Numbrgirl

I appreciate your response. For me it is like WASA said - it is no longer a diet but becoming a way of life. I feel especially blessed to have the opportunity to use this tool to finally put away this life of obesity. Sometimes we as humans get so set in our ways and bad habits that suddenly everything turns us towards a "victim mentality" and that very thought process keeps us imprisoned. I don't mean to be harsh when saying this because I have directed it to myself as well - from the outside looking in it just appears to be a bunch of excuses (too much stress, dieting is hard, exercise doesn't work, etc.) It is unfortunate that food has such a hold on society and seemingly brings so much false comfort. I have to make this work so I can continue to travel the world with my husband, take a more physically active role with my growing pre-teen daughter and because the joints in my knees are simply refusing to carry me anymore. These things are all infinitely more important to me than anything I could ever shove in my mouth and obtain some temporary happiness or comfort from. When I had my pysche evaluation the doctor was kind enough to give me some feedback before I left. I had to do the ink blot test and look at other pictures, give some feedback, outcomes, etc. We talked a lot. Nothing out of the unusual that I was aware of. Just me. At the end of the session he told me that the some of my answers and reactions gave him the indication that I was ready to make a change and there was some growth churning in me that hadn't previously made it to the surface. That clicked with me - not only in my final, drastic attempt to find some relief to the weight - but in a few other areas and ventures I have been undertaking in my life. I sincerely hope that anyone struggling in ways that are mentioned on this thread will be able to find peace and strength to finally make a difference in their lives.

Granted I am just a newbie that has experienced definite satisfaction and success - but as I travel over this board I am continually stunned, amazed and puzzled to find individuals lamenting that they "didn't think it was going to be hard" or "they thought the band would do this or that" when clearly all of the literature I read and the forms I signed indicated that it was totally dependent on MY actions. The band is a tool that is a constant reminder to me to take responsibility for these decisions and I am relieved to say it has removed my fixation on food. So instead of making excuses and justifying bad habits, I now plan my day and do my best to incorporate both a good menu selection and adequate exercise. I love the posts from WASA and WCFG. I have printed them out so I can read over them as I continue on this journey. I simply don't want to carry around this amount of weight anymore and NOTHING will detour from this goal.

I totally agree with you Northwest Nance - you have to really want it. I enjoyed reading your original post above and thought it was right on the money. I was banded 4/30 as a self-pay and I am determined to do what makes this work for me. It is a constant reminder to me before I shove anything in my mouth and the weight loss thus far has been fairly easy. The unexpected energy I have since receiving the band is such a great addition to my life. No more being sluggish and tired and disgusted with the outlook of my future. No longer fixated on food every day. Such a tremendous blessing.

It is worth the hard work and dedication to finally achieve a substantial weight loss and maintain it. I haven't been disciplined and sat down to each and every meal and the weight continues to come off. My personal opinion is that you just have to get to a point where you are just tired of carrying it all around and the band helps me keep my eating in check.

I have stayed on the plan all day because my scale was down again this morning!!

the creamy soup was a lifesaver for me as well!!

This is extremely helpful. Thank You. I am going for my first fill on 6/10 and have printed this out for future reference!!

I have a slight restriction and having had my first fill yet (it's coming up soon!!). I am looking forward to being able to determine the difference between filled and unfilled. I have done well with the weight loss without it so hopefully it will only accelerate it. <fingers crossed!>

I like the idea of celebrating a "dual Independence Day" - Best wishes to You!!

Jack - you are so wise.........we are fortunate to have you! Every post I read from you, in various places, is always on the money. Thanks!! I have to agree - I have already lost 20+ lbs and haven't even received my first fill yet. The band is taking away my fixation on food! Thank God.

Isn't it great we can just start over?

I got some unflavored whey protein and have been sprinkling some in my yogurt and stirring it into my nonfat milk. Every little bit helps.

Hello Elaine!! Blessings to you! It is obviously a struggle for all of us but thank God he created surgeons and guide their hands!! I love the work of the Teen Challenge organization. We live really close to a fantastic group of guys - they live in The Castle in Riverside California. Sometimes our church group or women's group has functions there - it is very nice and such a blessing to see all the guys work on their problems and turning their lives over to Christ. Hope to hear more from you!!

There is always the magic of Victoria's Secret!!

There is something to be said for actually making lifestyle changes instead of having them forced on you!!

Definitely doesn't act as the "food police" - but I am always conscious that it is there - so maybe "big brother" ??!!??!!!! 8-)

Yes - thedailyplate.com is terrific. I have used it for almost a full week and I love, love, love it!! I am always trying to keep a list of items that I eat and a running tally of the cal/carbs/protein. I start the little journal and then soon fall out it........But with this, I can log on, pop in, add my stuff or look up any items that I am thinking of eating and instantly have the info. I also keep track of exercise and any feelings I might want to note. How terrific. I would recommend it to anyone!!

Because I have my first fill on Tuesday 6/10 and I want the office to be surprised with my loss!!

definitely share - I will be checking back!! Good Luck!!

My doctor only gives fills at the 6 week mark so I am scheduled for June 10th. Thanks for the insight on what to expect. I am glad the doctor allows you to drink and effectively try it out very going home and encountering the too tight symptoms on your own. I have done well without a restriction and I am really looking forward to the first fill - first time into the land of the unknown!! 8-)

I don't physically crave it - even though I was a Pepsi addict for years - but when I see it sitting on the grocery store shelf - I remember the taste and the sugar high it gave me. I can honestly say I haven't had a soda since April 29, 2008 and I really don't miss it all. I have no intentions of picking another one up. Although I did read somewhere that if you really want a soda you can open it up - put it in the frig and let it go flat (personally that sounds gross to me) but I guess if someone is desperate. My life is so much better without it!!

I think we waited about 2 weeks to engage in the "wild thing" - my husband is very patient and sweet - I did ask the doctor during my consult how the band affected sex - I think he was surprised with my question! At first he said "it doesn't" but then he came back a few questions later and said "well, I guess if you lost 50 lbs it might really spice it up!" Don't need no "spice" but it would be nice to be able to fit into a cute little sexy teddy!! 8-)

No way - at my banding I had 167 lbs to lose to be within normal BMI range and my doctor was very accommodating with my choice. He performs both procedures. I asked him if he would rather the heavier patients go with the bypass and he said - no I want them to do what they are comfortable with. Of course he told me that individuals "typically only lose 40-50% of their excess weight" but I have seen testimonies on this board that tell me differently. You have to do what is right for you - if you have to - find a different surgeon. I am a self-pay and definitely know I made the right decision!!

I have experienced such an escalation in energy - that is one of the things that first amazed me about having the band. Prior to the band I was sluggish and feeling so lethargic. I hope you can find a definitive answer and share it with the rest of the board - I certainly don't want my energy level to disappear!!

Even now if I forget or swallow too fast - I can feel it in my chest - oh the pain!! I can't imagine what it going to be like when the fill is in place............