Anwyn

Well, I've never posted a before and after pic before but I hit the 50 lb milestone a few days ago and I figured it was time... My before pic (blue t-shirt in case you can't tell ) is me at 285 last year. I couldn't find a more flattering picture - I usually hide when cameras come out but someone caught me unaware. The after pic is me in my bedroom today at 235. I still have 85 lbs to go, but I'm feeling so much better already. I can't wait to get under 200!!

Hi Michelle! How great that you have been able to get down 120 lbs on your own! The band should really help you get where you want and keep it off. I know there are quite a few people who have been able to reduce or stop their diabetes medications after being banded, but I'm not sure how weight loss affects lupus. There is so much information to tell you about what to expect pre/post surgery. I would recommend reading as much of this site as you can. You'll find a wealth of information here. Every hospital is different with their pre-op requirements. I had blood work, an EKG, a psych evaluation, a meeting with a dietician, and a meeting with an exercise specialist. You may also be required to perform a sleep study. The surgeon made me lose 5 lbs before my surgery. Good luck with your seminar! You'll find out a lot more about what they expect from you.

That's great to know. I also have 1cc and I think I need a small unfill. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! PB'ing on every meal is no way to live.

Are you running a temperature at all? That would be a good indicator of an infection. I agree with Kathy - I'd make them keep a very close eye on you. I might even see your PCP to get another opinion.

I haven't had an unfill, but I just wanted to wish you luck in finding the right level of restriction. If you don't mind my asking - how much of a fill did you have initially and how much did they take out?

My band is great and has changed my life... because for the first time ever I'm meeting my weight loss goals. It no longer feels like a hopeless endeavor. Now, losing weight feels inevitable instead of insurmountable. I now look forward to seeing people because I know I'll be complimented instead of getting looks of pity. I love my band.

Oh no Candy - this should be right up my alley. My yoga class is VERY much for beginners. It's full of older people and recent surgical patients. Mostly just stretching. My downward dog is really more of a lunging stumble...

Wow - what a comprehensive post. Thanks for taking the time to research this for us!

I'm a little confused by your post... are they still both willing to go through with the surgery? I don't mean to be unsympathetic to the physicians because I truly believe they should be paid well for their time and expertise. That said, this is not your fault - you don't set the fee schedule for Medicare. Are you worried that they'll give you substandard care? Aside from the ethical considerations, they'd be risking a lawsuit and their reputations. And if you really believe they would cut corners on your surgery then you don't want them performing your surgery. But, I highly doubt this is the case. You deserve the surgery - go for it!

Don't panic! I've had days like this too, and you will get back on track tomorrow. You really didn't have that bad of a day food wise. Compare it to a really bad day before you got your band... Try taking 10 minutes in a dark room for some stretching and deep breathing. I've been doing that lately and it's helped me a lot. Good luck - you can do it!

Hi Paul, thanks for the encouragement. I'm feeling much more positive the last few days. I laughed when I read your post... I went from blonde to brunette a few weeks ago and I still do a doubletake every time I pass a mirror. I guess it will take us both a little time to get used to the new us. And I'm sure your chin looks great!

Ugh. I had a huge PB on Chinese food a few days ago (darn rice!). I was eating dinner with my DH and two contractors who had been working on my kitchen all day. Of course this would have to happen when we have company. Fortunately, I felt the slimes coming and I quickly excused myself before I upchucked in front of strangers. Then, yesterday I let myself get too hungry before dinner. I sat down and broke off half of a hamburger and just inhaled it. My inner voice was saying "what are you doing?", but I just couldn't stop myself. Two hours and one massive PB later, and I was sitting on the couch thinking - you're 3 months out. Why would you sabotage yourself? Are you trying to cause a slippage? I've only ever had a PB one other time, so having 2 over the course of a few days is freaking me out. This all came on the heels of getting tons of compliments at a Halloween party last week. People were astonished by how good I was looking. I'm proud of myself. I'm a hair away from 50 lbs down. But, I don't think I'm making enough mental progress. I still see myself at my highest weight, and I brush off the complements. This whole thing still feels very surreal to me. I used to lay in bed for hours at night fantasizing about having WLS. Now the fantasy is reality. Why aren't I enjoying this more? Why can't I stop eating too fast even when it hurts like Hell? Thanks for letting me vent...

