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It's a struggle....but the good news is....

I've not been on here in awhile. I've been struggling of late. I need to really buckle down and be a little more careful of how much I'm eating. I think that I'm eating a little more than a cup (or 8-9oz if I'm weighing food) too often. The lady that has done my fills at TrueResults, said it's okay to drink with my meals, so I do that. Although I don't feel like I'm really "over"eating, it helps me feel better. I've thought that I'm not eating more because I drink with meals, but I think I need to reconsider drinking with my meals. I've started trying to do better with that. Does drinking with food, really wash the food through the pouch? I'm more concerned with messing up the pouch, than I am about having too many calories.   I think for the most part, I eat pretty healthy. I do drink coffee drinks and sometimes treat myself to a shake, but I try to only do that, when I feel like I need to have more calories that day.   It sounds like I"m doing horrible! I'm pretty much lost very slowly for awhile. I know part of it's me, but also because of my Thyroid medication (I had mine removed a few years ago). Also in June, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly, so I was out of town for her funeral and then about 10 days later, I went back for my cousin's wedding and was gone for another week. I only lost 2 lbs last month.   The good news, is that I bought a bike online and my husband put it together for me when I was out of town on that last trip. I've been enjoying riding it on the nice trail in my neighborhood. It's so hot here in Texas and it surprises me that I'm out there exercising in the heat (I go either early in the morning or early evening), but you actually create a pretty good breeze when you're riding along. My normal ride totals about 5 1/2 miles and I'm going out most every day. I also am up to 30 minutes on the eliptical machine at work. I think both of these things combined, are going to really help.   ...and even though I've continued to lose very slowly, I'm still fitting in smaller clothes. I am now wearing some size 10's!!!!! My largest was a pair of size 20 jeans. Everyone is still telling me how good I'm looking and I'm starting to believe it, even though I think my legs still look like tree trunks.   I think I will try to be more regular about logging on to this site, so I can be inspired to do a better job with my weight loss. I'm totally not where I wanted to be at this point and I'm not at the anniversary of having been banded for 10 months. At least I have lost almost 60 lbs, which absolutely nothing to sneeze at. I had just hoped to have lost at least 70 lbs by now. Time to buckle down....
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

3
 

Finally, another new low weight.....

I finally hit another new low weight. 159.4 last Friday!!! Could not believe when I looked down and I saw that number. It's been 16 years since I've seen it. I'm becoming something I never thought I'd be, a shopaholic. I love going to try new, smaller clothes at the thrift store. I swear, I am such a convert. Even after I reach my goal weight, I can't see myself buying very many clothes at regular retail prices. Why on earth, when I get really good quality, name-brand jeans so cheap? The last visit, I got four pairs of really cute pants/jeans for $12. Yes!! ...and the sizes are getting smaller!!!   I'm so happy I got the band. It still is a struggle and the weight loss is slower than I hoped for, but it's working. I am on that total Thyroid replacement medicine, so part of the slowness is just my body metabolism being messed up because of that. I also know that part is that I could do better with some of my eating. Exercise wise, I am doing great. Last month, I increased my weight lifting, which is helping. Most of all, I'm excited to be doing well with these abdominal exercises I started doing. There's a thing in the gym at work, that you stand on, rest your arms on the 'bars' and grab the pegs at the end. Once you are set, the idea is to step off the bottom and to raise your legs up together, working your abdominals. You can keep your legs bent at the knee or out straight. When I first tried it, I could only do 1 1/2. Now, I can do up to 20 at a time. The problem is because I am so short and my arms are short, it is a little more difficult for me. I have to hold on so hard, pushing my shoulders so hard on the back piece, that it's causing pain in my right shoulder. So, I've held off of doing that for a few days.   Another issue I'm having is feeling hungry pretty soon after I eat. Not all the time, but enough that now I think it's time to schedule a fill. I'll try to call tomorrow and schedule that. Hopefully, I can get in soon.   Well, that's all for now. Bye!
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

4
 

March 28th....

