notateechanow

LOL---Nope. Had a few issues. Actually, after seeing you guys last week and getting my first fill in a year, I proceeded to throw up for 3 straight days---liquids, solids, you name it! I lost nearly 9 pounds from Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning, according to the scale in the office. I don't get it---I've been up to 7 cc's before and was only filled to 5.5 this time. I'm back to 4.5 now, so I can NOW eat ANYTHING.....yeah...this is how my band has worked---.5 in, 1.0 out. So.....Restaurant week interfered with going to the Brigham's group. BTW--couldn't find you on facebook!!!

While I'm a huge proponent of exercise, I had foot surgery about 4 weeks ago and haven't been able to workout for over a month. (I was working out at least 4 days a week for over an hour a day prior) Like you, I've had decent restriction, but would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. I've lost just over 115 now and am about 2 3/4 years post surgery. Believe it or not, I've lost more weight while not working out for the past month. My theory? I was dreadfully panicked by the prospect of not being able to workout and have finally gone back to journaling and watching my portion size far more carefully. I think that we tend to get a little lazy and expect the band to tell us when we're done. Aside from that, I keep reminding myself to eat until I'm no longer hungry, not until I'm full. I think it's important at this point to remind yourself of the basics: 1) Portion size 2) Protein first, followed by veggies/fruit, then starches. 3) Drink enough water! 4) Eat only when you're hungry. 5) MOVE. Make time to keep your body moving. I'm an eternal optimist but I'd like to think I CAN drop at least another 15 by Christmas. I've definitely exceeded the 40-60% of excess body weight my surgeon claimed I could lose, but I've always believed I'm better than average. :biggrin: My thoughts are....if you want it badly enough, you can do it. Consider a slight unfill if you aren't able to eat well balanced meals. I realize none of what I've said is new to you, but sometimes it just helps to be reminded...and to know you're not alone. Good luck!! :smile:

Congratulations! You've done well to keep running despite your busy social life! When I was gearing up for my first 5K, I ran along the beach (because it was easy to figure out where 3.2 miles was by car....) for 2 or 3 weeks. I will admit, not the brightest solution. It was very flat and I'd have the wind at my back in at least one direction of my run. It still enabled me to see what it would be like to run on the asphalt, but it wasn't realistic. Many people prefer running outdoors to running on a treadmill---just not me. :cursing: If it's possible to run your course before the 5K, I'd strongly recommend it. That way you're fully prepared for any incline, decline, etc....also, something else to consider is the pace at which you'll be running and where you put yourself at the start. Somehow that never occurred to me....and I got right up front with my friends who run 8 minute miles. Yep....tried to avoid the throngs of people from behind me running me over by jumping up on the sidewalk and they just followed. I'm pretty sure that first entire mile I was just running to not be trampled. (Think running of the bulls....) The second 5K I ran was far more organized and larger and had us line up based on our time for a mile. I've learned....I get farther back, by the walkers, but be careful not to go too far back in the event they have those baby joggers. Invariably there's a few idiots who decide to run with the carriage (even though the rules forbid it in most...) and when it's crowded, they will inevitably hit your heels repeatedly with that stupid thing. Oh, the lessons I've learned!!! The last thing I never considered was jogging and drinking water at the same time. For me, it didn't make sense to stop for water, so I decided to drink while jogging a little slower.....but it didn't go down so well. I've since been jogging and drinking on the treadmill so I won't make the mistake of gagging it all over the place again. Hope that helps!! When is your race? Keep up the great work!!!

Couldn't sleep tonight and realized yet another year has passed since I last wrote on this thread. Wow.....where my life has taken me in such a short time!!!! I'm dating the man I've waited a lifetime for. (Many pics in my profile if you're curious!) He's kind, thoughtful, generous, hard working, and sincere. Is he perfect? Absolutely not--but in my opinion, perfect for me. I love spending time with him, but still appreciate our time apart. He loves to eat as much as I do, and that has been quite a challenge for me. In the past year or so, I've had nothing but un-fills until today. I decided for a while that I wanted to really focus on the emotional and behavioral changes I needed to make, without relying on my band. I have a new goal now, though---even though I feel and look (in my mind) good, I'm still about 20 pounds heavier than I'd like to be, and nearly 40 heavier than the charts say I should be. I had bunion surgery about 2.5 weeks ago. I have scheduled a tummy tuck and liposuction for December and my other foot for February. I can't wait for spring. (I plan to re-run my initial 5K-- WITH my boyfriend this time--and hope to crush my old time!!) I'll have new feet and a more comfortable midsection. I'm not looking for miracles, but hoping to feel more comfortable in my body. I competed in two track meets this summer, too, but had to cut back on the running as my feet and knees were really bothering me. I've managed not to gain weight despite cutting back on the working out. I've committed myself to hitting 199.9, if only for a few fleeting seconds, before my Dec. 14th plastic surgery date. Incidentally, that will be 2 days past my 3 year "bandiversary". I remember my surgeon telling me that my first two years were most important and I entirely disagree. I've worked harder in my 3rd year---examining my thoughts about food, making behavioral changes, and refocusing my energy on working my tool than in the first two. I'm hoping to be engaged by this time next year. We've been talking seriously about wedding plans, venues, and guest lists already....and about having a family. My boyfriend has the most AMAZING, loving, caring family. I enjoy spending time with all of them. I would choose his sister as a friend if we hadn't met this way. It feels so great to be embraced and appreciated by such fantastic people. (A dramatic contrast from my ex's family!) This journey hasn't been easy, but it has been worth every bit of effort it has required. As a side---my ex is living with a woman and just had yet another child. (It warms my heart to see that they're both well over 100 pounds overweight....but that's the old fat girl rearing her ugly head in my mind....) She's ok with not being married. It just affirms my choice to leave. (As if I needed further affirmation?!) I don't want that life. I've been tremendously stubborn in holding tight to my own dreams....and I've never felt closer to attaining all of them. I'm thankful for the tremendous support that you've all provided. I hope you're all doing well in the journey, too!

Am planning on going to the August 9th meeting at the Faulkner. I have my first fill scheduled since 2009!!! Very excited. Anyone else planning on attending?

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I think we all do/have in our own way---some of us more obviously than others. I remember how different dating was after losing 100+ pounds. In fact, many of the men on an on-line dating site who didn't want anything to do with me 5 or 6 years ago (Yes, were STILL single and on the site years later...) suddenly wanted to go out with me. I still have pictures of my "old" self. I worked so hard to be where I am today, and though I fully intend to follow the plastic surgery route as well, I never forget who I was.....because a few bad months, ignoring my health and my battle and I can be right back there. More importantly, it keeps me grounded. People will always judge you based on your physical self. It's the first impression you make. Coming to terms with the old/new self is a challenge. I'm not nearly as attractive as you and didn't go through as big of a transformation as I'm still trying to lose the last 30....but I know how different it is to have people notice you. I never realized how invisible I was when I was over 300 pounds. I hope you'll continue to rely on people here, on the site---people who have gone through the same experience, and people who relate to what you've done. I also agree with the above poster---get some help. Realistically, we weren't morbidly obese simply because we liked to eat. Those demons don't just disappear. Good luck. I think acknowledging your loneliness and frustration with the transformation is the first step to being able to act on it. :rolleyes2:

Good news---I'm down almost 12 pounds. Back to where I like to be, but still signed up for a fill on the 9th. Let me make something clear---I told EVERYONE I came in contact with about my Lap Band, starting with my podiatrist to the pre-op meetings with the PA AND the Anesthesiologist. I told EVERYONE who would listen that I have difficulty swallowing pills and that anti-inflammatories in general are dangerous for us. My surgeon prescribed a few meds before surgery---and they could be split. However, the antibiotics were capsules and are super hard to swallow. I'm a little over 8 days post-surgery and haven't been able to eat or swallow any pills yet....even the crushed ones come back. I realize now that I'm screwed--I need to lie with my leg above my heart and elevated, but that leaves me flat and gives me really bad reflux. It also washes any pills back up at me. So....I'm med free right now. It's not killing me, but I shouldn't have to be, and I shouldn't have had to deal with all of that crap. I am NOT happy with the Faulkner and will definitely address it when I'm there on the 9th. (I'll ask Dr. R who I should contact and will also speak with my surgeon next week when I go to get my sutures out.) Their care was simply abysmal. It was completely unacceptable and truly makes me wonder if I can trust them enough to do it again....

