Bandista

Hi Carrie, I am pre-band and can see that the immediate post-band time prior to fill, etc. can be a difficult one to navigate. The installation of the band has taken place but the tool is not yet adjusted and there is that old hunger and lack of control that brought us to the place of wanting to get banded in the first place. Just know that it is all going to fall into place -- once your body is healed from the surgery and you can get your band adjusted, your appetite will dim and you will require very little food. You will drop the weight -- this is all a part of the process. You are on your way!

Hi Carrie, I am pre-band and can see that the immediate post-band time prior to fill, etc. can be a difficult one to navigate. The installation of the band has taken place but the tool is not yet adjusted and there is that old hunger and lack of control that brought us to the place of wanting to get banded in the first place. Just know that it is all going to fall into place -- once your body is healed from the surgery and you can get your band adjusted, your appetite will dim and you will require very little food. You will drop the weight -- this is all a part of the process. You are on your way!

So happy for you.....best wishes for health and happiness!

So happy for you.....best wishes for health and happiness!

I know those chattering monkeys -- they are full of crap! Send them on their way. You have been through a lot -- anesthesia and medication can take their toll, Take it easy and best wishes for a speedy recovery and reentry into your life. YOUR LIFE. Love the comments above re: grief, etc. know that you are not alone.

I know those chattering monkeys -- they are full of crap! Send them on their way. You have been through a lot -- anesthesia and medication can take their toll, Take it easy and best wishes for a speedy recovery and reentry into your life. YOUR LIFE. Love the comments above re: grief, etc. know that you are not alone.

Hi Razzle, congratulations! So happy for you -- and carpet picnic, what a fun idea. Sounds like you have an excellent support system in place; glad you are doing so well -- I am pre-band and love to hear these reports from the other side. Exciting times ahead!

Hi Razzle, congratulations! So happy for you -- and carpet picnic, what a fun idea. Sounds like you have an excellent support system in place; glad you are doing so well -- I am pre-band and love to hear these reports from the other side. Exciting times ahead!

Love this message! I think I'm going to print it out and post for myself for six weeks from now when I will be where you guys are....

Love this message! I think I'm going to print it out and post for myself for six weeks from now when I will be where you guys are....

Hi there, sometimes anesthesia and pain medications can effect mood, plus the low blood sugar from not eating. I hope you feel better soon!

What?! We had one of these two years ago in New Hampshire -- wild. This cinches it, we've got to get our firewood stacked this weekend or else....... Stay warm and cozy!

So inspiring... Congratulations! I don't feel like I could run like that...at all....but....you've got me wondering!

Congratulations! You are an inspiration -- let's see, 12 x 5 is 60 and you are 68 down in one year @ 5 per month plus....that is amazing! I am so happy for you. I can't wait to be banded -- hoping to do so well in the upcoming year and wishing you success with the next chunk. Happy, happy Bandiversary -- in truth I can hardly imagine how exciting this must be. I hope I'll be reporting back next year with you. Best wishes!

Oh dear, so sorry! Go easy -- I am not banded yet but am hearing that food compatibility can really change after the surgery. Hope you have a good weekend. Just know you're well on our way, it's all happening. You will have to tell me all this six-eight weeks from now!

Hope every one is doing well and a nice relaxed weekend ahead! Great to heal up really well and take best possible care......

Yippee! So happy for you. I am being banded Nov. 5 so we will be doing this near the same time. Great you got that twenty off. I'm hoping for a drop prior to surgery with the pre-op diet -- a little head start would be good! My hospital considers this out-patient because it is 23 hours even though they do have us spend the night to do the barium swallow the next day. Maybe yours is similar -- 23 hours not a "night." Whatever the case, you are indeed on your way!

Wow! Go, Catfish -- you Tri-Athlete! Do you have to carry the bike? This is the real deal. So happy for you!

Thanks for pointing out there will always be gaffes in a communication medium like this. Humor is particularly difficult to get across sometimes. I can't remember now who coined the lunchmeat comment a few weeks ago but when I read a post like this one I think to myself: Code Lunchmeat.

I've been thinking about how I see myself -- the long battle with overweight has taken its toll on my self-image and I know many people here can identify with that. I'm really looking forward to being banded and recapturing my sense of self. Here's a Ted Talk I stumbled on recently that addresses this -- pretty fascinating! Thought I'd share it in case others might benefit from some of these ideas.

Whoops, I will go fix that typo! 2013 it is, thank goodness. November 5th...... I must have been projecting to November 2014 when I will be a year banded, healthy and happy, slim and full of energy. Yes, please!

I believe there is significant new data out on the whole breakfast thing which suggests non-breakfast eaters may be just fine (vs. former theories about that being why we are overweight, if we'd only eat a good breakfast and start the day off "right," fire up the metabolism, etc.)....turns out it's a lot more complicated than that and every one is different. I would say that if your body is asking for food at 11 then that's the perfect time to give it some protein. Pre-band here, but really looking forward to being able to listen to my body and interpreting the signals, ones I can trust. This is something that has really broken down for me over the years of struggling with weight issues. Good luck to you and let us know what you work out for yourself!

Hi Megan, congratulations on your success to date. Chewing machine! I am pre-band and trying to practice chewing a lot and mindful eating so I will ready when the time comes. Your menu choices sound delicious and nutritious to me and it's great you are in touch with your doctor regularly to discuss adjustments to the band if and when needed. Good luck with all -- you are doing beautifully!

I am pre-band but have been given this schedule for post-surgical visits: Surgeon, 1 wk Dietician, 2 wks Surgeon, wks 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 14 Dietician, 3 mos Program Coord., 6 mos with lab work Program Coord., 1 yr. with lab work

Hi Lu, put that medical team to work; they want you to be a success, too! I am pre-band but know it is a process, that our bodies change and the band requires adjustment. You can do this! I've been seeing a therapist to deal with food issues -- determining whether my hunger at the time is anxiety (big one), boredom, habit, emotional eating, etc. It is helping me to really notice what is going on. The band is intended to signal fullness but if it's not tight enough that won't happen, or of course it's possible to override. Hope you have an excellent appointment and you are able to get on track to meet your goals. Here's to our health!