*susan*

Wow, that is definitely unusual. Mine gets looser as I lose weight. The only time mine gets a little tighter is when it is that time of the month or if I am under stress.

Hmmm, I guess I am the odd man out. My weight loss didn't really get going good until I was about 6 months out and has been going great ever since. I am sure I will hit a plateau at some point, but I am in no hurry for that.

You should be fine.

The countdown is on and before you know it you will be in bandland. You will be amazed at how wonderful you will be feeling in no time at all. Congratulations on your decision and welcome to LBT!

First off, you will be able to enjoy eating, you will just be doing it in smaller portions and in a healthier manner. As far as Breakfast, each person is different on whether or not they are able to eat breakfast. It also may change with each fill. As far as you and your husband cooking together and that being a big part of your life, this is a wonderful opportunity. This gives you the chance to explore new, healthier reciepes together and try them out. Or, maybe experiement with some of your old favorites by substituting some of the ingredients for lower calorie/fat ones so it is healthier but still enjoyable. Lastly, another bandster recommended this to me and I did it and it has worked wonderfully. I went on ebay and bought a hot plate for $8.00. I throw it in the microwave and then put my plate of food on top of it and it keeps my food hot for up to an hour.

As far as is it worth it, that is really only a question you can answer. For me, I didn't look at is as deprivation, I looked at it as purging my system of the old and unhealthy and getting a second chance at life. A chance to not become a diabetic, a chance to not have heart problems, a chance to enjoy my kids while they are still young and a chance to someday enjoy my grandchildren. So for me, was it worth it? Oh YEAH!!!!

You can't see me, but I am doing the happy dance for you!! Congratulations!!! :clap2: :whoo: :banana

Hi there, Autumn, and welcome to LBT! Wow, only two more days until your surgery, you are very close girl! It sounds like you have been through a lot. I am confident that you will find you are very happy with your decision to get the band. I know it has changed my life. As far as mobility, losing weight will definitely help with that, it sure has with me!! Please, after your surgery, remember to check in and let us know how you are doing.

I think you will be just fine as well. My doctor had me on full normal foods at 18 days.

Good luck tomorrow, I am sure you will do wonderfully. Let us know how everything goes.

I think you guys have pretty much covered everything I have ever heard of. I remember when I was in highschool there was some liquid drink plan that was really popular. You couldn't buy it in stores, you had to buy it from a door-to-door rep. I wish I could remember the name. Anyways, I did it for two weeks. I got up one morning and was in the shower when I suddenly felt very weak and passed out in the shower. Of course, my mother immediately took me to my doctor. I was suffering from malnutrition. He told her to take me straight out to breakfast for pancakes, eggs and bacon. I never took that stuff again.

I was a glue girl. That was the first time I ever had the glue and loved it. They didn't itch, pull, get irritated or nothing. And, they eventually just washed off in the shower.

Hi there, and welcome to LBT! Congrats on joining bandland, it is truly a life chaning experience. Let us know if you have any questions.

First off, stop beating yourself up over this. You are doing wonderful. And, I don't know about you, but I sure didn't get this band for depriving myself of the things I enjoy for the rest of my life. There are times we indulge, and that is ok. It is called living life! As long as it doesn't become an every day habit, you are ok. You are more aware of what you are eating now and making healthier choices, so you are doing well. And when you do treat yourself, your band is there to stop you from overdoing it. As far as feeling hungrier sooner, try upping your Protein intake. Or adding some low calorie Snacks between meals. Often, when I think I am hungry, I drink Water and that satisifies me as well.

You know, I remember someone who used to be a member here recommending tongs as something to have on your list of items available after surgery. When I asked why, it was specifically for the problem you mentioned above, although I am not sure how they would help. Fortunately, or actually unfortunately as it turned out, that was not a problem for me because I was major constipated for 3 weeks before anything finally "moved". Oh, and you have an awesome husband!!!

I agree with HelenC, it is not the band that failed you, but your doctor. Did you discuss the cost of fills with him prior to getting the band? Did you get anything in writing about what the fills would cost? Hopefully you can find a different fill doctor with more reasonable rates. It usually does take 2-3 fills before one reaches optimum restriction with the band. Once you get there, you will be very happy with it and your weight loss. I hope you are able to find a fill doctor and continue on the road to a healthier you.

