raevensong

My Doctor and nurses really push sugar free because sugar turns into fat, but I really try to eat whole foods, and I hate the idea of all of the chemicals in artifical sweeteners. I've been trying to find things online, but am not really having any luck. I grow stevia and have used it in tea, etc. but have yet to try baking with it. Anyone have any advice?

You can do this Mary!!! Sometimes so much focus is on the after surgery journey etc, but don't forget that you've come a long way already to get where you are. Don't let bacon ruin that. Once you're out a few months, this time will be a distant memory. The clear liquid period is awful, I won't lie. I don't care if I ever have broth or jello again, but I'm glad I did it. It gives me faith in my conviction that I was able to endure that. Just remember - this too shall pass. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

After my 2nd fill, I felt like I was really too restricted. I couldn't keep any dense protein down, so when I went in for my 3rd, my Dr. took out a half CC. That felt way better, but now I feel like I don't have enough restriction again. I don't get it! I know I've been eating more than I should, and recently I've been making some pretty poor choices - sugary foods etc. I still eat less than I did before I was banded, and I haven't gained anything, but I don't think I've lost anything either. Can anyone offer any wisdom that can help re-motivate me?

I've been eating less than I did pre-band, but still a lot more than a cup. I just had my second fill today. I'm hopeful that now I will be eating less. Everyone I've talked to who has been successful with the band has said that sometimes it takes a few months to get the right amount of fluid into the band. I guess it's a learning curve and we just have to keep at it and try not to get frustrated until we find the right balance.

Jennifer - One of the talking points that my program stresses at the outset is that obesity is a disease. It's not an effect of laziness. Especially if you are at the point of seeking surgery to help, it's clear that you have tried everything you can and are serious about losing the weight and being healthier. Whether it is genetic or not, obesity is not something that the average person can just "get over." My obesity is genetic, but I had kept it under control for a long time until my late 20s. Then some life circumstances got in the way and made it very difficult to manage. I knew that I needed a tool to help me regain control of it. I look at my band as a tool to manage my disease in the same way as diabetics have tools to change their eating and lifestyle to manage theirs. I come from a family with a long history of struggling with weight and while they are supportive, they worry that it's just one more fad like all of the ones they've tried. I know this isn't the case, and the research and success results prove that. We have the medical technology now to have minimally invasive surgery to put a tool in place to help us manage our obesity. Why on earth should we not do so? I don't want to be one of the fat american statistics, and I don't have to. Neither do you. I was heavier than you when I had my initial consultation, but also taller, and I also didn't have any diabetes or the other things. I still qualified for the surgery based on it being a preventative measure. I would be suprised if, at your height and weight, you didn't also qualify. Take heart, and be strong in your decision. This has nothing to do with your family. This is about you and what you want and need. You have obviously taken years to think about this and research it. Give yourself the credit of knowing what is right for you. Good Luck!

My name is Rachael, and I was banded on 3/25/11. The program I'm working with suggested that I join a support group, but I really don't have the time or want to drive in to the city all of the time, so I'm glad to find an online forum that I can join in to. So far, I haven't had any problems. I'm just starting the "puree" stage of my healing process, and am really looking forward to mushies, but honestly - just being allowed to have more than clear liquid after two weeks (one week pre-op and one week post) has been heaven. After looking at so many successful gallery posts I'm really looking forward to my own journey ahead, and I look forward to sharing it with you and being part of your successes as well.