dliteful!

Today is my 6 month bandaversary, and I'm taking a minute this morning to reflect and to enjoy my journey so far. Before my pre-op diet, I weighed 230 pounds (which I always count as my "before" weight) and exactly six months later, I have lost 40 pounds! It has been an amazing experience, not always easy, not always fun or comfortable, but I am loving and working with my band! My medical team has been incredible and I am blessed to have the support of some amazing friends who are also bandsters. My family is supportive, my husband proud of my accomplishment (and I'm so glad, he was really concerned about spending the money on the surgery, but sees how happy and healthy I'm becoming!) I have about 45 more pounds to go, which I hope to have off by sometime in the summer of 2013. If I keep on working with my band and exercising, that shouldn't be a problem! I've had my share of stuck episodes, overeating, eating too fast, eating the wrong thing, and learning - and it's all been worth it. I am changing my habits slowly and surely and will be maintaining a healthy weight for the rest of my life. I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity to have a lap band - this is the BEST decision I've EVER MADE!

Wow! Amazing progress, JDMart7! Best wishes to you for a fast and full recovery from your recent gallbladder surgery! Just what you needed, huh? I had surgery June 8 and am down 32 pounds - 53 to go to goal. Tomorrow is my scheduled weigh day, so maybe a few more than that. Feeling good, understanding it's a slow process, working to change habits (which do die hard by the way.) Excited about progress week by week... Thanks for checking in!

Same thing happened to me last weekend. Had a .25 fill on Thursday, did liquids Friday, Soft mushies on Saturday. Went for scrambled eggsand broccoli (bad decision) for breakfast instead of my usual Protein shake and OH NO....that started the day. I irritated my band enough that I couldn't keep anything but liquids down at all on Saturday. Sunday was better, have been fine ever since. Even though it wasn't the reason this past weekend, my hubby and I went hiking a few weeks ago in the mountains (we live at about 4,000 ft and hiked at about 10,000 ft and I couldn't eat at all. Could feel my band get tighter even without eating when we were up at that altitude. Pretty wild - who woulda thought?

I was banded on 6/8/12 and have lost a total of 28 pounds (9 pre-op, 19 post-op)! Livin' La Vida Lap Band!

Woo Hoo! GREAT JOB June buddies - I was banded June 8, 2012 and as of last Friday was down 28 lbs! I'm so happy and love the progress! Have had several fills and am currently at 6cc in a 10cc band. My doc assures me no one has ever maxed out. Keep up the good work everyone!

This is a great topic - we've all had to deal with this. I find that I'm fine taking a little of what's being served (unless it's just something that I can't tolerate any more) and talking, laughing, moving my food around my plate, taking small bites, chewing chewing chewing, and really taking my time. My biggest problem in the social situation you describe is I get wrapped up in conversation or distracted and eat too fast or take the occasional too big of a bite. You probably know the rest of that story, but it's a graceful "excuse me a moment," a trip to the ladies room, then back with the fun. Nobody notices. It's awesome. I haven't missed the volume or any of the foods I have not had since being banded. That's the beauty of the band, it won't let you overdo it - and it feels great to eat like a normal person despite what may be going on around you! Best of luck to you! D

After quite a while of not blogging successes or frustrations or experiences, much has happened. I've been a vacationer, I've been stressed at work, I've had two girls up and go off to college, I've seen the scale drop, stop and stop and stop. I've had a few fills, I've weighed every single day, become frustrated, backed off to once a week and been happily surprised! I've been stuck, hungry, stuck, slimed, hiked, exercised, sweated buckets, laughed a ton, and felt SO much better in my body. As of yesterday, I have lost 28 pounds that I'll never ever see again. I've lost and gained so much in my life and it has become such a vicious cycle, I'm so elated to know I have a tool that WORKS to keep it off forever. It's NOT EASY but it's so nice not to be hungry all the time. I'm finding it's NOT FAST, but fast weight loss and subsequent gain plus some has gotten me where I am today. It IS POSSIBLE to lose weight, feel good and just get on with life. It doesn't consume me like it has in the past because I'm not starving and allocating every possible little morsel of food I can have in any given day. I can go with how my body feels and trust that I have enough, I am fine, and that it is working like it should. What a relief. I'm finding that comparing my weight loss to others is nothing more than setting myself up for panic, disappointment, frustration and fear! I can't. Not everyone is the same. Not everyone started at the same place, at the same age, at the same BMI with the same metabolism. I'm learning to just relax and trust that I am doing this, that my band is working. I am down one size in pants, with the next smallest size sitting happily and patiently in the wings of my closet. I have a great support system - my friend T who is my band sister, my husband and my parents are all very supportive. My goal is to "feel good." When I focus on that, I eat right, I exercise, I laugh, enjoy life, relax and let things happen week by week. No more mental torture up on the scale every single morning. I'm thinking after some time, maybe even a monthly weigh in will be my best route. I hate the scale, it does a number on my mind sometimes. Why subject myself to the torture?! No more. Back to school this next week, working on my MBA (also slowly and steadily), one class at a time. Time to practice studying, writing papers and reading WITHOUT food to make it better. I have other options I'll be trying - walk around the block, music break, phone conversation with my support system. I'm sure I'll come up with more. The week after that I'm teaching class out of town for a week - but not at all worried about being on the road with my band. It's really pretty easy I've found. Plus, I'll have dedicated time to hit the hotel gym each day, without any of the distractions of home, and will get a chance to see my best friend in the whole world. Good times for us! It's funny how reality has set in, my total elation with being banded has turned into a deep respect for myself and for what the band is doing to help me. My excitement at being a thin person is there, but is mellowed with the reality of day-to-day progress and small changes to get me there. My certainty that I will do this has never faltered, not once. I hope everyone reading this is having a growing experience with their band, learning about the amazing person you are, and the amazing life that's out there to live without food dominating every moment. It's pretty dang enlightening and amazing. Wishing you all my best - D <3

I was told by my psychologist that there is such a thing as "addiction transfer" so it's something to look out for. Have your support system be aware of that as a slim possibility, and if it looks like you're headed that way, regroup! I've only been banded for 6 weeks, and I was a compulsive overeater. I do not feel like that anymore - first of all, the band won't let me. It reminds me right away if I'm overdoing it. Sometimes I still have the urge to just eat more (and I do still put too much on my plate), but I know the downside and I stop. With time, that addiction does go away! The trick is to replace it with healthy things - walking, something creative, meditation, snuggling with your honey, music, or whatever fills your spirit besides food or other addictions. You're going to do great! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear how things go!!! D

Hi there! I had a fill today too, but only a really baby one (.25 cc) because I had already had some in my band. I can tell a difference already! I've lost 23 pounds too since June 5, sounds like we're on the same happy track!!! Good for you and your positive attitude, I know I REALLY appreciate it! Keep up the great work! D

Hi there! You'll love it, and we're all here for you if you need us! Congrats on your decision to live a healthier life!

Hi everyone, Since surgery, I've had this achey, weird pain on my lower left side, below the belly button and off to the left. It feels like I ran too far and got a side "stitch" - does anyone know what I'm talking about or maybe know what's causing this? It's nothing serious I'm sure but is pretty uncomfortable sometimes. Thanks D

Five weeks ago, banded and hopeful. Today, I'm down 23 lbs and so happy about that! Not a super fast loss, but I'll take slow and stead and PERMANENT any day over fast and yo-yo! I'm finding that summer time is the most challenging time for me - although there are many fresh fruits, veggies and healthy options out there at this time of year, for me and my husband, there are many social engagements including barbecues, outdoor concerts, farmer's markets, weddings, and other really wonderful events. The events for me are not a challenge, and I'm finding that the food at the events is not the problem, but I am one to enjoy a glass or two of wine or a cocktail with friends at these events. While I'm still losing, I'm thinking that I'd do myself a bigger favor if I stuck to non-alcoholic beverages and watch the weight come down faster. But like I said above, it's not all about losing it fast - I am learning a new way of living right now, and if that life involves an occasional cocktail or glass of wine, so be it. This week has been full of festivities related to a dear friend getting married tonight. I haven't exercised as much because work has been insane busy and we've had engagements every night this week. But isn't that what life is all about? Some weeks are busier than others, it's all about having balance and taking care of myself. I feel like I've been doing a pretty good job in that area. Will I have a glass of wine tonight at the reception? YEP! My daughter turned 18 on Thursday and headed out to Denver (about 4 hours away) for the weekend. As life would have it, she ended up in a fender bender, wanting to come home, not sure about her future move to Denver for school, and so upset (poor baby!) My old mode would have been to hit the pantry since I couldn't be right there to help her. But this time, (luckily her dad is over there), I was able to deal with the problem, feel the emotions I was having, and not stuff them down with a bag of chips. I just talked them out, and I felt better than the food would have made me feel. Again, life happens. So the ups and downs can still happen without dousing them in food - I am learning a whole new way of being, a new way of dealing, and I feel good that so far I've been able to take on stress (good and bad stress) in a healthy way. Hope all of you out there are doing well, remember it really is a JOURNEY and our bands are helping us physically manage hunger while we learn to deal with the other habits and head issues that have made us obese. It is so much easier to understand old patterns, look at them for what they were and change them when I'm not constantly starving. I LOVE MY BAND!!! My best - D

Hi Cindy - I'm 5 weeks out now and I think the pain is starting to get better. It comes and goes, and like you, no problem with the pooping (LOL!) Seems to bother me most after I eat or drink, usually later in the day. Sure could be muscular - that's what it kinda feels like. The good news is, I do think it is going away very slowly, and doesn't seem to bother me as much now as it did about three weeks ago. Let me know how your doing - it is so nice to hear from others with the same stuff going on!!! D

