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Blog 90427

A blog by Bklynike

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First fill

Well folks, tomorrow is the day I have my first fill. I am excited, nervous and anxious. I'm not worried about the needle, well maybe a little. I am worried about how I will eat afterwards. I've lost 21 lbs since my surgery on 6/21, I am not hungry between meals, I stick to the 3-4oz of protein each meal, and I've been eating brocolli and some salads as well. I don't have any problems swallowing anything, including a hand full of pills at a time and I feel really good. What if I have the fill and then I start having problems eating or drinking? I want to continue to lose this awful weight that has been holding me down for so many years, and I think perhaps the fill will help me do it more quickly, but I fear the unknown. I just hope I am as comfortable after the fill as I am now. Yesterday I was cleaning out a drawer in my dresser and found 2 pairs of capri pants and a pair of black jeans that I bought 6 years ago when I went on my 50th birthday trip to New England with my 2 best girlfriends. I haven't been able to wear them since, but held on to them hoping one day... I was not only able to get into them, but they are now too big on me. I've already taken in the waistband on one pair of capris and will work on the other 2 pairs over the weekend. Boy, that felt so good. Let's remember that 6 years ago I was at 268lbs. I am now at 232.4. I'll report back after a day or two to let you know how I am doing with the fill. Wish me luck - I hope it is everything everyone says it is.

July 29, 2010

10

Great Visit

I couldn't have been happier to hear my doctor's excitement as she read my blood test results. My A1C came way down, which is so great. She cut my cholesterol medication in half and said when I go back in 3 months she will probably be able to take me completely off it, as well as my diabetic medication. She is going to test my blood again in 3 months, including my thyroid, to see if I can stop that med, as well. The blood pressure medication will probably be the last one to be removed, but she said it will not be necessary any longer if I keep losing and exercising. I have my first fill scheduled for next week, but I am not sure right now if I will need it yet. My surgeon said if I don't feel that it is necessary, wait one more week. Sometimes I think I do need it, but I think I will wait until Monday to make my decision. I am not over eating or eating anything that I have been told not to eat. I've been losing about 5lbs a week. Last night I had 1/2 a hamburger, no bun, with mozzarella cheese and some broccoli and was very content. When served, I immediately cut the burger and veggie in half and put it in a to-go box. Today's lunch was last night's leftover. Eating this way is certainly less expensive. I am truly happier than I have been in years. I know I have written this statement before, but it is true, and I want everyone to know it. I will lose the weight this time, I will get off my medications, I will hit the gym and build muscle instead of fat, I will ward off getting cancer again. I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR! (Thanks Helen)

July 13, 2010

9

Is this me?

As promised, I have attached a new avatar photo my husband took today. I am so shocked at how different I look already. We had a late lunch with friends today and they were very complimentary about my weight loss. Everyone says I look like I am losing, but I couldn't really see it until we compared some photos today. Yahoo! I will have a new photo taken every month to track my journey. I am so excited and happy about the small changes I am already experiencing. The top I am wearing in this photo is a 2X - I have been wearing 3X and 4X tops for the longest time. I can't wait to report that I am in an AL and able to shop in a regular store. As much as I always liked The Avenue and Lane Bryant, I don't ever want to have to shop there again. I want to wear some cute clothes for a change. I am so tired of old lady over-size garments. Aren't you? Why can't someone make some cute things for larger women? Just because we are larger, doesn't mean we don't want to wear the same clothing normal-sized women wear. I am not talking about mini-skirts, short-shorts or crop tops. But everyday tops and jeans would be nice.:rolleyes2: Hope you like my new photo. Have a great weekend.

