Bandista

I didn't have a primed band but I wondered at first if I had because I wasn't hungry for a few weeks following surgery. My hunger just took a while to return but I think that's because I am an inflammation type and I was just swollen from the surgery. There are lots of people who have primed bands -- will make it easier to get to the Green Zone, I imagine, but also you will need to be careful about all those behavior changes like chewing, chewing, chewing and not shoveling in food. I was such a shoveler! Good luck to all -- you are doing great!

Mostly I just listen to my body and make good choices but don't count calories or Protein grams, etc. This is because I was so restrictive in my dieting life. I am not on a diet now; that's why I got the band. I eat small amounts of good food at appropriate intervals and then stop when I get the signal that I've had enough (note that "enough" is not the old sensation of "full" -- we don't really eat to fullness, we stop when we are satisfied). And fortunately I already love "real" food so I didn't have to address addictions to junk foods, artificial sweeteners, etc.

I hope others will chime in because I may not have the "right" answers, but I'll tell you what I think. Sliming is when we have eaten too fast or not chewed up food enough and the esophagus starts producing extra saliva. For some this can be a lot, or it can be foamy. Have to spit it out. For me this is a signal that I'm probably going to have to "blap" up whatever it is in my pouch -- that it's not going to go through, which is what being stuck is. A PB is that act of blapping (my term). It's food that hasn't been in the stomach so it's not like throw-up and it's not really vomiting. Sort of like when babies have a bottle too quickly or it's too much and they blap it up. I have had PB episodes that resulted in vomiting -- one leading to the other. For me this happens if I am really stuck. I was a very fast eater and had to learn the hard way not only about slowing down but also chewing everything a long time. And of course listening to the band when it signals that I've had enough. Good luck -- you will get this!

So happy for you -- glad the surgery went well and you are walking a bit more each day. If any one had told me I'd be walking this much now and actually wanting to do it, looking forward to exercise, I would have laughed in their face. Now I am so happy with my body, myself. My only advice is to be patient and gentle with yourself. Start noticing how you're feeling when you have your Jello or your Water -- train the mind to be present and in the moment. And don't forget to pat yourself on the back. You've chosen yourself and your health -- a big decision like that is so empowering in itself. You will do beautifully.

I'm struggling with this right now and appreciate the insights above. We live in the country, I work at home there can be a lot of time (and now change in my appearance) before I see some people. I think what I've liked best is the fact that our guy friends didn't seem to notice anything at all for ages. This told me they were not hyper-focusing on my size in the first place. The occasional compliment is nice and I have to repeat "receive graciously, receive graciously" in my head to get through it, or if it's a good friend I'll say it aloud as a joke so they know that, eek, it's a little uncomfortable for me but thank you for noticing. It's August and we get inundated with family at this time of year. I am interested that a few old friends and cousins have not said a word even though I'm size 10 now, no Winnie-the-pooh belly anymore and also just unleashed energy wise. Try haven't seen me in a year, and what a year it's been. I am an exercise maniac now. I wear snazzier clothes and hold my head up high. But not a word. They didn't have my back before and don't have it now that I'm not the heavy one. So there's that to process, but now I don't translate my disappointment with other humans as some fault of my own. As my husband says, screw 'em. Finally I am getting to that place a but myself. One more and I'll stop....I have an aunt who is a painter. Years ago we were looking at a portrait she did of her daughter-in-law and my spouse said, "oh you should do one of "________" (me). He was just being enthusiastic. She came up and chucked me on the throat, right at the jaw line where the extra chins were having a get-together, and said "oh I don't think she'd want me to do that now." I burst into tears. This was years ago, but now this aunt is 85 and in failing health. I've been trying to help get her out for walks at the lake (I am a walker, yippee -- can't get enough!) and she will not stop about the changes in my size. Is it because she is a painter, that she's analyzing that all the time. Or just screwed up like the rest of her sisters. Including my mother, who handed me every diet book ever and did not say a word about my weight loss until recently. And that was, "you're losing weight, good." Guess I won't be so embarrassing now! Geez, thanks for the Sunday morning therapy, friends. I'm going on my walk.

Every one is different and each surgeon has their own protocol for frequency and amount of fills. Mine is of the small frequent fills school of thought and it took me several to get there. But I felt a little more each time and, for me, the gradual approach worked really well. I just had to go back for a tiny unfill. I could just tell that I was too tight and the slippery slope of slider foods was before me if I didn't get a little taken out. I have theories but don't really know why it was green then red zone for me -- I had to take a little medication and that could have done it, sinus issues and allergies at this time of year could have contributed, or good old hormones. Doesn't really matter why -- just so good to be able to really pay attention. Looking back I'm glad for the time it took because of all the behavior modification I required. Small bites and putting the fork down in-between did not exactly come naturally to me, lol.

