Sara Mos

How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. Om my gosh, this has made me cry. Thank you so much for saying these words. I hate myself at the moment, and the thought that I could emotionally feel like this/you in a years time opens up a new lease of life I truely desperately need.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Thanks CG & Suzanne for your advice. I agree with you, I dont want to carry on on this food yo yoing cycle, and I certainly would love to be slim and healthy, OMG it will just be wonderful and liberating to feel slim again, the last time I was truely slim was in my teens I guess to be truthful. Shame these ops dont offer cognative behavioural therapy.......imagen having someone to off load all of the reasons why weve turned to food.......lol...be pretty awful for the listener though!! I was thinking of taking a few days off work next week pre op, but someone at work advised against it, she said I'd be even worse than I am now! lol.. Thanks guys Sara xx

LOL, keep it up Terri, we need a leader who inspires us, and keeps us on this road of self change hon!!

Thanks for the advice GC53, they did give me a diet actually, a BHF one which I havent really stuck too, but Ive started on a similar one to you a day ago, now Ive read your advice I'll certainly stick to it!! In fact I saw one post in the March bandsters and she said they had to make 6 incisions due to her liver size....that scared me I can tel you! Well Im having the surgery done in a private Hsp in Wincherster (Hampshire) due in at 10.30am and for pre op tests (blood test etc) but my surgery's not till the afternoon... Tell you what though, this op is all I can think about at the moment, its not the op itself, its how I'll cope after as in not eating what I want, when I want, and being restricted...Im desperate for the op dont get me wrong, but its the impact after Im worried about.....

Thats a fantastic weight loss GC53! You must feel great! Another 12 days then I'll be having a lap band fitted! I'm obsessing a bit in my mind about it now....cant seem to think about much else! Do you have any pre surgery tips from your experience?

Just wanted to say Hi All, I'm really finding all of your posts really helpful now as in what to expect, and I'm encoraged to see how your all doing post op. Its only a week and a half away then its April..... 12 days till surgery....GULP...

Good Afternoon All Just tried to watch the lap band link re the surgery, but my comp wouldnt let me! LOL Tracy, I did laugh,(re food porn) when you said you wouldnt say what you ate for those of us on liquids! A dripping nose eh....whats a hard stop? (the mind boggles!) Must admit though, I've certainly noticed I'm tireder at the moment, I need an energy rush ...Food...Food..!! Welcome to the group 'Horns10' .....we do have a laugh in here, and we certainly support each other, so I hope you'll fel comfortable to chat away to us all. Hope your all having a great day!! Sara xx

LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! Terri, your idea on positive affermations and goal setting is just GREAT!!!!!!

Hi Julz, I have just read your posts, and I am deeply sadened by your loss, I know your son is always with you most days...but to lose your baby must have been one of the most harrowing experiences any human being can go through in their life. I also truely hope your health will get better too in time after this op, and your pains in your joints ease up,and your other conditions will improve. Im also having surgery the same day as you on the 2nd, I'm kinda getting a bit obessive about it all now, my surgery time is 2pm whats yours? Sara x

Hi All, Tracy- Re what are op covers: it looks pretty similar to what Im getting too, although I dont get a barium swallow, apparently when they put the fil in, I think you have to drink water or eat a runny yogart and if it comes back up its too tight, so they with draw the fluid. I think its only a 4ml band too? (Should know more in a week or so!) Sara x

Im back again! Tracy - re weight loss, I certainly hope so, lol....I've started keeping a diary now, you know weight, measurements and pics of me before, I thought I'd update it every month, after I've seen the dietician each time. I forgot to tell you guys, I paid for my op last week, £7950.00 thats 15,470.6 USD I think, a lot of money (well hubby bless him paid it) This is what I'm covered for: While in hospital Following surgery your surgeon will usually see you daily to check your condition, discuss your operation and talk through the next stages of your aftercare. You will have discussions with your dietician to plan your diet for when you go home. You will be given diet sheets to help you understand what you need to do. After you have gone home Your surgeon will see you again a month after surgery then every three months for the first year. You will have monthly one to one meetings with your dietician who will provide ongoing dietary advice. There will be regular patient support group meetings led by the dietician, to help you stay motivated and overcome any difficulties you are having with your new lifestyle. You will be able to contact your hospital in case of complications immediately after discharge. If you have a lap band, you will need to visit the Outpatient Department of your BMI hospital to have the band adjusted. This usually takes two adjustments to find the right level of restriction, but additional adjustments may be required. The first one is usually six weeks after surgery. http://www.bmiweightloss.co.uk/terms_conditions.pdf basically its all on this web link, but the above gives an overview. What does everyone else get with their lap band surgery?

Evening all, Gosh I cant keep up with all of the posts! Tracy - I agree with what you said re 'thinking of a loved one that passed over' and they are there instantly with you, giving you peace and love, and that they are there for you in times of need. Aw Jennifur I'd give you a big 'hug' if I were with you, when you have all of your tests this week, chat to the Dr and tell them your worries, they will hopefully put you at ease. It is a really big step were all taking, and right now, its one of the main things were all focusing on, as its such a big step....I cant sop thinking about it, Im getting a bit obsessive to be honest, its all I want to think about...Im mean its exciting, but its serious too, and although we can read Febs/March posts of people who have gone through the op, its still unknown to us till we go through it. I do find them helpful though, because that will be us in 2-4 weeks time. I started a strict regime today, and I will stick to it now until Monday the 2nd. Breakfast: shake + Water + tea/coffee Snack: coffee/tea + water Lunch: Soup + water + tean or coffee Mid afternoon: Shake + water + coffee Dinner: Soup + water + tea/coffee I feel ok, its 7pm here now, for 2 weeks I'll do this, till my op now, as were on a rapid count down now, oooooooo gee I wont get started...I'll start myself off panicing again and freting... Sorry for all this whaffle...... Sara xx