July 18, 2010

9

1st Post Op Visit

Today was my first follow-up visit to my surgeon. It has been 2 weeks since my re-birth and it was even better than I thought it would be. First, I was asked to get on the scale. I was at the doctor's office on the Thurs before my surgery (6/21 surgery date). At that time I was 254lbs. Today I stepped on his scale and weighed, drum roll please, 238.4. Yes you are reading this correctly. I am actually out of the 240s for the first time in years. He said my incisions (3) have healed so nicely that you can barely see them. I have to say I do heal rather quickly. My new "diet" has been good for me. I am more energetic, feeling better and sleeping better. I was an insomniac, but now I can actually sleep in bed all night. I can now eat regular foods, no more pureed or mushy. He wants me to stay away from sugar, which not be a problem for me because I never cared for sweets and carbs. Now carbs are where my problem has always been. I am a french fry and pasta-hollic. He said to lay off them for about a year, then if I wanted to add a little bit every now and again I could. But if I work my ass off to lose all of this weight, I am not going to want to add anything that could jeopardise my loss. Further, he said I can start lifting weights, just not to hurt myself. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I am not going to kid myself and think I will lose weight each and every time I step on the scale, but I believe that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, the weight will eventually come off. The funniest thing happened this past Friday night at the gym. I got on the scale and couldn't imagine why I was 2lbs heavier than I should have been. Well, then I realized I was wearing my breast prosthesis for the first time to the gym, which must weigh easily 2 or more lbs. When I went back on Sunday, I didn't wear the "boob" and my weight was back on track. Dr. Bass, Hollywood Bariatrics, Hollywood, FL said I should make an appointment to see him in 2 weeks, but if at the time I don't feel I need any restrictions, I should make it in 3 weeks. I have a 14cc band and he usually inserts 2cc a visit. I may need a fill by then, or not. Because everyone is different, only time will tell. Best of luck to my fellow bandsters.

July 6, 2010

9

Love this band!

I was back at the gym tonight and after the cardio and weight training session, I weighed in and I am now, drum roll please, 227.4. I have lost 26 lbs since my surgery. Now 25 lbs has always been my limit. Once I hit that number in the past, my plateau was of a permenant nature. After about 3 weeks of not losing an ounce, I would give up and go back to my old ways, which not only helped me gain back every pound, but gave me a bonus - I always added a few extra lbs. How special! :thumbup: Well, Monday started my 8th week. I lost 14lbs before the surgery and 26lbs since. I am so proud of myself. My first fill was supposed to be tomorrow, but I postponed it until Sept. 2nd. This is the 3rd time I had an appointment for a fill. I kept the first 2 and was told I did not need the fill yet. And since nothing has changed in my eating habits; I 'm still not hungry between meals and I am losing weight, I just called and rescheduled it. I really feel so much better and people are telling me all the time how much better and healthier I look. I hope everyone has a great evening and you are all loving the band as much as I am.:wink2:

August 19, 2010

8

My loss is another persons gain.

I was getting ready for work this morning and picked out a pair of capri pants and a cute top with rhinestones on it. Well, the capri's were so big, I would not have been able to walk around without losing them. So, I go back into my closet to find a belt. Well, I haven't owned a belt in over 20 years, so I kept searching for something to hold up my pants. I tried on my husband's belt, but it was much too large. I didn't have any safety pins or rope, so I kept looking until I found a belt that I thought might work. It was the belt of my flannel robe! After wrapping it around my waist and knotting it a couple of times, I decided to ditch the capris. My husband was laughing so hard I thought he would pee himself. So I put on a pair of regular jeans, which are also large enough for me to take off without opening them, but I put them on anyway and put on the top. The top was huge! It was falling off my shoulders, so I took it off and grabbed another top. The same thing happened, not twice, but 6 times! The receptionist at my job is a large woman, so I brought the bag of clothes to her and she was thrilled to have some new tops and a pair of capris. :smile: This weekend I will be going through and cleaning out my closet. I bought some new tops about a week ago, which are still a little too snug around my stomach, but I am hoping in about a week they will fit. I do need to purchase some new pants, though. I think I would be arrested if I walked around allowing my pants to hit the floor. lol.:tt2: What a great feeling! People keep saying I look great and that they can see a big difference, but until I tried to do something simple like get dressed for work today, I didn't really notice a big difference. Love my lap-band. Have a great night everyone.

August 6, 2010

8

Protein Question

I do not do protein shakes. I absolutely hate them. I really tried at the begining when I first got banded because I was not allowed to have anything mushy. I know when I get my first fill, perhaps 9/1, my doctor will tell me to go back to liquids and that would include the protein shakes before hitting the pureed stage, but I still hate them. I am 8 weeks post-surgery and get all of my protein from regular food. How about you? What is everyone else doing? Please let me know - protein shakes or not? Strictly protein from your meats, cheese and eggs? I am curious to see what comments I get. And I hope I get a lot.

