sandi2004

Thansk for the kind words...again..You are definitely ,moving in the right direction and I bet you will walk some after surgery then get the courage to do some work int he water since it is so easy on your knees- then more walking..it's amazing as you start losing and you start feeling better about everything how many things you will do that you said were definite NO's. aomehow I found the courage to get into a swimsuit and start swimming laps at over 300 lbs - it was because I had already lost 100 lbs, and decided if anybody didn't like what they saw THEY could turn their head because I needed to swim for my health! When you look after yourself lots of good things follow. Stay in touch and let me know as your surgery gets scheduled. I've always wanted to visit Australia- what city are you in? LOL Sandi

It's not my food plan that is important, it is yours. First of all, what does lsoing slowly mean? Every pound down is one less to lose and one more that will not come back if you are making permanent changes in the way you eat. Write down what you eat (portion size included) for a few days and either send it to me, look at it carefully yourself or have a nutrionist or your doctor revie wit with you and any of us can probably come up with some suggestions for helping your loss along as long as you are not expecting too much too soon..

The more you can learn, the more prepared you will be so you are on the right track. Instead of getting "inside your head" keep reaching out for more information. Did you download the 7 things I wish I knew before having lapband surgery from my site? If not, go back and do it. There is some good information there. And be sure to go to your doctor's support group meetings. successful patients use ALL the support they can gather, and you WILL be successful since you are approaching everything with a really healthy attitude. The swimming pool is where I started exercising and I didn't start there until I was down to about 320 lbs.- before that my "exercise" was just getting around more- like going inside the supermarket instead of giving my husband a list, etc..Every day got easier to move, but it didn't happen instantly. Be patient and stay in touch.

Hi Meg: Believe me I understand your pain. I used to suffer from severe arthritis pain in my knee before I lost my weight. You are taking the first step to the rest of your life, and you are so right, it will not be easy, but you can do it. You are approaching this with your eyes wide open which is the first step towards success. Youy are not expecting miracles, you know that YOU control how much this tool can do for you. I would love to mentor you and offer any support and help and hope that I can. Having gone from 424 to 175 lbs I had a long journey and it continues every day. You may find some really useful information on my blog which you can find at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story Be sure to download the "7 things I wish I knew before iIhad lapband surgery" I know there is information that you will find useful there. Stay in touch and let me know what happens after your visit to the surgeon. It's exciting, isn't it?

Helene I would be happy to give you all the support I can. Stay in touch. Send PM's or email me directly at sandi@bandedliving.com. Nobody said this would be easy. It takes alot of work and alot of changes in your life. I would be happy to offer any suggestions at al;l. Just keep reaching out. You are doing the right thing by "sharing" your struggle right now. Have you had a fill yet? If not, that is probably why you are feeling hungry. If you have had a fill you are just not at your "sweet spot" yet. If you send me an email I can try to help you with some choices that may assist you with diminishing your hunger. also, I am so passionate baout how this surgery has helped me that I have started a blog that may have osme useful information for you. You can find it at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story You may want to log on and poke around to see if there are some useful tips for you. Please PM or email me at sandi@bandedliving.com and we can try to get you not quite so hungry all the time. I'm here to help.

Hi: I am so glad you found my story encouraging. I do hope you get approved for this surgery if it what you wanted. I have become so passionate about how this surgery has changed my life that I started blogging my journey from day one through today. You may want to take a look at it at: Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story Please be sure to download the 7 things I wish I knew before having lapband surgery- the box to request the tips is on the right side of the page in the middle. You may find these tips useful as you go along in your journey. Thank you for the kind words.

Helene- thanks so much. It really is heartwarming to receive kind words. I know I had lost hope of ever being normal and then something clicked inside me when I was frightened into looking at alternatives to being so overweight that I was actually killing myself. Where are you in your journey? I offer any information or inspiration I can to all of us struggling daily with our weight issues.

you are incredible as well my friend. The numbers never cease to amaze me. We have lost between us 463 pounds. Can you imagine? It is all so achieveable when you have a tool that finally helps with the physical hunger issues and gives you a "hard stop" reminder when the emotional hunger issues kick in and try to gain control. I love the banded living life!

