Bandista

So happy for you! I'm really glad you're here on the forum. Here's to each new day filled with health and happiness. And happy travels -- you're going to be so full of energy for this trip home.

Participating on my first 5K this morning, eeek! I will be mostly fast walking due to joint issues. Not nervous about the distance but the people factor is a little anxiety-producing -- the being out in the world, head up, shoulders back. Belonging. Eeeek. I do belong -- in these last months I've gone from a reluctant 3-4 day exerciser doing it because if I didn't I couldn't move (arthritis) to a person who plans exercise and doesnt feel satisfied by one session a day -- who wants more, like tossing in a bike ride or a class at the other end of the day. My body needs the release so I guess I am officially addicted, yippee. And today makes me officially athletic. Who is this? Yippee!

Hi there, sounds like a fun night out! I find I usually drop after something like that. And I have to say that even though the scale has been slow of late, my throat and collarbones are showing up. Less chin, more smile! Have a nice weekend. We are having a big family dinner tomorrow so I will be challenged to stop intake by 7:00 but I suppose if I go through Monday until late afternoon it doesn't really matter. I get it that it's good for my body to have these little breaks at intervals and I think I can slip into the routine without having too much rigid thinking going on. All those years of dieting, ugh. It was very self-defeating and my band is all about success.

Could you have developed gluten intolerance? My husband had terrible reflux issues, esophageal stretches to ameliorate scarring, etc. Went I diagnosed for a long time then eliminated wheat for a week and bingo, that was it. He can't have a crumb without issues -- and it's an epidemic at this point. A lot of theories flying around about why people are suddenly having celiac and other reactions but it's worth cutting out wheat, etc. Anyway since those are empty calories for the most part. People put blocks under the front feet of the bed to have a small angle to help with eliminating nighttime reflux. Hope you feel better and get this straightened out. If it's not wheat it could be something else.

You are amazing, Debbie -- way to go! Really living your life.....

Beautiful Friday here -- big walk this AM and then headed to the city for a couple of errands and appointments. About an hour and a half drive so I have smeared joints with new arthritis prescription gel. Topical anti inflammatory which I hope won't interfere with my band in any way. Fun to get out of rural living for a day. Tomorrow my first 5K then a benefit dance that evening, eeek! I will be fast walking not running and I hope there's not a lot of embarrassing cheering for those at the end. I may be able to lap a jogger or two as I can really book it even while just walking. We will see! But out in public and everything -- just who exactly has taken over my body? Irish, you're going to have a wonderful trip. I picture you clicking and unclicking the airline seatbelt and squirming around with all the room in your sear just for the fun of it. Wait til your family sees you, too -- happy reunion and cheers to good health!

Good for you -- you're doing great! I fasted today until 5:30 or so then had a shake. Felt tight and probably shouldn't have pushed it. Was not really hungry either -- but figured I needed the protein, etc. Always a mistake for me to think that way. Then I steamed up a bunch of asparagus and a little head of purple cauliflower (from my garden!). Pulling out my dieting expertise, but I'm not on a diet and I can't eat veggies like I used to -- nibbled those asparagus too fast and they are too fibrous. Volume probably too much. So then I decided to have one of my 100 calorie yogurts. Mistake. Big stuck episode and it had to come up. All that asparagus. Damn it all, not a raging success this first fast day but I've learned a few things. If I fast, I'm tighter. If I'm tight don't eat. If I'm not hungry don't push a shake. Oh, I was under some stress, too. Good stress, go figure, but my band seems to read stress as stress. In this case I was booking a little trip at Thanksgiving and getting concert tickets set up. Life is really good -- I'm doing things I didn't before. I'm really living. But all that anticipation and munching asparagus while making arrangements -- recipe for disaster for me. But I'm okay, no big deal. And I succeeded in terms of the daylong fast and under 500 for the evening.

My surgeon described full liquids as those which would fall off a plate held on its side. I liked those soups in cartons in the health food section of the regular grocery store -- potato leek, etc. Made by Imagine or Frontier. That's just an example. I didn't want shakes -- just sick of the from pre-op maybe but they felt too thick or something. Your body will let you know -- this is a great time to begin listening in for signals. My surgeon also allowed egg drop soup. Yummy. Whatever I had I was amazed that after just a bit I felt done. That was a taste of what the green zone is like. My appetite returned (some people are hungry right away -- either is fine!) and I went through the process of getting fills, assessing for satiety, etc. It's definitely a process but in hindsight it went by so quickly and I needed the time to work on behavior modification (trading shoveling for little spoonfuls, learning to chew, to out the utensil down between bites, etc.). You will get there -- you're on your way. So happy with my banded life!

@@MiltonMommy way to go regrouping - I'm trying the 5:2 and this is my first day fasting. Yesterday was harder for me -- a"regular" day but the anticipation or old diet mentality creeping in made me a little anxious and I felt very nibbly last night. Today I just feel clear. And not hungry -- that's the Band at work, giving me that assistance. So much about this is a brain game. Seems to me you've got your head on straight and you're bringing the self-honesty needed. You'll find that sweet spot -- I think this fasting day is a reset button for my head and my band. Then 500 cals later max, early to bed and tomorrow a regular day.