August 20, 2010

8

Long Time

Well, it has been a long time since I posted anything on this webiste. Once upon a time I was posting daily, then the site changed and I couldn't locate most of my friends or even figure out how to post. So, I am hoping some of my old banster buddies and perhaps some new friends will read my blog and send a hello. I was banded on June 21st, 2010 - my birthday. It was the best gift I have ever given myself. As of today, I have lost 72 lbs. I feel amazing and love the gym. I am still going 3-4 times a week, when health and family issues don't get in the way. I have been suffering with bronchitis this week, so I missed both my Friday night and today's trip to the gym, but I am anticipating by Tues I will be going back. I have only had 2 fills since my surgery - the first was 1cc and the 2nd was a 1/4cc. I am scheduled to go back in March for another, which I think I will be ready for. It is not that I am eating the wrong foods, but I find I am able to eat larger portions and this weight loss is based on portion control and exercise. It amazes me how great I feel at the gym and how exhausted and old I feel when I get home. I guess at 56 years of age I can't do what I used to do in my 20s and although in my mind I am still very young, my body is screaming "Enough old lady". I used to have my husband take a picture of me at the beginning of each month and I would post it to the old site. Unfortunately, I have no clue how to post a photo at this new site, so the green shirt photos have been a thing of the past. But I can tell you I had started at a size 3-4X and am now wearing Larges. I actually needs some new pants because my 18s are getting ridiculously big on me and my co-workers are making fun of me. So perhaps that will be my next project. I'll pick up two or three pairs of jeans; I can still wear my tops. I have had to go back to wearing a belt. Now I am not complaining, in fact I am thrilled to death that I have lost so much weight. People who haven't seen me in a while are shocked at how much I have lost in a relatively short time. I wish all of my fellow bandsters and those who are contemplating getting the surgery the best of success and good health. This is truly a gift.

February 27, 2011

8

keeps getting better

Happy Sunday Everyone. If any of you have read my blogs before, you know that I love reporting good news. It makes me feel good to tell people how much I love my lap-band because it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I want to make sure that anyone who was a yo-yo dieter like I was knows there is help out there. For anyone who would lose 25 or 30 lbs and hit that wall - no matter how much you tried to lose more and couldn't like I did - it is possible to get help. I would hit that plateau and that would be it. After weeks of trying, I would get frustrated and return to my old friends - french fries, pasta, potatoes, bread, etc. So not only did I gain back the original loss, I would add a few more lbs to the mix. Which I have to say made me feel so much better about myself - NOT! And lets remember all of the co-morbidities that came along with getter bigger, fatter and less healthy.:thumbup: I know the lap band is just a tool. I knew that going in. My surgeon was very clear about that. It is not a magic pill that you take and wake up in the morning 100 lbs lighter than when you went to sleep. I knew my fairy godmother/father wasn't going to swoop down and remove the fat from my body with a mystical wand. It is work, hard work. But if you really want to get thinner, healthier and feel better about yourself and you are thinking about having the lap-band stop thinking and do it. The band has helped with my food in take. The gym and 3 wonderful trainers have helped with my exercise program - cardio and weight lifting. When you put these together with my will to succeed and the encouragement from friends, family and especally my wonderful husband, you get success. On June 21st of this year, my re-birth, I weighed 253.6. I was up to 268 at my heaviest. I know there are people out there reading this who have lost more weight than I have and some who have lost less weight than I have. But I know I am doing it the right way for me. Slowly and steadily and I am loving the new me. I just returned from the gym and wanted to report that I am now down to 217.4 lbs.:thumbup: I am looking forward to losing the next 10 lbs and then reaching the Onederland! I have no doubt I will do it. I am on track. I know what I have to do and I am doing it will all of the vim and vigor I can muster. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone - I wish each and every one of you are as happy as I am with the choice we made to have this wonderful surgery.

