Bandista

Thinking of you! Sounds like you have all your ducks lined up. Great that you are a nurse and have that medical background. Good luck today -- keep us posted.

Happy two-month Bandiversary! I am still pre-band and can't wait to get there. One of the things I'm really looking forward to is losing enough weight to be able to exercise more comfortably. I know I need the outlet of exercise to help me manage stress (treadmill on incline seems to release those hormones), and I know once that cycle really kicks in then it's such a healthy time for the body. Lose weight = able to exercise = lose more weight = HEALTH! Good luck with everything. I think you're doing great. Two months out is baby steps and you are making great progress. Go Adrienne!

How about sitting down and writing a letter -- could be a letter to yourself for congratulations on how far you've come or maybe one to the remaining weight you want to lose. Why it's important to you, what is motivating you to do it, how much you want it..........

I am pre-band and have no experience of my own, but I am fascinated by what people refer to as the "slow stop." This is a signal from the body that it's had enough food. Maybe your signal is in your neck. I look forward to learning more about this -- and of course to getting the band so that I am able to keep from overriding a signal that I've had enough. Good luck to you! Sounds like you're really on your way!

Thanks so much! This is very informative for those of us waiting for bands. The various stages all have their challenges, that is certain. And now you are in the waiting game, too -- not only for those elusive five pounds to disappear but also the surgery. Waiting makes everything drag along so slowly. I know how discouraging that can be, plus you have a specific goal you are trying to reach prior to that. Just know that all the right things are happening -- you are working this and doing so well. You are an inspiration and I really appreciate all you have accomplished. Good luck with this next step!

So happy for you!

You look terrific! The picture of health! Congratulations on all the hard work that brought you to this place. I can't wait to begin the journey -- especially the part about being able to exercise more comfortably. Win-Win.

I am pre-band but from what I've been reading your body in that first month is healing up and many people don't have restriction until the first fill. The tool is placed but needs to be adjusted for you. Don't worry, you're on your way!

Thanks for blogging. I find that writing really helps with my stress load -- the naming what it is in my life helps me see it in a different way and that helps anchor me. We have a "light heavy bag" (there's an oxymoron for you) in our basement for our teenaged son to pound on. You may be on to something -- that need to release stress hormones. I can only seem to get it with the treadmill on incline and really walking hard, which I can only do when I'm in shape enough -- a vicious circle. So looking forward to the band as a tool for getting weight off so I can exercise. So much release is needed! Best wishes to you and thanks again.

I'm sure the body has to adjust to this big new change and you'll be down another twenty before you know it. Keep up the good working out and a pound a week is such a healthy way to lose -- it is all happening. Are you all good for follow-up, fills, etc.? So great that you can exercise.

I love autumn for the feeling of a new start -- must have to do with all the back-to-school energy. What a great time to get banded! You will be able to walk outdoors and by the holidays you'll be well into a good routine. So happy for you! Thanks for keeping us pre-banders posted. Hoping my hospital program gets a move-on so I will be right behind you. Best wishes!

Hip, hip, hurray! So happy for you......fall is a time of new beginnings.

Way to go! Very inspiring......thanks so much for posting! I am so excited to get banded and begin. Meanwhile it is hearing about this kind of success that is keeping me going. Congratulations and keep us posted!

Best wishes to you -- not an easy thing, the pre-op diet, but it's temporary and you are on your way to having a tool that will help you feel satisfied on much less food. Plus you'll get a head-start in the weight loss department and give the surgeon an easier time with your liver healthier and smaller, not in the way. And good practice for having less post-band, beginning the necessary change of eating habits. I have heard from others that the key is to want this change more than anything. Here's to your good health!

Hi Kespy, I am in the throes of the pre-op process and really excited about getting banded. This site has been the best source of information and inspiration. I will be 52 at the end of September and wish I had investigated this years ago as, like everyone here, I have struggled and worked so hard for so long but without success. I'm willing to do all the work but I need it to work; the band is going to give me that edge. The missing link. I need to do something about the joint pain, fatigue and sleep issues, plus feel better about myself. Good luck to you!

I Googled as well. The program coordinator at the hospital where I will be banded recommended another site, one hosted by the band manufacturer. I checked it out but it's more of a marketing tool. I like Lapband Talk for the real people who are contributing their experiences, ideas, ups and downs, etc. It's very human and doesn't feel like promotion. And tapping into that collective knowledge base is really something. All in all a compassionate group of people as well. Thanks for your role in making it happen!

Best wishes!

Hi there and welcome -- congratulations on getting to the other side. I am pre-band and waiting to get there! Hope you have a speedy recovery. Best wishes!

Well it's going to be a very happy New Year Birthday this year -- whole new deck of cards at 52. Congratulations! I will follow your progress -- so exciting!

I know every one's process is different, depending on the surgeon, insurance requirements, etc., but I thought it might be helpful if I wrote up what mine has been like. I have United Healthcare and the only requirement is a BMI of 40 -- there's nothing in the policy about co-morbidities but I do have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I am hoping, however, that I will be at the 40 so there is no issue, no appeal process, etc. One would think that 240+ on a 5'6" frame would be enough but I have to be at 250. Anyway, I made it today (with a little assistance) but it turns out the insurance company will receive the weight figure from my meeting with the surgeon, which is yet to take place. At that point I can switch gears from trying to keep at 250 to trying to lose weight in advance of the surgery. Here are the steps I have to go through: 1) Mandatory information session (done) 2) Meeting with Program Coordinator (did that today- love her) 3) Meeting with Psychologist 4) Dietician 5) Surgeon -- date gets set at this time (and I must be 250 at this time) 6) Dietician second visit to be given liquid diet (will be a two-week liquid diet; the shakes or whatever they are free, included). That's it! Hoping the Psych and Dietician appointments will happen quickly so I can get into the surgeon and get in line.

I've been getting pumped to Red Barrat. Caught them on one of NPR's "Tiny DeskConcerts" -- it's wild music, don't know how to describe exactly: New Orleans meets Indian wedding, lots of horns, drums. Impossible not to move -- really changes it up for me when their tunes come on. Burning Down The House always works for me, too, and Annie Lennox doing Take Me To The River.

Yippee! So happy for you. Very inspiring -- I can't wait! Ugh, still waiting for surgery date but it will happen. It will all happen. Next up the eighties. Imagine!

Congratulations AMW -- hope you are doing well. Liquid diet? Mushies? You are on your way!

I wish! Still waiting for my date. I am, however, about to turn 52 in Sept. and look forward to being a Slim Diva myself. Can't wait to get started! How is it going for you? I love DC, grew up in Annapolis, now live in New England. Interested to see you had surgery in Providence. How will you handle after-care? If my hospital program staff doesn't hurry up I may go elsewhere. Getting a bit impatient!