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I Can Create My Own DESTINY!

"Do not question yourself!!!" I said this morning as I was telling someone my story about "My first surgery date that was to be July 20 and how very excited I was. Then it was moved up to June 29 my surgery date, because I had met all the requirements!!! OMG   Holy COW have a cow!!!!" I was shocked, I did not think I was ready, I was worried about the insurance, the surgery, I was worried about the pain, about not eating and only fluids, worried about drugs, you know yata, yata yata, everything you read about was going thru my mind non stop in a loop, Over and over again.   Well, let me tell you I hugged my DR. Yesterday! I never thought I would do that!! But I DID.... I just jumped up and said "can I hug you." He gave me a HUGE hug back, I felt so GOOD!!   I said to him I have the power to change my life now. This tool is helping me change, and I have found confidence as well.   I find support here on this web site, I have not told many of my family, they do not get it. That is OK for me.   It is for me to figure this journey out, it is MINE. I am two weeks Post Op and have never felt better in my life. It is eleven days from surgery exactly!! What a load lifted.......   I have not really suffered. I was uncomfortable for two days after surgery. Drugs helped. Drinking water has never been my thing, I drink lots of water now. The liquid post op is hard, I must say, and/but worth it. Eating slow is even harder, putting the fork down and not picking it up is starting to be funny. I just stare at it. The amount of food is so small. I want to be small. The saying is you are what you eat.   Thanks to everyone who has shared with me their secrets especially Band Groupie. I want to play in your BAND!!   imaluckydog who is helping to create my own destiny. Yipppeeeee I am down 37 pounds in four weeks, wonderland/onederland is just around the corner. Oh happy day
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

7
 

Hello LB Lifestyle I can do this!!!!

Hello LB Lifestyle I can do this!!!!   Living with the band as a lifestyle. Yes, I can say I am now living the LB Lifestyle. I am 83 weeks from my surgery, lost 110 pounds and I will have my 2 year bandversary at the end of June. I know what I am doing.   My weight has stayed the same for five months and I feel like a million bucks every time I look in the mirror. All of my clothes fit and I have a hard time trying to decide what to wear because I have so many choices now.   The only problem I have encountered during this adventurous journey is I must keep myself well hydrated. If I do not drink enough liquids I feel sick.   I have to have some kind of nourousing liquid going in at all times except at meal times.   I must say following all the bandster rules has also been key to my happiness and success on this journey.   I am starting the process to see if I want to have the "Nip and Tuck" . That is a lot to think about. I was told today it is a six week recovery. I am not sure I am ready for that. The paper work will be submitted to insurance and we will see just what they will or will not cover.   Sure is something to think about! Best wishes all my LB buddies. imaluckydog         I remember being so excited to get the LB and I am just as excited today to be as healthy and energetic as I am. I am never looking back. Those miserable days are gone forever. Hello LB lifestyle I can do this!!!    
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

5
 

Happy, Happy Second Band-Birthday to me ;-)

Today is my Birthday! Happy Birthday to me I <3 my band. I have never been happier in my life, well maybe when my two children were born! I was banded June 29, 2009, and have lost 100 pounds and kept it off. I have gained and lost up five, down ten, but never any more. I have had many Fills and many Unfills. I have been so tight it was painful. I have been so loose it was scary, because I was able to snack with no control. I have tested my band to the limits. My band works when I work with my band. I have learned how to eat real food, not too much, mostly plants, with proteins first. I choose to prepare all my own foods. I enjoy cooking now. I enjoy eating SLOW! I am healthier and my family is healthier today. I am three weeks into my recovery from my full body Nip and Tuck. My Lap band surgery was way easier and faster to recover from than this. My stitches and tape come off next week, four weeks of R &R, I have enjoyed it. I have excellent insurance and it paid for everything except what they consider cosmetic. I had to pay very little in the big picture. It was well worth it as far as I am concerned. I have a NEW Better BODY. I have to look hard to see that it really is me in the mirror. I have new clothes and I would do this over again if anyone asked me. I want to give Best Wishes to anyone who may be considering this journey. I know when I started, I read, and read, and blogged and blogged it helps. I am grateful for this site I know it has helped me and my journey has been so much more successful because I have been able to write about my ups and downs along the way. Happy Birthday to me I am proud of myself today. When I blow my candles out on my cake tonight it will be wishing the best for all the newbies. Thanks to all my LB buddies I love you. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