I would look into Plication also......something that didn't come up for me when I was researching. I'm so glad I knew what I wanted to do, that it was clear for me, as a thread like this would have set me spinning. And I agree about the statistics and how they are calculated. Statistics here where there are so many people with a point of view offered up over and over again would indicate the band is just a disaster waiting to happen. I'm really glad I had my LB Talk peeps back in the day, even though they'd come on there, too, to try to deter. Guess I'm going to go take my foreign object for a walk as I'm so weary of this.

Congratulations on choosing your healthy future -- that's what's important, that you are showing up for yourself and for your daughter -- you're going to do beautifully no matter what WLS you choose. And it is your choice. Tere are plenty of very successful high BMI Banders here but the band is not for every one. Glad you have support in place, upcoming meetings with surgeon and nutritionist, etc. And that you are committed to cleaning up your diet in advance -- good for you. I cook and freeze a lot -- sounds like you are that kind of person, too. Do you like curries, stews, etc.? I cook with stock a lot for that rich savory high-protein kind of food. And they freeze well. Best wishes to you -- these coming weeks will be very exciting and the anticipation, oh boy, do I remember that.

The first few days are the most difficult. Detox is right but also make sure the shake you're having isn't disagreeing with you -- I can't tolerate sucralose or other artificial sweeteners so had to beta different shake than the one provided by the nutritionist. Drink a lot of water, too -- flush out those toxins. I was very happy to know that for the first time the weight I was losing would not be coming back. The band took care of that. Make lists of what you want from this surgery. Your dreams, goals. Write yourself a letter to be opened later. Go for a walk -- exercise will help so much post-op. Start now, a little more each day. Stay busy, get good sleep and be prepared for a lot of energy coming your way as your system clears. You are doing this for you and you can do it!

My surgeon is of the small frequent fills school so I had several fills -- each time I had to let it settle in before I felt different, but that's just me. And he doesn't share the amount as he doesn't want patients obsessing over that (guess he's got my number alright!). Recently I had to have a little taken out for the first time. May have been congestion, allergies, hormonal stuff -- who knows. But I could tell I was a little too tight. Good luck to you -- it's this nuancing that is difficult but so worth it.

Hi there, I know my band is adjusted properly when I have no problem with well-chewed protein but people vary as to what works really well for them. I love salmon and soft fish, or stews where the meat is falling apart. Chicken thighs work better for me than breasts. I stay away from potatoes, bread and pasta as those are empty calories. Because my portions are so small I splurge on expensive cuts of meat. Banders love chili -- and there are so many kinds to make. I find with burger if I cook it with some stock it is softer and falls apart better -- and is delicious, more flavorful. The burger can then be dolled up to go Mexican (garlic, black beans, cumin, etc.) or Italian (I just add a few jars of red sauce) or chili (onions, garlic, kidney beans, etc.). When I make red sauce the family has it on pasta but I just eat the meaty red sauce and some veggies. Curries are yummy. Again I just eat the good stuff and skip the rice. Look out for slider foods -- those will just go right down. Chips, cookies, ice cream -- even shakes are sliders. It's the chewing of the food that gives the esophagus squeezes signaling the brain for satiety. That is the goal. Have him check out the Eight Golden Rules for Lapband on-line for a better understanding of how it works. And with all the money you will save on food bills, restaurants, etc., get yourself a facial, a massage, new shoes -- because you deserve all of that for helping him get on his feet health-wise. Oh, that's the other thing, exercise! Even if it's just a little to begin, get walking a little further, a little further. That's the magic ingredient. Good luck! Can't do it for him but if he's on board fully it's going to be amazing!

You are a superstar! I love the way you went from being reluctant to be out in the world to now being a motivating force for others. Speaking in public, poster girl at the gym, LOVING your gym, the boxing -- and all the fun, the genuine fun you are having. It's like a kid in a candy store to be free from the overweight, the food addictions and accompanying behavior. The world is so much better to have you out in it and we are lucky to have you here. Full disclosure, your post made me weepy.

@@SillyAuntDi you look fantastic! And so happy -- now to go find your other post. You are a wonderful friend to have here -- we have such a nice little sub-group of supporters. GoWalking, yippee! You know when you know. Re: dating, I always think of Bridget Jones at that moment when she realizes she has the big mommy underwear on -- just think, no more giant undies for us! And shape wear could be awkward, too -- like a boomerang across the room could happen. Yikes. Lisa, insightful Lisa -- love it that you are turning your amazing energy and light on yourself. It's hard to choose ourselves first. I use it as a mantra, say it aloud over and over. It's always been me last and never getting there -- now that I put myself at the top of the totem pole (thank you WLS!) every one else benefits. Not that that's the point -- the point is Put Ourselves First! We are not selfish in doing that -- just saving our own lives and living fully the way we deserve to -- I still have to remind myself of that twenty-five times a day. Childhood was so much about being seen and not heard (well, not really seen either) and do not get carried away with yourself. The result is a self-esteem drop out. I'm very grateful to have dropped back in to my own happiness and to be showing up for myself. I had no idea how amazing I am and what I was missing. People would tell me but I didn't believe them because I didn't believe in myself first. Well, now I do.