September 19, 2010

8

Postponed

I was at my first post-surgery support group last night. There were a lot of people there. I must say I was a little suprised by the turn out. My husband came with me, and was the only husband, the only supportive family member, the only man in the meeting. I was so happy he came with me, although he felt a little out of place. But the meeting was very informative and everyone seemed very nice, although some of them were a little nuts. Read on and you'll see what I mean. Some of us were "newbies" under 6 months, but there was also a woman 4 years out. Many of the women around a year, and 1 woman who is not scheduled until next month to have her surgery. I learned that I was probably not really ready for my first fill. I am still content between meals and not overeating. Still losing weight and feeling great. I postponed my first fill until next Thurs. There was actually a woman there who found out her band had twisted so she needs to have it replaced. She was so angry about it that she started eating anything and everything just to see what would make her sick. Throwing up and feeling horrible, she did this for over a week. Crazy? You bet. She is having the band replaced next month. Others were talking about how they have found ways to cheat. What? R U kidding me? How do you think you became the size of a house???? One woman said she had taken "time off for herself" and gained back over 30lbs. Maybe it is because I paid for the surgery myself, or maybe it is because I am just so excited and jubliant about how I am feeling, but the thought of cheating or eating something I know will make me sick is not going to happen. I go out to eat with my husband a couple times a week. I always try to make the best choice for me, and have been successful. I have waited 3 long years for this surgery; my health and happiness is more important to me than a bowl of spaghetti or a slice of cake.

July 21, 2010

8

So wonderful

I am so happy I had my surgery. Not only do I feel better, I am starting to look better and people are already noticing. 16lbs has made a huge difference to far. My life is turning around and I am enjoying things like actually sleeping better, not having as much knee pain and the gym has become a fave. I will be working with my trainer next Friday on weights! But with all that aside, I have met some wonderful people on this website. I try to be encouraging so other people who may be a little nervous or on the fence about whether or not to have the surgery - NO DOUBT HAVE THE SURGERY, will consider the greatest gift they could have. But you all have been so inspiring to me. I love reading about how you all are doing. We cannot compare ourselve to anyone else because we all don't come from the same place, but I know anything is possible when I read about how great you are doing. I love to come on and find a friend request or personal message. It truly makes my day. After working hard all day, I cannot get on line quick enough. I know with hard work and my doctor's help I will lose the weight this time. My first fill will be in 2 weeks. I am motivated and have waited so long to be able to afford this surgery that I will keep going until every last pound I want to lose is gone. Join me, let's keep eachother motivated and excited about this trek we are on. I am not naive; I know I will not have a weight loss each and every week (although wouldn't that be great?), and it is in those times I will need your support and a shoulder to lean on. Thanks for being there for me. Have a great night everyone. Let's get thinner and healthier together. Eileen

July 9, 2010

8

Almost there...

I can't believe it but I am almost out of the 230s.:cool: Tonight when I finished my workout at the gym, I weighed myself and was astonished that the scale said 230.8. So, I got off and after it registered back to zero, I stepped on again. OMG, I will be in the 220s sometime very soon. Possibly when I weigh in on Friday night or Sunday, which is the day I keep recorded. Monday was the start of my 7th week since my surgery and I am down 22.6lbs - an average of 3.2lbs a week. And still, no fill! This lap-band is an amazing tool, but I am working by butt off to continue with this forward momentum. Don't let anyone tell you this is easy, because it isn't. But I see it is making me so much happier and feeling so much better, that it is worth it all. I remember, not too long ago, that I would get into bed around 10 or 11PM and by 1:30am I was sitting in my living room on my recliner, wide awake, just looking around. I didn't turn on the TV so I wouldn't wake up the hubs. Sure I would fall back to sleep, but the sleep apnea would keep waking me up. Now I go to bed and outside of a quick trip to the bathroom, I get back into bed and wake up when the alarm goes off. How remarkable is that? My husband says I still snore, but softer, and we are both hoping that will end at some point (lol). So, I will continue on my trek. With all other diets, and I have been on almost ever stinking one, I would lose 25lbs and that would be it. I can't wait to hit the 26lb loss and then the 30lb loss. I know it is going to happen this time. I am so excited to see where this journey leads me and I hope you all come along for the ride and share your journey with me.

