SillyAuntDi

Welcome to the family....

After a couple of days off the bum knee, I went out this morning for an early bike ride. I went about 6 miles. Knee feels good! Hopefully boxing will be tomorrow Have a good day!

I was back and forth until I fell asleep in the operating room My journey hasn't been all butterflies and rainbows, but it's not been doom and gloom either. It's a bumpy road, but hey...look where you have been and then look ahead to where you are going. I had to accept that I couldn't do this on my own. I've tried many times prior to surgery to lose and keep off the weight. I always failed. I was angry that I allowed myself to get to the point of weighing 354 lbs. One day, after accepting my anger and my frustration and realizing I needed to change, the decision to have the surgery just happened. Even though I was scared witless at times, I have ZERO regrets! None. I have MANY rewards... I still sneak...no...I ENJOY a bite or two of my favorite, not-so-good-for-me treats. Instead of a giant slice of cheesecake, I have a bite of someone else's slice. I eat a single piece of chocolate instead of a giant candy bar. Follow your doc's advice and plans. Take deep breaths. Tell yourself from this point on that you will be successfull. Focus on what you are gaining, not what you are giving up. You will ROCK this!

I completely understand this fear. Prior to my band, I had my best results with Weight Watchers about 11 years ago when I lost 92 lbs. Then, I gained it all back plus some...I had many excuses and a couple of valid reasons, but it came back just the same. I've been talking to my counselor about my quirks and anxiety during this journey. I've lost a lot of weight very quickly, much faster than I expected and it's taken a toll on my nerves really. I don't like the attention it is creating and I have this very big fear of totally screwing up. As I approached the 95lb lost mark, those fears just kept getting stronger and kept getting in my way. My counselor and I talked them through, and then I got past that spot in the road. I still take a deep breath each time I get on the scale. I'm trying hard not to let the scales determine my success, but I know the first time I see a significant jump I'm going to be bummed. But, I have the tools and the skills to get things under control when needed. I know how to make the right choices and I know exercise is the key. I can't let my nerves and my fears stop me along this journey. I've gained so much of my life back in the last 6 months. I refuse...REFUSE...to give it up again. Good luck to you! Keep up your hard work

I have bad arthritis all around my patella in my right knee. It's full of bone spurs and very empty of cartilage. I've been bone-on-bone for some time now. My original surgeon was going to make me wait until I was 50 to have the replacement. That's 4 years from now. I found another, highly recommended surgeon that looked at my X-rays, heard all that I have had done (injections, arthroscopic procedures, physical therapy) and said I shouldn't have to wait. He's my new surgeon

I have always had, and always will have, wide feet. But, at my heaviest, I would need a WW width. I could never find "cute" shoes. Today, friends, I found cute shoes in a plain ole wide width. I bought those shoes, too...

So, I have tried to do too much on my poor pitiful knee. Went to boxing class today and halfway thru had to stop...completely in tears. I had to sit with my back to the class because I was literally sobbing it hurt so bad. So I'm taking a couple of days to rest it before jumping back in. It just confirms my decision to have knee replacement surgery this fall.

Bike ride along the Neuse River this morning. It's getting easier and easier each time. I think I went about 7 miles and was gone for about an hour. I only had to walk the bike up hill twice....I'm going to conquer those damn hills by the middle of April...

Welcome to the family! Congrats on making a life changing decision. My advice is this...listen to your body, listen to your doctor and listen to other banders...in pretty much that order. Your body will talk to you and let you know what it needs. Your doctor will let you know the right way to give your body what it needs. And we will all be here to give support and encouragement along the way. The biggest trap you can fall into is the evil comparisons trap. No two journeys are the same. My doctors plans for me were very different than many others I met here. It can be frustrating at times, but remember your doc is your expert for a reason. Let him help you work that magic! So, jump in...join the conversations...soak it all up. And prepare for the ride of your life....it's awesome.

