marcyinak

Mini - I'm part of the Halloween Challenge...don't forget me!!! My goal was 16 lbs. and this week I lost 4 lbs.!!!! Note: I'm hungry and irritable AND it's that TOM too! Also note: I thought I was 215 and -16 would make me in onederland, but I weighed myself last Fri. and I was 218...still lost an incredible amount this week so I don't really care! Politics - Some people have asked me about Palin - since I live in Alaska and all..well, I have to admit that my opinion is a little biased...see, my husband is a State Trooper and she's not been so good to the Department of Public Safety. I'm not sure who I'm voting for yet, but I feel that any "issues" that Alaska may have with Palin will be sorely underscored by the GOP's money...yep, that's all I have to say - a little short-winded today.

jamie - I had surgery Tues. morn and flew home to Alaska (on coach) Thurs evening...did just fine. 3 days later my husband had to leave for work and I was left alone with the kids (ages 1,4,7) for a week. I did just fine with that too...you'll do great!:biggrin:

Mini - I agree with the out of state coments..it's a price we pay. I use this site for sharing what works for me and and hearing what works for others. Sometimes the doc just doesn't know and everyone is different so we have to try different things. My husband and I would also like to "retire on the road" .... a lot of people from Alaska do that. Although, we'd like to get a Semi and earn some money during retirement to pay for our travels! :-) Mini - That's not what if feels like to me when something gets stuck, that's what it feels like when I've just eaten too much of something "bulky" (like chicken...kinda just sits there for a while and takes longer than soft stuff to go all the way down). This is actually what I WANT to happen...I don't want to be tempted to eat more or WANT to eat something else...just the feeling to make me stop already! Pills - now, I've stated before (long, long ago) that I take pills without crushing or splitting them, but as I stated then...this is an INDIVIDUAL thing and I actually think that if I were to get another fill then I'd probably not be able to do this. It also depends on how quickly the pills dissolve - Tylenol usually dissolves pretty fast. Now...WARNING! Time-release capsules should not be split or crushed (does away with the whole time-release thing) and I've found out the hard/painful way that Mucinex will get stuck and be AWFUL so don't take it. I do take a time-release Ambien occassionally and I don't have issues with that...although I think if I were to get filled I might so... Ads - does anyone else get a little freaked out at the ads on the side here advertising cheap-o surgeries?!?! I actually considered Mex., but then someone directed me to Dr. K...I'm soooo happy I did that! Anniversary - my DH and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary yesterday! It was a good day of hard work for the day and a nice date in the evening! Ahhhhh....the wind was blowing just perfect and all the stars were out...too bad the northern lights weren't out...those are kinda hit-or-miss. Challenge - I've been pretty good with the Halloween challenge so far, but I did partake of a cookie tonight. I'll get back on track tomorrow and start working out...I really think I could dump the most weight for my goal these first few weeks and then it's all down hill from there...right?:thumbup:

Mini - I get the rash thing...turns out it's a yeast infection! Yep, gool 'ol yeast! Loves that moist and dark area! I have since learned that my soap contributes to a break out...I now use Aveeno shower gel and have had ONE flare-up this year. When I do have issues (which is usually because I'm travelling and don't have my shower gel with me) I use Monistat cream or Tinactin cream (yeah, the foot stuff, but it works). I'm hoping that I can use the recurrance of yeast infections as a reason to get insurance to pay for a tummy tuck...we'll see...

Well, gosh, doesn't look like you can see the blueberries too well. Stormy's all "blued-up" from eating so many...she just plops herself down in a field of berries and eats her way into heaven!!

Yeah, I know it's not fall for you all, but it's HERE all right! We've been hiking a lot and picking blueberries. My legs are killing me today from all the squatting and walking I did yesterday to get about a gallon of berries. They are so plentiful that you can reach down and get a whole handful off of one branch! Yeah, Alaska is good sometimes. Lap - the invitation still stands...c'mon up! Now...isn't my girl cute???:thumbup:

So...I'm going to post some pictures...because I know you all wait with baited breath for pictures from Alaska...I'm going to see how many I can get without this taking the ENTIRE day to upload...we'll see! Here is my wood pile that I've been talking about. The Missionaries from our church did most of the chopping (I had planned to, but everytime I left the house I came back to another huge stack of chopped wood!) It's going to be a blessing this year!:thumbup:

Mini - I *reluctantly* am puttin' myself down for the Halloween challenge. I suck at this so I'm putting myself down for a whopping 16 lbs. (that will put me at 199 - ONEDERLAND). Let's just see if I can do it! Now, I just have to put down the Pepsi and step away from the Hershey bar!!! AAAHHHHH!!!!! Denver - You're in my thoughts and prayers. Things will be fine tomorrow (today for you) and you're going to be so successful!