I watched a lot of Ted Talks from the treadmill last winter -- I got a lot out of that. Right now I'm walking outdoors as the weather is fine but a few months from now I'm going to need a strategy. I have wanted to dip into audio book land, wondered about Colbert show, etc. Thanks for a great thread...I want to be a pod-cast person but have been too busy or lazy to learn how to use my phone and pad for this. Let's become power users!

@@Summer Rain -- one more thing! You have a great handle. How about put your arms up in the air regularly like some one crossing a finish line and say something positive to yourself. I watched a Ted Talk about this. That gesture, "I did it!" Arms up, yippee, helps rewire our brains for more positive self-esteem. Sounds a bit kooky but I think it has worked for me. Also regarding friends and relationships, spending a year on this forum with people in the same process (we are all different, we are all the same) has given me some new people in my life who are such gifts. We haven't even met and probably won't but here we are. The support is tremendous. So you see, you are better than you thought at forging new relationships these days. You are reaching out and reaching in to take care of yourself. Enjoy the ride -- it's going to be great!

Hi there and congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I can really identify with your story -- having a good life and people loving me but me wondering why and gradually isolating myself a bit more, a bit more....not bitter or mean but just not seeming like my old self. By choosing weight loss surgery I knew I was doing something big -- choosing myself first and my healthy future, choosing to change that trajectory. But really I had no idea that by showing up for myself like that I would regain my sense of self. I am so happy! Not unhappy before but this raw joy -- a reconnection with my body, a body that I had felt betrayed me somehow. Now I feel. In sync again, connected, and it's powerful. Yes, the weight loss is great, the feeling healthy in my body, but the mental and emotional aspects of this decision have just been amazing. You are examining your feelings in such a healthy way. The self honesty will help you move out of the old mode and into the new. Pre-surgery we all had so many worries -- will I have to give up thus-and-such, what if I can't blah-blah-blah -- all very normal head chatter. Great to notice it and work it through. Sending best wishes your way -- very exciting times ahead!

Hi there, these early days can feel a little like slow motion but you just wait! Wait, walk a little more each time, get liquids in and start creating awareness when you're feeling hungry or taking nourishment -- just noticing. I find it helpful to notice about swallowing so take I take attention to that. You are going to do great! About the weight, it's hard not to be obsessed with the scale (at least for me); just know it's all happening, you have done the hard part. Some people find it good to put the scale away and just go by the doctor's visits, etc. And as Tom says, the measuring is really eye-opening. Whenever I wasn't losing pounds I would suddenly start falling out of my jeans. I am down four sizes in the same brand -- from 18 to 10. Honestly can't believe it. Enjoy the pulled back perspective as what happens over the coming months is amazing. I feel like I got my body back, that I'm in my body again. Best wishes to you!

Yippee! So happy for you! Keep on keeping on -- you are doing beautifully.....

@@CarmenLeAn you are doing so well! 115 pounds in nine months -- get out if the way! We are both November bandits -- I am so, so happy.

Choosing to have weight loss surgery was very empowering for me -- I put myself and my future health at the top of the list and the energy from that has been amazing. Having my appetite dimmed and being able to make good choices has liberated me from food jail. I am so happy about that -- I'd say joy is a big factor. The weight loss is great but the being committed to one' self is, for me, key to the whole thing.

@@CarmenLeAn sending best wishes your way! Sleep deprivation and stress are so tough on the body. I'be had quite a ten-day run being there for a dear friend whose husband has ALS, they have young kids, crazy dysfunctional extended family. Add to that house guests here and work pressures, son starting college, etc., and OMG cannot sleep well. Up at four most mornings. So the other night I decided to nibble on a muscle relaxant. I am sensitive to medication and it doesn't take much. Bad idea! I did have a real sleep at last but I think my band is too tight all of the sudden. I took measures today -- getting out of anything not absolutely necessary the next few days, and I'm hoping the decompression is happening. Please take good care of yourself -- apply the ME FIRST motto and every one else will benefit (of course I'm talking to myself here). Be gentle and don't worry about the scale. Just get through this. Walking every day is helping me -- if it weren't for that I can't imagine. Take care -- take care of you!

Many people have trouble with chicken. Fibrous? Or so yummy it doesn't get chewed enough? We eat a lot of chicken and I cook mostly with boneless skinless thighs in curries and other kinds of veg-based sauces. Every one is different for what foods work well for them. I can kind of tell right away. And I have spit food out before. Buck, buck, buck........

Great thread! My husband needed some reassurance when I started dropping weight that I am his forever person. He knew it was silly but that fear that I'd be soaring and might just soar away.....no, he's coming with me. We're very tight, 24 years, solid marriage, but still that seemed to appear from deep within. As far as food, I am a crazy cook -- still love food prep and that hasn't changed. My eating has certainly changed. At parties sometimes my husband I quickly swap plates. He has finished and I have had my tiny portion and don't want to attract attention. And for restaurants I am a cheap date -- I order something I know my husband and/or son will enjoy because I'm just going to have a bit if it. You know, being such a delicate eater and all, lol. OMG, I love this life!