@@yaya1397 way to go! We have very similar stats -- interesting. Started at the same place and now at same weight. I am gearing up for the next ten -- have not been in a huge hurry and feel like my real focus now is fitness, but I'm buckling down a bit now after a summer of socializing. Did not go overboard with eating but frequency was up -- I stop when I need to but tend to go back too soon if it's a food-centered social event. Loving being right-sized now, "normal" -- and how good that feels. I'm not aiming for skinny-Minnie -- don't like that -- but I want another chunk gone. Have a great autumn!

My first fast day -- I think I will need to go beyond 2PM as I didn't stop (grazing, ugh) last night until 9:30 or so. We had company for dinner which is probably a strategic error for Sun or Wed eves (I am 5:2 ing Mon and Thurs for now). I made grilled fish, very plain, so I have some of that set aside for tonight (very small bowl all I need, lol). Combined the rest of the fish into a casserole with the potatoes and peas and gluten-free breadcrumbs (crumbled up toast, basically) for my family so they are all set. I use Imagine brand potato-leek soup which comes in a carton to make the "casserole" creamy. Husband is Celiac, kid doesn't eat dairy (Asian). Tricky! And I could eat potatoes, GF bread, etc., but generally elect not to. Here's the thing. Last night I found myself wanting to have food because I knew I'd be fasting today. Cheese in the house is a stumbling block for me. Had some on rice cakes last night with red wine -- the old wine and cheese party that keeps tripping me up. I want to be careful with not allowing diet mentality to renter my life -- the old on/off toggle switch. And I'm going to pay good attention today to how my body is feeling, hunger signals, etc. The mindful listening. Later I'll plan what to have to break the fast -- beautiful fish, maybe some almonds (loved your post above, Watch Me!), or maybe I'll go the easy way with a shake. Those don't usually hold me, though, and I want to be careful with my 500 to find good satiety.

Congratulations on choosing yourself and your healthy future -- self-transformation is a very personal and powerful process. I only told a handful of people about my surgery and I have a few cheerleaders in that realm, positive spouse, etc., but the main support system I have is right here. I started reading posts in June of 2013 and was banded that November, ten months ago. I've learned so much from the people here. Compassion for one's self, patience, humor -- as well as those early days of research and trying to understand as much as possible how it would all work. When there were negative posts I just skipped over them and I guess that's what I'd do in the outside world, too -- maybe just say "blah blah blah" and walk away if you are not feeling supported by the people around you. Getting weight loss surgery gave me a tremendous amount of confidence. People who overlooked me, interrupted me (I am soft-spoken) and gave unsolicited advice don't do that anymore. I feel more in charge of my life, more alive. Happier! If there's any one in my life who isn't delighted by that then they don't belong in my life.

I was banded in November 2013; you can see my ticker below. The weight loss aspect is great, however there are so many other wonderful things about being banded. So happy to be out of food jail, not on a diet, embracing fitness, liking who I am and choosing myself first......amazing transformation.

Love Chia -- so good for you! I put them in my yogurt or shake.....

OMG, I have FOREIGN OBJECTS in my body! My silver post earrings that I never take out. They don't speak English or anything. Now my band, that's not foreign. And it speaks alright.

@@dylanmiles23 you got to the gym! WAY TO GO! Big step for womankind.

Yep! I don't report it out because of all the people who think not losing weight one week is a stall, but I am feeling a bit on pause mentally with regard to food. There's that horrific notion that my body is kind of comfortable where it is. Got to shake that up! Meanwhile, I do seem to be on a major exercise jag so that's something. I don't mind that the rest of the weight may take a while to come off but I want to know that it's still moving in the right direction. I hit the eighties and was so happy but I've been hovering around that number and even slowly creeping up a few, etc. Like Just Watch Me, I am not going to get on the scale for a bit just to "regroup" -- brain and body both need a little jumpstart right now.

Liz, as I was reading your post I was formulating in my head, "wow, lucky guy whoever he is to get to go out with her" and then you wrote it yourself -- even better! I am a huge believer in positive self-talk. We'll just call you Ruby. Or GoHaveFun. Cause the Go Walking, you got that. You are mobile and healthy. And smart and wonderful -- enjoy your evening! Same with you Di -- lucky for the guy who gets to spend time with you. If this goes on and you end up with too many chasers, the kick boxing can come in handy! Zumba was a hoot last night. I don't think the cha-cha-cha would do much in the self-defense realm, that's for sure. I was cracking up trying to follow all the steps but the time went by quickly and I was very sweaty afterward. So all good -- and signed up for the eight Monday evenings. Have a great day every one -- so glad you're here. CG, we missed you so! Hope you are feeling grounded and "at home" again. Sending best wishes your way.