planning4thin

I have not posted in a long time on this site. I had the lap band almost 2 years ago, and I am feeling and looking like a million dollars. I am down from a size 22W and into a size 12, 75lbs lost...still have maybe 30lbs to go. I LOVE MY BAND!!!!:tongue2: I do not eat as well as I should because I should probably be a size 10. However, the scale does not validate how I feel about me...which is through the roof. Anyway, I wanted to share with you all that I look smooth, and almost tiny in my clothes, due to this garment that I wear...it is like a corset and a girdle in one...but it has completely TRANSFORMED my appearance. When I wear it, I look at least one size smaller. It is a bit pricey, but I could care less. Check out this site, and watch the video on the home page that shows real people wearing it. I just wanted to share this great find with others struggling with their weight and body image. Click on the link for RESHAPING GARMENTS to see the garment that I am ranting and raving about. Seeing (or wearing) is believing!!!:wink2: http://www.afirmerlookingu.com/

PeachesPJ, I want to offer a word of encouragement. I was banded just over a week ago on 01/24/2008. My procedure was done on an outpatient basis. I was in recovery about 4 hours before going home. That first night, like you, I questioned my decision to have the procedure. I thought I had made a huge mistake. Of course, that question comes about because of the pain felt post-op. Let me just tell you, one week post-op, I am feeling like a million bucks! I had a couple of uncomfortable days due to the gas, but I chewed antacids and took my pain medicine, as prescribed. With this combination, I started to feel like myself by day 2 or 3. We have made the best decisions for our health and our future by getting this procedure. Get better, and remember that your pain will subside soon enough.

Also banded on 01/24/2008. Doing well. Gas pains were a bit intense. Banding was the best thing I've ever done.

Well said, Snowbird. Also, the article that you listed the link for was great!

I originially posted the question of "I wonder if I should request a new surgery date" because I was struggling to follow the 14 day pre-op liquid requirement. After reading all your postings, I contacted the surgery center. I spoke to the nurse that is in charge of these things. She told me to start where I am with following the liquid requirement. I am 2 days pre-op so I think I can handle that request. I am doing more broths now. They seem to satisfy the hunger a bit more than I had expected. I think it is the seasonings, or something. Also, she did tell me that they had to reject a person that showed up for surgery yesterday because she had food on her stomach. With that said, I know that I will follow the liquids for these final 2 days. Wish me luck on Thursday, 01/24/2008! I am a little nervous about the unknown...like will I be able to feel the band?...will I accidentally overeat and vomit on a regular basis?...can I really have the same great success that so many of you seem to have?...can I really get my portion sizes down so that I can successfully lose this 100+ pounds? I just have to rely on my faith and press forward. I know that God will hold my hand through both the procedure and as I walk after the procedure as a "banded" person.

Exciting New Year's Knockout's Dec 31- Chrisann (honorary member of the Jan 08 bandsters) Jan 1- HAPPY NEW YEARS! Starting the year off right! Jan 2- phowell, Megmarie21, Gingerbug(Victoria), jengland, racetrackweary, rainbowme2(Bunny), RT, jojokitty Jan 3-WOWOX7, Woodsy,momto3, Mommamare, nancy52,AnneElliot, ovahkummer Jan 4- KUgirl, steviegene, SuzanneG, Songinmysoul, sleclerc (shirley), WendyRae, MamaJava Jan 5- texasbandster Jan 6 Jan 7- CallmeJim, comepickmeup, NukeChik, mamato3, kintime, Shell, destined2befree, babedoe4, ch4251, Jan 8- Fat&thrifty(and husband Joe), itz me, faa31, crackedpepper, flipbarnett, Joanna240, rustymarie, gingydilly, seajules Jan 9– Redtulips3, FLMan, TachaBaby505, Lillyanne_M, CJV Jan 10- luvsrocks, Hilary, Jen25bl, jtag10_4, Char1007, Pizzaman citygirl4616 Jan 11- brez1015, Tmusicmaker123, Poopsie, Ready2JustDoIt, B-Man, ganigirl6, Ms.BearKat11 Jan 12- jen6740 Jan 13 Jan 14- CoreynVA, acalpn, srbanker(Suzanne), grayl, cnukaya, Jessthat, Deedle, thinner-or-bust, gilliebean, greeniiii, mitch, WestCoastFatGuy Jan 15- Travelology, Dianegoe, poodlecamper, LKM, greeneyez Jan 16- Kathy, Saleel, back2reality, Cherry_Blue, Dazzle, nadean, with his help, Laurinda; Pikedafoe, Ms.Toya, SMR100 Jan 17- SJK, Alfie, L.A., lwood, tweenwaters, Laurieloo, kcintx,mia31771 Jan 18- RuthE?, shanarene Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21- mo7293 (Maureen), graham, lee41 Jan 22- purplegoddess, DPJDMOM, bcgates, AmyMT, bcgates, BensonRN Jan 23- min, Ang1982 (Angela) Tigger_Shorty (Rose), WhirlWinds Jan 24- holleyhobby,jst4kel,kimmycrs, Somogyi1, rakes4321, RomeGA3, Road_King, Ross07, planning4thin Jan 25- Noni(Mary), htay73il (Hope), Thor, rakes4321(Amy), khoffman (Karen) Diane - south fla Jan 26- Louise (London) Jan 27 Jan 28- kawanabear(Kalonda), crystalcml, blg200200, justtjohn, PeachesPJ, kpoincon, ANewDayForRose Jan 29- Milton 5a (Lauren, UK, 21) Jan 30- PortuguesePrincess(Stephanie),Amberwaves(Amber), Tamika(taismommy), jaycee Jan 31- SarahT1982, lkgrubb, sexymama

I am scheduled for banding on 01/24/2008 (this coming Thursday). I have lost 7lbs, but I have NOT followed the liquid diet perfectly. I have cheated everyday. Today, I was the worst. I had solid food three times. I do not want to cause post-op problems for myself, so I think I might need to reschedule the procedure. Mind you, I was losing 1lb a day, albeit Water weight. Does anyone have an opinion on this one? Has anyone gone through this? 262/255/150

Joyouslyme, how would you rate the procedure at the University of Chicago? What did it cost, if you don't mind me asking? I went to Day One Health off Michigan Ave in the City. They are great people, and I am comfortable with the doctor. However, I want the procedure in January 2008. They told me that in order for insurance to cover it, I would need to show 6 months of weight loss attempts with WEIGHT WATCHERS. Did you do this for your insurance company to approve you at Univ of Chicago?

AshleeSuzanne, for you to obtain insurance approval, did you have to show proof of 6 mos of supervised weight loss efforts, like Weight Watchers? If so, did you submit a copy of your weekly WW booklet, or something? I am a self pay, but I would love my insurance to pay it because I rarely get to use the insurance. I seem to just pay for it. My doctor's insurance person said I would have to wait 6 mos for insurance approval, so I just agreed to self-pay. But I reallly do not want to have to pay out of pocket, because of the high cost. Any help you can offer would be good. Anyone else can comment, as well. I live in Chicago, and I have HUMANA PPO.

MichelleB, it just occurred to me yesterday, for the first time in my life, that I have a food addiction. It startled me, but it hit me that my desire for food is no longer associated with hunger. I thought of going to a therapist, but then I realized that my recognition of my issue is the starting point for me to bring about a change. I am not yet banded, and I am hoping that I will not be too challenged with the band because of this food addiction. Everything I read on this site indicates that after the band, hunger will not be an issue. Also, since the stoma will now just hold 4 oz of food, overeating will be uncomfortable. Congratulations on getting banded. You are on your way to a new you.

Jazzywoman, you and I are in the same boat. I, too, am looking to my band as a Christmas gift to myself (even though I will received the band one full month after Christmas). I see this band as one of the best things I will have done for myself. 2008 promises to be an exciting and POUND-LOSING year for me. LOL!!!

Wow, beachgirl. 80 pounds is fantastic! I know you both look and feel like a million bucks. I can not wait until I can make that statement...80 pounds lost. I am scheduled for banding on Jan 24, 2008. I wish I could do it tomorrow, but Jan 2008 is better for me. I need to lose 115 pounds.

Bandvirgin, I was really frightened for you. I am not yet banded, but I realize I have to monitor all fill levels for comfort. Just reading your messages gave me a bit of anxiety. I know for you, it must have felt like torture. Glad that it all ended well.