Frustrated

What is motivating everyone to lose weight? :cry My motivation comes from an unexpected source. Unexpected for me at least. It's from this forum and all of you. Each time I've battled with my weight, I've battled alone. My husband has always been very, VERY supportive and I couldn't ask any more of him. But everyone here knows exactly how I feel. That no matter how hard I've tried at losing weight, nothing has worked. You all understand my frustrations from experience. You all know that sometimes there's no logical reason for me to be hungry or to want an extra slice of pie, but I do. You understand how in the past how good it felt to eat and how awful it felt once I was done stuffing my face. I can come here 24/7. I don't have to wait for an office to open or for a returned phone call. I come here and everything is there in black and white to encourage me forward. I get all of this for free. I'm not going to get lectured. You're not going to shake your heads with disappointment. You're not going to tell me to suck it up and try harder. The harshest (if you can call it that) thing anyone ever says here is "hang in there!" I don't know any of you personally, but I know you share all my griefs, frustrations, confusions and sorrows. And you do it willingly. And just as importantly, you share my victories and allow me to share in all of yours. I never feel like there's a contest and that I should be doing better because someone else has the pounds dropping off them faster than me. If I felt like that, I think it'd all turn against me and I'd fail. Again. This is the first time ever where I can see a long term (lifetime) goal which is one of success. And it's all thanks to all of you. :humble:

WOW Jackie! :omg: That's fantastic! The exercise, the weight loss, the restriction from the fill, the attitude. You're doing everything right and it's certainly showing on the scales. Good for you! You deserve a gold star for your efforts. :bounce:

Morning Chimboree. :wave: Good question! I think the biggest culprit for me is stress. When I got the recent bill for several hundred as I've mentioned on here previously, it set me off. I buried myself in half a dozen cookies. That was actually a mild attack as typically I would've eaten the whole pack and rummaged around for more. :rolleyes Boredom is also a trigger. I'm a stay-at-home-mom and once the chores are done, there's not a lot to keep me occupied. If I watch too much TV I risk being tempted by all the junk food ads. Strangely though, I don't get any cravings when I watch the Food Network shows. It just seems to be the ads that set me off. I bought myself a 1000 piece jigsaw to keep me occupied the other day and it works. For now. :straight Sometimes it's just that the food I'm eating tastes so good that I want to eat more of it. I enjoy food. I enjoy all the socialising that goes along with it. I enjoy trying all different kinds of foods from different cultures. Well, for the most part. I wouldn't eat the weird stuff like bugs or animal organs.

Hey Shannon, I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to get the fill when YOU are most comfy with it. My surgeon told me at my first post-op that many patients fear the first fill more than the surgery itself. So what you're feeling isn't strange. :eek: I was also told that after my first fill, I should lose 2lb per week. If the weight loss was less than that, or if it stopped altogether, or even worse it increased, then it was time for another fill. But you should also remember that a lot of our doctors seem to give different advice to their patients.

I go for my first fill on Friday. I'm ready for it. It's hard at the moment because I can feel my hunger increasing and my will power diminishing. I'm hoping the restriction will solve both of those problems. I've been fortunate enough not to gain weight, but it's halted for the past couple of weeks. I do half an hour on the treadmill in the morning Mon-Sat. I go to the gym Tues and Thurs and so far it's just for half an hour on the elliptical. I intend to switch to some weights once I have the all clear from my doc at the fill. I also had my first Aikido class on Saturday and took it very easy. I'll be doing classes 3 times a week for an hour each once I get the go ahead as well. So yes, I'm in the starting block and ready to race my way to a healthier and thinner me. :eek:

That's onderful news ribearty! Congrats. :bounce:

It's on the Discovery Health Channel. There's a show on tonight at 9pm my time (Texas), not sure what timezone you're in.

