JustWatchMe

Pizza doesn't call my name anymore. A large Giordano's stuffed pizza used to call my name before WLS, and I would eat up to half of a large one. One slice of thin crust just doesn't do it for me. I'll spend my calories on a steak. Funny thing, I don't miss it at all.

@@sdocforce, way to go!!!!

I'm at the office now and the receptionist told me self pay is $250 per fill. For me that's cheaper than the monthly deductible for the PPO. Looks like I'll opt for the H M O if I need to. Thanks everyone!

So good to hear from all points of view. We all need different things and different tools. I am logging now and it helps me stay accountable and aware. The electronic tools help make it easy. I look at trends too. For example today i realized I'm eating more carbs than I thought.

Sorry to say but narcotic painkillers contribute to constipation. Prune juice. Hope you're feeling better soon.

@@stacybb1, get back on the horse. A slip is just that. You can do this!!

I've had two fills and thought I might be at the green zone, but the last two weeks have had slow to no weight loss and a higher appetite, eating more. Going for a fill today. Hoping it's the right decision. I don't want to be too tight to swallow Tylenol caplets.

One thing I am proud of is making my daughters proud of me for changing my eating habits. I spent way too much time in front of the tv and checked out of daily life. I'm back and that makes me happy and proud.

@@tomdelo, let's hear it for living our lives! Congratulations!

Relax, remember why you're doing this, and take good care of yourself. Your new life awaits!

I'll add karate chops on your neck and shoulders a few times a day break up the trapped abdominal gas and relieve the sharp pain up on the left shoulder. Enlist a pal to do it for you. And walk walk walk. .

Great list!

Wow, wonderful posts from everyone. @@gowalking, I understand the flash of disgust and catching yourself. I've done it too, even at my high weight. I think we always actively fight that impulse that comes with our judgmental society. I've started to get comments and questions from coworkers a lot now. Some I have told about my band, some not. I tend to steer the conversation toward health and longevity. Nobody questions the desire to be healthier.

Good reminder about caloric values. Even when it's only "once in a while".

It's hard, but gets easier at day three. It's so worth it. Good luck.

Good for you and for all of us for speaking up for our needs, no matter how others choose to respond. As time goes by and WLS gets more attention as the lifesaver it is, those stares and curious looks may lessen. But no matter. We are saving our lives and that's what is important.

Name, real or screen~ JustWatchMe Goal weight for August 31st~ 215 Weight on August 4th~ 220.4 Age~ 53 City/State~ Chicagoland Dietary goal for August~ more protein and fewer carbs Exercise goal for August~ walk daily Personal goal for August~ seek a hobby Date banded~ March 13, 2014 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 81 Favorite End of Summer Activity~ Walks in nature

Thanks Lisa -- it's fun and appreciated!!!

Congratulations!

I just posted about hair loss as well. I know for a fact it's not due to extreme weight loss because I did that once without WLS and didn't lose any hair.

Thanks, Debbie.

I had to make major changes in my life -- marriage and body. When my fearful self said I'd never do it, my courageous self said, "Just watch me!"

Good luck to you. Gastric bypass patients lose weight so quickly that the suggestions made above about asking for WLS first sound very reasonable. I'm a bander but I know my knee issues got amazingly better after I dropped 50 pounds. I walked all over Italy without pain meds or NSAIDs. At 80 pounds down I'm a walking maniac. Best wishes whatever you decide.

Beautiful! Congratulations !!

@@twistedbarbieLA, kudos to you for starting over. I'm only four and a half months out and dancing around the green zone. I sometimes overeat (go too fast) but for the most part I have little interest in food between meals unless it's emotional. This band is definitely performing a physical magic trick on my appetite and it's a godsend.