gowalking

Nah...it's chalky. Not pleasant but not horrible either. Good luck tomorrow!

I suspect you did that because like many of us, you are a food addict. Any addiction makes no sense whether it's food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. You can't change what you've done so just know not to do it again. I'm assuming you are on the pre-op diet currently. If yes, this is how you stay compliant. Remind yourself that if you cheat, your liver might not shrink sufficiently, and then you don't get banded. That should inspire you to stay on track. Then know that post-banding, once you start to get restriction, you should be able to control the addiction because you will really suffer if you are not compliant and with restriction, you will not be so hungry and will make better food choices and do better with your portions. I went into this process because I had no choice. I didn't want to do it unlike so many others who were so excited and happy to get banded. I had to do it as I had mobility issues and needed to have joint replacement surgery and at 267 lbs, I wasn't a candidate for surgery. So know that I went into this kicking and screaming. My doctor was hoping I'd lose enough weight in a year...I needed to be under 200 lbs. Well, I met the goal in six months, and now 8 months after starting my pre-op diet, you can see by my ticker that I am down 86 lbs. and my surgery is scheduled for next month. Believe me, if I could be successful, anyone can be. So...good luck to you...stay compliant, and you too will succeed!

What a wonderful NSV. Congrats to you for finding normalcy. I like that phrase better than losing weight, weight loss, etc. Because that takes it away from the scale and numbers and puts it where it should be. It's about living our lives like everyone else. Good for you!!

I was on WW and a Jenny Craig type of plan called Bistro MD but my insurance still required 3 months of dr. supervised weight documentation. I was banded by Dr. Ren in January of this year and I've been very pleased with her and the follow up care received. I can't say anything good or bad about fills as I haven't had any.

I wouldn't worry about what other bandsters have in their bands. If 3cc is working for you, then that's all that matters. i have no fluid in my band and I'm one of those lucky few who had restriction with no fills.

Sorry that you had a difficult time with a professional healthcare worker. Jeeze.... I would tell your regular doctor about how much trouble she had finding your port. It shouldn't be that hard...we all know where our ports are for gosh sakes. I also wanted to mention something else in your post. You say that you need to lose 40 lbs. by December. Don't say need, say want. Because if you say need and don't make that goal....which is very aggressive I might add, you might find yourself feeling bad about not making the goal and self sabotage. You have to change your mindset and don't set yourself up for failure. Whatever you lose by December is a success whether it's 40 lbs. or less.

Oh Arlene, you are just too funny. You said you had a wonderful time and still managed to bash the family. You are my kind of gal! L'Shana Tovah my friend. A happy and healthy new year to you.

I have a scoop of protein powder in water every day to boost my protein and get my hair to stop falling out. I'm sure a protein drink is absolutely fine.

Track your calories Liz....that's the secret. This way, you know exactly what's going in rather than guessing. Good luck!

that's amazing...you look like you've lost twice what it says on your ticker...maybe more. you go!

Hi slkesler. I have constant pain and even with all the weight loss, am still in need of not just knee replacement, but hips as well due to an auto-immune issue. The only exercise I can do is in the pool for obvious reasons. I swim, or if I can't swim, I dog paddle. I also do strengthening exercises. Not to lose weight but to get my legs stronger for the upcoming surgeries. Good luck, I so understand and feel your pain.

Amen!

Everything is relative. Most of us are/were obese and being just overweight is a success.

Oh boy can I appreciate your NSV Heccat. I was also needing new clothes and went shopping last week. I was wearing size 20 jeans and for the heck of it, I tried on a pair of size 14s. Well...no question that they were tight, but heck, they zipped up just fine. I was just standing there staring at myself in the mirror because I don't recognize this person staring back. I'm not thin....far from it. I still would like to see another 30 or so pounds gone. But when I started this journey, I was wearing size 26/28 which means I've dropped six clothing sizes. That amazes me...and horrifies me as well. To think I was that heavy....gosh...I never want to go there again.

I spend so much less on food that it's ridiculous. I went from probably $1,000 a month to maybe $400..and that doesn't even include saving on ordering take out....which I don't do anymore 'cause it's mostly fast food. I don't spend a whole lot on clothes because I'm buying cheap right now since I'm still losing weight but last week I bought two Coach pocketbooks and a wallet. I rationalized it by saying I'm saving so much on my food bill. ....and Coach products really wear very well so it's a good investment.

Well...don't you look wonderful. Congrats on the weight loss!

I agree with bigcheese but I must tell you that the first egg drop soup I had after banding was the most delicious thing I ever had after all that crappy herb-ox stuff. Remeber...everything in moderation. As long as you don't overdo, why not have it if you are allowed. Enjoy!

Me too Katie. West Village. There are a bunch of us city folk on the forum and we sorta found each other because most of us were banded at NYU. Are you in the city itself or in one of the outer boroughs?

Faaaantastic!!!

great progress. congrats on your success!

I swear by this app. No more guessing what the calorie/sodium/protein/sugar amounts of foods are. It allows me to stay in my 1,000-1,150 daily calorie zone with such ease. Not too long ago I even plugged in a 'typical' day of food prior to being banded and to my horror, I ate as much as 3,000 calories a day at times. No wonder I was so overweight. Between the band and this app, I'm down 85 lbs. since January 1st.

Lady Garden....oh that is just hysterical!!

OK, I realized yesterday that I'm being treated differently since the weight loss. As many of you know, I have hip and knee issues and use a cane. I've been using the cane for two years and for the most part, folks are very good about letting me sit, or other needs I have because of my disability. But...I noticed something very interesting and somewhat disturbing when I flew last week and again last night. I've never had anyone assist with getting my bag over the gap between the plane and the jetway before and it happened both times I flew recently. I also noticed a difference in how I'm perceived and all I can imagine is that there is alot less concern and sympathy for the obese woman on a cane versus the more normal sized woman I am now...though still on the cane. I get alot more 'can I help you?' comments than I did before. This makes me sad....I'm the same person I was with the same problems, but I'm perceived differently now. I understand it's the new reality but I guess it will take some getting used to...

Constipation is a very common problem especially after surgery and if you are taking pain meds. Call your doctor for instructions on what to do for this issue as we all combat this problem differently. I myself take a prescription medication, a stool softener, and Mirilax to keep me regular...but I'm banded 7 1/2 months...not a few days..

Hi PJ. I'm 8 1/2 months banded, down 85 lbs. and have never had a fill. It's not willpower..it's just a fortunate thing that I have been in the green zone since day one. Yes...I get hungry when mealtime is close but for the most part, I am satisfied throughout the day and can eat around 1100 calories daily without being constantly hungry. I even had to up my Protein because I'm suffering from hair loss. I started taking the unjury powder and hopefully that will help. So know that It's OK to be hungry as long as band sized portions satisfy you. Don't try to tough it out if you are hungry all the time. The fills are there as part of the tool...I just happen to be one of those lucky few who didn't need any.