IndioGirl: I know you're not being mean. I'm more angry at myself than anyone else because I dropped the ball on this one and it's got me freaking out that perhaps I've made more of the same mistakes. Yes, I know it was my responsibility to check and I should have. The surgery co-ordinator told me I didn't have to make any arrangements, that she would do it herself. She had my insurance details and I trusted she would have arranged for services covered by my company in particular. But I didn't check and that's my fault. I don't want others to go through the same experience and intend to speak with the surgery co-ordinator about it when I go in for my first fill on Friday. There were a few things that haven't quite measured up to expectations, this sleep study being the straw that broke the camel's back I guess. - This was the very first time I'd been contacted about owing money for this procedure and I had it done more than 6 months ago. The insurance company paid their share back in February. What took them so long to get around to notifying me? - I willingly paid $4200 for my out-of-pocket expenses for the surgery assuming they would be my total out-of-pocket expenses as I'd been told. However when I went for my final pre-op appointment AFTER I'd been approved by my insurance company, when I got a detailed account of what that money covered, it also stated "Hospitals may require further payment that is out of our control" or something similar. This was never mentioned at any previous appointment or call. - I paid extra for pre-op exams at the hospital. I'm assuming now it will be the same for the post-op exams I had the day after surgery. There better not be charges for fills and I know for sure they said the money I paid covered ALL fills. I'll make sure I ask when I get there. - I was notified by the hospital where I was to have my surgery less than 48 hours prior to it that I was required to pay a deposit of $400 that may or may not be reimbursed by the insurance company. This was just in case I needed an extra procedure or medication. This message was left on my voicemail and despite 3 calls each following day and leaving my own messages, I was never contacted by anyone to discuss the matter. My appointment had been made 4 weeks prior and confirmed the same day I got this voicemail. Nobody told me of this extra cost either time. - I have written documentation up the wazoo, and even have a detailed list of whom I've spoken with on the phone and when throughout this entire process. Unfortunately I didn't keep notes on what was mentioned in all of the calls, and there have been many, many of them to get to the point where I'm at now. So even though I can say who I called and when, I don't always know what specifics were discussed on those times. At times pre-notification was required, at other times they weren't. Little things like that I've not kept track of. These are the hidden costs that I think are unfair. If they'd told me at the time I would possibly have to pay another $1,000 to cover these costs, I still would have opted for the surgery. What I don't like are these little surprises I wasn't expecting that dull the shine off what is meant to be a brand new start on life for me. :straight If I'd known about them I could have been more prepared. I thought everything would fall into place the day my insurance company accepted the claim. It seems I'm mistaken. I'm trying to stay positive and not let is stress me out as I know what effect it can have on me. At the end of the day it was my responsibility and I should have taken more care.

I'm close to being in the same boat as you. The only thing that stops me from eating is knowing what it's like to slime. I'm hungry a lot now. I stick diligently to my water intake and I know it helps me. Sucking a few sips constantly slightly eases the hunger. I've also resorted to chewing gum like a crazy person. Especially to get me through the half hour after eating until I can take fluids. My first fill is on Friday and I'm hoping that it's going to curb my appetite and make me feel full for longer. I remember the feeling immediately after surgery of not being hungry and not constantly thinking of food and I want that again. My hubby put it to me this way. This first 5-6 weeks post surgery isn't about losing weight. It's about giving the areas operated on time to heal so that the band will work successfully when it's put into action. Think of it as being plugged in, but not yet switched on. The fills are the switch that gets the motor running, but you have to make sure the engine is in good condition before turning it on or you risk damaging it. It's been a little tougher than I expected, but not nearly as tough as trying to lose this weight through conventional methods. Patience is a virtue I seldom possess, but I only have to wait a few more days to get what I want and need. Hang in there with me CC.

I liked and agreed with what you said about fluid intake during meals, except for this part here. Sorry, but I just can't wrap my head around taking half an hour to eat such a small amount of food. After my first fill, the restriction means I should only be able to 4-6 oz per meal. How to you stretch half a cup of food into a half hour experience?

