Any Banders out there?

Blondie: Glad everything went well and you have had a good recovery. I'm a week out and I'm doing wonderful. I have my post op on Friday. I'm excited about everything and cant wait to be a BIG LOSER, hehe.

Hey there.  I was banded July 3rd.  I recovered quick from the surgery but so did my appetite.  It has been hard these last few weeks because I don't even feel like I have my band in.  I hope that my first fill will do the job and kill my hunger.  I am trying to eat right and walk as much as I can but I have gained a few lbs back during this wait for my first fill.  My appt is set for the 14th of this month so I just have 9 more days.  I REALLY enjoyed the feeling of not being hungry the first week or so after my surgery.  I long for that feeling again.  I hope it gets better.

Hey. I havent been banded long, but have read and been told that after the intial swelling has gone down you may feel like nothing is there and may not have any restriction as a fill will provide that. I'm sure your first fill will give you some restriction for a while. Of course once you lose and that stomach starts to shrink you will lose restriction. But thats a good sign in my book, hehe. So your in Macon. Thats cool I actually grew up in Warner Robins. I live in Monticello now. Got married and moved away, but still love going down there for visit. Actually making one tomorrow to go see the family. Are you attending any support groups? Anything close to you??

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  No, I haven't been to a support group yet but I know there is one near me, actually meets about a mile from my house.  I was going to go to the last meeting but completely forgot about it.  I will be keeping my eye out for the next one and will definitely go.  I know that I am having trouble with habitual eating.  Even when I wasn't hungry I still felt myself WANTING to eat.  I knew that would be an issue so I think I am handling it pretty good, but I want to make sure I am doing EVERYTHING possible to be successful.  Good luck to you.

Although I am a Lap Band patient, I find there are more similarities between WLS patients than differences.  Some Lap Band people don't measure, don'****ch what they eat and others do.  I find that just talking to other people who have had surgery to try and resolve their weight issue is helpful for me.  Finding people who are doing it successfully, is even more helpful!

Good luck on your journey!

Yea, I always thought WLS patients are all going through the same thing.We all have issues with our weight. I just havent met any period, lol. I've talked to a bunch on here but have yet to really meet any. OF course I havent gone to any support group meetings. Thats next on my list, just trying to find one that is relativily close to me. I'm close to south metro. Know of any good ones? BTW, you look great. Hope I am as successful with my weight lose journey as you have been. Thanks.

There's a group that meets in Lawrenceville, GA - 3835 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 - once a month.  It's free and from Monticello, about an hour and a half drive.  Not sure if there's something closer.  The next meeting is August 23rd.  You can goto Lawrenceville WINGS for more information.  There is also an Atlanta Lap Band Group- ATL_Bandsters (88 members). 

Hope this helps.  Maybe I'll see you at the next meeting!

Mick

Mick,
 Thank you so much for posting this information. I too am a bandster and found a wonderful support group on Saturday mornings, but I am the only one with the band. I work evenings so I can never make it to the evening meetings. I just submitted my request to get added to Lawrenceville WINGS. I can not wait until I am accepted so I can find out more about the meeting. Hopefully I will see everyone there. For the brand new folks, I am still new too, I can tell you from my experience it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. 3 months out and I am down 30 pounds and feeling more energetic that I have in a very long time. I am even stopping off at the gym every night on my way home from work. Best of luck to everyone and hope to meet at least some of you soon.
Heather