A New New Dawn

Thanks Twin for the suggestion on the fit bit. I will look into that. Right now I have nothing and I think it would be a great motivator and method to "keep it real" w/ myself. Brad's company insurance gives him a discount if he walked (I think) 30,000 steps per week. So it saves him several hundred dollars on his insurance to log each week. They gave him some sort of device that he can plug in and it logs his activity. I have gotten back to cooking and preparing my meals Snacks and it's helping me a lot. I also am back to measuring my food. I have a 1.2 cup container (Rubbermaid) that I use to serve my dinner. Nicole, how are you feeling? So glad the concert was fun even in light of the crazy people. Janet, sounds like a fun day with Ange and Paula. Is Mom going to be handing out at the pool all the time? I would be. Audrey was hanging out at my dad's pool today. How's Ange feeling these days? I did well w/ food today. I have to take it day by day and today was a good one. It also doesn't help that even though I work for a healthcare company, one of the ladies has a friend that works for Fannie May and brings in boxes of candy all the time. Right now there is coffee cake, candies, candies our VP's brought back from overseas, etc. I am not a big candy person but hard to resist when it's sitting there all day. I did well this week though. Diane, I hope you are ok. Big hug to you, my friend. Dee, how's the cough w/ cj going? How's it going w/ your scammer computer repair guy? That #%%^ better give you your money back. There is NO reason he doesn't have a tracking number for the part to even prove he ever ordered it. Any part sent UPS, USPS, etc. would have one. Terri, how are you holding up? I hope you are doing well being back home and doing well w/ the band. Oh, people say the band is "cheating" ... it doesn't make the challenge/struggle go away. Carole, so glad Sushi is comfortable and happy. I am so glad she is not suffering and is able to enjoy more days w/ her loving family. How's the unpacking coming along?

is there a difference in the fitbits? I was actually thinking of suggesting to Brad I would like something like that for my b-day next month.

I have to get a bigger seat. I think I will stop at WalMart on my way home tomorrow for a bigger bike seat. My buns hurt. Other than that, going well.

any word from Diane? I hope she is ok. Poor thing has so much on her plate.

and just what is a "dongle"?? Welcome back! Carole, happy anniversary and so happy Sushi is doing better. I hated the thought of your anniversary being associated with such a sad day and glad it turned around the way it has. (Mini is Michelle). I still have to stop and think myself when typing all of you. I got so used to our "stage names". Ugh, cramps suck! That's what I have to say. I did good w/ food today, so at least that is good. Watching The Voice. The 16 year old (Danielle?) is AMAZING!!! Janet, how did your flowers turn out after being flooded? Dee, it's officially SUMMER for you now! Nicole, any word on the interview?

Diane, how are you today? I hope you had a low-stress day. Big hug to you! I think of you often and how challenging it must be for you. I hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

I'm here. Been busy this weekend. Yesterday did my bike riding and hung out by my friend's house for a while before riding back. Today, I did a ton of yardwork - mowing the lawn (it was way long as my mower was broken until Brad fixed it last Sunday), trimmed bushes, weed whacked, etc. Even washed off my patio. After that, I drove to go pick up a dorm fridge that one of Ericka's friends was selling for Audrey. So she put it in my car and it was rattling the whole way home... So after I put it in my garage, I open it and died laughing.... there were 5 cans of beer in it. Well, I gave them to my neighbor. He was happy and I got a good laugh. Carole, I am sooooo sorry to hear about Sushi. It is so hard to be faced with their ailing health and very difficult too if you do have to make a decision like that. Big hug to you for strength during this difficult time. Terri, thank you for your encouragement and sharing your struggles as well. One thing I am noticing, aside from me being disgusted with myself and my behavior, but when I am active I also don't want to eat crap or eat as much. So, that is something I need to keep up with too. Michelle, thanks for all your encouragement as well and sharing some food ideas. I am actually going to try that. I have some pulled pork (no sauce) from costco and I could easily mix it in like you suggested. Thanks!!!! I bought some apples and fruits today, and getting healthier foods around me. I do like my Greek yogurt as a snack too. I buy the case of light and fit Dannon ones from Costco too and they are only 80 calories and high Protein. I made a casserole of sorts too with lean beef, veggies and tomato sauce. Thanks for being a great cheerleader. Janet, I was so saddened to hear about your friend's story. I was elated to see this a.m. on FB that she is doing well and things look very hopeful! That is so incredible. I am sooooo happy for her and her family. I love you from the bottom (and top) of my butt too! Thanks for the formatting tip too. It works! Weird. Nicole, isn't it awesome to already see your clothes getting loose! That is awesome. I agree, it's clearance racks until you reach goal. Enjoy your concert. I am jealous! Dee, I hope the "computer repair" guy that took your $ gets his day! How can people do that? Plus, we need you back on internet! :)How was the amusement park?

