oatmeal, lunch is typically a salad with tuna, low fat cheese and low fat dressing, dinner is typically fish and veggies. I try to get at least 1 Protein shake in a day and drink about 4 litres of Water. I average about 4-5 pounds a week. I walk an hour a day and see a trainer 3 times a week.

I was banded December 19th and have lost 82 pounds so far. I am super happy with my loss. I eat well (about 1200 - 1500 calories a day) and work out 5 days a week, 3 times with a trainer. I feel better than I have in years. My energy is way up. I'm starting to become self concious of the loose/hanging skin and know that will just keep getting worse as I lose weight. I try not to focus on that and stay focused on the end goal. I am a huge believer in the band and know that if you put your energy into it, it will work! Mar

I began my 3 week pre-op December 1st and was banded the 20th. Since beginning this journey I am down 55 pounds - averaging about 5 pounds per week. Its definitely not easy. I see a trainer twice a week and work out at least 3 times a week on my own. I calorie count and try to stick to 1000 - 1200 calories per day. For me at this point its all will power, I feel little restriction and do get hungry a couple hours after I eat. A personal choice for me was cutting out caffeine, alcohol and red meat. I think that has helped. We are all doing well! Mar

So I had my first fill yesterday. I have a 10cc band that had .5cc's already in it. The doctor put another 1.5cc's in for a total of 2 ccs. The doctor recommended liquids yesterday and mooshy today. Since the fill I have had a very hard time getting fluids down and its impossible to do anything else (even just mooshy foods). Before my fill I didn't feel any restriction so I find it hard to believe that I could be over-filled already. I hear a lot about swelling after fills as well as after vomiting and think that must be it. I am nervous though. I don't live in the same city as my lap-band doctor (2 hour plane ride away, 13 hour drive) and am not sure what to do. Should I wait a couple of days or should I call the doctor now? Am I overly worried?

Hey all I had my surgery December 20th after a 2 week pre-op diet. I am currently down 46 pounds which I could not be happier about, especially because I havent had a fill yet. Tuesday I go in for my first fill and my question is a simple one, does it hurt??? I am super nervous and would rather be prepared if it is going to hurt. Thanks! Mar

So happy about this thread. I was banded yesterday and have always been a stomach sleeper. I slept last night on my side but woke up every couple of hours. I hope I feel well enough in a few more days to try sleeping on my stomach and get a really good nights sleep. Mar

Would it be possible to get Dr Burke's contact info? I am being banded in Winnipeg later this month but live in Calgary? Thank you! Marlee

I agree with Laura completely. I've watched a few different lap band surgeries on youtube. I was completely freaked out by one because it really focused on the outside view. However I watched one today that was a 5 part one that was mostly internal view and it was facinating. I wasn't nearly as freaked out. I am having my surgery on the 21st and I'm feeling ok about it right now (that may change at I get closer!) Dont let the surgery itself stop you from the whole lapband journey.

This thread has been eye opening. I honestly couldn't put my feelings into words but that is exactly how I feel. Since starting this journy I have been trying to figure out how I will look and I cannot see it at all and at times that gets discouraging. I think if I could see myself thin that I would see more of a light at the end of the tunnel. Much like many of you have written, I am 30, have been large all my life. Its amazing to read that others are feeling the same way. It makes me feel more normal if that makes any sense. So thank you.

I just watched your video and I want to thank you for it. I am extremely interested in what a tyoical deals meals looks like for those who have already been banded. I will bookmark it and watch it again in a month or 2. I am currently in week two of a three week pre-op diet with my surgery on the 21st. I am making a list of the things I will need post surgery and have added a timer and a food scale. Thank you again! Mar

I know how you are feeling. I am on day 7 of 3 week pre-op on Meditrim and it is tough. However, it does get easier. I would say about day 6 the hunger pains lessen. Keep your eye on the big picture. My thought ia that being on the pre-op diet will prepare your stomach for what's to come and "Bandster Hell" wont be as bad as what some people describe. We are building up our will power now and the weight loss is awesome - huge motivator. I have lost 12 already. Stay strong! Mar

I find your weight loss inspirational. I am on day 5 of a 3 week pre-op diet and it is so difficult. I have spent a lot of time on this site reading posts to find inspiration so thank you. I am currently 388 (lost 9 pounds pre ops so far), 5"10, 30 years old. My goal is to lose 200 pounds. I am wondering how you were so successful? What do you typical meals consist of? How much exercise do you do a week? What type of exercise? Any advise you can give me would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you!! Mar

I am self pay, expensive but I'm sure well worth it

I am on day 3 of my 3 week pre-op diet - 2 shakes and 1 protein bar a day. The shakes can only be mixed with water. I am then allowed 1/2 a cup of veggies and any diet/sugar free drinks I want. All about 800 calories a day. This is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.

I am on day two of my pre-op diet and its already killing me. The clinic I am having my surgery through asks for a 3 week very low calorie diet. It consists of 2 protein shakes and 1 protein bar (chosen by the clinic). I can then have half a cup of veggies a day. I am already having a very hard time and am wondering if anyone can give me some suggestions.

How is it going so far for you? I am living in Calgary, my surgery date is set for December 21st in Winnipeg. I am currently on a 3 week liquid diet. I am really struggling!

I am 30 years old, have always been plus size (5"10, 368 lbs, size 28) and have extremely high self esteme. I was a plus size model in my earlier years and I'm sure that helped with body image. My desire to have the band isn't necessarily to improve my self confidence, rather to improve my way of life. I'm looking forward to working out (surprisingly), to not dreading stairs, booths at restaurants and shopping. Finding boots that will easily fit my calves is going to be amazing. So after a cousin of mine had the surgery I decided to look into it. I've done much research, read A LOT of postings on this website (all incredibly helpful) and spoken with many people. It has all happened really quickly. After meeting with the surgeon and the psychologist, my surgery date is set for December 21st (3 weeks). I am both nervous and excited. My question for you all is what to expect, right after surgery, the weeks and months to come. How quickly did you all see results? Mar

I JUST started on the pre op diet yesterday and I already hate my life. I understand the importance of it (the liver shrinkage and all) but it doesnt make it any easier. The one I am on is 800 calories a day - which consists of 2 shakes and 1 bar a day. Thats it. The next 3 weeks are going to be extremely tough!