Catherine55

I don't log on to this site that much these days, but popped in to check a message and thought I'd write a quick post! I'm 4 1/2 years post-op, starting at 230 pounds (I am 5'6) and have been in maintenance at goal for about 3 years. Since I'm practically geriatric in bandster terms, I figured that I should take a minute to share some advice that I found to be really helpful to me. Here goes.... The best advice I can give to pre-op bandsters is to write out a plan for success -- the things you're going to do to help yourself get to your goal, and to take your measurements and a bunch of before photos right away (you will want them later). If you want to take a look at my Plan for Success that I wrote out before my surgery (and followed afterwards), you can find a link to it HERE. For bandsters who are working toward their goals, the best advice I have for you is to keep trying different types of exercise until you find one that you like, then stick with it (and try new ones too so that you'll have something new to move to if you get sick of what you're doing). Exercise has been a key to maintenance for me, and it really helped me to shape my body as I was losing, too. With it and my band, it's not hard to stay within a several pound range right around my goal. Also, I hated my butt for my entire life up to the past 3 or so years. Who knew it could actually look decent with a bit of exercise? I actually like how it looks now, which is a huge shocker to me! Never thought that would happen!! Weighing myself is also a big help to me. People really differ in their opinions about hopping on the scale, and no one philosophy is right for everyone. My personal take on it works really well for me though. I get on the scale pretty much every day at the same time in the morning (pre-shower, post-loo). I know that my scale can bounce around a bit, especially if I had a lot of salt the day before, so I don't freak out if it's up a pound or two. I just make a mental note of it, and I adjust what I'm eating during the day based on what the scale tells me. If it's up, I focus on making healthy choices through the day. If it's down, I let myself have a cookie or two if I want them. I don't make a big deal about it, and it doesn't feel like dieting to me at all. I just take each day as it comes. So, that's all the advice this Band-Geezer has to offer today!! I hope that all of you are doing really well and send best wishes for your success! Best, Catherine

Hi! No -- My skin shrank back really well! It took some time for the "girls" to bounce back into shape, but they eventually did. It helped that I was a lower BMI patient (37 BMI) and under 40 when I had my surgery. On the PB-ing, yes -- it happens once in a while, when I forget to chew enough. It's pretty rare though. I know how to eat with my band really well now, and I only really have a problem if I am being careless when I'm eating, or if I'm really stressed out (which makes my band tighter) when I'm eating. Otherwise, it's pretty normal for me now.

I'm four years out today (it's my fourth bandiversary today!) and can tell you from personal experience that if you work with your band and follow your doctor's rules more often than not, the band is an incredible tool that will help you get to goal. It is true that some percentage of people have difficulties with their bands through no fault of their own, but that is the vast minority. Try not to overly focus on the negative stories, or to at least balance them out with some of the many, many positive ones! Best wishes, Catherine

Yikes -- that was the toughest part of this whole process! But seven days is not that long in the big scheme of things, and you can tough it out. The two things that really helped me during my clear liquid diet were carring bouillion cubes in my purse (so I could make one for myself anywhere I was) and avoiding being around other people who were eating. I had to fly (to Monterrey, Mexico for my surgery) during my clear liquids, and the worst part was when they served food to the other passengers! I thought I was going to freak out and eat something! But I didn't -- I made a bouillion cube and drank it, and it helped me to get through the moment. Just keep your eyes on the prize and you'll be fine. AND... if you haven't done it yet, take your measurements and a bunch of before photos! You are going to want them later, and you're sure to lose a bunch of weight this week -- take them as soon as you can if you haven't yet! Also, maybe spend this week thinking about (and writing down, if that's helpful to you) what you're going to do to make sure you succeed with your band. I wrote one out before my surgery -- feel free to take a look at it (here is a LINK) if you are interested! BTW, today is my 4th Bandiversary!! So, I'm posting a bit more than usual on this site and thought I'd see if I could pass on some of what I've learned to newer bandsters! This was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've been at goal for 2+ years, and it feels fantastic. With best wishes for your success, Catherine

I had to come on here to share my happiness! Today is the fourth anniversary of my surgery. I had my operation with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico (I was self-pay) on October 23, 2008. It's been four years, and I've been at (or under) my goal for more than two years now! My advice to all newbies is to take your measurements and before photos now if you haven't already! Also, keep trying different types of exercise until you find one (or more) that you actually like -- it makes a HUGE difference if you find something you enjoy! If you plateau, take your measurements -- you may be losing inches, especially if you are working out more at the time. I love this site -- it was a huge source of information for me, and encouragement, when I started this process. Blogging has been huge too -- if not for my blog, I'm not sure if I would have stayed as focused as I did. It really kept me engaged in the whole band process, and kept me accountable, too. I like it now because I can see how I got from 230 pounds to my current of 153 (2 pounds below goal) and how I've stayed within a 5 pound range for more than two years. I encourage any of you who aren't blogging yet to give it a whirl if you have interest! Best wishes for all of your success! Catherine

Hi, Titansjim --- there is a link to it in my post above, but it's at www.chroniclesfrombandland.blogspot.com in case you don't see the other link. Best, Catherine

Today is my fourth bandiversary! I had my surgery on October 23, 2008, and it truly let me change my life. I don't regret my decision for a second. I say -- if you are willing to commit to working with the band and to exercising once your doctor OKs it, go for it. It's an incredible tool. Feel free to check out my blog -- I put a special 4th bandiversary post up there, with before/after photos and a link to the pro/con list I made when I was just where you are now -- pre-op, trying to decide if this was the right thing for me. Turns out the pros were all real and the cons I was worried about were not that big of a deal. Best wishes for your success! If you do the surgery, be sure to take your measurements and a bunch of "before" pics now -- you will definitely want them later on. Best, Catherine

I didn't tell people at work, and that was the best decision for me. It really kept the "Food Police" off my back as I was losing! I've been at goal for 2+ years now, and it's nice to be able to have an occasional cookie without feeling like I'm being judged (as in "OMG.. She had weight loss surgery... What is she doing eating a COOKIE?!") As for work, you should plan to take Monday off if you can, and Tuesday too. You may be OK to go in on Wednesday. I'd just let the office know you are having surgery (it's illegal for them to ask what kind of surgery) and that you need those two days because you'll be recovering. I hope that helps. Congratulations on your surgery!! Take before photos and your measurements ASAP if you haven't yet! Best wishes, Catherine

Hi! I'm nearly 4 years out and have been at goal for a long time (maybe 2 years?). It's so worth it to stick to the post-op diet. You'll be through that phase and bandster hell before you know it, and the weight will really come off! The secret to getting to goal is finding a type or types of exercise you like and sticking to it! (Just keep trying til something appeals to you.) Congratulations on your surgery -- you have so many good things to look forward to!! Just walking around comfortably is major, but even little things like wrapping a normal towel around yourself are pretty major NSVs too!! Be sure to take your measurements and some before pics now if you haven't yet!! Best wishes for much success, Catherine

Awesome!! Slow and steady wins the race!! We are almost band-date twins, by a month. I'll be 4 years out on October 23rd. Congratulations on you for keeping it together and never giving up!! Best, Catherine

Here are some more: What will my pre-op diet be? What will my post-op diet be? How soon after surgery can I exercise? What is your philosophy on fills (i.e., is your doctor stingy or can you come and get adjusted without having to wait a set time if a fill doesn't get you to good restriction) Do you have a suggestion for what my goal weight should be? What are the things that you think most greatly contribute to bandsters' success? (My view... exercise is KEY). I hope that helps!! Take your measurements now and a bunch of before photos if you haven't yet! You will want them later for sure. Also, I found it really helpful to write out (and go back to) a plan for success, as well as a pro con list about why I was having the surgery (which really helped because I had some doubts before I did it, and writing it out really helped to solidify my decision). You can see both HERE if you are interested. Best wishes, Catherine

DO IT!! I'm nearly four years out, and have never regretted my decision for a minute. My life has changed for the better in many ways, and I am incredibly grateful to have found this tool! Exercise is absolutely key to getting to goal and staying there. That is awesome that you're committing to moving, and when you're cleared for exercise, just keep trying things until you find an activity or two that you love (and believe me, what that is will change over time.... it is SO MUCH easier and more fun to work out as you're carrying 20, 40, 60 or 80+ less pounds less than you used to)! More power to you!! I hope that you will really enjoy this process and send best wishes for lots of success for you!! Also -- TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS and a bunch of before photos if you haven't yet. You will definitely want them later. Best wishes, Catherine

I never liked any of those words! It still pains me to admit that I used to be "obese"... it's hard to say that word... Anyway, I just wanted to post to agree with the folks who suggested that you change PAs -- actually, if you can change doctors, maybe that would be better. And yes... the WHOLE POINT of having a band is that you should be able to use it at good restriction! Those people are nuts!! Oh well -- once you get to good restriction, you'll lose without undue trouble, and this will be just a distant memory... Best wishes for your success, Catherine

Don't stress!! When you're farther out past your surgery date, you will be able to eat pretty much anything you used to it -- you'll just eat less and feel satisfied! Seriously... I literally just ate a burger (admittedly, without the bun, but it was great!) You also won't miss the foods you choose not to eat. The very hardest part is the clear liquid diet, then full liquids, then mushies. After that, it's so much better. Hang in there! I'm four years out, and can tell you first hand that it was absolutely worth suffering through this phase. You will not believe how great you are going to feel when you are able to finally get control over your weight, and start really transforming yourself into a healthier, more comfortable and more attractive version of yourself. I put a few recipes on my blog for Soups that I really liked, if you're interested (go to the February 2009 entries and you'll see one of my favorites -- there are a few earlier ones too). It really helped me a lot to cook things that were delicious, since that way I didn't feel so deprived. With best wishes for lots of success -- and for this phase to pass quickly for you, Catherine

All I can say is ... the haters can kiss my (thanks to my band) cute, small(er..) bee-hind!! I find that kind of thing so ridiculous. All of these kinds of surgery seem to work really well when done by good surgeons and on people who work the tool they are given. I don't view one as better than another -- I think it's really a matter of personal situation and preference. That said, I'm hearing good things about the sleeve from a few former bandsters who had to revise to the sleeve due to complications. But, otherwise, I don't know too much about it. The band worked very well for me -- I'll be 4 years out in October, and I've been at or under goal for more than 2 years. Best, Catherine

I really recommend being very careful about who you decide to tell about your surgery. After you get banded, you won't start losing until after you're out of the healing phase and have decent restriction with your band. So, it takes some time for people to see the results. It can be very upsetting to have people question why you're not losing weight, especially since that first phase can be a little frustrating! (Don't worry, once you're at restriction, you'll lose just fine!) The second reason to be careful about who you tell is to avoid inviting the "Food Police" to comment on every single thing you eat. Now that I no longer have an issue with portion control and also work out regularly, I really don't want anyone saying "Gee.. you had weight loss surgery... should you really be eating that??" -- or making any other comments about how I chose to eat. I am nearly 4 years out from my surgery date and have been at or below goal for a long time now! I am really glad that I chose to restrict who I told to just some family and only closest friends (and not work people). It really let me keep my privacy and avoid a lot of the annoyance that comes along with naysayers, the food Police, and having people who've never struggled with their weight act like they know more about what I should do than I do! Be careful! And... take lots of before shots and your measurements! You will want them later, to be sure!! Best wishes, Catherine

A good friend of mine who is also banded had the same experience with her husband. She showed him my blog and the blogs of a few other people who have gotten to goal with the band, and that helped him to get more comfortable. She's been banded for more than a year, and he's completely changed his take on it and is now a big fan of the band, and really proud of my friend for how well she's done. I think it was fear more than anything else that made him not want her to do it. He loves her as she is (and as she was), and didn't want her to take any risks. Also, it's hard for people who haven't struggled with their weight to really understand just how hard it is for us to lose -- and how impossible it would be to keep off any lost weight -- without the band. I'll be four years out in October, and it is one of the VERY BEST decisions I have ever made. I'm including a link to my blog and a before/after shot below. Sending best wishes to you for a wonderful outcome and much success! BTW, be sure to take a bunch of before photos and your measurements now! You will DEFINITELY want them later! Best, Catherine

