Dapzilla

As an aside, I'm actually an atheist. I know other people have lost more quickly, but I'm not worried! It's not a race - this rate of loss is obviously right for my body, and for how I'm working my band. It's ALL GOOD. I'm so happy to have my band, and I'm very proud of myself for taking the step to do this. Surgery is scary - but I know this was the right thing to do. Eye on the next big goal: another 25 pounds!

Woohoo! Had to share my 50 pound milestone with everyone. I was banded October 20, 2008 (in PA), so it's been just shy of 7 months, but it's slowly coming off!!

Wow - this is a great article. Thanks for posting it! I have my first fill in about 2 weeks, and have now hit the "no restriction" phase. The article is a good reminder that this is normal, and everything is working as it should.

Congrats, Jazzy!! You're doing so awesome - what an inspiration!

Congrats on your band! When I was in my creamy soups stage, I used the College Inn Bold Stocks (Sirloin, Roasted Chicken, Wine and Herbs) to mix them instead of water (or skim milk). It kicked up the protein, and made the soups really flavorful. After having soups day-in-day-out, I was looking for anything to vary up the taste. Those "bold" stocks really helped. Oh, and someone here recommended a dash of taco sauce (not salsa) in cheddar cheese soup. Holy cow - that was yummy, too. Anyhow, best of luck on your journey as you move on to soups! Soft foods around the corner!!

HOLY MOLEY!!! You two look fantastic!! What an inspiration. =D> I'm a few days shy of a month post-banding, and weight loss just slowed down a bit for me - totally normal and healthy I know. It's awesome to see success stories that highlight the potential journey in the months ahead. You and your son look great.

I wasn't banded at the OCC, but I imagine the logic should be the same: I was told "eat light" the day before surgery so there wasn't a bunch of undigested food in my system, and no eating or drinking anything after midnight before surgery.

I took a nutrition class in preparation for my band, and the way I understand it is that you want to drop your caloric intake without sending your body into starvation mode (metabolism slows to a crawl in order for the body to preserve itself.) You have to get enough protein because our bodies burn carbohydrates first, then proteins including your muscles, and finally fats. You need to give the body plenty of protein to enable it to burn the stored fats instead of your muscle tissue (which causes the dreaded metabolic drop.) Lost muscle mass means lower metabolism, and slower weight loss. Protein keeps the body operating, it helps with cellular repair and growth (to help against sagging skin,) and bonus - it keeps us feeling fuller, longer.

How frustrating when it feels like you are doing everything right! Dianna, though I am a humble newbie, it looks like you don't have enough protein or fiber. One ounce of meat has 7 grams of protein, so assuming you are shooting for 60-70 grams of protein a day, you are missing that by a lot. If you could add in a protein shot or protein shake to your morning routine, it would help you hit target. Also, the fiber would be coming from your veggies, but your portions are small, so you probably could use a boost. Benefiber powder comes pretty recommended, and might help your body flush things out (no pun intended.) Good luck - I have my fingers crossed for you.

Just 3 more days until "regular" food for me! I can't wait... I've been thinking about the Weight Watcher options at Applebees. I remember back when they first came out, I was on Weight Watchers - and I was so "starving" after eating them because the portions were so small. I have a strong feeling that won't be the case anymore!

Beautiful dress - beautiful lady.

Trav, I know how you feel!! I am craving chinese food and pizza in the worst way...

WOW. Those sorts of successes are a long way off for me, but I sure look forward to them!! I'm so psyched for you - what a great way to start the day!

Welcome, G! :-h

Drinkable yogurts are under full liquids, just like soups. I agree about WOW on the weight loss! I'm jealous! WAY TO GO!

I think it really depends on what insurance you have. I have Capital Blue Cross in Pennsylvania, and there were no coverage hurdles to speak of. Now, this was not a light decision for me, but, honestly I had no issue whatsoever with getting insurance to approve. No pre-op hurdles, no lengthy waiting period. I am 34 and have no health conditions other than "morbid obesity." While you may end up out-of-pocket, don't write off your insurance without checking with your doctor/surgeon to see if they will submit as medically necessary. If your surgeon does a lot of lap band surgeries, they know the routine... Whether out-of-pocket or not, best of luck on your weight loss journey!!

