Lori_K

I just got home after my Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and Panniculectomy (removal of excessive skin of the abdomen). Brutal surgery, I'm exhausted and in a lot of pain. I knew this before surgery, so I'm trying to get a lot of rest and take my pain pills around the clock. First, I know I did this for myself, not for anyone else. Only I knew how I felt carrying around that extra flab of skin hanging off my stomach. I did this for my comfort, and not for "vanity". Even if I did do it for vanity, what business is it of anyone else? Don't we dye our hair when grays come in, wear make-up, nice clothes, pluck eye brows and have hair removal waxes? I don't feel my age, after losing 100 pounds I feel 10 years younger. That flab of skin was slowing me down, and making my back ache. Why should I "just accept the body I'm in"? Anyway, I'm getting a "cold shoulder" from some family and friends, who otherwise were very supportive about my lap-band surgery. "You look fine, you don't need this surgery", (for example), and friends who don't call (or won't reply to my calls/text messages), like they did for other surgeries I've had (and I did the same for them). It could be just this time of the year, Memorial Day and such, but it just seems strange. Luckily, my husband is supportive, and as I mentioned I did this for my own comfort. I do miss the comfort of friends and family - even if its just a "how are you doing". Nothing more. Anyone else experience this, or have similar troubles? It seems plastic surgery gets a bad rap, I really don't understand it.

Thanks for your responses and help Elcee and Mauraclegg! I agree it could be jealousy elcee, but the people mainly ignoring me shouldn't be jealous - they are thin. I do know why my husband's family has turned away . . . they feel I'm "making their brother work too hard', because he's been very supportive and helping me with everything. There's a party on his side of the family today, and HE opted not to go, because he felt I wasn't strong enough to be on my own yet. He's not complaining at all, so I don't know why his family is acting this way. We've had good relations, now it seems all turned around . . . it just hurts I guess. Mauraclegg, I have a girlfriend of 30 years, she is heavy, and says she is "not ready to do something about it yet". I do know she feels more uncomfortable around me now. I want to see her and do lunch like we used to, but it seems now she has other friends and things to do when I ask to get together. I could be misinterpreting things, but as I stay home and recover it's hard not to get a reply from an email I sent or a phone call. I guess I'll just keep on keepin' on, nothing much more I can do. Mauraclegg, good luck with your surgery! I'm still swollen and sore, but it's still the first week for me. I can see those flabs of skin gone - I'm gonna LOVE it when all this heals.

It's been 3 years since my lap-band surgery, I've maintained my weight loss, so now I think it's time to get rid of the excess skin on my stomach. It's so bad I feel like I'm pregnant. It hangs/sits on my thighs. I found a great plastic surgeon, she advised the Tummy tuck with the Panniculectomy - I'd see better results. Since insurance is covering the Panni, I was OK with paying for the Tummy Tuck ($2,000). Anyway, I'm NERVOUS. Not about having surgery itself, just what kind of pain I'll experience after. I know there's lots of information in this forum about this, but I'm getting confused reading it all, so anyone that doesn't mind sharing information on some of my questions, I'd greatly appreciate it! 1. My surgeon said the operation would take about 3 hours. Similar for anyone else? 2. I'll be coming home with a binder (that I have to wear for 2 weeks), a drain (or two) that I'll have to measure the Fluid from. Similar? 3. I'll also have a "pain pump". There will be two tubes (very small, like an epidural tube) in my abdomen, connected to a pump that will continuously give me pain medication (I'm not sure what kind, I'll ask at my next visit this week). When the pump is empty, I can just slide the tubes out. Has anyone else had this? 4. I can't stand up straight for a week. Again similar stories? I can shower the very next day, but I'm not sure how with the tubes and drains. 5. And I guess the two most important questions - how soon were you able to do light house work? I have a son with autism, he'll be at a sitter during my surgery, but will need care after. My hubby helps, but he does need to go back to work after a week. 6. And PAIN :eekB: My biggest fear. I'm a wimp. Does everyone have a lot? I'll have the pain pump (I'm very interested if anyone else has this), and oral pain medication, but I just wonder how long the pain will last. Why can't I stand up straight for a week? (yes I'm going to ask her at my visit this week). I know these are a lot of questions, if anyone can answer one or two, I thank-you in advance! I am getting some information from my surgeon, but it's always helpful to talk to peers who've had similar experiences. I'd love to hear what you have to say! (good stories or bad, lol). Thanks everyone! :thankyou:

