enjoythetime

Congrats on being banded! Always go by the instructions given to you by your doctor. They provide these for a reason, if you advance yourself before you should you risk the chance of damaging something.

This is awesome Justwatchme! I'm gonna justwatchyou take over...watch out here comes the awesomeness!

Hey Betty guess what??? I am the BIGGEST baby in the world when it comes to needles and I've had two kids:-) I literally just about pass out at the thought, BUT with that said this is easy breezy, truly It was fine. Of couse I don't love it but if I'm going to get stuck, this is the best kind to get:-) It just feels like a little bee sting. I just told the dr. not to show the needle to me and we would both be alot better off....hahaha

@@LapbandKAB This is just my opinion, and you know what they say about those:-). My doctor recommended I strive for 1200 calories per day, along with that I am to hit a target of 60-80g or Protein per day and consume 64-80oz of water(strive for 80). I eat 3-4oz of protein along with 1/2 veggies and then a startch if I have room. I eat my plate in that exact order, protein, veggies, and then the starch which I often find I can't fit in, ok no biggie. Snacks are ok, I eat 2 snacks a day, like 1oz or 2oz of cheese, some times I will have a SF pudding, etc. This is what I would start doing, for a few days just to get a feel for where you are, I would start tracking those calories either by hand or by using my fitness pal whatever works best for you, I would aslo track the amount of protein. It sounds to me from what you've listed that you're making the right choices but I'm wondering if either a) you're consuming too few calories which is causing your body to go into starvation mode holding onto every ounce you put in it OR you're maybe not getting enough protein or a combo of the two. Do you exercise at all?

Wow B-52, talk about a transformation!!!! Very inspirational and encouraging! Great job!

For me I chose the lapbad because it's the least invasive, and only adjustable/removable surgery out there! You are NOT too big to lose the weight you need to with the band. Look at me, I was 289lbs on a 5' 1" frame and a year later I've lost more weight than I actually weigh, but you have to want it and be willing to commit 100%. If you work the band, the band will work for you, but then again so will the sleeve and by-pass. It's completely a personal decision. Like others have said you can gain the weight back with ANY WLS you chose to have, each are meant to be a tool, you have to do your part by making proper food choices, feeding your body with nutrition not junk and properly feeding your mind with motivation and positivity. Best of wishes on your decision!

If you're still concerned you should call your doctor back and have them check you out. I'm sure you're fine, and it's normal to have some discomfort in that area for a while but sharp pain should never be dismissed and it's always better safe than sorry plus you have the piece of mind. I wasn't able to sleep on that side for a while and I remember it being tender for maybe 6-8 weeks and then of course if you bump it on something it will let you know:-) Keep us posted!

Amazing job! You look fantastic! As the saying goes, nothing tastes as good as skinny feels! This is soooo true!!!

Not sure how medicare works but I know in general just like with anything it needs to be documented, documented, documented. So, go to your doctor and just keep on it, if you have a rash from it be seen, if you are in pain because of it be seen, etc. Not sure what the end result will be but without this dicumentation no insurance will cover it. Good luck.

Now that it's summer there are lots of things you can do for fun. Go to the lake, the park, go swimming, if there's an amusement park this is always a treat for the kids, go shopping with your mom, go to the drive-in movies with your hubby or go for a scenic drive and listen to reto country saturday night:-) (that's my fav), but you also don't have to cut out eating out all together! Anymore you can find something at almost any restaurant you go to that fits in your new lifestyle. If you don't see something on the menu that suits what you want find something close and then ask them to customize it to your liking (I'm the queen of that:-)).

So by looking at your stats, you were banded in 10/13 and to-date have lost 8lbs total is that correct? So that we can maybe help you a little can you tell us what your daily calorie intake is and an example of what you're eating?

@@CarolinaGirl thank you! You're one of those people I mentioned that have been a huge inspiration to me and I really appreciate it! You just keep making me smile today girlie!!! Thanks! I started my journey at 33 years old, weighing 289lbs on a 5'1" frame, and looked like I had no neck or eyes:-) My blood pressure was 180/98. This surgery was my ONLY hope because without it I knew I was only going to get bigger and the healthy issues more severe. So, One year ago today I remember checking into the surgerical center and waiting to be called back for my surgery; I was nervous as hell and wondering if I was making the right decision. Well today, 1 year later, I'm confident I made the right decision and would do it all over again in a heartbeat!!! This has truly been a life changing experience for me on so many different levels. I'm definitely not the same person I was a year ago, I'm healthy, happy and just thankful to have my life back! I didn't realize how much of life I was missing out on until I was given the opportunity to live again! I feel like I can do anthing now with no restrictions! Has this been a cake walk?? Well, honestly, for ME I never really thought about it, i just did what I knew I had to do and with every passing month I was less of a person than I was the month before:-) Several people have asked, how did you do it, how did you lose all that weight in a years time, even the nurse at my doctor's office asked me this and the honest answer is, I'm nothing special, I chose to follow my doctors instructions to the T, I chose to believe in myself, I chose to have a positive attitude. Going into this I told myself failure wasn't an option, I knew there were certain things I was going to chose to give up forever, I accepted that, moved on and never looked back. The best piece of advice I can give to anyone starting out on this journey or is needing a restart is believe in yourself, if you put in 100% you'll get 100% back, don't set and dwell on the things you can't have, think of all the things you can have because you made the choice to kick some unhealthy habits out of your life. The reward will be so much sweeter than anything you can imagine!! We all started this journey out with similar worries and fears, always keep that in your mind and remember that one person(s) that encouraged you through the tough times, pay it forward!!! One of the greatest joys for me is being able to help someone else who is where I was. That's why this site is so great! So if you find yourself stuck in a rut one of the greatest ways out is by helping someone else. May 14, 2013- Before Pre-op Diet- 289 May 30, 2013- Day of Surgery- 273 May 30, 2014- 147ish (I haven't weighed, go for my check up next week) Total weight lose- 142lbs I started out wearing a size 20-22W in pants A size 3X Shirt (24-26) TODAY, I'm in a size 5 pants, and med/small shirts! My blood pressure is 128/78, my cholestorol is NORMAL, my liver is NORMAL I've almost lost more than I actually weigh now:-) I'm just thrilled! I HAVE A NECK NOW AND 2 EYES THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE!! I MAKE IT A POINT TO MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH EVERYONE I MEET NOW INSTEAD OF WALKING WITH MY HEAD DOWN. Just know if you stay the course you will achieve your goal!! way to go...so so very proud of you and happy for you look in dictionary and your name/picture is next to success and GORGEOUS

Thank you so much! I did ask my doctor for an x-ray and he graciously went along, he showed me everything was right where it was suppose to be and then asked if I wanted to do a Barrium swallow and I said no that's ok, this is all I needed to know. Now, Deep breathe, moving on, got my cutsie shoes on and I'm ready to keep rolling! Don't know what I would do without your encouragement!!! ((Hugs)) well speaking for myself, i tend to make tidal waves out of a slight wave..i think you do need to relax..continue to exercise..continue to eat clean *leave the processed/boxed items on the shelves at the store*, eat fresh fruits, veggies and lean Proteins..i think you need to look at yourself and see where you are now and you are sitting pretty on a healthier weight..... I went in yesterday for my monthly follow-up appointment and am down another 7lbs, which puts me 10lbs below my goal weight. I never thought I would get here and I'm thrilled, I haven't been this weight since I was like 14:-) Here comes a statement I never thought I would say..... I don't want to lose any more. I'm happy where I'm at right now, I don't want to lose and I don't want to gain, I just want to stay here. I'm not sure how to level this thing out:-) I asked my doctor and he said the band will stop at a certain point but that doesn't mean it will stop at MY point so, he suggested I start adding in more calories, which of course is the logical thing to do BUT it scares the **** out of me! Since I've completed my once a month follow-up care plan for the 1st year I know the typical thing is for them to see you every quarter for the second year, so I asked my doctor if it was ok with him if I just kept coming in every month and he said absolutely, he would do whatever made me feel more comfortable and if that's what I needed to do then he was good with that. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining, I'm just trying to figure this out. My doctor basically told me I just need to relax a little and things will fall into place, but you see I'm such a control freak that the thought of not being in control and flying by the seat of my pants has got me in a whirlwind. I feel like being out of control with my eating is what got me at 289lbs in the first place so I need honest truthful advice. Am I just making more of this then I should or is this a typical concern? @@2muchfun @@B-52 @@catfish87 @@gowalking @@CarolinaGirl i do not have to go to my dr except as needed.....that being said i go every month because i want to and i like knowing where i stand and let them know i am okay...i get an xray under fluro every 3 months to be sure all is well..its called being responsible and that my dear is exactly what you are .......besides being gorgeous...and you are in control of yourself..you are controlling what you put into your body (eating wise) and the WLS is helping you say when..what a great thing. now chin up, shoulders back, slide those tootsies into some high heels and work it girl and encourage those on this forum who need it...as you are a success story..proud of you..

I went in yesterday for my monthly follow-up appointment and am down another 7lbs, which puts me 10lbs below my goal weight. I never thought I would get here and I'm thrilled, I haven't been this weight since I was like 14:-) Here comes a statement I never thought I would say..... I don't want to lose any more. I'm happy where I'm at right now, I don't want to lose and I don't want to gain, I just want to stay here. I'm not sure how to level this thing out:-) I asked my doctor and he said the band will stop at a certain point but that doesn't mean it will stop at MY point so, he suggested I start adding in more calories, which of course is the logical thing to do BUT it scares the **** out of me! Since I've completed my once a month follow-up care plan for the 1st year I know the typical thing is for them to see you every quarter for the second year, so I asked my doctor if it was ok with him if I just kept coming in every month and he said absolutely, he would do whatever made me feel more comfortable and if that's what I needed to do then he was good with that. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining, I'm just trying to figure this out. My doctor basically told me I just need to relax a little and things will fall into place, but you see I'm such a control freak that the thought of not being in control and flying by the seat of my pants has got me in a whirlwind. I feel like being out of control with my eating is what got me at 289lbs in the first place so I need honest truthful advice. Am I just making more of this then I should or is this a typical concern? @@2muchfun @@B-52 @@catfish87 @@gowalking @@CarolinaGirl

@@lisacaron Yep, sugar free, just as I requested, I want honest feedback and you provided it and I appreciate that! I'm happy where I'm at right now, I don't want to lose more weight. My thinking was that if I were to continue eating the 1200 calories I've been consuming as recommended by my doctor throughout my journey that eventually my body would level out and at some point I'm sure it will but I'm ready to level out here and my body wants to keep going. Do I obsess about it? At times absolutely, I'm concerned about leveling out and maintaining where I am right now. I treat myself now and then, I don't deprive myself, but even with those treats factored in, I'm still losing and that's what I'm trying to figure out which brings me to what you, 2muchfun and gowalking said about taking my Dr.'s advice and adding in more calories in the way of nutritious choices and that's exactly what I'm going to do. I need to let go, I need to enjoy where I am right here and now. I'm just a worry wart, I worry about everything, which is probably another reason I was 289lbs, so obviosuly that's not healthy either:-) This feedback is exactly what I needed. It helps me put things in perspective. I will probably need to be reeled back in now and then so I may be asking for more of your truthfulness in the future! Thanks so much!

Yay!! Congrats! You've got this!!

You nailed it with your statement "I'm all or nothing"....me too girl! Im sure eventually my body will level itself out that's what the Dr. said but I just feel that I'm at my sweet spot right now and honestly with this big coconut head filled with big curly hair I'm not sure I would look right if I lost much more...haha, so I don't want to find myself there either. You will be here before you know it!!! I'm not sure I'm no where near this, but I can understand your fear. I'm either all or nothing, so I would be afraid cutting some slack would make me re-gain all the weight. But I think tmf 's plan sounds good, add a few things here and there. Oh what it would feel like to NOT want to lose weight!! Do you think your body will level out on its own? Or do you think its wants to be way smaller than you want to be?

gowalking I am literally cracking up right now, this was hilarious!!! I've been stressing since yesteday so I needed this!! It was so funny because yesterday before I left for my appointment I remember reading your post saying you were down to 139.6.....congrats!! and then when I got on the scale and it said 140.0 I just giggled and thought yep here we are together again:-) You're absolutely right, I just need to be smart on how and where I increase my calories and I should be just fine. I know what you're saying about the alcohol. We went to a BBQ this past weekend and the cocktails and shots were flowing and everyone was asking me why are you drinking Water and my response was do you know how many calories your pounding down....lol I guess this means I really do need to invest the purchase of a scale so that I can monitor and find out what works and what doesnt. I'm not messing with the Pasta, bread, pizza, etc. because those are all trigger foods for me and I know that if I start adding those back into my lifestyle things could get ugly, like I said I chose to give those up forever when I decided to have this surgery and I need to stick with that. It's so refreshing to hear that I'm not alone, that it's not just me being OCD. I know you completely get where I'm coming from. Like we've said so many times we are as close to identical as two people can be on this journey. Thanks for your advice and encouragement. We will figure this out. I may take you up on the PM:-) You feel free to do the same!!! The weather is fantastic here in MO 90 degrees today, which is right up my alley, swimming with the kiddos this afternoon and I can't wait! Have a great day!! ((hugs))

Thanks so much! You are very successful! You are mananging and maintaining and I haven't gotten to that point yet so you are a wonderful example of how it's done. Thanks for the advice. I do believe you're right. I just need to chill out:-) Maintaining is completely unknown waters to me. Both times that I've lost large amounts of weight, I ended up prego so there was no trying to maintain through that so I literally have no clue what it's about. Thanks as always for your help! I'm just going to take it one day at a time one meal at a time and see where it takes me. I recommend keeping up the exercise routines no matter what. I envy you as I don't think I'll ever get to the point you're at now? I think once I get to my goal weight my struggle will continue. I agree with your doc. Relax, start eating real eggs, maybe 2 instead of 1? Add a little bigger dash of cheese on that taco? Throw in some healthy Snacks like nuts, eat more than 2! Just keep the trigger foods out of reach. Maybe just let the issue take care of itself? I can understand the fear you're having but it's not a reality for me and probably never will be, so it's like me feeling for a woman having a baby, I'll never really understand?? My fear is 180° from yours.

Thank you so much! I'm struggling to figure out how all of this will even itself out but it will all work out. The encouragement you you've given me is what helps me be able to keep going!! You're amazingly strong, I'm not sure many people can say they would be able to stay the course as strongly as you have and because of this you WILL get there!!!

Thanks again everyone! I just went in for my follow-up visit yesterday and was down another 7lbs, soooooo, I've exceed my goal weight by exactly 10lbs.:-) I'm one thrilled lady!!! I haven't weighed this since I was like 14:-) HAPPY DANCE!!!!:-)

@@B-52 Awe!! Thank you!!!

I'll admit it one of the main reasons I had this surgery was to look better! When you look better you feel better and like someone else stated, mental health and how you perceive yourself is just as important as physical health. I love being able to take life as it comes now and not have to worry about what others will think of me. This past weekend we went to a bbq with some of my husbands friends and co-workers, I only knew 2 people and for the first time in years I wasn't self concious about how I looked. I wasn't embarressed for my husband to introduce me as his wife, I walked in with my head held high, made conversation with everyone and was very social and was able to be my fun self. The best part....my husband told me damn my wife is hot and how proud he is of me.....this made me feel like a million bucks:-)

@@Mikee57 You're doing outstanding lady, you just shrank 2 sizes!!! Keep on keepin on smiling all the way. I've always seen you with a very positive attitude posting motivation for everyone. You've got this all the way!!