Michelle - I've missed you! I remember meeting you and Mal and Anita right after surgery and you were all so hopeful for me AND for yourselves! I, too, have chosen crappy food lately because it goes down easy (I ate more than a handful of Cookies today - for dinner!). I/we have to get back to the thinking we had last year (as cheesy as it sounds) that the Band is a TOOL! I know that I probably won't GAIN any weight back, but I MUST diet (yeah, that word again) and exercise (yeah, the other word) to lose more. My problem is that I've become complacent...I'm actually quite satisfied with where I am, even though I get jealous of others. Take it easy on yourself and just get back in the game! Love you tons! Hey, I'd love it if you came to visit...we could get a plane and go flying?!?!:thumbdown:

Look at that...BOTH arms in one picture! :lol:You're looking great! AND...can I see all around BOTH of your arms? Yes, yes I can! WAHOO!! Good for you, now if only I coul get that kind of motivation....

Shelbi- Thanks for the concern. I don't like taking meds (ok, yeah, I do, but only the ones that make you feel "good' if you know what I mean...not the ones that just kill pain, where's the fun in that?) so I've only taken one Naproxen since I saw the doc. Pain comes and goes and seems unrelated to any type of activity or time of day. I feel just fine standing or sitting, but on the stairs is a whole 'nother ball game! I managed to do go up some stairs today with NO PAIN (I figured I was doing God's work so maybe God was helping me out.). It's still all so baffling.... Thanks for all the concern.

So...go to the doc to check on my knees...have I mentioned this before? Well, been having some strange knee pain this summer and it's exacerbated the past couple of weeks...so I went in to have it checked. I'm not an alarmist and run to the doc for any 'ol thing, so this was a big deal that I went in. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if the knees would swell or if heat/ice helped, but that therein lies the problem! So, after a decent examination I'm told (drumroll please) - lose weight and exercise! You've got to be kidding me! I explained that I'd just lost 50ish lbs. and I DO exercise (cripe, I don't think I've sat down this entire summer!) She even commented on my muscles in my legs and how good everything looked...proof that I'm exercising. So, anyone, when does the "you need to drop a few pounds" excuse end? I'm so sick of it! Oh, yeah, and she asked if I'd been picking berries...apparently, they see a lot of knee pain this time of year. I said I'd done MAYBE 3 hrs TOTAL and I had the same pain before so I wasn't going to let her blame the friggin berries on my knee pain! I explained that I had the Band before she went to perscribing something. To note: Dr. K had told me that NSAIDs were fine to take unless I had stomach issues - which I don't - and to just not take them all the time. So since Motrin wasn't even softening the pain, she put me on Naproxen. I'm not too keen on this drug so I've only taken one so far. Input is appreciated. Did I mention winter is upon us? Man, I wanted just a little more of a reprieve. Lap - I'm thinking of the people down south...thinkin' they should move north where there aren't any natural disasters and you get paid better!

I meant to type SIL not SIS. Yes, she's scheduled with Dr. K. It was kinda weird how it happened so fast...we talked about it Tues. afternoon and then an hour after I got off the phone with her she emailed me with a surgery date! WOW! Now, I only wish I had done it all that quickly instead of waiting 6 years!!! It's getting cold here. Was supposed to rain yesterday, be sunny today...that would've made GREAT berry picking weather, but now it's just freezing at night and that does not a good berry make! Yep, just checked...it's 30 degrees outside right now!! Hey, so I've got some pretty severe knee pain going on. I can't walk up/down stairs at all. My right knee is the worst. Funny thing though is that there is no swelling! I tried icing my knees last night, but that didn't change a thing! I can handle pain, etc...I'm VERY scared...scared that I'm actually IN pain and scared that I can't function like I'd like. I'm trying not to freak out. I'm headed to the clinic this morning, but understand....there are doctors who live in the bush for a reason and it's not because they like hunting, it's because this is the only place that would take them!!:smile2:

My SIS called today to talk about surgery. I steered her away from a bypass (just because I'm a Band Snob - that and she's only 200 lbs - and all the other reasons WE chose the band). Insurance covers it for her so I told her she had a LOT of options. I suggested some docs in Anchorage and told her about Dr. K (she has relatives in Co. Springs) and ..... she's scheduled for Oct. 22!!! I'm proud of her and hope this journey will help her with some health issues. Last year she was in a horrible 4-wheeler accident that pretty much made mush out of her pelvis (not the outside, the inside - crotch area) and her recovery has been miraculous...I can't imagine having extra weight with all that! YIKES! I told her to check out this site and thread...maybe we'll see her here?

