Jackie's girl

One thing I went through while I was thinking about this was fear of failure. I always thought I failed because I had lost weight successfully so many times but always gained it back. Five years ago, I lost 70 pounds and after I lost my mom, I regained it. That can happen with any weight loss method. The mind changing thing for me was looking at failure in a different way. Failure would be a lack of effort and because you have made a decision to do this proves you are not failure and won't be after. Somebody asked me, "what is going to be different this time" I even asked myself that same question. My answer was, I decided to be different, very simple. This is a work in progress, don't defeat yourself before you start. I have decided I CAN do this and so can you. Best wishes to you.

I am scheduled for may 14th. Go May bandsters! Make sure you update your story. You will be a few weeks before me and I would love to hear what you go through.

Also are you consuming the right number of calories?

I am hoping for May as well. Just waiting for my doctor to send my paperwork to my surgeon, then it is off to the insurance company for approval. They say it is about 2 weeks for that. Then I have to do a pre op nutrition class, then pre op bloodwork. My calculations say the end of May. Everyone is being really slow, which is frustrating. I call my doctor everyday asking if my stuff has been sent. I figure if I am like a squeaky wheel, they will send it. Good luck everyone!

Hi, I am hoping to be a May bandster too. Im now in the process of waiting for my doc to send my stuff to the surgeon and then wait for insurance approval. I started this process in August of 2011 and it has taken me this long to get all the stuff done, mostly the medical diet. I just was not being committed to it, I think out of fear. I had done everything else. I also had not told my family so I was stalling a little, but now going forth full steam. I am 22 pounds down, hoping to lose 40 by the time I go into surgery. So I hope we can all stay connected. LETS GO MAY Bandsters!!

I am scheduled to have surgery some time in May. I have told my close circle of friends and my sisters. Im not hiding it, but not advertising it either. When people ask, I will tell them I am working out, eating healthy, reducing my portions etc...none of which is a lie. They don't need to know I have tool in place to help me. I treat it like I would anything else that is my personal business. I hate when hear people say.."Oh she lost weight because she had surgery" Like it is some magic fix. You still have to work hard, if not harder than someone on a regular diet. I won't be posting on FB, not knocking anyone who does, but it is just not my style.

Before I decided to have this surgery, i had to get over the worry about what people will say and think. This is a personal decision and people's comments and judgments need to mean very little to you. I have told those who need to know, my sisters, some family members and close friends. i decided to be proud of what I am doing, not ashamed. That does not mean I am going to advertise what I'm doing, just like I would not advertise anything that is my personal business, When people ask what are you doing, here is the answer: I have changed my eating habits, exercising. That is the truth. Don't worry about what people think. Iknow it is easier said than done, but that was somethign I decided before the surgery. Godd Luck to you!

So when you first get the surgery, the band is not filled at all? So there is no restriction at first? I am a few months away from surgery.

I use GNC also like some other people have said. The protien powder unflavored has 25 grams of protien. I also use their Total lean premixed shakes. If you can stand Isopure, which is a clear liquid protien, that packs 40 grams of protien, but it is pretty gross. Tastes like dry wine, but I plan on stomaching at least a few of them after I have my surgery

So you are able to drink shakes right now? No clear liquid diet for you?

So I am reading your story and am very excited to see your surgery day experience. Now that I am getting closer, I am really interested to hear what people go through the day of and after you get home. Gas seems to be a common theme, so I'll be prepared for that. Can't wait to see more of your updates.