happy2lose

I had many, many fears go into this surgery. You have described a few of them. I think the two weeks prior to my surgery I went through every emotion known to man and woman. What you feel is completely normal. Do these fears mean you will not be a lapband success? Not at all! Just means you are logically thinking it through. I will tell you the band is not a magic cure for obesity but I'm sure you already know this. It takes a great deal of commitment and motivation. It is not a diet. It is a lifestyle change. Think it through and I'm sure you will arrive at a positive conclusion. I can tell you that food no longer has the meaning in my life that it once had and that my only regret is not embarking on this journey sooner.

Welcome to banded life and your journey to a happy, healthier, more confident you.

Ugh! Men! I have a feeling everything is going to work out just great in the long run.

I forgot the most important thing.....CONGRATULATIONS! you are on your way to a healthier, happier, more confident you.

EXACTLY! We are very proud of what you have accomplished. Now that you are so damn gorgeous the women in your workplace are jealous of you.

It will get better in a few days. Call your doc and ask for some anti-nausea meds and start taking Imodium for the diarrhea. What you are experiencing is completely normal.

Hello, Another self-payer here. I couldn't afford the cost $23k to $25k for surgery near my home so I opted to have an experienced and highly recommended surgeon in Mexico perform my surgery. My cost, which included hotel stay, hospital stay (2 nights), anesthesia, two awesome surgeon's and lifetime fills was $7,000. Like many bandsters say, my only regret is not doing it sooner. Donna

PB is when you burp and food comes up with it.

Considering you've lost 92 pounds I'm assuming you drink diet sodas correct? Diet soda has been linked to many health problems. To name a few: kidney failure, cancer and yes, obesity. I guess my assumption that people who get banded are wanting to live healthier lives is completely incorrect.

Ya'll have me convinced I need an elliptical :thumbup:

You too elcee :thumbup:

Hello, From you post it sounds like you are doing great. Why are you doing it without any restriction? Seems like it would be harder then it needs to be relying solely on your will power.

Welcome! I'm sure you will find some great useful information on these boards.

Very true! I'm not the one quoting authors or books - you are! I stand behind my comments and if anybody is insulted by them as "elcee" is, perhaps some sole searching is in order. :thumbup:

I have no intention on pushing the envelope with my band because I want to be a success story. I'm not looking for a possible slip or erosion or any other kind of band failure. So when my surgeon gives me rules and guidelines I follow them to the T. Perhaps this is because I had to work hard to pay for my own surgery...I don't know. Perhaps it's because I am a rule follower.....or perhaps because I am not looking for excuses to eat or drink whatever I feel like. Who the heck knows!

You're just looking for an argument with this question. All I'm saying is all the band info out there that I have read when considering getting my band advised against carbonation for the duration of the band. This no carbonation rule is not new by any means.

You poor thing! It's good that you didn't gain and it's great that you are back on the wagon again. Best of luck to you, Donna

I totally see your frustration. I really hate confrontation and if my boss month after month complained about something I was wearing or said co-workers are complaining I would be so bothered. Ask for another copy of the dress code to be sure you fully understand what it is before you approach your boss about the complaints. Such petty BS!

I guess now we know why the success rate for lapbanders is low. Because they have doctors giving them bad advice and some of their patients don't follow the rules of the band anyway. The no carbonation rule is stated all over the place in lapband literature. It is no surprise or late breaking news that bandsters can't have carbonation. I just don't get it! The first several months on this site I encountered some really rude and obnoxious people and couldn't understand why they were this way. I now understand! They just got fed up with all the dummies who wont follow the rules.

It's so exciting and real when you finally get your surgery date. Welcome!

Before I had good restriction I would get down on myself because all the posters on here were eating so little and I didn't feel any different then before surgery. It's okay if you have to eat a cup to a cup and a half until you get more fill. Just follow the band rule of Protein first, then veggies, then fruit. I recommend that you not be afraid to go to the meetings and tell the truth. I guarantee you that everybody there will understand what you are going through and want to help. The band is not a magic wand, it is a tool and you are still trying to learn how to use this tool. Stand up and be proud of yourself for having the courage to fight your obesity.

The soups are good but solid Protein will sustain you longer. Don't beat yourself up, just make a few changes. Here is my sample daily menu: Breakfast: 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt sweetened with a little Splenda and vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons granola Lunch: 3 piece chicken selects from McDonalds dipped in buffalo sauce Exercise has been a vital part of my success. I recommend you find some form of exercise and make it a daily routine for at least 30 minutes each day Dinner: Whatever my family eats, I just eat much less (approx. 1/2 cup) At night I eat popcorn and in the morning I have a cup of coffee, otherwise, I drink my Water all day.

Applause! This is right on!:thumbup: