NYC Girl

Hiya All! I'm just checking in as well! I'm still loosing slowly, between a pound and a pound and a half a week, some weeks more, some less! My doctor is thrilled and says a slow, steady weight loss is more likely to be sustained. And as I have said before, my plan is to do this only once. I've had my third fill, and the restriction is really kicking in. I am now under 180 pounds, and that means over 45 pounds less than I weighed last year at this time! HOORAY! I've been circling around this milestone for a while now, so I promised myself that I would get a new bag when I finally got there. So I'm taking myself off to my favorite handbag store this weekend!t I do have a handbag fetish! Despite all this, I'm still still struggling with perceived hunger. The band helps me moderate what I eat at one sitting, but I'm generally hungry two hours later. I know this isn't real hunger, so I'm trying what the Bariatric Psychologist at my center calls "Mindful Eating". I tell myself that if I'm still hungry in 30 minutes, I can have something more to eat. If not, I won't. Usually about 50% of the time, I'm able to avoid in-between meal snacking. I'm working on the other 50%, not to be perfect, just better. BTW, my New Year's resolution is to be kinder to my self! No more expecting perfection and putting myself down in what I say. Until I started paying attention, I didn't realize how often I put myself down subtly, and not so subtly. It's a process! My next goal: below 30 BMI. This may take a while! Must come up with a good reward for that one! Any suggestions? Just remember, I'm currently unemployed, so no high ticket items like a new house, or car!!!!! Lisa in a Giants crazy NYC! (Go Big Blue!)

One question: Are you eating less than you did last year or before your surgery? My guess is the answer is YES. PLEASE don't feel like a failure because you've "taste tested a few times". This is NOT failure. None of us are perfect, so stop expecting perfection from yourself and set yourself up for failure. Loosing a significant amount of weight is a long process and there will be ups and downs. Give yourself some pats on the back, and MOVE ON!!!!! Lisa in NYC

Dalex -- the psychologist I visited is associated with the bariatric group at Bellevue Hospital in NYC where I had my surgery. Why don't you ask your surgeon/nutritionist to recommend someone. She also leads the support groups. Another alternative might be to see if there is a support group at your group. . A note to everyone: I see that lots of people on our thread seem to hit a a plateau recently. I certainly have. m not gaining, but I'm not loosing at the moment. Makes me think this is "normal stage" Most of us lost a lot of weight right after surgery, but now it is slowing down. Perhaps our bodies need to adjust to our lower weight, and it will pick up again at some point, or just level off to a slower, but steady rate. Again, I know I am always saying this, but perhaps a slower, but steady loss will allow our bodies to adjust quicker. Remember, a lot of us (ME!) did this to be healthier, not just to see quick changes on the scale which can be motivating, but probably not sustainable. Right now I am taking comfort in seeing how far I've come, not how fast -- and the reaction of friends that haven't seen me in a while (" Wow, you look GREAT!" YES I DO! Repeat after me: YES I DO!-- )) Lisa on a beautiful, but slightly chilly night in NYC (and watching the NYCBallet Nutcracker on PBS)

Sorry to be negative on this, but doing surgery on a patient with Hepatitis is dangerous for both the surgeon and the patient. Your PCP is right to request the Hep test and the ultrasound before giving you the letter of necessity. Otherwise s/he might be accused of malpractice. If your WLS is willing to go ahead before being assured there is no hepatitis present, I would look for another surgeon! Get the tests! Lisa in NYC

Hi Sept 2011 bandsters! It's been a while since I posted, so I'm due. I had my first fill on Oct 19, and am due for my second on Dec 22. I don't "feel" much restriction, but I'm definitely eating less than before. Perhaps I'm expecting too much. Generally, I weigh myself on Monday morning -- the "week - a - versary" of my surgery on Sept 12th, and this week I was back to 188, where I was about three weeks ago, before a little up and down. I was prepared to report that I was frustrated when I met with the bariatric psychologist this afternoon. (as in, waaaa -- my weightloss has stalled!), so I weighed myself this morning. Surprise! I'm down to 185.2, a three lb loss from Monday. This puts me at a 40 lb loss from my high point, or 25 from surgery. That's just over two lbs a week in 12 weeks. So I am loosing! Again, perhaps I'm expecting too much! Made me realize that our "weight" as measured on a scale really varies from day to day, due in part to what we've eaten, if we've had a bm, our cycles, etc. I've always known this, but sometimes it's easy to forget when we see the scale go up and down, and we get discouraged.. This is the reason my psychologist says NOT to set weight goals, only behavioral goals since that is really the only thing you can really directly control. Behavior goals as in: walk 1 hour twice a week, or don't eat after the dinner meal, etc. If you say "my goal is to weigh 180 by New Year's and you eat salty food the night before, and you are 181, does that mean you are a failure? She says this just sets you up for failure. What I need to do is adjust my expectations! I'm eating less, walking more and loosing weight! As I've said a million times, and more than once in this forum, slow and steady wins the race! Have a great week, everyone and stay positive! Lisa in a rainy, but surprisingly warmish NYC.

