October 2010 Bandsters!!

[Ishkahara 0]

I was banded October 29th and have my first post-op appointment on November 12. I have no idea how much weight (if any) I have lost as I do not own a scale nor do I intend to buy one. Natural fluctuation of weight can be very discouraging so I would rather just be weighed by my doctor at appointments. I have had a few people already tell me I look like I am losing weight which is wonderful because they don't know I was banded. I have kept that information to myself as I feel somewhat ashamed that I had to be "surgically altered" to lose weight. I make this statement as no relfection on anyone but myself, but I wonder if anyone else is ashamed as well. At the end of the day I just want to feel comfortable in my own skin and I don't want people making comments about how getting banded is cheating. I didn't realize until I started researching it that there was MORE work to be done and MORE restrictions in our diets with LAP-BAND® than with just dieting. I hardly think it's cheating but I am concerned about people being judgemental. Does anyone feel the same way?:crying:

I too am not telling colleagues, family and friends of my lapband decision, and when people comment on my weight loss, I just smile and say, yes, I'm following my Doctor's orders....and getting healthier every day. Others don't have to know, and you can hold your head high, because you are doing all the work. The band is only a tool, afterall, certainly NOT the easy way out, as those judgemental people presume...

[Grams 0]

I too am not telling colleagues, family and friends of my LAP-BAND® decision, and when people comment on my weight loss, I just smile and say, yes, I'm following my Doctor's orders....and getting healthier every day. Others don't have to know, and you can hold your head high, because you are doing all the work. The band is only a tool, afterall, certainly NOT the easy way out, as those judgemental people presume...

I took the opposite approach and told everyone so I have lots of support and they are learning about the lapband, it's good and bad points with me. I'm not ashamed of what I've done but as I'm in the period they call Bandster Hell I am wondering what I've done to myself? I've read enough reports on these sites to know that people are happy with their lapbands so I'm looking forward to feeling that way too. I have 2 wks until my 1st fill and have managed to hold onto the 23 lb loss from pre surgery. I have made an appt. with the psychologist who did my pre-op assessment as she specializes in eating disorders so talking to her can't hurt. Don't be ashamed of your decision I agree it's definitely NOT an easy way out. The important thing is getting healthy not how you do it. Enjoy the compliments and be proud of yourself. the easy way would have been to do nothing.

[Grams 0]

Congratulations on being banded!:crying: Don't worry about what people think, or say. We all know that if we could have lost the weight on our own, we would have. If someone mentions about you have lost weight, just tell them, "thank you. I'm trying".

Keep us informed on your weight loss. We're all in this together.

Blessings,

PitPat:smile2:

Hi Pat,

How is your journey going? Could use some of your blessings today.:w00t:

[celo 0]

I had my surgery on October 18 and I was 471. My 1 week visit post-op I was 446. It think it was mostly Water loss. I don't go back till November 30th. Somedays I feel full and other days I feel like I'm starving. Any advice. Also, I have been telling everyone and anyone that I had LAP-BAND® surgery. Nothing to feel ashamed of. I tell them I'm finally taking care of myself and want to be healthy and live long.

[BBrewer 0]

Hi All!! Been a while since I've been on. Started the new book of my life on October 13th at 259, I'm now down to 213 and feeling GREAT!!!!! Doing just about whatever I want and really enjoying the reactions from my friends. I've been so lucky to have a very supportive network and so looking forward to the next class reunion. LOL I know I'm not following everything to the letter, but I'm walking and not over eating. I have had some pain though and that kinda worries me. Has anyone else had a stabbing, burning pain around the band area?

Hopefully, I can get on more regularly and keep up with everyone. Wishing everyone the best in your new adventure.

[justPenguin 1]

Hi All!! Been a while since I've been on. Started the new book of my life on October 13th at 259, I'm now down to 213 and feeling GREAT!!!!! Doing just about whatever I want and really enjoying the reactions from my friends. I've been so lucky to have a very supportive network and so looking forward to the next class reunion. LOL I know I'm not following everything to the letter, but I'm walking and not over eating. I have had some pain though and that kinda worries me. Has anyone else had a stabbing, burning pain around the band area?

Hopefully, I can get on more regularly and keep up with everyone. Wishing everyone the best in your new adventure.

Yes, I've had the burning pain, to me feels like something is tearing. Talked to doc, he said it's the stitches to secure the band. All you need to do is bend or twist a certain way. He said it's fine, common and will go away. Best of luck!

[ARKAWANA 0]

Pit Pat right don't worry about anyone but you right now What you think is what matters. It is your journey and believe me it is a wonderful trip if you stop the mind games :thumbdown:and the second thinking about other people. I was banded Oct 20, 2010 and go in next week for my first fill. I do have a scale and at first I was on and off it alot now the new has wore off and once a week after a shower I get on and take a look it is always Good News, Not to say I only shower once a week!!!LOL I have lost 10 pounds from surgery from 275.5 to 265.5 in 3 weeks :biggrin:and I have eaten thing that were not on my diet, LOL chips, M&M, pizza, diet coke from sonic.:thumbup: But that was just to make me feel normal, I think I didn't make a meal out of anything "Bad" I know what I have to do and each week it is getting easier, It is hard to teach an old Dog New Tricks or Traites of how to eat. I am sorry to rabble:tt2: on so But just hang in there and Now that next Year is going to be wonderful and keep that in your head everyday you have a bright future God Bless :thumbup:Cherie Arkansas Band Land

[bunny106 0]

Hi everyone! hope youre all doing well. I was wondering if anyone else is hungry as a horse? I was banded on 10/29 and about 3 days afterward my appetite came back, and since then its been increasing. Does anyone have any ideas about how to keep the hunger at bay?

