Catherine55

I agree with Jacqui -- I don't feel any pain at all with the band (even on the occasions when I slime or get stuck, it's not painful . . just a bit uncomfotable). I am definitely aware of it. The thing she really nailed is that feeling you get in the morning -- when you wake up, stretch, and feel so good about your body! (And I mean this both from a fitness/health perspective and an aesthetic one!) It's a pleasure and a total joy. :tongue_smilie: Catherine

Definitely ask your doctor. I would avoid eating any of the hard part if you do indulge (no kernels). Popcorn does dissolve pretty well in your mouth though. Again-- ask your doctor -- but I think it would work. Don't rely on me though! Better to follow your doctor's instructions! :tongue_smilie: Catherine

Don't worry about too much right now -- when you get your next fill, you'll start losing much more quickly. I put together this post showing my progress through the last year. I felt like I lost slower than many other bandsters, but it will give you a good idea about rate of loss. I started at 230 lbs and am 5'6 tall. Chronicles from Band Land: Year In Review. . . Best wishes for your success!! Catherine

Some people are get their doctors to count recent time on WW or another diet toward the 6 month period. If you've been doing one of those programs, it's worth asking. Good luck! The time will be over before you know it! Catherine

Congratulations -- and welcome!! I just hit my one-year bandiversary, and have had a really positive experience through the past year. This board and the blogs are a great source of support, information and encouragement! My advice to you is to take your measurements ASAP if you haven't already -- and to take a bunch of "before" photos. You are definitely going to want them as you go forward! Best wishes, Catherine

I agree -- it's daunting to think that you could be one of the people who this doesn't work for . . but it does work for the vast majority of people! Why shouldn't you be one of the ones who makes it work? We all came to this process after lives focused on weight struggles (and failing the battle of the bulge in every other attempt). But, just about everyone does well with the band -- and it makes this process SO MUCH easier. I agree on the soul-searching front. Consider if there is a reason you don't want to get your weight under control? For a lot of people, the thought of being thinner and getting more attention can be scary. If that's not what's holding you back, what is? And, how were you able to come this far if you didn't want to succeed. Maybe you're just having last minute cold feet. This is a big undertaking and it's good that you are seriously thinking about it. You absolutely can do this if you want to do it. It is not that hard to work the band, and I have not felt deprived during this whole process (I'm 63 down, 12 from goal). As someone who has failed on every other diet (eventually) and who has sabotaged herself many times in the past, I can tell you that this is a great tool and that it can help you break the bad cycle of overeating and feeling bad about your weight if you are willing to do your part. Am sending you very best wishes for your success!! Let me know how it goes if you go forward. Best, Catherine

It gets better really quickly -- every day you will see a big improvement! The shakes are just yucky yucky yucky!! Just drink as much as you can and let your Dr. know if you're way off the mark. Congratulations on your surgery and all the great things you have to look forward to! Catherine

Me too -- 167 and 5'6. . I'm in a 12, but it's just getting loose. . I ordered size 10 jeans from The Gap. . they arrive today. Can't wait to see if they fit! Scale is stuck at 167 though! I think it's going to be slow going to get the last 12 off! Catherine

Congratulations, Tracy!!! You have come so far and are doing so great!! Thanks for the nice mention of my blog -- I am so glad that it helped! :thumbup: Catherine

Both are fine. The pre-op diet for me was a little scary because I was worried about sticking to it -- but I did, and it was just fine. Bandster Hell is hard in a different way because you can eat normal food and have to do your best to control the quantity. A lot of people gain weight during that time. . but it all comes off when you get to restriction. I put on 5 pounds. Cut to today. . and I'm down 63 pounds and am 12 from goal! It all works out in the end! Best wishes, Catherine

I was the same way!! I spent way too much time on this site, blogs, researching, etc. :wink2: Congratulations on your surgery date! You have a lot of things to look forward to!! Best wishes, Catherine

I was banded a year ago in Monterrey, MX by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I had a great experience, and Dr. Rumbaut had a relationship with doctors at a few places in my city (NYC), so I was able to set up my post-op visits before I had the surgery. And, my insurance covers my fills -- even though I was self-pay on the surgery and never even told them about it. (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO). You can see photos of the hospital and info about my experience at the beginning of my blog. I would do this all over again the same way -- I had a really good experience and was very impressed with my doctor, the hospital, and the whole process. I hope that helps! Catherine

2Fly, maybe it would be good to get some distance from that friend. What she is doing to you is not nice or supportive. There is no legitimate reason for her to put you down to be validated in her decision. Maybe she has other good qualities that make staying in touch worthwhile -- but from your post, this doesn't sound like a great person to be around. Hang in there -- you are doing so amazingly! Actually, you may have the fastest loss rate of anyone I've seen on here! Best wishes, Catherine

I forget the exact number of days, but it was while I was still on the liquids phase. It was totally fine. Only thing is. . just be sure not to overdo it. You do NOT want to be hungover to the point of throwing up. Other than that, most people are fine to enjoy in moderation! :wink2: Cheers! Catherine

Among the things I had were. . . mashed potatoes with melted cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt poached salmon refried Beans with cheese turkey chili (I put it in the blender to thin it out, and added chicken stock as well) Soups everything I enjoyed on liquids Sweet potato (yum!) That's all I can think of right now! Hope it helps! Catherine

No -- but I can definitely eat more some days than others! I think it's a bit stress related.

What are you talking about? You are doing great!! :wink2: You are losing between 1-2 pounds a week -- that is a really good, healthy rate of loss. I've been losing at that rate -- and I experience the bouncing up and down between pounds lost too -- and, while it seems slow. . it does the trick! I'm now only 12 pounds from goal. So, hang in there and try not to get too frustrated. Slow & steady wins the race!! :cryin: You will get there in time. Best wishes, Catherine

Weird -- I'm a year out, and this has not happened to me. It really shouldn't be band-related. . your taste buds are in your tongue, not your stomach! :wink2: Maybe something else is going on. Good luck -- I hope it clears up soon! Catherine

I love the Give-Information-And-Educate approach. Your DH may well get with the program once the fear factor is taken out of it. Today is my one year Bandiversary, and I am filled with positive feelings about what the past year has held for me. I have gone from a 1X/16W/20 to a size 12, and have only 12 pounds to go to get to goal. What an amazing ride so far, and knowing that my band will help me keep it off indefinitely is a tremendous source of comfort! Congratulations for your decision! Catherine

Thank you!! That is so nice - SNIF!! - uh-oh. . here I go again! :closedeyes: Catherine

Hi CC -- great to see you on here! That sounds like a tough situation with the work issue, but you really don't have to tell anyone about your surgery if you don't want to. In fact, I think you are smart to keep it to a few people, especially at first. Today is my one year bandiversary!! It's been a fantastic year, and I have been enjoying life with the band and am so happy to be 63 pounds down. . only 12 from goal! I'm wearing size 12 now, whereas I was at 16W/1X/20 when I started. My feet and back no longer hurt, and so many other good changes have happened as well. You have a lot to look forward to! Best wishes, Catherine

I love your list, Louie!! I couldn't agree more with what you said. Today is actually my bandiversary. . and I totally have PMS. . . so it's an emotional day for me! I was talking to our receptionist for a few minutes, and three people came by separately and all exclaimed about how great I look, congratulated me, etc. Mind you -- I haven't told anyone in my professional life about the band. I totally got choked up! Fortunately, only our receptionist knew and she's a sweetheart, so it's fine. It really is a big day for me today, and I am so happy with all of the strides I've made over the last year. It has felt so good to have a whole year of feeling good about my weight, how I am doing on my diet, and how I am improving my appearance, and I'm looking forward to many many more of the same. I love my band. Catherine

Today is my first bandiversary!! What a great year it's been. I've lost 63 pounds and am just 12 from goal! And, along the way, I've had fun, enjoyed myself, made some amazing bandster friends, and had a really wonderful year. For the first time in my life, I feel good about my weight. I am happy with my appearance, and I don't want to hide from old friends because I am embarrassed by how much weight I have gained. Instead, I actually really like shopping again, and I am in the best physical shape of my life. The band has made this whole process so much easier -- and very sustainable for me -- and I feel so happy and grateful to have been able to take this path. Thank you to all of the wonderful bandsters on this site and on my blog who have encouraged me this year!! I have benefited so much from your shared wisdom, empathy and support! With very best wishes, Catherine

Honestly, much of it is due to me not being able, physically, to overeat. I plan my meals, do a challenging workout 3x a week, and stick to the bandster rules about 90 or more % of the time. Works like a charm. Today is actually my bandiversary! I'm down 63 pounds. . and am just 12 from goal. I feel amazing. I did not expect to actually LIKE how my body looks at this point in my life (after how it looked during the past several years), and I feel great about how far I've come! Feel free to check out my blog -- link below -- I have lots of photos, recipes, etc. on there. Could be useful. My best advice to you for right now is to take your measurements and some before photos! You will definitely want them later! Best wishes, Catherine