I decided to have lap band surgery after realizing that my excess weight, and the associated co-morbitities (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, gall bladder disease and even knee pain) were likely to negatively impact the rest of my life. When you are young, nothing seems to matter, and you often don't see the consequences of bad choices. After enduring two surgeries (hysterectomy because of endometrial cancer in August 2009, and a severe gall bladder attack and surgery spring 2011) that resulted in a total of 15 days spent in Bellevue Hospital in the last two years, I realized that the outlook for the rest of my life wasn't bright and I would likely face a shortened and/or restricted life. My parents both died in their early sixties. I am 56! Yikes, I need to change, and I'm running out of time!!!! As i do not have medical insurance, I was lucky to find a program at Bellevue Hospital in NYC that offered weight loss surgery for New Yorkers at a very reasonable cost (only $150 for this unemployed, non- insured New Yorker), and I figured this was the time to do it. So after some misgivings (okay, lots of misgivings!) I was banded 9/12/11 and have begun my journey. I'm hoping that this blog will help me successfully navigate the lifestyle changes that I need to internalize to create a new life! I'm off to a good start, and have lost over 32 lbs from my highest weight (including a 10 lb loss after gall bladder surgery in April) and am now at Post Op Day #34. The first 28 days were easy. Little appetite, restricted food plan (clear liquids, full liquid, mushies, soft food), and rapid weight loss. Now that I'm on regular food, my appetite is returning and my weight loss has slowed. That's okay, because the rapid weight loss at the beginning scared me a little -- it seemed too "easy" and thus couldn't possibly last.. And yet, I'm afraid of failure, or is it fear of success? I guess we'll find out! I intend to do this only once, so need the lifestyle changes to stick. Slow and steady will be my motto -- I'm in this for the long haul -- can I think of any more trite truisms? First step: goal setting.

Easy, pezzy! Lisa's Jewish Mushroom & Barley Soup (Based on Zingerman's Classic Mushroom Barley Soup Saute onion (one large, sliced), carrots (2 chopped small cubes), celery (2, chopped small cubes), garlic (as much as you want), and 1 lb mushroom (sliced) and 1/4 cup parsley (or even dill) (1 lb, sliced) in butter (2 tbls -- or you can use oil), and cook for about 5 minutes until veggies are soft, but not burned. Lower heat and stir in 1 tbsp flour, mixing every 30 seconds or so for about 5 minutes until thickened. Heat up 2 qts broth (beef, chicken, veggie or even water), and add to mushroom/veggie mixture a ladle at a time. Sir to incorporate. Bring to boil and add 1 cup barley and season with salt and pepper. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for an hour or so -- stirring occasionally -- until thick. Add more parsley or dill, and season to taste with salt, pepper. PORTION INTO 1/2 - 1 CUP PORTIONS (so we don't eat too much) and freeze. Vary the mushrooms, broth, veggies as you wish!!! Enjoy, Lisa in NYC Source: Sept 2011 bandsters

I'm with the other "soupers". I often make soup -- healthy Soups like bean, lentil, vegetable etc, in a crock pot, and then freeze in small portion sizes. Very easy to pull out and eat for dinner and/or lunch with some veggies. I consider it my meal. Lisa in NYC

Hi Jenn, I'm from NYC and was banded 9/12 at Bellevue Hospital. So far, so good. I've lost 34 lbs from my highest weight, and 20 lbs from my pre-op diet in about 6 weeks. I'm taking it slow, as I only want to do this once. Remember, the band is a tool. You still have to struggle with eating the right kinds of food, not eating too much, and being reasonable with your portion sizes. Weight loss will be rapid just after the surgery and will then slow down somewhat. Don't be discouraged! Remember, it took us a long time to become obese, and it will take us some time to solve the problem. Don't set yourself up for failure, and be kind to yourself. Welcome to the NYC Lap band sisterhood! We've taken the first step in our journey Lisa in NYC

My pleasure! I made the mistake of giving some to my neighbor and within 12 hours, two more of my friends showed up asking for some, as D told them it was DELICIOUS!!!! Now I have to go to costco for more mushrooms to make some more for me. But, as always, I'm thrilled that people like my cooking! Lisa (soupless in NYC!!!!)

Easy, pezzy! Lisa's Jewish Mushroom & Barley Soup (Based on Zingerman's Classic Mushroom Barley Soup) Saute onion (one large, sliced), carrots (2 chopped small cubes), celery (2, chopped small cubes), garlic (as much as you want), and 1 lb mushroom (sliced) and 1/4 cup parsley (or even dill) (1 lb, sliced) in butter (2 tbls -- or you can use oil), and cook for about 5 minutes until veggies are soft, but not burned. Lower heat and stir in 1 tbsp flour, mixing every 30 seconds or so for about 5 minutes until thickened. Heat up 2 qts broth (beef, chicken, veggie or even water), and add to mushroom/veggie mixture a ladle at a time. Sir to incorporate. Bring to boil and add 1 cup barley and season with salt and pepper. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for an hour or so -- stirring occasionally -- until thick. Add more parsley or dill, and season to taste with salt, pepper. PORTION INTO 1/2 - 1 CUP PORTIONS (so we don't eat too much) and freeze. Vary the mushrooms, broth, veggies as you wish!!! Enjoy, Lisa in NYC