[mnguest 0]

Hi everyone! hope youre all doing well. I was wondering if anyone else is hungry as a horse? I was banded on 10/29 and about 3 days afterward my appetite came back, and since then its been increasing. Does anyone have any ideas about how to keep the hunger at bay?

I was banded on the 29th as well and I am very hungry. I am trying to be prepared (have food that I am supposed to eat available) and eat several small meals during the day. I pureed some chicken last nite and added Terriaki and it was pretty good.

How much have you lost so far? My weight loss has been SLOW! First fill November 24th!

[bunny106 0]

I was banded on the 29th as well and I am very hungry. I am trying to be prepared (have food that I am supposed to eat available) and eat several small meals during the day. I pureed some chicken last nite and added Terriaki and it was pretty good.

How much have you lost so far? My weight loss has been SLOW! First fill November 24th!

thanks for the suggestion, I have to remind myself that this is a temporary situation. Whenever I watch tv I find myself:drool: at all the food ads!

[celo 0]

There are days that I feel really hungry. Some days I don't feel like eating at all. I have had a few days where I had an evening snack - dry Cereal, rye toast. I know I should't and I am trying to control it. My next doc visit isn't until 11/30/10. I wonder if I will get a fill.:thumbup:

[Grams 0]

If we could control our appetites and lose weight without a fill we wouldn't have needed the lap-band. My Dr. says not to worry about losing between surgery and 1st fill (6wks), but to take the time to heal. You'll lose once you get your fill. Be gentle with yourself.

[PitPat 0]

If we could control our appetites and lose weight without a fill we wouldn't have needed the lap-band®. My Dr. says not to worry about losing between surgery and 1st fill (6wks), but to take the time to heal. You'll lose once you get your fill. Be gentle with yourself.

I think of you so often. And you are in my prayers and I send you blessings.

I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Some days are really bad. I want to eat anything and everything. I will be glad to get the fill on 12/1(6 wks. 2 days). Going through the holidays is going to be tough.

I started keeping my great-grandson today. I didn't have time to eat. It has been so many years since I had a little one around. I love it but it lets me know my age. How sad:frown:.

Take care and let me hear from you soon.

Blessings,

Pat

[Grams 0]

I think of you so often. And you are in my prayers and I send you blessings.

I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Some days are really bad. I want to eat anything and everything. I will be glad to get the fill on 12/1(6 wks. 2 days). Going through the holidays is going to be tough.

I started keeping my great-grandson today. I didn't have time to eat. It has been so many years since I had a little one around. I love it but it lets me know my age. How sad:frown:.

Take care and let me hear from you soon.

Blessings,

Pat

Thanks Pat. Looking after your great grandson must be so much fun, and what great motivation to get healthy. I'm going to see my nutritionist tomorrow which is good because I'm way off track with my eating. Up or down a lb or two everyday so I have held on to my pre-op loss but haven't lost any more since surgery. I joined a new website (that the nutritionist recommended) called CalorieKing and it looks like it will be helpful once I get my fill and get going. How's your knee doing? I haven't started exercising yet but I know I need to. I ordered a new treadmill and can't wait to get it. Will be thinking of you as we struggle through these last pre-fill days together. I get my 1st one on Nov.23rd so I'll keep you posted on what you have to look forward to. Take care, because I care.

[PitPat 0]

Pit Pat right don't worry about anyone but you right now What you think is what matters. It is your journey and believe me it is a wonderful trip if you stop the mind games :thumbdown:and the second thinking about other people. I was banded Oct 20, 2010 and go in next week for my first fill. I do have a scale and at first I was on and off it alot now the new has wore off and once a week after a shower I get on and take a look it is always Good News, Not to say I only shower once a week!!!LOL I have lost 10 pounds from surgery from 275.5 to 265.5 in 3 weeks :biggrin:and I have eaten thing that were not on my diet, LOL chips, M&M, pizza, diet coke from sonic. But that was just to make me feel normal, I think I didn't make a meal out of anything "Bad" I know what I have to do and each week it is getting easier, It is hard to teach an old Dog New Tricks or Traites of how to eat. I am sorry to rabble:tt2: on so But just hang in there and Now that next Year is going to be wonderful and keep that in your head everyday you have a bright future God Bless :thumbup:Cherie Arkansas Band Land[/quote

Thank you for the encouraging words...I needed that! It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I had a bad weekend. I wanted to eat everything I could get in my mouth. Now, that's bad!! I am a lot better now. Back on schedule now. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. Blessings, PitPat