reverie

I can't really think of something I haven't given up. I'm so focused on losing I don't even think about the unhealthy stuff, crazy. I used to be a rice/pasta lover, now I stay faaaar away. I don't think cheese is the healthiest thing, but I eat it each day, so maybe that counts? I love some sharp sharp cheddar cheese, mm. Other than that, gum! I know it's bad for some but I chew it like there's no tomorrow.

You're absolutely correct!

I'll get the buckets ready. :thumbup: Good luck starting. You'll do awesome.

If you're talking about telling them, that's entirely up to you. Some people are open and will tell the world, others will tell a close few, some people don't tell a soul. If you don't want to tell them, just explain that you've started to eat healthier and exercise more, as that is what you're really doing; they don't exactly need to know about the band itself. Good luck when you do get banded!

My BMI was 43. Didn't need to have any comorbidities.

E: 1/2 cup red seedless grapes B: Turkey bacon w/eggs L: Quesadilla (low carb wrap, cheese, chicken, etc) D: Turkey burger with a salad

My nutritionist said that for some spicy foods and rich foods can be an issue. I'm not a huge fan of either so I've never had a problem. But, I'd say yes it can be a problem. Maybe try to eat less of it or take more of a break between eating it.

Even though you live so far away, I'd consider going back to your doctor. Maybe give it until this afternoon to see if it's just swelling, but if you can't hold water down you're damaging your body and your band. Don't suffer with a tight band! People say even the smallest fill (.1-.5cc) can really make a difference and get you to your sweet spot.

Does your surgeon have you on a post-op diet? You'll want to follow those instructions so that your body will be able to heal properly. Most people are given a liquids phase and then a mushy foods phase.

WOW! Congrats a hundred times over. That is such an awesome loss. 9 more to go and you'll be in onderland. That is truly great. Congrats again and have fun shopping! I'm in 14s now down from a size 20. You're doing awesome.

So I've upped my calories from 650-750 a day to 850-950, depending on my activity level (I eat less on my 'sculpt' days) and the weight has been coming off. I definitely think it's important to up your calories when you start more intense exercise. I'd love to do P90X, so I'm sure I'll be upping even more soon enough. Thanks to neveragain and bambam for your wisdom/smarts with this sort of stuff!

I usually half a half of one of these for breakfast or half of a Pepperidge Farm Deli Slice (little round pieces of bread, 100 calories for the whole thing, 6g protein I believe). They are awesome!

B-day, that's cute! Congrats on your date. Surgery will go great and before you know it you'll be on the path to losing. The nerves/anxiety are common, so take it day-by-day! I was definitely nervous the morning of surgery, but it was truly worth it. Good luck!

Congrats on your date and starting your journey! January 2011 will be here before you know it! I hope to be at (or preeetty close to) my goal by then Definitely best of luck to you!

Good! Besides, who wouldn't prefer a little bit of loose skin over carrying so much extra weight?

Congrats!! Awesome goal; you'll reach your next one soon enough.

It's definitely worth it!! You will do great throughout and after. Positive thoughts.

Woo hoo! Congrats. I'm hoping I can do this in Vegas in October!

Haha; VERY normal. I can't say mine was too bad but I've read others having (and still having) a lot of gas post-op. It'll get better!

This has to be the stupidest thing I've ever read and I'm not trying to be mean one bit. The purpose of the band isn't to starve yourself or hope that somehow your stomach is going to stretch so that you're no longer throwing up. Have you not read the complications from being too tight for too long or the results of vomiting your food from your pouch each day? Maybe you should. If you're not losing, look at what you're eating; exercise more; vomiting up your food really isn't the answer. Again, not trying to be mean, I just think this is entirely silly.

I'd continue to eat healthy. It's tough but hang in there! Look at the weight you've lost and use that as something to push you through. Though, not to burst you bubble, but it's very rare that with the first fill you'll achieve restriction. It can sometimes take 2-3 fills.

I used to eat just 3 meals a day until I upped my exercise. Now I eat a very light snack when I wake up (4AM) and then that's it for the day with snacks. Snacks aren't a bad thing, it really depends on what you choose to eat. I usually have 1/2 cup of fruit or half of a protein bar. But like others said once you get to the restriction you want to be at, they may not be necessary.

Woo. I'm just finding this thread! Congrats to everyone on their losses.

I think your expectations are a little high right now. You're a week out from surgery; your body is still healing. You aren't going to see drastic results for months possibly. It all depends on how much you lose. Some people say they see a difference once you've lost about 20lbs, but again it differs. You will see the differences soon, so don't stress too much over them. Like others have said take a few pictures from different angles and in a month or two, take more and compare them. You'll see the changes and hopefully you'll feel them as well.

Well first off congrats on deciding to get banded. I know all about being young and nervous; I'm only 19 and I've been banded for almost 4 months now. I was out for 2 weeks after surgery, but mainly because I had the sick leave to waste. It all depends on your pain tolerance. Some people go back after a week (I could have) and others go back a few days later. As for the loose skin issue, it really depends on genetics, how long you've been overweight, how overweight you are, etc. For me my skin has done pretty well, but I do still want plastic surgery in the future. Some people say that weights can help your skin a bit, but you will still probably have some that is loose. Good luck!