GAY Bandsters

[michiganer 0]

Thanks Edd! I saw your post on the Central Florida Bandsters thread. I'm just outside of Orlando. I'm still waiting on some paperwork before I will know if I am approved by Cigna. I'm not even approved and I am nervous too! Good luck on your surgery and keep us posted on your progress! Trisha

[Bozlee 0]

Will do, also keep us posted on your progress.

[OH Juli 15]

aint this something

I didn't know this thread was out there.

Hi gang. You can read in my signature I was banded in March. I'm 2 weeks away from my 6 month annivarsary. It's hard to believe I've been doing this for half a year. I feel like I've just started which is fantatstic! I used to be DONE with any diet a few months into it....but this isn't a diet.

I'm a big ol' queer girl in Columbus, Ohio.

[Bozlee 0]

aint this something

I didn't know this thread was out there.

Hi gang. You can read in my signature I was banded in March. I'm 2 weeks away from my 6 month annivarsary. It's hard to believe I've been doing this for half a year. I feel like I've just started which is fantatstic! I used to be DONE with any diet a few months into it....but this isn't a diet.

I'm a big ol' queer girl in Columbus, Ohio.

Juli, I just wanted to say I think you are doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work. It gives all of the rest of us newbies hope!

[MickATL 3]

Hello everyone! I was banded on 6-18-07 and I've lost 155 lbs since. I lost 30+ lbs prior to surgery with diet & exercise so I started at 292 the day of surgery. However, I count ALL pounds lost since I still had to watch what I ate and exercised to get them off.

For people struggling with their bands, it can work. You just have to find the right restriction, change how you treat food, stop listening to your fat inner child (we all have one) and start moving your body. There are many rules being successful with any WLS. I think the trick is surrendering yourself to the process and to stop being a diva who thinks she knows everything. If we knew how to be thin, we wouldn't have gotten ourselves into this dilemma would we? I truly had to get honest with my dietician about what I ate, how much I ate, when I ate and listen to her suggestions. That was probably the hardest thing I've done.

Today, I'm a different person. Maybe not the big burly bear I used to be but I could care less. That's all gay culture B.S. anyway. I'm happier, healthier, have more energy and stamina. My partner eats the way I do and has lost 40 lbs since I've started. It's been a wonderful journey and I recommend it to anyone who is willing to change. This is so not "eat less to weigh less". You have to eat lower calorie, low fat foods,measure everything and start to exercise. Yes I said the E word.

Good luck to everyone. I wish you all much success on your journey!

[cheri52 1]

:thumbup:Hi mick, you have done an amazing job of this, we should all learn from you!!! congrats ! I'm finding the same thing, I floundered around for too long avoiding the E word, now that I've stepped that up, the wt. is starting to move. It's actually quit exiciting.

[Thom1955 0]

I hate myself!!! I'm 14 days out before surgery and liquid diet started today. I got up at 4am - doing great all do - sugar free Jello, chicken broth, Protein Drinks, more sf jello, more broth, more Protein drinks, then at 5pm, I couldn't take it and fried 3 eggs and Breakfast sausage links - now, I'm bloated and feeling full of guilt - I have to try again tomorrow - will I ever make it to my bandday of march 18th - help!!! what else can I drink to make me feel like i'm eating something!!!!

[OH Juli 15]

Tomato Soup, applesauce, really runny mashed potatoes.

You can do it. Also, I'd suggest you post this on the main forum, you'll get more support out there because more people will read it.

[Thom1955 0]

Thanks Julie - I do great all day, then get home and yikes - got to eat! I had a runny scramble egg tonight and a little chicken salad, 'cause i read that someone was able to eat that during this phase - i get more willpower as i get close to "B" day - march 18! Your support is wonderful! Thanks from Seattle! Tom

[pennyg 0]

I was planning on going to Mexico fro my procedure. Any words of wisdom?

[dezbus1 0]

Really do your home work, I had mine done in Mx, and have been very lucky, I live 2 hrs away, so I am able to go and get my fills really easy, also my doc office is easy to get a hold of, via phone or email.

Good Luck

[Delmarstarr 0]

aint this something

I didn't know this thread was out there.

Hi gang. You can read in my signature I was banded in March. I'm 2 weeks away from my 6 month annivarsary. It's hard to believe I've been doing this for half a year. I feel like I've just started which is fantatstic! I used to be DONE with any diet a few months into it....but this isn't a diet.

I'm a big ol' queer girl in Columbus, Ohio.

Congratulations Juli,

I'm pre band on South Beach Diet since May 17th. The picture was taken at our wedding on June 21st. After 29 years together, we finally got married. Yea!!!

I have been worried about doing this at age 68, but several others in my support group are in their 60's so I'm feeling a bit better about it.

Ten years ago I lost 85 pounds over two years but was only able to keep it off for another year then started regaining.

It's not losing that's so hard, it's keeping it off. I'm hoping that the band will make it so I can't regain.

Any other newlyweds from CA out there?

Mary