Chunk

I had surgery on May 4. My scars are small but red. I am wondering if anyone could tell me how long it took for their scars to turn white. I look forward to the change in color, until then they will be very noticible. Thanks.

Anne, There is nothing as great in this world as a good mother. It sounds like you are really working hard to provide for your kids. Thats excellent. 10 lbs is excellent, and if your not losing weight it certainly isn't because your not working hard. Just be patient. Be sure to get filled until your band has been adjusted snugly. It is going to feel nice being the only mom who can sit in a kidnegarten desk chair at the PTA meeting. But, best of all it will be nice to know that you'll be around to see grand and great-grand kids. Congrats! -Chunk

Ruthie, Sorry to hear things are going pretty rough right now. Don't worry about how quickly your losing weight. It is not a race. I had my second fill today. I am losing weight rapidly, but have allready had plateaus. The best thing you can do right now is enjoy being where you are. Try to enjoy your mom's company, relax, and take comfort in knowing that by Christmas you will have made some serious progress. Your awesome Ruthie, just keep your head up. -Chunk

For me, the magic of the band is that, if you listen, you will know when to stop. Lets say for example, your at a work buffet. All your favorite foods are piled high before you. In your excitement you grap two plates (less walkin', more eat'n) and stack 'em to the top, add a cookie, brownie, and a soda to wash down the cookie and brownie. As is your custom, you dive quickly into your gigantic meal, rapidly shoveling away at bits of this and that. Pain, sweat, pressure, VOMIT. Just a few quick bites and its over, the band told you to stop. Or you can do it like this: You gather a modest plate of food (preferably healthy) and find a seat. Focusing on your co-workers, you enjoy a nice conversation as you slowly nibble away at the delicious buffet items. After sampling small bits of several items, you begin to feel a sense of saeity, pause, and then continue conversing with co-workers. Your full, happy, and losing weight. Im not going to lie to you and say I never feel hungry. Everyone gets hungry. The difference now is that when I am hungry I eat a few ounces of cottage cheese, peanuts, fruit (etc) and feel full. I used to weigh as much as 320. At that weight, I was eating two sandwhiches, chips, soda, and anything else I could find in the kitchen, as a snack!. Now, at 265, I couldn't even eat a sandwhich, maybe half. Temptation? Just do what we fat people are good at and listen to your stomach, you will do great. -Chunk

The upside is that my wife loves to eat my leftovers (and there are plenty of them). Eating out has been challenging only when I am trying to hide the fact that I can't eat much. For me, it has become a bit of a game. I avoid foods that make me sick, and look for a smaller portion plate. This strategy has brought me much success at Mexican restaurants. Think about this: a huge plate of Beans, rice, and a single entree item. You nibble on the entree, stirr the beans, and relocate the rice - viola! I did some sliming/pb once in a restraunt bathroom. Since then, I consider my meal selection carefully and eat extra slow. -Chunk

Did someone say sex? -Chunk

"Looking for someone who may know this because I think its important for us to know. I realize that due to our extensive chewing of food were are less prone to choke but damn you never know. And I don't really care if doing this on me blows out the band. That can be repaired. Can't come baack from death. (My luck I'll come back in another live as a person with anirexia and spend my whole life trying to gain weight.)" That is the funniest thing I ever read. -Chunk

May I recommend my Surgeon? From Portland, he is about 2 1/2 hours away in Tacoma, but, if you have no other option it would be worth your while. So far, I am very satisfied with the care I have recieved. Post-op service is good. I have no complaints. Dr. Fox and Srikanth at Surgical Weight Loss Center, 253-472-9850. Good Luck. -Chunk

I have two boxes in my cupboard. I love the stuff. At WinCo, they are with the cool-aid packets, and seperate from the crystal light bottles. Good luck finding them, they are in deed quite a treasure. -Chunk

I must confess that, contrary to my surgeons instructions, I drank a beer. Before I say too much, let me say this. If your going to break a rule, do it well. I made the mistake of downing a cheap beer (mickeys), whereas for the same calories and discomfort, I could have gone with a microwbrew. I am not without excuse. You see, nobody, save my lovely wife, knows that I have been banded. This of course makes for fantatic family get-togethers. The other day I had some family over and sat down with a conspicuiously tiny plate of Beans, chips, and lettuce. Someone noticed that I "wasn't hungry" and insisted I at least have a beer. Fortunately, my stomach did just fine. I went slowly, which I think is the secret, and stirred the bottle a lot to get rid of the bubbles. My only advice, besides listen to your doctor, is that if your going to have a beer - GO WITH THE GOOD STUFF. -Chunk

Thanks to everyone for all your input. I did try some tuna with (and don't tell my surgeon) a bunch of mayo. It went down well. I am thinking of trying sushi but have heard lots of scarry stuff about that. I have only had one fill (banded ~5-4-05) and am able to eat way too much. Don't get me wrong, I have lost plenty of weight. I was once all the way up to 320, banded at 300 and am now, just 2 months later, a handsome 265. As for the name, well Chunk is the name of one of the Goonies. Lets just say that I am a fan and find Chunk funny. Thank you all again, see you "AROUND!" -Chunk