mmcbelle

Today is a day of days. I have finally broken the 300 mark. I stepped, with fear, upon the scale today and I am at 299. I have been anxiously awaiting this day. Come Monday, my trainer will take my measurements again and I will get to know what the scale lbs. represent (fat loss vs muscle gain). Anyway, tomorrow will be my seventh month of being banded and I have rid myself of 93.5 lbs, I am very close to being half way to goal as well. And have arrived in twoterville. I am soooo happy to be here :w00t::thumbup::ohmy::present::tt2::smile: Cheers, Mary

Hi Kygie, Congratulations and welcome. It is a weird and wonderful journey. :thumbup: Keep us up on your progerss. Best wishes, Mary

Hi all, Sorry to be off for a while. I had my first plateau and I did not handle it the best. I kept gaining and losing the same 2 lbs for about a month. Finally a fill seems to have broken it. Funny thing, I thought I had dealt with my head issues. I started to get tight the day before my follow up appointment (I had no intention of getting a fill). Then the day of the appointment, I just woke up in a bad mood. Then the office kept me waiting which gave rise to a worsening mood. The PA talked me into a fill, I stressed that it needed to be tiny (remembering the last one that was .4 ml made me miserable for quite some time). Then the PA did not even bother to read my chart to see I have a tilted port so my fills have to be under floro (she prepared to do it without, which I quickly corrected). Well we get in and I am this new PAs first tilted port fill ever (can you say guinea pig?). She did deaden the area (usually I don't have this done) and man am I glad she did. Finally after trying for several minutes and failing another PA had to get the needle into the port and things progressed fine. I do wait for a half hour in the waiting area sipping drink. Unfortunatly I got a little ambitious and took too big a drink and PBd...ugh. Then I had my PT and was in a bad mood, usually my training remedies that, but not this time. I usually have between 32 & 40 oz of Water during training (very imporant to hydrate during to help the muscles). To my dismay I had about 2 oz of Protein drink and 2 oz of water, both of which I PBd on...Ugh. I was miserable. Finally, after training, I called my little brother. I was a littl mental and needed his wisedom to talk me down. He discussed that 40 years of habits don't change in six months and that I was once again having to renegotiate my relationship with food. I cried, talked with him and realized the wisdom in his words. It still took a couple of days to feel better, but I am happy to say that it feels like I have made some more headway. I hopefully will look forward to the fills, instead of dreading them. This one in particular broke my plateau. I am just a few lbs away from twoterville - one of my major goals. It feels good to be on the cusp of this monumentous goal. Cheers all! Mary

Hi CheckersMom, Welcome, please keep us informed on how it is going and when you receive your approval. Cheers, Mary

Hi smilin_apple, Sorry for such a tardy reply. I have run into the same thing. I just had a fill last week and for the first three days, I could not do anything before 11:00 except tiny sips and those had to spaced out with several minutes between. Day four I was able to do some Soup in the evening and some refried Beans with piacante to thin them at about 7 pm. On day five I made an amazing discovery...If I have a SF popsicle, I can eat a little something for about 15 minutes to follow. I deduced that my stomach is swollen around the band (happens every time I get a fill and happened for three days following surgery). It took a bit for me to get it, but the cool from the popsicle gives some temporary relief of the swelling. It is usually enough time to get in a Protein Drink or if I crave hard food - cheese, beans or cottage cheese. Right now having a protein drink called nectar - Syntrax brand (Search Results - VitaminShoppe.com) very fruity and tastes really good (over ice helps it go down) and aspertame free. Comes in several flavors, just thought I would share I hope it helps! Cheers, Mary

Hi RainyDay, I waffled back and forth between the two options. I did my research. I have plenty of examples around me of both procedures. I had only two comorbities and they fall on the lesser side of things to have; sleep apnea & joint pain. Why I chose the band: GB/RNY is a riskier surgery with more medical complications associated with surgery and post surgery, this just plain scared me that the possibility I could die was greater with this surgery. I like that the band is "reversable", currently GB is not (even though we are not supposed to think of it as reversable, there is comfort in knowing that it is for me). GB changes the way the body naturally works. From what I have read and seen after about year seven, both procedures have very similar results. I am happy with the path I have chosen. Like JLM said, the band is just a tool. All the right things have finally come together in my life that I know in my heart as well as in my head that I will be successful with this. Successful by my measurement. I know that I have had to work really hard these past few months to get where I am and I never thought I would love exercising, but I do love working with resistance training (cardio is another matter:sleep:). I love that one of my biggest issues is forced to be dealt with and that is power eating...I just plain can't do it anymore (or suffer consequences if I try). For the first time in my life, I know why I overeat and am in recovery as to dealing with that every day. My mind is finally a part of the process which is the most powerful tool of all. It is such a personal decision, really. In some cases, I believe GB is worth the risk for me it was not. I am still on the track of ridding myself of excess weight so I a can't speak to how long it takes and what maintenance with the band is like. Search inside yourself and you will find the answer. Thanks for starting a great discussion. Cheers, Mary

Where is everybody? It seems this thread is slowing down. Is everyone just cruisin along dandy? Even I have been remiss with getting out here and checking this thread. What cha all doin in over 50 BMI band land? Cheers, Mary

Hi Cherri, First, thank you for taking action on this. To answer your questions: 1. I would love to attend (count my in as one) 2. I like the idea of a weekend for the first meeting, I think the odds that more bandsters could attend on the weekend. 3. That is a geography question and maybe we could take a poll some how, does this forum have an option to do that. If there are more RSVPs from East Dallas than anywhere else, it would make sense to make the meeting convenient for the majority. As for where, I loved the idea of a park or something to get us out and active, but I realize it is going to be a meet and greet for the first meeting, so a community room or restaurant makes sense. Let me know if I can help! Cheers, Mary

Well I had to get on a plane this past weekend. I was dreading being in that coach seat and having to request the seat belt extender. To my surprise...no seat belt extender required. Now I have to say that at my current weight this was a surprise because I have weighed less and needed the seat belt extender (seems my trainer knows what he is doing). I am so glad for this, another of my NSV goals I can check off the list.:tt1: Thanks for reading, Mary

Hi Suzanne, Okay, I am usually all positive and smiles and that is coming, that said...stop selling yourself short. You have lost the weight. You did that and it is a wonderful accomplishment, don't belittle it. You are doing the classic...well I blew it so I might as well have another snack or avoid the beloved treadmill because I just can't win. You are a worthwhile person who deserves the happiness that comes along with being a fit an healthy person. You seem anxious about your band anniversary coming up. The only person you really have to impress is yourself and you should be impressed with what you have done so far. Did you think three years ago that this was possible. That you would be moving down the scal instead of up? It is okay to take a break, but remember to get back to it. It is time to get back to it now. Follow those band rules. Remember the band is for life and your changes are too. You are worthy of this. You are going to get past this milestone and meet the next one. Let go of the negative feelings and move forward. I want you to succeed and I believe you do to. So do something for your good health and get on that treadmill. Get some motivational music on your mp3 playing and walk it off. If you are like me, once you get on there, it feels good to have accomplished it. Suzanne...YOU can do it! Let us know how you are doing. Cheers, Mary

Hi Whimsy, Welcome, so glad to have you with us. Keep us updated on the progress with insurance. I had to wait 18 months and two denials before I was able to have insurance pay for it. It was toatally worth the wait. Good luck and best wishes, Mary

Hi gummykandi & toni_o, Welcome to the thread. It is a great place to be. Best wishes to you both. Please stay active out here and let us know how you are doing. It is a great place to share experience, get good advice, or just dump out your feelings when having a bad, day or hour. Again welcome, Mary

Hi Bling, I understand UHC is one of the better ones, if the company that carries it has allowed for weight loss surgery in thier policy. It won't hurt to give them a call and see if it is covered, then you will know. I know it seems weird that UHC covers some and not others, but it all depends on the policy purchased by the employer. I hope the best for you. Keep active on the boards (even if it is just looking). Best wishes, MMT

Hi Chrissie, You sound discouraged. Please don't be. Can I ask if know why your progress is not what you are expecting? The thing I love about the band is that it is always there when you want to engage it. My surgeon even encouraged me to let the fill out when I want to go on holiday and eat a little more (the thought of this terrifies me to be honest). The band's flexibility is one of its strengths. You can do it Chrissie. Please seek support out here. If you would like to "speak" privately, please PM me. Wishing the best for you, Mary

Hi Cherrie, Do you know about support group meetings in the DFW area. True Results sponsers one monthly in Richardson and Hurst. Let me know if you would more information. Just a suggestion, but maybe we could have a DFW area meet and greet. Anyone interested? Cheers, MMT

Hi thelapbandduo, Sorry for not replying sooner. I understand how you would be discouraged. 30 lbs is nothing to scoff at, don't be disappointed in yourself. If you are like me, without the lap band I would still be moving up the scale, not down. I hope this helps you. I have been learning a consistant lesson. I try to compare myself with others, not just bandsters. I keep having to learn that I am unique and individual. I can't compare myself to others, I can only compare myself to me. That is, I look and see all the good I have done for myself in the past two years. Even though I've only been banded about six months. I had to wait 18 months and suffer two denials for insurance to cover it (self pay was not an option). In that 18 months, I really got to learn about me. What I am saying is take the time to concentrate on you. Good for your DH, well done. This is about you. It is okay for you to concentrate on you. Adhere yourself to basic band rules. What is really working for me right now is that I have two sessions weekly with a trainer (personal choice), I get my Water in, I get 8+ hours of sleep and I believe I am finally restricted well. Please don't be discouraged. You are brave for getting the lap band, you are brave for sticking with it the past 8 months, stay the course. Follow up with your fills. You will get there. Keep improving. It is okay to have bad days, just ensure you have more good days now and keep increasing that. You can do it! Stay your course. Best wishes, MMT