Thanks for this Cindy! (5 weeks with tubes, wow!) That's an excellent suggestion. My surgeon said definitely one drain tube, possibly two. If I only get one, I'm gonna be lop-sided! But still great advice, thanks! I'm glad to listen to all this advice, it is helping me to be more prepared!

Thanks so much for all the information Sue! I didn't think about the fatigue, that's a good point (with the band surgery I felt better in a few days). I have been cleaning my house from top to bottom, trying to get things done so I can just relax. Luckily, hubby knows how to vacuum and do laundry, lol. Not to be a pain and ask more questions, but I'm curious about the Vitamin C - neither surgeon mentioned this. How much did you take? Did your Lap-band surgeon remove all the Fluid from your band before surgery (mine is going to do this). When did you start getting it refilled? Thanks again for all your answers! I'm going to look on the bright side, and think of this as a two month vacation, lol.

Hi Ezma, I'm still doing good on the food plan, but really need some motivation for exercise. I've been busy busy busy, but I don't think that cuts it for good aerobic fat burning exercise. I need to get back on my bike and get my treadmill smokin' again. I know what you mean about kids growing up so fast. My son just turned 13 a week ago, now I'm the mother of a teenager! :eek: My son has autism, so his behavior is still very young, but he is growing fast - he's starting to give me that "mom, I don't wanna do that right now" look already. Arrg! :sneaky: I'm sure your husband was with you both in spirit when you went to orientation. You sound so strong when I read your posts, and I admire you for that. I'm sure it's gotta be so hard sometimes. ((((warm hugs)))) to you and keep that strong faith going. :smile: I wish I could get that kind of motivation going. Can't ever see myself running! Maybe if I got into the 140 weight range - right now I'm having trouble fighting the 150's. Most difficult weight range yet. I know 158 probably doesn't sound like a lot, but it is on a 5'2" body frame. Need to convince my body it really is "petite". lol. :w00t: Me too Tap. :tt2: I gotta learn to buck up it and get my butt in gear again. Oooo, I LOVE bean salad. But Beans have protein, yes? And I wish they made ff *soy* yogurt. I've never found any. The regular soy yogurt is way too many carbs and calories. And I can't touch anything with milk (although oddly cheese doesn't bother me) - milk just plays havoc with my GI system. I'm very lactose intolerant. OK! Pushing myself to do two miles on the treadmill tonight. I'll report in tomorrow and let you know if I was successful, lol. Hugs and have a good day all - Just Keep Swimming! And running, and walking, etc. lol. :wink:

WOW, Angie that is amazing! Congratulations to you, that is fabulous. :thumbup::thumbup: You must be in some really great shape! Sorry Tap, I didn't get to update on Monday, I had a lot of busy work to get to, and just didn't get time for the computer. August is gonna be a busy month. Anyway, the garage sale was FANTASTIC!!!! I had a blast. It was a lot of work, but I just enjoyed meeting people, chatting and just having fun. We sold over 85% of what we had available, and we made twice as much money as I thought we were gonna. Honestly though, I think the best part was meeting people! My two favorite quotes from the sale: "I go to garage sales all the time, and this is just one of the nicest I've ever seen - you really have everything organized, and you have something for everyone in the family!" That made me feel so good hearing this, 'cus I did work hard to organize everything. I'm sure we did have something for everyone, lol . . . 18 years of accumulated stuff, plus stuff from my hubby's side of the family - when his mother passed away, and when his grandmother passed away. I felt a little bad selling some of it, but hubby didn't - we just don't have the room! Where does all this "stuff" come from? lol A lady picked up a beautiful pastel dress that still had the tags on it (size 2X), and she was amazed it was never worn. I told her it was meant to be an Easter dress. She said, "Oh, I'm so sorry the lady never got to wear this, it's lovely." When I told her that lady was me, she looked me up and down in disbelief. It just felt so good :huh2: "You must have lost quite a bit of weight." Yep I did :wink2: It always feels so good when someone notices. :wub: The "bake sale part" of the sale flopped, no one wanted to buy food, even the tempting aroma of cinnamon rolls. I ended up giving them away for free to those who bought something. A neighbor even brought over a plate of chocolate chip cookies to hand out. The neighbors were all so friendly and came over to chat and help out! The weather cooperated by being sunny and beautiful all weekend, I don't think I could have asked for more. It was a very successful sale and a great time. Plus I have my garage, crawl space and several closets cleaned out! I'm geeked. ****** Getting back to my weight loss and motivation, it seems I found my mojo! I have my weight back into the 150's (whew) and I'm doing excellent staying on plan (so far for 4 days, lol). I'm gonna try really hard and keep it up. Maybe my inspiration came back from the compliments I received from over the weekend. Anyway, no more excuses - vacation is over, no more parties. Well except for the birthday party for my son, but I'm gonna really practice some restraint against the ice cream and cake. I gotta view that stuff as EVIL. :huh2: Tap, I'm with you, my exercise mojo is still lagging - I think I need something new to spark it. Eating good for a few days will help me to shed a few of those extra pounds I've gained, but I know it's exercise that's gonna burn the rest off and keep me from gaining more. Especially when my lap-band isn't up to par at the moment. I'm really doing this on will power alone right now. Anyway, no more excuses - full steam ahead and charging towards my goal!

Let's help each other out by posting some recipes! I've seen some good stuff in the main thread - drinks and dishes that sound great. I'll start with one of my favorite Breakfast (or even lunch) meals. Eggbeaters omelette: 1/2 cup of Eggbeaters 1/2 cup equals 2 large eggs - increase to 3/4 cup if you want a 3 egg omelette (if you can eat that much). 1/4 cup of Fat-free shredded cheese (I use this):Protein, and a great way to start the day! :bored:

Hello Ladies! Well, I'm getting excited for my garage sale. We have things ready (mostly, lol) and planning on selling cinnamon rolls and lemonade (like Melissa suggested, I think it's a cute idea). I hope to sell the rolls, because I don't want them in the house, lol! My sweet tooth demon will surely attack them. If there's any left, I'll just have hubby take them to work. And Tap, I made my signs HUGE, lol . . . I agree with you, some people make such small signs, they are impossible to read. Anyway, hoping to make some money this weekend - the weather is supposed to be really nice, so that will help. I hope it all goes well. :tt2: Thanks all for the kind words about my kitty. I still have two cats around the house, so it helps. I think they may be sensing a difference too. Just gonna keep the positive thoughts flowing, and remember the good times we shared. Well I saw my surgeon yesterday, and he is just the nicest guy. He didn't give me any lecture regarding my weight gain at all, he was just concerned that he couldn't give my lap-band even a small fill without giving me heart burn or reflux. So I have to go and get an Upper GI and then he can evaluate the band further. I hope it's not slipped or something. Ezma, if you conquer that cookie demon, will you let me know how please? The seems to be my big problem, I'm just craving sweets lately. I went to the whole foods store after my doctor visit, and stocked up on some fresh fruits in season - plums, nectarines, and some great looking kiwi fruits. I also bought a bought some new things to spruce up salads - sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes (not sure the calorie count on those) and some butter lettuce. Butter lettuce makes good sandwich wraps too! So I'm still trying . . . I gotta beat that sweet tooth demon in the butt. :thumbup: Melissa, I hope you have a great time with your family in Utah! You'll have to share it all with us when you get back. Isn't it great not to have to worry about fitting into seats and other things! :wub: Struggling with you on the exercise Tap - with all the work we've been doing on the sale (plus other family gatherings that have been going on), I just haven't had the energy to do as much as I should. I've been out on my bike, and still working around the yard, but it's not enough to keep up with what I've been eating! I did drop two pounds rather quickly. Maybe it was Water weight? I can hope, lol! Thanks so much for this post Irene - it really gave me lots of inspiration! You are right, we do need to keep doing 90% on our own (although right now I wish my band was giving me a LITTLE help) . . . I loved where you said "there is no limit on how many times we can try again." AMEN to that! :thumbup: Just keep swimming all, and have a great weekend! I'll probably be back on Monday :tt1: ((((Warm Hugs))))

That's a great idea SHM, I appreciate all your help and suggestions. I spent most of the day today making signs, plus we have an ad in the paper (starting on Thursday), so I hope we did enough advertising. I'm looking forward to it! I think having a bake sale as part of it would be fun, as long as I don't eat any of it - which I probably would, lol. I'm not feeling great lately. Tap, you're not alone, I've gained weight too. But I've gained a lot more. I don't know why I get so close to my goal, then blow it and gain back. This up and down is getting to me. I have to see my surgeon tomorrow, and this is the first time I've gained this much weight. The band isn't working for me right now. If my surgeon puts any fluid into it, I get heartburn and reflux. I'm starting to feel like this has all been another big diet, and everything I've lost is gonna come back. I am scared I'm gonna fail once again. It's why I went and had this stupid band, I need it. I just hope my doctor will have some words of wisdom tomorrow, instead of giving me a lecture. Plus I know I've been emotional eating. My cat "Aesop" had to be put to sleep on Monday. My hubby and I have had him 18 years, the same number of years we've been married. I've never known a moment in this home without my kitty. It was his time, and I know it was the right thing to do - he was nothing but skin and bones, and suffering. I know it's silly, and some say it's "just a cat", but I've been so upset for the past few days, crying off and on. Then overeating - why do we turn to food for comfort? Would my doctor understand this was part of my weight gain? Somehow I doubt it. :w00t: Or am I just making excuses? :thumbup: Ok, I'm rambling and venting here. Sorry girlfriends. I'm still gonna keep swimming, things are just moving very slowly right now. I hope I can get back into my grove of weight loss. I'm actually looking forward to the garage sale, maybe it will perk me up a bit. I'm putting my ticker back to where my weight is truly at, I can't keep lying to myself. I hope I can get back where I was. Talk to all again soon, hopfully I'll have more positive things to share. ((((warm hugs )))) to all

Thanks Tap and SHM for all your great advice on garage sales, I really appreciate it! I have been trying to organize everything and get things out of boxes, and my hubby tells me "I'm over doing it, I don't need to be so neat. It's not a store". LOL . . . now I can show him your responses, and that I was doing the right thing all along! hehe. :tongue2: I do have the clothes up on hangers (no surprise they are mostly plus sized clothes) but I've got some more in boxes I need to work on. I'm gonna take your advice SHM and start pricing things lower too . . . I think hubby wants to much money for stuff. I agree you can make more in the long run by selling a lot of items for cheaper prices. We will be putting an ad in the newspaper, plus making lots of signs to guide people into the neighborhood - so we're good there. It's good to know about the people coming early - we were planning on opening at 9am, maybe maybe we'll start at 8am. Thanks again for the advice! I'm off now to do more organizing, plus we still have more boxes left to open up and sort out yet. The free sale item is a great one too! Hubby and I were thinking that after it's all over, of just giving everything to the GoodWill.

Just wanted to say hi all, been super busy with a lot of birthdays coming up, plus hubby and I are doing our first garage sale ever - we have 18 years of stuff to go though, lol. It's a lot of work but it's been fun too. It feels good to clean out the closets and get rid of clutter. I hope we make some money at the sale. The sale itself doesn't take place for over a week yet. I managed to get my "vacation weight" back off, and I'm hovering between 155 - 156 now. It seems like I'll never lose those last few pounds, I just get too hungry. Maybe my body says it's done, lol. Gonna keep swimming though - I have an appointment with my doctor coming up, so I'll go from there. Thanks for thinking of me Tap! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Take care & God Bless. Lori :cool2:

Some of my favorite Snacks include: Laughing Cow cheese wedge, spread on a white cheddar rice cake. Yummy! Also a teaspoon of Peanut Butter (natural preferred) spread on a apple-cinnamon rice cake. I also do the Jello instant puddings (fat free, sugar free), pistachio is my favorite. I like SHM idea of mint in chocolate, I'm gonna have to try that. I do like the 100 calorie packs of snacks, they are usually small and not very filling, so I'll pair it up with some fresh fruit. I currently like strawberries and nectarines. Summer fruit is the best! The 100 calorie packs help with my sweet tooth addiction. A cup of coffee with some flavored Splenda (mocha, hazel nut for example, there are others) is also a treat for me. No calories, and with the flavored Splenda it really tastes good. You can also drink it iced - 4oz of coffee (made with 1/2 cup of hot water) then add 4oz of cold Water, and pour it over ice. A very nice frosty beverage for the Summer!

What I ate for dinner tonight: Spaghetti with turkey sausage. Ok, I know the sausage is a processed food, it's not something I do all the time - but it is good once in a while to break the diet up. 1 turkey sausage link - 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 0 carbs, 17 grams of Protein. Spaghetti Sauce (I use Emeril's) - one half cup (I didn't finish it all) - 75 calories, 4 grams of fat, 10 grams carbs, 2 grams of protein. Spaghetti - Heartland Wholegrain - 1oz. - 95 calories, 1 g of fat, 20 g carbs, 4 g protein. This is one of my "heavier" meals, but it will keep me full for a long time. And I have noticed after eating (a small amount) of Pasta I will lose some weight. Both my dietitian and exercise physiologist told me I need no less than 100 g of carbs a day to burn fat. This is just what I'm doing, I know things are different for everyone, and there are many ways to lose those pounds. Please share what you are eating! Someone had some really good drink ideas, I think I lost those recipes! (and I'm too lazy to go back through the very long master thread, lol) :crying: Big hugs all! :crying: Edit: Oops, I forgot to add the veggie I made with this :wub: - we had asparagus (I can only eat the tips). I was very bad and ate the meat and carbs first (it's hard not to with spaghetti!) but I did manage a few asparagus tips. It's a "free" vegetable, meaning I never count any carbs or calories in it. I shoulda saved room for more of it though!

Hi all, I'm back from vacation! :eek: Hubby and I had a great time exploring Chicago, although it's not a town for a diet - I gained 4 pounds while there :crying: Eating in yummy restaurants every meal is not a good way to eat healthy. Ah well, I did have fun! My weight is not 155, I'll be honest and say it's now 159 (major sigh) but I just can't bring myself to change the ticker, lol. I'm going the wrong way here on my ticker - time to get serious again, and reach that goal!!! :w00t: I am motivated to do it. I just wanted to say I agree with this completely. Our bodies need a balanced diet to keep the metabolism burning. We need healthy carbs to burn fat (whole grains, fruits and veggies). Those fad foods and diets didn't work before the Lap-Band, they are not going to work now. Then again, I am dietitian bred and raised, lol :crying: I could not have come this far without her excellent advice. Hey Jul! Glad to have you here and chatting with us! :wub: Please don't worry about the pity party hun, we all have them, and we are all here to share them. And we are here to help re-inspire you! I have those same addictions. Major sweet tooth here. I probably would not have gained a couple of those pounds (during my vacation) were it not for ice cream, lol. My humble advice if you are experiencing a plateau - you need to change up something, maybe a few somethings. Your body most likely adapted to the way you are eating and the amount of exercise you are doing. I'm not sure what your aerobic exercise is, but try changing it up - if you are walking, try a brief jog in the middle of it. I do this on my treadmill - I go at my power-walk pace, then run for a bit until I get out of breath, then slow back down. I read about this somewhere online (not that I believe everything I read online, lol) - but it has worked for me. You have to give your body something new. Try eating some new foods - make sure you're getting a balanced diet. If you want a change, you gotta make a change :wink: Hang with us, everyone here is so wonderful at helping each other though these tough times! Now I'm off to listen to my own advice, lol, and do some upper body work outs. HEY EVERYONE - please add what you are eating in the recipe thread. I was the only one who posted there. :crying: If we can give each other ideas on some new foods, I'm sure it will help break up the monotony and maybe give our healthy eating habits a good kick-start. :smile: Just keep swimming all! We have all had failures in the past, but that does NOT mean we can't be successful this time!

