greyhounder

I had my lap band 7 years ago. I see my surgeon (same one who did my lap band) thus Wednesday to schedule to have my gallbladder removed. I've been a slow loser. Lost about 100 pounds the first year and then spent 5 or so years gaining back a bunch and losing a little. Last fall I started running and exercising in earnest, so this may be the reason. I'm back to that 100 pounds lost mark again. I'm a woman in my 40s. That contributes. Several family members have had their gallbladder out. I guess it was a given. I feel horrible. 8 don't want thevsuegery, but I know it will help.

Well, I've reached a major milestone for me -- 100 pounds lost. It's been a slow process for me. It's been 16 months since I was banded. I guess that's okay, since I continue to lose weight. I still could eat better and exercise more, but I am making good progress. My next milestone is to get under 200 pounds. Then we'll concentrate on my "goal weight". Of course, there's still the whole brain part to get over yet. I still feel 300+ pounds. I'm really hoping that changes. Bec

My blood pressure is still high -- it's likely more a genetic thing for me. I'm a type-A personality. But it is better....maybe someday.... Bec

I don't really even notice the band -- unless I try to eat too much, or eat something I'm not supposed to. And it's not really the band that I feel -- just a really full or uncomfortable feeling from the food. Since the band is internal, I don't think anyone can feel it when they pick up things off the floor. Once in a while, depending on how I bend, I might feel my port against my rib (they're very close) but it's not a big problem. I can feel my port through my skin. It's just a sort of odd bump. I'm really not hungry that often. If I select the right foods, and eat slowly and chew well, I will be full for several hours (around 4 or 5). There isn't really a "diet" per se. I try to eat healthy food -- Proteins first, then fruits and vegetables. There are certain foods that I can no longer eat (breads, Pasta, anything with flour, some dry meats...) but that varies by person. I don't think I burp any more than in the past...not sure about others. I don't vomit too much -- only if I eat too fast or try to eat something I can't. Vomiting too much can cause slipping of the band, so I try to avoid it as much as possible. But it does happen sometimes. Meals a certainly small -- about 3/4 cup, depending on the texture of the food. But not really frequent. I have a Slim Fast shake for Breakfast, Soup or something similar for lunch, and a pretty normal supper (meat and a veggie). For Snacks (usually no more than 2 a day -- if I'm hungry) I usually have applesauce, watermelon, pudding cup -- something like that. Bec

I took Redux for 9 months when it came out. I lost around 60-70 pounds, and got down to about 240. For me, that was great and the med was a godsend. I was taken off of it before it went off the market, although I took Prozac and Fastin combo for a while afterwards (did not do as well on that -- didn't know at the time how bad Prozac was for my mental health!!) Then later, when the whole suit against Phen/Fen and Redux came out, I signed up. Got like $500 in repayment for my meds and a free ECG. Found out that I had damage to 2 of my heart valves. No clue if this was related to the meds, or if I had it my whole life. Also, it is very minor damage and does not impact my life. It was considered compensable though... I have done much better with the band, but it has been much harder work than with Redux. With Redux I sometimes would still eat far more than I should have -- certainly can't do that now. I never exercised beyond a walk now and then -- work out a whole lot more now. I also had that extra serotonin splashing around in my brain from the Redux. I felt on top of the world (of course, that was probably the mania I was feeling). I do miss that part. But I love my band and am so glad I took the plunge! Bec

Attempting to post some before and after photos...... Before: After (so far): This will be a good way for me to see that difference as well, since I don't always feel like I've lost much. Sorry if the pictures are big!! Bec

After I was banded I dragged out my bike. I won it several years ago in a raffle and rode if maybe 3 times. Last summer and fall I rode it several times a week. Now that the weather's nice again the bike has come out once more. So much better than my winter bike (stationary at the gym)! I'm thinking about getting a road bike eventually. This bike is great, but it's a mountain bike and not really made for street riding. Plus when I eventually do my triathalon, I think a road bike would be better (I know there are tri bikes out there but they are out of my budget!) Bec