Awesome!! You have so many incredible and wonderful things ahead of you!! If you didn't take before pics and your measurements before your surgery, be sure to do that as soon as you can -- you will want that info later. Do your very best to stick to your post-op diet, and try to keep it on the straight and narrow during "Bandster Hell" as well as you can (that's the period when you're on normal food but don't have restriction yet.. I gained 5 lbs during it... mine fell during Thanksgiving...). The band really works. Embrace it, make a plan for success, and get ready to finally stop feeling bad about your weight and what you eat. With very best wishes for your success, Catherine

Thanks! They're obnoxiously large -- but since I always love seeing people's before & after pics and found them really motivating and inspiring when I was a newbie, I decided to keep them on there! Catherine

Hi! I hope that you got everything done you needed to do, and that you are feeling much better. Sending a big hug!!

This is exactly why I didn't tell that many people about my surgery, and told no one at work. I didn't want to open up myself to hear those kinds of things -- comments like that are not helpful at all! Keep on fighting the good fight!! And, you can always come here if you need support and encouragement! Best, Catherine

I totally agree with the others who suggested an unfill. So glad you are going in! I'm 3 1/2 years out, and had some reflux issues now and then during the last 6 months. Not eating late is a HUGE help to me in avoiding this. But, if you're not doing that, it sounds like you're probably too tight. I hope your doctor can get you sorted out with a quick visit! Best wishes, Catherine

I'm sorry that you are feeling so stressed. I don't know what is troubling you, but I hope it gets better soon. Being stressed won't hurt your band. For me, it does make me get tighter, so I have to be more careful when I am eating. Otherwise, it has no impact on it. I'm not much of a stress eater these days. I hope you're not stressed about having been banded. If so, please know that if you don't have any fill in your band, you can eat pretty much EXACTLY as you did before surgery. That was the one thing that freaked me out before hand, and if someone would have let me know this, I would have felt so much better! It was hugely reassuring to me when I figured out that, if I hated how it felt to be banded, I could just let the fill out and feel the way I used to. As it happens, I actually love being banded (because I absolutely LOVE not feeling like sh*t about my weight, or about my eating, and because it made losing -- and now maintaining -- possible). Anyway, I've never wanted to get all of my fill taken out, but knowing that I could if I wanted to is somehow comforting. I hope that you feel better soon. Honestly, this whole process is really wonderful -- you are not going to believe how good you are going to feel to have your weight under control. Best wishes, Catherine

Congratulations!! Jello was good to have .. just because then you get to feel like you are eating something. I carried boullion cubes in my purse during the clear liquid diet, which was a HUGE help, especially since I had to fly during that time and I thought I was going to lose it and eat something when they served the meal on the plane (int'l flight), but I just got some Water, made boullion, and was fine. Be sure to take your measurements and a bunch of before pics if you haven't yet! You are going to want them later. Best wishes, Catherine

Therapy can be a huge help during this process. I don't think it's unusual to "mourn" the loss of food before your surgery though. I had quite a few Last Meals before I started my pre-op diet. Funny thing is, though, being banded doesn't mean that you can't eat the same things you are eating now. It just means that you can eat less of them and feel full and totally satisfied with that smaller amount. A big part of being successful is just deciding what you are going to do to help yourself succeed and doing it. I wrote out a pre-op plan for success before my surgery (here is a LINK to it), and it helped me a lot to keep coming back to it. Now that your surgery date is closer, why don't you try to turn your focus from food to what you will do to make the band work for you? I recommend reading up on it, checking out the blogs (and starting your own blog if you're at all inclined -- mine has been a HUGE help in keeping me on the straight & narrow more often than not), and just getting yourself mentally prepared. I'm 3 years and 5 months post-op and have been at goal for about 2 years. I've also gone to therapy through that whole time (every other week), and that helped me a lot. If you can get your mindset committed to this process, it will be much, much easier for you, and you'll be all the more likely to be a hugely successful bandster. I hope that helps! Sending best wishes for your success. Catherine