Fantastic Info for Baby Bandsters

[Makulafamy 55]

*I originally posted this about 6 months ago, I recently got a request to repost it! Hope some of this helps!

Welcome all newly banded, soon to be banded, or bandsters new to the site. I was thinking this morning, now that I am a little over 9 months out, I could share some information with those of you just beginning your journey. Some of this is kinda common sense, and some of it is info I wish I had understood better before the band.

1. before get very far into your journey, take some measurements. I forgot to do this and now I wish I had my beginning measurements. This is good, bc sometimes when the scale is not moving...you are still losing inches! SO MEASURE YOURSELF!

2. Take some before pictures. I take pictures all the time, but I know some people hate the way they look presurg. But you will wish you had some before pictures after you start losing :thumbup: It's only going to get better afterall!

3. This is really important. And I didnt have a clear grasp on it before surgery. After surgery, and after you heal...you will still be hungry. AND most likely, you will still be able to eat whatever whenever you want. The period after banding and before you first fill is referred to as BANDSTER HELL. It's hell because you have to rely on willpower. What's that you say? I know I know...if we were good at "dieting" then we wouldnt need the band. But for a few weeks at least, prepare yourself to practice restraint. Just bc you can eat it...don't.

4. Know that after surgery, and when you start to eat mushies and real food. Your weight loss will probably stop for a week or so. Your body is going from a really low calorie liquid diet to actual food. It needs time to adjust. So dont get discouraged or give up. Hold on, watch what you eat...and more importantly...start moving.

5. Which brings me to this one. Exercise. It doesnt have to be anything huge! I started walking and I HATE walking. But I set a goal for myself. I wanted to do a 5k. I started walking 1 mile. The next week I added 1/2 a mile and so on. In March, 2 months after my surgery I did my first 5k. Is was a nonscale victory (NSV). Exercising will help your scale start moving again, and even when it appears you arent dropping pounds, you are changing the shape of your body.

6. Start a blog. It's pretty easy. Blogger is one great one. The link to my blog is in my signature. If you go check it out, you will see all of the other ladies that blog. Blogging or reading blogs lets you get to know fellow bandsters on a more personal level and see progress and share experiences.

7. When you go to your doctor ASK QUESTIONS! That's what they are there for...and that's what we (or our insurance) is paying them for.

8. Realize that all doctors are different. You will learn that really quickly on this site. We all have different instructions.

9. Dont be afraid to call and ask your doc if you can change something, move to the next phase sooner..etc. All they can do is tell you know.

10. FILLS! Most of us dont feel any restriction after our first fill. I didnt feel anything until my 3rd fill. My doc is pretty aggressive with fills, if that's what his patients want. I had 4ccs my first fill. I called back bc it didnt do anything for me and went in 2 weeks later for my second fill. He gave me 1.5cc's. Still didnt feel much so I called and went back in one week later and got .5cc's.

11. There will be times, even when you are doing everything right...the scale won't move. Stay strong and stay focused. It will start moving again!

And finally.

11. Love yourself! Dont be ashamed of the band. It is a TOOL. You DO have to work at it. You CAN cheat it. IT IS NOT THE EASY WAY OUT! Be proud of who you are and who you are becoming!

Hope some of this helps!

--Amy

[sberrys 0]

I read this before but it was a great reminder to read thru it again as my surgery is next week. Thanks!

[Patterba 6]

Thanks Amy,

As a week 2 bandster, this was very helpful.

I took the pictures, did the blog, but I did not do the measurements (I AM IN DENIAL).. I really don't want to know how large my ass is around. I want to blur through this until I can get to normal sizes. I know it is a motivator, but I am the type that tends to fixate on numbers.

When on the scale I lift one foot up or lean to one side or forward to see if I can get different measurements.

I know I would have my self constricted like a boa if I were going to start measuring my waist.. "Look it's 30 inches" as my face turns purple..

All in all great tips.. and thanks for sharing.

Be well

Edited November 5, 2009 by Patterba

[Danyett 0]

Thanks Amy! I read your blog all the time..... it was the first blog I found when I was looking into getting my band

[KarynA 0]

THANK YOU! I'm gonna copy and paste this into an email and send it to myslef. Lots of good information! You're awesome.

[meldlc37 0]

Thanks Amy, I'm getting my band in 2 1/2 weeks and this is a great way to know what to expect. And to know that I'm not alone in my struggles and feelings.