Originally Posted by Gina in NY

Doesn't matter what you can eat, just matters what you do eat.

Originally Posted by Chubbola

welcome to the site! everyone here is wonderful-tons of support!
i didn't find this site until i switched my surgery from the band to gbp---my insurance is giving me heck...so when i was going for the band, i visited lapbandtalk.com just about every day! it's all people who have had or will have the band! it's also a great site-check it out if you have time!

Originally Posted by LisaM

Glad you're with us... the support's always there, but sometimes patience is in order. Some of us post all the time, but most have work that keeps them too busy to use the 'puter during the day. You might be surprised... I've had some threads resurrected months or even as much as a year later!

Anyway, welcome to the friendliest corner on the web. Pull up a thread and set a spell...

Originally Posted by SheSheGirl

oh sure and bloomer this is for you too.....well it wasnt much rocket science to my decision. i wanted the lap band because it was the most or less invasive procedure. also, to be honest too, because of how private i am about this issue i didnt want the weight to "fall" off me. i wanted something gradual where people wouldnt think i had something done. since it would be gradual, i could easily just say to people who asked that i changed the way i eat. i know some people think you should shout it out and be proud be i am just painfully private. i really am. also, the lapband didnt have alot of down time. recovery wasnt going to be that long. they made it sound like some people are up and running(not literally) in 3-4days. that wasnt me! but i started to feel better and mobile in about 8days. i only took 2 weeks off of work and went back like nothing happened. just last week or so, somebody finally asked me if i was losing weight. i simply said...yes and thats the type of reaction i wanted. i wanted a slow evolution, if you will. of course 40lbs in 2months isnt that slow to alot of people but i think when you're a certain size it takes longer for people to notice the change. i also do not have children and wanted to have 1 or 2 therefore, the band was and is very flexible with meeting my wants and needs. it seems like it will be more challenging because you can eat anything, basically. so i will really have to curb my urges to eat things that i love, junk food really!! chocolate, cheese twist etc. i havent really tried to eat these things but have had a taste and didnt get sick so i kind of know that i have to just avoid it. so here goes....i'll share another fact that i have never shared with anyone including my hubby. prior to the surgery i weighed 298! wow i said it! lol but this is my new family so there ya go!! now i weigh in at 258-259 as of monday. i want to weigh myself tonite and will after i get off of here. oh and i am 5'7 and my goal is about 160-170. i'll see when i get there though
i really really hope to hear from sooooooo many people here. i cant bring myself to go to a meeting and would like the support. i was getting up the nerve to go but then i found this place so i'm hoping i can find what i'm looking for and seems like i will. i will try to make to a support meeting as well though. please offer up some advice, how to balance meals, what i should look for in foods, like what i should get out of meals. are snacks ok and what kind etc etc etc. am i asking too much? i'll go now.
thanks everyone for the warm welcomes. i'll be seeing you!!!

Originally Posted by AriesGirl78

Thanks for answreing my question. I have considered the band, but I have too many reservations. I will not go into details, since that is the road you took. I think support groups are very important and I plan to attend once I have my surgery. I work in the mental health field, so I can see the importance of support for mental well being. I can understand about being private, but you should not be ashamed. If someone asks, I will have no problem telling them what I chose to do for my health. My family knows I have been through hell over the years with my weight, so they know I am doing this for a reason. If I was able to do it on my own and keep the weight off, I would not be here! I do not know you, so do not think I am judging.... I just know it is not good for ones self to be so "private" and not seek outside support. Good luck, Renee

Originally Posted by JenBear7

Welcome... keep in mind, that your loss is bound to be different than the majority of the folks on here. Most have had the RNY surgery which includes malabsorption and dumping syndrome... you lack those 2 specific tools... so the loss is slower (but it sounds like you were aware of that). I originally researched the band and decided it wasnt for me... you mentioned that you are already having issues with junk food.. that is one of the major downfalls with the band... you have to be the one in charge... stay strong..

Good luck.. and keep us posted.... I cant wait to watch your progress...

(and Jennifer... just because she said band doesnt mean its the kind of band that groupies follow! GEESH!).