Bandster Quiz

I found this on another Bandster's blog and thought it was something fun:

How long have you been banded? 2 years and 4 months.

What was your highest pre-band weight? / Current weight now? / Total lost to date? Highest: 444 lbs / Current: 383 lbs / Total lost to date: 61 lbs (I've lost 81 but gained 20 back).

What is your best "go-to" food to get in your protein? I prefer chicken when I can get it, but when I'm at work with few choices, I have a few protein shake packets in my desk. They don't keep me full, though, just tide me over until lunch or until I get home for supper.

What is your favorite protein brand/shake? I'm still trying to find a shake I really really like. GNC had a brand called beFulfilled and it was better than most, but they discontinued it. Their Lean Shake line is similar tasting, though, so I'll probably stick to that when I need it. I generally don't like shakes though and would rather get the same calories from food that will fill me up.

What food do you miss the most now being post-band? Soda. I'm still having a hard time staying away from it. I really miss buttered toast in the morning, it hurts my stomach too bad though so I just stay away from it.

What is your favorite "mushy" food? Mashed potatoes.

What was your worst PB experience? Actually, it was this past weekend. I was eating a panini (pressed Italian hot sandwich) at a convention and I got stuck REALLY bad. All of the bathroom lines were absolutely insane, since I had just tried to go a few minutes before eating, so I literally just had to stand there with my husband, hurting really bad, and waiting for it to go down. I was afraid I'd have to throw up in a garbage can in front of huge crowds of people. It eventually went down, but it was an awful feeling that I couldn't run to the bathroom.

What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you? Not being able to get the fills I need. I know I have a lot of habits I need to change for myself, but having restriction really does push my weight loss. It's been proven every time I get a fill; I don't really eat differently, my meal sizes just drop drastically, and snacking disappears when I have restriction.

What is your best NSV to date? This is hard, because since I haven't really lost much weight compared to how much I still have to go, not a whole lot has changed. I guess the best NSV is that I am able to walk 3 miles relatively easily--there aren't too many 400 lb people that can say that (yes, I'm a little under that now, but I could do it still in the 400s).

What is your top non-weight goal for your band? (top NSV maybe?) I have two things that I really want: to be able to wear normal-sized clothing, and to be able to cross my legs like a lady, something I've never been able to do.

What is your goal weight or size? My weight goal is 150 lbs, which depends on how my body looks when I actually get under 200. Since I haven't been a normal weight since I was about 6 years old, I have no idea what kind of body frame I have. I would like to wear a size 10 or 12 at the most.

What band "rule" do you live by (i.e. don't cheat on)? I used to be absolutely strict with the no drinking before, during, and after meals. Only within the last few months has that wavered.

What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't so good at? Chewing well and taking small bites, and stopping when satisfied, NOT when burstingly full!

What is your goal "reward"? I would ultimately like plastic surgery since I know I'm going to have lots of loose skin, but more realistically, I'd just like some nice clothing and such. Maybe a two-piece swimsuit!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band? I'm very very thankful for the Nurse Practitioner my doctor hired after my surgery. She's been an absolute Godsend and I couldn't have gotten most of the fills I've had without her, and she's ready to kick my ass when I need it.