bandedmama

:clap2: Congratulations!!! I hate roller coasters - but am glad that I COULD fit in if I wanted to now - because now as I watch from the sidelines it doesn't look like I'm not going on because I can't fit -- but because its an actual CHOICE!!!! Congrats though! Enjoy your family and your newfound health!!!!! Kristin

I had no set date on when I *could*, just when I felt up to it. By day 6 I wanted to - but I waited for 2 weeks and we were just careful. Some positions are better than others - use your imagination and have fun with it, but don't get carried away!! (doctors orders....lol) Kristin

I saw a portion of it last night - they require 3 MONTHS of liquids post surgery!!!!! I was so sad to see it, too - the husband who resented his wife for having the surgery (because of the expense) and so he kept setting her up to fail. He would make her favorite things and taunt her with it. SO sad!!!! I'm glad its being shown though - people need band education! Kristin

leatha g - I'm sorry you have been having problems - I was unfilled for 4 months so I am not sure how my body will react to being refilled. I guess I can only hope it will help - in the meantime, it basically sucks to have to be accountable for exercise and food intake on our own, doesn't it! Thanks for your insight though -- good luck with those last few pounds!!! You are so close to goal - thats wonderful!!!!!

:cheer2: LOL BIG -- THANKS!!! I needed that...............

Wow - thank you everyone!!! Marimaru - I like your statement -- "You have to do this, you wont forgive yourself if you don't" -- I need to start living by that rule! BIG - I do need a fill - my dr is slow to re-fill though. Grrr...... But I do like the "Glow shmow... Just do it!!!!!" attitude!!! Thanks!! barbara465 -- Thank you for your encouragement!!! It means a lot!! babsintx3 - No apology needed at all - I really appreciate your insight and know you've been through this too -- we have spoken about this before on anOtHer board...lol. Thank you for the reminder! I do work out, but not as much as I was pre-plastics, and I need to up it again I know. I guess it is all about accountability. Thank you all so much!!! Kristin

I am not usually one to play devil's advocate - and I understand your stance and agree that overweight people are most definately discriminated against - but I have to say that I think "morbid obesity" is a proper term, or atleast it was for me. It told me that at that weight, I was killing myself. I looked up the definition: Morbid Mor"bid, a. [L. morbidus, fr. morbus disease; prob. akin to mori to die: cf. F. morbide, It. morbido. See Mortal.] 1. Not sound and healthful; induced by a diseased or abnormal condition; diseased; sickly; as, morbid humors; a morbid constitution; a morbid state of the juices of a plant. ``Her sick and morbid heart.'' --Hawthorne. 2. Of or pertaining to disease or diseased parts; as, morbid anatomy. Syn: Diseased; sickly; sick. Usage: Morbid, Diseased. Morbid is sometimes used interchangeably with diseased, but is commonly applied, in a somewhat technical sense, to cases of a prolonged nature; as, a morbid condition of the nervous system; a morbid sensibility, etc. Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) At my highest weight, I DID have a disease (even now I do...) - an eating disease that made me uncontrollably fat. I never have understood though why "super obese" came after "morbidly obese" - morbid to me always meant "near to death". And why we're complaining about society & where they put us, I never understood why they put the women's clothing section next to the petites? The smallest women and the largest women shopping next to each other - and the "normal" people get to shop on their own separate floor? That always bugged me!!! I do understand your point, and agree to a degree -- but I also think that having a certain amount of extra weight IS damaging, and is a disease. I'm not trying to bash you or start anything - just another perspective!

This is my current favorite - its more for lunch though than dinner. I grill chicken a lot, so when I have leftovers I slice it up and freeze it so I always have it on hand. I make the dressing for this broccoli slaw and keep it in the fridge (haven't tried a low cal version of it yet, but I am sure it could be done!). I throw a handful of chicken on a plate, with a handful of broccoli slaw, a couple of teasoons of the dressing, and sprinkle it with the smashed ramen noodles. It is SO yummy and crunchy - and it gets me to eat broccoli (I omit the nuts & seeds)! Here is the full version of the broccoli slaw recipe though: 1 pkg of Broccoli slaw- 1 pkg of ramen noodles any flavor. 1/3 cup of slivered almonds 1/3 cup of sunflower seeds Dressings ingredients: 1/2 cup canola/vegetable/olive oil 1/4 cup sugar ramen noodle package( the powder) 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar Directions: Toast silvered almonds in the oven set at 350 degrees for about 4 minutes. (watch them, because they toast fast!). Crush the ramen noodles in the package so the dried noodles are small enough to mix. Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Mix well so sugar is dissolved. Toss broccoli slaw, sunflower seeds, toasted almonds, crushed noodles, and dressing all together JUST before serving, or the noodles will absorb the dressing and get mushy.

