DonnaMarie

Hello everyone. I have been missing from LapBandTalk for 2 years. In my lapband journey, I have lost 100 lbs. I have about 60 more to go. I have not been able to restart the weight loss so decided to go and see my surgeon as I haven't been in a LONG time. To my surprise, he moved out of state! So, I now have his colleague who is very very experienced. My surgeon was fairly new to lapband. Well, the good news is, I did not gain ANY weight back. I kept it off for 2 years. Bad news, I either have a leak, OR the initial band that was put in is too large. I had been complaining to my old doc that I was always able to eat more than the average bandster. Even at full fill and he even told me he thought he put too large a size. Sooo next step is I am going on June 3rd to have a radiograph done. They are going to fill me under an xray to check for leaks. I am more than likely going to have surgery again to change it out. I am not looking forward to another surgery but I am determined to finish what I started. I got rid of my diabetes by the inital weight loss and want to continue. Being more active is a goal of mine and becoming more fit. Just thought I would update myself. Most of you probably don't even know me but it feels good to be back! DonnaMarie

Thanks! Yes it is taking a bit of time. My doctor only sees patients on Wednesdays and does the radiographs on Thursdays and that was when there was an opening. It's ok.. I can wait.. I waited this long!

Congrats on the surgery Indigo! We are all doing well.. Slow for some, quicker for others.. everyone is different. I got stuck recently the scale is starting to move again. Good luck to you and thanks for asking! ~Donnamarie~

YAY STEPH!!! :clap2::whoo: Over 100 lbs! I am proud of you!! Leona, girlfriend, I felt that way for YEARS when I was younger. Finally, even before my surgery, I decided that I was good enough and deserved only the best. I set mini goals for myself and followed thru. First was I bought my house. On my own, in my name. That happened a year ago. I was dating my hubby but he was draggin his feet a bit. I told him, "Look, I don't know if you are ready, but I know I am ready for something long term and lasting.. you have to decide if you want to be with me and build a life or if you want to stay on your own. I cannot wait for you forever".. With that, I started going out with friends, going hiking, doing volunteer work and even dating other people. My now hubby didn't like that too much so one night he knocked on my door, told me he was in love with me, can't take me going out with others, and would I marry him? You KNOW I said yes! We dated 2 1/2 years off and on and finally the man asked! SOOOOOO don't know why I went on that tangent.. Just wanted to say, Leona, good for you and you do deserve the best and only you can make it happen!!! :biggrin1: Quicky update on me... I was filled to max this past friday. 10cc in my 10cc band. My doc said that he felt like he put too large a band in me and that is why my weight loss was slower. He said if this fill didn't do it, then I may need another surgery to put a smaller band in. Let me just tell you. I am FINALLY restricted. I am actually having a hard time. I have wicked acid reflux. I called the doc to see if I needed an unfill and the nurse said that it sounded like the reflux inflammed my pouch and I was having swelling issues. I mean, I couldn't keep anything down! So now I am on prilosec and taking Mayloxx before bed and upon waking. The coating is supposed to help my stomach and it has! I am doing much better. Final able to keep some food down. Ok, my long post is now over! This weekend is supposed to be nice here in Connecticut so I am going to take advantage and get together with some friends and also bike ride with the hubby. Take care everyone and thanks for reading! ~DonnaMarie~

Hey everyone! Its me! Donnamarie.. you know, the newlywed.. *grin*.. I am doing alright. I have kinda been stuck but the scale is starting to move again. I am down to almost a size 18.. started at size 28 so I am very happy. My hubby and I have been having a blast. He is a great support. In fact, he bought me a mountain bike. (and himself one too!) I cannot go very far yet but I am trying real hard and he is encouraging me. Right now I have sore thighs and a sore arse but am getting there and working thru it. Congrats steph on the knees! Glad you are doing well and lost so much weight! We had surgery the same day. I have lost about 75 since my highest weight. Kudos to you!! I had a doc's appointment this past week and he told me he thinks he put too large of a band in me. (gee thanks) I am maxed at 10cc in a 10cc band and I can still eat over 1/4 of a cup at a time. Granted it is WAY less than what I used to eat. I can eat about 3/4 to a cup at a time now. He said if I wanted, I could have another surgery next year and put a smaller band in. Ummm no.. I will just work on my exercise and see what happens. I don't want another surgery. I am going to be 34 in December and Mike and I want to start our family soon so I am gonna work on being fit and getting out there with my wonderful husband. That is the update on me! I missed you all so much! ~Donnamarie~