I hope Sushi is ok Carole. Diane, so sorry date night didn't go so well. I really hope the living arrangements get resolved fairly soon (with insurance, etc.) so you can get some relief. I can't even imagine. Sorry, I still cannot hit "return" on my posts here so my posts are run-ons but you get the idea of what I'm saying. Today I am going to ride my bike. I am also going to a bag party w/ my friend (not wanting to but she wants me to go with). After that, I need to get food prepared and cooked. I notice part of my issue too is I have become lazy with preparing food so I have yummy/healthy food accessible so I have been eating out. Financially and physically that needs to stop. Audrey is working all day today and tomorrow so I have nothing better to do later today and tomorrow than get food prepared and have stuff ready to go for easy meals. I need to bring my lunch every day too. Since I switched buildings w/ my new job (a couple miles away) I no longer have the convenience of the inexpensive cafeteria at work that always made healthy meals so I have been eating crap food at lunch by going out. It's gonna friggin stop! Everyone have a great day. Janet, any word on your daughter's friend that was hospitalized? ♥ to all of you! P.S. I agree, love coming to a drama-free zone, thanks again Janet for bringing us back together.

speaking of restaurant nightmares... I read an article yesterday that restaurant ice is often worse than toilet water.... YUCK!

Well put. I do appreciate people sharing their stories as they can be very insightful good or bad; but I agree that it can happen. I have horror stories I could tell about MRSA and what my mother went through for 2 years with gastric bypass, but I also know many people who have been very successful and had a seamless procedure. It's a chance we take. Many times I want to say well, what was your prognosis for NOT doing anything... probably much worse! Congrats to you and sorry to hear about what should have been a simple procedure.

Thank you ladies for your voices of reason, compassion, and insight. I do agree that aside from my behavior, I need to get back to the surgeon and stop living in avoidance. That's what got me to 285 lbs. to begin with! Twin, pathetic but funny in a pathetic sort of way.... I had a churro today (from Costco's café). That's how pathetic it's become. I figured calling myself out on it was my wake up call. If you live in denial and false pretenses, it's easy to continue to spiral out of control. I just bought a really nice bike and this weekend plan to get my ass on it too!!!! I like bike riding and couldn't do it w/ my 285 lb belly but can now so no reason I don't.

Looking at my ticker, it has been almost 3 mos since I went to doctor. I had gotten down to 204 but right now am at 210. I am really bad w/ going to the doctor. Before the band, I would schedule my annual checkups w/ my reg. doctor and cancel them if I didn't like my weight at the time. I did this a few times and the clinic was going to drop me. It was my way of shaming myself and hiding from the reality of it. I, literally, couldn't make myself go. I think my issue of going to the surgeon now is part embarrassment, part ashamed of myself, and part afraid that I may have harmed my band due to my neglect and not wanting to face that. Oh, Nicole, stay good, my friend. I am sure you will. Don't learn from my example. Good luck on your interview too and congrats on how well you are doing!

Hi, Ladies. Ugh, I have been in a meeting from 9:30 until just a little bit ago. At least they gave us lunch and it was band friendly food for me (soup/salad). I know some struggle w/ salad but for me it's a slider food. Diane, while I am so sorry to see the struggles and emotional strain you are facing with your mom, I am so glad you were able to put your foot down. As for the hubby, sorry, but I do feel that was a very insensitive comment to say you look old. Perhaps, with all the stress you are under he meant it in a way that you look "stressed". No one ever wants to hear you look old. Personally, I think you look fabulous (not just saying that). As for your weight, what does your doc say or your trainer? If you are within the appropriate weight range, then it is a moot point. With everything you have going on personally and professionally, as long as you are healthy that is most important. Michelle, I am soooo happy for you. You are doing amazing and glad this fill is cooperating with you. Carole, I guess after so many years together, you and Jack really have each other figured out and know how to keep it "working". That is wonderful!!!! Yes, I am still having "issues" and it is part me and part not having support from the band. But all in all, it's ME. I am a stress eater and have been realllllly stressed with prom, graduation, new job, the pending move, being apart from Brad (Oct. will be 1 year since he moved), Ericka's trip, funding college for the kids, moving Ericka home, etc. Individually, they are not show stoppers but cumulatively, I was coping w/ eating. Plus, as I got close to 200, I was like hey, I am doing well and got lax. Ever since I had issues w/ the band a few months back and had to get an unfill, I have been struggling. I did get a slight fill afterwards but still nowhere near the restriction I had before. I know, I know according to some on the forum, the band isn't to provide restriction and is to keep me satiated between meals. However, before getting the unfill, it had kept me in ck because I could only eat small quantities and didn't feel hungry. I really couldn't cheat because my band kept me in ck. Well, now, I can pretty much eat anything. I cannot eat a sub sandwich in a gulp but can eat a 6" sub in 20 min. Before I rarely ate bread as it made me very uncomfortable. Well, the last time I went in, he also told me I had a slight slip of my band but not enough to be concerned with. It was likely do to the issue I was having and was throwing up from being stuck to many times. The last few weeks, I have felt the band isn't quite right. I was having some minor episodes of reflux (not during meal time but sporadically), and I was having pain hours after I ate but had no discomfort during or right after eating. Literally, a few hours later I would have horrible pain but not like a stuck where I felt I needed to throw up but stabbing pain in my back. I would take Aleve and it would help. After Audrey's party this happened and I drank some milk and it seemed like it dislogged whatever it was. It's weird because it doesn't feel like a "stuck" it feels like something was hung up, hard to explain as liquid was able to pass. Since that day, I feel like I can eat most anything. I am concerned that my band may have slipped (but also may be me playing mind games since he told me before I had a slight slippage). I hate having to get tested again as that involves (for my dr.) an mri and because he is in the hospital, the test was almost $1000 last time. Plus, I am embarressed to see the dr. as I feel like I am failing and cannot face him having not lost since I was there 2-3 months ago. I am not asking for pity and not feeling sorry for myself. I am writing this more for my own kick in the ass that I need to get back on track. I know the band isn't really working with me right now (needs to be adjusted) but I am not helping it either. Why can I be in pain from eating wrong and do the same thing the next day? This is my story. Terri, my novels are back.

