Lorsbander

Robin- You will do fine. After you are banded you feel different about food. For me, I was on Clear liquids for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. I lost a lot of weight during that stage. It was a wonderful kick start. You start to see weight coming off on a daily basis and you do not want it to stop. I still go out to eat, but I don't eat very much and I am satisfied. It is fine. If ya sit and think about how much food is served to ya in a restaurant, it is crazy. I had Carlos O'Kelly's the other day and brought home the leftovers enough for 3 more meals! Here is some inspiration for ya! I was banded 11 weeks ago today. I am down 51 pounds, already halfway to goal! From a size 20-22 in August to a 12 today! I am alive now!!!!!!!!!:whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo: Surround yourself with supportive people. Tell people about your band, then there is more accountability! I know most of the people in my little town know about my band. They look at me to see if I am losing! That's great motivation! Best of luck to you!

I cleaned out my entire closet and dresser. There literally was only 10 items I kept. Now they don't fit either. I took everything to a consignment store and made great money on them. Money for all the new clothes I have been purchasing! I don't feel guilty about buying all new clothes, either. I think about all the money I was spending on food for myself. Heck! I am saving money by shopping! Oh, you'll love this one- I have to buy all new shoes, too. Evidently my feet have lost weight, too. They are not as wide or long. I think all my weight put so much pressure on my feet and spread them out. It cracks me up! Have fun getting rid of all your fat clothes!

Hi GrannyWoman! I was banded 11 weeks ago. Down 50 pounds. From size 20-22 to a 12! This is living!!!!!!!!! Gotta love that band! Congrats and best wishes!

Hey, everyone! Just wanted to let ya know- I went shopping all day yesterday with my sister. It was a blast! I bought several shirts, sweaters and 2 pairs of jeans. SIZE 12!!!! I could hardly believe it. I did the happy dance in the fitting room! I went from a size 20-22 to a 12 in less than 3 months! I never expected to do this well! I knew I would get into a 12 at some point, I just thought it would take so much longer. I am so excited right now. I want to shout it to the world!!!!!! Thank you for all the kind words of support and encouragement! Good luck to you all! I'll keep ya posted!

Could be gas. I would call my surgeon if it persists. Good luck to ya!

Where is Dr. Eibes located? Just curious. I am from Eastern Iowa. There is getting to be a good sized group of us who were banded by Dr. Glascock in Cedar Falls. He is excellent. You may want to look into his program. Very successful and lots of experience. Hope you find some buddies near ya!

I ate not-so-mushies during the mushy stage, too. I just chewed the heck out of things. I never had a problem. Just be extra careful- and listen to your body. Good luck!

Hey guys! I lost 20 pounds or so of the 50 on pre-op liquid diet. I just had by second fill the other day. I have not had any restriction until now. At least I think I have some restriction, I don't get mushies until this afternoon! I have been starving! A lot of my success comes from my very supportive network of friends and family. Plus, I have young kids who keep me hopping! My job is also very busy and stressful at times, too. I think a lot of my weight loss has to do with staying so busy and moving! You gotta move your body! Thanks everyone! My next mini-goal is to lose 60 by Thanksgiving! I will keep ya posted!

I will be going shopping! I look forward to it now. Wow! It is still hard for me to believe what I have accomplished so far. My mind hasn't caught up with my body! Thanks for the congrats and support, gals! Good luck to ya all!

I am so excited now that I can go shopping in regular, hip stores. I don't even know what to do with myself! I love buying clothes that don't have an X in the size! Oh, today my 3 year old told me I had a new butt! It was awesome! Finally some honesty from a child that I like to hear!

Hi, Suzie! I just sent ya a pm, then ran into this thread. I always respond to Iowa bandsters! I have not had any reflux. Tell Dr G about it, though. Oh, I am gonna be at the Sartori for a fill the day of your surgery! I wish you the best!

Best of luck to you both and welcome to LBT! It is a great place for info and support!

October 25, 1972 -born at 6:47 pm at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ironically it is the same hospital where I was banded! Born and reborn in the same place! Mini-goal of 50 pounds lost by my 35th birthday next week. 4 pounds to go. Gonna have to kick it in the butt! Wish me luck!