7
 

Happiness is Playing with the Band

I have never been so HAPPY!!!!!! imaluckydog week one is over. I have survived Lap Band to talk about it. I do not think of myself as a blogger I hope this is not boring. June 29 Th., 2009 one week ago today I was banded at Lahey Clinic in Burlington Ma. my Dr. was Dimitry Nepomnayshy MD. My surgery took 3 hours because I also had a hiatial hernia he needed to repair while he was in there. Lucky me!!! Dr. Nepomnayshy is a confidante, kind and gentle man with a huge heart of GOLD. The Clinic is a teaching hospital utilizing Tufts University medical students and other area medical students 24-7. It seems like a party every time I am there. I am always asking what I think are the dumbest questions, only to get a very educated answer with a smile back. I am so blessed to have had such a happy and healthful experience. My two week post op meal plan consists of liquid protein drinks 3 to 4 a day with plenty of water or other clear liquid to equal 64 ounces. I do not have a desire to eat any food. I do enjoy watching the Food Network http://www.foodnetwork.com/ I seem to be addicted to it now. My mouth starts watering but I do not get hungry. I am starting to think about my next phase the mushy stage. I am entertaining recipes from other LB patient bloggers and I have started a file for all of them. The food network has a lot of recipes I can use it seems to be a wonderful resource. I found a web site that list all High Protein Foods that is easy to use http://www.highproteinfoods.net/ Maybe you might find it interesting as well. I have made home made broth and have enjoyed them. I have been walking everyday for brief distances. Yesterday I went to the Gym with my daughter and walked on the treadmill at a really good clip for 30 minutes. I have had no gas pains at all. I will see the Dr. on Friday July 10 for my first Happy visit. I just want to say thank you to all my blogger buddies your notes, well wishes, recipes and thoughts have all been appreciated so much. I have enjoyed the love and respect I have received on this web site. I have never been so HAPPY...........   Love. Life.Lilly. and the Pursuit of Happiness for I’m a luckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Hair Loss Not an Expert but this is what happened to me

In June of 2008 I had to have my ovary's and tubes removed, the operation time about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. My weight was about 280 give or take. I was forever dieting to feel better and I felt like CRAP. I came home to recover from this surgery and my hair fell out when I brushed it. I freaked out and called the surgeon and she said I should try to eat well. In three weeks my hair stopped falling out. I got a hair cut and started to feel better about myself as much as I could at 280 - 270 pounds. Hair loss stopped and new hair started to grow back. It seemed like forever. I kept trying to diet and eat well everyday. Hair loss happened, and hair came back. In June of 2009 I had my long awaited Lap Band Surgery. My weight was about 250 pounds when I got my Lap Band. That surgery took about 2 1/2 to 3 hours in the operating room. I had a hernia that needed to be fixed as well. I went home and my hair started again to fall out this time in handfuls. So much it clogged the drain and tub would fill up. I again freaked out and called my LB surgeon and he said to start taking Biotin. I take 5000 mg a day now. In four to five weeks my hair stopped falling out and I started to get wispy new hair growth again. It seemed to take forever. It all came back. In June of 2010 my weight was a t 145-147 pounds. I just got my full body "Nip and Tuck". Breasts reduced and tummy skin fold removed and abdomen tightened. The surgery took 6 1/2 hours, I also had another hernia that needed fixing. A week after surgery, my hair again started to fall out. This time I expected the hair loss from my past experience of having surgery. This time the hair loss was way more than any other time before. I feel the hair loss is due to the length of time I was under the knife. This was the longest time by far. The longer the operation took the more hair fell out. It has been six weeks and I am still seeing hair loss. I am taking Biotin everyday and eating very well. I feel my hair will stop falling out soon. Also the recovery for this procedure is about six months. I spent more than two weeks in bed with drain and pain like I never had before. I feel great today, I am wearing compression garment bodysuit and I can bend over now. I am still not allowed to carry anything heavy. It has been six weeks and hair is still falling out but it is less everyday. I conclude that the longer the operation takes, the longer you are under the knife, the longer the hair falls out. Eating more quality protein and taking Biotin does help it has for me. I also message my scalp to stimulate the hair growth. I can see new hair growth and I know it will all come back in a few short weeks. I am not sure if everyone has hair loss? I know I have and it does get better with time. Best wishes to everyone on your journey. Mine has been amazing one and I would do it all over again if given the chance. Hair loss has not been that bad. The pain was worse! imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

