libra

There are so many factors that determine the time frame. Insurance is certainly one of them. It also depends on how quickly you manage to get your other appointments completed. Usually, you need to meet with a therapist, a nutritionist, etc. For me, with insurance and all, it was about a month and a half. Not too bad. My mother was ready in three weeks. Her insurance approval came through a bit quicker and the surgeon had more openings as well.

We've all struggled with our weight and suffered "failures" which have created a self-defeating mindset for us all. This process is not just watching your food intake, but fighting those demons that have been with us for years. Don't let them get to you. You will succeed with this....keep reminding yourself.

I hate to sound harsh, but you have the surgery for you and no one else. Chances are, he's feeling a little nervous that you'll lose a lot of weight and not want him anymore. I think a lot of spouses go through that. My husband started getting a little insecure after I lost 50 or so pounds. He probably needs to be reassured that you won't leave him once your thin.

Happens to me sometimes too. I had a period where it was happening pretty frequently. My doctor said I wasn't getting enough liquids. ( I was drinking my 8 a day) so he told me to up it to 10 or so for a while and see how I feel. It seemed to help. He said the 8 glasses is a guideline but some require more.

I can never heat any food reheated, unless it's Soup. It just gets too dry. Don't stress, you PB incident sounds similar to a few of mine. Some times it comes up easy, sometimes it doesn't. Try taking some small sips of a warm liquid (I drink tea) I mean REALLY SMALL....to help relieve some of the chest pressure when it gets that bad.

Happens to me too. I really have to think a lot has to do with water retention because there are days I'm sure I lost and I either stay the same or gained. But then a few days later, it comes off.

Sounds like a good plan. You could also just order a soup and appetizer so you won't be too full. Be prepared... you might see a jump in the scale tomorrow. Chinese food always does it to me because of the high sodium. Plan on drinking some extra Water tomorrow.

My mom was banded in October of 2006 and she's in her 60's. She's doing great. She's lost over 70 pounds so far which is fabulous considering she's on heart medication (she had a heart attack) and cancer medication (from breast cancer 5 years ago) She's also had two knee replacements which limit her exercise. Through all her challenges, she's really worked the band and is much healthier now. I'm so proud of her for the effort she's made. Don't be discouraged by your age, you can still do this.

I wouldn't change a thing about my band, other than the obvious. I need to exercise more and stay away from the NAUGHTY foods. I don't know if you did this, but I started to re-evaluate my life once I made the decision to have the surgery. I promised myself that I'd never be afraid to do something again. I guess I started thinking about some regrets and missed opportunities I had because I was too uncomfortable with my size.

Don't get frustrated. I've done it too. Just motivate yourself and get back in gear. We all have lapses like that. It's especially hard during parties, etc. with the food just staring you in the face all night.

I'm sorry that you're going through so many health issues. I really can't offer any advice regarding band slippage. You did say that you have difficulty eating when sick or during your TOM....that's really common. I'm pretty much on liquids during those times. Hopefully, your surgeon can give you some answers.

I wouldn't mess with your hair yet. Your face is going to change so much as you lose and you don't want to blow the chance to have it longer later. Once you get closer to the date, you can always cut it once the weight loss starts affecting your face more. BTW, if you're really itching to change your hair, get some highlights. They can always be dyed over if you end up hating it. During my weight loss journey, I was a blonde and a redhead...now I'm back to my brunette.

I think Kacee pretty much said it all. It's nothing to be afraid of though. I actually do it almost daily (not exactly the poster child for the lapband, I know) Most of the time it's harmless and pretty painless. Occasionally, I do something really stupid, like pop a huge piece of doughy bread in my mouth, and I know I'm in for it. You live and learn with the band, and you find your place in what you're willing to tolerate as normal for you. Once you figure that out, you act accordingly.

I usually have to stick with liquids when I'm sick too. I think the congestions causes some issues with the band. My regular doctor prescribes me liquid antibiotics since I can't swallow the ginormous pills. Be warned....they taste absolutely awful.

I've noticed that too. Personally, at my highest weight, I hated having my picture taken. It was like I couldn't hide from my size when I saw a picture of myself. I'm still a bit camera shy...but I'm starting to really bond with my mirrors!!! LOL!!

My biggest issue is feeling droopy in suits. Now I'm finally at a size where I shouldn't feel uncomfortable, my legs jiggle and my boobs droop! I need a suit of armor to hold everything in place! LOL!

First, thank you for saying something to us all about your illness. Mental illness should not be a taboo topic. As for it's relation to weight loss and obesity, I would have to bet that a good number of us suffer from some mental disorder. Personally, any type of stress or anxiety would lead me directly to food. I know that I've suffered from depression for years. Thanks for bringing this topic out in the open. None of us should feel alone with it.

It's not easy, hang in there. I think you need to really think about where your physical hunger ends and your mental hunger takes over. I'm an emotional eater and I've learned to tell the difference between actual hunger and my desire to eat. Doesn't mean I always do the right thing, but as least I'm aware of what I'm doing. Try and take a step back when you're looking for more food. Walk away from the table and concentrate on what your body's telling you over what your mind (and old habits) are saying. The other suggestions I have are to drink a large glass of Water before deciding to get more food. If it is physical hunger, this may help. Also, keep an eye on your sodium. A lot of people swear by lean cuisines and weight watchers frozen foods, for example, and they're loaded with sodium. I never lose if I eat that stuff. Stay with home prepared as opposed to frozen foods. Good luck and don't worry, you'll get over the hurdle.

mccbelle, The next town over is called Onederland. Congrats for making it here. I'm technically in Onederland now but I reside in the suburbs, close to twoterville, so I visit. LOL! BTW, ayers541...I never heard anything about that. Wonder if anyone set off metal detectors in airports? (Sorry...lame attempt at a joke there!)

I would have went for the gallbladder, since the procedure is similar. LOL!! I suppose you should just say that it is a personal thing but that you're feeling fine.

I'm with you.....I have horrible cravings and can almost eat anything during PMS....then during my TOM, I get really tight. I usually stick to mushies during that time.

I can understand that, but there are so many means of support that may not necessarily rely on religious beliefs. When I went to my psych eval, the psychiatrist asked my why I felt I needed to do this. I told her that my main purpose for the surgery was so I could be a better role model for my son. I wanted him to see me eating healthy and exercising so he wouldn't fall into the same routine I used to have. Just looking at him is all the support I need to keep going. It helps that I have the rest of my family in my corner too.

The Gas X strips are what got me through that phase. And you do need to move around also. It really helps to dissipate the gas.

I think it would depend on how close to your surgery date the trip would be. It would also depend on how well you personally handle the surgery. I had an allergic reaction to the morphine drip and anesthesia and ended up back in the hospital two days later. I'd say as long as you're talking a week or so after, you should be okay. But I'd plan on a week of recovery time.

You know what's pretty yummy? Refried beans with some fat free sour cream and a little bit of shredded cheese. (a little as a lot can get stuck) It's like a special treat during the mushy phase. I like cream of wheat better than oatmeal. Oatmeal always gets stuck on me for some reason.