I try to have a protein shake, because I usually am not hungry in the morning but I go the gym at 9, so I need "something". I do not have great restriction right now, and today I had a piece of WW whole grain toast with peanut butter with no problem. I can still eat cereal, or I might have yogurt. I don't like to cook in the morning, so I rarely have eggs or anything, but I have had a few bites of chicken salad, just so its something with protein!

I am 5'4" and my doctor's goal for me was 140 -- I had plastics at 162 and HE said (love that man...) that I shouldn't lose more weight - because after my tt & BL I would be in proportion. I have wide shoulders, so my hips match them, and I would have an hourglass shape with a flat belly (woohoo!!). He said too many people use a number or clothes size as a goal, when really everyone's body looks different at the same weight number. So use your mirror and your clothes as a judge -- he said aim for proportion. Of course I then gained a ton of weight and need to get back to that proportion!!!

I don't think its bad necessarily for you to be below 1000 caories for a few days -- but IMHO its all of the yo-yo dieting we've done over the years that has messed up our metabolisms -- so a low calorie plan for a few days or weeks might trigger gain once you start eating more calories. And of course if you cut out carbs, once you have them you could regain some, but with that said, instead of a liquid diet - have you tried the plateau busting diet? I am sure you have seen it: (I have it saved but haven't tried it yet!) Dr. Fox' weight loss plateau/stall diet. Heard of it? It's ONLY for 10 days.....We could easily drop 10 pounds doing this...<o =""></o> 2 quarts of Water EVERDAY<o =""></o> 45 grms Protein supplements EVERYDAY<o =""></o> Daily Vitamins<o =""></o> 3 oz. of the following 5 times a day<o =""></o> Beef<o =""></o> Pork<o =""></o> chicken<o =""></o> <st1:country-region><st1 ="">Turkey</st1></st1:country-region><o =""></o> Lamb<o =""></o> Fish<o =""></o> eggs<o =""></o> low-fat cheese<o =""></o> cottage cheese<o =""></o> plain yogurt<o =""></o> Peanut Butter<o =""></o> beans/legumes<o =""></o> <o =""></o> You can also have sugar free popsicles (no real fruit ones though)<o =""></o> tea/coffee/diet soda/crystal lite<o =""></o> 30 mintues of exercise a day.....or more if you wish. Good luck! <o =""> </o>

You look so wonderful!! I had a TT and breast lift w/implants in March - now I wish I had waited until I was closer to my goal. (I was 20 pounds away from goal but have gained 30 since then because I was unfilled for 4 months) - so now I am 50 pounds from goal and have already had all this work done. I hope I don't ruin it all!!! Your results are amazing and I am sure you are very happy and proud of how far you've come!! Thank you for sharing your pictures!

TellyMelly- :hail: I am in awe of your determination!!! You amaze me and give me hope -- I haven't been around this board for all that long, but your neverending dedication to your weight loss goals is just so inspiring. Do you ever share what a typical day is like for you? I would love to know!!! I am just refilled after a 4 month unfill & regain -- and would love to get advice!!! And as for OH - I do go there, but ONLY to the band forum. The mainboard is so steered towards RNY it would scare anyone away which is so sad. Hang in there -- I swear 90% of our success is based on our attitude and determination - and since you clearly have 110% or more of both -- who knows, maybe you will exceed even your own goals!!! Good luck!! Kristin

I thought I would be freaked out by it -- but then I had plastics and in came the implants! :eyebrows: So I guess it would be wrong of me to feel weird about something I can't feel or see but that I can appreciate, as opposed to something I see and feel everyday, and which my husband appreciates...lol Kristin

I had a tt in March -- I have my own bellye button, but he moved it down and popped it up through a new hole. I also had hoped to be in a 2 piece this summer but he warned that the scars should not be exposed to sun for a full year -- any suit I would wear would cover my TT incision, but the belly button is the issue. Just something to think about or maybe ask your surgeon about! Only you know how bad your scars really are, but I just saw in a magazine that they make a heavy duty concealer for things like spider veins (things not on your face). They suggested using that for various spots that you didn't like -- maybe something like that would help...? And would it all look better if your skin was tanned? I bet you would be far more conscious of it than other people, who would really be noticing how hot you look & how cute that suit is!! And to know what a bargain it was is even better!!! Kristin

That must have been so scary - I'm glad that doctor found you before they sent you home!!! Take it easy & get yourself healed -- and then be glad to know that everything was caught in time and your symptoms should be all gone!!! What a blessing -- thank you for sharing your story. Its good to know that this could happen and what to look out for. Kristin

I was the same as you -- no swelling from surgery and no natural restriction from band placement alone. I went to my 6 week post op appointment having not lost even a single pound!!! If you have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks you are well above average! Congrats on that!!! Others have already told you about getting a fill to get restriction -- I just wanted to let you know that this (no restriction out of surgery) does happen to some of us. I also don't want to be a downer -- but it did take me 3 or 4 fills, until I reached 2.8cc, until I found a good level of restriction that allowed me to maximize my loss (my sweet spot). This surgery definately takes patience -- but it is all worth it in the end!!! Good luck! Kristin