Dr. Krause was my surgeon, I had a very smooth surgery with no problems post-op. He's a highly skilled surgeon and just the nicest doctor, he always takes time for your questions even when he gets busy. Very polite and professional. The office staff is excellent and friendly. Beaumont Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the nation (and it is a Bariatric Center of Excellence), the staff treated me so nice I felt like a VIP. Beaumont also has a Weight Loss Center with doctors, dietitians and other staff that will help you to succeed - I don't think I would have been this successful without them. They have support groups, cooking classes, a place to exercise, and LOTS more. It's really comprehensive. Top notch surgeon, office staff, hospital, and the best follow up care anywhere - I don't think you can find better. I feel very blessed to have had my surgery here. I'd highly recommend Dr. Krause and Beaumont Hospital to anyone considering weight loss surgery. Check the links in my signature for Beaumont's Weight Loss website. I'd be happy to share my Lap-Band experience if anyone has questions.

Thanks LilMiss and Ezma! and you're right Ezma, I'm very nuts, it's the one thing that keeps my mind somewhat sane, lol. :tongue2: I hope I didn't sound too pathetically down there, :w00t: I'm really sorry if I did. Although it's 100 times better after my weight loss, I still deal with some bouts of depression. :cursing: I just need a swift kick in the rump and I can usually get out of that mood! I just want to be chummy and have fun with my girlfriends here. I'm good today, looking forward to the 4th of July weekend and some vacation after. There's been a lot of stress and I think I need it. We also need some sun and warm weather here in Michigan, it's been so cold and rainy. I wish everyone a very happy Fourth of July and a great weekend! :w00t:

Still here. Been busy for the past week, my hubby is off for two weeks, we've been doing some much needed chores around the house, plus getting ready for vacation for next week. So I'll probably not be around much. I doubt anyone will miss me. Somehow I don't feel like I'm contributing much here, I'm not the best writer. I feel it inside but can never get it in words. Not much going on with my weight loss, but I'm not really trying hard at the moment - but I've been doing good with maintaining, and I'm happy with that. Once back from vacation I'm gonna push for my goal. StLouisGal, your vacation sounds wonderful. I would have loved hiking in mountains! The ice cream shops would have been my weakness too. While on vacation, I'm going to enjoy some good foods I don't usually eat. Ice cream will probably be one of them. Congratz to those who lost some pounds, and warm hugs to those still swimming - with such positive support from everyone else here, I know you'll make it! I'd like to hear from some of the old friends too.

Still here Tap! I was busy yesterday, I had a dentist appointment on top of everything else. I'm a big coward at the dentist, they have to give me the gas before they can stick a needle in my mouth. I needed a filling. No exercise yesterday, after I came home from that, I had a bad headache and just wanted to sleep. The gas does relax me, but it gives me a headache when it wears off. Yeah, I'd like an answer to that too, lol. I can do great and eat good all day long, but then in the evening I want to munch! I do try and save some fresh fruit or something healthy for it, but eventually my sweet tooth is bugging me. If I didn't have the sweet cravings, I'll probably be a size 5 by now. It'll never happen, lol. :bored: How about a new thread, where we just post our favorite recipes? The Salsa Chicken sounds good, but I musta missed that one. I'll start the thread - let's share our favorite recipes! :scared2: My hubby will be off for the next two weeks, so we're gonna start some much needed work around the house. This weekend I need to get out and do more in the yard, I still haven't planted that extra flat of flowers. I hope it doesn't rain! Have a great weekend all :thumbup:

Yes, I agree Tap - it's probably best to wait until after vacation. It'll allow me to eat more than I should on vacation, but I'm gonna watch it and do my best. :eek: Lately, my doctor has been giving me .25cc fills (and unfills, sigh) . . . I'm just so sensitive. It's amazing that such a small amount can make such a difference! Absolutely terrific that you walk to work! Cheers to you Jaime for helping others though blogging and speaking! You say you haven't done those things for others, but it is a way to help ourselves by helping others - that's the beauty of it :cuss:. If doing those activities helps you, then I think it's a good thing to continue (or restart) them. Concentrate on yourself definitely - doing what feels good for you will help you stick to it. I'm glad your doctor gave you some positive feedback. I find it discouraging when the "professionals" bring out the lecture attitude. It's just not a good way to motivate :smile2:. Hang in there, you've got your girlfriends here with you! I'm thankful to be here in this forum. I know some might look at my ticker and wonder why I feel like I'm struggling - but for me this isn't about (just) achieving a goal - this is a life long battle - and I'll always need support for that. :eek:

Hi Everyone! :smile: Just stopping by to keep in touch here . . . not much is currently changing in my weight loss journey (so I probably need to make a change, lol). I ate too much over the weekend, Father's Day celebrations for my hubby and then his dad. I'm never really comfortable with Father's Day, because I lost my dad when I was 21. I focus on making the day happy for my hubby now, but there's always a little bit of sadness that remains. :biggrin: Anyway, that leads to some emotional eating, within the presence of chocolate cake. Back up and down the same two pounds. I really need to get serious, get some discipline and get to my goal, but I doubt that's gonna happen soon . . . I have vacation coming up in July, and I do intend to enjoy some restaurant eating :blushing: My band is currently not helping me, I have no restriction, so I am working with will-power alone to try and lose this weight. I only have about 3.5 cc's in a 10 cc band. I could make another appointment with my surgeon for a fill, but every time he puts some fluid back into the band, I end up with heartburn/reflux. I do have an appointment in July that's after my vacation . . . I'm thinking of waiting and just taking it from there. I hope this post doesn't sound all dreary! I'm actually feeling good and enjoying Summer . . . finally some warm weather to enjoy! I've done a lot of work in the yard, I planted 4 flats of flowers in the beds in our front yard. Then a BAD groundhog came and ate about a third of the flowers :confused: - so hubby and I bought one more flat of flowers, and put down a whole bunch of critter repellent around the flowers beds. I gotta get out there and plant that last flat. :wink: OK! Warm hugs to all, keep on swimming!

I'm still here Tap . . . Hello all VV's ! :eek: There's been a lot of stress I'm dealing with (with a family member that I care very much about, nothing at home), so I've been busy with that, and just not much computer time. But it's good to be here and chat with everyone! I saw my surgeon yesterday, and I had to have some fluid taken out - not much, about a quarter of a cc. It's amazing how a small amount can make such a difference! I was having A LOT of reflux at night, it was waking me up and causing me to choke and cough. (And I wasn't eating 2-3 hours before bedtime). Other than interfering with my sleep, my doctor was worried that I might aspirate (inhale stomach contents into my lungs) . . . so he thought it best to stop the reflux, and remove the fluid. It's only been one night, but I didn't have any reflux last night, so far so good. :smile: Bad thing about all this, I don't have much restriction - I can eat way more than I should. That doesn't mean I have to of course, but it is just too easy to over eat if I know I can. My weight is good, so I'm trying to be careful, I don't want to gain any back. I see my doctor again in six weeks, he'll evaluate the situation then and he said I may have to have an Upper GI to see if there are any other problems that's causing me to reflux so much. So for now, I'm running on will power alone. And yesterday I broke my "June is no junk month" . . . I ate some potato chips. Just one of those small single serving bags, but still, I'm sure it's more than I needed! :wink: But I put myself back on track today - it's still "June is no Junk month". I gotta keep on keepin' on! :wink: I've been doing good with exercise, I tried jogging outside! For some reason I've been to shy to do this before - I guess I still remember those days when people made fun of the obese me (especially neighborhood kids!). For some reason, jogging outside seemed a bit harder than on my treadmill! I know I got a good workout though. On Sunday I spent 6 hours doing yardwork and planting flowers, and oy, my butt and the back of my legs are SO sore! Very painful. I may not feel my age, but my body sure has ways of reminding me! :eek: So that's probably enough from me, lol. I'm sorry I didn't give any advance notice for being away Tap! :smile: I promise I won't do it again, lol

