Cingulus

I have told my immeaditate family. I don't really care who knows, because I am only interested in the results. I do think it is much easier for guys, because most other guys don't care. Chicks can be very mean to each other, especially if you are improving yourself. My plan is to tell if asked directly, but do not plan to advertise. This is a personal choice and we all know many people have adverse opinions about WLS in general. As far as the time off, I am taking the week off from work and not providing any explaniation. Vanity, unless you are the type comfortable telling people...f*ck-off, it is none of there business, I would keep it to yourself. After redaing this board daily for months, I have learned that many people (about 50% by my guess) have had very negtive expereences sharing their plans with the world. I continue to be amzaed by those who don't want to support their loved ones, but this board is littered with horror stories. Be honest is asked, but don't advertise. Shaun

We all know that the proper expectations with the band is to take things slow…have no weight loss expectations before the first fill and then expect slow, constant weight loss when we hit the “sweet spot.” My reaction to this sensible and well support council is a defiant NO! I am fully aware that this is a long term process, but I intend to accelerate it along as quickly as possible. I am not going to go through this process and personal costs (I am self pay) and not fight this battle as hard as I can with every weapon at my disposal. I am only speaking for myself, but I will not accept that I have to wait months to make progress after surgery. If I can make through almost 3 months of pre-op dieting then, I can make it through “Bandster Hell” bring on the devil, I will vanquish him with faith, determination and a single minded purpose. Yes, these are big words from a guy who has failed in the past, but I cannot and will not fail this time. I know it is easy for me to say this as a pre-op bandster…who has not been sitting up at midnight drinking broth that is not helping the hunger. However, we all know this measure of hellish circumstances is temporary and the empirical evidence supports that it can be overcome and this phase of the bandster cycle and have the success we all seek and need in our lives. OK off my self help soap box

So every job has its pros and cons. One of the pros of my job is we hold customer events as some cool locations. Although I am a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am on my way to the New Yankee stadium. We are holding a one day customer conference and then taking in a game. No not the Sox :w00t:. I have been fortunate to spend 3-4 weeks are traveling in the city for various tradeshows and events. It has also let me sample some of the best restaurants in the city. However, I am I thinking about the powdered protein drinks (Labrada, Chocolate Ice Cream Flavor…Yes, they are good) I have in my suit case. I need to land soon and get a drink in me so I don’t get to hungry. My first weight in was March 27th and I was 373. Due to my extended delays (I have had to move my surgery date from May 6th to June 8th and now June 29th). I have had an extended period of pre-op dieting. I have been able to reduce my weight by48 lbs to 325. I feel good with the progress, but I am not satisfied. I have another 128 to go. As I fly towards my date with the “Bronx Bombers” I am conjuring images of how I want things to be next summer when I go to the ball park. I want to be one of the guys at the ball park with my shirt off, soaking up the sun (with a good SPF 30). Like many people here I have been that guy/girl to be comfortable with skin exposed in a public setting. Most who have read my blogs and looked at my pictures know I am not a shy or retiring person. I have always done what I wanted regardless of my size, but I want to get to the point I do it because of my weight. I look forward to seeing you all at the ballpark next year showing some skin and being proud of whom you are and what you have accomplished.

So every job has its pros and cons. One of the pros of my job is we hold customer events as some cool locations. Although I am a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am on my way to the New Yankee stadium. We are holding a one day customer conference and then taking in a game. No not the Sox . I have been fortunate to spend 3-4 weeks are traveling in the city for various tradeshows and events. It has also let me sample some of the best restaurants in the city. However, I am I thinking about the powdered protein drinks (Labrada, Chocolate Ice Cream Flavor…Yes, they are good) I have in my suit case. I need to land soon and get a drink in me so I don’t get to hungry. My first weight in was March 27th and I was 373. Due to my extended delays (I have had to move my surgery date from May 6th to June 8th and now June 29th). I have had an extended period of pre-op dieting. I have been able to reduce my weight by48 lbs to 325. I feel good with the progress, but I am not satisfied. I have another 128 to go. As I fly towards my date with the “Bronx Bombers” I am conjuring images of how I want things to be next summer when I go to the ball park. I want to be one of the guys at the ball park with my shirt off, soaking up the sun (with a good SPF 30). Like many people here I have been that guy/girl to be comfortable with skin exposed in a public setting. Most who have read my blogs and looked at my pictures know I am not a shy or retiring person. I have always done what I wanted regardless of my size, but I want to get to the point I do it because of my weight. I look forward to seeing you all at the ballpark next year showing some skin and being proud of whom you are and what you have accomplished.

