irishgal

Thank you for sharing this incredibly heartwarming post. I got shivers as I read your post. As some of the other posted commented, sometimes we do forget that the best gift we can give to our loved ones is the gift of self. You are truly bless with a wonderful family. Best wishes to you for many more happy healthy family celebrations.

What a great idea! I'd like to join the group. My goal is to be under 200 lbs by Valentine's Day. I'm currently at 213.

My condolences on the loss of your father. I'm sure the holiday season is extra difficult this year. I was banded on 12/11/08. I've decided to get on the scale one day per week - on Thursdays, my surgery date. One thing my doctor's office says over and over again is that the band is a tool not a solution. We need to follow the rules of the tool including monitoring our calorie, protein, fiber, water, and vitamin intake. I remember during my psych eval the doctor told me to be mindful of liquid calories, ie chocolate. Be mindful of foods that become liquids as you chew them, like chocolate. The temptations are so great to have chocolate or maybe some ice cream or the Christmas treats sitting near my desk. Going to the store is particularly difficult. The 'old' me generally bought three candy bars on the way out of the store and ate them before I got home. Movie theaters are tough too. Why does that darn popcorn always smell so good? Honestly, it doesn't taste good but the smell, ahhhhhhhhhh. Keep faithful to your journey. We're here to help each other along the way.

A bit off topic.........I've seen references to PB. What does that stand for? What does it mean? I was banded on 12/11/08 and am not scheduled for a fill until 1/12/09. Thank you

How do you face down the food demons and old, bad habits while shopping? I was recently banded (12/11/08) and am finding shopping a real challenge. All the sweets and salty treats I used to eat (and eat and eat and eat) are such a temptation. As I wander through the grocery store or Target I keep reminding myself of my journey and my destination. But, it is difficult to 'turn off' the old me, the old me who always bought candy bars and snack foods. What tricks or suggestions do you have for adjusting to new habits? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Beth, thank you so much for your reply. It is good to know I'm not alone in this struggle. Congratulations on your tremendous success. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

Sorry to hear you're having trouble urinating. My hospital did require band patients be able to urinate prior to leaving the hospital. The first time did take quite a long time to relax and kind of remind my bladder to empty. One trick my mom used was to turn on the facet. The sound of the running Water helped relax my muscles. It is always a good idea to call your doctor's office to discuss your situation and have them address your questions.

Hi. I too was banded on 12/11/08 and have lost 12 pounds. I too am walking daily - at least 30 minutes. I'm looking forward to adding more variety to my fitness program. A Wii Fit is 'in the mail' :thumbup:

My surgery is this Thursday at 11:30am. I'm excited and a bit nervous. Thank goodness my sister will be here to help me through the first few days post op.

This is really a terrific thread. I've read all 17 pages. You know, at times I thought I was the only one who struggled with some of the things I've seen on this list. Here are some of the things I won't miss: - Being the heaviest person in my family - Being as wide as I am tall (I'm 5 ft 0) - Avoiding wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts in the sweltering summer months - Fear of pulling over the table and/or toppling the chair when I try to get on a barstool - Walking sideways down aisles on buses, planes, in theaters - Avoiding saying 'Hello' in person to people I've known all my life but having seen in years - New crops of stretch marks - Not knowing what to do with my hands when sitting - they don't rest on my lap, I won't cross them over my shelf boobs, it seems silly to just let them hang at my side when sitting - Fear of breaking a chair, ladder, stair, or amusement park ride - That sweat smell under my bra - Wondering who that huge woman is in the full length mirror - Having tight sleeves in all my blouses - including blouses purchased at the large womens stores A few things I'm looking forward to: * crossing my legs for the first time in ?? years * wanting to have my picture taken rather than always volunteering to be the photographer * wanting someone to hug me or to have a man hold me * running and playing with my nieces and nephews - including going in the pool with them * giving away all of my 1X, 2X, and XL clothes * wearing a dress * sitting cross-legged * sitting comfortably in a booth * painting my own toenails rather than getting a pedicure Thanks to everyone who has shared their thoughts and to the many people who have come back to update their postings. You are a great inspiration.:thumbup:

It seems strange to say, or type, but my surgery is scheduled for December 11th. I'm feeling a bit anxious right now. I still want to tell a few more close friends/relatives about the surgery. I don't doubt they will be supportive. I just have a hard time asking people for help. My friends and relatives can't offer me their support if they don't know what I'm going through. How much time is everyone taking off from work? Initially I took just the Thursday and Friday off from work. I just revised my time off request to include the following Monday/Tuesday. Best wishes to everyone :thumbup:

Did you investigate Dr. Michael Snyder of Denver Bariatrics? I'm just curious. I have my band surgery scheduled for December 11th. An overnight stay isn't required. Instead, patients are monitored and meet milestones prior to leaving the hospital. If an overnight stay is needed, patients stay overnight. Good luck with your decision.

I too am a bit anxious for my long anticipated surgery. My banding is scheduled for December 11th. Part of me is afraid I'll 'fail' in this journey. Part of me does fear the unknown, the what-do-I-do-without-food-for-comfort. And part of me wonders what will happen with my social life. So many of my social interactions revolve around food - going out to lunch or dinner or a dinner party or a happy hour. Thanks to everyone for all of your posts. Your success stories are truly encouraging and uplifting. And it is comforting to know so many others are going through the same range of emotions I'm facing. Best wishes to everyone on this journey. :thumbup:

Kari, you've taken a big step in a good direction by reaching out for assistance and recognizing the need for counseling. Best wishes to you in this next chapter of your journey.

Hello everyone, Posting to a forum/thread is a new adventure for me. I have completed all my paperwork and testing, and received insurance approval, for lap band surgery. I'm hoping to schedule my surgery in December - a bit of a Christmas present for myself. I look forward to participating in the forums and reviewing the wealth of information available. Colleen

Hello everyone. It is nice to see a few more older singles on this thread. I'm 45, female, living in Colorado. I'm anxiously awaiting a return call from the doctor's office regarding scheduling my surgery. All the tests, paperwork, insurance approval is complete. Wish me luck. I'm excited/anxious/nervous/exited again Colleen:smile: