jashley

Way to go! That was a quick loss! I do a lot of "core strengthening" exercises (pilates type) to take care of the muffin top, but I think the main thing is time for your body to respond and react to the loss.

The band also takes care of "head hunger" because you can only eat a couple of bites of whatever you're hungry for! I know this sounds crazy because right now a couple of bites is nothing to you, but after being banded it is plenty to solve a craving. I couldn't imagine, either, but you are totally satisfied with just a little bit of food. It is so freeing to say goodbye to dieting! I was banded 9/14 and have lost 54 pounds. Do it. It's the BEST thing I've ever done for myself, and as a mother of 4 boys, I know it's hard to do things for yourself without guilt! If my insurance had paid for it, I would have NO regrets, but as it was, I am paying (still!), but am SO glad I did it!

I began this journey on July 8, 2007 weighing 243. On this date I attended a seminar, hosted by my surgeon, that was an overview of Bariatric surgery. My sister and I both attended and that night decided we had to do this. I have been overweight since adolescence, but more severely after my 4th boy was born. I am tired of feeling insecure about the way I look, but moreover am afraid I am risking my health if I don't lose the weight. I have an obligation as a Christian to take care of my body and be a good wife and mother, and I can do none of theses things well at my current weight. Between July and September my surgeon required several pre-op classes: 2 visits to him, a behavioral health seminar, a visit to a dietitian, an exercise therapist, and a psychologist. At the time I felt like this was overkill, but am now learning that these visits were very useful and I learned about some of my responses to the life changes I am implementing before I even had them. I am also a self-pay. My insurance would not even consider it. No, I am not independently wealthy! I am a stay at home mom (with 4 children!) and yet I felt that I HAD to do this for everyone's benefit. I know it will be a struggle to pay for it, but there are better things in life than money! I am being banded tomorrow morning, Friday, September 14. I'll let you know more then...

Tina, I read your journal for 9-3 and I am so sorry you feel this way. I completely understand, being overweight for years also, but it made me sad. I know that what I want to say to you can come off as just words, but I want you to know that you were made with a mission. God created you for a purpose and it has much more to do with you on the inside than you on the outside. Don't get too down on yourself. I fear that for so many people this surgery is looked at as a cure-all for self doubt and esteem problems. Our self worth comes from who we are, not what we look like. Chin up and find your purpose! I'm rooting for you! Jill

I began this journey on July 8, 2007 weighing 243. On this date I attended a seminar, hosted by my surgeon, that was an overview of Bariatric surgery. My sister and I both attended and that night decided we had to do this. I have been overweight since adolescence, but more severely after my 4th boy was born. I am tired of feeling insecure about the way I look, but moreover am afraid I am risking my health if I don't lose the weight. I have an obligation as a Christian to take care of my body and be a good wife and mother, and I can do none of theses things well at my current weight. Between July and September my surgeon required several pre-op classes: 2 visits to him, a behavioral health seminar, a visit to a dietitian, an exercise therapist, and a psychologist. At the time I felt like this was overkill, but am now learning that these visits were very useful and I learned about some of my responses to the life changes I am implementing before I even had them. I am also a self-pay. My insurance would not even consider it. No, I am not independently wealthy! I am a stay at home mom (with 4 children!) and yet I felt that I HAD to do this for everyone's benefit. I know it will be a struggle to pay for it, but there are better things in life than money! I am being banded tomorrow morning, Friday, September 14. I'll let you know more then...