You know, I was just thinking that just last year when I was banded there were only a few people on this thread (Mal, Anita, Taynuh and the few that really come to mind) and now this thread has EXPLODED! That's great! I sometimes see some obese women and think...if it weren't so rude, I'd go up and tell this chick to go see Dr. K and not wait any longer...that is my only regret, the waiting I mean, not bein' all rude. Does anyone else think this sometimes?

jmegirl - you'll be surprised at how your tastes will change after the surgery. You'll also be surprised by what you can/can't eat after surgery. I can't eat bread very well so I don't crave it...that kind of thing. Congrats on a date! Now, don't over-do the "last supper" thing! Denver - went picking again today...got 10 cups in less than an hour...and that was with the kids eating the "profits" most of the time! The blueberries are just CRAZY right now! YUM! As for your question...when I'm "good" and only eat my meals...I can eat about a cup of food total. Now, I can snack like there's no tomorrow and that's what gets me into trouble! I wasn't a snacker before...bummer, just another hurdle to jump over though and I can do it! Bella - this is how I determine if I (just me now, not everyone is like this) need a fill...if I am a "good girl" and only eat my meals - no snacking - and I can eat too much. Now this too much is really my own level of food...which is a bit more than a cup...and that's with meat first and salad/veggies second...if I go the other way I can eat a bit more. Also, if I eat too slow I can eat more, there's a good balance for ME. Anyway, fish is an iffy thing and can easily get stuck. ANY kind of pasta (ESPECIALLY mac n cheese) makes me PB something awful! So...try a couple of days of "we know these work" foods at mealtime and see if you're eating too much or too little...then decide. There's nothing wrong with waiting for a fill...so and steady wins the race...and keeps it so your less likely to gain some back! Everyone - there have been some folks wanting updates on my friends who had the Gastric Sleeve procedure done in March. Well, I ran into my friend today and she's lost 90 pounds so far :crying:- her sister is about the same. She says that she's never hungry and her cravings are strange...that she really likes tofu and humus now (I still can't really get into either). I'm so proud of her! I have to admit that I'm jealous because I'm not losing that quickly/well, but I'm still losing (and know I'd do better if I'd stop drinking the damn soda!):biggrin2: Had a revalation today...I really miss sandwiches and burgers...I think because I avoid them because of the bread...I need to figure out a way to have a burger without the bun and not make it "feel" like a salisbury steak, if you know what I mean. A lettuce wrapped burger (previously mentioned) sounds like something I should try...hmmm...any other ideas out there?:wub:

Deb - I know that Dr. K (or maybe it's just the folks on this site) say to crush meds, but I don't and I am fine. I also use the occasional Ibubrophen for swelling/pain. This, again, you will find is a patient/doctor thing and you have to do what's best for you and your recovery. Congrats on recovering well, and you'll do just fine progressing to regular food...I think we all psychologically stall ourselves because we're fearful of screwing up the band! You'll do fine! Munchkin - I, too, had the same "Silence of the Lambs" flashback! In fact, the song is STILL stuck in my head and I may have to go into my iTunes to actually listen to it - my head is as out-of-tune as my actual voice! My fill doc doesn't charge for "tweaking" within a week...you should talk to your doc about that...I mean, really? $250 for someone to jab you with a needle of SALINE! It's not like it's a big cost for them! I swear they're just squeezing the money where they can! And, now...who DOESN'T remember the scene in Pretty in Pink when older friend chick is singing "Coppa Cabana"? It's a classic! For some reason I can sing a lot of Quiet Riot songs...but I don't remember actually liking them or listening to them....I was into John Cougar Mellancamp! Yeah, baby....remember when they gave away a Little Pink House on MTV? Oh, I was so all over that! Salmon hasn't been too much of an issue for me. I'm gnawing on some moose roast right now (delighted that I am quite the chef of moose meat), but after a few bites I think I'm done. Fish generally is ok for me, but I DO cook it moist and add some sauce. Forgot to mention: So, while on my "vacation" I re-learned a valuable rule: DON'T drink with your meals. Now, I know the premise to this is that the liquid will make the food all soggy and it will go down easy, but it's totally different for me...if I drink (anything, at all) then it seems to compact the food and I end up pukin'!! So...rule of thumb...no french fries and THEN the fosty! BAD! (OK, I know the food is bad, but we were at a park, I'd only eaten 5-6 french fries and was finishing the last 2 Tablespoons of my kids' Frosty so don't get all up on me!) Yeah, nothin' like PBing slimy Frosty at the park! Haha! Lesson learned! Went on a big 'ol hike yesterday. We climed a bunch of hills looking for some waterfall. I was so grateful when my 2-year-old daughter said she was sleepy! We bagged the waterfall, but....there were blueberries EVERYWHERE! So we picked about a gallon (yes, a gallon) on our way back down the hill. Alaska can be pretty terrific sometimes!:w00t:

Denver - I too have "body dismorphic disorder" (well, that's what I call it)where I would see myself in a mirror and think "ah, not so bad, maybe even darn good", but then see a picture and think "holy crap, am I really that fat?" Well, it was the day that I actually SAW myself in the mirror that I decided to have the surgery. I have continued to see myself differently than pictures, but now the pictures are starting to match what I see....something to look forward for! You'll enjoy it! About afterwards...everyone is different with what they can and can't eat. I suck at being able to eat any kind of bread (even toasted) or any kind of pasta (although I managed some moose lasagna a few weeks ago). I AM able to drink soda though and that can be bad...it's expensive here so I don't partake as much as I want (which is a good thing). Lap Dancer sometimes posts things about Overeaters Anonomous (sp?) and it's helpful for me - even though I don't tell her all the time. Weight gain/loss can be from different issues for all of us and the Band isn't going to make the issues go away so you still have to be comitted to changing how/what you eat. That's awesome that you're doing so well with the pre-op diet. Just remember, if you can stick out this two weeks then you'll be just fine post-op! We are all here for you! Ador - I had my gallbladder out years ago and it was killer! I've had three c-sections since and those (and the Band) were cake compared. I have to say that I'm grateful for all those who complain about the surgery because I thought I might've just been a total wus back then...but now I know I wasn't, that surgery really is a killer! Take it easy and enjoy the Vicodin! :wink2: OK FOLKS - I'm back on and that makes 2 for 2...it's like it's the LapBandTalk Olympics for me! Too funny! I'm trying to get inspired by the athletes, but really, I'm enjoying sitting on the couch a little too much. My arms are killing me today from all the wood chopping...I'll hit the axe again tomorrow though...we still have quite a bit to split so it'll dry up before it starts snowing!! When we're all done I'll have to take a picture of our "stack" so you'll all be impressed.

Back from my 3 week vacation! I weighed myself today and actually lost a couple of pounds while I was gone! No telling how I did that since there was a fair and cotton candy involved, but I'll take it! Ketchikan is beautiful and I HIGHLY encourage everyone to visit Southeast Alaska at least once in their life. It's like a rain forest without the tropical...and glaciers are an added bonus! Now, Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks are good too (and even Nome), but if you're coming to Alaska make sure you it Southeast. We fell in love with Dance, Dance Revolution and it will be arriving in the mail soon (bought it from my BIL) and I can't wait to get dancing everyday...other excersize is still not calling my name. HOWEVER...we got home on Thursday and have cut and chopped more wood than we'll need this winter (I hope...there is A LOT of wood going on right now). With fuel hitting over $6/gal right now this will help tons! I hope it's not as bad for the rest of you...to note, they DO pay us well to live in areas like this, but, still, you can never get paid enough, right? I'm struggling with the soda thing, but did realize on vacation that I AM tight enough and therefore, didn't get a fill when I could've. I just need to eat at regular times and not snack, because that's where I err. I eat too many small things throughout the day and if I'd just sit down to eat my 3 main meals I'd be ok. I'm going to try to go on a "soda fast" and see if I can get over this addiction. I think I'm even more addicted to it because it's something I CAN eat/drink that others can't and psychologically that makes it even better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). Does that make sense? Pretty sunsets here in Nome (that'll be about 10pm Alaska time) and you can check 'em out at nomealaska.org/vc/cam-page.htm I'm sorry that I haven't been able to keep up with everything...it's so hard to find the time to read and respond. I feel it's important to keep up appearances so I can get support when I need it, but right now I just feel like a moocher and not a giver. I appreciate you all letting me be that way!

