Bandista

Congratulations -- so inspiring for those of us waiting to be banded! I feel like I'm carrying around a boulder or two.....can't wait to put them down for good. Welcome to the forum, so nice to have you across-the-ponders chiming in!

Hi there, pre-op and have been weaning off of supplements prior to banded life not long from now. There are the giant chalky calcium/mag/zinc I can barely get down now, SAMe, etc. Arthritis is way up, however, and I realize it's because I stopped the big fish oil capsules, too -- guess I really need those. Any one here found a liquid form that is band-friendly or other method for delivery? Guess while I'm on shakes I could pour it in there but then it's a whole cup of blech......any advice from those who need to take supplements is very welcome!

Me, too -- I am sabinadublin (I can't add from this iPad)...looking forward to getting the MFP thing together. Have my exercise and shakes in there now and I'm just starting the pre-op diet, so that's a good time for me to get into the habit of adding up all the intake each day. Thanks for the boost!

I've been using hypnotherapy techniques to get at my emotional eating -- breathing and relaxation. Was surprised to find a hypnotherapist on my list of preferred providers from our insurance company -- it seems to be working for me. Maybe try some deep breathing or mindful meditation? Good luck to you and please don't ever hesitate to post. We are all in this together and many if not all of us are here because of emotional eating and the results of that.

This is great -- no more crap!

hi there -- sabinadublin is my MFP name....can't add you from my ipad, I have to be at a desktop for that. Love to connect with others -- trying to get that working for me!

Continuing with PT exercises -- the "swimming" in bed, great workout with weights. Now to go do my five laps around the driving circle (1/2 mile) while it's still light out. Beautiful fall afternoon -- got gardening done, etc., but I've got to get a walk in, even a short one. Tomorrow big workout day but am really trying to do something on all seven days. Important. So out the door I go!

Wow, that is awesome! Congratulations on everything -- an inspiration for me as I count down to 11/5. Can't wait to be a month out......coming soonish. I figure by the New Year I will have been banded almost two months and I'll be on my way. 2014 is going to be quite a year. Best wishes to you for continued success -- you are doing beautifully!

Hi Susan, I'm going to be banded in just over two weeks -- so excited! I look forward to still enjoying the good nutritious food I enjoy now, just in very small amounts and at certain times (vs. the grazing and going back for more after probably having too much in the first place, etc.). I recognize there may be some things that don't work for me once I'm banded, but by then I'll be on such a roll I won't care. What I really want is to feel good and to be a thinner version of myself. Good luck to you as you move forward with your research. I am so glad you found this forum as it's been such a great place to get information as well as support. People have been so wonderful about answering any and all questions and I can honestly say that's why I feel so ready for getting the band. Best wishes!

Hi Allie, I loved reading this update and seeing your pictures -- so happy for you! Congratulations on all this success. Your enthusiasm is infectious, you know? New clothes, wah hoo! You look terrific. (I particularly like the roses coming out of your head -- or is that Bougainvillea?) I have to say, it's pretty exciting to be in on your progress like this -- I'm so glad you are posting here!

Hi Blue, welcome aboard! Thanks for the great post. We have similar stats except that I am 52. Congratulations on stepping up now to do all the research to make a plan for your health. For the last twenty years I have struggled with so many different weight loss plans only to find myself a bit heavier each time. My surgery is a couple of weeks from now and I'm very excited. I started researching in June and have found this site to be a great place to learn about the band. Once in a while there are posts that create a ripple of nervousness, but by now I can spot the reasons why it hasn't worked for some people -- mainly non-compliant eating over the band or having slider foods like ice cream, etc. Some people are not able to give up their addictions. I decided to get a therapist to make sure I am in good mental shape for this change. It's been helpful to examine the various roles food has played in my life -- soothing, anchoring, prepping for something, etc. Stress-eating, tamping down anxiety, rewarding myself or just plain old over-indulging. Of course I've read so much already and done a lot of work on myself around food, body image, etc., but in tandem with getting banded I am doing it again and this time it seems simpler. I think that's because I'm finally getting some help outside of myself and my own battles with will power. I'm having a band installed and it's going to help with the appetite issues that have come along to clobber any successful food plan I've ever been on before. It's a tool that I plan to use well to finally get this weight off!