Congrats on your new band, Kath! I'm not sure about the Brigham, but I do know that the Faulkner's next meeting is on August 9th at 6:00. Hope you guys are well. Had a disheartening experience that I intend to discuss with Dr. Robinson when I see him on the 9th. I had surgery AT THE FAULKNER last week on my foot. I opted to have it done there just in the very off chance there were any issues with the anesthesia and my band......but never really considered the post-op meds. I did tell my podiatrist that I was "banded" and would need pills I could split or liquid meds after my operation.....in the post-op/recovery, they couldn't split the pills. (Because they didn't HAVE a pill splitter!!!) No liquid meds available. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? I threw up for a good 3-4 hours post-op, leaving me in recovery far longer than I should have been. I knew I couldn't metabolize the anesthesia well during my Lap band, so I wasn't overly surprised...but seriously? I was so out of it, but thankfully did remember to tell them in my stupor that I couldn't take the freaking horse pills they kept trying to feed me. Needless to say.....I haven't been able to take any meds after this operation, either. I think it's appalling that the recovery room staff was so ignorant in a hospital where they perform OUR surgery!!!!! Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? It was a complete nightmare. Thank God I was able to articulate myself. What if I were incapacitated??? I know they'll eventually send me a survey, but really---who do I call about this? I was so upset by the time I went home....

Hey there, Katie! Welcome back!!! I'm planning on going to the next support group, on August 9th. In fact, I scheduled a fill for that day. I haven't had a fill since the winter....and the last 2 times I went were for un-fills. I had foot surgery at the Faulkner on Thursday and was shocked by the ignorance of the post-operative nurses with regard to my post op care with a Lap Band. I asked several times about liquid meds or even small pills. They didn't have a pill splitter in recovery. Ridiculous! They kept telling me I had to eat to take the pills, but I explained I need to drink BEFORE I ate or it would wash back at me....oh, what a challenge! I had my surgery there intentionally, assuming I wouldn't run into problems. No such luck! My surgeon was shocked that I haven't any pain.....and told me I had to take the oxy for at least 48 hours. I'm moving on to Tylenol today as I hate how the oxy makes me feel. I can't believe people take this crap recreationally! Gross. Geni--sorry to hear that plans have changed for you, but they're just trying to do what your body needs. They don't want to be unsuccessful or have you not able to use the band as a tool. If they recommend that you have GB instead, do that. Keep your chin up---you'll do fine! Hope you are all having a good summer. See you soon! :smile2: OH, and Katie---we've been going to the meetings over at the Faulkner instead of the Brigham. Parking was a nuisance at the Brigham, and more expensive, too. Also, too many newbies at that site. We have a great mix at the Faulkner. :smile:

Sounds like you're dealing well with a stressful situation! I'd think you'd be ok to go ahead with the fill. Either way, I'd head in for my scheduled appointment and tell Dr. R at that appointment and let him decide what to do. I've been relatively unfilled since March and am having foot surgery in 2 weeks---so I've waited for a fill. (ONLY because I know that the anesthesia makes me sick and I can't deal with being tight and sick....) Looking forward to seeing you guys on Monday. Just a warning--Phyllis is away. It will be someone else, just for this month. Keep up the good work, ladies! See you next week. :ohmy:

Anyone going on Monday?! Hope you're all well!

Carol, I'm thinking it must have been Tiny who did the shakes with Peanut butter. I play with extracts and fruit, but stay away from yogurt because it grosses me out. :tt1: Glad you guys are all well. Tova, so relieved you're ok. Tiny, I'm with you....in need of a fill. I have been relying on myself, not my band and it's starting to show. I have my foot surgery on July 22nd, so thinking I'll schedule an appointment for a few weeks after, when I can drive again....but I desperately need a fill, too. Maybe in a month or two. :frown: Happy 4th!

Just checking in to see how you're all doing! It's been nearly 2 weeks since anyone has checked in. How are you healing? (Jennifer & Carol) How are you managing on the post-surgical diet? Blue, how's your Couch25K going? Hope you're all having a good summer thus far!

As always, great to see all of you tonight! Jennifer, so glad you found us. I apologize if you ended up going home on Morton Street---I didn't realize there was a detour tonight! Carol, best of luck on Wednesday. Keep us posted---and please forward us a link to that 2 oz protein shot thing you had tonight. Let me know if it's any good! Thanks!!!

