Kittycat

Great story Mike! I have yet to be banded, my surgery date is June 10th...and I am so glad for your honesty, I certainly don't want to start this journey with false expectations of miracles. The band is a tool and healthy food choices is the key. You did very well not to gain any of your pre-op weight back without restriction, that's amazing!! Best of luck to you and keep us up to date on your progress! Take Care Cathy

Wow, you have done amazing, you have literally lost a small child, LOL!!! The pics are great, you look very happy and having a great time! Continue to share, before and after pics are my inspiration! Take care, Cathy

That's fabulous! I am amazed at the transformation of MamaMichelle and BeBe at 45 and 25 lbs....it's amazing how much weight that actually is!! I tend to think of a pound and compare it to a pound of butter...10 lbs gone, 10 lbs of butter. Keep up the good work!

Wow, it's amazing how 25 lbs makes such a difference in inches...you look fabulous...I thought the dress was a shirt in the first photo...but it is a cute little dress that looks fab on you! Great job! Cathy

Thanks Lisa, that's the scarey part...looking older and more surgery...I can handle it, not sure if my husband can. I know for sure that I am going to need a tummy tuck or the procedure you had, because that is where I carry most of my weight around the middle. I can exercise my legs and arms (although I have wings and made them done too!!) AWWWW!!! I want so much to lose this 100 + lbs but the thought of having to endure my pain from surgery or the cost is not inviting at all! I won't dwell on it now, I will wait until I have lost the 100 lbs and then look into my options...thanks again! Cathy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!! Cathy

I know exactly how you feel...I don't go to the movies, or anywhere where the seats are small. I have fly on Tuesday morning and I get anxious because the seats are so small, my butt is so big and I always have to ask for a seatbelt extender..and it's embarrassing...but I must keep in mind, as you do, the next time I won't need one and I will fit comfortably in the seat!! Thanks for you reply....you have a great week too!! Cathy

Hi Lisa, If you don't mind me asking, what did you have done after losing 100 lbs? Did you have to have a tummy tuck and breast lift? I had a breast reduction 3 years ago and I am concerned they will deflate. If I have to have plastic surgery done, I will go back to the surgeon who did the reduction, he was amazing and right here in Kitchener, ON, Canada. I guess I should start saving my pennies now!! LOL!! Take care, Cathy

The pre-op diet is very drastic and is designed to reduce the fat in your liver to acheive a safer surgery. Depending on the doctor the pre-op diet can be different. My surgeon recommended 4 Optifast shakes per day with non-starch veggies and water. Generally on this plan weight loss is quick, but without the post-op diet plan would not be sustainable when you begin to eat real food. The the post op diet is band specific. If you can reduce the portion size and reduce the calorie intake without feeling hungry or deprived, you can succeed. Good luck! Cathy

My nutritionist recommended Jamieson Adult Chewable Multi-Vitamin...she said that children's vitamins would not be enough. You can also get B12 in disolvable pocket packs! Cathy

Good Sunday Afternoon Ladies, I just wanted to share my excitement with all of you who have been so supportive and a wealth of information. I am packing to go to a conference for a weekend in Newfoundland, Canada. I went out yesterday and picked up a few things and came home to find that one of the gorgeous tops I bought does not quite fit...a little tight. Normally I would be disappointed and contemplate returning it, but then I realized....in the very near future I WILL be wearing that gorgeous top! I got so excited!! The reality of doing this I think finally struck me! June 10th is going to come up so quickly, whoot woo!!! Have a great weekend ladies! And I will be in touch when I return from Newfoundland on Friday, May 9th!!! Take care, Cathy

I will let you know when I am banded on June 10th!!

Happy Birthday Paula Bee! Here's to a long, healthy life and it's doesn't hurt to look hot either!! Cheers! Cathy

What do you do if the food gets stuck and you get that pain in your chest? Can you slide it down with something other than a drink, like yogurt or something like it? Drinking during meals is going to be the biggest adjustment, but to avoid PBing or stretching my pouch, I will just have to train myself not to. Thanks ladies, Cathy

Hello, It takes alot for a band to slip, based on the consult with my surgeon and a video demonstration on You Tube...the stomach is stitched around the band. But it can slip...vomiting is probably the worst culprit...so ensure that you have anti-nausea medication on hand. If you eat or drink the foods that you have been advised not to....it can stretch the smaller stomach pouch and could possibly cause the band to move or slip. Be good to your band and it will be good to you! Take care Cathy

So when the band slipped, could they not go back in and replace it right away, before you regained the weight you lost? Was it your choice to have it removed? Do you know what caused it to slip? Sorry to be so inquisitive...I am excited but also concerned as well...my surgery date is June 10th. Thanks for your quick reply. Cathy

Hi there, I haven't been banded yet, but what happen to your origina band? Did it slip? Cathy

I would say that you are right on target at 1-2 lbs per week...and 5 lbs gone for good is a huge accomplishment. Keep up the great work!!! Don't be so hard on yourself.....slow and steady wins the race. Take care, Cathy

Glad to hear that all went well! Keep us up to date on how you are doing! Take care Cathy

Hello Ladies, I am Kittycat (Cathy) and I am 45 years old, have been married for almost 19 years to a wonderful guy. I have two sons, 16 and 10. We all live in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and work in the insurance industry. I am very excited about getting my band on June 10th in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I love to travel to tropical destinations and we usually take a family trip annually. In January we went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, had a fabulous time and would love to do it again, 100 lbs lighter. I also enjoy making jewellery and home decorating. I love to chat on Facebook and this forum in the evenings and value all of the friendships I have made here! Here's to starting a life long journey together!! Cathy

Ladies, Don't be so hard on yourselves! There is no race to get this done...it takes time. The main thing is making good choices 99% of the time to promote health and weight loss...but 1% of the time you need to treat yourself. Life is a long journey, never to have a popper or bite of a blizzard ever again! The main problem with dieting is feeling deprived...that's why they don't work. So don't deprive yourself..have a small taste, enjoy it and get back on track, it's okay!!! If I tell myself that after June 10th, I can never have a taste of a blizzard ever again....I may reconsider (LOL!!)..especially because I work beside a Dairy Queen!! Be good to yourselves and you will thrive and be happy! Take care, Cathy

I am 45 and scheduled for banding on June 10th. I am very excited to put yo-yo dieting behind me. I have strugged since my teens with dieting only to end up at highest weight ever. I am looking forward to changing my life and losing the weight for good!! We are curvy sexy gals now...just wait until we are sassy skinnier hot babes! LOL!! All the best in your journey...Cathy

Welcome!!!! Wishing you luck on with your "Journey"!! Cathy

Thanks a bunch! I love Fresca too...almost as much as Diet Coke....good to know..that I may be able to have it at some point....Cathy

Congrats! Glad you are feeling well! Keep us up to date on your progress...and if you have any questions....you know where to come??? Take care Cathy