you look great twin!!!! Love your profile pic! How's your latest fill working out? Janet, good luck tomorrow w/ the weather and the move. How exciting and exhausting all in one! Careful w/ those knees!!! Dee, I had to laugh when I woke up this morning. I dreamt about my bra and how it fit, etc. Must have happened from talking about your VS visit and sizing yesterday. Nicole, so glad you are doing well in banded life!!!! Sorry for this run on paragraph, I still cannot hit "return" when I am posting messages on LBT at home and don't know why.

I appreciate you sharing the reality of banded life. None of us are perfect and this is a great example of what we can do to help ourselves. We are human and having our own strength is great; however, we need that support system too. So glad you were able to open up and allow them to be a support system for you.

I am here!!!

You should discuss this with your doctor. Some people have issues with band placement as it relates to your vegus nerve. When I have had a stuck, ate too fast, or was having a bad band day I had horrible headaches and it was related to that nerve. Good luck.

Sorry you are struggling as this journey isn't easy. I do have a few comments for you. You aren't a failure, you just need to find your way. If you haven't given up, you haven't failed. Find a new doctor that is supportive of you and will work with you. No, the band is not supposed to do all the work and is not meant to keep you from eating; it is a tool to curb your hunger between meals. It does seem like you could benefit from a fill (or two) and being "half full" doesn't mean the band is really effective for you yet. I know some people that are at almost 80% and just now feeling like they are "in the zone". Please understand the band is a tool. You do need to modify your eating habits as well. There are a lot of great threads on here with suggestions but I would first suggest meeting with a dietician that works with lapbanders to get realistic expectations and a plan for how you should be eating. There are things you can do for you to make this easier and to help you get back on track. Certain foods I can eat unlimited quantities of and want more, others really satisfy me and I eat a quarter of what I might eating other things. (Starting my meals w/ 3-4 ounces of protein, then veggies, etc really helps). You CAN do this.

Yes, could you please share that link? I have never heard 25% of patients get their band removed and I cannot find that on their site. I would like to read further if that is the case, if not, we should clear that up as to not scare people considering the band as it does work well for many people.

Yes, YOU CAN DO IT and congratulations! Rest up, sip your water, and walk as able. I am very excited for you.

I got a "miracle" suit for $35 yesterday at TJMax/Marshalls. I know someone that just paid $150 for the same brand suit elsewhere.

anything you like... meats and fishes are pretty equal in protein so it's up to what you prefer. Just be sure to prepare them in a healthy manner (grilled, baked, etc).

I think the suggestions above are great ones - soup, checking menu ahead of time, etc. Another suggestion, sometimes for me, I would order from the side items menu so I could order individual/small portions of something. Lastly, it is expected that people may be nervous, etc. on a first date and often wouldn't eat much so I doubt it would get noticed if you weren't eating much, slow, etc. Just try to remember to eat slow if you are nervous so you don't have any issues with what you do eat. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and forget. Enjoy! Also, years back I was doing the online dating thing. I would recommend (if you are doing that) to meet for coffee the first time. I met many "duds" even after talking to them online and thinking they were someone I would like to get to know... By meeting for coffee you can stay or leave much easier and don't have to invest all that time if it isn't going well. I spent many dinners waiting for them to be OVER as people were much different in person a lot of times.

We didn't gain these habits or weight overnight, and it is hard to change what have been mostly life-long habits. The fact is, you haven't given up so you are not a failure. As for Chick-Fil-A, I go there from time to time for lunch. However, I order the grilled chicken nugget kids meal, with fruit as the side and diet lemonade. It's low cal, good nutrition and I felt like I was still able to "eat out". Maybe if you find yourself there you could opt for something like that ... just a suggestion. I know it's not easy.