I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it.
I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family.
I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done".
So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself.
Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever.
So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings".
So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it.
I LOVE MY BAND
Zil
Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.
OMG, my 30 year old daughter has been dieting since she was 20. She has tried just about everything...she loses 20 pounds and gains it back. (we know how that is). Recently, after having taking HCG (but she won't admit it), and gaining the weight back, she joined weight watchers, and I admit she is doing well. She has tried on everal occassions to talk me into joining because, ash she puts it, "I think you need energy, a multi vitamin, more WATER, and you need to eat more fruits and veggies. If you're going to drop pounds and tone up then do it the right way. By you drinking a meal- duh, not healthy… Buy you not eating, your body is holding on to everything you do put in your mouth and in the long run you will not be successful with long term weight loss. when you finally do decide to eat properly you will gain weight. There should be no reason you couldn't of had 1 sticky bun the other day and when you weighed in for the week still showed weight loss. Trust me. You're body is just like mine. What we need is to fuel our bodies and then our bodies work for us buy burning off fat. Think of it this way, a car will not function properly and get you where you need to be unless you give it what it is designed to digest. God created your body to eat fruits, veggies, fish, and meats in moderation. Man created all the other crap.. "
Well, why can't she understand that I am under my doctor's care and doing exactly what I have been told to do. Furthermore, I have done Weight Watchers in the past (the one with the point system) and I found it to offer too many choices...I would choose to use all my points on junk food. Now I have the LB tool, the willpower to stick to my conviction, along with my doctor's directions. I am eating much healthier than I have for 30 years, I am exercising now (even joined a gym today so I can go on my lunch hour), I take all my vitamins and drink water, and so on. She wants me to eat, eat, eat even if I am not hungry just because it is meal time and eating will help me to lose weight. I just don't get it.
Yes, it is true that my weight loss is slow, like the DR says, 1-2 pounds every week, and I am holding steady at that. True, I wish I could be like some and lose 100 pounds in 6 months, but I am realistic enough to know that is not going to happen, and that is not good for me.
I did not get to be a blimp overnight and I know it will not come off over night.
ON THE GOOD SIDE, I have lost 44 pounds in 3 months, and I feel good about that. I am even starting to see a difference in my body.
Thank you all for allowing me to vent and get this crap off my plate. I feel much more relaxed now.
Have a happy weekend. Zil
Why do people always think they know what is best for us???
Good morning. Well, I need some guidance. It has been 3 weeks since I was banded. I have to say it has not been all that bad. I seem to be tolerating food without any problems...no vomiting, no tightness within my band, nothing like that.
Do have a couple of questions, tho. I am scheduled for a fill on 9/19 (it will be my first one). But, until I reach that very special "green zone" it is normal for me go eat my 1/2 cup of food, and not really be satiated? I have cut down considereably, and try to stay within the amount allotted, but found that I am not losing weight. In fact, even put on a couple of pounds, then took them off.
Do any of you use a protein drink in the place of a meal? I am one person who I know cannot eat very many carbs, (it seems as if I crave them,) and even when I eliiminate them, I have a really hard time losing weight. I am not a big breakfast eater, so usually have a protein drink there, then eat lunch and dinner. If I eat cream of wheat for breakfast, or oatmeal, therein, lies the battle.
Any advise?
OMG, from the blogs I am reading, it seems as if everone is having difficulty. It is nice to know that I am not alone. I am not sure if it is the time of year (the holidays are quickly approaching) or just that I am wanting a little of the forbidden foods.
Friday was a very stressful day for me at work, so I found I was snacking ... on nuts ,.,. on the fat content. Then I ate egg foo yung for lunch (just 1/3 of what was served) but decided to finish off the 2/3's for dinner. What a mistake. Then Saturday was no better...don't even ask about the french onion soup. Thankfully, I realized the error of my 2-days way and got back on track yesterday ... having protein shakes and some meat with plenty of water. Am feeling better.
But, I am wondering if something is going on with just about everyone, because we all seem to be suffering some type of setback, be it weight gain, plateauing, not being able to stick to the rules, etc.
JUST REMEMBER, WE ARE ON THE JOURNEY TOGETHER. Don't lose sight of the finish line. Even the longest journey starts with a small step. WE CAN DO IT.
The Christman holiday is now behine me (and us) and I am sad to say that I did not do very well for 3 days...the delicous foods and goodies were very tempting, and unfortunately I did succumb to the treats. I made healthy choices while having my meals, but I found myself enjoying cookies and carmel corn while we were playing cards and goofing around. I am ashamed of myelf.
