Kittycat

She's gorgeous, I just love kitties!!! I only have one, my husband is allergic to animals, but manages to be okay with one. thanks for sharing the pics! Cathy

You are doing fantastic, that dress will be too big in no time!!! Good for you! Cathy

Hi Valeen, I thought you were a newbie....welcome to the forum...have you been banded yet? If you need anything at all, you just have to ask! Take care, Cathy

Don't worry about the past, focus on the future and pray for a fabulous fill and you are on your way!!! Mine's tommorrow too...Good Luck Cathy

I still have restriction 5 weeks later, but it's getting less and less, my first fill is tommorrow. My surgeon told me not to expect weight loss between surgery and first fill. I guess I was one of the lucky ones who's band alone provided restriction. You can do it, just eat as your surgeon recommends and if you need to snack to feel full, eat healthy snacks. When is your first fill? Cathy

Congrats Steve and Welcome!! Good luck with your surgery and if you have any questions, just ask! Cathy

Do you have a hand blender? If not get one...I mushed it up with that and it went down soooo nice! Cathy

My saving grace was Wendy's chili and Cream of Potato mixed with Cream of Cheddar soup. Unsweetened chocolate pudding and Skinny Cow Fudgecicles. You can do it...I craved chewing something so much my teeth hurt...so I would get some low fat crackers or crispers and chew the crap out of them until they were mush. I didn't to it often, but when I went stir crazy, that got me through. Good luck! Cathy

Hi Tadpole, It's absolutely normal to have second thoughts and wonder if....but you can do this. I too have not had heartburn since being banded and used to get it so bad it would make me cough uncontrollably. None since. I also haven't had any night sweats attributed to pre-menopause since starting the pre-op diet and my sciatica is much better. It's worth it!!! Like the others said, you can eat around the band, but you need to chose not too. It's a total lifestyle change and you must be committed to do it. I was unsure whether I could, I am a junk food junkie...but I am doing it, one month post op and I am doing it!!! Good luck sweetie!!! Cathy

Wow, I don't nearly that much at all! Some days I don't even get a fruit in??? I eat my protein, veggies and maybe a bit of grains, fruit sometimes in the morning, if I am still hungry after eating my cereal. I don't think I could eat what he suggested and protein too...I can barely get in 1/2 cup cereal in the morning, lean cuisine for lunch and meat and veggies for dinner. I try not to snack, but if I need to..I will eat fruit or veggies. That is very interesting! Cathy

Honestly now that I am on the road to a thinner me...I don't even pay much attention to BMI at all. My goal is 140, my surgeon says don't push it and shoot for 150. For every lb you lose your BMI goes down, that's all I care about. Best of luck! Cathy

Hi Julie, You exercised great self-control...2 is okay...but my suggestion would be to get them out of the house. It may be too tempting to have them stashed in the freezer. Bring them to work and share them with your co-workers and before you know it, they are all gone! You done good girl! Keep up the good work! Cathy

Hi Stormy, have him talk to the surgeon. It took me a full week to recover and my surgeon did not recommend any lifting over 20 lbs for 6 weeks. Men tend to recover more quickly, but I would check with the surgeon just incase, he does need take some time off or lighten his work load. Good luck you guys, I am so happy you're doing this for yourselves!!! Take care, Cathy

THAT'S AMAZING...YAHHHHHH!!! I am so happy for you!!! That's incredible! I knew you'd be okay and now you and your hubby can go do it and get healthy and hot!!! Book that surgery and start your new life!!!! If you have any questions at all, just ask. Take care and best of luck! Cathy

Hi Kelsey, Here are some answers to your questions: What kinds of foods will i not be able to have after the surgery? ***The surgeon will recommend a diet plan, protein, veggies, grains/starches and fruit and you eat in that order. You will need alot of protein to promote good health and weight loss. how much do you feel the fills? is it worth it to get the area numbed first? **The fill is a small needle inserted into the largest incision, I haven't had a fill yet, it's on Wednesday. But from what I have read here, it does not hurt at all. I am still in school, and my lunches mainly consist of sandwiches, will bread be a problem? ***Bread can propose a problem, buns and doughy bread can get stuck. Some people can have bread, others can't. I have multi-grain bread or toasted english muffins and they go down fine. what are they looking for in the pre-op exam? ***OCC is different than other clinics. I had my surgery a month ago in Canada. I had a psych assessment, nutritional assessment and surgical consult, which explained how everything works. The key is make the committment to change your lifestyle. You must be mentally ready to do this. Ready to follow strict instructions and do has the surgeon recommends. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Alot of it is mind over matter and willpower. The band is tool to assist in healthy weight loss. Although you can eat your favourites in moderation, to promote weight loss, it's best to follow the protein, veggies, grains and fruit rule. So far I haven't hit the grain or fruit stage. I am full after protein and veggies. I wish you much luck in your decision and again if you have any questions, just ask! Take care, Cathy

Kelsey, welcome to the forum...if you have any questions at all, just ask! We are here to support you and whatever decision you chose. Take care, Cathy

Wow, you can definitely see a difference...I'm with MamaMichelle...I wish I had smaller arms and legs! You are a lucky lady! Keep up the great work! Cathy

Julie Burns is 46...OMG!! I would have thought you were only in your 20's...wow, you look very young!!! Cathy

If the bank doesn't work out...try www.mymedicalloan.com. Cathy

Good for you!! I see your stats have changed, that's great....I hope you can hit your sweet spot next time. My first fill is on Wednesday....they are only giving me a little one to start because I still have some restriction. I am only one hour from the clinic, so I can book one anytime, which is a bonus! Take care, Cathy

Congrats on your decision! Anything you need to know, you will find here, welcome!!! Cathy

All the summer pants and tops that I bought that were too tight...I have a whole new wardrobe this summer!!! Cathy

Whoot hoo!!! Fabulous...so happy your fill is working for you....I have my first one on Wednesday! Keep up the great work! Cathy

That's too funny and amazing...it's really awesome how the body changes when you lose alot of weight. Way to go! More bones will show up soon! Cathy

Me either Cath