Joyce1115

You are doing great!! Remember this surgery is not a magic pill. At the same time, we are always questioning ourselves about whether we are doing the right things. Our nutritionist gives us wonderful suggestions, and mostly, if we follow them we will be successful. On the other hand, we are human and some days we just need to eat what we really enjoy within some limits. That's ok too, as long as we do not make it a habit. Then again, we might be doing all the right things and our bodies respond in its unique ways. For example, I notice my weight loss is gain, lose, gain, lose, then stabilize on a set point. Then again gain, lose, gain, lose, then stabilize on a set point. Therefore, its better for me to get on the scale about once a week. If I should get on it more often, then I need to keep in mind of my losing pattern and accept it and not get depressed over it. If I become disappointed, then that tells me stay off the scale for a while. I have so many friends coming to me now saying that I am getting smaller. But my scale doesn't reflect it. So, therefore, the scale and the inches are two entirely different things and we need to become more knowledgeable about this and accept it. But I do know that there is a direct correlation between when I exercise and my losing of inches. That is something I can control even more than my eating and the resulting scale. So, maybe you and I should focus more on exercise, and eating reasonably (not becoming obsessed of course) and let our bodies to its thing! Also, have reasonable expectations. I was hoping to reach my goal weight within one year. I need to extend that to 1 1/2 to 2 years. I'm not in a race, why be so hard on myself! My body tends to resist weight loss, so I need to work with it, not against it. Let our bodies adjust gradually, gracefully in its unique way. Take care, Age 49 Before surgery 242 During surgery 236 After surgery and current weight 211 to 213 (fluctuates) Goal weight 150 (Banded Nov 15, 2007 4 months ago) currently lost about 31 lbs. lst fill 2cc in January 2008 some restriction, not much 2nd fill 1cc in March 2008 feeling more restriction, but still need to make more consistent good choices to make a difference

:)Thanks Susan, you are absolutely right. I need to keep my focus. I still feel some soreness and need to give myself permission to learn more about this new way of life.

I think numbers help to confirm where I am in my progress. It also helps encourage myself and other bandsters. When I look at another bandster's numbers who are similar to mine, then I know I am on target. Of course we all are different, but these numbers give us an idea of where we should be within a given time period and this is a form of encouragement. For example, if another bandster is losing more than I am at a given time, I like to find out why. Are they exercising more regularly, are they getting their Proteins in...? Then, I will get a better idea of what I need to do get the results I would like. It is frustrating to think I am doing what I believe am supposed to do and I am not seeing results over many weeks. So the numbers and other bandster's experiences help so much. Also, I think having short term and long term goals will help us in our everyday efforts of keeping on our diets and exercising regularly. I think it is just like everyday life, if we are not goal oriented, then we might tend to flounder off in different directions and wasting time and energy. Actually you do have the goal of losing weight to feel better as all of us here on this board. Keeping up with the numbers and examining them helps us to constantly co-relate what we are doing with how our bodies respond, then we know to either increase or decrease a behavior to get the proper results. Without the numbers we sometimes forget what we have done, then we could get confused about why our bodies are responding a certain way. In my opinion, to get serious results, keep up with your numbers and keep a journal. That's my two cents worth anyway! Smile! Joyce

Hi Lonestar, I am not sure how I can comfort you, but I can explain my feelings before surgery. When I made the decision I never looked back. I knew I had to change and this surgery was the most reasonable and logical answer for my situation. I also was realistic that the surgery would help mostly with controlling my hunger, but I will still need to work hard staying on my diet and exercising more often. I also read many posts from different sites of people's experiences with the lap band. But I tried to put it all in perspective as well. I like to read the success stories most of all. The negative stories, I noticed, did not tell the entire story. Some did not reveal that they were not following the doctors and nutritionists advice. Instead they will blame the lap band. Maybe that is the way they function in their lives anyway, blaming others and other things for their lack of success. The disadvantage we have is we really do not know the people who are telling these stories. So, I would advise you to focus on the success stories, and put the negative stories in perspective since you don't know the entire story. I am not saying that there will not be anything negative experiences resulting from the banding. No, there will be some difficulties. I had some difficulties at the beginning, but after talking with my nutritionist I realized I was doing some things wrong and also I was still trying to change some of my eating behaviors. Therefore, I learned from those mistakes and made the necessary changes. I am sure you will do the same. But the reality is the Lap Band does work, we need to learn to work with it. So, try not to be too nervous, but decide to commit to a new lifestyle that will allow you to be a better person. Also, it will help you to be a better mother for your daughter who will learn good eating habits as well. Joyce banded 11/15/07 highest weight 242 weight before surgery 236 two weeks after surgery 226 four weeks after surgery and currently 223

Your comments are encouraging to me as well. I have the same attitude. I invested a lot in this surgery route and IT WILL WORK!! I am prepared to make the adjustments along the way, but it will work! People have unreasonable expectations and they are uninformed about the LAP BAND what it is supposed to do and how after banding the individual still needs to make the same kind of effort as other dieters. The main advantage with the band is controlling the hunger and therefore, being more successful. Thank goodness for forums such as these so we can "band" together. Highest Weight before banding: 242 Pre-surgery weight: 236 Two weeks after surgery: 226 Fourth week still maintaining: 226, but fluctuates bet. 226 and 224.

You should check with your nutritionist, but I remember I had trouble getting those Protein shakes in as well. My nutritionist said that was typical and that I should not force myself at that point. The Atkins Advantage Shakes are good. But I still could not get them all in. The other shakes might have too much sugar in them. My nutritionist was pretty strict on the kinds of drinks she recommended. I remember Atkins was one, another was EAS drinks, and just a few others, but I don't remember Carnation. Joyce

Hello everyone, My name is Joyce. I was banded November 15, 2007. I live on the east coast. I completing my fourth week and I have lost 10 lbs. I have maintained the weight since I lost. I have not had a fill as of yet. I will see the surgeon the first week of January 2008. I am thinking I will probably need a fill. My weight fluctuates everyday. It seems I am losing then I gain it right back. I initially exercised, but my incisions are bothering me. I am getting sharp pains and a pulling sensation when I am standing and walking. My stomach is drooping a little, maybe that is the reason for the pulling?? Anyway, I am getting my Protein requirements in everyday and I am keeping good records of my diet. Oh, well. I do feel a lot better and my friends are complimenting me on my initial weight loss, especially those who didn't know I had surgery. I just want to get the ball rolling though. I am new to this site and look forward to everyone's comments.