notateechanow

Don't feel like you have to tell your boss. I found that with my colleagues, if I just said I was having minor overnight surgery, people left it alone. I think they probably assumed it was a womanly thing and didn't want to ask. I clearly wasn't offering out information, so they took the clue and didn't ask. As far as whether you can handle this, you've done so much to get this far. You'll be ok. I think we all have had that moment of "what am I doing?".... and you'll have that moment again later, but it is worth it. I lost weight slowly at first---it took me nearly 6 months to lose 50 pounds despite working out daily for over an hour. But, that frustration I had to work through was worth every moment of seeing the lowest numbers on the scale I've had since 1993... I am not at goal. My primary care physician told me to expect to lose no more than 80-90 pounds. Now that I have lost over 60, I have loftier goals. I love how I feel today. It has taken me less than 7 months to move my life along to greatness. The worry and stress prior to surgery, as well as the hard work and frustration have been worth every moment. I wish you the best. Keep signing on here and keep in touch with other people who will be your greatest support. I can't promise you'll love the results, but I can promise you'll always wonder "what if" should you choose not to have the surgery. Good luck!

I'm lazy about the shakes...I started with Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugar free) because it was easy to throw a packet in my purse and have them on the run where ever I am--Just pour into fat free milk and you're ready to go; however, lately I've really enjoyed the pre-mixed. They're quite more expensive, but they certainly make life far easier for me as a busy woman, constantly in my car or working. Their website also offers recipes and suggestions if you're feeling creative. Good luck! :thumbup: I've just re-read the nutritional information, and they certainly don't have as much Protein as many of the others I've seen online, but they were recommended by my surgeon. The No-sugar added ones have only 150 calories...Here's a link to more information. http://www.carnationinstantbreakfast.com/Public/Default.aspx

I hate to say it, but you have to use the band as a tool to weight loss. It won't change the requirement for really scrutinizing EVERYTHING you put in your mouth and the amount of physical activity you need to lose weight. You have to work hard to have the band work for you. DO NOT rely on the band to restrict your food for you. It is a tool to help with the hunger, not to be your food police. With that said, it took me upwards of 3 months to really start noticing weight loss. I workout nearly every day, for 45 minutes at a time. If you have seen any of my old posts, you'd see I had the same frustrations. Keep with it. The band will work, but it won't happen overnight. My biggest concern initially was that if I didn't lose the weight in the beginning, I wouldn't lose it at all. This isn't like the GB. You will lose weight, and it will be gradual. If you were to chart weight loss of most patients, you'd find that it takes upwards of 3-4 fills before most people find the adequate amount. That's not for everyone, though. Do your best to move every day. Even small amounts of exercise for someone who has previously been sedentary will make a dramatic difference. 15-20 minutes is a good start. Know that this won't happen overnight. I've just hit the 50 pound mark at 6 months....I lost far faster with Weight Watchers 6 years ago, but that clearly didn't stay off for long enough! Best advice: 1) Measure--your food, water, and exercise daily. Keep a journal. It will help you figure out what worked, didn't work, and will help you track your successes and frustrations! 2) Stay active on this website. Know that you have an entire community of people who have been where you are now. They will be your greatest support when you need it. 3) Communicate with your doctor. I found him to be tremendously supportive when I least expected it. 4) Attend support group meetings if offered. Good luck! Don't give up on yourself. You've gone through a lot of work to get this far. You didn't gain the weight overnight, and you won't lose it that way, either. Be well.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1993. I've been on medication ever since and regardless of how much weight I've gained or lost, the need for medication hasn't changed. I still go in every 12 months for re-evaluation and testing-- and sometimes more often if I'm feeling like it needs to be adjusted. I was banded in December, and though I've only lost 50 pounds, I'm currently weighing in at my lowest in 15 years. Once the medication is properly adjusted, I feel much more like my old self. I still struggled with carrying extra weight and all that entailed until being banded. I was more tired, less likely to engage in anything physical--just getting up every day was a struggle at 300 pounds. While I'm sure my thyroid contributed to my initial weight gain, I can't claim that I got to 300 because of it.....my meds are on target and I still kept the weight. I had to change my lifestyle, and only the band helped me do that. Good luck. It does take a while to get your medication on the right track--like upwards of 6 months, but it will make a huge difference. It just requires patience. Hope it all works out for you.