My hair has been thinning in the bang area for about the last 2-3 years (pre-band). I was very nervous about getting banded, as I did not wanna lose anymore. Happily, I can report that my hair is growing back after banding, not falling out. I believe this is because I am finally taking care of myself and making sure that I get all the vitamins, etc that I need. I take 4 chewable Optisource vitamins from Walgreens daily. I also make sure I get enough protein. Before banding I just ate anything and everything. I was not getting the proper nutrition at all. I am so excited that my thinning bangs are a thing of the past. Just one more positive thing the band did for me! You gotta love that band!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am 5'2''. At 232 I was a tight 20, now at 186 I can wear some 14's! Very excited about that! I have a hell of a time finding jeans/pants that are the right length. Even petites/short pants are several inches too long. Any recommendations that won't break the bank?

I have a few drinks now and then. (No carbonation) Be careful, though. Truly pace yourself and be aware of how buzzed you are. Things can go south fast. I had a bad experience and vomited several times. Not good.

Hi Ron- Some insurance companies require several months of a doctor supervised diet before they will approve you for the band. I guess they want to see medical documentation that you really tried to lose weight. My insurance did not require it, though I was doing it anyway. I also attended a seminar before I could get a consultation with my doctor. The time frame before surgery usually depends on how long your insurance takes to approve you, as well as how busy your doc is. You will probably have a lot of pre-op testing to do, too. As far as your diabetes goes. I was not diabetic yet, but was considered glucose intolerant. I had gestational diabetes a few years ago and knew I was heading for the real thing. That was one reason I wanted the band. I was on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery and I lost a lot of weight from that. My blood sugar is already normal! It was normal within a few weeks of surgery! Also, I am off my Lipitor. My heart problems are already gone, too. So, now I am 2 months out, down 46 pounds and loving life! Best of luck to you!

You do have a big decision. I faced it, too. I am 5'2'' and started at 232 pounds. I chose the band, hands down. I was sold on the safety of the band surgery vs. RNY. I do not have the chronic pain you have. I do exercise, but not real strenuous. I walk, ride my bike and do the eliptical sometimes. I have lost 46 pounds. My life is so much better! My health problems are gone and I look great! I love my band! The upkeep on it is no big deal. The adjustability of the band is a wonderful thing! You can do what you want with it. It is yours to do with as you will. I recommend spending a lot of time at this site getting info. It is a fabulous spot for support. Good luck with your decision.

I am 8 weeks out and down 44 pounds. Today I had to go shopping for clothes for work. I bought a size 14 petite. I started crying in the dressing room. (I was a tight 20!) I am off all my heart meds and my blood sugar is normal. It is so worth it- I would do it over again in a heart beat. The only things I miss- beer and Pepsi. But it is ok- I look better than they taste!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think both of you should talk to your surgeons ASAP!

I lost about 25 pounds or so during my 4 weeks on liquids. It was darn close to a pound a day. I have 3 small children I had to feed everyday- so that was kinda tough at first. It got easier day by day. Watching your weight fall off made it worth it! It is a great way to jump start your weight loss, that's for sure!

Pb's are productive burps. Burps containing food, etc in other words. I am so sorry about your loss. I am also sorry about your rough time so far. Have you been back to your band doctor? I think you should call him. Best of luck to you.

Kimmi- It is so worth it! Just think about the first time you hear someone say, "Wow, you have lost a lot of weight!" Today one of the teachers at my son's school called me a skinny mom. I wanted to jump for joy! It feels so damn good! Plus, think about your health. I am off my Lipitor and my blood sugar is great! It is worth every second of liquids and mushies! You can do it! You go girl! Good luck!!!!!!!

I had a $128 program fee. I guess it's for support group, etc. I honestly am not sure. I just gave them the money! My doctor is worth every penny plus! I wouldn't have gone to another doctor for nothin'!!!

I was on clear liquids for 1 month and thought that was crazy. 2 months is way out there!! You will lose weight, that's for sure. You need to ask your dietician why. Good luck!