What about chicken stock with a spoonful of Miso in it -- an Asian breakfast.

I am pre-band but how about smoked salmon? It's soft, has all those good oils and full of protein.

I start liquids tomorrow -- technically should begin Tuesday but I'm going to jump in Monday because, well, it's a Monday. 15 days. I didn't want to use the product provided by the hospital because it's milk-based and has ingredients I don't like to put in my body, so I got one called Thorne Mediclear in two flavors plus a greens shake and one other that is on back-order (thought variety might be good). Also taking liver cleanse herbs for detoxing. Plus I have my juicer out on the counter -- have to watch calories with fresh juice, though -- I am trying to stay at 900. Husband and son will have to fend for themselves and we have no social engagements lined up, etc. (I am not telling very many people...). I'm working out all I can to set my body up for burning and just for optimal health going into this project, Project Me.

Here's to new chapters opening in our lives -- I can't wait to put down this extra weight I've been carrying for so long. It's going to be FREEDOM!

Hi there, I will be banded on 11/5 and have been given my instructions for post-op. Seems like there is a lot of variation between doctors on this and of course patients are all different, too. Here's mine: the day after surgery: clear liquids only followed by one week full liquids, then one week full liquids and smooth foods (mushies) followed by two weeks soft, moist foods. At that point I have a return visit with the surgeon to determine whether or not a fill is needed.

Thanks, Terry -- that's reassuring. Worried that only one day clear might be too lenient but I will follow the doctor's lead. They've done plenty of bands. I'm a gardener and have been making some things for the freezer: applesauce, cauliflower smoosh, etc. Also those cartons of Pacific organic Soups will come in handy for the full liquids phase....

Take it easy -- I hope the soreness goes away quickly for you and you have an easy transition into banded life. I'm so excited to get the surgery and look forward to any advice you may have! What does your post-op regime look like?

Choosing ourselves first is so powerful. For me choosing to get the band is really a gift to myself, the gift of health, of reconnection with my body, increased energy -- I am so excited about this upcoming surgery. Getting all my ducks lined up, including the exercise component, which is huge. Also really paying attention to eating patterns so post-band I will hopefully be able to ride out tough times and know that I can do it. Happy Saturday everybody!

Oh, and my report! 20 recumbent bike (warmup), 40 treadmill, 20 Bowflex then so fired up from getting it together on a Saturday morning I got my husband to walk five times around our driving circle with me, a half a mile. Feeling like I can keep going is definitely new to me.

Sending thoughts your way, Sunnyside, and best wishes for a connecting, healing time with your family while you navigate this loss. And yes, the working out is essential -- these human bodies need care and attention. Time for all of us to step it up in the name of healthy happy lives for all the time we get to have.

Surgery videos? Oh dear! That explains everything! I think it's best to stay away from all that for a bit. I am getting banded 11/5 and very excited about this new chapter in my life. At this point I think I'm more afraid of not doing something and having long-term consequences from being overweight. And missing out on the joy of life -- I want to be healthy as possible and know I need the band to help me get there. You are going to be in good company for the ups and downs -- won't always be easy but we are going to rock this!

Wow is right -- congratulations! And so happy about your Mom, too. Way to go on all the exercise. I'm pretty sure that is the key to success. Your body must be so happy to be on track again. I'm so looking forward to being banded in a couple of weeks. This is very inspirational -- and I'm just off the treadmill. Best wishes!

The day after me -- yippee! I am getting very excited, a tad nervous and mostly just wishing I had done this long ago. Best wishes for health and success -- we are going to rock!

I think I posted on the wrong thread -- way to go, so happy for you. What a milestone!