Thanks for the info Candy! I just ordered a copy. I've been looking for a tape to supplement a weekly yoga class I'm taking.

Wow... I love the idea of joining an exercise challenge, but I think I'd have a coronary if I tried to do an hour of aerobic activity five days a week. I have a very expensive elliptical machine collecting dust upstairs that I've been meaning to break in for about a year now... My goal is to do 30 minutes on the elliptical 4 days this week. That'll be more exercise than this body has seen in a loooong time. I'm not a turtle and I don't meet your criteria, but I'm going to pretend I do and challenge myself anyways. Good luck breaking your plateau Crystal!!

Tricia, I haven't gone for an unfill yet. I have the same problem with the first few bites and then I end up walking around for a few minutes and eating a little more over a half hour or so. I'm not having the same PB issues as you are, though I did have 2 last week. At this point I'm trying to give it a few more weeks. I'm hoping that it will loosen up a bit on it's own. I'm really happy with my rate of weight loss right now, so I don't want to mess with it. I'm not on a plateau or I'd be much more anxious to get in there!

I'm sorry to hear that your day was so traumatic. That must have felt like the longest train ride in history. Sending get well wishes for your Dad and huge (((hugs))) for you and your Mom.

I have UHC also and I had to write down my weight loss attempts, but they didn't require any proof of participation. Good luck with your approval!

Mandy & JoLynn, you're too practical... I'm going to assume these are self-perpetuating foods and I'll never run out... Oh, and I also have a deep-freeze for my ice cream. 1. Ice Cream 2. Steak 3. Bread 4. Butter 5. Sharp Cheddar cheese 6. Milk 7. Apples 8. Oranges 9. Bacon 10. eggs

Yes Pamela - I HATE when people put those stupid fat suits on!! They always look like they're walking around with decomposing flesh on their necks. Of course they always give them sallow skin and bags under their eyes too. Can you tell this is my pet peeve too? I mean, I get that they're trying to make a point about discrimination, but use a real person if you want a real reaction. Lisa, you are so right about Tyra Banks. She's a moron. She also had a mammogram live on the air to prove that her boobs are real. Like we give a s**t!! Clearly she thinks that we are all just sitting around all day thinking about her chest. Decompressing from vent mode........

I'd recommend always taking them in liquid form if you can get them. Your restriction is going to vary, and I could see even an M&M size getting stuck sometimes. You can also cut them up with a pill cutter. NJChick, good think you specified plain M&M's... I'd hate to think what a peanut M&M size pill could do...

I was told by my band surgeon (and a doctor who posts on here concurred) that the shoulder pain is actually referred pain from the band rubbing against your diaphram and has nothing to do with gas. That said, a lot of people say gas-x does wonders for it, so who the heck knows. My shoulder pain lasted for about two weeks and then went away. I hope you feel better soon!

I felt very much like Vines... I was really scared and nervous, but I knew that my back problems would never go away if I didn't lose weight. It really did feel like WLS surgery was my only option. Of course, that doesn't mean I wasn't shakin' in my boots for a week before surgery... The "scary" threads definitely stick longer in your head, but try to remember that there are hundreds of people on here who have had great experiences. Good luck with your decision!

Tricia, I think you need a small unfill. I have the exact same problem, and I think I need one too. I read a thread about this a while back, and that's what the experienced bandsters were suggesting. It doesn't have to be a huge one - sometimes .1 or .2 cc's can do the trick. Good luck with the next 5 months - you're doing great!

Happy banding day! You're going to do great!!

Enjoy your day!!