Beautiful! Your hard work is really showing

Last night I was with a big group of co-workers (some I know well, some I met last night). At the event, we were offered a celebration cake. I stood there for the pictures and the clapping and quietly walked off without cake. One of my new friends said "You have totally inspired me to not eat that cake!" And she walked off with me and we had a great conversation. She had overheard me talking to some old friends about my journey, so she knew I was making better food choices. It was a little inspiration, but one just the same

My port is in about the same place. Yes, it gets sore after a good workout. I do crunches, just not a lot of them. I also do other, non-crunch exercises. My Doc and I have discussed this. He's ok with it. He said if a specific exercise causes port pain, to stop and/or modify. Basically he said using my port as an excuse not to do ab work was unacceptable I have no excuses anymore...sigh.

Six months post op and my stomach still makes the loudest noises EVERY night. It's like there is a monster in there growling. The cat just stares at my tummy trying to figure out what's in there and how she's going to get it. I have no idea why it does this. I am in no pain, and I'm certainly not hungry. It has become comical. My friends have gotten used to it. We just say "oh, Diane's stomach has now joined the conversation."

I am a rare case, according to my nutritionist I only had the band, no plication. I have also had no fills. My doc told me I have some Fluid in the band from the surgery, but he doesn't know how much. He is amazed by my success. I don't know who grins bigger during my appointments. All that said...my weight loss is slowing down, my appetite is picking up and I am expecting my first fill either this month or next. And, I am NOT stressing out about it. However, on this forum, I am not so rare. There are others like me

My doctor and my nutritionist both are ok with my daily protein shake. It's under 200 calories and it's low in sugars. Now, if it was my only source of protein all day...well...they would have much to say about that.

Banded 9/11/2013 and down 106 pounds...Very happy with my choice.

Almost 6 miles on the bike today. Fun times on the greenways after work today

Congrats to you both! Good luck tomorrow, and welcome to the family

Yay!!!! Welcome to the family

You'll only ever catch me running if a clown with a knife is chasing me...lol My sister is preparing to run a half marathon. She was running one last year and was injured. She's fully recovered from the surgical repair. But, she had to start her training from the very beginning. She swears it gets easier and more enjoyable. And her times and distances are certainly improving. She no longers feels like she is going to die Good luck!

I start my mornings with a Protein shake that is 30g of protein. I build on that through the day with lean chicken, turkey, tuna, some cheese, greek yogurt, nuts and even Protein Bars. I figure I'm getting between 65 and 75g of protein each day. I don't track it so I won't obsess over it. My body lets me know when I need more. I just listen and follow it's commands

I like to shred the chicken thighs and mix in salsa and low fat cheese, heat it a little...yummy Mexican chicken. In fact, I had this for lunch today. I also eat black Beans seasoned with a little chili powder, cumin and garlic. Any tender meat cooked in the crock pot is good. I've done turkey and chicken this way. Just be mindful of the sauces that you make with it. OH...and lasagna made with zucchini noodles instead of pasta! HEAVEN. You can find recipes on Pintrest. I roasted a butternut squash the other day (recipe on Pintrest). I've been eating on it all week. I'm planning on trying a spaghetti squash in the near future. But, as others point out, your band will dictate what you can eat. I cannot, under any circumstances, eat scrambled eggs any more. I can, however, eat a boiled egg. It's funny. Just stay within the guidelines of your doctor, and you'll be great! Don't be scared to mix flavors and experiment. Just pull from the things on the approved list Good luck!

My cat found mine first. She's a snuggler that likes to knead on my belly (make paws, make biscuits, mush...whatever you call it). I made her avoid my belly area for the first few weeks after surgery...for obvious reasons...and the first time I allowed her to settle in she found it. She started her process, stopped, looked at me with the strangest expression on her little kitty face, and then proceeded to do her thing. She still does it 5.5 months later. Each time she finds it she still acts surprised.

Definitely go to the doctor. It could be several things. People have already mentioned the appendix. I almost died at age 9 due to a ruptured appendix. Nothing to mess with. It could also be a kidney stone. I've experienced that pain several times over the years. Go to the doctor and worry about payment later.

I have a dairy allergy so I cannot use whey-based Protein shakes or powders. I use GNC Pro Performance Egg Protein powder in chocolate. I love it.