4
 

Had a Chat on this site was a lot of FUN Try it

Had a nice CHAT this morning on this site and I did figure out how to start an entry. LOL   I have not had a chance to figure out this new site, it seems very confusing to me the DITZ that I am.   I am a creature of habit and I resist change. I also get in the habit of eating the same every day. It is safe because I know what works for me. I like the foods I eat. I can eat almost anything I want even just a taste and I am satisfied.   Breakfast goes slow it always has and I cannot eat too early. I have my lunch at the same time every day. I guess you would say I have a set routine and it works for me.   I know for a fact that blogging has helped me keep this weight off. It also helped get the weight off. I do not eat when I am at my computer. My Dr said that more people are apt to keep more weight off if they blog or write about their experience. I was resistant at first but it is piece of mind I can put something out in cyber space and let it go. I wish everyone well on their band journey. I have had an exceptionally great journey myself almost two years and feeling great. Best wishes imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
 

Giving Back

Giving Back   I was asked to speak to a newbie “introduction to surgery weight loss” group Monday evening. There where people from teenagers up to 70 years in age who attended. I would say about 50 people or more interested in surgery and some who have been interested for some time now. It was the first of many series to introduce people to GBP and the Lap Band Process and other forms not covered yet by some insurance companies. This is for many the first step they take.   The night started with one of the surgeons showing and talking about his slide show and explaining to the audience what they will learn from having one of these procedures. He spoke about the many complications and there are so many. SO Many I was even thinking wow I had this done and there are THIS many things that could go wrong! Yikes   OK, so I took the chance and I am SO GLAD I did. The Doctors spoke for about a half an hour and the Nurse Practitioner spoke for about a half an hour. Then it was my turn. I was invited to the stage with another gentlemen who had a GBP surgery. We were introduce and he motioned for me to go first. I said my name and proceeded to say I had my Lap band surgery a little over one year ago and have lost 109 pounds. I had a BMI of over 40, I weighed in at over 250 pounds and I am only five two, I was on medicine for High Blood Pressure and a machine for Sleep Apnea for about 7 years. It is all gone now that I have lost weight with my new tool. I worked well with playing with my Lap band.   No more High blood pressure and no more medicine! No more Sleep Apnea or machines hooked up at night! I do not huff and puff walking up stairs and I feel great now.   I pulled out a pair of pants the only ones I did not give away. I said and when I wore these pants I thought I looked like the cats meow!! I held them up to me and I can step into one leg. Although, I did not do that but it was clear I am a TINY person now. I said Yes, I thought I looked good but I did not FEEL GOOD about myself when I wore them. They are a size 24 plus and I was bulging out of them on a good day.   All of a sudden the audience started to clap. Well OK, I clapped too. I was in shock I had no idea they were clapping for me. It made me feel good. I have done well!!   The nurse said Between the two of them they (we) had lost over 300 pounds.   I let him speak and he was excellent. I think it may be harder to have the GBP surgery. I can eat anything I want in small amounts, but the GBP patients are limited and cannot eat certain foods ever again as their bodies do not tolerate the same foods.   One man in the audience ask 3 times if he really had to give up soda!! It is funny that people do not want to make little changes even when it comes to the smallest things that can make BIG difference to their health for the rest of there lives. It seems they only want to hear what they want to hear. It is not like they have to give it up forever. I some times have a soda for a treat. But not that often. I need to stir out the bubbles.   I am so grateful I had an open mind and open heart to receive all the gifts this band has offered to me. The audience asked us questions and we answered them to be best of our ability. I felt good I was able to share in an honest and meaningful way with people who where generally and for the most part interested in these surgeries and wanting to be healthier.   I heard them clapping for me!! I have done well! I thank myself and my LB for this everyday   I eat Real Food, Not too much, mostly plants, with Proteins first. I do Not snack in between meals or drink liquids with my meals. Very little if any sugar because it always makes me want to have more. I also do NOT drink soda. I did explain I had a brief withdrawal period from it and I do not even miss it today. Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

