adorkbl

Congrats on your decision and welcome to the site. The best thing you can do is to look over the site and read as much as you can. Use the search feature to get specific answers to any questions you have.

I use "Ease Into 5K" and I really like it so far. It is 2.99. They have a few free ones out there that work just fine if you want basics and don't want all the extra stats. I wanna know distance and pace etc, that is why I like Ease Into 5K. And it is totally doable!! I still weigh over 300 and I just repeat a week until I am ready to move on.

I will check it out. Thanks!!

Yes, he did my surgery in Jan 08. I had my gallbladder removed in July 08 here locally and have continued my follow up with surgeon here. I had a leak for quite awhile before I decided to fix it. I replaced my port in Jan '11. My biggest struggle has been head hunger and depression. I start off strong and then go back to old habits. I lost 100 pounds initially and then gained back 56. I am on the downward trek again. I recently got diagnosed with hiatal hernia and severe gastritis. I am doing things right finally to avoid losing my band. So far so good. I think I thought the band would do more. But when I really examined what I have been doing, I realized I was doing everything to cheat my band and work around it. It is harder starting over 4 years out when you know how to work around your tool. But I am determined to be a success.

I am 4 plus years out and just recommitted. I could have wrote your post many times over the years. Many many times. I never felt like I found my spot. The last few weeks I have been focusing on the rules and really concentrating when I eat. When I eat white fish that is soft and mushy, I can eat way more. I love home made chili but I can overeat it. So I portion out a cup and stop. Mushies take discipline. When I eat a denser fish like Salmon, I really have to slow down and chew well and be mindful. chicken, forget about it. We don't get along. Hamburger, same thing. I realized I was avoiding foods that were dense and I couldn't eat as much of. Well duh. That is the point of the band right? Or I would take too big of a bite and not chew well and get stuck. Viscious cycle. On Sunday my hubby and I had a nice turkey dinner at the inlaws. I was so scared to eat because I thought for sure I would have issues with the turkey. I ate slow, chewed well and listened to my soft stop signals. My soft stop signals are usually a slight runny nose, or I sigh. If I push it, they turn into hiccups. It seriously took me 4 years to finally LISTEN to my signals. Now I stop. And guess what, I really am full for a good 4 hours. I am not going to lie and say that head hunger doesn't still come around before that 4 hours... but I don't listen to it anymore. (Well most of the time... I am not perfect... Yet) Recognize the difference between head hunger and real hunger. Focus on dense Protein and avoid mushies. Soft foods will mush up and pass through. You will be able to overeat soft foods. Trust me. I did it for a long time. Focus on dense solid Proteins. Proteins first. Green veggies second. Winning combo.

There is a great thread about Snacks on here. Check it out. Until you get good restriction you will be hungry between meals. As long as you are making smart snacking choices, you can still lose weight. Some of my favs: Greek yogurt (Chobani peach is my fav) Apple with Peanut Butter Almonds String cheese Laughing cow cheese wedge with wheat thins Hard boiled egg stuffed with hummus

Yay. I hope it is your magic spot!!

Congrats!! You look fab. I look forward to being able to fit into the style of clothing love. I love retro 50's style dresses.

Sounds like you were close to your green zone and 1cc was perhaps too aggressive of a fill. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. I have told my doctor on several occasions the fill amount I wanted. He tends to be agressive with fills where I lean towards the conservative. You will learn eventually what a difference just .2cc can make when you are close to optimal restriction. Perhaps ask for 1.2cc when you go back. That will put you slightly over where you were. Hang in there!!

Do what you are comfortable with. Initially only my husband knew. Then I told my family. Now I honestly don't remember who knows or not. Some co-workers do, some don't. My weight loss has been up and down and stopped many times over, so there hasn't been a drastic weight loss to explain. I pack my lunches. Honestly no one pays attention to what I eat. If someone asks and you are not comfortable sharing, tell them a partial truth. That you are watching what you eat, cutting back on portions, and exercising.

That is a quick turnaround and your body just had a huge shock. Take it easy and make sure you are getting your liquids in. Follow your doctors recommendations for diet. I am assuming you are still on liquids? Get some protein drinks down if that is allowable. I wouldn't worry at this point about feelin weak and generally yucky. Totally Expected. Hang in there!!!

Basically they want the pouch empty when you go in for a fill. So if you have no restriction, it shouldn't be an issue. If you have restriction, don't eat something that will still be in your pouch when you go in. So keep it light and drink plenty of water before hand to make sure it is clear and free.

Peach Chobani with Kashi Go Lean Crunch on top. My breakfast every morning. Soooo good. I tried the Vanilla Fage and I wanted to vomit. Disgusting. Chobani is the best out there IMHO. Blueberry and Peach are my favs. Good luck finding one you like!

Try liquids for a few days to see if it calms the stomach. In the meantime, find a new doctor and schedule an appointment. I would definitely get it checked out.

Welcome!! You will find lots of great support on this site.

I would like to join if I may. Name, real or screen~ ADORKBL Goal weight for April 29th~ 319 Weight on April 1st~ 329 Age~ 35 Dietary goal for April~ No eating out. Exercise goal for April~ Start couch 2 5k back up. Personal goal for April~ No ice cream. Date banded~ Jan 17, 2008 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 60 What is your favorite part about spring~ open windows My weigh in this morning was 324. Yay. The last two weeks of my recommitment have really been paying off!!! I am back down to 60 lbs gone.

Welcome back to being banded. I was banded in Jan 08 and lost 100 lbs down to 284. I was feeling good and started eating around my band as well. I also had a leak and lost restriction for awhile so I ended up gaining back 56 pounds. I just recommitted 17 days ago and have lost 7 pounds as of this mornings weigh in. It feels harder this time around because I know all the tricks to eat around my band. I really wish I never tested it. But I am sticking to the rules and doing good. Keep active on the board. It is helping me stay mindful. We can do this!!!

I also have no problem with ice Water or cold Protein shake in the morning. If I was unable to keep ice water down I would consider myself too tight and get a slight unfill. Yes I am much tighter in the AM, but not that tight. As far as ideas for something warm... I would stick to tea if I had that many difficulties.

The EatSmart scale has a 400 lb capacity. I am not familiar with the higher capacity scales. Good luck in finding a good one!!

I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday. I had little pain and took no pain medication. Some gas discomfort, but it was bearable. However 6 months later when I had my gallbladder removed... I had a lot more pain and was on heavy pain meds for 3 days post op. I was out a solid week. I think it is hard to predict how your body will react. You also need to take into account your job. Do you have a desk job? Do you lift and move around a lot? Give yourself a week if you can. Good luck!!

I am 4+ years out and have started over as well. I went back to basics. Started posting on LBT again. started blogging again. Started planning my meals and cooking at home again. It is harder to get back on track when the newness and excitement wears off... but it is totally doable. I am down 7 pounds since my recommitment 17 days ago. You can do it. Just refocus. How is your restriction? Mine sounds looser than others here but due to esophagitis and hiatal hernia, I am keeping it a little looser intentionally.

It depends completely on the doctor. I used to have my fills done under fluoroscopy and they were $250. With my current doctor, he charges $50 for an office visit and $100 for an office visit with a fill. He does "blind" fills. I am self pay.

I just wanted to say I am sorry for the pain and reflux you are having. I have been having issues too... but not quite as severe. I had an EGD a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with severe esophagitis and a hiatal hernia. My Dr wanted to remove my fill or remove my band. I changed my diet drastically and that has helped. I am hoping to avoid losing my band. Some diet tips: ~Avoid spicy foods such as those with pepper, chili powder, curry, and nutmeg. ~Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. ~Avoid greasy and fried foods. ~Avoid hard foods such as nuts, crackers, and raw vegetables. ~Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, and their juices. ~Take small bites and chew food thoroughly. ~Drink liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier. ~Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Sorry I don't have a lot of advise. Just wanted to give you some support. I hope you can find relief!!