Jenn1214

Last Friday I found out that my grandmother passed away. She lived in Oregon and I'm in NY so I didn't get to visit her often so of course the guilty feelings I always have about everything rose to the surface. I was happy to find out that she got the flowers I sent her for Mother's Day before she died, so that made me feel a little better. Still, the impulse to run out and stuff myself with every form of junk food on the planet reared its ugly head. I just told myself "That's not going to make me feel any better or bring Grandma back, so what's the point?" Instead I spoke with my family about my feelings and found out they felt the same way about the situation, so I knew I was not alone. Then we talked about happy memories that we had with her and that we were happy she was with Grandpa again. I felt better and didn't want to eat anymore. You didn't win this time, food! Boo ya!

I had some routine blood tests done last week and got the results today. Before surgery my cholesterol was about 225, now it's 191. It may not sound like much but that's the first time I can remember it being below 200 in a very long time. The good to bad ratio was good though, so that's even better. I'm on my way to a healthier, happier me!

It hasn't affected my family much at all. I get lots of compliments from them and they aren't bothered by the fact that I can't eat that much anymore. It's like I never even had the lap band sometimes (except when it takes me 3 times as long to finish 1/3 of the food they are eating!)

After a few well meaning kicks in the butt from my fellow bandsters (thank you!), I realize that I'm being very impatient. My weight loss has been a lifelong struggle and I will not win the battle overnight. The purpose of getting the band was not so I could wave a magic wand and instantly be at my goal weight, it was to give me a tool to help me where I've failed so many times before. Besides, how will I learn anything if all I want is rapid results? I'm supposed to be learning how to fuel my body with the right foods and exercise, not whining that the scale isn't moving or I'm not a size 2 by now. My ultimate goal is to live a healthier life without all this weight dragging me down, and that's not a simple goal. I knew that when I decided to get the band, but I slipped back into my old mindset for a little while there. No more of this all or nothing, "I want results NOW" bullcrap. Slow and steady wins the race!

It's nice to go shopping in your own closet, isn't it? Congrats!

Thank you for being one of the well-meaning butt kickers!!

Beautifully said! There is nothing "easy" about the lap band, no matter what the skinny minis think. Not only is it major abdominal surgery that leaves permanent scars, you have to completely change your eating habits or risk getting stuck or throwing up. Plus it's not a magic wand, it's a tool. Anyone who accuses you of taking the easy way out should stuff it! If losing the weight lowers your health risks and makes you feel better, what do they care how you did it?

I just started using Mederma for my surgical scars, especially the humungous one in my belly button. Has anyone used it with good results? I just want to know if it will be worth the hassle of 4 daily applications!

Actually I've gotten nothing but compliments from people. Are these men only attracted to heavier women? That could be where the "ewww"s come from. I'm sure you look great! If you feel great too, then don't listen to the naysayers.

Welcome! You will find these boards are a valuable resource during your lap band journey (I do!). I would wait until the mushy stage to blenderize solid foods. Double check with your nutritionist just to be sure though. Mine gave me a list of good food choices to eat at each stage, so don't be afraid to ask. Keep us posted on your surgery and good luck!

Because we have to drink on a empty stomach, you'll probably notice that you get drunk faster. After I have two small glasses of wine I'm ready for bed, so I don't do it often.

I knew this would happen eventually since this has been my pattern for years, but I'm starting to lose motivation. I haven't worked out in almost a week. Drinking the bare minimum water intake. I'm keeping my calories low but that will probably go out the window at some point as well. This all reminds me why I'm fat in the first place. Even losing 31 pounds in two months hasn't been enough to keep me going. Worst of all, I had my fiance take some pictures to commemorate my reaching 1/3 of my goal weight and all I could think was "Wow, I don't look much different. I'm still really fat." It was kind of a nasty wake up call for me and made me feel pretty down. I thought I must be looking pretty fabulous because I was getting so many compliments from his family but I don't see it. Why can't I give myself a break?

Thanks everyone :-) I need to remember that I didn't put this weight on overnight and it won't come off overnight. Gotta keep on truckin'!

I'm glad I don't have sleep apnea! My fiance was just diagnosed and his CPAP drives me crazy....it's so loud I want to throw it out the window!

I experience the same thing. I've heard that losing weight can make your hormones all wacky because some hormones are stored in fat and released when it is burned. Not sure if that's true but it makes sense...

I do both. I try to get my recommended amount of protein while keeping my calories at 1200 or below. I know you're not really supposed to count calories with the band but I have such a history of mindless eating that I journal everything to keep myself accountable.

Pineapple juice is supposed to be good in case food gets stuck. I've also heard papaya extract/enzyme works too, but I imagine pineapple juice is easier to get for most people.

I know the mantra of bandsters is pretty much "Small bites, chew well, go slow". I guess everyone has their own opinion of how big of a bite to take. My surgeon says that each bite I take should be the size of a #2 pencil eraser, but my nutrition said it's not necessary for it to be that small. It would take me a thousand years to finish a meal at that rate. So the question is, how big of a bite is just right?

Has anyone had champagne post banding? It's not quite as carbonated as soda so I'm thinking it would be more tolerable...I'm getting married next year and I wouldn't mine having some at my reception if I can.

I will definitely admit that it is a weird feeling sometimes to have a foreign object in my body. I named my band (Bandy, very original I know) to make me feel a little less anxious. If you're comparing having the band to your mother passing away, it must have been horrible for you. Sorry it didn't work out for you and good luck on your journey!

Stepped on the scale today and I've lost 31 pounds since March 8th, which means I'm a 1/3 of the way to my overall goal! I must have weighed myself about 20 times to be sure, but I really did it! I posted some pics in the gallery if anyone is curious, since I can't for the life of me figure out how to post them on here. I was so afraid that the Lap Band wouldn't work for me because everything else up until my surgery had failed, so I'm elated that it has been a success for me!

How much weight have you lost so far? How many calories are you eating per day? Are you exercising at all?

It sounds like your wife thinks you're getting the band so you can take the "easy way out". There is nothing easy about this lifestyle. It's a tool that can help you eat less, but you still have to put in the effort. Maybe if she understands that she will be more accepting of it. I'm assuming she's not overweight or she would understand the physical and emotional misery of being obese. My fiance decided to get the lap band after I started my journey. I love him and I want him to be around for a long time so I'm all for it. Hopefully your wife will eventually support your decision to lose the weight and live a healthier, longer life too. Good luck!

Just cast my vote! Good luck and keep up the great work!

Just got back from the doctor after my first fill. They were very impressed with my weight loss, even though I have been feeling frustrated lately, so that was very encouraging. Also it turns out that my port is in a totally different place than I thought! What I was feeling was actually scar tissue! Silly me.<div> Now it's two days of full liquids and two days of mushies, then back to solids. I'm hoping this will give me the push I need to keep my weight loss going!</div>