ditzypoohjean

I began my weight loss journey at 306 lbs. It may have been more, but after seeing that number I refused to step on the scale until I lost some weight. My moment of clarity was not being able to enjoy the theme parks that my friends did. The roller coasters were not designed for people "of my stature." I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself for giving up on my own health and that was when I decided to really put the effort into betting myself. I began the research into LAP-BAND® and found out that my insurance would only cover it if I maintained a 6 month diet first. This set me on my way to better health and before my surgery I had lost just under 40 lbs, bringing my weight down from 306 to 269 the day of my surgery. Prior to my surgery, my long time boyfriend proposed to me and I became even more motivated to lose the weight. After surgery my weight dropped at a steady pace and every day I made a promise to myself that I wanted to finally be healthy. Throughout the year I exercised, ate relatively healthy, (i'd be lying if I claimed perfection because I was in no way perfect with my eating habits) and kept that promise to myself. one month before my wedding I was down from a size 26 to a size 16 and my dress maker told me "if you lose anymore weight you're wedding dress will not fit because we cannot take it in anymore." I have maintained my weight at around 213 for the past 3 months and walked down the isle in a sz 16 dress, a size I hadn't worn since Jr. High school! I have now begun the second leg of my journey to finish what I have started. My first goal was under 250 (check), my second was to weigh less than I did in high school at 225 (check) next is to finally be in wonderland (7more lbs) and be under 200 (14 more lbs). I just wanted to share my story with all of you out there and hopefully you'll be willing to share your journey, even if it isn't complete yet, because it will help others out there realize that every small goal is an achievement and although you may not be "thin" by societies standards, everyday you better yourself and be proud of all the little changes that bring you to better health. I have wedding picts and before and after photos on my profile now so feel free to browse through them. Best of luck to my fellow bandsters and remember to be proud of who you are at every step of the way!

I feel your pain! I am finally starting to feel restriction in my band but it's been a slow process. I have lost 57 lbs since my surgery almost a year ago but the past three months have shown little to no weight loss for me (partly by choice though because my wedding dress couldn't be taken in anymore) but I definitely know that my food choices were not good and once I got home and started eating right it helped a little but it's so discouraging to stay the same, or even gain, for several months at a time. I finally got filled this last time to the point where I actually feel some significant restriction, which I haven't had this whole year of adjustments. Just hang in there and really watch what you are putting in your mouth. We are our own worst enemies and can sabotage our weight loss. Until you find that sweet spot, it's going to be tough. You have support here though. feel free to message me anytime and I'll help you get though it. You've always got friends on this message board

I'm having the same prob right now with the swallowing and pain. Food goes down no prob but it hurts. What was the result with yours?

What was the recipe called? I love spagetti squash it's my carb fallback. The shitake miracle noodle is pretty good too :thumbup:

Yay to the vegas bandsters! I was banded by Dr. Soong, Dr. Atkinson's partner back in Oct and couldn't love it more. Best of luck to you and welcome to the club!

The first two weeks I lost a grip but I didn't have a pre-op diet so I lost all that "water weight" I would have lost with a pre-op diet. Since my third week I have completely leveled off to the average 2 lbs a wk which was kinda a bummer. I am down 17lbs since being banded on 10/22/09 and had my first fill on 11/12/09, which hasn't helped because I have very little restriction. Hang in there though I hear once they get it properly adjusted you'll start loosing at a constant 2-4 lbs/wk.

I also had my first fill on 11/12 4 c.c. in a 10 c.c. band and feel very little restriction. I have lost 4 lbs since my fill but get hungry around 1-2 hrs after eating. I am looking forward to my second fill on Dec. 3rd. At least I get full fast I just don't like the hunger a couple hrs later. I also feel tighter in the mornings which I've noticed a lot of people feel. I'm 17lbs down post op and love my band already! Can't wait to find my sweet spot. :thumbup:

I suggest parking your car somewhere near the hospital that's 24hrs like a walgreens, a bar, or a walmart so it won't get towed and have your cab take you from there to the hospital and back. It saves you the money of an hour cab ride and the hospital won't give you a hard time. Just make sure you don't take pain meds the day you go home. I was pretty sore but didn't need the meds and doubt you will either. Be sure to have tylenol ready :thumbup: Good luck to ya!