Hey Folks, I have been delayed again to June 29th. Shaun

Since, what you eat is mostly Water you should be safe, Yes workouts can burn off the sugar, it is just math how much did you take in and how much do you have to burn off.

TOTAL BODY WORKOUT | Women's Health Magazine or this one looks really good, but requires a little equipment TOTAL BODY WORKOUT | Women's Health Magazine Here is one more from Women's health magazine as well. Shaun

- Bodyweight II - Belly Off I know this link is to a guys site, but the workout listed is designed to be done at home or without a gym. I would also look at the No Gym workout. It should help with toning exercises. Shaun

Kind of surprised, coffee and tea are listed as acceptable drinks for post op by my doctor. I think that like all things the key is to use some moderation. Shaun

So I work is screwing with me again and I had to cancel my pre-op. I should be able to reschedule and still make June 8th. I am very happy with my pre-op weight loss (43 lbs.), I feel great and being focused on surgery prep has really helped me keep my weight in line. The funny thing is I fell kind of scrawny right now…I know that is not the case…and the picture below validates this. I am sitting on the couch with a guy about my height and about half my weight (I am 330 right now). It is a great trip through the looking glass and how distorted our self image can be, and then become if you have success with the band.

So I work is screwing with me again and I had to cancel my pre-op. I should be able to reschedule and still make June 8th. I am very happy with my pre-op weight loss (43 lbs.), I feel great and being focused on surgery prep has really helped me keep my weight in line. The funny thing is I fell kind of scrawny right now…I know that is not the case…and the picture below validates this. I am sitting on the couch with a guy about my height and about half my weight (I am 330 right now). It is a great trip through the looking glass and how distorted our self image can be, and then become if you have success with the band.

Hi Folks, In my job, I put on a number of tradeshows and events. I have been thinking about holding a new event called…LAPCON. Is there a LapBand Convention or National Meeting? I am kind of surprised, but I not heard of one yet in reading all the boards. My car clubs do it all the time, we can get some vendors to sponsor the event, provide some prizes and have some fun at the same time. So I was thinking… • Friday night - Welcome Reception, Bizarre/SwapMeet and Vendor Fair • Saturday – Seminars, Group Exercise Classes, Bizarre/SwapMeet, Vendor Fair and a Gala dinner with an awards ceremony • Sunday – Breakfast, Classes and a Group Exercise session, Close at noon. For key events I was thinking: • Pre-op and Post-op Seminars (Get the WLS vendors to present) • Best WLS Doctor Award (voted on by members of LBT.com) • Good Cooking Seminars (invite some of the authors of books) • Exercise Equipment demos, trainers and classes (Vendor Sponsors) • Success stories • Video (YouTube) and Photography courses • Online Posting and Blogging Classes • Clothes Exchange Bizarre/Swap Meet • Contests for the “Best” Stories • NSV seminars • Some Dinner and Dancing Evenings Who would be up for such an event (or think I am nuts...) or maybe 3 spread across the states (East, Central and West) maybe DC, Chicago, Vegas ? Shaun

As I understand the process, the "storage" around the liver is one of the first things to be consumed by the body as it goes into ketosis (SP) and that makes the surgery easier for the band and "shrinks" the volume the liver takes up not the actual liver itself.

Hey, So for those who have the band and are into supplements who has been using creatine and nitric oxide supplements. Such as: BSN NO-Xplode, CellMass MuscleTech CellTech, Nitrotech Curious how these work for folks with the band. Shaun

Many folks struggle with the "last meal binges" it is very normal. Just try to remember that the sooner you start the right behaviors the sooner you will get the results you want.

Best of Luck...It took me three years to get mentally ready to do this. Now that I am, I can't believe I waiting this long. Just keep reading the forum and following the success stories. It will help keep you motivated and energized.

16K, Dr. Oliak in Orange.

The part that the article fails to mention is the WLS of any kind is a tool, just like a diet program personal trainers or gym memberships. We will all still have to make good choices (like a veggie omelet .vs PB sandwiches) and exercise. The point of WLS is to be tool to help us achieve a goal, not do the work for us. Many people I have spoke to about WLS seem to think that method/process is more important than the results. Given the well documented issues with excess weight (medical, emotional and quality of life) the results count, the method is secondary. If you think WLS is the right tool for you and you are willing to do the work, then ignore the rest of world and get the results you are looking for.

I have a number of goals, but here are two big ones... 1. I want to complete Bikram Yoga Instructor school. 2. Walk on the beach with my shirt off and not feel out of place.

I assume that I will...I go in for my half day prep-appointment on Tuesday 5/26. I hope to see you there. Shaun

Hey BSG, This is great to hear. We are about the same age and size judging by your ticker. I look forward to getting to that point. Shaun