Sunshineteach79

Hey Maggie! First of all, I am extremely proud of you for joining the gym, and wanting to get back into swimming. (One of my least faves...lol....I was a ballet and jazz dancer). Remember that you're there to being your journey to a healthier you! It's really hard not to think about what others might be thinking, but when it boils down to it...does it really matter? Who cares what some stranger might think of how you get into the Water? how slow you might swim? They don't know your story and they don't know the path that you're on. Now, lets say you meet someone at the gym and you become friends...well look at that...they want to be your friend, no matter what you look like. So the way that I see it...just go do your thang girl! The swimming will increase your confidence and help you become healthier. Good luck! Have a GREAT swim!

I think I might be the only one that enjoys Protein shakes? Now, granted I haven't started the pre-op diet, but I'm not a huge Breakfast person. I'm also not sure if my surgon will allow me to have my normal Protein Shakes. I usually use almond milk, with a frozen banana and then add a variety of different things depending on what I want. I've made a mocha shake before, pineapple and peach, peach, berries, etc. I currently use Isopure low-carb powders. They come in a ton of different flavors, but I'm happy with the Dutch chocolate and vanilla. I can modify those a bit easier than Cookies and cream. I can only imagine how difficult it's going to be to only consume clear liquids, and mushy foods. All I can say, is keep it up, it's a journey to a healthier you! You can totally do this!

Hey there! I live in the far northwest burbs...think Waucounda area. I made my first consult with Dr. Rantis of the Kane Center which is located in Hoffman Estates. They have a really great team of doctors there. My first consult was just for me to get more information. I made an appointment to meet with him again in July. Looking forward to it because I believe I'm now ready. Good luck with your consult.

Congratulations on all of these good things! I am so happy for you that you fell in love with you again! That's amazing. You're doing great, keep up the great work! Again, congrats! Bask in the joys of feeling great and looking fab! Janine

Hi everyone, Back in December, I went to a WLS seminar and wanted to get started right away. The Dr. I met with was hesitant to proceed with surgery because of the lack of time I had been thinking about having lap-band done. Anyways, here is my scenario. I see that many people struggle deciding which procedure to have. My struggle is and always has been changing my attitudes, choices, and lifestyle. I've tried everything under the sun outside of surgery to lose weight. I lose it and then gain it back and then some. I'm now at 270 lbs, and 5' 7. I keep hearing everyone talk about how after having lap-band surgery you need to follow the strict guidelines from the doctor, and really change your lifestyle. This is what I WANT, so badly (to have a healthy lifestyle). I just don't have the right tools in my tool box to make it happen. If I can't change it on my own, how can I be sure I can change it after having surgery? Prior to having surgery, how did you prepare yourself mentally? After surgery, how did following through with protocol work for you? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Wishing to be healthy, again. (It's been WAY too long!)

You deserve to brag! You look amazing, and years younger! Congrats! Keep up the GREAT work!

Thanks for all the advice!

Good luck tomorrow! Here's to a speedy recovery and a new life!

Congrats to you both! What a great way to start off the new year! Keep us posted!

Hi Dawn, The first consultation was with Dr. Rantis. My next meeting is with Dr. Kane. What were your mom's thoughts on Dr. Rantis? Did I just meet with him on a bad day (perhaps for both of us?)

I have been seriously thinking about the lap-band surgery for about a month, however the procedure was brought to my attention about 4 years ago. Within those 4 years I've tried everything under the sun (besides medication) to help me lose weight. Weight watchers, medically supervised wellness program, reading diet books, talking with social workers and nothing has worked. I feel like this might be my last option to change my life around. I know what I should and shouldn't be putting into my body, but for some reason the drive-thru is much more convenient! I am spending more money on food than I ever have in my life and it shouldn't be this way. How has everyone changed their mentality of eating for pleasure to eating for fuel? What process have you gone though in order to get there? I guess the only thing I'm afraid of, is going through with this procedure and finding out I can't "kick the habit". I hear how hard the first two weeks prior (all liquid) and two weeks after (all liquid) diets are hell! How do you get through it? I started to give it a trial run yesterday and today, and I failed miserably! I did have a protein shake in the morning that kept me satisfied for about 4 and a half hours, and then the tummy wanted something (I actually had the feeling of being hungry), and I was out shopping with friends yesterday and we went to Potbelly's. I figured if I can start with two protein shakes a day, that would be a good start. Well that night, I was craving carbs and I was bored so I made a mini pizza. I'm not alone in this am I?

Thanks everyone! Melynie we will definately have to keep each other posted on our progress. (I just got a call from the office today to set up the psych eval and meeting with the dietitian). Dawn, thanks for telling me about CDH, I didn't know they have a Bariatric program. Granted it's a bit far for me. I live pretty close to the Wisco border. St. Alexis is far for me too, but my primary doctor said that she wouldn't send me anywhere but Kane Center for this. I did call the office today and schedule another meeting with a different doctor, so I have that appointment scheduled for next week. I explained that I think that the doc I first met, our personalities didn't really mesh well. I want someone that will take the time to listen to me, and understand me and not rush me through our first meeting. Again, thanks all for the info and welcoming me to the forum. Cheers!

Hi everyone! I am a newbie to the forum, and have been lurking for a couple of weeks. The lapband was introduced to me years ago, however at that time I wasn't ready to persue the idea. About a month ago, I started really thinking about it. I went to a seminar, and had a consultation with a doctor. The doctor I met, wasn't really personable. He kept telling me that I needed to ponder and think about this longer than just a few weeks. Plus, he was rushing us through the consultation. He continued to look at his watch, and seemed irritated that my dad and I had so many questions. Anyways, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to the fellow banders out there. I'm a 33 year old living in the suburbs of Chicago. I am currently a 7th grade special education teacher. I am looking forward to beginning this new journey into my new life.