Well, ladies (and I know there's a couple of gents who loom)...today was slaughter day for my chickens....I ended up with only five, but that's still about 20 lbs. of meat so it was all good. It was my workout for the day. And for all the PETA people...I'm also an animal rights activist of sorts (but I like to eat meat) so all the raising and slaughtering was done nice and quick...no one suffered (except me when a chicken realized something was up and I got a good peck on my hand). I've been suckin' with eating right and taking care of myself. I don't know why, I'm just so blah about the whole thing lately. I'm "bobbing" up and down again at the same couple of lbs....although, it IS lower than last winter when I was bobbing. I just can't seem to get out of this stupor that I'm in. For you newly banded folks, good luck! I'm glad that all has gone well and things are looking good for you! This is an exciting time! For those of you who were interested in the Gastric Sleeve - a couple of my friends here (sisters) had it done in March...the surgery went well, recovery went well, etc. They've both lost over 50 lbs. each, but I think we ALL would've lost that much had Dr. K INSISTED on a liquid diet for a month after! They were very good on their liquids and are eating regular food now. I haven't asked about getting stuck, etc....we've all been busy, but it seems to be a good option too. I'm glad I have the band though...I just did not want to "re-do the plumbing", just wanted to help it out a little. Thanks for all your support! I DO read the posts everyday, it just took over 10 min. to download this page to post my pictures so you see why you don't hear from me often!

FW - last year when I was doing research I found that the bands can actually hold more than they say (ie. my 4cc band will hold about 5 cc). It is true that once it's completely filled then you're completely plugged up. Also, I have found that, generally, most people don't need to have their bands more than about 3/4 filled. Now, as usual, I'm an exception where I have 3.2 cc in my 4 cc band and NEED an adjustment. It depends on what kind of band you have, but I have NEVER heard of anyone getting all filled and still eating too much! Now, CRAP goes down awful easy :laugh: so be ready for that...for instance, I (again, an anomoly) can drink soda, each popcorn, oh and candy, well that's easy too...it's meat that's difficult for me and I guess if I ate more of that then I'd lose more, but that is a whole 'nother food issue! I'm a slow and steady loser and I'm good with that!:thumbup: Tied - You're not going to believe this...I'm actually DOWN this week! No, really! Haha! I don't know where I was last week, but I have a total loss of 6.5 lbs. so far..not much, but when I didn't lose one single lb. this winter, this is a BIG deal! Thanks for doing all this, it really is helping me! Well, we had 3 days of HOT here (80 + degrees ...I know, ALASKA?) And now summer is apparently over...it has been a miserably rainy, windy, and foggy summer here and the rain just keeps a comin'! My husband had to go out today and collect wood for the wood stove (Home heating fuel is $6+/gal right now and winter's going to be BAD) and it's raining HARD...poor guy. I'm just going to stay home and clean carpets - fun, fun!:drool:

I know my progress has been slow, but it's still progress and I didn't gain all this weight overnight! I'm down 50 lbs. that I know I won't gain it back! That, in itself, is just a wonderful feeling! Thanks for your support!

It's been a year for me and although I'm a little ashamed that I haven't been around a lot, I DO keep tabs on all of you and am astounded at the weight loss that everyone has had! I have to say that I was surprised to read that Salsa had surgery already...I can't imagine doing that for at least another year, although I have to admit that if I had the money I'd probably do it sooner than later. Congratulations to everyone! I know my progress has been slow, but it's still progress and I didn't gain all this weight overnight! I'm down 50 lbs. that I know I won't gain it back! That, in itself, is just a wonderful feeling! Thanks for your support!

Weigh-in didn't go so well...I'm UP 3 lbs. I'm not too upset about it, but I DO need a fill (which can't happen for a couple of months). I'll just have to try harder. I'm also extremely bloated this week (not TOM) and not sure what that's about...I think I need to fast for a day and then have some fiber and really clean myself out. Here's to a new week and a new resolve!!