tjb14

And, I drank a glass of wine (or two)!

I was banded last year on October 27th and had the same concerns and questions. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. Well, Thanksgiving was easy because I was still in the beginning phase. I had very small portions of everything. I put on weight over Christmas and New Years but not a lot and not nearly the damage I could have done. This is a long process. Enjoy your holidays. The less you focus and stress, I believe, the easier it will be for you. Have some of what you want, just make it a bite or two. Of course, only one opinion.

Thecooley, My advise, continue. Be patient. As hard as it is, patience works. From your post I see that you have lost 18 pounds since your surgery 6 weeks ago. That is 3 lbs per week. Not numbers to be dismissed. You are still healing and this is what others refer to as bandster hell. I am one of the "slow losers". I lost at a rate of 1.3 lbs per week. Frustrating at times sure but much better than where I was. I would switch up your eating...1500 calories on day...900 the next. Switch up exercise...walk/run intervals. Also, I would call your Dr. back and ask to come in for a fill earlier. All Drs. are different (mine let me come in often in the beginning for fills) but maybe there is room for discussion. Finally, try so hard not to listen to anyone. Everyone has an opinion. Yours is really the only one that counts. (I am trying to take my own advise as I write this!) You are doing great. Tracy

I will try not to get too analytical (especially since I am not a therapist), besides the physical attributes, remember you just made a huge decision and in a way are saying good-bye to a few very good friends--food, the weight and the insecurity of it all. You may be grieving. Take your time. This is a process. And, way to go!

Heather, the baby is beautiful. Enjoy!

Thanks again everyone! I really appreciate the feedback.

Thanks for the kind words Donna, Greg and Mellabella! Tracy

One year ago today I weighed 240 lbs (I am 5' 3"). My BMI was 42.5. I was wearing a tight, tight size 18/1X. I exercised by walking slow and doing pilates. I was depressed. I was not a good example for my 14 year old daughter or 11 year old son. Dates with my husband was dinner. Today, I weigh 171 lbs. My BMI is 30.3--so close to "just" overweight I can't stand it. I wear a size 10/12 dress, 12/14 pants, large/medium sweaters. I exercise by running, spinning and lifting weights. I am happy, confident, proud. My kids...well, I shop with my daughter and actually try things on in the dressing room with her and I run with my son. Dates now may be a hike, fishing or a walk on the beach We all laugh so much more. I don't want to say it was easy...it was not...but it works. I was not perfect, but I followed the "rules" I was given by my Dr. more often than not. I was not a fast loser and it took a bit of time to accept this, but I finally let myself lose at my body's pace without beating myself up. I did not exercise every day, but I built up my endurance so that if I wanted to I could. I did/do miss the comfort of food sometimes, but I work/worked with a therapist so that this loss was not overwhelming. To those of you banded, reading this...I want to thank you. Your questions, your responses, your victories and your humor (and even some of your "crazies") got me through this year. I did not blog but I stalked a number of blogs...Catherine (Chronicles from Band Land), Amy (Once upon a time...), Sarah (Losing Weight, Gaining Tons), Tiffani (Rocking the Band), The New Me and Lize the Loser...(just to name a few)...you all make a difference and though you may not know me personally, you made a tremendous impact on my weight loss. To those newly banded or just thinking about it...do it. Read this site, read the blogs, follow the "rules" your Dr. sets, do your research, don't beat yourself up, focus on one day at a time... but do it. I believe with all my heart that the band works. This next year, I look forward to losing the last 25 or so, possible plastic surgery, eating even healthier and enjoying my success. Have a great day!! Tracy

I had no idea why my shoulder hurt. People on this site filled me in on the gas/shoulder issue (thanks). It took a few weeks for it to go away completely for me. I would say it was the worst 3-6 days after surgery. I took pain relievers, gas strips, walked and used a heating pad. It does go away. Believe it or not, it was the worst part for me. Hope this helps.

It is so worth it!! I have been banded since October 27, 2008. I cannot believe that it is almost a year. I have lost approx. 64 pounds. I am active. I feel amazing. And, I am so happy. Let yourself rest and heal. Give yourself a break. And, know that for many of us, the surgery was worth it.

This is but one point of view and a few may disagree...but holidays are meant to be enjoyed. So enjoy... and eat. A treat is not going to kill you and you will not revert back to the "old" ways. I believe that in addition to working with our doctors and our nutritionists to eat healthy, the band is teaching us to eat in moderation. Take a bite, or three of your favorites. Happy New Year. Tracy

There is a great post on the blog Chronicles from Band Land. It is all about ports. Chronicles from Band Land