3
 

Dreams can come true !!

Dreams Can Come TURE.....   On the 1,2,3,4,5th,6,7,8,9,....12th.....Day of Christmas I was just wondering if my dreams will come true? I have been so good, so willing, almost too good these last six months as my Bandlandia roller coaster has changed my entire life. Full of Emotional ups and downs, Full of Happy and Sad Sad Sad moments, Tranquillity and Frustration to say a few. But mostly JOY, JOY, JOY to the WORLD!!! The CALMNESS is probably the most profound FEELING of all for me I have never been a calm person, I am NOW.....I am at PEACE....with my being... 
I just want to SING out loud and clear for all to hear! OK, yes it has been a challenging some what difficult 6 months, but look how fast these days and months have gone by!!! You can do this!!!!!!   I do remember sitting in the psychology group classes before LB and having to think of the one real, THE REAL reason I wanted to lose the weight? LOL does anyone have a REAL REASON? OMG I thought my psychologist was a quack!!! He said in six months there will be some REAL changes. I did not believe him then, I do NOW. I’m going to send him a picture of me skiing.   It had to be SKIING. I wanted to go skiing with my family again. I have not done that since they were two years old and I have missed out on all these years of Family FUN on the Mountain. The kids are now 21 and 20!!! I know you are thinking SKIING she is nuts and out of her mind!!!!!   You may say, I can think out a million and one more reasons to lose the weight before I go skiing that is for sure!! YES, I must say I have many more reasons too keep losing as well. But the one I felt I could accomplish in 6 months had to be SKIING. It is WINTER in VERMONT with snow I can cross country ski, sled, walk, NOPE I have to go Down Hill skiing with the FAM. My kids have both been to the Junior Olympics they do the BIG AIR and Moguls events. I always had to wait at the bottom because I could not get my over 250 pound out of shape, Fat body to function on skis without killing myself. I could only watch video of theirs runs.   I am going SKIING this week! Got the boots, skis, poles, helmet, goggles, an out fit that is a little too big, but hey this is not a FASHION SHOW yet I said yet it may be soon!!! I just want to go skiing. I want to have FUN with my family again together. I do not care how I look yet I just want to be comfortable doing it. My son’s GF and I will take a lesson together that will be FUN. I do know how to ski but to help her ease into it and to refresh my spirit and soul again I am also doing this for me too.   It has never been about the numbers but I do think about it a lot. I must let everyone know that I have lost another 9 pounds and a total of 77 pounds since June 29 when my Bandlandia adventure began. I do not own a scale but I dream about being on one everyday. I now wear a teen size and I have been called skinny. I am not SKINNY believe me!!!! When you lose this much weight people see you differently than you see yourself.   Car is almost packed so I will say goodbye, I will be back in a week and will fill you all in on my Wild and Crazy Adventures. I’m going Skiing. LB has changed my life and thanks to all me LB friends who have helped and coached me along the way I would not be doing this without you, you will be with me every inch of the way. I’ll be back soon. DREAMS DO COME TRUE!! imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

