girl55

I'm so glad to see you do this at an early age. I'm 54 and was banded march 16 (self pay). It's the best thing I've ever done. Life is so much more enjoyable. And you have a lot of life to live. Good luck and keep in touch.

Yea! Sparklette, Congratulations. The pain goes away fast and you'll soon feel back to normal - except - you're scale will go down, down, down. Ya who!

You are truly an inspiration to keep going.

I live in central texas. In winter, I could sit outside with just a long sleeve shirt in the cold and never feel it. People thought I was crazy. In the summer I sweat my butty off. Since I've lost 40 lbs., so far i'm not as hot natured. I like it. I also have more energy to do things.

This weekend I had a lot of alone time. It was good. Did some housework, bookkeeping for my hubby's business (got caught up), did some baking - and just a lot of thinking. All in all, I had a good weekend.

You know chick, you're right. In my neck of the woods, people would criticize me for paying that much money (i was self pay) for something like this at my age. (54). So I chose not to tell anyone but my immediate family and 2 close friends. It's enough learning this new way of life without others telling me I made a mistake spending all that money. But you know, today my good friend told me how thin i'm getting and it made my day. That feels real good.

We all have our fears about anesthisia. But it's over and done with so fast. And I don't think the pain after is so bad either. I've had worst pain in just normal every day things. But I understand we do not all have the same pain tolerance. Anyway, good luck, your doing the right thing. I wish I had dones this years ago.

I hate this thread!

You've taken the first step. Just remember listen too your stomach, not your mind. I realized that after just a small amount of food, I felt fool. But my mind sometimes say, "that tastes so good, i think i'll have another". But don't give in. You'll eventually learn to know the difference. Keep up the good work, 13 is GREAT!:thumbup:

I was banded march 16 and got my first fill may 6. Even right after my surgery, I never felt hungry. I have learned to listen to my mind and not my stomach. Then after my first fill, (didn't feel any more restriction) I went on a plateau for 3 weeks. Finally this weekend I went down 2 lbs. Just hope it keeps going. But I never really feel hungry, which really surprises me. Good luck

NurseSophie, I really love your last post. Your right life is too short to worry what other people think. My whole family knows and are so supportive. They know how miserable I've been all my life and are so happy for me. It makes me want to go and shout it out. Thanks for your words of wisdom.

I live in Schulenburg, half way between San Antonio and Houston on I-10.

Well, I am probably all the opposite of you guys! I live in a small town in Central Texas. It's cold as heck in the winter and hot as hell in the summer. But fall and spring are very beautiful. I've lived here all my life and wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Hi KS, I had a crappy day! I think crappy beats a boring! Well anyway, family problems seem overwhelming right now. I work at a small school and it seems everyone knows when you're having problems. Some are very sympathetic, but others just stare and whisper. I do have one very good friend who understands. Those kind of friends are hard to find. Anyway, I have only 2 more days of school and then summer vacation. My last child graduated from high schol this year and now we will start looking into college. But right now, I'm in a sad mood and maybe I'll just go to a corner and cry. But that was my day. Sorry to burden you.

Well KS, had another hot, dry day in Texas. I worked at a school and we have 3 days left. I was banded march 16. I've lost 35 lbs, and now I've hit a plateau. But I'm still punching at it. Lots of exercise and the right food. I determined to get through it and start losing again. I'm not going to let it get me down. My band won't let me down and I won't let it down. Looking for a better day tomorrow! Later.

I was banded in Victoria texas March 16, 2010. 1 month before my surgery I attended one nutrition class, counseling class, and met with my surgeon the same day. My surgery was set for one month later. I am now banded and have lost 35 lbs since. I'm feeling great, my knee pain is getting better. I went from 265 to 230 and wore a dress to my daughter's high school graduation last night. I haven't worn a dress in years, because of my weight. It was an awsome feeling, and my husband thought I looked great! But I will continue losing until I get to 145-50. Good luck everyone!

I know we all have them, but plateaus are hard to get through without advice and encouragement. So far I haven't had much problem with it - until NOW! Almost 3 weeks of no loss. I've been faithful and have been exercising. What are your thoughts on plateau. Need ENCOURAGEMENT!:thumbup:

Right now I choose your #4 also. Pouting seems to be the moment.

I take several medications also. Even right after surgery, I had no trouble taking meds as usual. I just had my first fill and still no problem taking meds and the new horse size vitamins they gave me. We're all different, I wouldn't worry too much, just enjoy the ride.

So proud of you chocolate, we all have those insecurities when we got ready for banding. I did too. Not enough to back out, but enough to scare you sh....less. But in 2 to 3 months you'll be so happy, even more so than now, because you'll be about 30 lbs less. Way to go chocolate!

Congratulations butterfly. You took the first big step. Only good things happening from now on!

You'll be fine. Yes, just start with mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, soft veggies and maybe even hamburger meat. But the secret is to chew, chew, chew. I feared getting stuck, and i have. But you learn to deal with it. And after a while, you know what you can and can't eat. You learn to discipline yourself. Getting stuck hurts a little, but once you learn, you'll be fine. Try one food at a time. Hamburger meat does take a little more chewing, but you can handle it. Small bites and chew, chew, chew. Good luck. And enjoy the ride, I am!

If you can go through carecredit, that's great! They have some great financing deals. I wanted to do my surgery through them, but my doc wouldn't accept it. Interest rates are really good!

i developed a red blotchy rash over my entire stomach and around all my incisions. I found out I was allergic to the iodine they used on my stomach during surgery. And it itched something terrible. Took about 2 weeks to go away.

hey guys, guess I'll check in also. I was banded march 16 and have lost close to 40 lbs. Can't believe it. But i'm really being good and follow diet instructions. Plus I got my first fill last thursday. I've always felt restriction, even without the fill, so i'm doing well. I never really feel hungry. Once in a while, if I don't eat all day. But then I have a small amount of food and i'm good again. good luck to my march marauders.