Jennifer, I'm not sure I can add much else from what Carol offered, but as someone over 2.5 years post-surgery, I still suffer from "buyer's remorse" from time to time. It doesn't go away, but it does get easier. I was convinced that I was not an emotional eater before surgery----but now recognize what an important role food plays (ed) in my life. The initial healing stages of the band make socializing hard. It makes the day drag, and it makes you miss all of your old "friends". The reality is that food has always played a huge role in my life. I obsess about it---but never knew anything different because everyone around me was the same way. Healthy weight people rarely think about it the way we do. It's just not as prominent in their lives. You will absolutely go through phases when it's a huge challenge----and you'll need to find replacement behaviors. Tiny makes fun shakes with her protein powder. There are ways to be creative---but you'll still miss eating. Find other ways to occupy your time. I relied heavily on my computer and exercise to keep me busy. If you're typing or moving, you're not eating! Find something that takes your mind off of it. While I don't want to disappoint you, (because it may be a while...)I remember so well a point when I lost between 60 and 70 pounds that the food no longer had such a strong hold over me. I forgot to eat. I focused on talking in social situations, not the food that was served. I learned to love having the mental energy for other things, not for worrying about what I'd eat at the next meal. I was involved when I was banded. My now ex was tremendously helpful in keeping me busy. When we broke up, I finally realized how desperately I needed counseling because I simply couldn't afford to turn to food any longer. As Carol said, counseling may be good for you---if it's not your thing, find supportive friends and family and come visit us on Monday at the Faulkner! Having a group of people who have lived my experience has been such a tremendous help. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.

Congratulations!! I'm so impressed by your hard work---pleased to see you've been "rewarded" for your efforts. You are, without doubt, the inspiration I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing! :tongue2:

Yay, Jay!!! Your attitude (if you're being honest!) has already changed. I'm so pleased to see you working on the things you can control. As far as the rudeness, I've never had that experience, but I've never asked for a last name, either. I know I deal with a Jennifer at Dr. R's office, but I'm fairly confident she's on maternity leave. The woman who has taken my calls since then has been super pleasant and responsive. I'm so sorry that's been your experience. I'd wait til I had surgery and then complain. Wouldn't want any revenge from her!!! Just back from the gym. Best 5 miles on a treadmill in over a year. Starting to think it was in kilometers, not miles. :biggrin:

SO PROUD of you!!!!! Awesome work. I'm impressed. I think having a concrete goal, with a date--as the 5K--was a huge help for me. It made me feel as if it was something I could achieve, even if the scale didn't always go my way. Don't push yourself too hard. If week 5 is rough and you aren't able to do it exactly as you're supposed to, just repeat week 5. Have you found the Music for the IPods online for it? I couldn't stand the people talking, but I know others enjoy it. Keep plugging away. Even if the scale "lets you down", you're making remarkable behavioral changes--measurable and impressive! Focus on the things you can control, not those that you can't, and you'll be pleased with the results. I'm on vacation--brought my workout clothes and sneakers, which take up a lot of space--and haven't used them yet. My friends are all headed home today, though, so considering maybe working out later this afternoon and tomorrow. I know I didn't waste precious luggage space to NOT use them! Hope your surgery went well, Jennifer! Lilytime, great advice for her regarding the pre-op diet. Haven't had access to my computer in a few days. Hope you guys have a good experience today! Keep us posted. Tiny, how was your trip???

Congratulations, Carol! How exciting!!! Hope to see you at the meeting...

Hey, Jennifer---sounds like your day is coming soon! The Faulkner is just down the road from the Brigham--in fact, if you drove on the Arborway toward Forest Hills, then bear right at the first rotary toward West Roxbury (it's labeled) it's right there....near the Allandale Farm. Good luck with your surgery. Hope all goes as planned. Anyone going to the next meeting at the Faulkner? Jay, how was your meeting with Phyllis? Did you GO??? :thumbup: Blue, how is your couch25k going?

I'm fairly confident that the original poster just looked to vent here.....as explained in the title. This is a safe place to vent and a good place for support. But, know that your negative self talk can sabotage your hard work. Hope you've been able to find some answers here!

I'm not thin, but still working through living as a normal sized person. Like you, I took some time to really examine how other people---without eating issues---function. They eat when they're hungry, not on schedule. They eat until they're no longer hungry, not until the food is gone or until they're full. They look forward to visiting friends, not the foods they'll eat. It's a total lifestyle we've created that you need to examine. Until you really spend a lot of time considering behaviors you've spent a life time cultivating, you will never really change your habits. I've spent a lot of time reflecting on how I affect my own life---from owning my issues, acknowledging not only my love for food, but my unnatural compulsive eating behaviors, and working on myself from the inside out. It isn't just the foods we eat....