comepickmeup

Hello all! I was just banded on January 7th. Went to the doc yesterday and I've lost a total of 30lbs since beginning this journey. I'm still on liquids though (start mushies on Monday) so I know that they first couple of weeks are usually the most drastic when it comes to the loss. I fully expect to stay the same or possibly even gain a pound or two when I start incorporating "real" food. Just found out today that my sorority sister is getting married in October and wants me to be in the wedding. I said yes, of course. But now I'm freaking out. 1. The dress is short! I'm a fat girl, I don't show my cankles. 2. I have to order the dress by March!! I'm not sure what to do? What size to order? I go in for my first fill on February 6th. For those of you banded, once you started getting fills did you lose at a steady rate? I don't want to order a size smaller and not be able to fit. But I don't want to order my current size and have to spend the equivalent of the dress itself getting it altered. Do any of yall have suggestions?

Oh my goodness! I just realized that tomorrow is my 6 month anniversary too! How quickly time has passed! Looking good NukeChik! I just got another fill last week and I think it's too much. Just started back on regular foods today and I've had a TERRIBLE time. Going to give it a week to see if I can adjust though.

Thanks very much, Chrisann. I'm going in on the 2nd too! But not until 1:40pm. :thumbs_up: I haven't had a fill since probably late Feb/early March. I don't know what level I'm at...something like 7cc. I still have occasional PB episodes so I'm reluctant to get a fill. Like I said, I try not to focus so much on the number but I'd gotten used to losing the 1-2 pounds a week. But I have gone out more lately and not made the best food choices and I haven't been drinking as much water as I should. So I really can't be TOO disappointed. I choose to believe it's the fact that muscle weighs more than fat and the weights I've incorporated in my workout are paying off. heeehee. We'll see next week. How are things going with you?

I've been so reluctant to post pictures on here. I have no idea how to post a picture on here. lol. So if there's nothing, I apologize. BUT, if all has gone well....the first picture was my Rockstar Debut in NYC back in July 2006 and the second one was taken two nights ago. My family had been anxious to see pictures of me and wanted me to compare. I didn't realize there was much of a difference, but seeing the side by side, I can see the improvements. Woo Hoo. This is exactly what I needed as I haven't noticed the scale moving in a few weeks and I am scheduled for a check-up next week. I try not to dwell on the scale, but I can't help it. I'm feeling better and that is by far more important than the number on the scale.:Angel_anim:

Congrats on skydiving and Happy Birthday! That's a goal I've set for myself too. I had no idea that they actually have you step on a scale!! Yikes. The place I'm going has a max of 225lbs (or you can pay $25 for each pound over that!)...I'm hoping to go once I drop below 200 (about 40 lbs away). Who knows when that will be, but it will happen and it will be a MAJOR NSV for me too.

My parents came to town for my graduation from Graduate School. Since a kid, my dad has ALWAYS wanted to visit Coney Island and ride the Cyclone Rollercoaster. I took him out there and of course, he was raring to go. I kept hinting that I wasn't going to ride (scared, ass too large, etc). Finally, I just bit the bullet and hopped in line and figured no harm in trying. By the way, the last time I rode a coaster was probably 5 years ago at Six Flags, I didn't have any trouble on the first few then we went to The Batman. The harness wouldn't buckle! I was more terrified the ride was going to take off without me strapped in than I was worried about being mortified. Luckily they put me in the "fat" seat and I was able to ride. But ever since then, I've not tried to get on ANY rides. So here I was with my dad at the Cyclone...an OLD wooden coaster with TINY seats. lol. I hopped in. Then the guy said...oh, she'll have to ride by herself in the car because there wasn't room for both of us (my dad isn't tiny, ha!). But the good news is that I fit! It was snug and they had push hard to make sure the bar was secure. BUT I FIT!!!!! I absolutely would not have been able to fit this time last year. I was proud of myself for giving it a try and even happier that I got to share the experience with my dad (cause he wasn't really taken with NYC...and he'd rather fly me home than deal with visiting again. lol)!

Yay Chrisann!!!!!! Congrats on your success...and Happy Birthday! I'm not on here as much as I was, so I'm delayed in sending this. I'm still in awe that this band is actually working. Isn't it amazing?! And this heat?!?! Wow, it's done quite a number on me and the band. How about you? I had an appt yesterday and I was assured it was normal, but opted not to have an "unfill". At least I'm not feeling hungry, just have to eat SUPER SLOW and the portions are SUPER SMALL! Probably a good thing. :teeth_smile: Anyway, so happy for you and the early attainment of your goal!!!

