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Blog 90427

A blog by Bklynike

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Perhaps it is time

Thanks for all of your comments to my blogs. I try to respond to as many other people's blogs as I can because when I get home from work, the first thing I want to do is read your comments. So I figure, other people want to read comments to the blogs they write. Anyway, as you know, my surgery was on 6/21/10. I have not had a fill yet because everytime I was scheduled (3) I went to have the fill, but after my discussion with the doctor or nurse practioner, we postponed the fill. They kept saying I wasn't ready yet. Today for lunch I had 9 large shrimp, 6 cherries and an entire banana. This was the largest meal I have had since the surgery. Tonight's dinner was 4 oz of steak, a little broccolli and some romaine lettuce with grated cheese and dressing, on the side of course. I am full now, but I can't believe how much I had for lunch. My first actual fill is scheduled for 9/1 and I think by then I will be ready. We'll see how it goes. If I am not losing, eating more or hungry between meals, I will not walk, but I'll run to get the fill. I am so afraid of not losing or even worse, heaven forbid, gaining some back. I've worked to hard to get where I am now, so I refuse to go backwards! Have a great evening everyone. I'm going to watch some TV, relax and get to bed early.

August 24, 2010

5

On my way

Today's nutritionist meeting went very well. I learned a lot about the 70-80 grams of protein I will be allowed each day and the 64 oz of water I will have to drink. I also found out I had lost 3 lbs. Tonight's support group meeting surprised me that there were only 3 other women at the meeting. 3 of us are having Lap-Band, while one very nice woman is having the sleeve. I understand that journal writing, or in my case blogging and reading other people accounts of their journey are very helpful. So, if you have any good suggestions, please make them.

May 15, 2010

0

On My Way

I had my final meeting at the surgeon's office today. Everything checked out just fine. I am doing well and on track for my surgery. I am off to NY this Memorial Day Weekend to visit my twin sister, and when I get back the fun begins. Blood work, medical clearance, nutrition visit and another visit to my oncologist just to make sure everything is good to go. These next couple of weeks are going to fly by until the big day arrives. I hope I don't have too much trouble with the liquid diet, seeing how I am diabetic, but thousands have lived through it and so will I. If I don't get back on this week, I wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day.

May 25, 2010

1

Nutritionist

I went today for a visit with my new nutritionist and I love her. She is very friendly and truly listened to me. She gave me some great recipe ideas and once we have tried one or two and like them, I will post them here so we can all share. I was concerned that I wasn't doing what I should be doing, but she said I am doing great! I am excited that I don't have to do the protein shakes anymore. I truly don't like them. I have been eating enough proteins and I am still losing. I told her I was concerned that if and when I get a fill, I won't be able to get in enough food in. She said I would probably end up cutting back on the veggies or fruit, but that as long as I continue eating my protein first, I won't need the shakes or protein bars. I know a lot of you here at this site still eat bread or carbs, but I don't, My doctor does not want me, or his other patients, to eat them because according to him, if you don't eat carbs, your body fuels on your fat. If you eat carbs, the body fuels on the carbs and leaves the fat. So even though I love the bread and pasta, I am doing without. In a year when he says I can have them in small portions, I'll see if I want them then. I weighed in at her office and then again tonight at the gym. I am down to 224.6. I feel so good. I wish everyone reading my blog feels as good as I do.:scared2: Have a great weekend everyone.

August 28, 2010

5

Not Yet

I did not make my goal this week of getting out of the 230s, but for the total week I lost 2lbs. I had a great accomplishment with a 2lb loss, but I did not the goal. Next week will be the charm. I know I am doing everything I am supposed to do - my portion size has not changed, my exercise regiment has been getting more intense as I go along, drinking my fluids and feeling great. My only true concern is that before LP, every diet I was on allowed me to lose 25 lbs and that was it. No matter what I did, I couldn't get below that number, so I am now at 23 and hoping to fly past the 25lb mark. My husband was asking if I thought I needed a fill since I have not had one yet, surgery was 6/21, but I am not hungry between meals and I have not increased my intake. Tonight we are having our son and his family (girlfriend and her 3 year old) over for dinner. We are making our modified chicken parmesian and steamed broccoli. We are also making little bow-ties for them. My surgeon doesn't want me to eat pasta, bread or potatoes for at least a year, so my husband won't eat the pasta either. My husband is the chef in our house. His modified chicken parmesian is seasoned and baked boneless chicken thighs. Once cooked, about 40 minutes at 400, he adds low-fat mozzarella cheese and homemade meat sauce and bakes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Absolutely delicious without all of the carbs and calories from the breading and frying. I hope they enjoy it as much as we do. Well, keep your fingers crossed for me. I am so anxious to get into the 220s. That last 2/10 of a lb is haunting me. I will do it, I will achieve my goal. Next week I will report that I am in the 220s! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

August 8, 2010

5

Not a banner day

Well, I was at the gym tonight. I had a horrible day at work and my right knee was bothering me, but I got on the treadmill and walked .88 miles. I did about 20 minutes on the sit-stepper and 12 minutes on the sci-fit machine. I just wasn't able to do as much as I wanted to do. But, I will make up for it on Sunday. Got a call from my surgeon's office today to confirm my appointment on Monday at 9:15. I am so excited - I am so ready for this. Have a great weekend everyone.