Thanks for that Anna. Right now I'm resigned to the fact that I'll have to pay this. The good news is my husband's bonus came through this morning with an unexpected increase that will cover the bill. Reason to celebrate, I guess. There's always a silver lining. I'm going to speak with my doctor's co-ordinator when I go in for my first fill next week. She arranged my appointment and chose the facility for me knowing my insurance details and I would have assumed they had a list of my known network to choose from as each insurance company differs. Even if it makes no difference for me, it may help someone in future from this mistake. If I'm lucky enough to be reimbursed for it, that'll be great but if not there's not much I can do about it now. Can't let it get me down!! It's only money? :rolleyes Anyway, today's another day and I have waterbottle at hand and am ready to get back on the BANDwagon again. :biggrin1: I'm off for an appointment with my orthopedic specialist today. I can feel the difference already in my knee from my weight loss so far. Things can only improve from here as the pounds continue to fall off and take the pressure off my lower extremities.

Anna and Chim : Yes I know that I should've been a little more diligent. I'm more angry at myself than the insurance, sleep study, doctor's because usually I'm meticulous when it comes to these types of things. It's an expensive lesson, but one well learned! As soon as I realised, I double checked to make sure the hospital I had my surgery in was in network. Thanks goodness it was! That would've been a LOT more expensive. Unfortunately it's sent me into grazing mode today and I ate so many things I shouldn't have. :hungry: Must do better tomorrow. :help:

I'm in a bad mood today. I got a bill in the mail for my contribution towards the sleep study I had done in February. I called the Center and told them that when they first contacted me to confirm my appointment, I asked them at that time how much it would cost me. They told me it would be covered 100% by insurance. Great, I thought. She said all I needed was a pre-notification number. So I called my insurance company and requested one. I remember being told at the time that the Center I was going to wasn't part of my insurance company's network. That was all I was told. Stupid of me not to ask her if that meant I would be required to pay anything. I called the Sleep Study Center back and gave them the number, then went for the study. I thought that was the end of it. Today, more than 6 months later I received a bill for my portion totalling $734. I thought it must have been a mistake. Perhaps because I was denied at first for surgery, that any claim relating to the surgery was also denied at first. So I called my insurance company again and was told "You were informed when you called for your pre-notification number that the Center in question was not in the network." I told her I was aware of that, but I wasn't aware I would be responsible for 40% of the cost. It wasn't me who initiated the appointment, my surgeon's office arranged it. They told me it would be covered 100% as did the woman from the Center who confirmed my appointment. I'm annoyed (to put it politely). We already saved for our portion of the surgery. To date we've had to pay $52 for pre-op tests done at the hospital, a "deposit" of $400 at the hospital where the surgery was performed. This MAY be returned if the insurance company covers all of the expenses. So now I'm worried that I'll be responsible for even more costs. When I agreed to surgery, I agreed to an amount that was to cover surgery costs and all fills. I thought that was going to be it. I'm discovering now there are hidden costs involved that I wasn't made fully aware of. I'm MAD!!! :mad:

Thanks for the compliment! :biggrin1: I'm glad I was able to provide some motivation. I've certainly got plenty of that from here myself. It's nice to be able to return the favour. My favourite one was the "This is the last summer I'll be fat!" mantra. I still tell myself that every day. Soon it will be "This is the last fall I'll be fat!" :whoo:

I'm the same way. I can't stomach artificial sweeteners, I'd rather just have good old fashioned water. At times when I want something with a little flavour, I'll pop a slice of lemon or lime in with it. I think it's important that we get our required water in daily, especially during the summer months, as becoming dehydrated is a very bad thing. It gives me headaches, makes me feel listless and makes me hungrier. Too bad I didn't make these realisations prior to banding, but it may not have made that much difference to me then. :phanvan I keep a water bottle with me all the time. It helps me keep track of my daily intake and when I get the urge to put something in my mouth, I'll take a few sips of water. I'm supposed to wait 30 mins before and after eating food for any drinking and I'll admit that I sometimes fail before, but am able to hold off for the time after. I'm developing my own water drinking habits. If I'm watching TV, I'll take a couple of mouthfuls of water each time an ad break comes on. If I'm reading forums and searching online, I'll take a couple of mouthfuls each time I hit a new tab or open a new window. If I'm reading a book, I'll take sips after each chapter. If I'm doing chores, I'll take sips between each one. I'm developing these new habits to help curb the old unhealthy ones that got me to where I was pre-banding.

