pizzicato66

wow! I'm so happy to find others in the same spot! What can we do to help each other out? I had surgery in August 07, and went from 286 to 189, but am back up to 200, which I've hovered around for the last year or so. I realize now that it's not the band (it works great) or a matter of learning what to eat (I choose poorly, even though I know better), and I'm very active (jogging, walking, hitting the gym). It's my head that's the problem. My inner teenager is rebelling like crazy!! I KNOW I'm full, I KNOW what to eat, and I KNOW I'll be miserable if I push it too far (gassy, bloaty, even some chest pain from overstretching my pouch). Yet, I do it, and it literally feels like I'm doing it out of spite. Argh! Obviously, the emotional side is the issue for me now. What do you all think about working on a plan together? Suggestions?

Hi Everyone! My niece (a personal trainer) and I (a fellow post-op bandster) have been pondering a few ideas for a business and I'd like your input! (and yes, I'm trusting you won't steal our idea) We were wondering - if you had the option of joining a gym specifically for people who have significant weight to lose, would you be more likely to join? I think one of the hardest things about getting active again (with or without WLS) is feeling like: - people will stare - the trainers don't understand how it feels to move when you are big (flexibility, fat in the way of folding your knees, belly, etc, just being heavy), etc. - trainers don't understand the difference nutritionally if you have a band, GBS, etc. (and NO online diet planner gets it) - trainers often have a bias against the obese, or think WLS is a "cop-out" (if they only knew how untrue THAT is!) - it's hard to find good support after your first year out (unless you're in an active support group). I relocated this last year and had a terrible time finding the help I was getting back home! So, the idea is that we'd either open a gym JUST for WLS or people over a certain BMI (and yes, you could stay when you're not any more, because you'd be a role model). We'd train the personal trainers etc. on all the details and help them get into the mode (still thinking about how to create a weighted "fat suit" for them to do workouts in, so they can feel it). We'd build relationships with the bariatric programs in town, mental health specialists and physical therapists, so there is a network of support (and have support meetings etc). We've also considered coming up with a training program to train personal trainers on how to work with our community. So, in general, a nice, helpful, safe place to work on your health! From the web-searching I've done so far, I think we've found a huge gap in the industry. What do you think? Would this kind of thing interest you? Any other suggestions?

Just putting a better title on the subject line. Looking forward to more ideas from you all!

Excellent tips! Thanks!

Hey all, I am back to the gym at long last and really enjoying it, but I do have something worrysome. All that loose skin around my belly and back slaps around... a LOT if I'm jumping around. I worry that it's going to sag more (kinda like going without a bra). Any ideas on what to wear that can support my flabby bits? I'm thinking I'll try some snug bike shorts or something and see if that does the trick. It's not a pleasant feeling!:cursing:

I second the vote for Park Nicollet! I had my surgery with Dr. Wetherille there and worked with his nurse Carol and Amy the PA did my fills. I adore both of them! I've since relocated to San Diego and am having a rather h*llish time finding a fill doc here that doesn't make you jump through outrageous hoops or pay cash even though insurance covers (that sums up the first two places I tried to go to). I'm waiting for a THIRD referral to try a third clinic, which sounds the most promising. I never thought the doctors would be the problem and not the insurance, but that's definitely been the case. Crazy! Anyway, good luck! Park Nic is a WONDERFUL clinic!

Wow - well, it's a step in the right direction. It really is a good thing they haven't been more aggressive. You wouldn't want to get stuck and start all over again! Hang in there - you can do this! And keep the good attitude!

Add me to the list too! Sadly, I even gained 15 lbs the past couple of months. Argh! I'm going to take all the blame for it, even though it's been a rough 6 months on my own. I'm not sure if you all remember, but I relocated from MN to CA in May. I love it here, but it really threw me off-track being on my own. Here's the saga of my efforts to get into a bariatric program here. First, I had a 60 day waiting period before my new insurance kicked in, so I scheduled an appointment with my new PCP for the first day I had coverage and then got my referral to Program 1. After a month of waiting, I met with someone from the program and found out at the last moment that they wanted me to pay $500 cash up front just to get into the program, and then pay cash for fills, even though my insurance cover them. I was furious! So, I took my file and called around about another program. I needed to switch primary care providers to get into the next place, so I took care of that, got another referral, and then dropped my files off at Program 2. Their policy is to have the surgeon review my files and approve new patients before even scheduling a consult, so I sat tight. FOUR MONTHS of waiting followed that. When I called to ask how things were coming, they'd tell me the file was sitting on his desk, he was very busy and they couldn't do anything to push it along. Every call resulted in more rude and curt comments. Finally, I filed a complaint with my insurance company against them and picked up my files. So, I called around and found Program 3. Happily, the very friendly assistant told me I just needed to get a referral and they could schedule my consult, then my first fill after that. That simple... no extra fees, no waiting or games. Imagine that! So, at this point, I'm waiting for my PCP to do the referral, and then I can hopefully get rolling at long last. Thankfully, I haven't had any ocmplications, and I did maintain for most of that time, even if I didn't lose during that time. I know it's no excuse at all, but I think I used all this frustration as an excuse to lose control and eat wayy too many carbs and junk food, and my grazing habits came back (eating out of boredom all day). BUT, I'm ready to start over. I have to start over. I hate that my nice "normal" size jeans are too tight now, and that my belly is bigger again. So, I took the first steps today. I bagged up the sugar, flour and anything carby in the house to either go to a neighbor or a food shelf. I'm planning out groceries that will be back to the proper eating plan. I know I need to stick strictly to the plan for awhile so I can rebuild the good habits I was learning before I lost track. So, what do you say? Shall we keep tabs on each other and wake up the support group? I need you all! I can't log on from work, but I'll do my best to get in here and check in at least a few times a week, if not every night. Are you in? Missed ya! Donna

Hey Melissa - sorry to hear you're having a hard time! I've regained about 15 the past few months by my own doing, and because I've been going it alone since Feb (will write and update in a separate post about that saga). It sounds like you're doing a good thing going to WW - that's a big deal! Just hang tight and remember that you'll be back on track once you get your fill again. Hang tough - you can do it!

Hi, I had an interesting conversation with my doc last night when I went in for my fill. I thought I'd share some advice she gave me. When we were talking about my upcoming trip to LA, she immediately asked how soon I was going and said not to eat a big solid meal right before or during the flight. Here's why - when she and her husband were flying to Mexico, her husband partially inflated a neck pillow. After takeoff, they noticed that the pillow was now extremely filled due to the change in air pressure. They let some air out of it and a few minutes later it was again filled to the max! She said it was an amazing visual and something she wanted to share with her patients. Basically, you're not at risk of bursting your band or anything, but it WILL tighten your band, and therefore eating while in flight could be a problem and make my tummy upset :thumbup: (she thought drinking would be okay). Her advice was to just have a light soup or something for dinner before I fly, but then just have water while in flight, so I don't get uncomfortable from changes in the band while in the pressurized cabin. Has anyone else heard this advice? My doc is pretty sharp, so I'm not taking any chances!!

Hey gang! Thought I should check in after all this time. It's good to see everyone here and doing well. I need to spend a BIG amount of time catching up on everyone! In the meantime, here's what's happening in my world... I'm settled in San Diego now, and really enjoying exploring the city. I do miss family, but I'm making friends and have my furchild to keep me company too. The job is okay, and I'm committed to a year there before I find anything different, so I'll make do with the impulsive and mildly neurotic boss and understaffed team until the time is up. At least it pays pretty well and they moved me out (can't have everything, right?) As for the weight loss journey, I've been stalled since I got here in May, but I haven't gained. I'm pretty much holding steady at 200 lbs (up a lb, down a lb but it's averaging out). But, other than just stopping when I'm full, I really haven't set any rules for myself this time. I know the stall is all my fault and other than really needing a fill, it's a matter of getting back to good eating habits to get things back on track. I'd love to lose another 20 lbs at a minimum, 40-60 total if I can. Why haven't I gotten an adjustment since March? Well, this is where it gets annoying and nerve-wracking. First, I had a 60 day wait before my insurance kicked in here. I tried to be proactive by getting my referral and paperwork done well in advance, found out I had to go to the Pre-op seminar and I went (I was the annoying born-again bariatric in the audience, I'll admit it). After all that, I waited another MONTH to get an appointment, only to find out 1. they wanted me to pay $500 cash just to get in the program (they said they were giving me a break and it's normally $1500, even though I would be the first postop they let in - not sure what "normally" meant in that case), and 2. they refuse to bill insurance for fills and would want me to pay $250 cash for every fill because they found that people are more successful and don't abuse their fills if they have to pay cash. SO, 3 months waiting for nothing. I walked out with my file and started the search again. Arrogant jerks - never going back to UCSD. Now comes Doc 2. I called all the other places in town and found one that would actually charge my insurance (which by the way covers fills regardless of what UCSD said), and wouldn't charge me an up-front fee to join them. The catch was that the doctor has to review my file and decide whether to take me on. So, I hand-delivered my file to them, switched primary care providers, went to an appointment with the new Primary care doc and got another referral. It's been almost 7 weeks since I dropped off the file and the doc still hasn't reviewed it. I've called every week, but the nurses are stonewalling me and it's doing no good. So, I wait. 5 months since the last fill and counting, and use it as an excuse to not eat carefully. Meanwhile, my tummy has been sore lately. I get a localized pain right around my navel and I think it's a combination of my band being irritated and gas (probably from the irritation). Kinda freaks me out. I think what I need to do is going on liquids for a day or so and see if things settle down. I really dont' want to go to a non-bariatric doc for my tummy irritation and I do think it will be better if I just eat carefully a bit more. So, that's my saga. Sorry if it sounds whiney! I do miss you all and will try to get out here more often (can't do it from work at the new job so I need to make time at home). Feel free to scold and guilt me into getting back on track! Donna

Wow - Candle, Pammy and Global, you look fantastic!!! I'll have to find a pic from this summer to post (I don't think I've put one out here since I got to CA). Well done!!

Way to go, lessNless! Congratulations on being too little! Looking forward to getting there myself.

Hooray for you!!! I'm so happy for you to have done so well! Keep it up!

Wow! Thankfully, I'm not in a beach area (more rocky cliffs), so people stay more covered in my new neighborhood (that's all a beach or two south of La Jolla). We get a ton of international tourists, but the ones that crack me up are the hairy dudes that wear a TON of cologne and walk shirtless by the ocean. I seem to get the 70+ year old versions of the same guys hitting on me now - yeeek! At least they're sweet so it's amusing and harmless.

Frangi, that's fabulous! Hope I can catch up with you soon - 13 lbs to go for me. Way to go, woman!!!!

Wow Karri, Size FOUR?! Congratulations! I have to admit I actually went up 2 lbs this weekend from eating too much of the carby sweet stuff, but I'm determined to get back to it now. I AM getting nice long walks in with the pooch 2 or 3 times a day though, and it's really nice. No pushing it really, but it's fun and it's good for both of us. I'm sure if I get away from the grazing and goodies, I'll be right back on track. Keep up the great work everyone!

wow - wish it were in the budget but I'll have to save my money and vacation for trips home for the holidays now! La Jolla is lovely in August (then again, it's lovely all the time). You're welcome here too!

I have a confession - This whole bandster thing has been waaaaaaaaay down the priority list for me the past few weeks! I figure it's entirely allowed, since 1 - it's a lifetime commitment thing and isn't going anywhere, and 2 - I just moved cross-country and switched careers, for goodness' sake! I'm still restricted and can tell the band is there, and I still stay away from breads and carbs for the most part, but I haven't sweated food choices at all, and it feels pretty good having a vacation from it for awhile. I guess the test will be later today when I actually locate the scale in my stuff and step on. I have a feeling I've stayed the same or gone down a little. It would be a nice surprise to see the number finally get under 200, but I'm not holding my breath, since I haven't really been trying at all. We'll see!

Thanks for the big welcome back! I missed you all a lot! Karri, you are a running machine! Well done! If I didn't worry about my feet getting worse, I'd go for it, but in the meantime, Bungee and I are putting lots of miles on just around the new neighborhood. I figure handling a 63-lb pigeon and squirrel-freak on the walk counts for strength training too! Plus, Bungee is the one eating treats on our walks (the tourists and parking valets like giving him treats and gelato). knowing I can't to into the ice cream and candy shops with dearest poochie keeps me from getting treats - ha! On the upside, one of the coffee shops lets me bring him in with me when I get coffee, so I can get something that I enjoy and isn't sinful. It's so fun to live in a neighborhood that's so dog-friendly and with such amazing weather! We're home today awaiting the movers with my stuff - yay!! I can't wait to curl up in my very own bed with the big fluffy feather bed, and we'll be sure to get a good long walk in later tonight (we had a nice long one this morning too). My new neighbor said she'd go with me for a pedicure later too since she needs to get her nails done. I know I've only been on the new job a week, but it kinda feels good playing hookie today already (even though I do have to call in for a staff meeting at 2:30). Another perfect La Jolla day - 60's and 70's and blue skies! :-) Have a great day, everyone! Donna (Pizzi)

Wow - Michee, you look downright tiny! Marathinner, I'm blown away that you ran a marathon BEFORE surgery - well done!! For more fun (and to avoid the gigantic photo post), here's a link to pictures from the big trip out. Enjoy! Flickr: minnesoter_girl's Photostream Donna (Pizzi)

Oh lord, do I hear ya! I feel pretty good in clothes (although I'm itching for smaller jeans again), but put me in front of a mirror naked, and ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww! No shorts for me, either! My thighs are still pretty mushy and baggy, so any pants that are snug but thinner fabric looks kinda scary (creases in strange ways). I need to shop around for some knee-length shorts for beach walks soon! I'm putting faith in things tightening up more with all the walks lately, and with continued loss. Hoping for the best! Amazing how situations, clothing choices etc. can shift your self-perception, isn't it?!

Hi All! As promised, I'll post one of my pictures from the drive out to CA last week. This one was taken somewhere in the middle of the Rockies, on day 2 of our drive from Minnesota. The second one is from 4 Corners Monument.

Hey Judi, good to see you here! I got the same "miss you" email from the forum. Whoops! I keep thinking - girl, get out there and post - but I don't do anything online at work with the new job, and when I get home, I'm POOPED out! Hope none of you feel neglected, because I did think of you all often and wonder how it's going! I'm sure I'll be online more once I'm settled in here and back to routines (when I'm not walking by the sea or exploring the new city). Suffice it to say it's been hectic, stressful but also fun and exciting! I'll post some pics one of these days. I actually did have a few "aha!" moments this week. I was uploading some pictures from the drive out and realized for the first time in years I could look at myself in a picture and feel like I looked NORMAL. Yep - NORMAL! Happy too, come to think of it! This is a HUGE breakthrough for me, and it feels really great! I still have a ways to go (still no shorts or short skirts for this flabby girl), but this means tons to me. Progress! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Whoa - amazing how much can happen when you're away for a couple weeks. Goodness, gracious, you two! Hang in there and keep us posted!