kathystrick

Hi! Losing 45 pounds in 8 months is definitely nothing to be down about! That averages out to over 5 pounds per month, so just over 1 pound per week. Not bad at all! From the research I have done, as I am not banded yet, indicates that you are right on track with your weight loss. Maybe you have plateaued and are just feeling discouraged? If that's the case, I have seen others recommend keeping a food journal in case you are mindlessly eating or drinking and taking in more calories than you realize. Also, to beware of liquid calories. Since we have to drink so much once we are banded, if you are drinking the wrong things, those calories could add up quick! Hope you get to feeling better soon. Good luck to you!

Hi! This is a difficult decision to make, that's for sure. If you are seriously considering the surgery, you could check into going to Mexico for surgery. I'm not sure how their requirements differ from those of the US, but a lot of people on these boards have gone there and have great success stories. The only problem might be that you would have to be self pay. Then there is the option of gaining weight to qualify. Someone ran a poll on here not too long ago asking how many of us would be willing to gain weight if it meant we would qualify for surgery and an astounding number voted they would. I know the thought of gaining weight in order to be able to have surgery because of your weight seems contradictory, but it is definitely an option. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.

I have seen in other posts where some people have been out only a couple of days, while others take off several weeks. I think it depends on the physical requirements of your job as well as personal pain tolerance and any meds you might be taking. Good luck!

Hi and welcome to LBT! Check here: Wisconsin Local Lap-Band Support - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support for other members from Wisconsin. Good luck to you!

So glad you were able to work things out to your benefit! Good luck and look forward to seeing you around the boards. :sigh:

I finally meet my surgeon this Friday, April 11. That means a surgery date can't be too far behind! :biggrin: I am excited, but nervous as well, which I think is only natural. I keep thinking about so many things in my life (past and future) that have led me to this place. All of the eating triggers - who knew there could be so many?? All of the pain and emotion I have stuffed inside myself instead of dealing with it - if tears were Prozac, I would have OD'd years ago.:wink2: Now, to have all of it coming down at once in addition to dealing with preparations for surgery is SO overwhelming!! :confused2: But I know it will all be worth it, no matter how hard it is now. Some days I just feel like my heart is being ripped out from all of the emotions. But, as I move into my future, I know my life is not only going to be better, but also easier because I will never again let so much negativity build up inside and take control of me as I have done in the past. All of it has to change if I am going to have the life I want and I am starting on it NOW!!!:crying:

I finally meet my surgeon this Friday, April 11. That means a surgery date can't be too far behind! :thumbs_up: I am excited, but nervous as well, which I think is only natural. I keep thinking about so many things in my life (past and future) that have led me to this place. All of the eating triggers - who knew there could be so many?? All of the pain and emotion I have stuffed inside myself instead of dealing with it - if tears were Prozac, I would have OD'd years ago. Now, to have all of it coming down at once in addition to dealing with preparations for surgery is SO overwhelming!! :confused2: But I know it will all be worth it, no matter how hard it is now. Some days I just feel like my heart is being ripped out from all of the emotions. But, as I move into my future, I know my life is not only going to be better, but also easier because I will never again let so much negativity build up inside and take control of me as I have done in the past. All of it has to change if I am going to have the life I want and I am starting on it NOW!!!:thumbup:

Congratulations on getting your date!

Welcome and good luck to you!

Hi! You might find someone who can help you in the Florida banders area on the boards. Also, quite a few of the self payers here have gone to Mexico. Good luck to you and hope you find the info you need!

Hi Jo and welcome out of lurkerdom!

Hi Julie. You have found an excellent place to gather information and insight. Good luck on your journey to Bandland!

Hi, Vicki! Welcome to LBT and good luck to you!

Hi Dan! Welcome to LBT. Congratulations on your decision to have surgery. The forums here are an excellent source of information and support. Good luck to you!

Wow! You really do have a built in support system! You girls will probably have quite the adventure in Mexico.LOL Good luck to all three of you!

Hi, Sophie and welcome to LBT! 44 pounds is definitely a good start! Good luck to you.

Hi and welcome to LBT!

Hi and welcome to LBT! This is a great place for support and information. I hope you have recovered from your accident. How terrible! But exercise in any form (walking, riding a bike, etc.) is a very important part of losing weight, even with the band. I am 160 pounds overweight and not yet banded myself, but I still manage to walk at least 2 miles almost everyday. There are others here who have had trouble exercising because of their size, so you are far from being alone. Just realize that any amount of extra movement is beneficial, no matter how long you can do it. The main thing is to increase that activity level gradually over time. Check with your doctor before starting anything, of course. My LB doctor has a fitness coordinator that his patients consult with during the pre-op phase to develop an exercise program. If your doctor offers something similar, be sure to take advantage of it! Good luck and congratulations on making the decision to take control of your weight!

Hi, Barbie! Sounds like you are well on your way to getting your band. Good luck to you! You have found an awesome place for information and support.

Megan, Glad you have reached a place where you can feel better about your situation, as hard as that can be sometimes. Take care of yourself!

Hi Noella! You can do it! The road looks really long when you're standing at the beginning of it, but you will be six months out and on your way to a new, healthy, skinny you before you know it. Good luck!

I'm with you, Michele...I want to give a little of mine to every little skinny girl who has ever laughed at me and called me names.:drool:

Oh Lynne! I'm sorry you are having to go through so much trying to have your surgery. I hope the rest of your journey goes well. Keep us all posted on how you are doing!

Gld it got easier. Are you still doing well?

Hi SCBoy! Your date is only a week away!!! Hope you are doing well. Good luck and let us know how it goes.