I had hoped to lose 100 pounds when I was banded 10/04 (starting weight 242) - when I reached an -85 pound loss I had plastic surgery (TT w/MR and a BL w/implants). I started exercising at 11 months out and had plastics at 17 months out. I don't think exercising earlier in the process would have helped my loose skin situation, but it would have helped me lose more weight. I had 2 c-sections and a regular birth and at my highest weight (pregnant) I was over 270. My stomach had more stretch marks on it than skin, and as I lost my tummy looked like an old sharpee dog. Not a pretty sight!!! But my arms were fine enough not to warrant surgery. I had considered having a thigh lift, but had complications after my plastics so have opted against any future elective surgery. Great poll idea! Kristin

:clap2: Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Finding restriction is the absolute BEST feeling after being banded -- its like "OMG! I can't eat --- Thats so cool!!!!" I smiled endlessly when I found restriction -- now I am looking forward to having that feeling again!!!! Enjoy it and take advantage of it, but be careful how you eat now, more than ever -- and congrats!! Kristin

Congratulations on your amazing success! You have given yourself back a life you were missing out on -- what could be better than that??? I am so happy for you -- wishing you continued success!! Kristin

I always knew I was fat - but never knew how fat I was until I started losing and could compare. But what's weird is that I feel more fat now than I did at my highest weight. I think its because at 250 I knew I was fat, and I couldn't hide it, so I felt like everyone just accepted that I was fat. But as I got closer to goal, I felt like people saw me as that "poor mom who needs to lose 20 pounds" -- like "why doesn't she just lose it already?" Suddenly I felt judged and very conscious of my body, what I was wearing, who was looking at me, do they think I'm fat? should I really be wearing this? I'm too fat for this. I should change. Its been really hard! I am so glad for it - its just about having the body image catch up with the actual image. In time it will all come together (so I'm told....) and we can find peace with how we look. I hope...! Kristin

I stayed one night in the hospital and was fine (doped up), but the second night, my first night home, I cried all night. I couldn't believe I had done this to myself! I had shoulder pain and nothing helped really make it go away. Everything hurt and I was so emotional. By day 4 I was so much better, and by day 5 I was driving, walking a mile, and feeling like I knew I had done the right thing. I have been told that the anesthesia can stay in your system for awhile and can have effects that mimic depression. Its also a big step in what I can only assume has been a big struggle for you (weight loss). You will love that you did this! Good luck -- take it easy, follow your doctors orders and take care!! Oh--as for ispoure -- BLAH! I never liked it. I started with Carnation Instant breakfast mixed with milk and unflavored Unjury protein powder. I have tried a few since being banded (10/04) and now use GNC's whey protein in french vanilla - I mix it with oj, van yogurt & milk and it tastes like an orange julius, or I mix it with frozen strawberries/banana/milk and its kind of like a daquiri...sometimes you have to use your imagination! anyway - good luck and congrats on being banded! Kristin

sorry...I can't figure out how to quote someone!: "The band has been much more work than I anticipated. Like everything in life, it is an individual thing, but it is not a miracle cure. I am grateful to be banded..." (pugmum) I completely agree with pugmum - I was banded 10/04 and lost 85 pounds (out of a hopeful 100) in 14 months by the "everything in moderation rule". I had to be unfilled in late February due to plastic surgery in March of this year, and had subsequent complications which has extended when I can get a refill. In 3 1/2 months I have regained 30 pounds. I have no control when it comes to food now - I became so dependant on the band helping me to feel comfortably full, a feeling that I rarely ever had pre-band. So without a fill and being able to eat anything, I have been! Its sad and its depressing, but the unexpected (unfill) can take a toll -- so although it does take some work to figure out how you can help make the band work with you, it has been a harder lesson for me to figure out how to maintain control when that control mechanism is taken away. Wow - I sound like such a downer! Sorry - I do love my band -- but there did become a point (when I reached the last 20 pounds mark) where it really felt like dieting. Now - I can't wait to get back to that last 20 pounds mark! Good luck! Even though sometimes it feels like work, its OK - because you actually see & feel results! Kristin

I have a Tanita scale that I got from Bed/Bath/Beyond. I love it & it reads exactly what my doctor's scale reads, so I think its accurate! It reads body fat %, body water %, your weight and the tells you the number of calories you would need to maintain at that weight. The body fat % has something to do with the water in your body, so it is only accurate if you do it at the same time of day and not after you exercise.

You look wonderful!!! I am sure you feel wonderful, too! Just wait until your next cruise -- bikini shopping! Thanks for sharing your pics - they are very inspiring!