samanthazzz

I will say that the majority of people I have met with the band have had positive feedback from those they told. With that said, there have also have been negative comments or actions that have made people regret telling them. Some people get jealous (a biggie), tell you it's cheating etc. I know those kind of people have caused un-needed stress and anxiety to the bandsters. I don't feel it is my respnsibility to enlighten the world on my surgery. More importantly, I don't feel it is anyone's business. I only told a few people and am happy with that decision. If people feel compelled to tell the whole world, then I say go for it. If it helps them be successful with the band, then all's the better. If your more of a private person and that isn't your scene, then do whatever works for you. Your main objective is to succeed with the band and feel good while doing it. I will say two things.......I don't think it is lying, not to tell people. Smaller portions, no or low carbs, protein shakes, exercise, water and no junk food is what we're doing. Secondly, once you tell someone you can't take it back. Also, most people can't keep a confidence, so keep that in mind if your telling a blabbermouth, because your business will be all over the neighborhood, job, family, etc. in a heartbeat. Do whatever you feel is right for you. This is one topic that only you know what the right thing to do is in your circumstance. Good luck to you!

well said taps!

EAS pre-made shakes are good when your in a rush. I get them by the case at BJ's. More expensive, but you can take them anywhere.

Congratulations Denise !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an accomplishment!

oh this happened to me and it is very painful. My best girlfriend and I were both approved for the surgery and even had the same date scheduled. At the last moment her insurance company denied the surgery, they said they had recently dropped it. She refuses to fight it. I ended up having the surgery in April. I have not seen her since. She makes up all kind of excuses why we can't meet up or hang out. I even emailed her telling her I am looking older since the surgery and have wrinkles that I didn't have before. I was hoping that would help, but alas nothing. I know seeing my wt loss will make her sad, but what was I to do, not have the surgery because hers was denied? I feel bad, sad, terrible, you name it. I miss her. I told her I miss her too. It just sucks!!!(pardon my french) I sympathize with your situation, unfortunately I have no advice other than to hang tough, be proud of what you are accomplishing. Most importantly, don't let anyone sabotage you.

(adjusting her feathers) :-)

I will add that taking a hit after a stuck episode can relax your throat. I think I heard that from a little birdie lol

Dear Diana, I do understand your comment with the jet black laquer color, and would add that the other extreme of over bleached blonde straw consistency hair is rather fake looking as well. Of course if we wanted to keep this going, I would add the certain shades of red that make Bozo the Clowns color look tame. lol Then again, maybe my medium brown color would be boring to the above mentioned ladies. Whose to say? That's why Miss Clairol comes in many shades. lol On a personal note, I think I am just hyper sensitive to anything I perceive as criticism. I think women in general need to be nicer to each other. Afterall. with all the crap we handle on a daily basis, home, work, family, etc., we need all the support we can get. (getting off my soapbox) and reaching for my cup of tea..lol Now, girlfriend...let's talk SHOES! (smile)

A make over can involve color or highlights, new cosmetics, new clothes to go with your new attitude. If you have long hair and it looks good and you don't want to cut it short, who says you have to? the over 50 thing is silly to me. Who made up that rule? Lots of cookie cutter women with the "graduated wedge/bob thing". At any given event at my son's school at least 10 women have some version of that haircut. I should know I had it at one time too. Looked nice, but what a pain in the tush to keep up with. Just because it is popular, doesn't mean it works for everyone or is everyone's taste. Live and let live, I say. I think short hair can be sexy and that touseled long bedroom hair is to die for. Halle Berry looks better with short hair and Christie Brinkley and Jane Seymour (over 50) both look amazing with their longer hair. I'm certainly not a movie star, but my hubby loves my hair longer. I'm in my late 40's and it is to my middle back. I have been blessed with thick, wavy hair and why should I cut it because someone said as I am getting closer to a certain age I should? Guess what is the best about your thread? We're all losing wt and feeling good and want to shed the old fatter image. I say go for it! New haircut, just a trim, new color, new clothes...any and all can make us feel terrific and in the end, isn't that what we should want not only for ourselves but for other woman as well? Strut your shorter perky do, flip your long hair, enjoy your classic bob.......and enjoy every second of this experience. I wish all of us a successful journey !

Hello from NJ. Ask me anything or let me know if you have a concern or problem. If I can help, I'll be happy to. Your first fill coming up in 2 days? Only do liquids for the first day or so afterwards. Also, my first fill did not kick in immediately. It took 2 weeks for me to feel anything, so if you don't feel any restriction right away be patient. In the beginning you will be using mostly willpower not to eat alot or to cheat. Restriction may not happen for a few fills. Everyone is different. Drop me a line anytime. Oh, and avoid negative people if possible. Your moods will fluctuate and you don't need any added BS. Stress plays havoc with the band. Samantha :-)

FYI Some fills do not kick in immediately. My first fill didn't kick in till 2 weeks and my second 11 days after being filled. I was like" What the heck is happening?". I had no clue it could work like that. I was telling a friend " I have no restriction" day after day and then blam, I was stuck on something that I had been able to eat previously. My 3rd fill kicked in 2 days and I cancelled my 4th fill appt. because I am tight enough. Listen to your body. It's a tricky slope we walk when it comes to fills. Drink, drink, drink....that is my best hint. Lots of folks cannot eat in the mornings (I am one of them), band is too tight. I have lots of hot tea to loosen the band and then can only eat mushier types of food during the afternoon. I can eat more as the day progresses. DR said the band can tighten while we sleep because we are not drinking. Maybe you are trying to eat when your not able to. See if this helps for a few days. If all else fails, get an unfill. Our bodies are constantly in flux, what with the wt. loss, life's stresses, TOM, illness etc . What may have worked for you last week, may not work today. Good luck to you on your journey!