Stopping by to say hello to everyone, I've been away from the computer for about a week (I didn't go anywhere, just very very busy). I hope everyone is having a great weekend! :smile: Wow Nicole, that's a lot of plastic surgery! I'm jealous, lol I'd love to have all that. :tongue: I'm hoping to get a tummy tuck, my insurance should pay for it, if my doctor says its a medical necessary (which he seemed agreeable to do). My bum doesn't need anything, lol :tongue_smilie: but I would LOVE to have "the girls" back where they belong and with implants. I went from a size D to a size B (B as in Barely there, lol) . . . and they are just too far south. I don't think my insurance is going to cover that, so I'm just gonna have to stick to good supportive bras for now. And I feel bad for you for having snow! :frown: I've been complaining here in Michigan, because it's been so rainy and cold. I want Summer! I agree with this, I have caught myself sliding back, but stopped it and continued to move forward. What helps me is taking the mentality that my obesity was not "cured" by the band, it helped me lose weight, but I still am an obese person - meaning I'm going to have to watch my weight for life, just like any other disease or disorder. The lap-band is my second life partner, after my hubby of course. Isn't that a wonderful feeling! Congrats StLouisGal! :smile: Hi EileenMary, Everyone is very different, the number of fills that works for one person isn't going to work for another. Some may get restriction with one or two fills (not common) and others it will take several. I've been one of those bandsters where my band has been difficult - it took many fills. But I also chose to go very slowly, and my surgeon has worked closely with me on this. And like SHM says, you could get to good restriction, but then it will taper off, as you lose weight. You lose weight around your stomach too! :wink2: So try hard and hang in there, this is a gradual and ongoing process, but so VERY worth it! The best of luck to you ! :smile: Please stop by anytime, and let us know how you are doing. Melissa, what a gorgeous family and a beautiful picture! I loved it, it really made me smile. :smile2: Thanks for sharing! You all look so happy!:smile:

This is really awesome StLouisGal! Congratz to you on all of it. :thumbup::thumbup::w00t: This is inspiring to me too! I know I "only" have about 5 pounds to lose (I may want to go further) . . . but I SO want to get there, and be able to say I lost 100 pounds. That's a lot off a 5'2" frame. Plus all this helps me learn to maintain too - I NEVER want to go back to where I was. Lots of love to you too! :clap: ROFL! :clap: Now where can I find a large animal . . . Agree! It so great to see other people joining us! I feel a little backed up with catching up too, but I'm still here and trying! Welcome back Crystal and Babydoe! Somehow I read this as "memory fluctuations", lol . . . I'm must be having those! My dietitian says it's good to eat nuts, especially walnuts (good omega 3's, heart healthy fats) - just in moderation of course. 4 walnut halves is one fat serving (I know, pathetically small amount) . . . my diet plan includes 3 fat servings a day. Peanut butter is my passion though, so the fat serving goes there. :tongue2: I am feeling great! :clap: But I think that last 5 pounds is going to be SO stubborn! :eek: Tracking food and calories/fats/protein/carbs may sound like a major pain, but it's really helped keep me on plan. I've gotten so used to it, it's become just a regular daily routine, like showering and brushing your teeth. Gonna miss you! Please take care and be safe! YES! I keep saying this too, it really helps! I wish everyone a wonderful and beautiful weekend! Just Keep Swimming! June is no junk month!