DEAR NEWBIES: THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE!

[parithd13 0]

I was just banded Monday (4/18) and I feel like I could eat a Buick. I have had no complications at all. I am still on my liquid diet and counting down the minutes until I can actually chew something besides ice. My husband keeps telling me that this is the worst part. I hope he is right! I am loving these message boards too. So much information!

[bandlady1960 0]

Skinny - love your thread - I think we are about in the same boat only I have no teenagers at home. I was banded 12/29/10 and have lost 67 pounds. My starting weight was 253 and I am 5'5". I am 50 years old and I think I look okay in my size 12 jeans also. It is just so nice to be able to find cute jeans instead of the sam plus size dull looking jeans that draw up at the crotch. It is wonderful to see all the ups and downs are about the same. I really haven't "cheated" yet - I feel too good about what I am eating and the weight I am losing to cheat....lol. I have only had a couple episodes of being "stuck" and it really is uncomfortable, and it just reminds me to slow down and chew. I have found I cannot eat scrambled eggs, rice or bread - they are the most problem foods I have. I have a hard time when I am traveling for my job as far as lunch decisions. I want to go to a restaraunt that has nutrishous food and everyone else wants the fattening stuff. I can usually find something good to eat anywhere tho. I just need to stay focused. Thanks for all your advice and keep up the good work. Good luck to you.

I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

[jennifer1 180]

Wow such an inspirational thread! I will be banded on may 20th and your guys keep me inspired. I cant wait to be a bandster! Thanks for sharing your stories..the good ..bad ..and ugly!

[jennifer1 180]

Wow such an inspirational thread! I will be banded on may 20th and your guys keep me inspired. I cant wait to be a bandster! Thanks for sharing your stories..the good ..bad ..and ugly!

[greasydawg4 0]

Hello all. I was banded yesterday. I'm not in any pain, just very uncomfortable from the air in my stomach. One day in and Im already struggling with getting in my water/liquids. I'm already bloated and a couple sips and I'm done.

[Nicole74 4]

I was banded in July 2010 as well!! I ditto your post...definitly been a ride but NO REGRETS and I am so happy I have lost over 60lbs! I still have 50lbs to go but I feel much more confident that I will get there now!!

[2beskinny 4]

That is awesome nicole! I love all the new confidence 2 1 of the best things about this whole process is that I am confident I will not gain it back. I finally feel like I've done something that is permanent will work forever as long as I keep working it!

[tracey1964 0]

thanks for that i havent done it yet just looking!! we are the same age my son is 27 years (i had him young) im 103 kgs and should be 65 kgs , im not taking this with a pinch of salt i like to know what im about to get into , iv never been one for junk food but i am one for stuffing my self , just love the tast of good food and my own cooking , iv read lots of sad stuff on here , but i like your blog its positive ,,,thanks and keep up your good work..Tracey

I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

[ElizabethNYC 1]

Thank you for sharing!!!