peprmentpati

I did! Yikes! It's time for a little confession. I bought junk food last night by myself so that I could eat it - by myself. Geez - I know why - because I wanted to. I had these thoughts come to mind that because I am in a maintanence mode I could afford some of these things. Well, today I've been sleepy and lazy and started thinking about junk again. These are behaviors of my life before being banded. It just seems all to easy to slip back into that. No! I can't do that - this is another, and probablly won't be the last, reminder that candies, Cookies, ice cream, and other said processed junk doesn't have a place in my life - even in moderation. It's a deadly drug to me and I mean fatal. thanks for allowing me to be honest! God Bless, Rebecca

Yes, already passing! I have to share these things because my old behavior was to hide it and then it got out of control! So thanks for listening and responding! Rebecca

Hi Everyone!!! Today is my 29th birthday! I love birthdays! So last year my friends took me to Cheesecake factory for my Bday! I ordered a ginormous troth of chicken strips and switched out my fries for mac&cheese, let us not forget that I got extra ranch and honey mustard. I'm pretty sure I had all the bread and butter that they bring you as well! Today, I've basically lost 145 pounds and the comparison between me on my 28th bday til today is amazing: physically, mentally, and spiritually!!! I pray that I, and all of us who are going through this journey, have many many many birthdays to celebrate!!!!!!! Here's to a good life! God Bless, Rebecca

Thanks Everyone!!! I had tilapia and green beans, yum! To answer your question I lost 145lbs since may 1st of 2010 (27lbs before surgery date on 5/19). Cheers everyone!!!! Rebecca

Hey Mo! My only advice is to try very hard not to compare your progress with anyone else. It's very discouraging if you don't meet the mark of someone else. Besides, this is your time to do for you! Your progress will increase and your body gets healthier and stronger. One bit about me is that I don't get to workout everyday or have a set routine (I work f/t and go to school p/t). But, when I do get to workout - I push myself beyond what I think I can do, I don't give up. Good Luck & God Bless! Rebecca

Before I had surgery, but knew I was getting it - I only told my Mom and sisters and a couple friends. But as it got closer I decided to share with others. It helped me stay accountable, in the past I went on a million diets and other programs and never told anyone or didn't tell everything - so I decided to be more open. That's what works for me, but we're all different. The doctor had me on a pre-op abd a post-op diet. I went on phase 1 of the adkins diet 3 weeks before surgey and lost 27 pounds. I pushed it to that limit. See, If I didn't lose those 27 pounds I was told they wouldn't do my surgery - that scared me! From the day of the surgery + 4 weeks I was on a liquid to soft food diet which went from Clear liquids to mushy foods as the days progressed. Every dr is different and will perscribe whatever they think is benefitial to their patients. It was tough the fisrt 2 weeks - I constantly thought about food - I mean all day long! But I stuck with the program to a T! It really skyrocketed my results. I joined a gym about 6 weeks post-op. I started at 349lbs, I was 300lbs when I joined the gym and I'm 205 now - and I'm 9months post-op. If you follow what the doctor suggests you will reap the success you want! I'm excited for you! Good Luck with your journey! Rebecca

Hello! My name's Rebecca, I'll be 29 tomorrow - yay me! I can relate as well about having a lifetime of weight issues. I would suggest that you be very honest with yourself about what exactly you want from the surgery and what your fears are. Then rewrite them into constructive questions and bring them to your consult. Some examples: what is expected of the diet, how much weight does the average patient lose, or like I said - what your concerns are. I've seen many posts on here where people have said that the diet wasn't explained very well. In the beginning (until you train your mind otherwise) before you get restriction - you have to rely completely on sheer will - especially during pre-op and the post-op liquid phase. To be honest, even after you get restriction you still have to make healthy choices. The band doesn't fix your behavior it just helps you modify them and hopefully as you see more results and get healthier along the way, if and when you do have a not so good day or days, you can get back on track easier with the help of your band. All of that aside, I'm so happy I got the band - I know I wouldn't have been able to make this far without it. This is a great place for support! Always come back here when you need help or a good talkin to. God Bless- Rebecca

