Bandista

Hi there, pre-band and no advice for you but glad you are back -- that's the main thing, the commitment and acknowledgement of the need of a fresh start. Since I'm waiting for surgery and still obsessed with food, I've been trying to think up band-friendly foods for the future. People recommend chili a lot -- that's fun to make and can be very inexpensive, high protein, etc. Say hi to the chickens!

Yippee! Just what I'm hoping for -- smooth and easy, not obsessive but just a new way.

I'm pre-band and using My Fitness Pal for exercise motivation and the community value. Helpful as a place to track food as well. Even without a band I'd never rely on the calories burned or recommendations from the app. Had to laugh yesterday as it put me down for 860 burned for my workout plus some gardening -- I imagine six weeks from now I will have trouble getting that many in!

This is so great! Best wishes for a good interview but the main thing here is you are choosing yourself, selecting YOU to be seen and heard...not hiding out. I can't wait to be there and can see how this pattern of overweight has contributed to low self esteem and accompanying career choices in my life. I look forward to changing all that.

Good luck to you this afternoon!

Hi there, hope you're doing well -- resting and relieved to have it all over with. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hi Elaine, welcome to the party! I have been on this site since summer and have learned so much from the people here. I feel extremely well-prepared for my surgery in November and the journey following. Very thankful. Good luck with your appointment! So happy for you to be taking this step toward health and happiness.

You'll feel so much better on a clean diet. Carbs cause cravings for lots of people -- you are not alone there. And personally I think artificial sweeteners are not good for my body. Good luck today with your fill! And tracking. That helps me so much to see what I'm eating.

Congratulations Lynne, right behind you a month from now! Favorite pillow? People have suggested chap stick, a robe for walking the halls -- don't know what else except your positive attitude. You are going to do beautifully!

Yippee! So happy for you. My date is 11/5 and I can't wait to begin this new chapter in my life.

Hi Vince, I know how hard the waiting feels -- and all out of our hands. Hate that! My process was a mandatory info session (8/6), meeting with Program Coord. a few weeks later, then Psych eval. and nutritionist appointments the same day -- took a week for them to call for a date with the surgeon. Got right in. Surgery then scheduled for 11/5 so I guess for me it was just about three months.

Happy birthday!

I think the point here is that there is a restriction which means a closing off, like restricting an opening -- or restriction in terms of disallowing something. I totally get it but can see that the terminology might be confusing. Welcome to the English language!

Missy, thanks so much for putting this up. I keep retreading and hope to memorize this prior to surgery. (LOL.) Very important points -- helpful to me as I attempt to get my head screwed on straight prior to surgery.

LOVE hearing this -- I am so committed to the idea of being able (eventually) to have what I like, just in very small and very well chewed amounts. Enjoy your autumn dinner!

Hi Manuela, good for you reaching out -- you can get this, just need to figure out what is not working. Are you in touch with your doctors, food and exercise plan? I am pre-band but have been reading so many stories these last few months. Many people feel a low at a particular time -- the ups and downs may have to do with where you are in the process. Fill in your stats on your profile so the pros (above) can offer informed input. So many people here have been through it all -- there is lots of compassion and help for you. Know you are not alone. And don't forget to be compassionate with yourself, too!

This and the chihuahua "stuck" episode on another thread are great comic relief -- thank you! Please don't let me lose my sense of humor and get all wiggy in these weeks prior to surgery......

If food has been a go-to soother for a long time and is no longer available, it makes sense there would be a time of emotional transitioning. Pain medication takes it's toll as well -- body needs to rebalance from so many things. The pre-op diet, reduced calorie intake, the surgery itself -- main thing is to really be noticing the feelings and not just eating over them. I'm not banded yet but I am very aware of light changes at this time of year and I'm careful to get plenty of vitamin D. It's a tiny capsule for 10,000 (not a typo) and I'm so glad as I will be able to keep taking it if needed. Unlike the calcium I currently take -- huge. Can barely do it now pre-band!

Wow, congratulations - look at that smile, you are BEAMING!

By the time you get these messages you will be recuperating. Congratulations on this decision to take charge of your health. I am right behind you, 3 weeks 6 days from now. Hope you feel well following surgery, getting your sips of water in and lots of little walks. Let us know how you are doing.

OMG, this is hilarious. I needed a laugh this morning! Just picturing the chihuahua....

Hi there and congratulations -- I can't wait to out down sixty pounds. What a relief that will be! My surgery is scheduled for Nov. 5th -- you'll be answering questions for us, too. Best wishes......

So happy for you, Sarah -- that tuning in and the being able to listen and respond appropriately to signals are exactly what I'm looking for from my band relationship. I know it won't happen overnight but that is my goal.

Happy belated birthday! And here's to choosing a beautiful walk as a gift on your special day. I am doing well with majorly stepped-up routine but I am sore. That's good, though, because then I have to exercise to work off those muscles. 20 minutes recumbant bike, 40 mins treadmill (two 20 minute segments), 20 minutes BowFlex -- and the swimming in bed exercise with two pound weights. Up to three reps on that one; great core work and my neck is different, correcting (I am a turtler...). Here's to tomorrow and great days for all. Work it, baby!

I've been trying to get ready for the pre-op diet and invented a few weeks of punishment and struggle for myself in the name of getting off a chunk of weight prior to the liquid diet and surgery (one month from today). This has brought up issues of self-defeat -- working too hard for no result, deprivation v. reward and all the things that brought me to Lapband Land in the first place. So I'm going easier. Getting a shake in every day and loving it. Will nelp me move into shake world if i have some now. Exercising a LOT. Mild detoxing -- no wheat, dairy, sugar, low caffeine. But now trying to be gentle with myself these couple of weeks. Went out to a favorite restaurant last night and had a good meal. No rice but yummy entre. Wine. Don't need dessert but don't need to. Be starving myself either.