Sarah F

Hey everyone... I've never used my card, but I have no problem ordering an appetizer. Or just asking them. But that's me. At Cracker Barrel, where we tend to stop when we're traveling, their kids meal states that it "is for kids of ALL ages" which is awesome... They have a veggie plate that I can get a (huge) salad and mac and cheese, or something else and a drink for $3.50. Also, they offer all of their fried kids options grilled too (i.e. chicken tenders can come grilled if you ask for it). Pretty cool IMHO. Good luck!

Wow... so many and I'm only 4 months out... I think the biggest has been fitting into a clothes size that I haven't fit into for almost 8 years! Also, my daughter telling me how skinny I am now (she's 5) and my husband noticing the loss when he hugs me. Lots to enjoy!!!

No regrets at all from my perspective. I am just over 100 days out from the surgery, and I truly feel like I've started a new life. I feel good, I am more confident... it has been a great thing for me. I will say it took me 3-4 years to get to the decision, and at times, I wish I had done it sooner, but the time wasn't right. This past February was right. I'm happy to be a resource... check out my blog or PM me with questions! Good luck. Whatever your decision, it will be the right one for where you are when you make it.

You have to make the decision that you feel right with. I was banded 3 months ago, and have lost a total of 33 pounds (including pre-surgery loss)... it isn't as fast as I would like, but it is slow and steady and showing no signs of returning. Good to have different points of view, but if you follow the rules, and are committed to the process, you'll have success - however you define it! Good luck

I weigh myself every morning, right after I wake up and potty! Although I weigh every morning, I only use my Friday weight as an "official" weight for tracking purposes. Otherwise, it helps me know how to manage my day!

Amy is right - be patient - the first 6 weeks for me were within 4 pounds of each other... until I started getting fills, I wasn't seeing as much weight loss. It will come though - let your body heal and trust the process! I'm down almost 35 in less than 3 months from my surgery. At first I thought it would be more, but I'm VERY happy with the process, because unlike before, it isn't coming back on!!!

I was just moved off 2 weeks of mushies yesterday, and only lost about a pound by my count. My doc reminded me that this is for healing, and to be prepared to gain a few pounds between now and when I get the first fill... then the losses will start coming again! Hang in there!

I'm wondering if anyone is blogging about your lap-band experience(s)? I've started one as a way to fill in my family on what's happening without having to answer the same question 18 times... it is http://losingweightgainingtons.blogspot.com. If you have one and are willing to share it, I'd love to take a look! I've found that these personal stories are so helpful as I'm going down this path... I was banded on the 20th, and thank god for a few other blogs answering a bunch of questions beforehand! Thanks,

Thanks everyone! I love reading these... they are great!

Yours is actually one of the ones I follow on a regular basis!!! Thanks! It is a great tool - definitely eased some of my fears leading into my surgery. Keep up the good work! You've inspired me a good deal. Sarah

Hi everyone - I was banded on the 20th, no BM for about 5 days... I had diarreah (sp?) though. I was STARVING on days 3, 4 and 5 but then it seemed to settle in okay. Got moved to mushy foods on Thursday last week, and have had a much slower weight loss since (about 1/2 a pound). Good luck to you all - the liquids sucked... but it is all part of the healing!

Hi everyone - I was banded on the 20th (yippee!). All in all it was very smooth. Got to the hospital at 8:30, and was called back within about 15 minutes... Got all my pre-op drugs started, and the doctor said that they had the band in place within 10 minutes of the surgery starting... I had done a good job on the liver shrinking diet, so he was able to finish up quickly. I had a few minor issues... I didn't have a great recovery - was pretty nauseous, then once I got upstairs my morphine drip broke - which no one noticed for 3 hours... and then later, I threw up because of the pain. Not fun. Then, my IV infiltrated my arm, so they had to switch that out and give me compresses for the swelling to go down. But after that, I was fine. Went home the next morning at 11, and have been since moved to mushy foods. Down 20 pounds from the start, but now that is slowing as I'm onto mush foods. Good luck everyone! :-)

Hi everyone... I was banded on the 20th - and on liquids since... SO BORING! I'm about to throw the Slimfast can through the window. I go see the doctor today and I'm hoping that he moves me to mushy foods. Any suggestions for good mushy foods to eat? I've got hummus, cottage cheese, etc... but always looking for suggestions!

My surgery is in a week... WHOO HOO! Wondering how the liver shrinking diet is going? I'm managing, but boy am I hungry... in fact, about to go eat my cottage cheese snack. Any tips? Would love to hear what is working for other people. Thanks!

Bingo-b & KCroten - I'm also schedueld for a 02/20 band... just think - 1 week and we'll be official bandsters! can't wait...

Hi all - My surgery date is the 20th... one week and counting!

Obviously you have to do what you're most comfortable with. I've told a bunch of people, but I put-off and dreaded telling my Dad... he's always been one of those "that is the easy way" or "why can't you just do it on your own? You must not have the willpower"... crap. At any rate, 3 years ago I was considering Bypass, and we got into a HUGE fight - so I was scared to death to tell him... his reaction shocked me - he was COMPLETLY supportive of this for me. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you never know - and it is your life - not hers! Good luck - my surgery is on the 20th. Can't wait!

Hi everyone... my date is February 20th. Started the liver-shrinking diet today and i'm hungry. :confused: I have two shakes a day, 1 small piece of fruit, unlimitted (non-starch) veggies, and 4 oz. lean meat for dinner... I am hoping it will get easier, but boy today was harder than I thought. Oh well - 2 weeks and it is a new life! Good luck to everyone!

I have CIGNA - had to do the 6 month stuff wtih my PCP, but once done I got approved in less than 48 hours... now I'm just waiting for the paperwork to get to my surgeon's office to get a surgery date! Good luck.

Hi - I've only posted a few times, but I thought I'd post because I'm a bit shocked... I have been going thru my 6 mo. PCP visits, and finally finished them last week - got my file to the surgeon's office on Friday, and they said that it would take about 4 weeks to get a response... and that I should plan on a surgery date about 10 weeks out or so. Well, got a call from my insurance today - and they approved me already - not even 48 hours! Yikes! I have no idea what that means for my surgery date!!! I know it is all good, but I wasn't prepared for it to happen so quickly - maybe a sign that it is the right decision!

Hi everyone - Just found this site a week or so ago... I don't have a surgery date yet - last appointment (6 mo) with my PCP is next week - yippee! Hoping to get scheduled by the end of January, for maybe late February / March. My doctor is going to be Dr. Carmody at St. Mary's in Richmond, VA. Any one know anything about him? Just wanted to say hello! I'm sure I'll post more as I get closer to the actual date. Happy New Year!