just joined

[masmith 0]

Hi everyone, I was banded December 19, 2007 and I have lost 42 pounds. Being banded is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I thought about it for a while before I did, and hesitate some, because I felt it was taking the easy way out, but now I realize it is just a tool. So far a very effective tool. I exercise on a regular basis and I think about what I am eating more.

[BumbleBree 0]

Well Hello and Welcome! Congrats on the wonderful weightloss! I know u must be thrilled. I have not been banded yet but will be on the 24th of this month.I'm looking forward to my journey..I am however a lil nervous . I try to look at the big picture tho..so is there any advice u would give to someone like me about to start?

[kamica 0]

Hey Bumble Bree- We will have the same banding birthday. "If" I don't chicken out. I'm starting to get super nervous, and doubt my decision. How are you feeling?

[masmith 0]

Enjoy it. I have had a wonderful experience. I have been blessed to have no complications; I was not even in pain afterwards. Just the weight loss so far has made me more energetic and outgoing. I have joined a belly dancing class, something I never would have done before. There are changes you are going to have to get use to, as far as eating is concern. Just listen to your doctors and follow their advice. Start planning now what you are going to eat. Start storing the foods/liquids you are going to need after surgery, so there is no stress over what you are going to have. You should have already started the pre-op diet, so you should have some idea as to the Protein shakes/drinks you like. Just make sure you have plenty on hand. Keep using this site and get all the support you can.

[Froggi 4]

congrats and welcome to LBT!

[BumbleBree 0]

Last night I got nervous but I try to remember why i am doing this...I hope u donmt chicken out !! I would love to have a bandster buddy to help each other out! where r u from?

[BumbleBree 0]

I hope my expierence will be a great one as well...however I am wondering why I never had a pre op diet to do..its strange...only the day before surgery is clear liquids..ever heard of that?>

[kamica 0]

I'm from Alabama. I went for my pre admission for the hospital today, and paid

my part of the lap band. I felt pretty good at the hopital. Talking to the

nurses, doctors etc.... Then on the way home, I went into panic mode. This is

scaring me to death. I don't know why, or where the emotions are coming from.

I was SO certain about my decision. I've been researching this for over a

year. I've been thrilled at the thought of NOT buying clothes lately (on sale)

because I know that this will be the last season of my life that I will be in

the "plus" sizes. By next summer I should be in the regular misses dept. So

why the fear? I guess anytime we go into the unknown it will be un nerving.

I'm worried about: recovery, two weeks without food, following the rules,

complications, 5 years down the road. All unknown! I'm certain that every

bandster has gone throught the same emotions. I just hope that we both have a

VERY Happy Banding Birthday. I look forward to hearing from you. I will keep

you in my prayers, please do the same for me. Good luck. I will have to stay

overnight in the hospital because of the hernia. I will try to email you on

Thursday to let you know how it went. Good Luck.

[masmith 0]

All I can say is different doctors have different ways of doing things. My doctor through his experience has determined that the week works better for surgery. He stated that it shrinks the liver giving him more room to work and it also prevents the "last meal" binge.

[masmith 0]

Kamica, yes there is some nervousness. For me it was the fear of what if I fail this time too. It is a surgery, so there are risk involved and that is scary. But being overweight, unable to do things with my husband and children, always feeling as if people were staring at me, or no matter how much my outfit cost I still did not look good, were all worst for me. Pray on it, discuss with your doctors and support system. For me my support is my husband and I discussed all my fears with him and we looked at them all an determine the sugery was still the best choice. It is a life style changes. After the sugery there may be foods you can not eat, there could be complications. You still have work to do. All of those things have to be considered. Hope this helps.

[kamica 0]

Yes ma it helps. Any advice is helpful. Today I'm much better the fear is starting to diminish. I've trusted the Lord to point me in a direction, and this is where he led. If this is what he wants for me, I'll sail through it. By your faith you are healed. Right?

[BumbleBree 0]

Kamica,

I would love to be banding buddies especially since we are being banded on the same day. Im having all kinds of crazy emotions going on now..its almost overwelming. I know it will be so worth it but Im just scared of the unknown as well..however we could help each out and go though it together , if u wanna. let me know. might be easier through email or Aim or something. lemme know whatcha think

[kamica 0]

Bumble Bree- I get your respnses on my e-mail through lap band. I don't know how or why. I tried to "reply" to you but it was returned stating no reply available at lap band. I would love to keep in touch, and I hope you will let me know how it went for you. Good luck Tuesday. And, for me the emotions are truning from fear to excitement. I realized it takes alot of courage to do what we are doing. We are walking into the unknown with faith that we will succeed. Good luck again, and keep me posted.

Where do you live?

[BumbleBree 0]

hmm thats strange..anywho..here is my email Bumblebreemomma@gmail.com feel free to email me anytime! I was really nervous last night and I am feeling pretty good today.. we will see how the rest of this pans out. I live in michigan but I should be moving to west virginia in a month or two. I will keep u updating on how tommorow goes. Please do the same. Good luck tommorow! I know we are making the right decision to do it...I started my Clear Liquids today and my hunger pains are starting to come..I have a hard time drinking stuff anyways..But I gotta do what I gotta do. lets hang in there!

[crazgirl2006 0]

I am also new to this sight. I thiink its great.... I have learned a lot