So, I couldn't think of a creative title for this blog entry, so I'm just using today's date.   My weight loss is still slow I think partly because of my thyroid meds and partly because of needing to change up my exercise routine/habits. I went for a fill appt last Thursday and the PA decided not to add any. I was okay with that, seeing as it seems like the biggest thing holding back better weight loss, is the thyroid issue. She suggested working on eating the 3/4 cup of food instead of the 1 cup that I've been doing and also increasing weights during my workouts. I guess it's helping, because I'm waiting for my appt w/my endocrinologist about the Thyroid thing and I've lost about 2 lbs.   It is my husband's birthday today and we went to Red Robin. I got a regular size burger, but did not eat any of the bun (just what was in the middle) and only like maybe two of their fries. I really couldn't eat much more. I think I might have been ok with eating a little less of that burger patty though. ...at least I don't eat like that all the time. Only very rarely, do I ever feel really full. It is not a comfortable feeling.   I have been doing better with my food otherwise and am actually having a Muscle Milk during the day. I am trying to increase the protein I'm getting and the Muscle Milk helps during the day with having the smaller "meals".   I'd like to lose 5 more lbs by the end of April. Fingers crossed!
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

Half-way to goal....

I am so excited to finally be able to say I am half-way to my goal of 115 (maybe a little less, we'll just have to see how I feel when I get there). My weight loss is fairly slowish and keeps fluxuating up and down by a pound or two. It's weird. I was 165.2 on Monday, 167.0 on Tuesday and then back down again to 165.2 again today. Arggh!! I don't know if it's something I'm doing, effect of my thyroid meds or maybe both? It's driving me nuts, but at least I am still losing and I'm still fitting into smaller clothes. People have actually used the term "svelte" and said that I'm shrinking away". I have to laugh, because I think elementary school was the last time I could have been referred to as svelte. I just turned 40 last week and I am still so glad that I got the band. My goal is to get as close to I can to my goal by my 1 year anniversary on 09/08/11.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

5 Months Later....

Wow! Can't believe it's been 5 months since I got the band. I've lost about 47 lbs. I'm usually about 1 lb a week and I'm okay with that as long as it is consistently at least a 1lb a week.   I really like that people tell me I look skinny sometimes or that I am melting/wasting away. I am wearing some smaller clothes and that feels great. My new favorite store, is still the Goodwill Store.   I'm exercising about 30-45 minutes a day during the week and minimal exercising on the weekends. Now that the weather will start getting nicer, I'll get back to walking my Lab at night.   I'm having more energy and I find that I'll do squats, stretches and walking in place while watching t.v..   I do still struggle with portion size. Should I be more concerned with amount like measuring 3/4 - 1 cup of food or by weight? I get really freaked out if I measuring something that is really light weight, but takes up a lot of space. Maybe someone will have some tips for me. Think I'll actually go ahead and search that on the discussion forums.   Later.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

4
 

3rd Fill & Dog Walking

I got my 3rd fill today. Just .8 cc and it freaked me out when the PA said I might have a bruise, because she had trouble finding the port. She clarified this by saying she meant the part where she actually places the needle. I totally did not like how it felt today. Each fill, I've been a bit sore for awhile. Does everyone have this issue? Am on liquids for a day, then soft/mushy for a day and then back to regular food. I'm going to be working on eating 3/4 cup of food instead of 1 cup. It is depressing, because it doesn't seem like you can enjoy your food, when you're only eating such a little amount. ...but, I know that this band is working.       I've been getting in the habit of walking my Lab at night. ...and I have to say I do talk to my animals.... So, last night I told him that sometime this year, I'll only weigh a little more than him. He's about 100 lbs and my goal weight is about 110-115. I'll just see how how like that weight, but that should be good, because I don't want to be bony.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

1
 

I think I'm getting past my first plateau....

Pretty much all of December, I flip-flopped back and forth between 178 and 175. My thyroid medication had to be changed, because of how much weight I had lost. I am hoping I am back on track, because I finally made it to 174 this week. I was starting to get frustrated, but had to tell myself that I had done really good overall. I've now gotten just past the 40 lbs lost mark.   Now, my next goal is to get to 160. My birthday is in early March, so that's my deadline for this goal. I think it may be tough, but I'm going to try.   Finally, I didn't make a "I'm going to lose weight" New Year's Resolution. I made a "I'm going to do 6 5K walks" New Year's Resolution. I know, I know, it is just walking, but I'm just not a runner and don't plan to be at this point.   So, I will check back in, in a couple weeks and let you know how I'm doing.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

2
 

3rd Fill/No Fill

I went for my 3rd fill the day after my 4 month bandiversary. However, even though my weight loss has slowed, we did not add any fluid to the band. I don't have much fluid in the band, but my restriction seems to have been really good now for awhile. Because I don't get hungry, even at close to 5 hours sometimes, the PA felt that I didn't need a fill. I go back in a month and we'll see how things are then.   I am happy that I've lost almost 40 lbs (should hit that mark in the next few days) in just over 4 months. I wish that I was losing closer to 2 lbs a week, but it really has seemed to only be a little more than 1 lb the last two to three weeks. Oh well, I'm not getting too disappointed.   ..am soo, happy that people are really noticing and I've started trying some smaller sizes. Some things fit and some don't, but some of it is the cut of the clothes. I did buy smaller size underpants the other day and should go buy at least one or two new bras. I keep forgetting though.   Well, that's all for now.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

4
 

Four things....

#1 - I do not like this new version of this website.   #2 - Why is my blog now titled "Blog 95458"? Can I rename? I want to call it "Lemonchick's Blog" or something like that.   #3 - I weigh myself everyday at the gym, before I work out. I weighed myself on Wednesday, before being off from work until today. ...and when I weighed myself today, I've lost two more pounds!!! ..am so excited. It seems like things have been slow, but realistically, I've done really well.   #4 - At the thrift store this weekend I tried on a pair of pants in a size that I haven't worn in almost 15 years. They fit!! Only another pair in the same size and two a size bigger, didn't. I didn't care. I bought them all anyways. I'll fit in them soon enough.   So, that's all for now. Short and Sweet.     Lemonchick, over and out!
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

5
 

Yay!!!

Someone at my office ran into another one of my co-workers and asked her if she had seen me and that I'm "shrinking".   Also, I was talking with a co-worker in the hallway and a couple guys walked by and stopped to talk. We were joking around and at one point one of them said something about "talking to the cute chicks". I'm very self-conscious and don't know what he really thinks about me. Normally, this should be something that maybe isn't really appropriate in the work place, but I didn't take any offense and was just thrilled to be referred to as "one of the cute chicks".   I still have a long way to go, but it feels so good, that a lot of people are noticing my weight loss. :smile::thumbup:
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

9 Weeks and 4 Days

I am 9 weeks and 4 day into this journey. I have lost almost 35 lbs. I was stuck at 185 for what seemed like forever to me, but was really only about a week. I even gained a pound before starting to lose again.   I think I am doing pretty good and am pleased. As I get to each new lower weight, I can't believe it. I am about to have to stop wearing some of my bigger clothes, because they're just starting to be too big (yay)!   I've taken some pictures, but my dogs chewed the USB cord and I don't know when I'll be able to upload again.   I know I am having the most trouble, with really wanting to eat more. I stop eating though, after I've eaten what I measure out. I still get paranoid about whether or not I'm eating too much at a meal. Realistically, I'm probably doing just find, but like I said I am paranoid.   I tried to schedule another fill for this coming week or next week before Thanksgiving, but I can't get in for my 3rd fill until December 3rd. I guess that should be okay. I'm exercising 45-60 minutes a day. Cardio and light weights w/more reps to build muscle.   Well, I better close for now. I hope everyone else is doing good. One last thing, I'm interested in knowing how many people use this website as their main form of support? I went through TrueResults and have not gone to any support meetings provided by them. I don't think I've needed them. This is working for me just fine.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