Good morning! If you want a buddy from the East Coast, count me in. I'm Samantha and have been banded 6 mos. Support is crucial! Good luck!

Ah, sweetie, I was so sad to read this post. I had a very supportive sister, daughter & friend, but my own husband was awful. It did add much unnecessary stress to the process, so I can relate. Here's my "Mommy" advice. There are threads online for different ages. I'm not sure if there is a teen group, but there definitely is a 20's group. Post something there about your situation. I'm sure they will be happy to help you. Your life will be transformed with the surgery. It is a blessing that you will be getting it at such a young age. Imagine living your life as a thin person? Dating, school, employment, etc. will be much easier, not to mention your self esteem. Also, a previous poster had good advice, since your old enough to drive, go to the support groups your DR must have. Lots of stupid reasons why our loved ones/friends/co workers are not supportive. Alot is do to ignorance, some jealousy, weird thing is some people feel better about themselves when they have that "token" fat friend around. If you can get your family to go to a support group with you...terrific, it may turn them around. If you can't, then accept it and move on. Find a friend online. This forum is terrific and everyone understands being the "fat" person and all the crap both physically and mentally that goes along with it. When is your surgery? If you need an "online mom", feel free to contact me. Online hugs are terrific too! Samantha :-)

Good luck to you Audreysmommy...we fellow bandsters wish you nothing but success!!!!

congrats good luck!

No, sex is better. Not only are you more "mobile", there's less fat to get in the way and mentally you feel better. You may get a twinge around port site once in a while, but you just shift a bit, as the previous poster stated.

First off, STOP, take a breath, you can get through this. I can somewhat relate. I can't seem to eat enough to cover all my daily requirements. Now for the bad news, my hair has been falling out for months. Not enough protein, you do not want that to happen to you. The good news is you can buy pre made Protein drinks. I am using the EAS brand. I get it in BJ's (like a Costco) by the case. They come in 17 grams, 20 + grams (forgot the exact amount) and even 42 grams. This way I have no excuse not to get in my protein. They look like sipp ups and taste good. They are portable, so you can carry them in your handbag or car. I haven't eaten Protein Bars, but I hear people enjoy them too, also portable. Of course the best way to get your protein is to not only "eat it", but to sit down & enjoy your meal. That is the ideal. Life, on the otherhand sometimes gets in the way and we can't always do that. Take your Vitamins religiously, try these shakes or any other brand of pre made(since you said you don't have time to make shakes), hopefully it helps. This was not a mistake, your the conductor driving your train..it can be a ride to nirvana or a ride to nowhere. We've all been nowhere. I wouldn't recommend it. Much good luck to you! Samantha :-)

I love it! This happened to me with a cell phone lol

when you pb/vomit at work and everyone assumes it's because of the "cafeteria food" lol

sugar free fudgesicle 40 calories their yummy and it helps with my choc craving also with the weather change I am drinking sf hot choc and I do one EAS choc shake a day for the added protein of course there is sf choc puddings too I hope this helps Samanatha :-)

Yikes, but I don't agree with some of what I'm reading. It is not my responsibility or my desire to enlighten the world on my lap band surgery. The people who have posted who do not agree with sharing their surgery news with everyone, never said they didn't or wouldn't tell anyone. Of course we told the Significant people in our lives, spouses, children, some friends etc. We do have those people as our support system and they are a valuable asset to our success. But to tell everybody and their brother to me is never something I would do. Some of us are more private about our business then others. Nothing red flag about that, it is a matter of personal choice. and I wish I could find the post I read months ago about people who regreted telling some people about their surgery. Some people had an awful time with unsympathetic co-workers, relatives, neighbors etc. We do agree you need a core group of people in your corner, I think it's just the size of the corner we differ on. lol "to each his own" as my mommy says.....I do wish all of us the very best, whatever route you take. PS- this forum is a great place for support, the judgement part, I could skip!

I agree with bt..who says we have to say anything about surgery? In the beginning, you don't have restriction anyway. I lost the first 35 lbs on willpower and hard work alone. I tell people who ask (oh, and they will ask how you did it), palm sized portions, Protein shakes, Water and no carbs. It's not a lie, it's what I eat. Even now as you lose wt, your band loosens, and until you have another fill, you have to be careful and not overeat (because sometimes your able to). I can eat more than I do, but I chose not to. Tell who your comfortable with telling and if your in doubt of telling someone in particular, then don't. There may be a time in the future, you may want to. But, if there isn't, that's okay to. PS-people do lose wt on other diet plans, so while it will be obvious you are losing wt, whose to say it only has to be with the band? *and the losing wt part is better than anything you can eat. a minute on the lips, 5 lbs on your hips! (silly, but true) Good luck on your wt loss journey! Samantha :-)

I was in the same boat as you and the other posters. it comes down to one simple question......... if your current weight/health interferes with your life and you have tried other ways and it hasn't worked, I say....... go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU have to really want this...how badly will determine your progress. It's not easy eating less, but honestly, it is completely doable. (is that a proper word) ? lol The difference between this point in your lap band journey and your past dieting is major! In a few months, provided you watch what you eat and follow DR's and Nutrionists orders, you won't recognize yourself. You will have some restriction and it will get easier. You'll be looking fantastic, feeling healthier and get to buy new clothes (an amazing feeling) You have got to ask youself..ARE YOU WORTH IT OR NOT? For the first time in years, I finally answered yes! Samantha :-)