cantwait2start

I'm just here to share my story in hopes of encouraging others, because this has not been easy! I was 327 about this time last year. I had my surgery on Janaury 9, 2013. Went fine, super easy. I was not successful on the pre-surgery diet and entered the process feeling like I was already a failure. I also had no restriction after the surgery. I could go to Wendy's and have a burger and fries. Again, I had no confidence that I could/would do this. When the Dr asked me my goals, I was so unsure I said lose maybe 30-40 pounds if that's possible. I had never successfully lost weight in my life. For me personally, it wasn't until I had about 5 cc's in my band that I started to feel restriction. Over the past year, I have seen the bariatric nurse specialist at the Dr's office every month, talking wiht her about diet, how much restriction, and often getting a small fill. Seeing her regularly has kept me on track! It's kept the goals clear in my mind and provided such great support! The first 4-6 months were sheer hell, I have to say that. I didn't know that else to do when I wasn't eating. I craved crabs. I felt like I would die without bread and Cookies. I was restless and unhappy, even as the scale started to show results. I finally figured out some things to do at times when i used to eat. I also figured out that I could, actually, eat half a serving of reese's peices and satisfy my sweet tooth. I had no idea what a serving was much less the idea of having half of one! I eat a high protien diet right now. I'd like to get down to 149 and i think that might just be possible! Nov 2012 327 Today 199

I'm just here to share my story in hopes of encouraging others, because this has not been easy! I was 318 about this time last year. I had my surgery on Janaury 9, 2013. Went fine, super easy. I was not successful on the pre-surgery diet and entered the process feeling like I was already a failure. I also had no restriction after the surgery. I could go to Wendy's and have a burger and fries. Again, I had no confidence that I could/would do this. When the Dr asked me my goals, I was so unsure I said lose maybe 30-40 pounds if that's possible. I had never successfully lost weight in my life. For me personally, it wasn't until I had about 5 cc's in my band that I started to feel restriction. Over the past year, I have seen the bariatric nurse specialist at the Dr's office every month, talking wiht her about diet, how much restriction, and often getting a small fill. Seeing her regularly has kept me on track! It's kept the goals clear in my mind and provided such great support! The first 4-6 months were sheer hell, I have to say that. I didn't know that else to do when I wasn't eating. I craved crabs. I felt like I would die without bread and Cookies. I was restless and unhappy, even as the scale started to show results. I finally figured out some things to do at times when i used to eat. I also figured out that I could, actually, eat half a serving of reese's peices and satisfy my sweet tooth. I had no idea what a serving was much less the idea of having half of one! I eat a high protien diet right now. I'd like to get down to 149 and i think that might just be possible! Nov 2012 318 Today 199

Wow...wow...wow....I never thought this day would come--and i have a long way to go, but my scale this morning says 299. Not 305 or 307 or 332. I have so much more to lose but someone going from the 300's to the 200's feels good!

Very hot! you look terrific!

I too have been super hungry. It's discouraging because I thought I would feel more restriction after the band. However, at my post-op appt, the Dr said that for some people, they really don't feel much different until the fill begins. Hang in there. You might not feel like you are off to a fast start but the pieces will come together.

I had a very easy time, went home the same day, really no pain I've had no trouble eating mushy foods and even some "soft" solids. Nothing has been a problem. I even had a little salad. Is that normal? However, I am not finding that I ever feel full! Is that also normal? Honestly, I don't feel any different in terms of my band helping me yet. I am making much better food choices and not snacking but I don't feel like my band is helping at all to eat less or feel full. What is everyone else's experiences?

I had my band surgery two days ago on Wednesday. I haven't been too sore but I have a horrible headache from the anesthesia and from caffeine withdrawal. I'm tired too, but that's probably because I'm trying to keep up with work and help my husband with the kids. I don't know how I feel. I wasn't one of those who had like a 10 or 15 pound weight loss before surgery and so i don't have any positive momentum forward yet. Right now, i feel more obsessed with food than ever before in my life. I spent most of yesterday having cravings for all kinds of things. Very odd. And kind of tough. Most times yesterday had you asked me, i would have taken food over the possibility of losing weight. I'm hoping that some of the mental cravings go away in the next couple of weeks. Hope everyone else who went this month is doing well! Let's support each other

I'm wondering if there is as much variability in the post-op diets as the pre-op diets. Even my surgeon himself gave some different directions. The nutritionist said liquids for two weeks, the surgeon said 5 days liquids, 5 days mushy, then on to solids. How long has everyone been told to stay on liquids? And how much of that do you think is for diet reasons versus for the stomach to heal?

I'm wondering if there is as much variability in the post-op diets as the pre-op diets. Even my surgeon himself gave some different directions. The nutritionist said liquids for two weeks, the surgeon said 5 days liquids, 5 days mushy, then on to solids. How long has everyone been told to stay on liquids? And how much of that do you think is for diet reasons versus for the stomach to heal?

This is very interesting to me. I keep seeing all these posts that people are dropping weight like nothing before and after their surgery. Not me! I have lost some--16 pounds--but not much. I see people with 25, 30 pound weight loss. I kind of thought if it doesn't come off soon it won't at all (the weight). But I feel like I am being so good, making much better choices and not snacking. I have so much to lose and I want to be successful.

Thanks, "honestly"! What a difference a few days makes! I am down 15 pounds from my pre-surgery weight of 326! The scale says 311 this morning! And I feel good and positive and not so tired. I don't know if it's because the residual anesthesia has worn off or because I started some mushy foods yesterday but I feel more "in balance" and less starving and obsessed with food. At this point, I would say it was worth it, which I wouldn't have said two days ago. This is a bigger process than I could truly understand before i did it.

I'm so glad to see some really kind, supportive people here. I think we all may need different things to motivate us. I know I do much better when people are kind and gentle than when they get in my face.

Good for you! Congratulations!!

I have to say it seems like people are all over the place wiht the prescribed diets. I have been good but not perfect. My surgery is Jan 9.

Floridays you did great! any tips?

I'm also in Tampa and scheduled for Jan 9. I had to postpone and I feel kind of out of the loop since I haven't seen the Dr since the beginning of Dec. But I'm trying to get my head back into getting ready. Definitely would like to buddy up with someone for support.