4
 

7 Weeks later....and 2nd Fill

I forgot to post something last week at my 6 weeks mark. I've pretty much decided to at least sign on every two weeks to do a status.   Well, things have been going okay. My weight has fluxuated up/down about 1 1/2 lbs for the past week or so. I've not let it bother me too much, but I was happy to have met my goal (barely) for this past week. I have lost 30 lbs, since starting the pre-op diet and being banded on 09/08/10. I am wearing clothes that I haven't been able to fit into in a long time. Pretty cool to wear a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in like two years. Yay!   I am disappointed to find out that the way the charges put through to my insurance company, it looks like I'll have to pay over a $1000 to the surgery center for supplies, which I understand mostly means the actual band itself. I was not expecting that, but it's partly my fault. I should have paid more attention to the info in the insurance, but to my credit, nobody said anything about paying for the actual band. All I knew was that the procedure was approved. Also, don't like how much my co-pay is for going for the office visit & fill (which is being coded/submitted as a "surgery", because the skin is being punctured). What the heck!!? So, I've not been totally happy with the center/company that I went through for the procedure, but I am so happy I had it done.   I had my second fill this past week and it went better than the first. I'm lucky, because I've not had any problems with food or pain. There has been a couple of times where I've had little pains in my sides, but I can't definitively say that it's due to the port/band (I don't think it is).   More people are noticing that I'm losing weight, so that's been cool. ...and since I've chosen to only tell a few people about getting the band, everyone just thinks it's because I've been going to the gym every day. I also tell people that I've had to change how I eat, which is not a lie.   I was going to post some new pics, but I have to wait until I buy a new USB cord to upload from my camera (one of our puppies chewed the cord).   So, that's all for now. I hope to sign on next week or so. Bye!
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

1
 

One Month Later....

It has been one month, since I had the procedure and I feel pretty good. My first fill is tomorrow and am curious to see what it is like. I was told not to eat for 2 hours before the fill. I'm sure I'll learn this tomorrow, but am wondering how are you supposed to eat after getting a fill.   I am doing good with not really craving any food. I have been doing some shopping at a new, Whole Foods Market not far from me and have really enjoyed foods from their "raw" bar (vegan, vegetarian, raw & living foods). There is this cucumber-yogurt dip that is so yummy and healthy. It is delicious. I also have enjoyed healthy items from their self-serve "to-go" bar.   It was pretty funny that a couple of weeks ago, I was having dinner w/a co-worker (a working meeting) and she later commented how slow I ate. I just told her that I'm changing how I eat. It was an odd moment, because I wasn't really sure how to respond.   I've done really good with my exercising. At least 30 minutes at the gym at work and then I usually ride 5 miles on the old stationary bike at home. On the weekend, when I can't go to the gym, I ride the bike.   ...and I am down 21 pounds since my pre-op on 08/26. :ohmy: I think that yesterday when I weighed myself and saw myself at 194.6, I couldn't help it. I got a little giddy. :frown: I think it just kindof really hit me, that I am on my way to being healthy and happy with myself. When I make it below 190, I don't know what I'll do with myself.   I hope everyone else is doing good. Take care.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

4
 

Two Weeks Later....