August 4, 2010

8

what do I do with this?

OK, I created a ticker, like all of you have on your page. How do I attach it to my blogs? Do I have to go back to the TickerFactory each day and copy and paste? I know one of my bandster friends will teach this old dog a new trick. Thanks.

July 10, 2010

7

It's Official

Today is 1 month and 4 days since my Lap-Band surgery and I have officially lost exactly 20 lbs. I am so happy and excited. I was at K-Mart yesterday and they had a huge sale on short sleeve, light-weight summer tops. Living in Florida, I wear these all year round. So I purchased some 2X tops - I hate passing up a good sale lol. I got home and tried them on but they were a little snug. Oh well, I'll just have to wait another 1-2 weeks before they fit comfortably, but that's not bad when you consider I have been wearing 3X and 4X up to this point. I am looking forward to my first fill on Thurs. I think I am now ready for it. I find I am able to eat a little bit more than I have been in the last couple of weeks, but still keeping within the guidelines the doctor and nutritionist have set up for me. I get my protein down first and I am drinking as much as I possibly can during the day. Sometimes I can actually hear myself slosh as I am walking, but I guess I am not alone in that. I am so curious as to what the restriction is going to feel like. I think I am a littel nervous about possibly having something get stuck or throwing up - 2 things I would like to avoid for the rest of my life if I have anything to say about it. But I will be brave and have the fill. I was nervous about the needle, but after reading other people blog about it, I am not nervous about it anymore. I am happy to be on this journey with so many wonderful people. As the process continues, my enthusiam goes up. My excitement keeps growning leaps and bounds and I am so happy. I wish this great feeling on all of my bandster friends.

July 25, 2010

7

Thank Goodness

I had my mammogram and ultrasound today and luckily I am fine - still cancer free! I am so excited and thankful that the testing is done and I got my test results immediately following the tests. I see my oncologist on Friday, but with these 2 tests behind me, I know everything will be fine. I had my husband take my green shirt Sept pictures on Sunday, but we just got a new computer and he hasn't up-loaded Photoshop yet, so I am hoping to upload my new pic by the end of the week. Last week I lost a total of 5lbs. This week I lost 8/10s of a lb. It was my first week without a 3 or 4 lb loss, so I was a little disappointed. But a loss is a loss, so I won't be a baby - I have taken my big-girl pill and I hope this week will be better. My first fill is scheduled for next week. This is now the 4th time I have been scheduled for my 1st fill - perhaps this time I need it. I only log my Sunday weight, so depending on what happens this Sunday will determine whether or not I am ready for the fill. I am still not hungry between meals, I am not eating anything more than I should and I feel really good. I would love to say I've lost 40 or 50 lbs since my surgery, but I truly believe slow and steady will win this battle. I started this journey at 268lbs back in January at the time of my cancer/mastectomy. When I had my LB surgery on 6/21/10 I was down to 251lbs. This past Sunday I weighed in at 223lbs. There are many people who have lost a lot more than me at this point of their journey and those who have lost less. There is no comparing to be made. Everyone loses at a different rate. I have never and I mean never been able to lose more than 25lbs on any diet, except one time on Atkins when I lost 40, but had gained every single lb back and more. I truly believe this time I am winning the battle. I love the gym, I love the cardio and weight training, I love my new way of eating and I especially love the way I look and feel. I know this new lifestyle is my lifestyel, for the rest of my life - being healthier and getting smaller will extend my life and the exercise will help me feel better, move better and I love it.:smile: Good luck to everyone and please check back to see my new photos in a couple of days.

September 8, 2010

7

Goals are made to be broken

I am out of the 230s, by only 2/10 of a lb, but out neverless. I almost fainted when the scale settled on 229.8 tonight. I will weigh in again on Fri night, but I don't write the "poundage" in my book until Sunday. I will be so excited to write 22...something, anything, but I don't want to write 23... something. Once I am firmly in the 220, my next goal will be 219. I believe a 10lb goal is manageable and will keep me sane. If I have to look at the "big-picture", I will get flustered and I don't want to do that to myself. I will be seeing a really good friend of mine in early September and I can't wait until she sees the new me. I wasn't supposed to see her until November, where there would be a much larger difference, but this will be good too. Then when I see her in November, she'll get the see more of a change. My journey has been going along very well, so far. Still no fill and no hunger between meals. My doctor has scheduled me for a fill next Thurs. I am curious as to whether or not I will need it, but only time will tell. This past Monday started my 7th week since my surgery and I have lost 24lbs so far. Have a great evening everyone.

