Kittycat

Feeling down is understandable...it is a normal reaction to feeling deprived, and we all can agree that the pre-op and post-op diet plan is depriving you of eating and enjoying food like we used to. We are here to support you, what ever you need. I haven't been banded yet, but that doesn't mean I don't understand what you are feeling. I have spent my life on diets and feeling down about not being able to have the foods I want and then feeling down about gaining weight because I didn't have the willpower to stop eating. It's a vicious cycle. It takes time for your body to adjust to the reduction in food and calories...sometimes the body holds onto the weight for awhile, but eventually drops off, give it time. Talk to you doctor, get support wherever you can, even a nutritionist can help. I wish you success, you can do this....we all can!!! Take care Cathy

I am in the beginning stages of getting banded, I have had my first surgical consult and I am currently waiting for my psych and nutitional assessement. I took the afternoon off to go the appointment last week...and the girls at work were already asking questions. We have a very close knit group at work and I would feel totally comfortable telling certain people about my plans to have surgery, but I am concerned about others. I have confided in two of my co-workers/friends and of course my husband and best friend, but that's it. I have sworn them to secrecy. My concern is if I tell people, I will forever have people looking over my shoulder critizing what I am eating or not eating and I don't want or need that. Very few people have done the research to find out about lap band and will have their opinions, some negative. I feel like I am deceiving the people closest to me and would like to tell them, but part of me is saying that it's not beneficial to me to do so. So I can I understand why you feel torn, I do too. My mother doesn't even know. I know she would be my biggest supporter. I guess I am not ready to share this right now. You don't have to tell anyone and that's your choice. There are many reasons you can state for the change in your eating habits and weight loss and the other girls have come up with great ones and true ones. The bottom line is ...this is your decision...you life...and it's no one elses business. Good luck with your journey....and remember your biggest supporters are right here!! Take care Cathy

Best of Luck with your travels and surgery, you will do fine! It's an exciting time for you and rewards will make it worth it! Let us know how you are doing when you get back. Take Care Cathy

Question, how do you get your picture within a message? Thanks Cathy

Looking good Paula Bee!! I can see a difference already! Cathy

Thanks MamaMichelle, it worked!

Hey, you are down 5 lbs since banding...good for you!!!! Cathy

If not, can you tell me how I do this? Thanks!

Name and Location: Cathy from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Age: 45 Gender: F Band Date: June 10/08 Canada Height: 5ft Highest weight: 285 Current Weight:240 Sep 6/08 Goal Weight: 140-150

I can't wait to... Wear a dress without my thighs rubbing together. Wear a belt and not be self-conscientious about how fat it makes my butt look! Wear shoes with a heel comfortably. Cross my legs. Take a flight w/o asking for the seatbelt extender. Being able to paint my toenails without struggling. Being able to wear a tank top or halter top and actually show my arms (without the wings)!! Take a picture of myself without two chins. LOL!! Walk, walk, walk without hip pain, sciatica and shortness of breath. Oh I could go on and on....I am still somewhat in shock..when I think of all this being possible, after all of these years of not being able to do the above. Woot Hoo!!! Cathy

Well Redhead, you are on your way...the hard part is almost over and you will be running up those stairs, briefcase and all in no time!! You go girl!! Cath

Thanks! My surgeon gave me a demonstration on Wed with a plastic stomach and band w/port...I was really surprised at how small the band is!! Now I see why they say that the opening is so small and to chew, chew, chew! Cathy

Congrats! While you were gone I have my first surgical consult, it went very well and I am waiting for my next appt for psych and nutritional assessment in the next week or two. The surgeon said that surgery could be book fairly quickly...so I am hoping for a date mid-June!! Yeh! I am on my way to joining "the band"!! BTW you are doing fantastic!! Take care Cathy

I am not sure how they rate it...I am advanced and haven't been on the forum for a month yet??? Maybe I talk (email) too much!! LOL!! Cathy

So sorry to hear that your friend is having difficulty support your decision. I can understand her concern about having surgery for weight loss, my husband gave me the same argument about surgery being such a drastic measure for weight loss, but after I explained everything to him and told him how important it was to me...he's been very supportive. I hope your friend comes around. You need to make decisions for you..your health and quality of life. You will have all the support you will need right here on this forum..the ladies are fabulous. I haven't been banded yet either and after being on this forum for a month or so and researching Lap band surgery and post op, I know that I have made the right decision. I have had my first surgical consult and I am now waiting for my psych and nutritional assessment...surgery could be as soon as mid-June here in Canada. I have heard amazing things about OCC and would have had no issues going there, but unforunately my husband does, so I booked it in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I trust the health care completely here in Ontario and to avoid marital discord while going through this challenge, I compromised. I get the band and he's supportive as long as I have it done close to home. Good luck with your decision...do it for you!! Cathy

In Canada, there is no time limitation for receipts...I would say yes, it wouldn't be fair to deny it. Cathy

So where are you from in Canada? I am in Kitchener,Ontario. Cathy

I checked on the GNC website and no Special K water...but lots of alternatives. Cathy

Thanks that's good to know....I am having sx in Canada at a cost of 15K!!! I guess next year's income tax will be a nice one! Cathy

Thanks everyone for your advice...I do love bread, but will not sacrafice my health or weight loss to have it. Cathy

Hi Ladies, For those bandsters who are well on their way to eating healthy...my Dr. said no bread, too sticky and could get stuck....but can you have crackers, melba toast etc. Is that ok? What if you were to eat a small peice and wash it down with some water? I haven't been banded yet...but I am researching everything I can, and cannot have when the big day comes when I can eat food. Thanks everyone! Cathy

Hey you, I am glad to hear you are doing well....did he say what to do to resolve the shoulder pain? Cathy

Wow good for you...how exciting...I am waiting for my date...hopefully mid-June...here in Ontario, Canada. Best of luck and keep us up to date...Cathy

Make it a chunky soup and I am sure it would pass for a meal!!! Enjoy! Cathy

Are you feeling full after eating your meal? Cut out the slim fast and eat food. Make sure you are getting your vitamins and your body should adjust. It doesn't look like you are eating enough and maybe your body is holding onto the lbs because it's going into starvation mode.?? Good luck...it will happen, don't stress over it. Cathy