From my personal experience: Background: Female; 5'11; start weight @ 349 Banded on 5/19/10 Current weight: 204 1st off I'm a food addict (recovering). I'm talking about constantly thinking about binge eating and always hungry. The band pretty much took away the physical hunger which encouraged my addiction. It doesn't "cure" head hunger or our behaviors, but it allows us to modify them considerably. I'm not hungry until it's been 5 hours since my previous meal and then my stomach will start to growl or sometimes I get edgy from being hungry (don't recommend waiting that long between meals). I usually plan 3 small, protien packed meals a day in which I each in 4 hour intervals. I've had some days where I try to eat more than my band allows because I'm still working on negative behaviors, but that's like maybe 1% of the time. The other 99% I follow my band rules and I feel awesome! I'm not hungry and my addiction isn't active. The band saved my life and has given me the opportunity to live as the real me! I wold do it again a million times over! I've read other posts where some people really struggle with their band. I'm not saying this has been easy, but by the grace of God, I've been successful and can't imagine it not continuing to work for me. Good luck and God Bless! Rebecca

Yes, I can relate. I've felt sad, but most of the time it's very matter of fact. Like I know that the foods that I can't have still taste, smeel, and look good, it's not like that changed. But, I state to myself and others that I can't eat that stuff because it's bad for my body, an allergy that I have an extreme reaction to. I'm a food addict,recovering daily. It would be strange if we didn't experience different emotions during our transformation, know that's it's ok and try to stay present with that throughout your journey. God Bless You- Rebecca

I was banded on 5/19/10. To date, I've lost 144 pounds - I guess that's an average of 4 lbs per week. I was at 210 for about six weeks and I finally had an unfill on Tuesday. I forgot what it felt like to eat food and have it go down without hurting. Today I'm 204.8 and I'm taking it easy - still have an ultimate goal of 165 (40 more to go). My next mini goal is to get to 199.9!!! Wish me luck as I do all of you... Rebecca

yuppers...mine was out of whack for the first 3 months, but I've been back on track ever since (to the day). Rebecca

WOW!!! Congratulations on meeting your goal!!! I'm so very happy for you, your success is inspirational for all of us!!! Be well and God Bless! Rebecca

I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled 1 week after getting my band - I was fine with the meds and obviouslly with the liquid diet, LOL Call your doc when in doubt, but my guess is that you're a-ok! Rebecca

I really don't have an answer for you, but wanted to tell you that I've been pondering that for myself. Do I keep losing until I reach my original, stop here, lose half of the difference, etc... I did change my original many months ago from 165 to 185. Right now I'm 209 (FYI - I set my ticker for mini goals). Back to my point, I don't have an answer for you just like no one has the answer for me - look inside, pray, meditate, write it out - whatever you do and I hope you find your answer. I hope I can find mine as well. I would like to find peace with my body - as much as I can. Good Luck Rebecca

I became addicted to pnut butter. I have dreams about it...for real! About two weeks ago I threw my jar away and went cold turkey. I never ate pnut butter that much before so I don't really know what the connection to PNB and LB is??? However, I needed to take a break because I was craving it too much and I never want to be obsessed over any/all foods again. Rebecca

PB = productive burping. swallowing your food but then it can't make it's way past your tight spot so it comes up. it's like vomiting, but it never made it down to your stomach, so it's a "PB"

I was banded on May 19th, 2010. I've lost about 130 to 135 pounds (I've been fluctuating the last 5 weeks). I've had 4 fills and if memory serves me, I'm at 8.4cc in a 10cc band. I haven't been able to eat any meat (fish, chicken, beef, etc) since the 2nd fill unless I chop it up and add to a Soup or Water it down some other way. If I don't do the above mentioned I will PB whatever I do get down or I'm stuck with one small bite. I do eat and get my calories in, but I'm tired of eating Soups or meat sauces etc... I'm debating asking my fill provider to unfill me from my current 8.4cc down to 4cc (where I was after fill #1). My thought process is that I would be able to resume eating solid protiens in a more healthy manner with the hope and determination that I still manage my portions. Sometimes I get really frustrated when I PB over and over, it's almost depressing - I end up eating more than I should because I'll consume "slider" foods just so I can get calories in me. I would really love to get some opinions and feedback. My appointment is Tuesday the 8th of February. Thanks! Rebecca