Hello band sisters and brothers! Just a quick update before getting ready for work. Four weeks ago this morning was my surgery, and what a difference a month makes! I thought I felt good after surgery, but now I'm feeling so great! Healing is a process, and I've had to be patient with myself. I went back to work on day 5 which went really well, but I live on three acres in Colorado and there were so many things needing done that I started in on one week after my procedure. I found I had to build up my stamina slowly, but eventually it has come back (pushing myself a little every day), and now I'm back in full swing - with even more energy and able to do much more than I could before. I had the tiny amount removed from my band around day 5 put back in a week ago and it has helped. I've been working out five days a week doing 40 minutes of cardio, striving to stay in my target zone, and feeling good doing that. I've been doing my very best not to eat too much, I do have some restriction, but could still overdo it. I find myself wanting to "graze" all day, and that's not going to be a good strategy with the band, so I've been trying to stick as much as possible to three small meals and one snack in the afternoon, being sure to get in all my protein. I find myself eating too fast which can sure cause discomfort and some trouble, and I realize that old habits really do die incredibly hard. I'm grateful to have this physical reminder of the habits I need to change! I've lost a total of 19 pounds since my pre-op diet which was a three-day clear liquid fast. Since surgery, I'm down 11. Slow and steady, maybe a pound a week, but my doc says not to worry right now about losing weight so much, so I feel like I'm doing well. They also tell me that those who don't have large amounts to lose will lose slower, and I need to remind myself that the weight WILL come off if I continue to work with my band, and remind myself how good I feel with 19 lbs already gone. It makes a really big difference in getting around and moving through my day! My fill isn't scheduled until July 18th, and that's a week or so before we're leaving for a family vacation. I'm glad I'll have some time in between to see what works and what doesn't so I don't end up uncomfortable on vacation. My nephew is a chef and he'll be preparing many of our meals, and right now I find that I can handle just about any food as long as I chew it thoroughly, and eat slowly. My goal is to be at -20 by the end of next week, which is a very realistic goal (one pound a week!) though I really secretly would love to see it fall off much faster than that! I love this site, I love my band and I'm grateful to everyone for their support and for the information I gain here! Thanks everyone, back in a little bit as there is more to report. Hugs to all D

Hey friends! I was banded 6/8/12 - four weeks ago today, and I've lost 19 in total including my pre-op diet and 11 of those have been post surgery. Slow and steady! Can't wait to say I've lost my first 20. One thing I know is I'll NEVER EVER see those 19 pounds again in my entire life! WOW! Congrats to everyone! You are all doing great too! Hugs - D

Hey June band-buddies! I was banded June 8 and returned to work June 13. Feeling GREAT! Down 7 lbs since surgery, 16 in all since my three day pre-op liquid diet. Out working in the yard today and had to take a break! Drinking lots of Water - It's going to be 101 here today and man it's HOT!!!!! We will all be too - congratulations to everyone getting banded this month! We did it! D

My husband and his huge family are from Michigan, so we are headed up to the North Western part - Traverse City area (pinkie finger area). I've never been to Michigan so am so excited! Where is your cruise going? I love cruising!

GREAT job and Happy Birthday! Woo hoooo! Just think how different you'll feel when you turn 26!

I'm at week two and have lost 7 pounds since surgery - dropped a ton (figuratively speaking) right before and right after, but only one pound this week. I had some Fluid taken out of my band on day 5 because with swelling, I was too tight, and after that, I've slowed down considerably. I loved reading all of your comments, it's so helpful to help me stay patient with my body. I know I'm still healing, and I know it's best to come off slowly. I feel great and have made significant changes in my habits, so that's a huge win! My problem is we have a vacation at the end of July and I would like to lose as much as I can before that, but I know I've got to change that thinking. That's "diet" mentality and got me to where I was! Thanks everyone for sharing - D

Maybe hold your nose when you drink it? HA HA! Just kidding, although I never had to do Optifast, I agree that the colder the better. I had a three-day clear liquid pre-op diet and my nutritionist suggested Optipure drinks. I get them at GNC and they are zero carb, 40 grams of Protein per bottle. Clear liquid, lots of flavors. They are best super cold as well, but I would have keeled over if I hadn't have had those! BEST of LUCK, I know you'll do great and 13 days will FLY by!

No, it's off to the left side, down lower - like a side ache.

Hey Carolinagirl! A typical day for me is a protein shake in the morning maybe adding half a banana, made with skim milk. Lunch is maybe a cup of chicken salad (chopped up chicken, light mayo, chopped up pepperocini, a little salt and pepper) and maybe a fruit cup - then dinner is maybe a turkey meatball or two with marinara sauce and a little parmesan. I eat lots of chicken, and meat - but as I said above, it can get stuck if it's too dry or not chewed well enough. Make sure there's sauce (chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy is awesome!). I've had green beans, tomatoes, greek yogurt, cheese, and my all time favorite is a sugar-free popsicle in the evening. Hope that helps! How are you doing on week 3? Have you had any problems? How are you feeling? D