coastlgrl

I could tell you story after story of some of the finest that come to our court...It blows my mind sometimes. Like letting your kids run, screaming all over the office area - in and out of various offices while court is in session, changing your babys diaper in the court room while court is in session - phew! and stealing everything that isn't nailed down in the bathroom...soap, hair spry, bathroom spray - you name it, it has been stolen. Now we have to empty out the restroom before court starts. Sorta sad, huh?

I loved these posts! It reminded me of the time a "local" and well known drug user came to the office where I work and asked to see the Police Chief. He wanted him to go arrest his supplier because he was just ripped off on his last purchase of Meth - yes, that is a true story. TRUE and scary!

Here is the deal - I was banded on Sept 13th and have lost 42 lbs. I am just about where I always end up before I fall off the wagon and start sabatoging my success. I have a closet full of clothes that fit again, people are starting to notice, I feel good, - all valid and good reasons to want to continue, but for some reason it becomes my reason to stop. I know that I need a fill and will be getting one next week, but I feel like I am losing that edge that I had. The determination? I don't know if it is the holidays (not my favorite time of year - childhood issues) or if I just am not meant to succeed. I saw a picture today of me from this summer and I almost pucked - it was so disgusting. I don't want to go back to those days. I want to live the last half of my life not fighting this fight. I am open to any suggestions on how to get that determination back -

Newgirl07 - thanks for being so candid - I can so relate to the pain you are feeling as well as that sense of desperation. I have been there many times and was there again when I wrote that post. I got my fill on Monday and just went back to solids today. Being on liquids for two days has helped me get back on track - for today - and has helped reset my willpower - for today. I have used many of the postive words from this thread to help me through the tough time and I hope that you can find inspiration too. This is so worth it. My birthday is also in January. I find that so ironic that you and SpecialK both have January birthdays too. Hang in there and just look at today - not at tomorrow, next week, next month - just today. If we fail, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move forward. WE CAN DO THIS. I love the thread "I will stay on plan today because" Check it out. It also was very inspiring. Obviously those that feel this is the "easy way out" has never walked a mile in our shoes, huh? Shame on them.

To each and every one of you that responded to my plea for help. You will never know how much I have appreciated the kind words of encouragement, support, positive reinforcement, and super ideas to help me move forward. This journey has been enlightening, to say the least, and it is heartwarming to know that I can reach out and get the encouragement I need from people who understand what a daily struggle this is. Keep on keeping on – and Happy Holidays to all

I understand completely! I cook a lot less food for meals which is a big help. Every meal used to be such a production. I now buy much less food, cook less food (and my husband LOVES to eat-but if it isn't there he doesn't eat it and that helps him too) and like SimpleMe I too use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate for all of my meals-which might seem kinda silly, but hey it works for me. By cooking less I don't have that extra food calling my name. It is still a struggle some days, so believe me I can so apperciate how you feel! Good luck and hang in there!

Oh, boy that is an understatement! Liquid in - Liquid out! (or mushy too) Sorry to be so graphic, but that is the way it was for me! It will get better soon though!

Lonestar - I am type 2 and I visited at length with my diabetes doctor before I had my surgery. Before surgery I was taking three shots, plus pills each day. She cut back on my shots a week before the surgery to avoid problems after surgery and then I monitored closely. My LB doctor did not put me on a pre-op diet and I was on liquids after surgery, but not "clear" liquids. I drank protein drinks, etc. I am now off of all my diabetes meds! I am eating solids now and I just make sure I eat my proteins first and then veggies, etc. My blood sugar is stable at 90-110 for the first time since I was diagnosed! I could not be happier! You are welcome to PM me also if I can help in any way!

30 lbs as of Sept 17th

I am looking for a general opinion on salads - and the difficulty or not - of eating them. I am just starting to incorporate solids and was wondering how the rest of the LP group handled them. All input appreciated. Thanks!:whoo:

Thanks to all of you who replied! I can't wait for my first salad - how funny that would be one of the only things I have really craved after almost a month of mushies! Keep up the good work everyone!!!!!!

Had a few rough spots, but things are starting to even out! Got my first fill on 10/11 - just started trying a few solids on two days ago. I don't weight daily, but last week I was down 27 lbs! I am finally starting to feel the difference. Thanks for asking!

coastlgrl Near Seattle, WA Banded 9/13/07

For what it's worth I think Having a quick resource for recipes is a fantastic idea! I have already used some that I have found here and they really saved me in the first few weeks! GOOD IDEA!!!

Lauren - I can't speak for all, but I had the same issue. Still do sometimes! I was banded on Sept 13th and have went from giving birth to showering the bathroom down. I had a little bit of extra laundry for a while! haha I can appreciate the gross out part, but it is a fact of life. The gas will subside, but certain foods might cause it to flair up again. Hang in there and just know that it will get better in many respects!

I have to agree with you "green" I think men really do like women with some meat on their bones. Granted not the extra 100 lbs I have, but I must say my husband has always been supportive of me no matter what size I am. He never mentions my weight or comments about it. He has been super supportive of the LB surgery. I do think he is concerned that I will get too thin though - now that would be a new experience for me!! I have been told - not once, but several times - "Gee, you are a good example of why looks aren't everything-you have a great personality". Recently I was at Wal-Mart with a "friend" and there was a large women standing at the jewelry counter. She turns to me and says "well at least you aren't that fat" I didn't realize we were comparision shopping that day. I still haven't forgiven her for that. She could stand to loss a few pounds too - apparently "she" doesn't have a mirror!!!!! I get so much encouragement from everyone here. I am so glad I found this site! I was banded on September 13th and to date I have lost 25 lbs. Only 75 more to go! I am just starting to feel the difference in my clothes. I go for my first fill tomorrow! I sure hope it doesn't hurt too much! Keep up the good work everyone!! We are worth it!

Wow! That was incredible! Thanks you! I really mean that! Very touching!

Mary Jane - You go girl! There isn't a man alive worth having if he doesn't treat you with dignity and respect! Keep up the good work and show him the door!

I can now eat mushies, but I am looking for some creative suggestions! I don't want to get burnt out on the basics (i.e. mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, etc) too fast. I have three weeks to go before I can move to the next stage. All suggestions appreciated! :hungry:

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I really appreciate it and look forward to some new and exciting "mushies"!

jpalaia - Boy, I hear what you are saying. I was banded on the 13th of Sept. It is probably a combination of gas and general pain from the port area. My doc said that area stayes pretty sore because - in my case - they sew the port to the muscles and those muscles do protest! People told me it would get better and it has - it just takes time. Walking - even just around the house - which is what I did - does help to get the gas moving. Hang in there! I understand completely! Also - keep taking your pain meds! I thought I could tough it out after two days - big mistake!

Hi All Yes, Barbara please report back after the BBQ. I don't know when my first fill will be. I have a doc apt on Thursday. I suppose I will find out at that time. By the way - my name is Dee

Hi Amber and Barbara - I am also a Washingtonian. I was banded on Sept 13th. I must agree Amber the gas pain has been pretty intense!

Sue11 - I was banded on Sept 13th. Phew!

Wenjea - thanks for the words of encouragement! It really helps keep the blues away.