Hi Maj: Do you have your surgery date yet? How exciting! I can not believe that my days are 20 hours long now and I look to sleep only to rejuvenate myself for another full day. It's an awesome feeling compared to lumbering through my days dragging every year and every pound (or kilo) with me every where I go. You are doing the best thing for yourself! Did you sign up to receive my newsletter and my 7 tips at my blog : Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story ? If not, you might find some useful information as you prepare for your surgery date. If you drop me an email or a pM I'll advance you a copy (send you the link) for 7 tips for preparing for gastric banding surgery. Stay in touch and let us know your surgery date so all of us on this forum can be with you on your journey of transformation. good luck

Time for you to go back to basics and remember what you did at the beginning to lose weight and repeat it- it works! You are living proof. Set up a meal plan for th enext week and carry your food and water with you. Do you think that might help? I hate winter also. Short days and bad weather leave me depressed as well, even here in "sunny" CA. I try to carry high fiber things like celery and carrots and apples with me to deal with those "hunger" issues since they fill the band pretty quick. Beef jerky is a good one too. time to make sure you have flour, sugar and potatoes out of your diet and anything that is liquid and has calories so you can work on restricting calories, increasing your protein and having good choices with you at all times. If you can get started on that you'll make progress and then can get a fill on the 11th if you need it. Hope this helps

Just because I'm 6 years out doesn't mean I don't look to others for support as well. I'd love to keep this conversation going as I have issues pop up daily reminding me I can be a "serial eater" any time I stop following the rules of the band.

I am so glad that you did not delete this post. It is great! Just know that every morning I wake up and expect to find a 400+ pound woman in bed and when I realize that I haven't gained all my weight back overnight I am thrilled! Talk about stupid! I can't believe I just went public with that thought but if it helps you or someone else, it is definitely worth sharing. So the bottom line here is that it is not unusual to NOT want to be judged, to want be and feel and act normal. After failing however many times we did (and for me it was more than I care to remember) we are hesitant to believe in this weight loss being permanent. Guess what? It is and will be as long as you continue with the good choices You have a tool that will help you. It's time to get back to basics for you as you get your band back to that sweet spot. Why don't you work on planning all of your meals and snacks for a week- carry food and water with you wherever you go, and use this opportunity to start journaling again. Please continue to reach out for support. I know you will get the other 40 off and then you will still have to work to feel "normal". It takes some time and adjustment to be comfortable in your new body. If you haven't already, please take a look at my blog at: www.sandisbandedliving.com and you will get to share some of what my journey was like. Best of luck to you. Stay in touch.

Scared is a pretty typical place to be right before you're banded. You will do great as long as you're willing to do the work. You know what you signed up for and you can do it! If I did it, anyone can. I'd be glad to help any way I can.

Thanks so much for the kind words. Where are you in your journey? If you think that reading my story from start to finish (today) would be helpful or useful to you or any of your friends please go to my blog at www.sandisbandedliving.com and poke around and be sure to sign up for the 7 tips.. sandi2004

Thanks for the congrats. I worked hard to achieve it and could not have done it without: 1- the band....2- the support of my friends, family and surgeon's practice. If you would like to read more about my story and the past 6 years of life around the surgery take a second and take a look at my blog at www.sandisbandedliving.com

You have made a great decision. I understand your fear and your need for support. I am 5+ years out and have done incredibly well with the band- down 250 lbs. I have a close friend and business associate who has also done incredibly well- down 90 lbs- she is 4 years out. I would be more than happy to provide whatever support I can for you on your journey. Please feel free to use this forum, send PM's or email me with questions, concerns, fears, or just to chat. I have been "mentoring" for 3+ years now so believe me I've heard it all and there are only Great questions so don't hold back. If you want to look at something that may give you some insight into your feelings and what is going on please check out my blog at www.sandisbandedliving.com I started it to provide a place where people can follow a story from day one through maintaining a significant weight loss and feel safe in making comments or asking questions. whatever you decide, best of luck to you. sandi2004

you n eed to find a seminar in your area and attend it. You may want to call your insurance company first to find out a little about what may be covered. Ask me any other questions as they come up. If you like, you can follow my journey from the very beginning at my new blog www.sandisbandedliving.com or just keep asking your questions here. Good luck to you on your journey! sandi2004

You are probably in surgery as I write this. Being almost 6 years out I would be happy to help you along your journey. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.Well done! Post again, PM me or email me questions, comments or concerns. I'll do my best to answer and be there for you. sandi2004

Hi Angie: I would love to be your mentor and answer your questions. There are NO silly questions, it fyou have it as a question it deserves an answer. Ask away. You can PM me or email me at sandisbandedliving.com

Hi there- I received your notification for us to "be friends" and I would be more than happy to answer your questions and assist you along your journey. You can email me at sandi@bandedliving.com ro PM me..your choice- email just seems quicker. Good luck Sandi

I'll be happy to answer questions for you as you go through the process. You are probably right not to talk with your friends yet- especially if they have NOT had this surgery. They can have great intentions, your best interests in mind, but not understand what you are going through. Send me a PM with your email address

Central Coast of CA? What city? I'm down in Ventura and would be glad to offer whatever help I can. Send me a pM with your email address.

I have had success with the band and am almost 6 years out and will do what I can to help you if you are willing to learn how to "work" the band. Please check out my success story in that forum and let me know if you would like me to try to help. You've reached out..that's the first step in going for the gold! Or, you can PM me.

I didn't have to have any skin surgeries but I did choose to. If you would like some of the details please feel free to send me a PM. I am defiitely enjoying the new me!