Thank goodness for meds because I am finally starting to feel better. I wanted to take the time to list some of the good things you get to look forward to when you have this surgery. Please keep in mind I have only had my band for 2 months and 6 days. Also, the results will be different for every person. Plus, how much energy and willingness to success you put into the new lifestyle determines a lot of your outcome. I also wanted to mention that a good site to visit is LapBandTalk. It is an awesome forum and you can visit some of the before and after photo postings (Click Here). I hope to post some pics there for Christmas.
It doesn't take much to fill you up after a meal. It is great not to fell hungry, you just have to be careful because even though your belly is full, you brain thinks you are still hungry. Yes, it is possible to still eat when you are full, if you eat the bad things. These items are called "empty calories" because they go right through the band into your stomach. Things to avoid are cheese puffs, cookies, candy, brownies, ice cream, pasta, etc. (pretty much anything you know can easily dissolve in your mouth). WARNING: Don't chew gum, yes it doesn't have many calories and they say it gives you gas (as in you swallow air and it fills up your belly), but the main reason not to chew gum is because if you swallow it, it could get stuck and they would have to remove your band.
I avoid fast food restaurants. After the surgery the only thing I have been able to eat from a fast food restaurant is soup and milkshakes (only three in two months, which would be considered bad because they are counted as empty calories, but sometimes it was all I had for the day). I can honestly say I am happy about it because it saves me a lot of money.
I can't eat fried foods. Yep, you are reading that correctly. About a month after having the surgery, I tried to eat a chicken nugget and OMG did I think it was going to kill me. I don't mind giving chicken up because I loved fish more, but after my first fill, I could no longer eat fried fish. I was mad, but in a way happy at the same time. I still eat fish, but I have to marinade it and bake it. I am sure if I grill it I would be okay too. I have been able to eat beef and chicken too, but only if it is in a sauce and not fried (for example: taco meat, sloppy joes, chopped/diced bar-b-que chicken).
I don't have to take any medication. A month after the surgery (with about 30 lbs lost – close to 10% of my weight lost), I went to see my doctor and requested my need to be on meds to be re-evaluated. After running some tests, he took me off all my meds, which saves me about $120 a month (close to $1500 a year!). Please note this will be different for everyone.
I have more energy. I love the fact I have more energy and seem happier in life. Please note, your energy levels will depend a lot on your mood and what you eat. You need to eat a lot of protein to maintain high energy levels. You can do this through protein shakes (I use strawberry muscle milk) or eating lots of things high in protein (fish, chicken, etc.). The extra energy is great because it allows me to exercise (either through DVD tapes or gym equipment).
You get to go shopping! I know a lot of you will love this option, but don't get too excited. As for me, I like the thought of shopping for new clothes, but at the same time you can't buy tons of stuff because it might not fit in a few weeks or months (everyone loses their weight at different rates and that is something very important to remember). My solution to this issue (especially for my work pants) is to shop via eBay because I can buy it cheaply and in bulk lots.
You get lots of compliments. If you have doubts you are losing the weight, don't worry because sooner or later someone will let you know that you have lost lots of weight. A lot of people where I work have reminded me that I have lost weight and some of the women are a little to feely-touchy for my liking. I guess it is a good thing because I need to be more open. Also, it if bothers you, don't worry I hear that after awhile people get used to you losing the weight.
You look different in the mirror! I wasn't a big fan of the mirror, but I don't mind it now. I can really tell I am losing the weight. If feels nice to be able to see the difference in your body. I will admit I am not crazy about where the fat comes or moves too, but you have to keep in mind it takes time for the body and skin to adjust. I am happy because I am losing some of the belly, which is good because it kills my back.
I am sure there are a lot more positive things, but those of are just few I can think this morning. I need to get some more rest because I am not fully over this cold yet. Laterz!