It took me almost 8.5cc in my 10cc band before I felt any restriction.. now, OMG, I can't eat much at all.. I am finally at the point where I eat only 3/4 cup of food at a time. I was banded almost a year ago and had to have SO many fills.. Finally I am done. The weight definately has slowed down.. I have lost a total of 74 lbs in a year. Have about 68 more to go but I just keep trucking along. You will definately get used to the restriction.. it has taken me a year! But I am sure I am the exception. And for the drinking while eating thing, that is SO hard to quit!!! good luck and congrats on the restriction! finally! ~donnamarie~

Hey everyone! Happy Sunday.. I am down 3 more lbs this week! woo hoo! Not bad from coming back from my honeymoon. I was so sure I would be up a couple but I actually did well and didnt overeat and did alot of walking. Not doing much today. Mike and I went and bought a new storm door for the front door. We had a bunch of Home Depot gift cards. Well better go and help him! Hugz, Donna Marie

Hey everyone! I am back and am now officially a Mrs! I had a few wonderful things happen to me besides getting married on my trip. First, was able to lock the seatbelt on the air plane and pull on it to tighten it!!! OMG! Also.. I wore shorts and tank tops for the first time in YEARS! And my hubby said I was looking good. I still have about 71 pounds to go but it is so nice to be a 22 almost 20 when I used to be 28 (and wont EVER be again!) The wedding was very laid back. I had a dress all picked out and he had a suit but it was 104 so we decided on shorts and tshirts. but it was still a nice quick ceremony and had a religious aspect with blessing of the rings and stuff. The vows were lovely and the minister was great. Vegas is a nice city but not for us. We went and probably wont again. We are New England country folk and like our seasons and green trees! Everything in the desert is flat and dusty and brown.. we were amazed when we got home how lush and green the trees were. Hope everyone is well.. I am doing better with my band although today I had a day where everything gets stuck.. anyone ever had days like that? Hugz, MRS Donnamarie *grin*

Hey everyone! I was surprized with a bridal shower at work yesterday. You should have seen the food! Luckily, there were healthy choices so I was able to eat something with everyone else. But it wasn't much I tell ya! We had a double shower because another gal is getting married about 3 days before me. She is getting married on friday night and I am getting married on Memorial Day.. I am droppin weight like crazy.. Mike gave me a hug yesterday and said, "aww my skinny wife" lol I am finally below a BMI of 40.. started at 50! :omg: I weighed in sunday at 259. I wanted to be 250 for Vegas but I think I will take what I can get! Hope everyone is doing well.. seems it from the posts.. Congrats Edie on the goal and thanks for offering support.. Hugz to all! DonnaMarie :eek:

Hey everyone! I am having kinda a little of trouble with the latest fill.. I just think I am not used to being filled and am eating too fast.. but I have noticed it getting better over the past couple of days so I am thinking I am ok. Things I was normally able to eat, I cant etc... I am just checking in.. my clothes are getting so big! My friend and I are going out to dinner tomorrow night and I am shopping for new summer clothes! Yippee! I need the new duds for Vegas baby! Can't wait to be a MRS!! Love, DonnaMarie

I am b12 deficient so it can happen to lapband people too. But my doc thinks maybe I just am one of those people who have a hard time absorbing it from food and I was that way before surgery. I am anemic too. I take B12 pills and my levels have come up so I don't need shots yet. Fun fun.. Iron pills are the pits when you have a band!!! Grrrrr ~DonnaMarie~