I just started doing week one of the podcasts today. I've been trying to get into a running mode, but wasn't finding a method that was working for me (was doing 5 minutes warm up, 5 minutes running, er, jogging, then walking for 10 minutes, another 5 minutes running and then a 5 minute cool down). I managed getting all the way through the podcast without dying. Don't know if I can move on to week two after a week though -- we'll see. My goal is to do a triathalon in one year!! Bec

Happy to be banded here. If not for my band, I would continue to gain weight and would become even more unhealthy. I don't mind the restrictions that come with the band -- this helps me be successful. Bec

Hi all, My weight loss goal is 150 pounds. So far -- it's almost been a year -- I've lost almost 90 pounds. I'm maybe not losing as fast as some, but I'm pleased with my loss so far. As long as I keep eating right and exercising regularly, I'm confident I can reach my goal. I've given myself a time line of 2 years to get to my goal weight. Bec

Hi! Saw the word Garmin and had to take a peek at the thread. I have been navigating with GPS units for nearly 4 years now. I bought a big old car unit a few years back, which is sadly out of date now. I need a new one, and have been looking at the Nuvi. Love to hear positives about it. I do use a Garmin GPS for car navigation -- a GPS MAP 60CS. It's a handheld unit, but does auto-routing. It doesn't talk, but beeps when I need to make my turns. I love it. And, while I'm here, GPS units (not really the car units, but the handhelds) are GREAT for geocaching!! It's a fun way to get outside for a walk, get some exercise and find "treasure". Just google GEOCACHING if interested, or drop me a line. It's totally fun! Bec

Hey all! It's been about 8 months since I was banded. I've had 3 fills. To date I have lost around 75 pounds. I'm halfway to my goal weight. I started at a size 26/28 pants (and they were tight) and am now just starting to wear size 18 pants. The boobs are still big as ever (to my dismay), but I've gone from 4X shirts to 1X. I have to drink Slimfast shakes for Breakfast most days, or I end up throwing up. I can eat a smallish lunch (a microwave meal cup, or some Soup. Sometimes a little more). I can eat a pretty good supper yet -- definitely less than in the past -- but I have to be careful about not eating too fast. And I have to avoid breads, potatoes and sometimes other foods (sometimes chicken). I do get frequent left shoulder pain. I used to think it was eased by eating something Protein, but I really think it's gas. I've been trying Gas-X to treat it. I just started, so I don't know if this is the solution or not. I don't like the discomfort! I excercise 3-5 times a week (well, it's been hard this past month, but snow shoveling is pretty good exercise!) I don't think I'll ever enjoy exercise, but I know how important it is. I just tried Zumba, and think it's pretty fun. Just need to get my work schedule and the Zumba schedule to not coincide! Ok -- so now my question: Tonight my port area is sore. It feels like it's bruised or something. Lately I have been able to actually feel my port too. Am I doing something wrong? Any advice would be gratefully taken! Thanks In Advance! Bec:help:

Hi, Dredging up this old thread as I was searching for BDD threads. I was chatting with Mom today and told her that I really don't see any difference in myself, even with 75 pounds lost. ...A couple weeks ago, my doctor showed me the photo taken when I started this whole process. He was very happy with my progress and wanted me to see the changes. Frankly, I believed that I looked exactly the same... So anyway, Mom goes and gets the digital camera and takes a picture of my face. I still saw the big cheeks and dimples, but when I really distanced myself from the fact that THIS IS ME, I could see that my face is thinner. I have only one chin and it's definitely a different shape. That sort of amazed me. So while I still think my body is large (perhaps larger than it actually even is) I've accepted that my chin is thinner. That's a start, right? Bec

This is very helpful! Thank you! I've actually only done Zumba (you have it right, Latin dance exercise) once. Work and shoveling snow have made getting to classes very difficult. But, I think you are onto something with the snow shoveling. We got 7 more inches today and I noticed that while I shovel, my port area hurts a little. So now I have to get someone to help me shovel -- that's a good thing (although last month, with shoveling as my major form of exercise, I lost 8 pounds!)! Bec

I haven't recently bumped my port, that I remember anyway. Is it normal for it to be a little sore sometimes? It doesn't feel sore today. I guess I'm just a little weirded out being able to feel my port. It's bigger than I thought it would be. Thanks for the replies! Bec

Thank you! It's nice to hear this. I really appreciate it.