August 11, 2010

7

New Green Shirt Photo

Hi, fellow bandsters: It is the 2nd of October and you know what that means? It means it is time for the new green shirt photo. As you can see, I also changed my Avatar. My husband takes the pictures and then he sizes them for me. I kept asking him to go from one picture to the past picture because I couldn't believe how many changes there were. I am really doing it! I would be so happy if I could say every week I lost 5 lbs. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. But I am consistently losing - about a pound or so a week. I really thought it would be more, but it took many years to put the weight on, so it is going to take a while to take it off. Monday will start week 15 and I've lost around 35 lbs since my surgery. I've had 1 fill so far, last Thurs, but I really don't think I need another one. I am able to eat anything without getting sick, and I stop when I start to feel the hunger go away. I am working out religiously and I really do feel amazing. When I saw the pictures tonight, I really started feeling better about myself and how I look. Please check our my new green shirt photo and let me know what you think of my new pictures. Have a great weekend everyone.

October 3, 2010

7

Why not sooner?

Have I mentioned to anyone that I am one happy puppy? I don't think I have been this motivated and excited in years! I am seeing some changes, and it has only been 1 month tomorrow. My starting weight right before the lap-band was 254lbs. As of today, I am 235.8. I was as heavy as 268, but lost some weight before the sugery, as everyone does. It is funny to say, but I never felt that "fat" until I saw pictures of myself. Then, I wanted to run and hide. Keep in mind, I am only 5'3" tall. Most of my height is in my legs, and most of my weight is in my upper body so I was up there. Today was my second day lifting weights at the gym. I did a half hour of cardio and then the 5 machines that are part of my rotation. It feels so good to be participating in life again. I am giving myself permission to sit on the couch and watch TV as long as I keep up my exercise program. On days I am not in the gym, I do lift 3lb dumb bells and use a tension band. So far eating has not been a problem for me. I may postpone my fill from Thursday to next week sometime. I don't think I need it yet. I'll decide by Tues. I posted some photos to my "album" showing the start of my journey through today and I will continue to add pics monthly. Now instead of running from the camera, I am looking forward to a monthly record of my progress. I am so proud of myself and anyone who is on this journey too. It is a lot of work, sweaty - hard work, but it will be worth it in the end. This is a new lifestyle for us and I for one am so up to the challenge. I can't wait to see where I am a year from now. Once I have lost all of the weight I have to lose, I am going to have my breast reconstruction (mastectomy Jan 5th of this year), and tummy tuck. GO ME - GO US! Have a great Sunday and keep on trucking. We are all in this together.:rolleyes2:

July 18, 2010

7

New Photo

Please check out my album and see the change in my "green top" photo from 5/20/10 to the new photo taken today, 8/1/10. I think the difference is pretty amazing. :closedeyes: Went to the gym today and I have lost another 1.8 lbs. I don't think I could be happier with my progress to this point. Everyone tells me slow and steady and that is what I am trying for. I can't wait until I am in the 220s. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

August 1, 2010

7

Great Day!

