PSJ71

Wow, it does sound like he was an advocate of the RNY only. When I went to my doctor's seminar, he said if you suffer from GERD either of the surgeries will combat it. Unless, your fill is too tight with the band, in which case you will have some GERD. But, he says either surgery will get rid of the GERD. He didn't really play up either of the choices. He said there is certain criteria that may or may not make you suitable for each method. But, he said with the lap band you have to put in extra work, whereas with the RNY you can eat pretty much anything, but you might have dumping. RNY was totally out of the question for me. I definitely want the band.

Let me just say. This was in 2000 when I was single and no children. :wink2: Anyway, when I started the gym in May of 2000, I went three times a week and each of those days were different areas of the body. I had NEVER worked out before and was not at all athletic when I started. He did an assessment on me when I first went in--got my weight, measurements, and did a flexibility test on me, which I totally bombed. He also did an interview about my expections I had and long-term goals I wanted to accomplish. As for starting out slow, he put me on a high protein, low carb diet (basically for quick weight loss and protein also helps build muscles, etc). My first week, he only wanted me to do the treadmill at least 20 minutes a day at 3 to 3.5 mph. So, I went in 5 days that week. The next week is when we started the weight training. As for your problems with your back and hips, tell your trainer everything. Make sure he/she knows that you have these problems. There are so many different exercise combinations to get results. In fact, he/she will change it up from time to time as well. As for avoiding things you don't like. It isn't easy, but it is very gratifying when you start to see the progress. Also, I had so much energy at the end of my work-outs. I felt like I could run to the top of a mountain! In all reality, or at least in my experience, I have no seen a trainer YET that treats their clients they way they do on Biggest Loser. If they did, not many would be back. Yes, they do try and keep you motivated. They will say things like,"Come on, one more, I know you can do it." My trainer used to try to burn my muscles out, not painful, but it was weird, in my mind I felt like I could do more, but then they would just freeze or feel like it would lock up. Then he knew I had had enough. See if you can check around to different gyms and see if any of them offer any type of complimentary sessions just to let you get a feel of how they are. Explain to them that you have never worked out before, but you want to make some changes. I lost a WHOLE lot of weight, then I met my husband and we had a baby and well, the rest is history, I gained all that weight plus about 75 pounds more back. As for expense, trainers charge different rates, but a general idea my trainer was about 320 a month for 12 sessions. Yes, expensive, but it was so worth it to me at the time. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. Good luck to you

They do seem very similar. I have been leaning toward the Realize band. I guess what I was sort of worried about is not getting any restriction even after having all the fills possible with it. When I went to the seminar, he passed around both types. I just liked the "look" of that band. I hope things progress fairly quickly from this week on.

Hi All, I am in a dilemma as to which band to get. I keep leaning more toward the Realize band and just came from that area on the forum. However, I am concerned that if that band only holds 9 to 10 cc, and people are getting 6 cc and not getting good restriction yet, is there any chance it could be filled all the way and not have any restriction at all? I'm sorry this seems like a stupid question, but I don't have an appointment set up yet with my doc. I will see the coordinator on Friday though. In the seminar, my doc says he doesn't favor either of the bands, he likes both equally. He did state the port was smaller on the Realize, but he says it is basically just up to the patient as to which one they would like. I at least want to have a good idea of which one I want before I do go and see him. Gosh, I hope I get to have this done by the end of this year or early next. Thank you

Thank you Restless Monkey! I'm so glad there are other night owls out there.

I just had to say, I really do LOVE this thread and have been getting caught up on them. I have to say, though, and I know it isn't funny, but I was laughing at some of them until I cried. I guess because I can relate to much. Not because I am laughing at any particular person, but man, you have to have a sense of humor to some degree in this life. I almost felt guilty for laughing, but then I thought, even through the disgust with myself with some things, I have laughed hysterically at myself from time to time. Being obese is really no laughing matter and I have fought it my entire life, but there have been some comical times, too. You guys are great and I love reading about your stories. I have also cried at some of these stories too. Bless all of you. big, big HUGS Paulette

Hi All, Things I won't miss about being obese are the following: 1) Feeling utterly disgusted at the site of myself in pictures and videos. 2) Being self-conscious about going to my son's school and being afraid a child will say something hurtful to him about me. 3) Being embarrassed and ashamed of my body when being intimate with my husband. 4) Not wanting to go to an amusement park for fear of the ride seat belt not fitting. 5) Not being able to bend over in the car if I drop something-- (Note)I have to have my husband push the brake to give me leverage to get over my belly). 6) Having trouble shaving my legs. 7) Infertility. There are many more, but I think these are the most important to me.

Hi All, I have my appointment with the bariatric coordinator this month. I hope after that things go much quicker. I still need to attend a support group, get a letter from my PCP stating they support my decision, take the psych eval and nutritional consult, and then talk to the doc. I have all my paperwork ready to go. My question is this though. Due to Aunt Flo, I caught myself twice this week eating when I wasn't hungry. I also know I tend to be an emotional eater. So, I am nervous now that if I can eat when I am not hungry now, then how in the heck can I be successful with the band if I don't get this under control? I really, really am at my wits end with being obese my entire life and I just don't want to fail at this too. I also work from home as a transcriptionist, so food is ALWAYS available. I really need some guidance and reassurance too. Thank you so much and thank you for reading my post.