I'm single! And not loving it!! I'm 38, live in a small town in Wisconsin and just can't find Mr. Right! I've dated, but never have been in a serious relationship. Most men think I am the coolest girl, and I remind them so much of their sister/cousin/etc. I just don't feel date-able. I don't know if/when I reach my goal weight if I will feel date-able then either. Nice to know there are others out there. I always suspected that I wasn't alone! Bec

I'm going to be camping with some friends the weekend of May 18-20. It'll be tent camping, so no electricity. It'll also be about 4 1/2 weeks post-op for me, so I won't be eating regular food yet. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can eat?? I will be doing a fair amount of hiking so I need to keep my energy level up, as well as avoid dehydration. I have a small grill to cook on, but that may not work. I also have a nifty backpacking stove called a jetboil that might work better (could make up some Pasta dishes or potatoes -- anything boiled) but I'm not going to be getting a lot of Protein in that way. I will have a small cooler with ice, but the ice doesn't last the entire weekend, so I can't bring along super perishable stuff. Any ideas?? Please?? Bec

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm at the mushie/trying semi-solid foods at this point, so I think by next weekend I'll be officially semi-solid. I tried tuna and it didn't go well at all, so I'm afraid of it now, but perhaps tuna salad would go better. Hard boiled eggs are a great idea, as is soup (I can heat it up in the jetboil). I'm just very worried about this -- agreed to go and now I don't know what to do!!!

Be thinking of me tomorrow (Tuesday, April 17) morning! I go in to the hospital at 6:15am (CST)!! Excited!!!:bump2: Bec

My Centrum chewable is sort of orange flavored. I guess I'm sort of odd -- I don't mind the flavor (sort of like an off Sweet Tart). I just wish they had fun shapes like the kids' ones (like Brad Pitt or George Clooney! :lol ) Bec

Centrum has a liquid as well as a chewable vitamin. The chewable isn't too bad.... Bec

Anyone else getting banded on April 17? I'm starting to feel so lonely here...:cry Been on my liquid diet since Easter. Evenings are the hardest for me -- I get so hungry and grouchy. I picked up an electronic solitaire game and one of those color by numbers things (pencils instead of paint) to keep me busy in the evening. Not that I don't have plenty of housework to be done. Last night I went to my parents' house, and they were making pizza. I just wanted to lick it to get the flavor -- but thankfully for them, I resisted the urge. My bariatric clinic has a rule that you cannot gain more than 5 pounds prior to surgery, or its cancelled. This has made me really obsessive with the scale. Granted, the liquid diet should make me lose a few pounds, but ya can't help but worry! I'm one of those types that just looks at food and gains weight. This is my biggest stressor at the moment. Otherwise, I think I'm ready.......:nervous Bec

April 17 here! One week!!!!!! Bec

Worked with me huh? Hmmm........ Okay -- as of today, things have really progressed! My surgery date is April 17. The psychologist felt I wasn't too crazy, I don't have a hiatal hernia, heck I've even already lost 8 pounds! I had my second appointment today (met with the surgeon, anethesiologist, second meeting with the dietician and the exercise folks). I start my liquid diet on Easter Sunday, and have my health & physical appointment with my physician on April 9. The only thing I'm waiting on now (besides the surgery) is the check from Grandpa. I was told that it would be on its way this week. Cross your fingers that it arrives in time! Bec:biggrin1: