Micheala

Why am I fat? What a great question. I'm fat because food is a comfort. Being fat helps me to be invisible. Being overweight allows me to slide under the radar. I always felt like no man would look at me. Seems crazy because at the same time I felt like I wanted to be noticed. Even though being fat is miserable there is also something comfortable about it. How will I feel when I walk in a room and people actually notice me? Being fat is an extremely complex issue.

Jigglypuff I'm with you! I have been searching the site for someone who was having the same situation as me. I too was banded in August and lost 15 pounds. Now that I am eating regularly I can tell that I am eating too much. Not as much as before but still too much. I am afraid of gaining some of my weight back. Today was my first day of exercise and it felt great. Do whatever it takes to do some type of exercise. Make tomorrow the day. Even if it is walking to the end of the block it is more than before. For the first time I am beginning to think about getting a fill. Before I was afraid. But now I see it as necessary. Good luck! You can do it (We all can).

This may be a crazy question but can any of you eat popcorn? I love going out to see movies but I just can't imagine going and not eating some popcorn. Also can someone explain why we aren't supposed to use straws. My doctor instructed me not to use straws when drinking liquids. Thank you

This may sound dumb but can we plus size women really wear thongs? I am a size 22 and I've never tried them. I would like to but I'm "scared". Where will I get support. How will things stay in place. What will my mother think? What will my daughter's think?

I'm an RN on a surgical/telemetry floor and mother of two teen daughters, a husband and dog. How many nurses are there? Wow!

Hi Erin. I was banded in Oakland at AltaBates Summit. I am able to eat anything I want. My doctor was very relaxed about food. He kept me on fot foods for the first 2 weeks and then said that I could advance my diet. His main concern was that I not eat bread, pasta, or popcorn. He doesn't want me to throw up. I had lost 15 pounds at my first post op appt. two weeks ago. I don't own a scale so I haven't weighed lately. I may be going on a cruise in December so you will have to let me know how things go for you. The only "problem" I forsee is that I won't be able to eat massive and unlimited amounts of food. Keep me posted on your progress.

Judy I faced the same thing. Don't worry. When you have your surgery that will pretty much stop the eating for awhile. Preparing for surgery for me was like preparing for a good friend to move out of town. Even though I hadn't seen the friend much over the past year, suddenly I needed to see her every day. Once the big day comes you will find that it gets easier. Micki

You Jogged?! Wow! You Go Girl!

Congratulations Jamie! Being under 200 pounds seems so far away for me. I am 285 right now. I haven't been under 200 in about 18 years. Share your secret to all the new banders. You give us all hope.

I have also been having sharp pains. They don't always occur after eating but are on my left side near the port. I was banded on August 24th. I was wondering if these were due to the food I have been eating or simply post surgery pain from the port. I am on a regular diet and have not had any problems with throwing up.

Hello Bay Area Bandsters. I live in Oakland. Was banded on August 24th. There have to be more Northern Californians. Holla!

Julie--I am in the same boat. I had surgery on August 25th but am terrified of getting my first fill. Luckily I do have some restriction but I can still eat more than I think I should. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck!

I think I would wait to have the surgery until after the trip. While everything will probably be fine as a nurse minor complications turn into problems if not treated right away. Enjoy your cruise (and the food). I was banded on 8/24/05 and am hoping to cruise in December. By that time I should be well healed physically and emotionally. Although I do have to confess that I wonder how a cruise could be fun without being able to eat endlessly. Micki

I too am finally on mushies. I have a question. Why can't we use straws or chew gum? This has probably been answered but I can't find the answer.

I was banded on August 25th. I haven't weighed yet but I can feel that my clothes are fitting a bit more loosely. I will not get a fill until I find that I am not continuing to lose weight. I too have pain around the port area. It is worse first thing in the morning.