Hang in there.. you are still healing! You could be retaining Water, or still be swollen.. It took me 8 weeks for the swelling to completely get down. You are not going to really lose weight until you are completely healed and have that first fill.. It is early.. dont give up or get upset yet!!! Hugz, ~DonnaMarie~

I have been experiencing this as well! Mine was due to my anemia.. since taking my Iron supplements and my levels coming up a bit, it has subsided and is practically non exsistent.. Hang in there! I am sure they will get to the bottom of it.. Hugz, Donnamarie

He is a complete and utter fraud.. you will see online he actually was arrested and convicted for it.. he has a criminal history. He preys on desperate people to make a buck.. From the bad reviews I saw, people would purchase a product and then get "automatically" signed up for a subscription to some email newsletter and there is NO way to cancel it except to cancel the credit card. Stay away from this joker.. he just wants your money, not to help you..

Hey everyone! Just thought I would check in cuz it has been a little while for me. As you know, things are mad crazy for me with my upcoming nuptials on Memorial Day. Everything is finally booked and read for Vegas. My doggie is ready for her stay at the "doggie hotel" and I have someone to look in on my kitties the week I am gone. Last Sunday our families surprized us with a Jack and Jill party. We had NO clue! It was alot of fun and I am so blessed to have TWO great families now! As for lapband, well, the scale is FINALLY starting to move again. I had a fill on Friday and have now lost the little that I gained and a couple of pounds more so I am very happy. I also changed my ticker to include my heaviest weight. I started this weight loss journey at 330 lbs and then lost 30 before surgery and am down to 262 after surgery. It is very slow for me but I am not surprized.. I have the world's WORST metabolism and my Doc even said it may be slower for me. But hey, I have patience and I will keep trucking along! Hope everyone is well and I will try to message everyone before my trip! Love you guys! DonnaMarie

Hey gang.. thought I would check in. I am in a kinda slump. I don't know if I should go on shakes for a bit to jump start things again. I have had an appetite and think I need a fill. I go a week from Friday to see the doc as I had to reschedule the last visit. GRR I sure hope that I lose a few more lbs in the next few weeks. I have been bad at eating lately and have had the munchies but I have been praying and God has been answering and is taking the cravings away. I am going to start exercising again too. I was doing so good and it is crazy to just give up! I am glad I could let it all out.. *grin* That is all for now. Just working and waiting on May 27th when I fly to Vegas to become a Mrs. I am very excited and cannot wait! hugs, ~DonnaMarie~

I have a wiggler port too.. takes 2 people to fill me.. one to stablize and one to inject.. they aren't sure why it is like that and as I lose more weight it gets more wiggly.. sooo i may need a minor procedure again to fix it.. Congrats and I am so glad you are happy!! ~DonnaMarie~

I have UHC too.. they are wonderful.. fast approvals! Good luck and congrats!!

Hey everyone! I am doing alright. I went to see my Endocrinologist and my sugars are fabulous.. Normal.. for over 2 years. So that is great. My energy is FINALLY coming back and my b12 is now fine.. YAY!! Don't know about the iron though. I was supposed to go back to the surgeon on Friday but I am just not ready yet. I havent lost much weight, haven't gained much either. I know the most part is that I haven't been exercising. That sucks. I have got to get my arse to the gym!!! I am just so not a morning person and after work, I am beat. But I have to make my butt get up and go in the morning. I am going to start tomorrow again. I pay for this and don't go and it is just plain stupid. SOOO I am going to see the surgeon in 2 weeks. I had to get back on track before I went there. The nurse sometimes and lecture me and I know she means well but sometimes it just doesn't help. I had a bad bout of depression of the last 5 days. Between being anemic and having aunt Flo here.. (damn her!) I was totally down in the dumps but I am feeling better and back to work. And I know.. exercise will help! Too bad they didn't make an exercise pill. LOL Glad everyone is doing better and trucking along.. this journey is not going to be easy and we will all have our ups and downs but it is good to know I have you guys here to lift me up! Hugz, ~DonnaMarie~

