claraluz

Great thoughts here! Although I'm a new bandster, I'm not new to the weight-loss biz. I've lost all my weight before, the last time was 6 yrs. ago. It's funny how my life changes when I really get in the dieting groove (and I guess the band will be the same?). I get more organized. I accomplish more. I feel better. It's fun to watch the pounds drop off. So I'm not really scared. I do remember that it was a little freaky when I could no longer just shop in fat lady stores, of which there are 3 near me. Suddenly I could shop in any of 50 stores and I didn't know where to look. The only negative part of losing weight for me was that I looked older. My face looks best with about 20 extra pounds. Now that I really *am* older and will be 50 next summer which is already freaking me out, I'm not looking forward to looking older again. People tell me I look at least 15 years younger than I am, but that will change when I lose weight again. A small price to pay, I guess. Nancy

Alexandra, don't sweat it too much. We didn't come this far just to diet with self-control alone. I'm still on mush for another week, but I can eat a lot of mush and not feel full. Let's just do the best we can and get fills when we're able as it sounds like we both need them. Say it with me: This is the healing phase, not the losing phase (repeat as often as necessary). Nancy

I have insulin resistance (borderline diabetes) so I think the higher Protein, lower carb way of eating just makes me feel better and probably helps my blood sugar. I have heard people say it helps the weight loss, too. I guess you could always try it for a couple of weeks and see what happens. Nancy

Congratulations! These milestones can be so important to help keep us motivated. Keep up the good work! Nancy

I've been banded for two weeks and was supposed to start on mush today. I was extremely busy at work and only had time for two Protein shakes. No way could I have eaten slowly and carefully. This evening I tried my first meal of tuna salad. Took about four very small bites and felt a slight fullness in my chest and stopped. Did I stop too soon? I know I haven't taken in nearly enough calories or protein today. I'm just so afraid of pain or PBing, I guess I'm being super-conservative. This band thing is so weird. It's like learning to live with a new and temperamental body part. Nancy

Thanks for the support everyone. I got a little braver today and ate mush all three meals, so far so good. Mary, hope the mush phase is going OK for you too. Nancy

You really look great! Keep up the good work! Nancy

Hi, Alexandra. Well, you asked for a pep talk and I am not exactly the one to give it, being that I am in your same shoes, but a little bit behind you. But maybe it will help you to know that you are not alone. I know it helped me when I read the subject of your thread. I came to this board with the idea of posting something very similar. I am experiencing post-op emotions that I am having to cope with in new ways. I am only 12 days post-op and still on liquids. I am getting in very few calories, no matter how I try - under 800. On Thursday I made a mistake at work - I am a social worker and I said the wrong thing in the wrong way to a client and made her feel worse instead of better. I think I probably erred because of a disturbed body chemistry and the stress of surgery. For three days, I felt depressed and demoralized over it. Probably an overreaction. I realized that normally, I would have gorged on carbs and gotten that tranquilized feeling and that's how I would have "coped." Instead I called three friends, crying, and talked it out. My first post-op day of coming home after work, I didn't know what to do with myself. Usually, I would have stopped at the grocery first, then come home and prepared dinner, then ate and snacked the night away. Now I could do none of that and I was bored. I think that our inner chemistry is changing and we are experiencing a sudden and dramatic forced change of a habit of overeating that really worked for us on some levels. I was prepared for some emotional turmoil, but have been surprised at the intensity of it. I did make an appointment with a therapist because I think I am going to need help and support. Well, this has been a long post and I didn't mean to hijack your thread, but I just want you to know that I think the feelings you are experiencing are very normal. I am sure that in this early part of the journey we are going to feel a lot of negative emotions, some very strong. Luckily we have this board to come to for support. Hope you are already feeling better. Nancy

Oh, sorry for the typos, Jeunesse!

Lisa, You and I were banded the same day, so we're band buddies! Nicole, so glad you had an easy time of it, welcome. Jeneuse - 33 pounds in a month - wow! BTW, I learned a little saying from my Dutch classmates in Costa Rica last summer: "If it's not Dutch, it's not much!" Nancy

JC, I am so sorry you are having a hard time. So many of us on this board are new to the band and it's hard to know how to advise. It sounds like you are very restricted for the time being. I think as long as you are able to get fluids down and you are not vomiting, there is no need to worry. And even though I've only been banded for five days myself, I learned last night that anxiety can make the band tighten up. Keep us posted. Nancy

Congratulations! Just take it easy now and sip, sip, sip!

Hi, JC. Glad you're back. I've been thinking about you. I'm just sorry you are having a hard time, though. Did they do a repeat barium swallow the next day to make sure the opening is allowing enough fluids in? I guess the answer is just to be diligent about sipping. My doctor told me not to be too worried about getting calories in during this first few weeks as I have enough stores. Just remember, we're not concerned with weight loss these first few weeks, though, we're mainly concerned with healing. Please continue to let us know how you are doing. Nancy

Victoria, I'm sorry. The waiting can be so hard. On the other hand, I'm glad they found out about your infection prior to surgery. And the time really will pass. I promise. Nancy

I had surgery yesterday and went home last night. I never could have imagined it would be so easy (at least so far). I had a few sharp pains when I stood up last night, but other than that it only feels like I've done a few too many stomach crunches. My sister drove me around doing errands today and I've only taken regular adult liquid tylenol. I have no appetite and my doctor told me to take advantage of it and not to worry about getting in calories or Protein right now as I have enough stores. I'm drinking plenty of Water and Crystal Light, though. Anyway, I read many people posting about how the surgery was pretty easy and I thought they must be very brave and that it would be much worse for me, but no. . .it really is pretty easy. So take heart all you pre-ops. Thanks for all those who gave me support. Now the hard work begins, but I feel very ready! Nancy

Thanks for the good advice to rest. I am, really. Definitely not doing any lifting or anything. I feel even better today than I did yesterday. Some of it is probably just relief at having the surgery over. After researching and planning for so long, it is good to have it behind me. Anyway, don't worry, I'm being good. Nancy

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. Nancy

Well, August Bandsters, I guess I'm one of the last ones to get banded in August. Tomorrow is the day. I am anxious. Slept poorly last night and I'm sure I won't sleep at all tonight. But I know I'm doing the right thing. I found out yesterday that I can go home the day of surgery barring any complications, so that has helped me to feel a little less anxious. Nancy

Mary, I am thinking of you today. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Bunkie, I'm right there with you!! My date is the 27th (tomorrow!) too. I've had all the same thoughts you have, plus I'm just worried about the post-op discomfort/pain. But I'm trying to be calm. Good luck to both of us. . .let me know how you are doing. Nancy

I went to my first support group meeting today (I'm getting banded on the 27th) and it was great. This is a group that is just getting started and today was the first meeting so there were only 6 people there, but I feel more comfortable with a small group anyway. We are hoping the group will grow. Anyway, it was so encouraging. Three of the people there looked great - thin! Two others were still losing. There was a time when I was considering rny, had the surgery scheduled in fact. I went to an rny support group meeting and it scared the heck out of me. The lady next to me was 11 months post-op and said she was only beginning to feel OK. Many of the people looked unhealthy, with poor color and sagging skin. And nobody seemed too happy. It was a major factor in my deciding against rny. So I'm so glad my bandster support group was nothing like that! I think it will be a big help in my weight loss journey! Nancy

Kiera, Thanks for your reply. I had to laugh because I, too, am in the process of cleaning my house within an inch of its life and that is an unusual activity for me. But I'm having my sister and brother stay with me during the post-op period and I want everything in order. I'm also trying to make sure that everything is done so that I don't have to lift anything heavy next week. I feel ready. Strangely enough, I'm not even that nervous. The main thing I'm a little freaked out about is having to give up bread (I love it) and colas. but it's a small price to pay for reclaiming my health! nancy

I have reflux and take meds for it. I will be banded this week. My surgeon says the band should cure my reflux! Not sure about that, but we'll see. But I don't think it should preculde you from getting the band.

So glad about those of you who are doing well. Anyone heard from Alex? I am starting to get really nervous and it's difficult to think of much else. Especially work. Nancy

Excellent, excellent letter and thank you for writing it. It will be interesting to see if she does write a follow up. If she does, please keep us posted. Nancy

Am I excited? Not exactly excited, but I'm just very ready to get this behind me. After the research I started doing two years ago, through the RNY that I almost had a few months ago (backed out 4 days before surgery), I'm just very ready. Yet somehow it didn't really start to seem real to me until Friday when I got instructions from my surgeon in the mail . . .including the dreaded low carb diet. I must say I binged this weekend, but it only made me feel sick and sluggish so I'm done with that. Started the low carb diet today and it was easier than I thought it would be. I'm super busy at work right now so that is helping to distract me. Nancy