May 21, 2010

1

New Photo

For anyone who might be interested, my new green shirt photo has been posted to my album. I am surprised by the difference I see in myself. I hope to get some feedback:smile:. I am pretty darn proud of myself. I was at the gym tonight and worked with out with my trainer, Albert. What a great guy. We worked out in the weight side of the gym. I used a straight bar with 20 lbs, and 2 new machines that I really liked. Before leaving I weighed myself and I was 222.8. I cannot wait to hit 219! Then I will work on the next 10 lb loss. Everyday is getting better! Enjoy the pic and have a great evening.

September 9, 2010

3

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

New Photo

I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by. Next weekend I will be posting my new Sept. 2010 photos in my good old green shirt. Be on the look-out for that. This month is full of doctor's appointments for me. I am again cancelling the appointment for my first fill this Thurs. Still don't think I need it. I have an appointment for a colonoskopy consultation:eek:. Yes, I have put it off as long as I can, now my doctor's are yelling that it has to be done. So, in order to schedule the test for the week of October 11th I have to go meet the doctors and give them my medical history. How fun is that? Then I have to get my mammogram and ultrasound:mad:. It will take have the time it usually does since I had a mastectomy on January 5th of this year...I know, sick humor. I am a little nervous about it, but I will keep good thoughts. Then I get to see my oncologist. I love this woman more than I can say:tt1:. She is absolutely the best. I hope she tells me the mammogram and ultrasound tests went well and all is good for another year. Once you have been told you have breast cancer, every mammogram is a scary proposition. OK, so I have been doing really well with the lap-band so far. I am down to 223.4 and feeling really well, except I have some kind of lump on the bottom of my left foot and 2 corns on my right foot, so when I'm on the treadmill, my feet start to bother me. My sneakers are New Balance shoes and I have been wearing them for a couple of months, so I know they fit well. I guess I now have to make an appointmtnet with a podiatrist:cursing:. When it rains it pours, but I am losing weight, not hungry between meals so I am still a happy puppy. :tt2:

September 1, 2010

5

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

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

My Journey At Last

Tomorrow I start the process and I can't wait. I have a 10:30 appointment with the nutritionist. Then at 5:00 I will be attending a group support meeting entitled "Relaxation into your Journey". My exercise plan has been working out really well at the gym. I didn't want to join an LA Fitness or one of those other types of gyms, so we joined the fitness center affiliated with my hospital. It is wonderful - I am actually up to 1.25 miles on the treadmill and 30 minutes of cardio on other machines. I know I can do this. I know the lap-band is going to change my life. I am so happy today - I am cancer free and getting banded. Wow, who would have thought.:smile:

May 14, 2010

0

Memorial Day Weekend Getaway

You call it Memorial Day Weekend, I call it Sister's Weekend. I am making my annual trek to NY to see my twin sister. I will be back on June 2nd and will have my blood work on June 3rd in preparation for my surgery. On June 8th I am having my medical clearance and then on the 21st my life-saving surgery. I am so happy that after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year (October), having a mastectomy on Jan 5th, 2010, now being cancer free, I have some wonderful things to look forward to. There is life after breast cancer and with my new Lap Band, it will be a long, healthy life. To everyone out there who reads my blog, have a wonderful long weekend. If you have recently been banded, I hope it was easy for you and you are doing great. For those of you planning and waiting for the day, as I am, WE ROCK!

May 27, 2010

0

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

Losing and Happy

I had a great work-out at the gym today. I love my Sunday workouts. It is the day I actually log in my weight loss. It just completes the weekend for me. I did a half hour on the treadmill. I was walking 3.1 mph at a 6.5 incline for a mile and then upped the incline to 7 for 1/2 mile more. Boy did I sweat, but it felt great. I wasn't even as winded as I usually get. I guess my body is getting used to the torture. Then I proceeded to my weight training workout. I enjoy the weights, all except the shoulder press. I have a problem with bursitis in both of my shoulders, especially the right one. So, my trainer told me to stop using that machine and use a 5lb weight in each hand. He said to let the weight hang and raise up my shoulders to my ears and same amount of time I would use the shoulder machine. I really disliked that one. So, I modified the exercise by stretching my arm over my head and back down to my side 13 times, 3 reps. That was better. The other hurt my neck???? Anyway, when I was all done I weighed myself. I am pleased to annouce that I am down to 228.0! I am so excited. I lost just over 2 lbs since last Sunday. Good-bye 230! I am never going to look back. Now I am looking ahead to 219. I am scheduled for my first fill on Thurs, but I still don't think I need it. I will keep the appointment and see what the doctor's assistant tells me. Well, I'm off to finish an ankle bracelet I am making for myself. Most of the jewelry I make are gifts for other people, but I think with all of my hard work, I deserve a gift. Have a great day everyone.

