Tracytma

Hey Marion! Can NOT wait for some clothes shopping myself! That will be GREAT! I have said I will not buy ANY new clothes until I am down a few sizes. GREAT motivation! Had a great weekend in New Hampshire, USA. We're on our way to summer here, so me and the hubby worked in my yard the entire weekend. My 18 year old daughter will be graduating from High School in June, so we're preparing for a large (100 pp) party for her! It's alot of work, but a lot of fun as well. NOW If I could get my lap band date, so I'd know exactly when to schedule it!! :thumbup: I see the medical director tomorrow and I'm hoping he'll think I've hopped, skipped and jumped thru allll the hoops and give me some idea! Keep your fingers crossed for me. Keep smiling... and BUY THAT DRESS!!! You are doing FAB!! What a change I see in you already! You go girl! chat soon and have a great day everyone! Tracy

Hey Marion! LOOK AT YOU!! You look GREAT!!!! Wow! 16kg down! Keep up the great work. Sorry it's been quiet from my end... busy at work and home and my meetings! Can't wait to get my date. Keep posting, you're an inspiration to us all! Tracy :redface:

I haven't had my surgery yet (hoping for early June) but from reading and taking notes, I've heard that "gas x strips" help with the gas pain. AND... for the ride home.. to cushion the seat belt, a nice soft pillow to put between you and the seat belt! A must if you have a decent ride home! Best of luck to you! Tracy

Hi everyone... I've asked this in the "pre op" section... and now I'm asking this of you.. the post ops... I am nearly at the point of getting my surgery date. have jumped through all the hoops.... and NOW... after 6 months of talking, going to meetings.... researching.... I am having major second thoughts about having a silicon band permanently inside me.... forever. And my second fear.... is what if I fail at THIS? I've been reading posts about people having stalled weight loss etc... and I guess I'm just afraid of yet another weight loss failure. Any one else have these thoughts or feelings before your surgery???? Hope I'm not putting anyone off with being this honest..... just need some support. Thanks Tracy

Awesome advise everyone!!! I'm taking notes!!! Cheers!

Hey everyone, Just want to thank everyone for their heartfelt responses... just what I needed a little kick in my big (soon to be small) butt! I need to keep the prize in front of me... I wish i could comment of each one that took the time to leave me a comment, (shhhh but I'm at work!). but you really helped me. Thanks! I will let you all know when I have "the date." lol It feels as important as a wedding date... but at least I know the band is forever! LOL.. now THAT's funny!!!!! Keep smiling! Tracy

Hi everyone... I am nearly at the point of getting my surgery date. have jumped through all the hoops.... and NOW... after 6 months of talking, going to meetings.... researching.... I am having major second thoughts about having a silicon band permanently inside me.... forever. And my second fear.... is what if I fail at THIS? I've been reading posts about people having stalled weight loss etc... and I guess I'm just afraid of yet another weight loss failure. Any one else have these thoughts or feelings??? Hope I'm not putting anyone off with being this honest... don't mean to scare anyone... just need some support. Thanks Tracy

Hey Marion! sounds like you had a busy weekend! Yikes! Well, sorry you had a little "stuck" incident, but I heard that we all must go through that. I will admit, I am NOT looking forward to THAT! Saw my nurse pract. yesterday at my Weight Loss center. She was impressed that I've jumped through so many hoops already! ha ha. my next appt with with dietitian and then medical director to clear me for seeing the surgeon! I have to admit..I got a bit daunted by the fact that it looks like it's coming quicker than I thought! But then I hear your stories, how you just are living your "banded" life, with what seems like "ease" (I know it's not always easy) and I can't tell you how much hope and good feelings it gives me!! Just had to let you know!!! You are quiet an inspiration! Hope you are having a restful day, sounds like you deserve it! Take good care and keep up the GREAT work! Tracy

Your excitement is wonderful! Best of luck to you!

Thank you to each of you that replied. I'm hearing that everyone has second thoughts.. I've had a sleepless night weighting the pros and cons... there are MANY more pros, which is good. It always comes back to wanting to be thin and healthy... and I realize I can't do it on my own. I need this tool. I guess I feel like I let myself down because I just can't do it on my own. Someone asked me yesterday (prompting all this doubt) "what is it in my life, that would make me get up from the table..." (or not have that snack etc)... In other words... what is my motivation in life? He was trying to get me to look at "why" I eat the way I do..or why have I developed the habits I have.... and what will change just because I have the band? What's going to motivate me to change? It was an awesome question (one that kept me up all night!! LOL). Then I realized this was a question that was put to us at our lifestyle class... but it just didn't sink in until I heard it again yesterday? So... what makes YOU all get up from the table? I'm realizing that this Band is just as much psychological as it is physical. sorry this got a bit "heavy!" :ohmy:

I just wanted to stand up and cheer for you!!! 100 pounds in one year.... that is freaking AWESOME!!!! Well done you!! Be proud of your self and pat yourself on the back.... and know that you've done something amazing! You inspired me!!!!! keep up the good work! Tracy

Hey marion! Hope you have a great weekend as well! Sounds like you are really getting on well with your new bike!! Well done! I think I mentioned my husband and I want to get bikes sooner than later! (I'll take your advise and get a nice comfy seat!! :biggrin: ) sounds like you are also coping well with your first fill! You are giving me such hope! Had my first "lifestyle change" class last night. It was really nice, especially since I met another nurse and we clicked right away. nice to have a band buddy as you put it. The classes are taking us through the "mental" part of this process, which I really like. One of our first "homework" assignments was making a list of "what is important to us." Next using that list... what roles are important to us... and then finding somthing that is REALLY important... important enough to make us really want to be successful with our life style change. In other words... what is going to motivate us when the times get tough... which, I'm sure they will. What is that one thing that we can hold to, as the motivating force behind our decision. next we have to set 3 "life style change" goals... attainable goals... such as exercising... or changing an eating habit etc. And 3 people each week, need to share. Very interesting. Before this, I never would have thought about the exact reasoning... or motivating forces behind all of this. coarse I want to be thin, wear lovely clothes, etc.. but beyound that... I have many other reasons that are meaningful. Thought I'd share and give you food for thought! can never hurt to share knowledge!! have a fantastic weekend and keep riding!!! Tracy

Can you guys tell us newbies what a "pouch test" is?? Thanks :thumbup:

Lovely photos Marion!! Looks like you had a great day! Your family is beautiful! Glad the fill went so easily for you! Well done! Hoping you get your results on the scale! Can't wait to be posting the same!! Take care! Tracy

Fantastic marion! LOVE the bike photos!! Me and my hubby have been talking about getting bikes as well! I think you've inspired me!! You look GREAT! Keep up the good work!

Congrats on your banding!! Can't wait to be on the otherside of this myself. The feeling you are having, I would imagine, is gas pains. I know I haven't had the band yet, but I've been a nurse for 26 years, taking care of people after Laproscopic surgery... and what you are describing is very common. Try Gas X strips, or warm fluids... walk around etc. If it doesn't get better, call your doctor... and before 4pm... ha ha... funny how the patients always call at 4pm on a Friday!!! (office nurse now! ) Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress

LOVE your quote!! good luck with your progress! I'm in the early stages.. Can't wait to have a date so I can start counting down!

What a great day to be banded... sort of like your "re-birth" to a better, healthier life! Good luck... you have the luck of the Irish on your side!! ha ha. Can't wait to post those words. Still waiting for a surgery date!! Keep us posted on how things progress and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Tracy:thumbup:

Great posting Jen! Lots of great information. I'm taking notes to help me with my preop diet... not sure when it will be... but i'll be ready! Best of luck as you start your new life Journey!! Can't wait to join you!!! Tracy

Hi There Caffiene!! Well, I enjoyed reading your story about your procedure! I've been a nurse for 27 years... and I'm still a sucker for hospital stories!! lol You write beautifully and I look forward to hearing your progress as you enter your post op period, recovery and new life! keep posting!! On a side note, I have no fear of the surgery at all. I guess it's from all my years in an OR watching cesearean sections and the many surgeries I've had over the years... it's everything that happens AFTER the band that keeps me a bit anxious. This forum is amazing, in that it really helps those of us who are still waiting. I always tell/told my patients, "waiting is the hardest part... using harder than 'doing' whatever it is we're waiting for!" Thanks again everyone! Have a great day! Tracy:thumbup:

welcome!! You are in the right place! I think we all have different reasons for wanting this procedure. I am tired of being heavy, not fitting into nice clothes, being the heavies in my extended family.... being FAT! Do I keep changing my mind? I call it my "bi-polar" thoughts. One minute I am excited and happy, the next minute I'm wondering, "and I freaking crazy to think of doing this??? The huge life changes???" But.... I always come back to the excitement of the life changing events that are about to enter my life. I know it's going to be one of the toughest things I've ever done.. but I've tried nearly every diet I've heard of. I need help. No shame in that. I admit it. I need the tool. It's still hard work...and that is something I'm sure about. I'm ready for the heard work. sorry to ramble... hope it makes you realize, we all are having the same feelings!! Keep talking to us! Tracy

You guys are doing awesome!! Keep up the good work. You give all of us that are waiting to have this experience hope!! You can do it!!! Every day you are closer to your new life!!! Well done!!

how did your surgical consult go? Tell all!!! Tracy