atgoalgal

I was seriously overweight since childhood. I spent most of my life life yo-yo dieting. On August 16, 2006, I got a Lap-Band. Learning to use this tool has helped me transform my life. I have been maintaining a healthy, normal weight for nearly two years now. I am now the fit girl at the gym. I am the active mom at school, I am the confident presenter in business, and I am a more loving wife, because I no longer carry the burden of my weight on my body and in my heart. I am a different person today, and I love “Banded Living.” I feel confident that I will be able to maintain a normal weight for the rest of my life. When I decided to get my band, I didn’t tell anyone except for my husband and a few close friends. I was afraid I would fail again. I was afraid of the stigma associated with being obese and “resorting” to weight loss surgery. I've decided to start a blog, sharng my journey from the time I first began exploring Lap-Band surgery. My goal is to help others by sharing my story and my personal experiences. My deepest personal hope is that other people will find something in my journey that is useful. Here is the link: Gloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story. Please let me know what you think.

Glad you found it helpful. When I was first exploring surgery in 2005/2006, I found the process so confusing. It was hard to find people with long-term success. I really struggled between band and bypass. I am so happy to pay this forward. Was there anything in the 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Lap-Band surgery that surprised you?

I thought I'd put the list up here to make it easier to find: Protein shakes, and protein powders (taste–test and find the ones you like best before stocking up). Water Broth and other clear soups Clear, no-sugar added juices Sugar-free non caloric beverages (NO carbonated beverages) Light sports drinks Sugar-free popsicles Sugar-free jello Creamy soups Applesauce of sugar-free pudding cups (if, and ONLY if your doctor permits you to take your medications with a spoonful of these) Sugar-free hot cocoa Decaf and herbal teas Decaf coffee Chewable vitamins Small 2-4 oz plastic cups A strainer (for removing chunks from creamy soups) BTW, Intentionally didn't include anything about prescription or non-prescription meds, since you need to work that out with your doctor. It's also not a bad idea to have adult liquid tylenol - but talk to your doctor; you don't want to be taking tylenol with your prescription pain meds. If you find this useful, you can find more on my blog at Gloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story Good luck on your journey!

I've tried so many Protein drinks. Here are a few of my favorites - if you live near a trader joe's, try the worldwide protein - in a can. I perefer the 21 gram formula to the 35 gram forumula. The cans are great for on the go. I also make a smoothie that I really like as is not too sweet. I use Designer whey Brand Protein powder, a splash of soy milk, ice and sometime 1T of organic Peanut Butter. Run it through a blender (I love the magic bullet) with lots of ice for a thick, and in my opinion delicious smoothie. Keep in mind however, that when you are off liquids, you don't want to be drinking your calories, and the calories in a smoothie like the one I'm suggestion are a Meal Replacement. Let me know if this helps.

that's awesome. One of the things I learned on this journey is just how incredibly important it is to find the right surgeon with the right after care program. I'm convinced that it really ups your chances of success if you find a practice that you want to be a part of. Good luck!:eek:

Your story is like so many of us who have decided to get a band. Getting my band and learning how to use this amazing tool has put an end to my yo yo dieting. Best thing I ever did for my health, self esteem and quality of life. I was banded in So Cal - Ventura. I can't say enough wonderful things about my surgeon and his aftercare program. If Ventura or Thousand Oaks is an option, I would defintely recommend Dr. Helmuth Billy. You can also check out my blog. I'm in my 4th year and loving banded living. I've blogging my entire journey, going back to the time I first considered lapband surgery. I hope you find it useful. Here's the link: Gloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story

from the main blog page, on the right hand side, beneath my before and after you'll see a box that says sign up and I'll email you my interview the 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Lap-band surgery. I'm glad you liked what you saw. Would appreciate feedback on the 7 tips as well.

Boy was I scared. I had failed so many times before. You name the diet, I did it a few times. All I can say is that this really is different. If you haven't cheked out my blog - follow the links - I tried to be really honest about how I felt exploring surgery. You may also want to try the download - T Things I Wish I Knew Before Lap-Band Surgery. My mentor and I brainstormed about what we wish we knew before we started. Please continue to ask away.

I am on the east coast, so geographically I'm far away...but I'm in my fourth year. I can tell you that I really struggled with my decision. I recently started a retospective blog of my journey, starting with when I first started exploring surgery. Check out my blog. You may find some answers (link is in my signature line). You may want to download the 7 Things I wish I knew before lapband surgery from my blog. My mentor and I put that together to try and help others through this journey. Good Luck.

I applaud you. I didn't have the courage to share my story publicly when I first decided on surgery. I'm in my 4th year since surgery and decided to do a blog as a way of paying it forward and sharing my journey from the time I first began exploring surgery hoping that some of you who are earlier in your own journies would find it useful. It's a labor of love. Please take a look. I'd really appreciate feedback. Gloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story

I had lost and gained 40, 50 pounds or more so many times, I struggled with this also. I was used to keeping a wide range of sizes in my closet. (I'm in my 4th year and have been maintaining for over 2 years). It took a while for it to sink in that this time it was different. I finally started giving my "fat" clothes to a close friend - I felt like I could get them back if I needed them. Also schedk to see if your support group has a clothing exchange. I also packed up boxes of my favorite, most expensive things and put them in the atttic. When I realized I had been maintaining for a year, I was finally able to let go and get rid of all my old clothes. It's a really weird experience, but it's incredible to realize that my favorite jeans are a pair I've been wearing for over 2 years, and they've never gotten tight. This band is really different than all those diets we've been on before. It can take time to get comfortable with that fact, but it's true! Best of luck!

Hestie, I just read your success story. What a great story. I struggle with my decision - band vs. bypass. I also LOVE my band. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing your story. I also watched on this board for years before posting. It's great to see more people posting real-life success stories!

How did it go with your PCP. Are you scheduled for suregery next week. (I have my fingers crossed that you do)... Gloria

Firstly, congratulations on losing 16 lbs in 2 months. You have averaged more than 2 pounds/week; That IS A LOT of weight, especially since you were not starting from a very high BMI. Firstly your early experiences sound a lot like mine. I was one of those people who felt “unbanded” early on. It took several fills to get to a good place where I was satisfied with a small amount of food and not hungry between meals. Keep relying on those of us who have bands. That’s what I did! LOTS of people start out this way and are very successful; you can be too. I am going to make a few suggestions, but please always follow your doctors instructions. If anything I say contradicts with his/her instructions, check with your doctor first. Here are a few other things that might help: 1) Make sure you are getting enough Protein. Protein helps control hunger. I strive for at least 80 grams of protein per day. 2) Make sure you are drinking according to your doctor’s guidelines. I avoid liquids for 30 minutes before meals and 45 minutes to 1 hour after meals; also avoid liquid calories. Your band does not help with liquid calories. 3) Make sure your meals are made up of good quality solid foods. Since you have minimal restriction try dense foods like chicken (without sauces – meaning avoid lubricating your dense foods), and fresh fruits and vegetables, cut up in small pieces, chewed slowly. 4) If you must snack between meals, make sure you are only eating high quality, low fat dense protein, with some vegetables to help give you a sense of satisfaction and 5) If possible try calling your doctor to see if you can get in sooner for your next fill so that you are not white knuckling it for quite so long and make sure you are completely honest with your doctor about what you are doing and how you are feeling. Please stay in touch. You can do this. Hang in there! Gloria

good luck with your PCP. Feel free to PM me if I can help in any way. Gloria

You mentioned that if the stars align you would have surgery in late January. Are the stars aligning for you?

support is so important on this journey. I'm in my fourth year and maintaining a normal weight for the first time ever in my life. Lost 90 lbs and actually maintaining it for 2 years. Feel free to ask away or PM me. It's so important to have a realistic and honest perspective. I was very lucky to find a great mentor to help guide me through the journey. Looking forward to hearing from you. Gloria