Early days and the healing phase......just follow the program you are on, keep all your appointments and try not to stress. This is perfectly normal. Let your body get over the surgery -- band is placed and once healed the fills can begin. A good time to work on mindfulness. Paying real attention to then when why and where of hunger will help you later. Best wishes!

Nice going, Catfish! Have a great run. I've started adding a little jogging and skipping into my walk and that's really fun. I do believe I'm becoming addicted to exercise -- amazing! Wake up thinking about it. The band dims my appetite but also seems to be reworking some of the other tapes in my head, like the one that dreaded exercise so much even though I did it and felt better after, etc. New dialogue going on up there now....

Never going back to being fat! Love this vitality. Up at 4:30 thinking how long until I meet up with today's walking partner. Fitting into regular clothes -- medium right off the rack. Not out of pain (arthritis) but so friggin happy. Funny, even when I was heavy I was more self conscious in clothing then out of it. It's being out in the world and feeling judged that kept me down, not being naked at home with a spouse who loves me young, old, heavy, slim. I'm 52 and every one is saying how much younger I look. Snow white hair since 30. I think that perception about youth is about how happy and confident I am and choosing sassy clothes, holding my head up, laughing my crazy loud laugh and not hiding. So, after this great thread I am going to reconsider my extreme fear of sleeveless tops and dresses. Maybe I should not give a damn. Maybe my arms are fine -- after all, when I was thin in my twenties I thought I was fat -- had no idea then what was coming. So maybe that's a lesson to enjoy the bodies we have while we have them. Age happens. Life happens. Let's enjoy our lives and our bodies.

@allielee. I got a squattie potty, too, and have found that really helps. Like yoga, in a way!

@@SarahRN482 I just looked at your stats -- way to go. You are really rocking this thing! And the smoking, too. So happy for you. @@SillyAuntDi hi there friend, I knew you'd do just fine on that cruise! Size 12s sure are a nice welcome home present! You inspire me, too @rose2014...... @@chrissy10 glad mine weighs 200! Not that it's a competition. Once I heard a description of a suspect on the radio: large white male 250 pounds at about 5'6' Oh great -- I weighed the dame as a great big guy! Eeek!

Moi, aussi. The gurgle. My husband says he can't hear it but geesh. I don't really mind too much -- I figure it's the esophagus squeezing that message to my brain that I am nourished and healthy rather than the old "feed me, feed me" messages.

Hi there, I am curious whether the weather is a factor in band tightness -- it's been very cold here and I'm wondering if that might make for more restriction or less? And now I'm wondering if this is a ridiculous question but I will go ahead and post anyway. I'm getting close, I think (hope) and wonder if spring will be a whole new ball game as far as how my band behaves.

Hi there, we are all such bags of chemicals -- I hope you are feeling better once the medication change settles in. Not sure how old you are but peri menopause can play a role, too -- I agree that hormonal changes with weight loss can be very drastic. For me it's been great to speak my mind and to stop doing things for others all the time, etc. Choosing myself first. It sounds like you know yourself well and that you are working with your medical professionals to achieve balance. Noticing the imbalances is huge. I journal a lot and find it helpful to write out what's going on with me. I don't suffer from depression or other mental illness and I'm grateful for that but so sympathetic because of how poignant life can be even without that -- all the ups and downs. I react to medication and just got off one that was an anti-depressant being used for arthritis pain. The roller coaster of getting on that, ramping up, ramping down and getting off again, OMG. And only the person taking the medication can feel the symptoms and decide whether it's helping or whether side effects are broth it then having to do that while not feeling "right". So hard. Be gentle with yourself. Track everything so you can see whether what you're on is right for you. Watch out for artificial ingredients that can do a number on you. Too much caffeine can be a problem as well -- I have to watch that. And congratulations on the exercising. I walk on a rural road and at this time of year the traffic increases a lot. I am gentle by nature but when those out of town cars whizz by and I'm worried some one is going to get hit, I am pissed off and let them know. White haired lady screaming, "slow down!" It shocks me, this side of myself. So I know what you mean. The increased self confidence is great but anger is not. Humor is helpful for me, and when I look at the human race and how we behave sometimes (me included), what can we do but laugh?

The Sole brand shoes with arch support footbed are perfect for me but they only make a few styles of shoes and they are not very stylish. Still, those corkbed flip flops get a lot of action and I have the Sole inserts in my sneakers. Another company mentioned by some one above, Orthoheel, also makes orthotic shoes -- they are now called Vionics. http://www.vionicshoes.com They have stylish shoes with the same built in orthotic footbed. Eeek, I just went to the web site and now I want another pair. I bought some high heeled dress sandals mail order from Vionics and they are so chic and snazzy. We live in amazing times!