Well, at least I'm beginning to do what I CAN DO to influence the length and quality of the rest of my life! Just have to keep repeating that~~~~ Best, Lisa in NYC Absolutely, you can use my motto! Better yet, we need it to inhale it, have it become part of us, so we don't get caught in the "oh, I only lost.......this week" Best of luck, Lisa in NYC

Absolutely, you can use my motto! Better yet, we need it to inhale it, have it become part of us, so we don't get caught in the "oh, I only lost.......this week" Best of luck, Lisa in NYC

I am very similar to you -- have lost 14 lbs in the 6 weeks since surgery -- that's over 2 lbs a week!!! The rest of the weight loss was prior to surgery and the pre-op liquid diet. I believe that a slow and steady loss will be more likely to be kept off, so I'm taking my time. I actually don't count anything. Just try and eat better food (hummus, home made soups, veggies, eggs, tuna salad with low fat mayo), eat less at each meal, and DON'T SNACK. I have also been trying to increase my water in-take, and walk most mornings -- but not all. Try not to have unrealistic expectations. I have to believe that it will be very difficult to keep up a diet of 600-800 calories per day over the long term. Lisa PS: I've gone through some weeks when I didn't loose, or lost only .6 lbs, but that's normal, according to both my doctor and the nutritionist.

What is the 5 day pouch test? Lisa in NYC

Just a quick update for the Sept 2011 bandsters: I was banded on 9/12 and feel great. All together I've lost over 33 lbs and have finally (!!!!!) gotten into the regular sizes. Bought a new pair of jeans today at Costco without trying them on, and the size 18 (short) are loose. I can't believe it. My weight loss has slowed down now that I'm on real food, but it is slow and steady. My first fill was Wednesday (10/19) and received 4 cc's. The PA said they generally just follow a protocol, so that's what I got. He was pleased with my weight loss to date, and said that with no restriction in the band, the weight loss was due to diet exclusively. I had no problem with the fill, and was told to return to liquid diet for 2 days, or until I felt like I could get solid food down. The second day, I tried some soft food and had no problems. Today I'm pretty much eating what I was before, just much less. Although my hunger seems to be back, I find that if I eat slowly, chew carefully and moderate my intake, I get satisfied with less food. That's exactly what I want. As I keep telling myself, the lap band is a tool, but I must be conscious of what I'm eating. I saw the nutritionist at Bellevue, and he definitely believes in tough love! After going over some questions I had, when I asked about hunger between meals, he said to try and ignore it. Easier said than done, he said, but I must remember that someone cut into my body to help solve my obesity. When I'm tempted by a (wicked!) donut, try and remember that I was desperate enough (my words, not his) to have surgery (with all it's pain, cost and bother) and do I really want to screw that up! A bit harsh, but like a slap to the head. He also suggested I set a goal of getting to 180 by the end of the year. That's 12 lbs in 10 weeks! Think I can do it??? Have a great week everyone, and remember, if this process of conquering our obesity was easy, we would have done it way, way, way, before now! Let's concentrate on the positive and be kind to ourselves! Lisa in NYC -- with a pot of mushroom barley soup simmering on the stove~

Great! Rededicate your self to the "cause" and go forward!!!! Believe me, I know, guilt only leads to more bad acts!!!! (As in "What difference does it make if I eat that cake because I'm already a failure!" lisa

Greetings fellow Sept 11 bandsters!!! I'm now 4 weeks post op (28 days to be exact). I'm down 16.6 since surgery and almost 32 lbs since my high point. My weight loss has slowed down but I'm really okay with that. As long as the trend is down, I'm happy. Remember, it took many years to add the weight, and the slower it comes off, the more I'm convinced it will be permanent. I want to add a plea to everyone on this thread: be kind to yourself!! Especially psychologically. Don't focus on the day to day struggles (weight up a pound, didn't do my walking, I feel really guilty for.....) Remember, you don't do nice things for people you disparage, including yourself! We need to find a better relationship to food. Learn to eat less and be satisfied, eat healthier food (at least most of the time) and move forward. Just a thought, but do you see skinny people berating themselves for a small food indiscretion. No! They realize they are human and not perfect. Let's all act like skinny people and hopefully we'll all get there in our OWN time. An example: I've lost 1 pound this week AND MY BMI is under 35 for the first time in MANY MOONS! Just my 2 cents from an absolutely beautiful day in NYC. Lisa in NYC My psychologist told me it is important to set intermediate goals, so my next goal: loose 5 pounds in the next four weeks. Do you think I can make it? I'll update everyone in my weekly status.

Thanks for the encouragement. My blood pressure is already down quite a bit after a 32 lb weight loss from April 2011. My doctor thinks I won't have to take ANY pills when I reach my goal! Lisa in NYC