kima

5jacks- What a super result you are having. Congratulations on such a great loss! Happy Summer. About exercise-The thing that helps alot is that I hooked up Tivo to a small flat screen television in front of my treadmill! It's ME time, doing something I have come to enjoy (and surprisingly enough, look forward to- that's another first) watching something I look forward to seeing (as opposed to what just happens to be on and doesn't hold my interest) Last night I walked for almost 2 hours because I got into a few good shows! I don't usually have that kind of time, but nice to take it on a weekend if I can. Have a great day! Kim:kiss2:

Hi All! Well, it's taken me a while, but I finally have it going in the right direction again. Was going sideways for 2 months- trying to "half do it" and depending on the band to make it easy. I needed to get my head "right", that this really is just a tool. I know it's cliche, but it took time to really see that I needed to go deeper with the cuts and make the ultimate commitment that anything less would never work. I have reduced my calories to 800-1,000 per day and upped my treadmill to 1 - 1 1/2 hours every day! For me, any less will not do. The good news is that for the first time in my life I can live with those numbers without wanting to eat paint off the walls. I put off my third fill for a few weeks in order to see more success. Imagine, me... oh impatient one, willing to slow down and get it right. I have had one sliming/Pb event- eating a piece of chicken on the fly while preparing a party in my home- hope it never happens again. 4 months well spent. Thank you all. When I was down about not making progress I got a lot of support from everyones posts. I had been so disappointed about not losing more, but am feeling reinvigorated by having success from the consitent effort of the last few weeks. I hope you are all well! Would love to hear from Gigi8, Sherrilynn, Thatgirl and other 1/30 and 1/31 buddies! Kim:kiss2: banded 1/30/07 223ps/217s/198c/140g

patsygrn You are not alone. My port is still tender to the touch and I find it very uncomfortable to lie or sleep on my left side. Hope it helps to know you are not the only one. Kim:kiss2: banded 1/30/07 223ps/217s/203t/135g first fill 1.0 3/09/07 second fill 1.0 4/12/07 (only 1.5 total- .5 lost)

AMY YES.. For my second fill (under xray) I was told "no food or liquid after midnight" the evening before my fill. I'm guessing it makes it easier to see the port on the xray. When he did my first fill and atempted my second in the office, I was not required to do this. (He was unable to acess my port for my second fill and I had to reschedule for the second to be done with xray) Good luck Kim:kiss2:

Haven't checkd in for a while. Had my second fill this morning under xray. Was supposed to have it last week in the office, but after 2 tries Dr. could not access the port. I was surprised, because my first fill was reather easy in the office. I had a 1.0 fill the first time, and this a.m. he found only .5 left and added another 1.0... so, I am now at 1.5. Seems less than a few of you who I have read about recently- I sure hope it is enough. I have been feeling almost no restriction, except for the 10 days after surgery, and the one week after my first fill. I am trying not to be discouraged, but the weight loss has been VERY slow. I am down 21 pounds. With very little loss in the last 2 weeks. I feel just like I always have on a diet....trying hard to stay at 1,000-1,200 calories, but hungry all the time! I'll let you know. Kim:kiss2: bnded 1/30/07 223s/217s/202c/135g first fill 3/9- 1.0 second fill today- 1.0, 1.5 total