Today was a terrific day. :cool2: I called in sick, so I didn't go to work today. That in itself made my day wonderful. I got to spend it with my husband and did some "me" things - I went shopping. People have been telling me it is time to get some smaller clothes, so I purchased some 2X tops a few weeks ago, that are too big on me now. I tried both Lane Bryant and The Avenue for pants with no success.:bored: I was between sizes and nothing fit right. I was kind of dissapointed, but did not allow it to make me get upset. I knew that in a week or two, I would fit into something. Well, today I purchased 2 pairs of pants at JC Penney - a pair of jeans and a dress pair of pants. Both were a size 18.:laugh: I haven't been in a size 18 in many, many years. I was so excited. They are a trouser fit because the regular fit jeans or skinny jeans are still too tight in my thighs. Also, I bought a few size AXL tops. Wow, what a great feeling to not only get into things, but they actually fit. I don't look like a sausage. Then this afternoon I went for my first fill. I can't believe how well that went. There was absolutely NO PAIN involved. Yes, you feel the needle but no more painful than getting a blood test and I would say actually less uncomfortable than that. I got 1cc and was told to come back in a month, but if I needed more to go in whenever I needed to. I asked why only 1cc and I was told that since I have been doing so well since my surgery and not really feeling hunger or over eating, although I can eat more than I was eating a couple of weeks ago, she wanted to start small. I drank some water after the fill, no problems, and I went on my merry way. Everyone in the office was very complimentary on how I am looking, so that made me feel really good too. And to make things even better, my husband, who is a writer, was asked to write a column in a magazine he has been reading and collecting since he was a young man. He is also on cloud 9 today. I hope you are all having a great day, too.:thumbup:

September 16, 2010

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Fabulous!!!!!!!

When I started my journey October of last year, I was planning on having my lap band surgery in December. I had met with my surgeon, Dr. Bass. and all was good to go, or so I thought. Unfortunately, a little thing like breast cancer and a mastectomy took center stage and I had to postpone the surgery until my birthday on June 21st of this year. At that time I was 5'3" tall and weighed 268lbs. I had diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, my thyroid was not working properly, sleep apnea and overall just felt like crap all of the time. I couldn't walk 10 feet without stopping to gain my breath back. I was not able to sleep and because of the diabetes, my vision would blur after each meal. Knowing I was having the mastectomy and then I would have the LB, I started to eat a little bit less of the really bad foods and lost a couple of lbs. Then the liquid diet and after the lap-band, well you all know. I was at my primary care doctor today. From last year at this time to today, I have lost a total of 62lbs. I found out that I am no longer a diabetic and was told to stop my diabetic medication. I was not insulin dependent, but I did have to take pills twice a day. I had Type 2 diabetes for the last 6 years and now I do not. I have been able to control it with diet and exercise. I also do not have sleep apnea any longer. My blood pressure is perfect. In fact by my next visit, my doctor said she may take away that medication as well. My cholesterol was also better, so in 3 months I am hoping to drop that pill too! I have heard the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". Well, I am here to tell you that the phrase is no longer valid where I am concerned. I have learned to #1 take care of myself first. #2 Use the band as a tool #3 Eating correctly and exercise will save my life or at least make my life better. I know I am looking better, but I am healthier and that is the most important thing I could be. I wish you all the greatest success with your lap-band becuase I am here to tell you that it may be a slow and steady jog to the finish line, but I know we will all get there. We took years putting on the pudge, we need to love ourselves enough to allow the time to take it off. Today I am 206 lbs, cancer free, diabetic free, sleep apnea free, my cholesterol and high blood presssure are under control. I feel amazing and am getting stronger everyday. I am still only 5'3", but I feel 10' tall. Have a great night.

November 12, 2010

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Almost 1 year

For any of you who have read my blogs, you know I had breast cancer last year. My 1-year anniversary of being cancer free is coming on January 5th. I saw my oncologist today and she was absolutely thrilled by my progress - my numbers are great and my weight loss has been a huge help. Down almost 68lbs so far. I am still in remission - cancer free is a great feeling. Getting thinner is also a great feeling. I love my lapband. I am having a problem figuring out this new site. I hope all of my fellow bandsters are still getting what they need here. I look forward to reading everyone else's blogs, how they are doing and suggestions to getting better success. Weight loss is not an easy thing - hence the lapband surgery, but it is attainable and I know I will succeed. I have something to look forward to - I will be getting my boobs and a tummy tuck some time around Nov/Dec of 2011. I need to lose all the weight I want to lose and keep my weight steady so I can have the surgery. I was going to have the reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy (left breast), but because I was going to be losing so much weight, the surgeon wanted me to wait. So I will have both done at the same time. I already look better, I am cancer free, I have a fabulous husband and family and the new year is upon us. I wsh everyone who reads this the most wonderful holiday season. May you live as long as you want, but never want as long as you live. Here's to an easy journey for us all.

