brbm6

I agree with Vicky and Dave. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I think a lot of people get frustrated because their bands are too tight or they do not want to use their will power to get them to their goal. The band does not do the work for you. You have to work with it. But, I have self control for the first time. food no longer has power over me. But, I do not keep my band so tight that I can not eat certain foods. I have to log calories and excersise regularly. It is not a magic fix. But I would definatly do it again.

I go by the idea that there is no bad food. Just count it into your calorie count for the day.

I agree with Vicky. Watch your calorie counts, protein and carbs. You will be fine. When I asked my surgeon about portions he said to stay at a 1200 calorie per day. I think you will be very successful if you track everything you eat.

I used Phentermine years ago for about 4 months and lost about 50 lbs. The problem is it came back on FAST when I quit taking it. It also really messes with your metabolism. I love my band. I have learned portion control and how to eat right and excercise. It is not a quick fix. You have to work with it. I excercise daily and really watch my calorie count. Could I have done this on my own? Maybe. But, I am a pro at loosing and gaining it back. I am thrilled I now know how to eat correctly. My band has given me back my life. I have control over my food......it no longer has control over me. Good luck in your decision! You definately have to be ready to fix your eating problems and excercise regularly. The band does not deal with all the head hunger issues.

I know several people who have used Dr. Kim in Dallas and are very happy with him.

Warm tea or decaf coffee always helps me. The only thing that worked for my gas pain was a heating pad......it was wonderful! Congratulations on joining the banded!

Love it! Great NSV!

I questioned it 2 years ago and backed out of the surgery. Of course I put back on all the weight plus 10 more pounds. Now that I am banded I can see hitting goal and maintaining will be much easier for me. I think we are all diet pros here. It is maintaining that we fail at.

After you are banded you will have a whole new aspect when it comes to food. I honestly didn't know how I would live without Diet Coke but, I honestly can say I don't miss it. I also don't miss the 91 lbs. I have lost. Now, I would much rather eat fish or fresh veggies and I never thought I would say that! But what you are feeling is completely normal. I think I had a 64 ounce Diet Coke the day before surgery.

I hate to say this but, I would. If you have been a yo-yo dieter your entire life (I can relate) then...........go for it. I am sure others will tell you no. This is just my opinion. Either way, it has to be your choice. You are the one that will have to live with the band. I will say that 15 lbs. would probably come off quickly during the pre-op diet. Again, just my opinion. Good luck with your choice.

I have noticed it too. But, I do think I probably act a lot more confident and am more approachable. I think as we gain back our confidence then we just put a different vibe out there. I agree with sandworm that we probably all act a little differently now.

You will be fine. I had a major anxiety attack the day of surgery. My surgeon told me he would be worried about me if I WASN"T anxious! I don't eat broth or jello either. As for the pain, I have had 3 c-sections so this was a walk in the park. You will wonder why you did not do it sooner. I can eat anything, as long as I take small bites and chew, chew, chew. I choose not to eat pasta, breads or sugar. But that is by choice. I have taken a few bites of toasted bread but that is it. I really don't crave it anymore. I have no pain. But like checkyes I can feel my port. Good luck!

What a difference! Congratulations on your success!

I get that stuck feeling with chicken if I do not eat teeny, tiny little bites, about the size of a pea. And, I have to chew the heck out of it. Chicken needs to be really moist or I have major problems with it.

Does anyone's band get tight in the heat? We went to the 4th of July parade today and while I was in the shade and drank at least 64 oz. of water to keep hydrated I felt my band get tight and a bit whoozy. Keep in mind it was 94 degrees this morning (gotta love Texas).

I vote for the good angel. You didn't get the band for nothing.

My heart aches for you! As a wife of a former U.S. Army Bosnian Conflict Vet I can not imagine what you are going through. You are among friends here.

Yes, and with no doubts this time! It was the kick in the butt I needed to eat right.

Welcome to the land of the banded. It is such a great feeling! Enjoy your journey.

I don't know but.............CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is fantastic news. I bet you are thrilled.

I have an IUD and love it! No having to think about birth control. I have had it for years and when its time is up will replace it until menopause.

4 weeks.

It happened to me. I was doing everything right and BAM! I hit the plateau. The only thing that worked was upping my water intake from 100 oz. to around 120 oz. per day. I don't know why but that broke the plateau. Hang in there! You have come so far.

What you are going through is completely normal!!! I was banded 4/5/2011 and was extremely nervous. In fact, I had a major anxiety attack right before surgery. I would do it again though........in a heartbeat!!!