So, the day after my last post, I had my follow-up. I actually had lost 17 lbs since my pre-op appointment on 08/26. Awesome!!!!! I had to meet with the surgeon's assistant for the follow-up, because they told me the surgeon was actually still in another surgery.   She told me that I could start trying some soft foods, like yogurt, smoothies, thicker soups, eggs, etc. I've tried some things other than these, but I've had small portions and am really being careful to stick to liquids as possible during the day.   I have however weighed myself everyday at the gym (I can't help it) and I've gained 3 lbs back. I called and spoke to the surgeon's assistant today and she said it probably a combination of trying non-liquid foods and gaining muscle from exercising. I'm only really walking and doing some light arm weights. No chest or abdominal exercising. I'm trying to not be down about it.   My first fill is going to be on 10/07. I'm looking forward to it.   I may still have a little bloating and have no pain except for a nagging little pain on my left side, but it's apparently nowhere near where the port actually is. The surgeon's assistant didn't seem too concerned, so we decided that I would just keep aware of it and make them aware of any changes.   Anyhow, I better run for now. Talk to you all later.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

One week later.....

One week later and I went back to work today. It went pretty good. I'm having no real pain, except for a tiny spot, near wear the port is ( I can't feel the port, so I'm just guessing, but I know it's in the general area). It feels like when I've stretched/pulled what I think is scar tissue where I had my gall-bladder out. It is more annoying than anything. I have my follow-up with the surgeon tomorrow morning, so I'll ask him about it. I'm not too worried about it though. The good news, is that when I went to the gym today to walk on the treadmill, I weighed myself. I hadn't weighed myself, since 6 days before my surgery. Today, I weighed 10 lbs less. I almost fell off the scale! I'm sure it's mostly water, but that's okay. I'll take it. :cool2: I tell you, I am really still looking forward to being able to eat. ...even the soft-food stage will be nice. Yesterday's crave, was cheese nachos like you get and it's the cheese sauce. Even though I keep thinking about food, I know that I need to make better choices and be smart when I do eat those "bad" foods. Hope everyone is doing well. :thumbup:
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

2
 

Three days after the procedure....

So, I had the procedure on 09/08. I feel pretty bloated/uncomfortable, but other than that, no pain right now. How long did everyone else deal with being bloated and when did you first notice weight loss? I've been nauseaous a few times, but have not been sick. Got the best sleep so far last night. The first two days, I slept off and on all day and night (for very short periods of time).   I never thought that chicken broth would taste so good. My sugar free popsicles are good.   So, I want to know why am I seeing all these commercials for food that I want to eat. OMG, that Pizza Hut commercial is making me crazy. I know I'll need to stay away from bread, so I just keep thinking about how good the toppings would taste. ...then I think about how much would I be able to eat.   I do have a question, if someone could answer for me. Did anyone drink milkshakes or smoothies when you were in the liquid/soft food stage?   I'm gonna go for now. Take care everyone.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

2
 

My "Last Supper"....

So, the surgeon's assistant had said that I could have 1 good, last meal before my surgery. I chose to have mine today at lunch and got a Spicy Southwestern Cheeseburger and fries from Sonic. For my drink, I got a real, Dr. Pepper and I had mint chocolate chip ice-cream and a cookie for dessert. So, I pigged out and was oddly not that satisfied with the meal. It might have been that I had really wanted the Cheddar Pepper burger and I got this one instead. It could have been a little hotter and cheesier too.   Now, I'm back at it. It has been over 5 hours since I ate and I'm not hungry. I figured I wouldn't be. I'll probably just have a protein supplement if I have anything at all.   Lastly, I don't think I counted correctly, when I made my post yesterday. Not counting today, I only have two full days until my procedure. Very weird. I think right now I'm most concerned about being on liquids for two weeks and whether or not I'll have any problems with eating stuff.   Better go for now. Will write again either Tuesday or Wednesday, before I leave for procedure.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

3
 

4 Days to go....

4 Days to go and I am going to walk over to the pharmacy to have my post-op prescriptions filled. I hope it doesn't cost too much money! I weighed myself at the gym again and am astounded that it looks like I lost another 2 lbs. Almost makes it seem like I could do this by myself...   It feels good to know that I'm heading in the right direction. I hope everyone else is doing well. I will check back in, in a couple days. Take care. Happy Labor Day. :confused:
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

One week to go....

