pch

I am 32 years old, live in Washington state, married, and have two kids (3.5 and 9). I am getting banded on Dec 18th, and I am looking for anyone as a buddy that I can turn to for questions and or support. My mother was banded this year but she is a closet bander, she won't admit it (we figured it out-long story) so I can't turn to her for help. I have told everyone around me, except her. (she is in denial, LOL). I am nervouse about the ten day all clear liquid fast I have to do starting Dec 9th.....

5 buisness days:tongue2:

I am getting banded on Dec 18th. Everything is ready to go, pre-op is on Dec 8th, sound great huh? well..... Here is my situation. One of my good friends was banded last year in December, he has lost 130 pounds, and still has at least another 150+ to go. He is doing awesome, and has been there to tell me what to expect, etc...But he hasn't been tightened for 4 months, and we were out together this weekend as a family, and he had have eated over 2500 calories all day. Two double tall Americanos, a ton of bacon, two tiny Cookies, salad for lunch with a bag of pistachios, and a huge bowl of Pho with noodles, and meat, seriously, I was in shock. I am in the low carb phase right now and start my all liquid next week. Now on the other hand, my mother is a closet bander, won't admit she had it (she had "gallbladder" surgery), yet I figured it out (this is a long story, but anywho) she had it down, she doesn't want anyone to know she had it done, so that's fine. I am watching her she got it done around March of this year and she looks great, fantastic, but she is at the complete extreme opposite end of the band. Super strict, barely eats. Thanksgiving consisted of a few bites of a baked potato, two bites of stuffing, and half a piece of pumpkin pie. I can't turn to her for advice or ask her anything because she "didn't" have lapband surgery (she did), and so I am stuck with asking questions to my other friend which is fine. They are at such opposite ends of the spetrum, and it confuses me. I mean how can he eat so much? and why is she eating so little? Granted, he has way more weight to lose than her, but I thought you couldnt stomach noodles or Pasta of any type because it expands in the tummy? I thought sugar was a no no, so how can she eat the pie? Is there a medieum to these people? I am just beyond myself and now concerned about what I am doing. I need a tool, that is why I am chosing this route. I need a tool to help remind me "that is enough" and a tool that will help me to make better choices, to build up a habit, and to change my lifestyle to a much healthier one, but I am seeing two very different types of banders right now, and am just boggled.:thumbup:

Hi, I am going through all my requirements for my surgery and did my psychological evaluation last night. Thankfully, it was with my own psychologist and I didn't have to see someone new. He wrote a great letter saying that he thinks it's a great idea for me to have the surgery (yadda yadda yadda). However, he said to me "off the record, I want you to research the success rate of the lap band....my view of it may be skewed.....but I think there are more failures stats than successful stats.....because people learn to manipulate the band....." So, ok, we have all heard stories of people who CAN eat whatever they want on the band but in small quantities etc.. but honestly, I feel many if not all the people who choose this route are seriously determined and succeed. Can anyone tell me if they know of stats? where are they if they are listed somewhere. Has anyone had the band for more than 5 years? what has been their success or challenges? Thanks in advance!

I am on low carb (at my own discretion) for about three weeks right now, and then ten days before surgery all clear liquids only, no sugar but I can have 3 protein shakes a day that aren't clear during that time, but they have to be thick. :smile2:

I only had to lift my shirt up for him to look at my tummy for about 10-15 seconds if that. Otherwise it was just talking about everything.

Hi! I have been "lurking" and finally decided to post, so this is my first. I am a Dec 18th bander. Had my first appointment with my surgeon on Nov 14th, and all of my tests are scheduled for this week with my labs next week, we are pending insurance approval, which shouldn't be a problem. I am doing the low carb phase right now, and I am nervous about the all clear liquid diet for ten days before surgery.