Joni B.

I have been overweight for my entire life (54 years...except for brief periods of thinness that I didn't know how to control) so, thinking of myself as fat is a natural thought process. Even though I've been at my target weight for about a year, it's still tough sometimes not to realize that I really am thin! I'm getting better about it and try not to make this a problem for myself. I know it's hard not to compare myself to celebrities (esp. since they are always visable) but, I really try! Sure, they are thin and beautiful but, so am I ~ and I choose to think that they are not s strong as I am about getting heir "look" and keeping it. It's very nice to know that a few other people understand how I think and feel about myself, as well as that I'm really trying to get past it.

This really is a total lifestyle change, not just what you eat! It wasn't easy but, I've gotten used to "living by the rules" (mostly) and having to actually think about food in completely new ways since I was banded 24 May 2010 (lost 71 lbs by April 2011 & "maintaining" is kinda becoming "normal"). I LOVE that you said Just remember to play by the rules and things will be just fine. That's the main thing I tell myself (& new banders) because that's the secret to making this work!!! GOOD LUCK with your band!!!!! Joni

CONGRATS on your success!!! I was banded 5-24-2010, lost 71 lbs and have been at my "goal" weight for about a year. I am just now getting comfortable with wearing my new size of clothes! My husband (who has never been overweight in his life) really couldn't understand that I still think of myself as fat. But I've been working very hard at getting past that. Whenever I start having "fat thoughts", I stop and say to myself things like "a fat person doesn't wear size 4 jeans!". I've also been "forcing" myself to dress thin...tuck my shirt into my jeans, etc. Also do something you never used to think of doing because "only skinny people can do that". It's kinda hard to do (makes me feel vain) but DO look in the mirror...alot...and tell yourself how good you look! Sometimes it helps when I'm sitting in a chair and I notice that I don't take up as much and/or "hang over" like I used to. Thinking thoughts like this WILL get easier (I promise), you just need to start making yourself think thinner. DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF "FAT" OR "UGLY" THOUGHTS ABOUT YOURSELF!!! Read some self-help image books & practice their lessons, if that helps you. Also, DON'T let yourself hang around people who say/do negative things to/about you! Good luck!!! You know you're beautiful...and strong...so start acting like it!!! (my daily mantra and you're welcome to it, too)

My Dr's don't take out what's there before re-filling (that sounds kinda strange). They hook me up to a monitor so they can see my band and how much is in it. They add some, then I drink a contrasting fluid (so they can see what's where and how it's doing). They do this same way when they remove any (had to have a little removed yesterday - am much better now). If you are feeling such severe restriction (with eating), you most likely DO NOT need a fill so, be sure to tell your Dr/lapband staff how you're feeling and if you're having any problems! They are there to give advice and/or answer questions - use them!!! Joni Breedlove banded 5-24-2010

I know that the stress of your friend's situation wasn't good for you. But it would have been tough whether banded or not. As a nurse, you should know that Dr's DO serve a purpose in life so TALK TO YOURS (&/or lapbad staff)! What you're going thru physically can't be good at all so, get professional advice (maybe counseling, too) abt your band/body/mental condition so you can GET BETTER! Also, get scanned (just to know how things are, if no other reason) so you won't worry! Like "Lap Bad Evangelist" said, make the appointment & start your journey again! Don't be afraid to ask your band dr/staff for band-related advice/help…anytime! That's what they are there for! GOOD LUCK!!! Keep posting so we can know how you're doing ~ others do care! Joni Breedlove banded 5-24-2010

I LOVE bananas! My favorite way is to slice 1/2 of a banana in a (vanilla) Protein drink with a little Hershey's cocoa powder and blend it up real good. I do this regularly - YUM!!! Can also add 1 or 2 Tbsp PB (be sure to add it's protein to your count) & be sure to blend well!!! This is a good "trick" if you need just a little more protein for the day. ENJOY!!!

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!! It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you! The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life! I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!! If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!