Hi Kaly & John, I just wanted to say welcome. Thanks for joining us. There are lots of wonderful folks out here to help support, learn from and share with. Again welcome and best wishes! Mary

Hi shelli16415, Congratulations:thumbup:! That is an awesome accomplishment.:eek: I am in the same situation having over 200 to lose. What do you think have been the top three things that have contributed to your wonderful progress? Keep up the great work:waytogo: Happy banding, Mary

Hi lizrbit, I always say my burping is medically required. That lets everyone off the hook and my friends use the same phrasing now. Of course I have some gross friends...so maybe you just need some gross friendsLOL. I never get that folks shy away from me because of the "difference" in my eating techniques. Cheers, Mary

Hi BANDIT.1, They try to do mine without anything, but at this point my port is tilted. I do not have to drink the barium. I do lie on a table and they use xray to locate the port. She sticks me and then removes all the Fluid (to check for leakage) and then adds the fluid back in pluse the additional for the fill. I have never had it "pop" out. Ask questions and don't let them off the hook until they answer them. Ask that you never get that same technition again. Maybe she was having a bad day, but you need to be comfortable with the how and why they are doing this. If they don't give you a suitable answer, ask for the office manager. Keep talking to people. Please don't let them off the hook. Like you said you are paying for this, get your monies worth. My two-cents:-) Cheers, Mary

Just a thought, but is it holiday stress? I know when I stress the band seems tighter. It is not really the band, but my stomach swells a little and now a little means a lot and I will tighten up. Starting the day with something warm to drink helps. It seems to loosen up any sinus drainage from the night. I like coffe, but just warm Water would work too. Just a thought. Hang in there, I am sure it will get better soon. Cheers, MMT

I feel like I can finally write it. I am at 318 as of today and I think that I can actuall feel comfortable with the idea of being at twoterville. I've seen the thread, but did not post cause I did not feel like I was close enough, but 18.5 lbs to go. This last fill seems to have really restricted me...I think I am where I'm supposed to be. Seems like only about 2 oz of meat and a little veggie and I am done for the meal. I have dropped a few lbs quickly after this fill as well. I will just wait and see how it goes. I always have a quick little drop after a fill, then about three weeks later I loosen up and need that next scheduled fill. I am taking two weeks off from working with my trainer. It is the holidays and he said it is a good time to give my body a rest. I still need to keep up the cardio on my own. I can't wait to be able to run and start sprints. He says that will really get my heart rate up and boost my metabolism...can't wait for that to happen:-) Merry Christmas to you all! Mary

Hi Reba, I think we met at the last support meeting in Richardson. Did your DH come later than you? Dr. Marsden is wonderful, very personable and returns your phone calls at midnight within two minutes (personal experience first week of banding). More importantly is his nursing staff, they are really good and answer all questions and take action when required. They are good at returning calls and holding your hand when needed. I did not know about the bari suite, but we did go up the night before and stayed at a hotel. I did not want to deal with traffic in the AM. The facility (Wise Regional) is great and runs like clockwork. Also, I have found a fantastic pharmacy in Plano that will compound (Put into liquid form) any meds you may need. They are Texas Star Pharmacy (W. Parker, Ste 100-NE corner of Parker & Independence) (972) 519-8475-they have limited hours compared to CVS & Walgreens, but the pharmacist are personalbe a very helpful with special exceptions. Happy banding, Mary

Hi losingjusme, Congratulations, soon you won't be able to shop at the Avenue:-0...wonderful problem to have. Cheers, Mary

Hi BANDIT.1, I am having an issue. I am 43. My periods are not regular (never have been) and they are sometimes extended (not two weeks though) and sometimes "normal" for me. My family doctor has run a hormone test in the past to check to see if I was peri-menopausaul. The test confirmed I was NOT. Perhaps you can ask for this test with your doctor (it was a blood test). I am going to ask her to run this test again, just to check (it was covered by my insurance). Also I talked with my mom to ask when she was menopausal and it is too early, if my biology is similar to hers. Just a suggestion, perhaps you could split your birth control pills instead of crushing them. I understand from talking to my pharmacist that crushing some pills can change their effectiveness. Also talk to your family doctor, you can probably get in to see him/her before next month. Hope all goes well. Good luck, Mary