Hi Jennifur! Oooooo I hope you have a lovely holiday too, its so exciting going away!!! & Congratulatons on losing another 2lbs, thats brilliant I hope i'll be down a couple of stone by then, I just phoned my mum to tell her, and she said you will be sara! Its a 13+hr flight a long one, but I sure hope I can get the flight table down in front of me by then too! I wont be slim-slim by then, but I'm hoping I'll be 32+lbs down by then!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY & EXCITED!!!!!!! Just booked our family holiday on-line, were going to Mexico on 29th June all inclusive for 2 weeks, I am soo happy, its given me something really lovely to look forward too and aim for after my op in 2 weeks!!!! It looks gorgeous there, hot, pretty and loads of activities for Sophies etc (shes a board teenager!) I've been lucky, havent had any bad dreams so to speak off; Its mothers day here today in the UK, so far Ive had flowers and smellies from the kids, cooking my mum, dad, and brother a beef dinner tonight....

Pam Banded: 'Just wanted to share an experience....' WOW a 100lbs since November eh? Blimey Pam, was she coping with it all ok? Is it 10lbs a month thats an expected weight loss after having the band, my Dr never said, he just said 40% loss with a band 60-70% loss with gastric surgery.

Hi All, demmemoon, I just read your dilema re job & surgery. I had a similar experience 17 years ago, prior to me having sophie, my youngest, I'd applied to work in theaters part time1 night a week on a Friday night, they could see I was heavily pregnant etc, anyway they offered me the job, and said I could start when I wanted after Id had my baby. Ok, this is the similar situation.....the day of giving birth, I remember looking a feeling terrible stood by a coffee vending machine in the ward in my nightie and dressing gown (blood etc on it, not a pretty picture) hair all messey, no make up etc.....guess who stopped to talk to me? You guessed it, my new boss that interviewed me a few weeks before, well she was lovely as I remember, and didnt take a blind bit of notice of how I looked etc, but she was real caring and concerned for my wealfare. So on Monday if you do bump into anyone your gonna work with, dont worry hon, cos they will be as nice as ever, and probably be more attentive! Good luck on Monday ok Sara x

Tammy, Pleased you are ok, and everything went well. Good luck to all of you on Monday x Have a great weekend

Thats Great news Ms Jen!! FANTASTIC, you must be over the moon! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Aw Ms Jen, I really hope you get some good news on the 20th about your banding date. Sara x

Hi Everyone! Another weekend approaches, and March is speeding by FAST!! Not long now folks is it! Mdrai, I think our confidence is going to soar, I already feel empowered if that makes sence knowing that we have all made the first step, I kinda feel proud that we all have the guts to admit that we needed help, and have seeked it, and know that this time next year we will be stunners!!!! :welcome: Sfelizoo1 and Oktwiggs to the April 07 group were a real friendly bunch, and supportive with each other...there's quite a few of us having surgery on the 2nd/3rd April.....!! (2 weeks away! Aaaaaaaaa) :banana Jennifur...WOW you have lost 26lbs already...That is AMAZING!!!!! You must be Soooooooo pleased....I am thinking of doing the Lighter life programme (I have sachets left from before) as from Monday, as I only have 2 weeks now, its getting a tad bit scary.... bwaydiva, well done for sticking to your own desicion, my mum was a bit unsure at first, now shes very supportive, as she knows what ever she says wont sway me! I'm sure things will work out, and I hope your mum comes round and gives you more support Have a great weekend Sara xx

Hiya Tracy Well 6 weeks will fly by!! Only seems like yesterday we were all discussing being banded in February...... Gawdddd mines 2 weeks on Monday......I cant seem to focus on work Im working from home today...and Im focusing on anything else but work...LOL I cant wait to have a second chance of being the 'real me' Im actually considering changing a whole lot more in my life re work etc...I wonder if being banded is the first step of a whole lot of changes for a lot of us?? Have a great day!! Sara x

Mrs D, Thanks for this, its in my diary! Just got to find the place....Im always getting lost in my car!! Sara

Thanks Kyethra, re the jello question! How are you finding just sticking to soup/shakes? I think I'll have to stock up soon, I was talking to hubby last night saying I ought to buy in x y & z etc, I havent got a heating pad, Ive got a hot water bottle and hope that will do, but I guess it will be heavy on a sore stomach. He actually surprised me because he said he's actually booked the week off (from the 2nd of April; its easter week-good Friday that week, so its a public holiday here) I thought he was only going to take 2 days off, 1 to take me in on the day, 2 to take me home the next day, its a good idea to have him around just incase, my youngest daughter will be around too, so it will be lovely to be at home with them I'm on the count down now, 2 weeks on Monday....its begining to get VERY close!

:wow2: is all I can say....I've just ben reading the last 3 pages, I cannot belive how much weight some of you have lost already! That is Soooooo encouraging. Lara: you made me laugh so much re: 'I felt like my entire backside must have disappeared somewhere' that sounds great to me....I know what you mean though want it to go from your tummy first though, cos I would too. It does concern me too about balancing work and food, as I work away so much from home, I dont know how Im going to cope, I guess I'll have to nip out to the shops and buy microwavable soup, and yogurts? Also, what is jello? Is it jelly (crystles disovled in water and it sets?) Have a great day everyone!

:gluck: GOOD LUCK for tomorrow TAMMY!!!!!! Sara xx