December 16, 2010

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Great Recipe

I had the most wonderful dinner tonight, so I thought I would pass along the recipe. This comes directly from my nutritionist. If you like crab, shrimp or scallops, this one is for you. This recipe makes 2 servings - I can't wait until tomorrow night to have the remaining half. 1/2lb crab - I substituted shrimp 1/2lb scallops 2T Smart Balance spread 1/2c 1% milk 3T Parmesian Cheese 1/2c Park skim mozzarella cheese, shredded Saute seafood in the Smart Balance over medium high heat until mostly cooked. Add milk and salt/pepper to taste. (I added some garlic powder and parsley flakes.) Lower heat to medium. Add most of the mozzarella and stil until thickens. Pour mixture into a casserole dish and add teh rest of the mozzarella. Broil until brown and bubbling. This would be great over pasta, but of course we can't have pasta. This portion was more than enough for a meal and so tasty. Enjoy!:rolleyes2:

July 11, 2010

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Green Shirt Picture

Hi, Everyone: Today is November 1st and I just took my monthly green shirt photo. I can't believe the changes in how I look and feel. It has been just a little over 4 months and I am down 46 lbs, plus the 14lbs I lost prior to the actual surgery. That is 60lbs folks. I believe someone told me today that 60lbs is about the weight of a 2 year old child. This surgery has saved my life in more ways than one. Besides feeling amazing, I am so much happier. I can do things now that I haven't been able to do in years like tie my own shoes, cross my legs and walk up a flight of stairs. I am sleeping so much better and I can actually see my feet! For anyone who is thinking about having this surgery, don't walk - run to the nearest surgeon and get it done. I will have my pictures posted by the end of the week so look for them. All I can say is I hope each and everyone of you who read this blog are feeling as good as I am.

November 2, 2010

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Weekend Challenges

My husband and I just returned from a weekend in Orlando with our good friends. We were invited to come and visit, so we rented a Charger (our van has over 200,000 miles) and took off. The drive was very nice - 3.5 hours. The challenge I had was the food I was going to eat. My girlfriend layed out a terrific spread of cold-cuts and different breads and fruits for lunch. I had brought some string cheese with me. I remembered someone on this site had said she ate cold-cuts wrapped around the string cheese, so I had 2 sticks - one with a slice of boiled ham around it and one with a slice of roast beef wrapped around it and a couple of cherries. That was enough for me. Everyone else had thick sandwiches and potato chips. Boy, do I love the chips but did not have crumb one! At dinner, 6 of us went to a great restaurant called Manny's Chop House. They have an unlimited salad that they mix at your table. One of the couples ordered a hamburger with the works, including fries and his wife ordered some kind of fried fish. The other couple ordered the rib/chicken combo and his wife ordered the full rack of ribs. My husband ordered steak and steamed veggies. Now, when we go out to dinner I usually order steak because it doesn't have any kind of sauce on it and I can make 3 meals out of a 12oz steak. But I wanted something special so I ordered a 6 oz lobster tail and corn on the cob. A 6oz lobster tail is all shell, but it was more than enough for me. I love lobster, so it was terrific. So I am sitting at the table looking at all of the fried foods and sauces they were eating. Oh, did I mention the fresh baked yeast rolls with whipped butter? And I am thinking that the old me would have had an appetizer, full rack of ribs or the fried shrimp platter with french fries and many yeast rolls. But I had none of it. I was so proud of myself. Then we went out for breakfast this morning. I had some scrambled eggs and 2 strips of bacon. I know the bacon was not my best choice, but I really wanted it, so I had it. My girlfriend, gotta love her, had biscuits and gravy. I LOVE BISCUITS! So when they hit the table, my mouth was watering. I considered, but only for a second, reaching over and stealing one of those beautifully golden brown bundles of happiness and joy, but I held myself in control and did not have to run from the restaurant with her biscuit in my mouth.:biggrin: So the cravings have not gone away, but my will power is very strong. I can't wait to get to the gym on Tues and work out. I missed going Friday night and today because of our trip, but I was so good and feel that I can do this.

August 23, 2010

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