Firstly, congratulations on losing 62lbs in one year! That’s well over a pound/per week sustained for a year; that is awesome. If you are saying that you have 40 more pounds that you want to lose, does that mean that if you lose that additional weight you will be at a BMI of <25? If so, your goal is 100% EWL. All the literature I’ve read says the average weight loss with a band is 50 – 60% EWL, and it seems like you may already there. My doctor always reminds me, that if I want to be the “A” student, meaning 80 – 100% weight loss, I am going to have to work harder. For me that means journaling, making sure I get at least 80 grams of Protein everyday, and exercising everyday. I haven’t met anyone who has to exercise 1 ½ hrs to 2 hours per day, but since it’s still calories in / calories burned, I’m wondering if there are 100 calories/day that you can eliminate. My doctor measure resting metabolic rate, so I have a pretty good idea of how many calories I need to consume to maintain my weight. You may just be one of those people with a very low metabolic rate…but look how far you’ve come! I have chosen to eliminate rice, bread and pasta, because I’ve never been able to maintain a weight I am happy with while eating starches. The foods that you say are difficult are the foods people often say they struggle with. If you really want bread, have you tried toast or hard, crusty breads. Do any of these ideas hit a chord with you? Are you celebrating your success or are self-sabotaging -expecting to fail one more time? Lord knows, I have an advanced degree in self-sabotage. I’m wondering if you have a Lapband only support group where you can share what you are experiencing with others on a more personal level. Feel free to PM me. Gloria

I am confused, who are you referring to who was banded in 2001; I didn't see anything about that on this thread?

How much have you lost so far? What do you mean by a "slow loser" I'd be interested to hear more about your journey. Is your issue that you can't eatsome of the things you would like to eat, are you frustrated that you are a "slow loser"? Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss. Gloria

Where are you in your journey? So much of what I've learned on my journey revolves around always having a plan, but that plan really depends upon what's hard at the time. For example, I feel like a "normal person" around food when I am at a good fill level, but that can change a bit from day to day. I need to really listen to my band. When my band feels a little loose, ice cold drinks seem to have a tightening effect for me. I also make a point of using plain white meat chicken and raw fruits and vegetables, to fill me "pouch" and get that feeling of satisfaction that helps keep me on track. Please share where you are and what you are struggling with, and I'd be happy to share what I've learned that may help. Gloria

I find that I get a little relaxed at times and that's ok, because it's real life. The key is that I have this tool, that makes it so much easier to go back to basics, when the scale creeps up. Staying within a range is definitely a great way to approach it. Yes, years out I was still getting fills. I haven't had one in more than 6 months, but I am still in regular contact with my surgeon. I have one of the earlier bands, it only holds 4cc's and I haven't had an issue. I really don't think the capacity of your band is something to be concerned about. I've never heard of someone needing more volume than their band could hold...but it is something I used to think about too. I think maybe I was just worried that the miracle of this band would stop for me at some point, now in my 4th year, I really trust the tool. It great hearing from you; I love sharing this journey. I wish that when I first had my band there had been more successful people out there to learn from. I was lucky to find someone in my doctor's practice who took me by the hand, and I think that is a big part of why I've been so successful. Let's keep this dialogue open, so that others can learn from our experiences. It feels great to pay it forward Gloria

Congratulations! That is incredible news! What a great gift for the holidays. You mentioned that your weight loss is slow, but just perfect for you. What an important lesson. Those of us with bands usually have slow weight loss - especially if we compare ourselves to bypass patients, but we learn how to use the tool along the way, and can achieve, lasting sucess. (see my success story 3 1/2 years...). It's not about rapid weight loss, it's about achieving and maintaining a healty weight for the rest of our lives! You go girl!:thumbup: Sending holiday cheer your way. Gloria

LaBella, It's great to hear from you. I absolutely went through the same thing. This really is a journey and it doesn't end when we reach a normal weight. I call it Banded Living. Now, in my fourth year, I am finally starting to understand that this weight loss is the real thing. Like so many other people who decided to get banded I spent much of my life yo-yoing; I lost a lot of weight before, I just never could keep it off, so it was really hard to believe that this is different, BUT IT IS DIFFERENT. For me getting my band and learning how to use it has made that difference. I have to remind myself that I've been wearing the same jeans for 2 years, and they've never gotten too tight! For me, that seems nothing short of a miracle. That being said, I still have days when I feel fat. My friends tell me that means I am now normal! My doctor gave me great advice that calmed my mind a bit. He gave me a 10 lb weight range to try to stay within, so for me it's 140 - 150. I got below 140 and everyone thought I looked sick; I try not to stress at 149, because I have the tool to help me get back to the middle of my range where I am most comfortable. As you approach your goal weight you may also experience a strange phenomenon. People are getting used to how great you look, the compliments slow down and you are no longer dropping sizes quickly. That was a hard adjustment for me; coming off of the weight loss high and getting used to my new body. For me that was the time when I really needed to surround myself and learn from other people who had been through this journey. It's scary and wonderful to learn to love your body and trust your appetite. Would love to hear more from you. Gloria