Dear Lost I travel a lot, and eat out often. Here's a few thoughts. Proten first. You can almost always find a good piece of fish or chicken on most menus. I hand my butter plate to my husband and children and take a bit of each of theirs: 1. cheap date- I tell DH that in a few years of sharing we will more than pay off the cost of the surgery 2. variety- I get to sample a few different Entrees 3. portion control for husband and kids- They usually don't miss the 2 -3 bites I took from them. Reminds them often that there really is far too much food on their plates. The band just makes it easier to be satisfied with less. You can eat anywhere. It's about the choices we make... knowing what to look out for...and making the changes. You can definately do this! Good luck Keep in touch Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/202t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Hi Angie! WOW this hits close to home! Here's how we solved it! My daughter is 13, my son is fifteen. We have had a "science experiment" going on in our house since they were toddlers.... he needs 3,000 calories or he's like a starving third world child all ribs and knees (the pediatrician would tell me he was underweight- until I brought in pictures of my husband when he was the same age. He never brought it up again.) On the other hand... my daughter smells bread and gains a pound! Just like mom. You can not tell me that genetics are not a massive indication of future weight. Like many on this site I had a painful upbringing with foods issues, including parents that meant well but were uninformed. I was determined that my daughter would have a better shot at it! When she was 9 or so, and first bringing up to me that she didn't like her belly, I brought her to a local nutritionist who specializes in children. (She was about 10 pounds over where she should have been, and heading higher). Karen explained to me in private how damaging parents can be- she gave us (husband and me) articles to read on the subject and met with our daughter in private. She talked to her about food choices, food cues, portion size, levels of hunger.... and many other things. Karen gave her the power to make the decisions and the knowledge on how to make good ones. She asked us not to tell her how much to eat... it was merely our job to provide healthy food. The "what" was up to us, the "how much" was up to her. Karen does not even tell her how much she weighs when she goes. She has told her that girls her age often get thick bef'ore they grow. " just stay healthy, and it will even out as you grow." Our daugther has been amazing! She makes terrific decisions. Her food thermostat is so much healthier than mine ever was!! She is in great shape- maybe 5 pounds heavier than middle line on the pediatricians charts. She has not had a growth spurt yet- she is still one of the shortest in her class. Pretty soon that will come- she doees not have her "friend" yet. I was a late bloomer,too. This was the best gift we could ever have given her. Once when she was 11 she asked to go back to see her... just to get re-centered and on track. Also, since she is more creative than sports minded.. and dropped out of field hockey and soccer and karate and ballet.... I told her that she would have to pick a trainer and develop a lifelong exercise routine. She has a great trainer at a small gym owned by a friend of mine and she goes 3-4 days a week. She likes it! She likes how she feels... she shows off her arm muscles to me once in a while with great pride! If you take away the expensive equiptment our son has for lacrosse, squash, golf, skiing...and so on, she's still a bargain in the money spent department! She owns it. At thirteen she gets it. I am not her food cop!..and I am not stressed about her having unhappy teenage years... at least not in regards to her weight! If she is going to a birthday party, she'll say "I'm going to have a smaller lunch so I can have a piece of cake"... I'll say, "that's a good decision honey, I hope you enjoy that piece of cake. " We keep only healthy food in the house and cook only "delicious, nutritious lite!" No cookies, no junk...mostly organic. We will sometimes bake a healthy dessert from cooking lite. We'll do a baked apple- which she loves- or a modified apple crisp...there's hundreds of great healthy lo cal Desserts out there. She loves to bake! My husband gets credit in this department. He grew up in a "healthy eating" home... his mom was way before her time on this. When the kids were little he found a package of oreos I bought for "treats" and threw them out... we have never had much junk since then. Even the chips are baked veggie chips. Children learn to like good stuff if that's all you have. He's always been crazy about the hydrogenated oils as well. Peanut Butter is our one vice. NOTE- in the small world category... Karen was one of the nutritionists on my Dr's list for the nutritional pre-op evaluation! She wouldn't even let me pay. She thougth I was a perfect candidate. She has followed my progress and has been an amazing source of information and support! I would be happy to refer any of you to her or get copies of the articles if you would like. ANGIE, Good luck with it...it's so important! Best, Kim :kiss2: 223/ps/217s/202t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Sunshine2 Now THAT's what I call a great NSV! (Non scale victory for our new friends!) Don't we all have a few people we want to run into when we get to goal?! Old boyfriends... old boses... unkind people! Victory is living well! Congrats! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/202t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Hi Gigi! They're saving the best for last! Don't be nervous... i was a wuss enough for the both of us- it's really not bad at all! Childbirth-10 Lap Band Surgery and recover-8 First Fill-1 Let us know how it goes. Luv ya Band sister! Kim :kiss2: banded 1/30/07 (same day as you) 223ps/217s/202t/135g first fill 03/09/07

Lynn leck I was swollen and sore after my first fill on Friday. Swelling- not sure why but firm around the upper chest. I'll ask why next time. Soreness- I described it like this to my husband. Imagine you have a belt around a major organ and someone just tightened the belt a notch. Not really painful but definitely sore...you know it's been done. It took 3-4 days for soreness to be unnoticeable. Good luck! I hope you are feeling better now. Just curious... is that a normal first fill? I am still learning ... and a newbie regarding this whole fill process...but that seems like it might be a lot for a first fill? Some of the veterans are going to have to help us out with that one. It feels great to share this life changing journey and amazing experience with so many going through the same things! I have told only a few very close family and friends and none of them had even heard of this procedure before. I'm on my own... I rely on you all to lead the way. My humble thanks. Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Hi Susan Just a thought- I use a much smaller plate and bowl. My kids made them at a local ceramics studio years ago and they have been in the cupboard for a long time- they're really cute... and they work. A salad plate works too, but not as much fun. Maybe next time I'll go with my daughter and make one with some inspirational reminders to keep me motivated.... or just laugh! I need a few more dishes (and laughs) Everyone here is just terrific! Happy Spring Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/07/09 1 cc

Sunshine2 Wow. I want to remember that one in case someone tells me I'm taking the easy way out. Nothing about this has been easy. But it has been the best thing I could ever due for my health, my happiness, my future and that of my family as well. Thanks Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 fill 3/09/07

Spydr Great advice! Especially the box idea. Just looking at your fill schedule...can you share, why the unfills? Did you have too much restriction? If so, what was it like with too much restricton, and what did you experience after the unfill. first and second? Trying to get more educated about the fill process. Figure someone who handles the restaurant situation the way you do might not mind me asking! Thanks Kim 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07 1 cc

Don't be discouraged! I had my first fill last Friday. Before the fill I felt the same thing you are describing-could eat anything without problems (week 3 and 4 after banding). I have much better restriction for now. I know, though, that it is only 5 days out and this may change. If that happens I will get another fill...and so on. I think this is a common occurance. I used to think that you get the band and lose the weight- (before surgery and LBT) but it is more of a process than that. From what I've read the most successful banders listen to their bodies, overcome the obstacles and persevere! Good luck. Try not to give back any of your loss. I'm trying to enjoy the process instead of fighting it. Thanks to the collection of wisdom and advice of all the great folks on this board. Good luck. Let us know how it goes! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/202t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Koala It sounds like you are doing everything right...everything you need to do to get yourself healthy and on track. Let the energy of all of us pulling for you keep you going. I can't imagine someone with such a great sense of humor really being grumpy! You have had such a great result. A real inspiration. Love your NO DEFEAT attitude. Glad to hear your insides are healing. Thank you for sharing. Kim :kiss2: banded 1/30/07 223ps/217s/203t/135g

Nikki 17 pounds is just terrific. 6 months ago if someone told you they would take 17 pounds away from you forever, but you would need to carry breathmints and scope around in your bag for a while....what would you say? It's a pain, but part of the deal for some. I get it when I'm really losing. So I look it as a good thing! I am a business owner and also around many customers- in addition to the mints and scope I keep a toothbrush in the bathrom, too. I also have some great ladies (my real friends actually) that work for me- thay are the only ones who know about the band- and they know I want them to tell me if I have a problem. Circle the wagons..cover your bases...that kind of thing.... AND good luck. You are off to an amzing start! Happy losing! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07 1 cc

Soulful Gramma A good friend of mine had surgey 6 weeks ago with Dr Pohl. We were banded on the same day. She's on the board regularly and she is an amazing woman. She would be great for you to talk to. Check out Gigi8! If you click on her name you will see all previous posts and how to email her directly. Tell her Kim says Hi! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07 banded 1/30/07

Your story is heartbreakng. Here is a place to get answers, advice, moral support and gut checks whenever you need it! May you find what you need, and if you decide to do this we are here for you- everyone is terrific! Good luck. It's been the best for me but I am rather new. Maybe you should chat with some of the folks that have experienced this from the higher BMI's. Just ask, they'll answer! GOOD LUCK Kim

Hi Lea! I feel great. The surgery was easy- I was asleep. My guess is almost everyone gets unnerved by the pre-surgery and anisthesia. Just talk to the nurses and people around you- information defuses fear.. and before you know it you'll be waking up in post-op. I was allowed to go home if I wanted, but chose to stay. I was happy I did... I needed some extended help with some IV painkillers and anti-nausea meds. I was deternmined not to throw up- I've always hated to do that. (still haven't to this day) I had my last pain meds at 3:30 in the a.m. and never had any more after that. Just start walking and walking every few hours. Helps to get the gas moving. Not pretty, but a reality. I went home the next morning, got better every day. Same things you read about on other postings...soreness, gas, hard to get in the liquids... went back to work in 5 days, part time. Take the time to get your strength back. By the end of the second week I was almost 100%. There are as many different experiences as there are folks who have been banded, this is just mine. My restriction was good for the first three weeks, and there is nothing better in the world for someone who has struggled with weight loss than to feel full and satisfied! Weeks 4 and 5 before my fill got difficult, felt great, but could eat anything again, and I was determined not to give back my initial 12 pound loss! I stepped up the exercise and held in for my fill. About my first fill-I wish I had asked this question myself.. I was such a wreck the day I went, (last Friday 3/09) and it was really easy. I weighed in, shared with him I didn't have any restriction... he asked a few more questions and said "are you ready"- I was so worried about the pain. I'm babbling on about "no numbing meds?" and he's palpating my incisions and port area. He swabbed my belly and made me promise not to move my arms while he put in the needle. I was really upset. What a waste of energy. The feeling around he did of my port area with his hands hurt more that the thin needle. There was pressure as the needle hit the top and side of the port. He found it after about 40-60 seconds pulled out the Fluid, checked it and put it back with an additional 1 cc all in about 30 secoonds. There was a little "tickling" sensation as the liquid pushed back into the band. He had me swallow a dixie cup of Water when he was finished. And I was off, wishing I had researched it more myself and not been so apprehensive... huh, apprehensive?..who am I kidding, I was a total Wuss! I have good restricton- 4 days out from the fill. I'm still on mushies until tommorrow. I hope it stays, but I certainly won't be worried about my next fill in 4 weeks. The rest of my story is still to be written, but I get great inspiration and information from all the people on LBT. If you need to know it, someone can help. Keep in touch and GOOD LUCK! I will be anxious to hear how it all goes for you. About the site... if you see someone whose information you enjoy, you can click on their screen name and see all of their previous posts. This allows you to read a lot more from people that sound like they are having a similar experience to yours. Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Sunshine You are inspiring! What a great success you are having...I was 203 this a.m. I'll be following to 199 in your wake! My first fill was 4 days ago. Feeling the difference... hope it stays. You're exercise schedule is amazing. You are creating such a terrific role model. Thanks for posting. Love reading you. Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 03/09/07 1 cc.

