Bandista

Hi there, hope you had a good night and that you're doing well with your recovery!

Congratulations! Long journey -- I am hopefully on my way soon and will be joining you in the new banded life. The five pound too light issue has been following me as well -- you are going to melt those five pound chunks in no time! Recover well, take it easy and thanks for posting for us pre-banders. Best wishes!

Hi Drea, my insurance company requires a BMI of 40 so I can't drop below that prior to my weight being submitted after I meet with the surgeon. I think most insurance companies allow a lower BMI if there are co-morbidities such as high BP, sleep apnea, etc. but mine does not. So this has been an issue -- basically I can't drop weight until I'm approved but then I can lose, including a two-week liquid diet for pre-op.

I think you're on the right track -- seeking out a new doctor and going in to see what's happening with the band. Something's not right and you know it -- whether it's the need of a fill or something else. I am seeing a therapist to sort decades of food issues. Maybe something like that would help while you're also on track with the LB doctor? Best wishes to you -- and thanks for posting. There are people here who really care about how you're doing!

Yippee! Way to go!

Hope you feel better and can relax, get some sleep!

Yippee! So happy for you -- isn't it something, this bureaucracy? Oy!

This is great -- so inspiring! Way to go on all the working-out and working your band -- many congratulations to you and best wishes.....

Welcome back! I am glad you are getting your health issues sorted out -- these bodies can be complicated sometimes. I have had my gallbladder out and am waiting for a date for LB surgery. Best wishes to you -- thank you for posting!

Beautiful post! Thanks so much. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a lovely restful weekend ahead.

Wow! Had not heard of this and just watched this video: http://www.ddpyoga.com/ incredibly motivating. Time to find the yoga mat!

Hi there, great idea! Years ago I asked an anesthesiologist to "hold the room" when I had my gall bladder surgery. He had no idea what I was talking about and I'm sure he thought I was out of my mind. This was in groovy Vermont, too, but kind of a while back. I can see his face now. When I started this band journey at the beginning of the summer I decided to look for a therapist so I'd have an objective person to go through the process with me. When I got the list of providers from our insurance company, I couldn't believe it when there was a hypnotherapist listed. I studied hypnotherapy about twenty years ago when we lived in California and I respond well to those relaxation techniques. Also Mindful Meditation, etc. My eating issues are so connected to anxiety -- stress eating, soothing myself, etc. I really want to sort out whatever I can ahead of time so I am really ready to go once I am banded. I know there will be head hunger, but when it comes I will be ready! I will definitely ask the anesthesiologist to plant some healing information in my brain -- and I'll do it myself as well. I think I'll write it up on a piece of paper to make it easy. I think of the band as a gift I'm giving to my body, the help it needs to get healthy. I have needed to make friends with my body again and what better thing to do than offer up a gift like this?

Hi there, thanks so much....I do currently exercise (pre-band). I have to or could not move! Arthritis. We have a treadmill and a bike in basement, and a cousin who comes over 3-4 times a week in the AM. We switch off 15 mins on each for 60 mins total, try to keep the treadmill on incline. What I don't currently have is the LOVE of exercise. I think that's because despite regular 60-minute workouts at least 3-4 times a week for years and years (sometimes 5-6 times a week) I don't see an ounce of weight loss. Not to mention all the dieting, etc. It's mind-boggling, really. Plus we live on 16 acres and I work outdoors a lot. But that's why we're here, right? The traditional diet and exercise formula just doesn't work for some -- certainly not for me. I'm wondering if there are specific kinds of exercise recommended for Bandsters and for what reason -- like building muscle underneath the fat so when it sheds there is muscle there, something to do with the skin not being so loose later, or just the regular cardio benefits and increased weight loss. I can't wait to get my band! Thanks again for chiming in and good luck every one with their exercise routines. We have a very underutilized Bowflex but I don't do much with it besides pull-downs and the calf lifting up thing for the knees. Might be good to explore the many things that can be done with that. Can't wait to lose some weight and have more flexibility, energy and the VERVE -- the get-up-and-go -- the excitement that comes from a program that is working. So defeating to do it with little result day after day.....that's just not fun.

Hi there, can you elaborate? I am hoping to replace food thoughts with exercise and just looking for all the inspiration I can get (still pre-band but I think it won't be long now).....right now I kind of dread exercise but I do it -- want to WANT it!

Hi there, so great you lost that chunk of weight before your overseas adventure -- 66 lbs. or so is a big suitcase to not have to carry around anymore! Maybe you can become an exercise freak in your new environment -- I am hoping for that for myself, that I will think about exercise instead of food. Keep us posted! Get that band working for you!

Yippee! So happy for you. And you sound very ready for this new tool. I sure feel ready -- a long wait. I hope to be banded in October, too. Can't wait to begin! When do you start your pre-op -- what does it consist of? Best wishes! Lauren, so glad you're doing well!

Hi there, congratulations on your success so far! You are on your way. I think this can be a tough time of year. We just have one child and I can't imagine two times the breakfast and lunch-making then out the door on time, homework balanced with activities....it's a lot! Tomorrow is Friday and hope you have some YOU time. How about getting your toenails painted or buying a potted plant for the kitchen counter -- something to celebrate how beautifully you are doing. And just think, next year with a significant drop in weight you are going to have a ton of energy. They will be trying to keep up with you!

So funny! We call it Planet Hospital -- that whole medical world can be pretty crazy sometimes. My irony is having to keep my weight high for these months leading up to my surgery. Up. Just wasn't fat enough in the 240s, have to be 250 or else the whole thing is off. Good grief.

Great idea -- a way to look back and see your success and keep you motivated as you move toward your goal. I've been trying to figure out how to take a photo of myself in a setting where I can do it regularly in a similar outfit, etc., so I can watch that progress over time. I must have big blocks about this photo thing because I am stumped. I have an iPad or a camera -- how hard can this be? Maybe I need to get a friend in on the act -- one of the few people I have told. ACK!

So happy for you!

So sorry, Stacey -- don't give up on your path to wellness.....

Hi Debbie, Welcome! I had to look up weight of a stone......so you can tell I'm in the US not UK. Congratulations on your great success first time around and the baby! When do you get your new band? I am waiting for a surgery date -- quite eager to begin. Best wishes!

Very best wishes! A whole new chapter begins.......

You are ready! Best wishes for this new era -- exciting times ahead!

Congratulations -- you are doing beautifully!