Hello everyone.. I am going to be married in May and my fiance and I are eager to start our family.. I am 33 and he is 31 and we would like to not wait too long. I am the healthiest I have been in years! I have lost 70 lbs since my highest weight and 40 since my surgery.. granted I have 60 more to lose to get to where I wouldnt mind being and my stretch is 80 more lbs. Here is the thing.. the seminar said to wait a year after surgery.. that will be in July and that is a good time frame for us. I went to the doc this past friday and the nurse gave me a big lecture saying to wait until I am to goal before trying or not try while I am losing.. Now, I am not old, but I am not very young either and I don't want to wait! I figure, I would continue to lose, hopefully, God willing, get pregnant, have the band opened a bit, have a healthy baby (God willing) and then close it up and continue on my band journey.. What do you guys think? Is what I am planning not good? Should I wait to get to "goal" before trying? What if that takes a long time? Just looking for some input.. ~DonnaMarie~

I hear ya about the Vitamin levels.. my B12 are normal now.. YAY! And that was just taking extra orally. woo hoo! It is still a time away before I start trying but I am going to eat as healthy as possible now.. Thanks for everyone's support! ~Donnamarie~

Hey everyone! Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. I think I am coming out of my funk.. Last week was HELL with my anemia and AF here.. I could not do anything! I even missed work.. that sucked. (3 days.. heavy AF and TIRED TIRED TIRED.. sorry if TMI) Today was the first day in about 4 weeks where I felt like myself. I went out and planted some flowers and trimmed the bushes in the front of my house.. I even started an herb garden! I love fresh ingredient cooking and since surgery have a deeper love for it. I also took the dog to the dog park and went grocery shopping.. trust me, that was more than I have done in a LONG time. I even started some spring cleaning. Now I HAVE to get my sorry butt to the gym. I can hear Edie now.. Do it DonnaMarie!! Hee hee.. I will! Tomorrow I have an appointment with my endocrinologist to see how my Diabetes is doing. He will be very pleased with the weight loss I am sure. Friday brings a trip to my surgeon and I am thinking he is going to give me a fill. I can eat a bit more now and I am stuck but I think that most of that is the being lazy and sluggish and not moving my arse! That is all for now ladies. And I am with ya for the weekly updates.. mine might be daily cuz I feel better when I am "accountable" to someone! LOL Love and hugz! ~DonnaMarie~

Thanks for everyone's input! I actually spoke with my doctor about this issue and he told me that lots of people get pregnant and have healthy pregnancies with the lapband. In fact, it has actually helped alot of women to get pregnant! (by having some weight loss ahead of time) I have a 10 cc band (the largest one) and when I am unrestricted, I can eat normally.. so that being said, I feel that I will be fine nutrition wise when it comes to feeding a growing baby. I am actually going to see my doc and nurse again this week.. probably get another fill .. i think.. My doc said to wait a year from surgery and that is what we plan on doing. I am definately not giving up on my band. It is a life saver for me.. the tool is there to help me. I will use it like it was intended. Before I even had the surgery, I asked the doc if getting pregnant in the future would be a problem and he said, "nope, we will just open it up!".. Thanks to everyone who responded to this thread.. first thing first.. Gettin married in MAY!!! woo hoo!! ~DonnaMarie~

Definately Ketosis my friend.. that is foul.. I had it too when I was in the rapid weight loss stage.. Diabetics usually have a fruity smell to their breath. I have had that too since I am diabetic.. (i have had normal blood sugars for 2 years now.. yay!) I gotta try that smartmouth stuff.. sounds great! ~Donnamarie~

That sucks Courtney!!!! GRRRRRRR For dropping weight fast, you can try slimfast or even just do Protein only, no carbs.. everyone is different and that is what worked for me. Insurance companies suck!! I feel your pain and wish you luck.. with that kind of attitude, you will do it in no time flat!! ~DonnaMarie~