Carnegl

I finally reached that elusive Onderland! It has been 34 years since I have seen that number. I took a picture of the scale and have sent it to the very few good friends who actually know my weight. What a riot!

Congratulations! Each day is a milestone on this journey. To see such a payoff is worth it.

I went into the orientation with the lap band as my choice. The gastric bypass scared me for all of the same reasons posted above: I knew someone who had severe complications; I did not want my innards reworked; and I was just plain scared of it. My surgeon was also geared more to the GB rather than the lap band, but the staff at the WL program were certainly well informed on all the options, and supportive in our decisions. I will admit that the sleeve really interested me. Unfortunatelly, my insurance does not cover that procedure. If it did, I would have opted for that surgery. With that option off the table, I focused on lap band and really love it. I went into the WL program with a determination to change my lifestyle. I have been heavy since my school days. In fact, I am approaching the Onederland milestone, a weight I have not seen since my Junior year of high school (which was over 30 years ago). This surgery is such a personal journey. I know during the 7 months in the WL program prior to my surgery, one question I would always ask was "Do you have any regrets from having the surgery?" Always, the answer was "NO!" If did not matter which surgery they chose, any difficulties they had, or the speed of their weight loss, every person I spoke to would do it again. That is what really helped me through my decision. Good luck in your journey!

I was banded on May 23rd. Everything went according to the book Two week pro-op diet...first week a killer, second week a breeze. In and out of the hospital the same day. Post-op drugs a life-saver. Back to work in 2 weeks feeling great. I had my first fill this week (Tuesday). I debated on getting a fill since I was already losing (25 pre-op, 20 post-op). I decided to get the fill because I was feeling hungry with little restriction. Also, due to vacations, I will not have the option of getting a fill in August. (The appointments are scheduled monthly.) After the fill, I definitely felt a new tightness. Since I have been on liquids and mushies this week, I don't know yet how real food will feel going down. It will be interesting to test. I have been weighing on Mondays for my 'official' weight but I had to take a peek this morning and it is still going down. I have decided I love this band!

I am planning to travel overseas in a few weeks. I was planning to take a supply of my favorite protein powder to get me through the food choices; however, someone thought they may restrict bringing it through Customs. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I just got home from my first fill. Definitely the anticipation was worse than the actual event. A little 'ouch' due to the scar tissue, and that's it. The best part. . .I've lost 20 pounds post-op!

This is definitely the best place to share news like that. Since I work with all men, they do not understand when I come to work in a new outfit that came off the 'regular' racks. I get the "yea, that's good" response all the time.

I was banded a month ago. The feeling is almost euphoric, isn't it?

I am in EXACTLY the same phase as you were during this post. One month post-op. 25 lbs pre-op weight loss, stuck in a rut for the past week! How did your fill go? My first fill is July 5th.

I've continued with one protein shake a day (usually mid-afternoon) with no problems. Since I do the gym after work, I feel that is the best time for me to supplement my protein intake. I will continue with that plan unless I am told otherwise.

My surgery was May 23rd. Recovery was as expected. In 2 weeks, I was back to normal and back to work. The liquid diet was easier than I thought it would be. I moved to the second phase of the diet after 10 days...soft/pureed foods. Thank goodness for pudding and unflavored Protein powders. My first fill is July 5th. My weight loss sure is an incentive to stay within the diet parameters. 25 pre-op and 16 post-op! I am so pleased with the results! I am really appreciative of these forums. It helps me to realize my experiences are normal.