4
 

Blue Bird Day

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.   This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.    If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long.   I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
 

Blue Bird Day

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.  This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.  If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long.   I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
 

Blue Bird Day

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.   See first picture.   This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.     See me second picture.   If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB friends and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long.   I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog   PS Thanks BG Love You
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

6
 

Belts

Belts   I never ever wore a belt before LB. My pants were always the elastic waist kind. I never tucked my shirt in ever! I needed to hide my rolls.   I wear belts now and I love my new waist line. I am alway looking for new belts to wear. I tuck my shirts in a it is nice to be comfortable in my clothes.   What a difference a year can make by using the lap band as a tool. I am down over 100 pounds and happier than I have ever been in my life. I am not fat anymore.   I was even called tiny yesterday. I have never been TINY LOL.   My head still does not see me as tiny, smaller yes Tiny no. It will take some time for my head to catch up I think.   I am not sure when I will reach my goal, I am not even sure what my body will want as a goal weight. I am still losing. Thats even after 3 un-fills. I do hope my body will fine it’s set weight soon. I am still very happy where I am now.   I am so glad I chose this tool and I would do it again if given the chance. Monday night I will speak to a newbie support group. I am a little nervous. My nurse said I have a lot to share and others would like to talk to me. I am just going to be myself.   I have found this site to be most helpful. I have enjoyed blogging and reading about the journey others have taken. Best wishes to everyone and wish me luck for Monday night. I have never been a public speaker. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

5
 

2 Years out... Try and Remember Where has the Time Gone?

2 Years out... Try and Remember Where has the Time Gone?   I remember being FAT! I sometimes think I am still FAT!!   I remember wanting to be banded and I could not wait!   I remember wanting to lose weight and I could not wait!   I remember my sleep apnea and machine and could not wait for it to go away!   I remember packing up the apnea machine and tossing it away forever!   I remember taking blood pressure medicine and could not wait to get off that stuff!   I remember canceling the order for my Blood pressure meds!   I remember the shots in my knee and the pain not being able to walk!   I remember wanting people to notice I have lost weight, I could not wait to be noticed!   I remember wanting my first fill and I could not wait!   I remember wanting my un fills and there have been many, I could not wait!   I remember wanting to just eat all the foods I love, I could not wait!   I remember not wanting to exsercise and hoping the weight would come off!   I remember starting to exsercise and having the weight fall off while I slept!   I remember snacking and eating those things we as bandsters should not!   I remember making a food plan and sticking to it mindfully!   I remember the mistakes I have made, and could not wait to fix them!   I remember not wanting to go skiing as I could not bend over and buckle my boots!   I remember going skiing again for the first time in 20 years, been skiing now for 2 years!   I remember my fear of flying because I could not sit in the set comfortably!   I remember going on a plane and feeling small in the seat I still have the memories!   I remember waking up in the morning and committing to a healthful and happy day!   I remember the power of a positive attitude, it has change my life!   I remember feeling my body and not ever remembering how it felt thin!   I remember the excess skin hanging off me and I can not wait to have it removed!   I remember making the appointment for skin removal! I can not wait!   I remember thinking what is Abdominolasty, Panniculectomy, I can not wait!   I remember the life decision I made to be banded, I would do it all over again!   I remember just two years ago and now the excess skin will be removed, I can not wait!   I remember being denied by the insurance, I did not have all the correct paper work!   I remember being patent and re submitting the paper work and got approval today!   I remember blogging for the first time and wanting anyone to respond, I could not wait!   I will get my Nip and Tuck on June 27, 201. I can not wait!   I am just a little worried about the recovery, I hope I can bounce back, I can not wait!   My two year Bandversary is right around the corner banded on June 29, 2009         I wish everyone who is starting out on their journey all the best to you and I can not wait to hear from you. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

9
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