I think I'm on the verge of joining those in bandster hell. There are moments through the day when I'm hungry. But at times if I stop and think about it, I'll discover I'm not really hungry, I'm just bored. Guess I need to find myself a hobby! But lately during meal times I've eaten more than a cup of food and felt like I could continue. I don't push myself to the point of PB or sliming, but I feel bad for eating as much as I have. And I'm peckish an hour or two later. Most times I'll drink Water or juice to try and curb it. I've gone through 3 packs of SF gum in the past two days trying to exercise my jaw and curb my hunger as well. My weight loss has stalled, but I'm not letting that get me down. The good news is it hasn't increased. I'm still exercising _most_ days. I'd like to start increasing to something a little more vigorous like weights or something, but will wait for the all clear from the doc. I go for my first fill 2 weeks from today and I'm wondering if I'll still be sane at that time. I'm not crawling the walls with this hunger/boredom dilemma, but I'd like for the physical restrictions to cease and the appetite restrictions to start. I'm in Demanding Diva mode at the moment. :drama:

Oh my. I didn't realise he was only 3. That is a bit much to expect from (what I still consider) a toddler. My son also would not have been ready for Pre-K given the criteria Lynnette mentioned. He's no genius, but he's not stupid either, and lack of motor skills is NO reason to keep him from attending. I didn't even realise they tested children to get into Pre-K. I would do as someone else suggested and check out another school if possible.

I must be the odd one out. I've had no problems with burping. Occasionally I'll hic cup once or twice, but that's about it. I also don't have a rumbly tummy. :cry

Thanks Lynette! Now I have two game plans.

Congrats on limiting yourself marcy. I haven't had an opportunity to really dine out yet. Whenever we've gone, all I've ordered is a cup of soup, so no use for a to-go box. But your experience gave me an idea as I'm sure I will be the same and nibble on what's on my plate until the box comes. I think I'll ask for one as soon as they bring my plate and I know I'm never going to make my way through it all. That way, when I'm done, I can put my left-overs in the box right away and put it out of sight. That way I won't be tempted to graze. :biggrin1:

What about some crackers only4me? My doc told me to break them up and pop them in my soup to kind of dissolve, but I must confess a couple of times I've bitten them and chewed them to pieces, then washed it down with a spoonful of soup. Having the crunchy, salty taste in my mouth briefly was great.

Tenille My nutritionist told me to wait half an hour before and after meals. From the time I'm done eating. I find it difficult also. I'm so used to having liquids to wash all the food down. But from the beginning I started to use that rule when I was still on clear liquids, so that small period kind of got me in the swing of things. Still, there are times when I do wish I could drink with my meals and have almost made the mistake of doing so. Now I keep all drinks out of reach when I'm eating so my hand doesn't automatically go for it.

I think I have the same fear. At the moment I'm eating a cup to a cup and a half. I don't get that full feeling. I'm not even sure I have that satisfied feeling very often. But I've experienced sliming once and I know that comes from overeating. I don't want to experience that again. I can see now why this band is described as a tool. I know if I eat too much, it will trigger a sliming incident and that alone stops me. I think I'm close to bandster hell at times. I'll eat my measured amount and sometimes wish I could eat more because I've enjoyed it so much. Old (and bad) habits resurface and I think I trick my mind into believing I'm still hungry because I'd still like more. Wanting more is different to being hungry. Just because I want more, doesn't mean I should have more. It makes total sense when I say it or type it out, but my old brain hasn't gotten with the program yet! Stoooopid brain! lol But yes, I think with time our old demons will get tired of us if we ignore their bad messages and go away.

Welcome to sliming only4me.

Wow Jackie! :omg: What a nightmare that must have been. I'm glad things were sorted out. Make sure to take note of the times, discussions and with whom you spoke though. You just never know when something like this can turn around and bite you, only to discover it was an administrative error on someone else's part. Document, document, document was something I got used to very quickly. The stress is enough to give you a heart condition on top of everything else.