You're talking about a man who has found me beautiful through thick and thin---and as high as 304 pounds. I can't even imagine he'd notice the skin. I do know he's supportive and agreed that if I eventually want plastic surgery, we'll find a way to finance it. He just wants ME to feel comfortable. This isn't about how he feels about me. He loves me regardless and I trust your husband feels the same way. Get healthy and then worry about skin. My honey wants me to be around for a long time......:embaressed_smile:

Call your insurance company directly or look at their website. I've called the customer service number. Ask about "Fitness reimbursement". As I said before, some also have lower rates if you show your insurance card at sign up. Ask about waiving membership fees, too. I know with the YMCA there's a sign up fee, usually about $100, but it can be waived if you had a membership with them before. They're not out to make money as the bigger gyms are, so don't hesitate to ask about specials and stuff.... I know I've been allowed lower rates with Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Tufts in the past....can't hurt to ask! :tt1:

Next year you won't need this advice...but in the future, if it's a cotton shirt, wash it..when the cycle is done, stretch it, then hang it to dry. It should stretch easier without tearing at the seams. :tt1:

Hey there, Cerrin. This is encouraging!! You might also look into your insurance paying for the gym as mine not only gives a discount to the YMCA, it also reimburses up to $500 a year in addition....so if your work won't pay for the YMCA, don't let it deter you from joining! I take it you finally found a bathing suit if you intend to swim...:tt1:

I have to parts to my answer: First, you can't "hope" the weight away. This will be work. You WILL modify your eating or you won't lose, straight up. If you don't make lifestyle changes, you won't achieve what you set out to do.... On the other hand, I have found being entirely honest with my doctor was very well rewarded by a supportive conversation--which is a lot for my dr. as he has NO people skills. His Physican's Assistant also forced me to sit down with the nutritionist again to get her support. The last thing I did was to start attending my monthly support sessions. While I agree that your doctor should be more supportive, and 2 pounds isn't that much, you have to be willing to put in some work, too....you don't just want your doctor to take your orders as s/he is the one trained in working with patients like us!!! (I assume YOU haven't done this before....) But, with that said, surgeons aren't counselors. They are trained to cut and do it accurately, but often lack the interpersonal skills to be supportive. (That's ok, though...I'm not looking for a cheerleader!) Assuming you went with a doctor who is part of a program, use the resources provided to you. I know you're frustrated, and the doctor refusing a fill can be excruciating....but keep at it. Watch what and how you eat and you'll get there eventually. It's work, but it's well rewarded later on...it just takes some of us a little longer to get to "later on"! Good luck!

Michee, Oh, my!! I can't believe that you ran even 4K! I'm working on walking farther and farther every day, but I don't know that I'd even drive 30K in a day! That's impressive! When you were banded, did you ever think it possible?!

30 KM??? Please tell me that was a typing error and was supposed to be 3.....Isn't that like 16-20 miles??!!!

If you have insurance and only have to pay your co-pay, you should still go for a check in with your doctor, even if you don't have a fill. My surgeon has me come every 4 weeks, even without a fill, just to keep record of my weight loss and to monitor what is going on with me. Or, wait a week to be sure you won't need a fill soon. I've stretched a few of my appointments out to 6 weeks for that purpose... Remember that the purpose of the Lap-Band is to allow you to feel more full (less hungry) with less food. If you're losing 1-2 pounds a week consistently and aren't super hungry, then you're not in need of a fill. Many people expect to slime, PB, etc., but that isn't what should be happening....ONE thing to remember--you should be measuring your food. My doctor talks in terms of 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food per meal....not just calories! Congratulations on your weight loss! Sounds like you're doing great! :smile:

I agree that you need to accept responsibility for your eating habits. Until we own our behaviors, we'll never change them. With that said, I was working my a$$ off, both in the gym and following the strict guidelines from my doctor. I had two things happen. 1) I wasn't losing weight. 2) I was exhausted. I was working out for about an hour and a half a day and eating 700-900 calories a day. With simple math, burning far more than I was using, it should have worked. Even with my body's natural proclivity to gain muscle fast, I still should have lost weight. I went to my surgeon and my nutritionist for assistance and they were great. I guess I expected immediate gratification. It took nearly 2 months before I really started to lose weight at a rate that made me happy. I also was told to eat more and workout less. WHY? I wasn't eating enough to fuel my body. It wasn't working the most efficient way possible because I wasn't eating enough. My doctor also was concerned that I was setting myself up to fail if I continued with working out that much every day. He cut me down to 45-60 minutes 5-7 days a week--for a lifestyle change, not a diet and quick fix. SO many of us want the quick fix and this simply isn't it. I'm not losing weight fast, but I never really expected to. I'm down just about 50 pounds in 6 months (Lost it far faster on WW but didn't keep that off!) but I'm down to a size 16. I am the heaviest 16 I know...I still weigh around 255 on any given day, so it seems strange that I am a 16. I guess that's why my PCP told me not to expect to get below 220-230 before I had surgery. She didn't think my body would do that. I don't agree with her. I'm now down to my lowest since 1993. This is my competition weight, though I don't lift the heavy weights like I used to--I just look like I do! End of it all--I can't eat whatever I want, I can't skip workouts and I do have to work at this....but I must have worked pretty hard at getting fat, too! Most important things I've learned--journal, journal, journal. Keep track of what you eat and when and how much you workout. You can re-trace your steps to figure out how your body responds to certain things. For some of us it isn't simple Math. Learn how your body reacts and work with it. I'm working hard but wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I will get below 220, despite what my doctor said---even if it takes several years to get there! :smile:

Ilene, It sounds as if you're headed back in the right direction. I hope you've been able to get your issues sorted out to allow you to have the band aid you in your weightloss. I'm impressed that you only gained 10 pounds back. When I did Weight Watchers the last time, I allowed myself to eat anything I wanted for an entire week and a half between Christmas and New Year's....and I gained 12 pounds in less than 2 weeks! Good news was it was easy to get it right back off. Keep up the workouts, but be sure you're doing what is best for your body. My nutritionist actually told me to cut back on the working out unless I intended to maintain that pace for the rest of my life. Keep in mind we're making lifestyle changes, not temporary changes.....that's where our darling friend made her mistake. Clearly she relied too much on the band to do the work for her. I wish you the best. I haven't had the problems you've had with your band, but certainly hope I can exercise the self control and restraint you've had if I do!! :confused_smile: Congrats.

If you've ever seen any of my posts, you'd know that you and I have a lot in common. I, too, have hypothyroidism. I haven't lost weight fast. I've worked at every pound. I had surgery in December and have lost only about 50 pounds now. It hasn't been easy. I'm only down to a loose 18/tight 16 now. I don't aspire to be a 6. I won't be. I was a powerlifter and athlete in college. I wasn't small then, and I don't expect to be in a year. I walk and run over 3.5 to 4 miles a day in addition to working out in a gym 5-6 days a week. That wasn't my point in my response. My concern is that your "failure" headline and posting are very telling. Many of US will never lose weight until we accept responsibility for the foods we eat and the lifestyles we lead. I was more concerned that "failure" describes not the band, but your experience with the band. The band didn't fail, it malfunctioned. You failed at losing weight. People use this website for support. I recognize that people should have a full picture of the possible issues with the band, but I also think it's time we all start accepting responsibility in our part in being fat, plain and simple. Until we accept what WE control in this fight, we'll never win. Your weight gain--according to you--wasn't your fault. I disagree. Many people with your health issues lose weight and live healthy lives, even without the Lap-Band. You need to find a way that enables you to lose weight, through diet and exercise. Clearly the banding wasn't your way....:biggrin:

I hate to be negative, but if you truly changed your eating habits while having the band, I would hope that even without the band you would continue with your new eating habits. I work hard with my band, but I don't expect the band to do the work for me. Even if the band failed me tomorrow, I would do my best to maintain my new diet and exercise routine. I realize I had to have the band to change my ways, but it isn't a complete panacea. With all surgeries, there are risks. Clearly you've had a bad experience...and while I understand your frustration.....isn't it time to look a little deeper inside to figure out why you're overweight? If I've learned anything about myself with the band, it's how to take control of myself, my eating, and my life......those changes, while not expressly BECAUSE of the band, were changes brought about by having the band. The GB operation has many side effects....what if you had lifelong issues with dumping and absorption? Would that change things?? Clearly your first surgeon thought you were a good candidate for Lap-Band, not GB. You made the choice to have elective surgery. Time to accept some responsibility here....

I'm here....but busy as heck! We're finishing up the school year as we get out on Tuesday afternoon--finally! I start my summer camp a week from Monday. UGH. Busy time...are you all still losing weight?! I'm not losing right now, but doing my best to keep up my workouts and diet. :biggrin: OH, but I'm NOT gaining either!!!!