Hello All, This is my first post (so forgive me if it takes a bit to figure out how things work around here) although I've been snooping around for quite some time now. I'm 28 and when they weighed me Friday at my surgical consult I was 299...but that was with my clothes on! heehee. I was diagnosed with PCOS 8 years ago. I am hoping that with some weight loss my PCOS symptoms will begin to reverse. Just curious if there are any others out there with PCOS that have had success with the lap band. I'm prepared for the weight loss to take a little longer...is this found to be true? I'm scheduled for surgery Jan 7th with Dr. Kurian at NYU. My insurance denied me at first, but they are reviewing it now. That gives me a little hope, I'm praying they come through or pay a portion of the cost, otherwise I will be self pay. But I figure the benefits down the line will be worth the hefty price tag. I know Dr. Kurian just moved over to NYU this summer from Lenox Hill. She's very sweet and I've been impressed with her thus far. Just curious if she's performed any of yalls surgeries? Thanks for any input!! Looking forward to getting to know yall!

I forced myself to hit the pavement on Sunday (2x) and Monday night so I met the goal. Yipeee! Now, I seem to have the flu so thank goodness I made goal before this nastiness set in. The number of workouts is a good idea...switching things up a bit. NukeChick: Good luck with the fill!! The 3rd time was a charm for me indeed. I went back last week and opted to not get the 4th fill. I've been PB'ing some off and on, so until I learn to be more cautious with my initial bite size, I think I'm good.

Way to go Amy!!! I'm hoping I can get in two more long walks before Monday night and join you in completing the goal. I really assumed 600 minutes would be a sinch. lol. Guess I underestimated, but it didn't help matters that my elliptical died 2 weeks into the challenge. I'm so distraught...I LOVED that machine. Anyway, I've been toying with the idea of getting a Bodybugg...anyone have one? Seems like a really cool thing to have to put things into perspective.

So I've been reading this thread for a bit and I've looked into the training program. I find this, in itself, funny...cause if you knew me, you'd know that "running/jogging" just isn't in my vocabulary. lol. Walk? Sure. All day long. But I've been toying with this idea now for a couple of weeks. My schedule is packed during the week so I may have to wait until after this semester ends to follow the program like it's intended. I gave it a go on Sunday...headed out to the bike/walk path near my house. Did the 5 minute warm up then attempted to jog for 30 sec. Did it. But felt like a complete tool. There is NOTHING graceful about my 258lb. ass trying to pick up speed. lol. Sooo the intervals weren't timed...it was more like a wait until there aren't 10 people running towards/behind you and then trot off. ha. But I did take a detour and came across a Hell's Angel's party which was a little bit intimidating (there were over 100 bikers there!) so I was able to jog those few blocks. :shades_smile: Anyway, all of this rambling to ask....when did you start running? Maybe I'm still too heavy...I can't help but feel like I might be causing more damage if I try this at this weight. Any suggestions? Oh yeah, and to make up for not running the intervals...I walked a little over 4 miles. Exercise is exercise, right?! Good luck to all of yall!!

Congrats!! What a crazy time for you...banded, not losing, diagnosed with PCOS, pregnant! Wow. Definitely need to keep this in mind...I have PCOS and I'm unable to take BC...my luck, the weight loss will make me a fertile myrtle too. Not looking to have any babies any time soon! Congrats to you and your hubby!!

ChikFlik: I was banded by Dr. Kurian just 3 days after you! Don't you just love her?!

I was banded 01/07/2008. Been sipping on water when we go out since November. Alcohol isn't a big deal to me, but I was curious if anyone had an alcoholic beverage since surgery? Not looking to get wiggidy wasted or anything, but maybe a glass of wine or something the next time I go out or sometime in the coming months. I know that carbonation is a no no, so I won't be drinking any Hard Cider (which is my drink of choice). Just curious your take on the subject as fellow bandsters.

Thanks for all the responses! Went out to happy hour last Friday and decided to try my hand at a $5 margarita. After a half of margarita, I could feel some slight effects. Definitely not making a habit of the boozing, but it was good to know that alcohol does indeed effect me a little differently than before.

Dr. Fielding and Co. have satellite offices in Westchester County (White Plains). Here's a link: Gastric Stapling, Lap Banding - Directions to the Center - New York University Surgical Weight Loss Program I was banded by Dr. Kurian who is the newest additon to the NYU group. I have been nothing but impressed with the staff at NYU. Good luck!!

SueMagoo: Luckily, since I live in NYC, drinking and driving is never an issue. Maybe you should try a drink BEFORE your daughters bday...don't want her to have to tell the story of the time she turned 21 and her mom was dancing on tables. lol. 112 pounds is a HUGE difference and I can imagine your tolerance will be completely different! Congrats on the loss! MC Cindy: Thanks for the heads up on shots. I didn't even think about that. I just got my 2nd fill last week and boy I can tell a difference...I had been in the habit of taking normal sized drinks and one right after the other. Can't do that now. I've been forced to pay attention to the size of bits and sips...which is a good thing.

Hey Guys! I'm not on here as much anymore these days cause I don't have access to a computer during the day at my new job. I'm joining the March challenge!! During the week, by the time I get home at 10pm, I'm too tired to do the elliptical. But, I try my best to do an hour Fri - Sun. I'll start clocking my minutes on the walk home from school (it's about a mile) so surely I can reach 600 minutes by the end of the month. Good luck everyone!!

Glad to hear someone else with PCOS waxes their arms! I thought I was the only one. I wax/nair/shave whatever gets the job done and is handy when I notice its grown back. I hate it. I did try waxing the hoohoo once. HUGE mistake. When I finally got up the guts, after my body was a complete stress ball, I ripped the wax off and immediately the area turned PURPLE. All of the blood rushed to that area apparently. I couldn't do anymore and just shaved. I have tons of horrible hair removal stories, cause I too am a hairy beast. lol. How about the time I used nair on my legs, left it on for LESS than the recommended 3 minutes?! Felt a mild burning. Washed it off immediately, the burning got worse. I had burns up and down my thighs. After a few days the burns scabbed over but some left a mild scar on my thigh. I wish it was "in" to be hairy. But unfortunately, I hate hair. I'd have everypart of my body electrolysis-ed with the exceptions of the hair on my head, eyelashes and eyebrows.

I've not heard of Avandamet. BUT I was banded on January 7, 2008 and lost weight during the pre-op and post-op liquid phase of the diet. Once I incorporated mushie food and "real" food, I gained a couple of pounds back. Just went for my first fill this past Wednesday and the doctor said that it was completely normal. Your body will adjust to taking in less calories and start letting go of the weight. Right now, it's still thinking it's starving so it's holding on to it. ha. Or that's how it was explained for me. When were you banded?

Bandster 1007: Definitely check into a reproductive endocrinologist. The two that I have been to have always said that if it's just PCOS, with the help of fertility drugs, those patients end up being their most successful patients when it comes to conceiving. It has never even been mentioned that a hysterectomy should be an option. But they have stated that once their patients lose weight, most end up getting pregnant on their own. So just be patient. You are young and you have time to let the band do its job. Just find yourself a good reproductive endo that is familiar with PCOS and consult with them.

Oh you are so lucky to see Wicked!! I've lived in NYC for 2 years now and I've not made it to Wicked yet. :regular_smile: I hear it's spectacular. Wicked and Spring Awakening are top on my list to see next. It gets so expensive to go to the plays all the time. I've tried for the lottery they have at Wicked where you stand in line a couple of hours before showtime and they draw numbers. If you win, front row tickets for $25. I'm holding out hope, that I'll be chosen one time. I've seen Chicago, The Grinch, Les Miserables, and Legally Blonde here. I was a little bored with Les Mis. The others were all great though. My all time favorite musical, which I saw as a kid, is Bye Bye Birdie. lol.

Thanks for all the kind words! Green: That's an excellent idea, but I'm not sure I can ask her to cover the cost. lol. I HATE talking money with people. But we'll see. She might end up offering...since I'm the only one having to fly in for the wedding. There might be some sort of compromise. DerickM: 163 pounds lost already!! You've done fabulous, I'm sure you will be really close to your goal by september! Andraa: We are in the EXACT same boat. Wedding in October, order dress in April, Maid of Honor. Blah. First, I'm not a fan of weddings anyway. But this is just added stress. lol. Not to mention the bride has decided on a short dress! Ugh. I like to keep my cankle under wraps! lol. I'm currently a size 22/24. Luckily, I just found a terrific tailor here in the city and he's really cheap with a quick (1-2 days) turn around time. So I may be able to postpone ordering the dress a bit longer. Best of luck to you!

I had surgery on the 7th and the last of my steri-strips fell off yesterday. For the past week, I've found the random strip around the house. They come off and I have no idea! So just leave them be. They'll fall off eventually.