Today I made it a priority to get back on the healthy kick journey. I also learned that I will not be having sweets in my house in the future...at least not the ones that tempt me overmuch. While I did not gain weight, I feel sluggish and seem to not have any energy.
Well, here is to a healthier new year and another 80 pounds gone forever.
I am still loving my band.
Well, I had a visit with the doctor yesterday...my first in a month, and what a month it has been.
Here I have been sailing along rather swimmingly since I started my journey July 26, 2011... have lost 80 pounds (60 more to go).
Then, it was as if I hit a wall that really did not want to give. Last month I lost 5, THAT'S RIGHT, 5 pounds and 1 inch around my waist.
Good news - I lost 5 pounds and 1 inch.
Bad news - and this hit me right where it hurts, and boy is it going to hurt a whole lot.
Since I am eating healthy, the doctor told me in no uncertain terms that I would have to, and here is the bad news...STEP UP MY EXERCISE.
I thought, OMG, DO I LOOK LIKE SOMEONE WHO EXERCISES??? Actually, I have been exercising since about a month after my surgery. My favorite thing is to ride a bicycle or the exercice bike at the gym. I am actually up to doing 7 miles in about 30 minutes. and now I am being told to STEP IT UP.
That can only mean one thing...doing cardio. If I had done cario in the past I would not be in the shape I am in now or at least not as much of bad shape.
So, today I ordered a DVD to get me a huffin' and a puffin' and hopefully it arrives on Monday.
So, that is the tale of my Good and Bad news.
Please keep me in your thoughts because I am not sure how this is going to go. But I am so determined to get this excess weight off ... until then.
Have a great w/e
Zil
THE BEAST HAS ARRIVED. With all the holiday hustle and bustle, I find myself having difficulties eating the proper foods and making it to the gym. I was only able to go one day last week because of dr appts and being sick. I never thought I would say I miss exercising.
Sunday I went to a Christmas party at my friend's house. She is a fabulous cook and there was food galore. I stuck to my convictions pretty well, but did find myself munching on the stuffed and bacon wrapped dates. They were so delicious. SHAME ON ME. Yester was not much better with eating because I had errands to do in town. And because I do not want my family to feel left out because I am dieting (or should I say finally living), I am still baking and preparing foods for my family beause I don't want them to feel deprived because of me...the good thing is that I am only making half as much of the goodies...no double batches this year. When it is gone, it is gone, and I will not be helping myself!
Today I am happy to say I am managing to get into the swing of things and get back on the wagon and am feeling pretty good about things. I am even going to make it to the gym this afternoon. NO EXCUSE NOT TO GO!
This is time of year is among my favorite. I love the festivities and the gathering of family and friends and good times. I have discovered that I am a social eater and therein lies the BEAST. So much of our lives (me and my family/friends) i surrounded by food and drink, and since my hubby is Italian, the theory is EAT, EAT, EAT, or in Italian, Mange, Mange, Mange. That is how I came to become almost 300 pounds...that and because they are easily insulted if you don't eat (is that because they are such wonderful cooks?)
Anyway, this is my way of venting and releasing my frustrations. I am going to need to stay focused, and remember my motto, "hunger is a figment of my imagination".
I think I have definately hit the green zone. I just ate a bowl of soup and I am stuffed. Did the same yesterday, except since they were really small, I ate 2 (mostly broth), and was satisfied the rest of the day. OMG, never would I have figured that one bowl of soup would satisfy me.
I have I told you lately that I love my band? I really LOVE my band.
Keep your fingers crossed that I continue being full after just small meals.
Have a great day :party:
Well, here I am about 7 hours post-op. Had my surgery at 9 this morning, they woke me up around 9:40 or so, and was on the road to home by about 10:30. Had a long ride since I live about 70 miles from the hospital, but was not as bad as I thought it would it. Took some pain meds when I got home, took a alittle nap, and have been walking, walking, walking around the house since it is wayyyy to hot to be outside. Juice, water and tea has been doing down very well. I am pleasantly pleased. If this is the worst, I will count myself very lucky. Of course, the real test will be if I on hold of on not being hungry and keep p with the exercise. But I am determined since I didn't spend all this $$$ for nothing. Keep me in your toughts.
Today while reading, I noticed that a lot of people who have been recently banded seem to be frustrated because they are not losing weight...
Well, just remember, the band is a tool that only assists us with our weight loss but we have to do the work. We have to make healthy choices in selecting foods, we have to be sure to drink water and exercise. And most of all, we need to understand that just because we can "eat as much as we did before surgery" we should not be doing that.
It may take quite a few fills until restriction is felt...I started getting fills Sept 19, 2011 and have gone every 2 weeks since then and received a fill...it has only been this past fill that I finally really feel restriction. I have 9.25 cc's in my band 14 cc band. The Doctor put 4 cc's in at the time of surgery.
I did some eating history as it pertained to myself and realized that carbohydrates are my personal enemy, so I shy away from them as much as possible. I do have a few crackers every so often, (even that has proven to be the enemy) but am pleased to say I have given up bread, pasta and rice, as well as potatoes. That stuff really packed the pounds on me. I was 299 at my heaviest and am proud to say that this morning the scale said 226. I am more than 1/2 way to goal of 160 pounds, and then tummy tuck, here I come.
good luck to everyone
I know I am going to show my ignorance, but what does BP stand for???
I have seen that numerous times in some of the blogs, but am unsure what it means.
Any takers to let me know.
BTW, down 56 pounds as of this morning. YEA.
Well, good morning. Today is 11 days post op. I go to get the staples out today. Thank goodness because they are itching. I think I am going well. According to the info I received from my Dr, I was able to start consuming thicker liquid items such as cream of wheat, soups with noodles (blended up), mashed potatoes, etc. Doing pretty good. I found that as soon as I started eating semi-solids (or thicker liquids) the gas in my shoulder seems to dissapate. Oh, if anyone had told me that gas in your shoulder could be so painful I would have laughed...not anymore. It was awful.
This is such an exciting time in my life. I have been overweight for 25+ years, and no matter what I tried, I could not shake the weight. Oh, I would diet and lose 20 or 30 pounds only to put it right back on. I truly believe the lapband is the tool that is going to become my best friend.
I still have to wait 3 weeks for my first fill, but I am eagerly anticipating that day.
Until next time. Stay healthy, happy and stick to the rules.
Zil
I made it through Thanksgiving. What a wonderful day. I had the full blown holiday meal for my family. I am proud to say that I did not gain any weight, in fact lost 1 more pound.
I am also proud to say the worse thing I ate was cheese. Yes, I did eat 2 pieces of cheese. It did taste good. Being Italian, we had all the appetizers and I did good. I stayed away from potato chips, spinach dip and bread, corn chips and salsa, salami, pepperoni and crackers (3 kinds). I did have some shrimp and a couple bites of cheese and a couple of carrots.
Dinner came around and I had made up my mind I would have only ham, broccoli and a bite of sweet potatoes. I did have a small glass of wine. No bread, stuffing/dressing, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffed pasta shells. I also stayed away from all the desserts.
I sat back and watched everyone else stuff themselves, and I had a good feeling.
Next, it will be Christmas. I am a little worried about that holiday because one of my favorite things is cut out cookies with icing and colored sugars. I always make about 12 dozen for Christmas morning. I also think we wiil be having homemade tamales, rice and beans for Christmas dinner..,.I know, Italians eating tamales??? Being from the SW, we like Mexican food too. Oh well, I will just make up my mind to eat healthy.
Happy days to all my fellow bandsters.
Well, I am not sure if I would call it the week from hell, but it has been close, real close.
Over the w/e I came down with what I thought was possible STREP throat. Throat irritated and dry, ears itchy and hurt. Headed to the dr Monday afternoon after working 4 hours. Good news - not strep (this after 2 swabs of my back throat because the first swab showed negative), bad news -- my allergies were acting WAY up. So, after 2 RX's and the co-pay at the dr's office, I was sent on my way.
Next day, Tuesday, I had made arrangements to take the day off a few weeks ago to take my friend to have a surgical procedure done, but ended up going to work for about 3 hours because I was told the Friday before that I had to do a presentation to our supervisors, and it had to be done during the supv meeting. Bad news - couldn't get the PPT presentation to pull up at work, couldn't get the computer to work, so had to re-write the presentation at the last minute. Good news - got out in time. Spent the entire day with my friend at the hospital, only to have her admitted because her BP shot up into the critical zone. Stayed with her until she fell asleep that evening then had an hour drive home.
Wednesday, on the way to work, Bad News - really bad news - I somehow managed to get into a single vehicle accident while driving my hubby's truck to work...good news, I did not hit anyone and am actually OK with only a little bruising and minimal soreness. The best piece of advice I can give anyone is keep your eyes on the road no matter what, and WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!!! My guardian angel and God were with me that day because I did not do either of those things...and ended up in a field of alphalfa. Truck has a little damage, but thank goodness for insurance.