Do you feel better after having a protein shake? That would be my determinant. If I felt less spacey after having more, then I'd simply have more protein shakes throughout the day. Remember that you've had MAJOR surgery. We all react to anesthesia differently, and even if you've had it before, you may react differently every time. You could just need to sleep more!! Listen to your body and react accordingly. If having more protein makes you feel better, do it. (Even if you exceed the calorie suggestion from your dr.) You're far better off exceeding the dietary suggestion than eating solid foods. As long as you're sticking to liquids you should be ok physically with regard to the post-surgery recovery. Do what you feel is right. I'm confident your doctor did not intend to ignore your concerns, but assuming your incisions are healing and you aren't vomiting, you should be ok! If you weren't on a pre-operative diet, then your body is most likely reacting to a dramatic change in caloric consumption. It will get better! :biggrin: Good luck!

Oh, let me talk you out of the tattoo on the lower back. That was by far the most painful thing I have ever done. It was even worse than WLS! Aside from that, the lower back is one of the few places where skin doesn't stretch or re-shape as much when you lose/gain weight....if you're really all for getting one, why wait?! :drool:

Be glad your doctor won't fill until you get back. How would you like to spend a vacation or trip in a foreign country looking for an emergency for an unfill?! Seriously, you never know if your 2nd fill will be the one that makes a difference or not, and you'd hate to do it right before going out of the country. I had no noticeable difference after my first fill, a slight restriction for a few days after #2, no difference at all after #3, and I've noticed a huge difference after #4. I'm debating about whether I'll get another fill now or not. I actually gained .5 pounds between 3 and 4--during the month, but I still went down another pant size. Be true to yourself and follow the plan as much as you can, exercise and drink all of your Water. Don't worry that this need immediate response. We're all naturally hoping for quick results, but that might not happen. Celebrate the Non-scale Victories and do your best. Eventually, it will all make a difference. This is not like Gastric Bypass in which you have a certain window of opportunity to lose weight. If you're losing and you have no restriction, you're losing because of your hard work. The band isn't working for you yet. There may be a few months with very little weight loss...don't give up! It will happen. Give it time. I figure if I can lose 60 or 70 pounds in a year, I'll be a happy woman. Be sure to talk to your surgeon and nutritionist for support if you get frustrated. I found my support group to be very helpful through my frustrations. I'm finally losing now....it can happen and it will. It just takes time. Good luck and have a safe trip!

It takes most people 2-3 fills before experiencing proper restriction. Remember that the band is a tool to help you control your appetite. It WILL require effort on your part, too. Just because you can eat more doesn't mean you should. Do your best to stick to your surgeon's post-op diet as this was devised for optimal results. I didn't have any noticeable restriction for my first 3 fills. Then, when I did feel a difference, it only lasted for about 3 weeks. Realize that all surgeons fill at a different rate, based on their experience. Some are more aggressive than others. Talk with your doctor and see if you can go back earlier. Most are amenable to having you return sooner if necessary. Good luck!

Thanks, Stephanie. I think things will be better once school lets out. It's such a stressful time for us--benchmark testing, spreadsheets with scores, putting report card grades online to a server that shuts down constantly...oh my. I will be so glad when the year ends. I finally get out Tuesday, June 24th. (Camp begins the following Monday!) No rest for the weary. I have an appointment scheduled for the 23rd with my doctor. I have been able to eat better for the last two days and have been able to eat more as long as I workout first.... What are you all doing for the summer? Anyone have anything fun planned that they wouldn't have done, pre-banding, but now that you've lost weight and gained control, decided to go for it? Have a great Father's Day weekend. :smile:

Sexy is in the eye of the beholder. I never struggled with finding men who wanted me, no matter what my weight. Even at 314 I've been able to make my choices. I truly believe that as long as you feel good about yourself, it makes you more attractive. Of course if you're feeling really strong and great about yourself, get dancing naked!! :rolleyes2: But why wait til goal weight to Celebrate your smaller victories? I truly believe the journey is as important as the end. Enjoy every step of this journey. You've earned it.

Gosh, Sarah...wasn't that an uplifting thought!?! Go to the gym for health reasons. Don't worry about who is watching. Do it because it will help you to become healthier and essentially feel better, inside and out. Even working out at a snail's pace is better than sitting at home, eating crappy food. Get up off of the computer chair and get moving. If going to a gym is too overwhelming, ask a friend to go with you. I find a treadmill easier because I don't have to worry about walking too far from home and having to hoof it back after! But for each her own. Find something that will allow you to move, whatever it may be. Good luck!