TQUAD64

I have no regrets and would do it all over again, even though there are risks associated to the procedure. But really, there are risks associated to any surgery. Good luck with your decision.

Renewedhope. I would rest your knee for a couple of days. Moist heat and light stretching can help to you.

Today: 50 minutes treadmill @ 4% incline 2.5 miles jogging with a mix of a power walk.:huh2:

I weigh myself every morning, which is the same thing I did before the band. But the only weight number I count as official is the one I get from my doctor's office. She has an amazing scale that give a digital reading plus a print out of everything you want to know, BMI, weight, %%%. I see the doctor once a month and I measure inches once a month. I log the data into my journal.

Hi thinkingslim: I have not told anyone about my surgery. However, I did tell my sister since she was my medical emergency contact, just in case something went wrong. Anyway, I see my family on a regular basis, but they have not commented on my weight loss. However, my co-workers have noticed and are making comments on how much healthier I look. I thank them for noticing all my hard work and tell them I am exercising like crazy and tracking calories. Which is the truth. Congrats on your success and keep up the good work.

Siren, it sounds like your to tight. I would discuss your concerns with your doctor and follow their recommendation. Maybe a slight unfill will do the trick. In the mean time, can you drink a protein drink?

Once I had an approval letter from the insurance company stating they would pay for my band procedure, I placed myself on a liquid replacement meal. This was before the doctor placed me on the two week pre-op diet. I wanted to get a jump start on the process and I wanted to train my mind to accept less calories. I read enough threads on this forum about bandster hell, so I thought I better prep myself for it ahead of time. So, instead of having lunch, I had broth and crystal light. It was really hard, because I had huge portion control issues and loved to snack. And when I found I was still hungry before the next meal, I had more broth. It was really hard, but I made myself do it anyway. Good luck!

Hi Rockwell: I first started doing research on WLS. Then, I contacted my insurance company to see if the procedure was a covered benefit. When it was confirmed it was covered, I then went to my PC doctor to discuss further. He supported me and wrote a report to the insurance company stating I was a good candidate. I then started the 6-month supervised weight loss diet and I completed the psych exam. There were many many other requirements, but these were the first steps I took. Good luck!

Aries: You are lucky. I did not get solids until week four post-op. Just follow your doctors instructions and you will be fine! Congrats on your surgery. It's a great way to start the New Year!

disneynut. I just have to say I love Disney too!! I have never been a diabetic, so I cannot comment on that, but I can talk about a 24/7 huge appetite I that had and was never satisfied pre-band. I had huge portion control issues. I would eat large quantities of food and would always be hungry. Plus, I would snack all day too! I was consuming around 3,000 to 3,500 calories a month and was gaining weight like crazy. The weight gain wreaked havoc on my joints and it was painful to exercise and walk for that matter. But once I had the surgery, and I got through Bandster Hell, I was not as hungry as before. I was able to consume around 1,200 calories a day and feel satisfied. I was not snacking and weight was coming off. Once the weight started coming off, I was able to exercise without pain. As I exercised, I was dropping pant sizes and inches quickly. When my fill is working with me, I can eat a small meal and not feel hungry for 6 hours. When my fill is diminishing, I can eat a meal and go for 3 hours with out feeling hungry. I am newly banded and have had 3 fills. I have a 10cc band with 5cc in it. I received a fill last week, so my restriction is great right now. I understand your apprehension; wondering if the Band will realy appease your appetite. I had the same concerns. You will get hungry, but it will not be like before the band. The Band only allows you to each so much food. I have no regrets at all and would do it again. Good luck with your journey!

Wow! Great job.

Today: 4% incline 55 minute 2.5 miles a mox of jogging and power walking.

My doctor does not allow soda pop. I never drank it before anyway. You might want to see what your doctor says about soda.

Hi Anna and welcome LBT. You will finds lots of resources and support on this forum. Good luck with your journey.

You might have to build up your FICO score, so you can get the credit you need. A couple of years back I recieved Capital One Care Credit for my Lasik eye surgery. I believe at the time my score was 660. But now creditors are very strict and holding back financing. I know building up your score takes time, but don't give up hope getting the band.

jennidog, my doctor never told me to count calories are gave me a certain number to consume on a day. My doctor is more concerned with Protein in-take and Vitamins. Great job on not gaining and keeping up with your walking. It will really help hold you out, until you get your fill. Now not everyone hits their sweet spot on the first fill. And not everyone feels restriction on their first fill either, so be pre-pared and just go with the journey. You will get there.

Lulu your DH needs a double pinch for saying that!

I am planning to give the girls a lift, when I am at goal. They just keeping going south.

If you have time and feel up to it, while your recovering check out the threads in the post band section. Give yourself time to recover. Be patient with yourself as you learn how to work the band. Try not to compare yourself with other peoples weight loss journeys. Keep up with your Protein. Follow your doctors orders Good luck!

I am required to see my doctor monthly. She has one of those fancy scales that calculates wiehgt, body fat and BMI. I weigh myself at home on a plain old digital scale. And I use a measuring tape to track inches lost. I journal the measuring tape numbers once a month as well as the doctor's scale number. I also track BP, which has been decreasing with the weight loss.

Recovery sucks, but when you get to feeling better, life will be good with the band. Take care.

Hello lwinco1: Pre-band, I was always hungry. I had huge portion control issues. I would eat about 3,000 to 3,500 calories a day. And most of those calories were from junk food. Yes, I do get hungry post-band, but I consume about 1,200 calories a day with a good fill and I am satisfied with that. I feel full for longer periods of time on way smaller portions. When my fill is working for me, I go for six hours without feeling hungry. I am not consuming loads of junk food any more either. And I am finally able to exercise, something I was not able to because of the excess weight and body/joint pains. Good luck!

Wow. So sorry you are going through this. I hope everything works out for you.

My small victories: Getting over the fear of getting close to 199. AND Turning my power walk into a jog. One day, my power walk will be a 100% walk, just like I did before I gained all this weight. (I feel powerful when i jog for miles)

Your babies are so cute!!!!!