Leajo03 Keep in mind that every doctor is different- they put up the hoops...we go through em! I was just cautious not to give too much info in the psych eval. Let's face it- if you are heavy there may be some form of unhappiness or depression- I 'm guessing it is the degree of the problem. Not a professional, just a bander with an experience to share. I remember being "on the other side" pre-banding and looking for all info I could find. My best advise for this stage- be persistant and commandeer your own path. Re: making appointments- cancellations are the key to moving up your appointments- the offices know in the morning about a half hour after they open when they have cancellations. I was able to shave 6 weeks off my pre-op process by getting my appointments moved closer and closer. I got them all done in less than 10 days! Ask any questions you have- everyone here is terrific! Our collective energy for each other should be enough to carry us all over the finish line. Good luck. Let us know how it goes! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07

Hi Chrissie! Everyone's weight loss is so different. You will see it if you watch the board that results are all over the place. You didn't give your start weight which has a lot to do with it. I lost 9 the first 2 weeks when I saw the doc post-op, and I am now down 14 pounds. I am six weeks today! That is 1 1/2- 2 pounds a week, and 14 pounds that I am sure I will never see again! Eating... tomato Soup and yogurt for "clears', then scramble eggs and chicken noodle soup for "mushies" were my best friends! It feels like forever, but that stage will be gone before you know it. When I am faithful to my exercise it comes off quicker. Not rocket science, but it works! Good luck with everything. Let us know how it goes. Here's a few things to look out for in the next few weeks. Stay hydrated (for health reasons as well as helping with weight loss) and don't worry if your restriction gets less after a few weeks when the stomach heals. Just hang in there if it does until your first fill... it's more of a process than I understood in the beginning. But so worth it! I have never been "satisfied" with such small and normal amounts of food. It feels great. So much easier to make good decisions when you are not hungry all the time. That is the key! Happy losing! Kim :kiss2: 223ps/217s/203t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07 1 cc

Hi largeincharge Not EVERYONE...I didn't have a pre-op diet either. I've read here it is about reducing the swelling of the liver- you can getter better info from someone else on that... I wanted you to know you aren't alone. Just goes to reinforce for you early in the process that every doctor does things a bit differently- ask yours. I was a 38.5 BMI, which might have something to do with it- again, check with your doc. Congratulations and good luck. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself and you are alomost there! Try to avoid the "last supper" mentality which can go on for days if you let it. Most likely you will see your favorite foods again- even if it is a MUCH smaller quantity. Let us know how it goes! Kim :kiss2: banded 1/30/07 223ps/217s/203t/135g first fill 3/09/07 1 cc

Hey Sherrilynn! Loved your post! So glad to see you doing so well! Keep singing...dancing..and sharing. In just a short time we've come through surgery and the tough few days afterward. Just 6 weeks! You are having such a terrific result. I had my first fill on Friday. I'm feeling the same restriction that I had for 3 weeks after surgery. I hope it lasts! Sounds like you're still there! WOW. Keep in touch. Keep up the inspirational musings, too! Your band day buddy Kim :kiss2: 223ps/117sd/204t/135g banded 1/30/07 first fill 3/09/07 1 cc

When my psych eval. was over he was kind enough to tell me that I passed, and what he was looking for. Signs of depression, since that individual may not be able to handle the changes after the surgery, and signs of sexual abuse, as that individual may be afraid or unable to healthily handle the attention that her new body might command. Interesting, but makes perfect sense. Good luck. Keep calling and don't give up. You need to be persistent to get all your tests done in a timely manner. Ask for cancellations...repeatedly...day after day if necessary! Keep us posted Kim :kiss2: banded 1/30/07 223ps/217s/204t/135g first fill 3/09/07- 1 cc