Well, I survived. I was banded in Central PA on Monday... surgery took about an hour, and within another hour or so, I was in my room, somewhat groggy from the anesthesia. Felt like I was doing pretty well, sucking on ice chips, just a few sips of water. They measured pain on a 0-5 scale, and I honestly never went over 3. My overnight in the hospital didn't go as well - I guess I was having a reaction to the anesthesia, or maybe the morphine. Started setting off the oxygen meters, my IV started beeping like crazy for some reason, and then around 4AM, I started throwing up. Nothing quite like throwing up with a bellyful of poke-holes. Holy cow, not only did it hurt, it was scary, worrying that I was going to pop something, or slip my band. The doctors assured a teary me it would be OK, though, and after a flouro in the AM, they said the band was right where it should be. I was released later that afternoon, and man was it good to be home. (Nothing beeping or poking me here! Woohoo!) So, it's Thursday now and I'm doing well. The pain isn't bad at all. I'm excited because I'm allowed full liquids today (my surgeon has me on a different schedule than the OCC docs, I'm guessing from other posts) and strained cream of chicken never tasted so good. Sip, sip, sip...walk, walk, walk. Anyhow, I just wanted to share an update that I've crossed over to the other side!

My band date is coming up, too... Monday the 20th. Even though I'm being banded at a hospital in PA, I certainly have learned my mantra from this forum, yes indeed: Sip Sip Sip, Walk Walk Walk. Oh, and going to stock up on popsicles this weekend.

Stormy - I work in HR, so I deal with flex accounts all the time. It's pretty standard to request "medical necessity" just to rule out cosmetic procedures. Morbid obesity diagnosis should do the trick.

The obvious "pro" of the band over bypass is that it is waaaaay less invasive, and it's reversible if need-be. The success stories here on the forums are pretty convincing. It's not the "easy" answer to be sure, since surgery is never easy, but it's a good tool to help with a healthy eating plan. The OCC has good credibility, as members here have shared. I am personally being banded by a surgeon in PA, covered by my Blue Cross insurance...I am very, very lucky in that regard. I mention this only because you shouldn't rule out coverage by your insurance. Call the insurance company and find out! If you're not covered (under any circumstances), check into financing as another option. Whatever you decide, wherever you decide - Good Luck with your weight loss goals!

A bunch of coworkers of mine went on Chantix and had great results... they said it takes the "pleasure" out of smoking, so there isn't a desire for it. Weird, but cool. You've probably seen the Chantix ad on TV - it's the one with the adorable little turtle running, er, walking a race. My doctor told me I have to go off my birth control pills 2 weeks before the surgery (because of clotting risks). Yikes. I've had gallbladder surgery and that doctor never mentioned that!

The band isn't for everyone. I have to say with honesty that I am nervous about my upcoming surgery because of my lifelong relationship with food... it's hard to think that I won't be physically able to stuff myself anymore, and I'm mourning that, in a way. There are going to be people who can't understand why I would give that up, I know, but I'm 300 pounds (as much as I hate to type those numbers.) Coming to grips with that truth, my life (and your life, Stormy) are worth more than the food, and that's how we have to look at it. I'm not being banded at the OCC (though I am so thankful to be welcomed here on these boards!) but my doctor told me to be aware that losing weight, and the change in relationship with food can affect relationships and marriages. Like a previous poster said, it's a life changing event. I'm pretty thankful that my husband is going through the process to be banded, too, hopefully in November or December. My heavier co-workers (the few I have told) can't believe that I am doing this. My skinny-mini best friend gets it, thankfully, and is here for me 100%. She doesn't want to see me develop diabetes.

OK, I hate to sound like a dumdum, but why the sports bra? Or is this only if you are very well endowed? I'm scheduled for my surgery date (in PA) on the 20th, and want to be prepared. I wouldn't have thought about the bra...but I'm sure there is a good reason behind it.

A girlfriend who already has her band said she wished she brought chapstick...she told me add it to my must-haves for my upcoming surgery date!