I just posted a question sort of like this about eating. I just wanted to say thank you to you all who provided this type of insight. I know this is something I really want to do. And this makes me feel better about my decision to have the band. I have a lot of bad habits to break, but I still feel the band is the right choice. I can't wait to be able to post my progress after I get the band. Thank you!

Wow, I think that is just fantabulous!! :biggrin: This just reaffirms for me that I will be making the right decision when I have mine done. I go from one extreme to the other sometimes, but I absolutely KNOW this is going to be the only way I will be able to lose weight. I will be glad to one day be on here telling my stories about my band. I hope very, very soon. This is such wonderful inspiration and I wish you both the very best with your bands. Can't wait to hear more about your weight losses :wink_smile:

OMG, Gina I am so sorry your mother treated you that way. I am so saddened when I hear stories of people whose mother's of all people were so cruel. I guess because I had such a special relationship with my mom. She was always worried about my weight, but she was never ashamed of me. I miss her so. She passed away in August. But, again, I am so, so sorry this happened to you. Bless you.

I agree lucy. That's why I'm not telling my in-laws.

I have only told my family that I am planning on having it done and my very best friend. I do not want my husband telling any of his friends or his family. I just don't think his family would understand. Not that they are stupid, but I just really don't want them to know.

Hi Barbara, I'm from Oklahoma too!! I'm not banded yet, but hoping soon, maybe by the first of next year or sooner, I hope. :thumbup: Who was your surgeon?

Well, I can definitely see how that would be a bad experience. With this doctor I have they have two separate support groups, which I think there should be for whichever surgery you choose to do. Thank goodness, I would hate to have to be the only bandster in a support group. Thank you for sharing that.

Unfortunately, no, I don't have the band yet. I have gone to the seminar and found out I don't have to do a 6-month diet though I had to change my appointment with the Bariatric Coordinator from October 16th to November sometime. :embaressed_smile: I have so much going on right now. But, I am hoping at most by the New Year. I'd do it tomorrow if I could. :cool2:

Oh my gosh, restlessmonkey, you hit the nail on the head. That has always been my problem. Sure, I can lose weight if I diet, but if I feel hungry HECK yeah I'm going to eat! So, I know exactly what you are talking about. When I tried Weight Watchers I did okay, but I ALWAYS felt hungry. So, I know what you mean!

Wow, That is wonderful!! Gosh, the more I read, the more and more anxious I get to have it done. I wish I could get it done next week! lol. You all are great motivation.

Hi Rose!! Yes, it is great to see people that have lost a good deal of weight. I just can't wait until it's my turn. I noticed on your signature line you had a bad experience at your support group. What happened? I haven't gone to one yet, but I have to.

Wow, Tina! That is amazing!!! I am sooooo looking forward to having this done. I used to like Smirnoff triple black, but haven't had any of that in a long, long time. Does the carbonation bother you at all? This is going to be one of the hard things for me is not having anything carbonated. And not being able to drink anything when eating. I know I will get used to it though. I guess I should try and start making some changes now before I have it done.

Hi Tina, Wow, how gorgeous!! You have come a long way baby!! What's you holdin' in that last picture with the bottle? Heehee. That is really awesome!! I can definitely tell your confidence went up with the weight loss as well. How long has it been since you have been banded? Lookin' fantastic!!

Oh my gosh!! Wow, see stories like yours give so much hope to some of us who want to do this, but are sort of nervous. I am really excited about having it done, because never in my life have I ever had a flat stomach.. Well, I think when I was 4 or 5. But I was too little to enjoy it. But, I just can't wait!! Congrats on your weight loss. that is terrific!!

Hey Schwabie That's GREAT!!!!! Congratulations!! How long has it taken you to lose 95 pounds? Keep up the good work!

Hi Judiboo, Well, I can't say for myself, but I do have 126 pounds to lose WHEN I get banded. However, I can say when I went to my second seminar the other night, there was a girl there who had lost 131 pounds, she was either at her goal or didn't lack much. I missed her story though, because my husband and I got there late and missed the "Meet the Patients" part of the meeting. I have been a little worried myself of getting stuck after losing 60 or 80 pounds, but I know that there will be times when it will seem that the weight has stalled. Those are the times when you have to change up your routine, or in some cases certain things that is eaten. So, I plan on doing a lot of exercise and see where that gets me. The way I see it, even losing 60 to 80 pounds with the band is better than staying the way I am now and risking gaining even more weight on top of what I have to lose now. Good luck to you!

Hi James! It's great to have you and it's even greater than you and your wife are doing this together. I have yet to be banded, but hopefully by the end of the year. I've gone to the seminar and have gotten the info needed from my insurance company that they will cover it, etc. I, too, have been obese all of my life and actually lost a significant amount of weight from May of 2000 to March of 2001, went from 203 down to 158 through my personal trainer's high Protein, low carb diet and rigorous exercise...only to become pregnant in March of 2001 and gaining 50 pounds during the pregnancy, losting 25 after, to gaining to 280 as of February of this year. I joined WW a second time this year and lost down to 266, which I am currently. So, it's bee yoyo city for me all of my life. I wish you the very best and I think you will find this site addictive. Since I Found it back in July, I am pretty much here everyday reading new posts and getting new insight each day!