Thursday, went pretty well, except that I was pulled from my regular assignment (as were many of the staff I work with) and directed to go help do a contraband search...I work in a security facility so this is nothing new to us. Bad news, had to work OT, but because I am salaried, I do not get paid for it. Good news is when I take off early, I don't get docked since I am salaried. It is all a wash.
Today is Friday...and things seem to be going well. Good News -- got word on the damage to the truck...only about $3400 and it will probably be ready next week.
In all of this, I have remained emotionally calm for the most part, but did figure out that I am a STRESS EATER. After I arrived at work (the day of the accident -- my husband told me to drive to work in the car (it was the best thing he could do for me to force me to get back behind the wheel)) I actually ate 2 pieces of candy, and I used the excuse that I needed to calm myself. What a bunch of crap, but because after not having candy for 8 months, it did nothing to calm me, and the funny thing is, it really didn't taste like I thought it would. I'd rather have my protein, veggies, and drinks and stay away from the sugars and carbs.
So that is it in a nutshell as to how my week has been going.
Thanks for letting me get this stuff off my chest, and for being there for me and everyone else. I feel much better now. Oh, and I think my allergies are finally under control.
Have a great weekend.
Until next time---Zil
FINALLY, when I weighted myself this morning, there was a new middle #. I know it might not seem like much to anyone else, but I have been struggling to get out of the 260's. Finally made it to 259 this moring. I was so happy.
I have been lucky enough to find a walking/biking partner in my neighborhood. We have decided to bike 3 days a week and walk the other 2 days. That will be good for me (and her).
One thing I finally had to do was make a sign for my desk that says, 'I am NOT hungry!!!' ' HUNGER IS A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION' Worked for me all day yesterday. Working on reading it numerous times today, too.
OK, so off to my daily routine.
GOOD LUCK FELLOW BANDSTERS AND SOON TO BE BANDSTERS.
I hit a new middle number this morning when I stepped on the scale...I am finally in the 200teens. YEA ME!!! I really LOVE my band. 80 pounds down since I started my journey in July 2012.
I hit a plateau during the past month, but that seems to have gone away (until the next one). I have been able to get back at the gym this past week too.
I really LOVE my band, but I think I already said that. However, it does bear repeating...probably numerous times.
I have not had a fill since the middle of January and I am still in good shape. Feeling restriction which has really limited my intake. For those of you who are kinda new to banding, just remember, it may take numerous visits to get fills before you hit the green zone. I started getting fills in Sept 2011 and went every 2 weeks until mid Jan 2012.
For those of you who are newly banded, do not get discouraged. Just remember to follow the rules and your doctor's orders.
For those who are awaiting approval, keep pushing forward. Your time will come. Don't you get discouraged, either.
For those of you who are on the fence about lapband...go for it. This was the best money my hubby or I have ever spent. I love my band and the incentive it has given me. I could not be doing it without this wonderful tool.
Best of Luck.
Zil
DOWN FROM 5 TO 4. YIPPIE. Finally made it into the 240s this morning. Only good things ahead for me.
I love my band. The best choice I have ever made. Down 50 pounds (which includes my pre-op diet phase) Looking forward to losing the next 50 pounds.
I know I am blowing my own horn, but if I don't, who will. Saw some pics of me from last week, and hardly recognized myself. Going for my 5th fill this afternoon and believe I will firmly be in the green zone. I am a happy camper.
thanks for listing and letting me brag.
Those darned messages in a fortune cookie really don't make much sense about 99% of the time. So I decided to make one just for me and I carry it with me all the time. It says...
I am NOT Hungry!!!
Hunger is a figment of my imagination.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
ride / walk / ride / walk / ride
The flip side says...
I AM ON THE WAGON
I am a food-a-holic
Please do NOT offer to feed me
The funny thing is, it works for me. I have been drinking more water, eating smaller portions and not as much eating in between meals, plus I am riding my bike more and walking.
My co-workers, friends and family are so supportive. And this blog is the BEST. I get so much inspiration from everyone.
There is a girl I work with and when she found out I had been banded, she immediately wanted to know more information. She attended a seminar (based on what her insurance covers) and came back feeling that her only option was gastric bypass, since she was told "the band really did not work" and that "people would probably only lose about 50#s". She was further told at the seminar that a lot of the patients who come in for bastric bypass do so after having been banded.
At first I was a little discouraged, but then I realized my fate was in my hands and the band. The band is what we make of it, so I am going to forge ahead, following the guidelines (although I do have a hard time eating slower...I am sure that will change once I reach the green zone) as well as MY FORTUNE COOKIE.