August 15, 2010

6

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

Liquid Diet Begins

Well, tomorrow is the day I start with my full liquid diet. I am not all that excited about it, but I know it has to be done, so I will do it. My problem is that although I am a big girl, I don't really like most foods. With that said, my husband & I have been playing around with some protein shakes and found a couple I can tolerate. My favorite is the unflavored protein (2 scoops), 4 oz water and 4 oz low fat milk, a tablespoon Taster's Choice decaf coffee and an ice cube blended for about 30 seconds in the blender. YUMMY. I love coffee, so this is good. The other day we blended the vanilla cream protein (1 scoop), with some left over brewed decaf coffee and a little low fat milk and it was pretty good too. I know this surgery is going to save my life and give me more years with my husband, family and friends and I couln't be more thankful. It would be nice if my insurance would pay for it, but that is not to be. I hope the insurance companies change the way they do thnigs so those of us with co-morbidities can get this life saving surgery without jumping through so many hoops, or worse yet not having the surgery covered at all. At least they paid for my nutritionist and saved me $250.00. I hope anyone getting banded this week has an easy time of it. Good luck to all.

June 14, 2010

2

Last Time

At work on Friday the woman I have given all of my over sized clothes to handed me 2 coupons for the Avenue. They are having a huge sale this weekend - 31% off everything in the store, off your total purchase, including sale items. This will probably be the last time I have to shop in a big-girl's store. I went yesterday to the Avenue near my father-in-law's place and got 3 tops in an 18/20. I really liked the tops and especially the price, so today I went to a different Avenue near my house and got 3 additional tops in an 18/20 and 2 in 14/16. I figured, why not? I'll eventually fit into them, right?:thumbup: I had just finished at the gym, so I was all sweaty and couldn't try anything on, but I am a firm 18/20 right now. I remember just a short time ago being a 26-28. I weighed in today at 212.2:thumbup:. Just 2.3 to get out of the double digits. I can't wait. I count 10 lbs at a time, so 209, here I come! You can get your own coupon at www.avenue.com. Today is the last day of the 31% sale, so if you need some new things at a really great price, check it out. Have a great day everyone. :smile:

October 17, 2010

5

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

Journey Classes

I just got the prescription orders from my surgeon's office for my blood work on June 3rd and my PCP's release for my surgery on June 8th. I will have to take some classes called Journey 1 and 2. Has anyone taken these classes? Since I am self-pay, I do not need a psych eval, but will meet with a nutritionist. I am not a veggie person, so I am a little nervous about what they will say I have to eat post-surgery. Any suggestions from any of you who are veggie-phobes like me?

April 27, 2010

2

Joining the Gym

I have joined a gym that is attached to the hospital I will be having my lapband surgery. My equipment orientation and nutrition orientation is on the 28th. I have been a couch potato for many years, but am excited about starting this change in my life.

April 20, 2010

4

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

It's a miracle

I was actually able to get out of bed this morning after my first workout at the gym last night without as much discomfort as I thought I would have. I know if I keep up the hard work, my surgeon will be very happy with me come lab band day. I will go back tomorrow night and perhaps I will be able to walk the treadmill for more than 15 minutes. Keep your fingers crossed.:smile:

April 30, 2010

2

It has been done!!!!!

Yesterday was the best birthday ever! I had my lap-band done and it went really well. I arrived at the out patient center and had to wait for them to open up. Not too anxious? You bet I was. The facility was wonderful. I had a blast with the nurses and staff that got me prepared. My doctor arrived about 7:30 and after we spoke a for a short while, they gave me something in the IV to "relax" me and that was it folks. I woke up at about 10 and it was done. My new life, my rebirth, had begun. The only incision site that bothers me at all is the one with the port, which a lot of you said would be the case. I had a lot of gas last night, but I walked a lot around my condo and my husband rubbed and patted my back and shoulder a lot and today, I feel good. I have been very sleepy, so I stopped taking my pain medication - 6:am was my last dose. I don't need it and I don't want to sleep the week away. For breakfast today I had a very small amount of unflavored protein shake mixed with water and decaf coffee and low cal apple juice. I mixed 2 oz water and 2 oz apple. Just sipped. and with my pills today, I took a little plain water. About my pills, the surgeon cut my diabetes mediation in half from 1000 mg a day to 500 and my PCP lowered my blood pressure meds from 180 - 120. So I am on track. I really feel great, except I do hurt some when I attempt to lift my body weight to stand from a sitting or lying position. But that too shall change. I don't imagine I could be happier. Thank you to everyone who has granted me the pleasure of calling you friend and for giving me so much encourgement. I will continue to write and keep up with everyone. This is suce a wonderful gift. Love to you all.:tt1::thumbup:

June 22, 2010

6

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

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