Mashed potatoes and gravy, yum! And yes, we can eat most of those foods. Now, whether or not we should is a whole nother story!

Oh my gosh Belle, I still load up my plate like pre-band too. I guess some old habits are hard to break. I load my plate up and then my husband and kids always laugh at me because they know I probably won't even eat 1/3 of what is on it.

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Honestly, I don't really have one. My original goal was to be 100 pounds down, but I know now I am not going to reach that, but am not at all discouraged by this either. What have you learned this past year? I have learned that I am worthy of good health, love and respect, no matter what I look like on the outside. I have also learned that food is not the most important thing in my life anymore. Food is merely fuel so I have the energy to spend time with and do things with my family. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I have a couple. One is that my PCOS has improved with every pound lost. I am also no longer borderline diabetic, which was a huge NSV for me. In terms of really fun NSV's, about two months ago I cleaned out my closet. It was wonderful getting rid of all my old "fat" clothes and saying I am never going to wear these again because I will never be this size again. Then, I went to the mall and went shopping for new clothes at normal sized stores, not Lane Bryant. What is your biggest challenge? The main reason I got fat was because I just plain love the taste of food, especially salty, crunchy junk food. Unfortunately, that type of food goes down easy. So, my challenge has been staying away from those bad foods. I occassionally treat myself, but it is nice that my band doesn't let me get out of control when I do. Never again will I sit down and eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting and then sit there and cry afterwards because I am so humiliated with myself. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Be patient and remember that everyone loses at different rates. I was a bit frustrated by the fact that compared to most April 2006 bandsters, I am losing slowly. But then my doctor pointed out that I am averaging out at more that 1 pound a week, and the band is designed for me to lose 1-2 pounds a week. And, I have done that without feeling deprived. So be patient, accept how your body loses weight and the rate at which it does and do not compare yourself to others because everyone is different. What is your greatest fear? Losing my band, not succeeding. I What goals do you have for the future? By summer, 2008 I want to put on a bathing suit, go to the beach and not be embarrassed. I also want to go back to Tennessee on a vacation with my family. We went 4 years ago and there was supposed to be a very beautiful, natural waterfall. However, it was a 2 mile hike up a very extremely steep mountainside. I did not make it very far before I had to turn back because I was just too fat and too out of shape to make it. But I insisted my family go on ahead of me and enjoy it. I sat down in the car and cried. I am determined to go back there now and climb to the top of that mountainside with my family so I can see for myself how beautiful that waterfall is. How has your life changed? I am more confident, happier, have more energy, am able to do more, am healthier and just feel 100% better! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I am not going to lie, I expected the weight to come off a lot faster and I expected everything to be a breeze. But, it does take personal commitment and you really have to want it. As they say, the band is a tool, not a miracle. But, once I realized I have to want it and work it, it most definitely did meet my expectations and I love my band. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't be nervous, this is the best decision you will ever make for yourself. You may feel fat and frumpy now, but this time next year, you will be feeling hot and sexy!

Rocko and Diane, good luck to both of you. We look forward to having you both on the "losing" team. We ROCK!!! Let us know how everything goes as soon as you feel up to it.

My myspace is in my signature

That was really rude, they seem almost shocked that we could actually lose weight. I agree with Sherry, you should have responded with the "tactless bitch" comment.

I love gatorade too, but once I get started on it I can't seem to stop. And, the calories are too high so I try and stay away from it. But, sometimes there are times when only a gatorade will do. I am boring and just like the ol' fruit punch flavored one.

I have had several fills now, and a couple of them where I felt I was at perfect restriction. In fact, I am there now. However, as you lose weight, your stomach shrinks and your band gets looser, so you lose your restriction and will probably need another fill. When I am at really good restriction, I can usually go about 3 months before needing another fill.

I was a 9W and can now wear an 8 to 8 1/2 normal width. One of the many benefits of the lapband, cuter shoes!