Good luck to my fellow bandsters. Keep up the good work.
I love this site. The info here is so helpful and everyone is so supportive. I was having a lot of questions and a hard time trying to figure out what I was actually supposed to be doing. Finally, Wednesday night I had an epiphany after reading replies to my worries. Glad to say I think I have finally put it together. 1/2 cup of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water in between with an occassional cup of coffee and sugar free gum. I was invited to lunch yesterday by a friend who I had not seen for awhile. (She did not know I was banded.) I happily accepted and agreed to meet knowing I could not take my lunch into a restaurant. I was very cautious when looking over the menu. Finally ordered a grilled chicken breast with a side of refried beans. I think I had about 2 tablespoons of the meat (cut in very small pieces which I chewed, chewed, chewed) and probably about 2 tablespoons of the beans. Before I knew it, I was satified, and put my fork down. YEA ME!!! The best part was that I did not have any problems with food being stuck. I just know I am going to eat the weight right off of me with mind control and exercise.
HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Be strong Banders!
OMG, the holidays are upon us. And with the holidays comes never ending array of holiday treats and temptations.
We, as bandsters, need to be even more vigilant and strong because it is just too easy to fall prey to the excitement, the hustle and bustle, and the celebration of the Holiday season. After all, we all love a good party, right? And, if we tell the truth, many of us are probably social eaters. So much of our previous life has been centered arond food.
So, here is my Chrimas wish and hope for each and every one of you...
I wish you the strength to make wise choices, and if you should have a weak moment, I wish you the courage to forgive yourself and move on.
I hope you are able to surround yourself with others who will support your goal, and not sabotage, or tempt you, at every turn.
I wish you a season full of family, friends, laughter and wonderful times.
I wish you success in your journey.
May the new year bring us an easy time as we travel along, and hopefully the scale will move backwards.
Happy holidays to all Bandsters!!!
Zil
Had my surgery a week ago today. I am feeling pretty good, tho have experienced some hunger pangs from just having fluids. Today I get to start smooshies. Does anyone have any good recipes or ideas??? I could use them.
I go Tuesday to get the staples out. I am looking forward to that.
I think I have lost 5 or 7 pounds since the day of my surgery, and while I wish it was more, I am happy. I went into my surgery with a very positive attitude, and did not experience very much in the way of discomfort except for the day after when my stomach felt like I had done about 50 situps (muscles were really sore), and then on Monday I started getting that darned gas in my shoulder. That has been a little rough at times, but I am weathering through.
I am proud because today at work we served sub sandwiches (2 6-footers), pasta salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, chicken salad, chips and birthday cake. I stuck to my protein drink and sugar free pudding and applesauce. The thought of eating that stuff made a little queazy. Just not ready to go there yet. Although, I would like a piece of fish (and I don't know where that is coming from, because I am in no way a fish eater).
Well, fellow bandsters and bandsterettes...I wish you all the best. Let me know if you have any recipes for me.
thanks,
OMG, it finally happened yesterday...since I did not have a decent meal for lunch (did eat banana and yogurt and was full) but was hungry when I got home from work. So, in the process of fixing dinner, I grabbed a small piece of left over chicken and took a bite and then a second bite. Then about 30 seconds later, I felt a tightness like I had never felt before. You can imagine what happened next. So, while I knew the lesson, I did not follow the rule, of dime sized bites and chew, chew, chew. Don't think that will happen again because I did NOT like the feeling. I have never stuck my fingers down my throat before, but did it twice yesterday to get unstuck. UGH. But am happy to say I still love my band. This was just another way (although be it yucky) of me utilizing my tool.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING BANDSTERS.
I had my 3rd fill the other day. So, as those of you who have received fills know, it is liquids the first day, smooshies the second day, and onto regular food the 3rd day. I had a protein shake for breakfast,and about 2 hours later I ate a cheese stick. It didn't get stuck, but I felt like it was more difficult to move down. Is that what the green zone feels like? If so, woohoo for me.
Looking for your feedback.
I have been reading all the messages for the past few days, and I am very inspired. I will join the ranks of the banded this Friday and I am very excited. My husband is being super supportive (He had gastric by=pass about 10 years ago and is literally half the man he used to be), so much so in fact, that he said if insurance wouldn't pay, we would, so we did.
All of the information I have been reading is very informative. You all area so supportive of each other.
I do have one question tho, what kind of protein drink did you use when on your liquid diet? I have been drinking EAS advantEDGE and wonder if it will be OK to continue with that, or should I try something else?
I am eager to hear from anyone and WISH ME LUCK. I will keep you posted.
