new_me_2008

Amy - that is exactly what happened to me. I went to Disneyland the week before surgery and ate my way thru the place- and lost two pounds! Snappy - good luck, we are starting out at just about the same place (and have the same weight loss goal) and so you should know that it has been a wonderful 4 weeks for me. I was banded 10/08 and am headed to the dr today for my post op check up so I will have an official update on weight loss today. You will do fine tomorrow and you will wonder why you waited to do this - I sure did. Sometimes I even wonder if he really put the band in because I feel no pain at all and just like I did before, except better because of the food choices that I am making. Keep in touch - since we have a similar journey ahead we could be weight loss buddies!

I have 4 cuts, 3 very small (less than an inch) and 1 for the port which is about 3 inches long.

My SHOES are falling off! Not exactly where I was looking for a loss but I will take it! In addition, I am no longer resembling a pot-bellied pig! My dress pants for work all look quite funny in the front - too baggy! This is just great - I am so happy with the band!

I was banded on 10/08 and feeling more hungry as the days go by as well. I was getting about 600 calories in a day and I seemed to be stalling. I upped the calories to around 900 and started the daily 30 minute exercise and the scale is going down again. My dr said to have a goal of 10 pounds a month. Since I am past that now I am feeling good about things. Another thing I am trying is to exercise after my last meal of the day - hoping to bring up my metabolism thru the night. Ben- dont give up on this thing - although the post surgery diet is strange, it works and is the right way to heal. The best thing in my mind about the lap band is that you can eat real food in the future - just smaller quantities.

Today is my first day on 'real food' so far: B: Coffee with ff half and half and sugar free carmel syrup B: 1/2 think thin bar B: 1/2 c fat free greek yogurt from Trader Joes L: 3 oz grilled chicken breast (no skin) L: two slices grilled bell peppers L: 2 T hummus

I agree with everything that has been said. If you have pondered this for so long - why would you give up now??? I have been banded for 4 weeks now and here is what I wrote a while back: Newly banded thx,BOOBOO,JULIENYC,WAS Bubble,Ghost, Wheetin,Tracy I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing. Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt: I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them) I was able to find a great surgeon I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness) I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did! Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable) I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary. I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday! I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it? I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent. In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way. Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future! Thanks, Tina

I was banded on 10/08 and I am feeling great (already exercising 30min a day) travelling alot for business across the country and feeling quite hungry. Due to my travel situation my post op appt is not until 10/30 with a first fill on 11/19. I really feel great and was wondering if it is even worth my breat to try and talk the dr into a fill. The main reason he is waiting until 11/19 is because I am travelling on business to Asia and India on Nov 10. What do you think?

Just wondering as I hear many people talk about getting to their sweet spot but I am unclear how long that sweet spot lasts and when do you know it is time to go back in...weight loss stall? hunger increases? Thanks

two inches above and to the right of my belly button....the scar is about 3 inches long

Good job - I can not wait to officially go down a size.

Good point Kacee - I am so impressed with your weightloss. Our stats are very similar (my highest weight was 222 and I was 219 the day of surgery). Can you give me any overall pointers? I had a goal of 10 pounds a month and you seem to be doing just that. Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

Julie and All - Thanks for the posts. Julie - I too am amazed that you started in January. Were you active before then but just took up the running program in Jan? I will be thinking about you as you complete the marathon - that is a truly amazing accomplishment. The advice on doubling up the program is a great one - I will try that. Tina

Hi, I tried this program in the past (pre-band) and really liked it but was uncomfortable due to my size. Now that the weight is starting to come off, I would like to try this program again. My question: When I am released for strenuous exercise (I think it is 4 weeks after surgery - so two weeks from now) do you think it is OK to begin week one of the couch to 5K or should I wait more? I am already walking 30 minutes a day at 3.5 MPH and doing some pretty strenouous hills - and actually enjoying it! I have the nike+ program and an ipod nano, so I am set to go. Tina

Thanks for your post - very motivating for someone new like me.

Tulip - great job - I watch your posts intently as we have similar experiences. I do not get a fill until NOV 20 due to some business travel but I can not wait for some resriction becuase as it is today, I feel like I could eat just about anything.

Just my two cents with very little experience so far..... I yo-yo'd for years as well and that is precisely why I picked the band. I actually semi- liked exercise in the past but was uncomfortable with my size - it never felt good. When my Dr told me to exercise 30 minutes daily I was encouraged, plus I want toned muscles once I lose this weight. My pateint coordinator hasnot exercised a minute and has lost 90 pounds in one year.

In by 6am and home by 10am (I live 45 minutes from the hospital!)

IM in the same boat too. I am 11 days out and am definately hungry more often and definately trying to stay on the program - so far so good. Based on what I have read on other posts first 4-6 weeks are rough and have been labeled 'bandster hell' for just these reasons. I am not filled until NOV 20 - so I am hoping to hold on tight until then.

<HR style="COLOR: #e9e9e9" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --><!-- google_ad_section_start -->I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing. Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt: I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them) I was able to find a great surgeon I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness) I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did! Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable) I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary. I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday! I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it? I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent. In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way. Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future! Thanks, Tina

WASA....Absoultely would LOVE to attend a lunch - how do I get more information? Tina

Zele - that is exactly why I wrote it! I wish you the best. Tina

I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing. Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt: I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them) I was able to find a great surgeon I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness) I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did! Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable) I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary. I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday! I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it? I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent. In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way. Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future! Thanks, Tina

I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing. Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt: I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them) I was able to find a great surgeon I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness) I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did! Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable) I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary. I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday! I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it? I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent. In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way. Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future! Thanks, Tina

Great idea- I want to lose 15 (more) by the end of Nov which may be a challenge as will not have my first fill until Nov 20.

Nick - wow you are doing great considering your surgery was just tues. Hope - you and I are in the same boat - I did have a sore throat and maybe more gas than you but I continue to wonder if they even put the band in - I feel great.