One week to go until having the procedure. I'm doing well on the pre-op diet I'm on (basically high protein). I've even lost 2 lbs.   Am disappointed to really learn that someone very, close to me doesn't think I should have the procedure. I knew this person wasn't super excited or anything, but I didn't think it was like this. I told he/she that this was the exact reason why I've hardly told anyone that I am having the procedure. I don't want people judging me for having this done. ...and I don't want them thinking I am weak.   I'm doing this because of health issues and because I also know that if I really "buckled down" and tried diet and exercise again, I would not have the will-power to be successful.   I just have to tell myself that it is my choice and if I didn't feel this was my only real chance, I wouldn't get the procedure. I am still looking forward to being healthier and happier with how I look.   I wonder how others banded individuals have dealt with this. Any advice, feel free to add comment. Thanks.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

3
 

Met my surgeon....

Met my surgeon today. He is really nice and I'm glad I like him. If I didn't like him, I'd feel weird having him do the procedure.   This other lapband advocate that talked to us today, was really cool. She was so funny. I felt a little more comfortable with the ladies from the surgeon's office, than with the ladies that work at the center (that I've met so far). I think his team travels to the different offices with him.   Started pre-op diet today. ...am hungry right now, because my generic slim-fast is not very filling. Guess I'll wait a little bit and try to eat something else or probably just have another slim-fast. I think it'd be okay if I had two of the "meals" at the same time.   Anyhow, that's all for now.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

Approved!!!!!!!!

I got my approval letter last week. I'm meeting with the surgeon this week and am scheduled for the procedure on 09/08.   I am excited and looking forward to the results, but am a little nervous about how I'll feel afterwards and getting used to how I'll have to eat.   That's all for now.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

5
 

Still waiting.....

Today is August 1st and I am still waiting for approval from my insurance. I was expecting to hear something last week (my LapBand advocate had said she thought we would hear something then). I'm not too disappointed, I just want to hear soon because I'd like to have the procedure before the end of August.   I've been thinking of goals I'm going to have after I get the band. Like how much do I want to lose before a work event in December (20 lbs) and how much before my birthday in March (40-50 lbs). I'm hoping these goals are realistic.   Anyhow, I was reading comments to previous posts and I just wanted to say I appreciate everyone's input. I hope everyone's doing good. Take care.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

1
 

Nervous...

Am thinking today about how final this is. I think about how the benefits of getting banded are way better than having health problems from being so overweight.   I'm worried that I might not be able to handle some of my favorite foods, like the Vietnamese spring rolls (rice paper wrappers, bean sprouts, veggies and I get the thin grilled sliced pork) and Chinese food. I love making Mexican food at home also. ...and I don't want to give up soda, but that should be the easiest to give up if I have to.   I was also thinking about how I've only told a few family members and one friend, that I'm going to get banded. I just don't want everyone to know how I'm losing weight.   So, these are just some things I was thinking about today.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

7
 

Pysch Eval/PFT/EKG

So today I went to my Pysch Eval/Pulmonary Function Test and EKG appointment. I think it went well. They told me I didn't need to do the Nutritional Counseling, which I was surprised at. ....but, they told me my insurance is not requiring it. So, hopefully I will hear something soon and will be able to get my procedure scheduled.
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
 

The journey begins....

I went to a seminar at TrueResults two weeks ago and have been to a consultation. I'm going to go for my pysch eval, ekg, pft (pulmonary function test) and nutritional counseling appt on 07/13. I'm glad that they'll all be on the same day. The only thing else I know I need to provide (that I know of this minute), is results from a sleep-study I did a few years ago.   I'm really hoping that my insurance will approve me quickly and that I can get the band in early/mid August. I'm tentatively scheduled for mid August.   I'm kindof anxious about getting this done, but I am also ready for it. I'm tired of feeling unattractive. I want to feel attractive and definitely want to be healthier.   Well, that's all for now. :smile2:
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

0
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