Bandista

Exactly! I know I can do the work -- I already do. But I can't sustain it because I get too hungry. The band is going to help me with that and I'm going to get back in sync with my body. Good luck to you -- very exciting times ahead!

You are doing so well -- paying attention to your appetite, your body. Good for you! Sounds like just the right time for a fill, that you are right on schedule.

Great post! I can't wait to bike again -- it's been a while. Congratulations on your new ride!

Hi Nancy, it sounds like you are doing well. Don't forget pain medicine effects us in all kinds of ways and you are just coming off eight days of that. Don't forget to celebrate the big accomplishment of getting through this thing -- you are on your way! I am pre-op four more days and I know what you mean about wanting to go to sleep and wake up. May 1st would be nice -- six months out, a good chunk off, in sync with my body and my band.........

You can do it -- just like today was doable a little more each day 'til you're there. I am about to have surgery so won't be cleared for this for six weeks but then I am so there with you! Got to tone so I won't be a bag of loose skin!

This is just what my issues have been -- eating as a response to a particular event, like you on the phone with your sister. Really looking for those triggers and noticing, noticing, noticing has helped me tremendously, even if my track record for changing up is not perfect. Here an example of one of mine: Prior to a meeting -- don't need to prep with food beforehand. I'll be fine. After a meeting -- no need to stop somewhere on my way home and get a little something as a reward. Slimming down is my reward and I'm not going to get there if I get myself treats. Alone in the house -- do not go looking for food as entertainment. I need to find something else to do!

You have a great figure! Thanks so much for the advice about plateaus and just keeping at it when the number on the scale isn't moving. Very inspirational! I am sabinadublin on My Fitness Pal if you'd like to add me. The pictures are amazing. I just had a cousin take mine as well as measurements. Surgery is Tuesday so I'll have something to look back on as I shed weight over time. Have a great weekend!

Nutritionists vary, that's for sure.

I'm not there yet (soon!) but my post-op protocol is similar. I think it's great that you are not overdoing it and you are picking up your body's signals for being full. Can't wait to be where you are now. If you have any questions, pick up that phone and ask your dietician/nurse, etc. Goal is to eat real food, extremely well-chewed and with time before the next bite, etc. Look forward to hearing how you're doing as you progress. You're off to such a great start, way to go!

I am not there yet but I make cauliflower smush all the time and every one loves it. It's extremely low-cal -- steam a head of cauliflower (I buy organic if possible) then go at it with the stick blender, adding in broth to get the consistency you want. It's amazing -- like cauliflower pudding or something. If you like to cook, Indonesian Squash Soup is so easy to make and it's absolutely delicious. Have fun! I am a few weeks away from all that so you will be telling me your favorites when the time comes. Do you deliver?

Congratulations -- I just calculated my sixth-month will be May 5.....looking forward to that! And new running shoes are a fantastic idea!

So happy for you, Starfish -- that is great news. And great you have that support at home. Me, too, though I didn't let him come to any of my appointments as I don't want him to know how fat I am. Isn't that ridiculous? I can't wait to weigh less than him -- that will feel so good! Lady Diva, I'm going to add you on MFP. I am sabinadublin there........might already have you -- still figuring it all out but great to be tracking exercise and calories with a group of banders. Starfish I don't think I have you there, do I? Happy Friday every one!

Hurray! Very inspirational; thanks so much for posting.

Hi Lori, it sounds like you know where the weaknesses are -- good for you for figuring out the specifics of what you need to do. And congratulations on the 41 pounds. I wish I had lost 41 pounds last year! I'm getting my band next week and of course am totally paranoid about stuck episodes. Still, I know I can do it if I work very closely with my doctor to determine just the right amount. That's the whole thing, right? The adjustable lapband has to be adjusted properly to take care of that appetite and this can be a very delicate tweaking to get it working properly. Working perfectly -- that is the goal. It will happen! I have become an exerciser and I would not have thought that was possible. How about one of those C25K programs or something like that? You are not alone in this regard. I still don't exactly want to do it, but once I'm finished (like right now), I feel great and wonder what that whole head game was all about. Once my band is installed and I'm recovered, etc., my next goal is to stop the head game and enjoy the working out right from the get-go. Best wishes to you!

Leg and foot pain can make exercise challenging -- my husband has these issues. A recumbent bike could be a good solution. Ours was pretty cheap and has a lot of miles on it now. No electronic parts so nothing to break. Good to move. Also he does a PT routine in bed, off the foot/leg involving weights. Maybe get a PT to work up something with you? Leg lifts from various positions, etc. -- now up to five pound weights could not walk a year ago.....

Hi there and congratulations on your surgery date. I'm going soon and getting some things together based on various suggestions. I will be in the hospital for one night as they do a barium swallow the following morning to make sure band is all set before release. Here's my list: Pillow for hospital and small firm pillow for coughing and ride home Robe for walking around after the surgery Slip-on shoes for same... Earplugs/earphones (I am sound sensitive) iPad, cell phone, charger Journal, pen, book My CPAP machine, sigh Water (for my machine and for drinking -- don't like city water) Toothbrush/paste Carmex Biotene -- new to list, thanks! Gas-x strips for car ride Home: Fresh sheets on bed Heating pad Papaya enzymes Milk of magnesia Stool softeners Prescription pain meds filled liquid Tylenol Popsicles Teas -- ginger, decaf black, Kukicha (what I usually drink), peppermint I have one day Clear liquids then a week of full liquids, so making sure we have stuff on hand as I won't be out shopping, etc.: Protein shakes broth Boxed organic creamy Soups (I like Pacific brand) Hot Cereal for thinning out (have not figured this out) fruit juice More Popsicles!

Hi there and welcome! I have found this site to be so helpful for support and education. Finally getting banded next week. I struggled with my weight for so long and am relieved to have help on the horizon. Best wishes to you!

Hi Mandy, that's great news! (And I love that article, too, Missy.) Think I'll go read it again! Best wishes to you........keep us posted on your progress. What is your protocol over the next few weeks? I am getting banded Tuesday then clear liquids one day only (!?!) and on to full liquids for a week, then full liquids plus smooth foods then mushies.

Hi there, I'm getting banded 11/5. Even though this will be a whacky month, I don't want another challenge to pass me by. So here I am! Name, real or screen~ Bandista Goal weight for November 30th~ 234 Weight on November 1st~ 238 Age~ 52 City/State~ New Hampshire Dietary goal for November~ Transitioning through the stages of learning my band. Exercise goal for November~ Lots of walking while waiting to be cleared for my regular workouts. Personal goal for November~ Reconnection with my body. Listening. Date banded~ November 5th, 2013. Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 10 pounds Favorite Thanksgiving Activity~ Putting up twinkly lights.

Hi Ashley, I am November 5th as well. And Zorro. So that's three of us in one day!

Happiness!

Nervous and excited here, too. Not really worried at all but the anticipation is getting to me after all the time leading up to this. Need to keep busy this weekend and Monday then YAHOO, the big day..... How is everyone doing?

Congratulations -- perseverance pays off! And of course four months can seem like forever but it's really nothing. Just one season. Thanks for the reminder that it can take time to get the band working right. You are doing beautifully! Yippee!

I'd call them -- you are the patient, the customer, the client. They need you to be successful so what do they suggest to help you get through.......

Great post -- thank you so much, Di. I'm very excited about starting this new chapter in my life. Your experience is so inspiring -- I'm hanging on to all this positivity. And 2muchfun, that is hilarious about the UPS man. JFC we love your ears, and you, too.