hopeinapril

Hi everyone! I had my second fill on Wednesday. Today I am on mushies and actually feel restriction for the first time since the surgery. I hope it lasts! It is wonderful to eat a few ounces of something and be satisfied for a few hours! Megan: Today is the day. I know everything will go well for you. Pop on the board when you can. It sounds like you have everything ready to go! Lynn: Hi! I'll have to catch up with you next week. It looks like my schedule may lighten up and I can walk. Are you still walking at the mall? Trish: Welcome! I hope you get a date soon! Caelyn: Welcome! I hope your journey is a smooth one! Fairy: Thanks for the information! I am going on vacation this week and have 2 bathing suits. Actually, they are identicle, but in 2 different sizes. I may have to stop over there next week when I return. I'm going to go to the clothing exchange also. I don't have much to contribute yet, but I am beginning to notice that my shirts are quite baggy! How are you doing otherwise? Everyone - This reminds me to mention that while I was talking to Sam, he mentioned that St. Francis Annex will now have a "struggling" meeting with Dr. Wynn (and other doctors when she is not available) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month except December. I mention this as much for me as anyone else. I felt like the poster child for "struggling". I finally know what restriction is now and hope to kick the weight loss in! Well, I'm off for a few days of vacation - relaxing and wonderfully active!

366! How excited you must be! Do you have all your stuff? I'll be thinking of you!

Howdy! I'm back. My computer is all better! I hope everyone is having a wonderful long weekend. The weather is just wonderful.

Hi Everyone! Harley - How awesome to be close to under 200. I am pea green with envy! Italian dinner - I actually did what I consider pretty well. I ordered penne Pasta with broccoli and chicken. I basically ate the chicken and broccoli. I can always use any additional tips. I did take a bite of a ball of sherbert covered in white chocolate. I was proud I took only a bite! Next time we are going to a more diet friendly restaurant. I suppose I could have ordered a salad, but that seemed kind of lame. Fenton - please feel free to share tips if you go on those trips with your doctor. Your doctor sounds pretty cool by the way. My doc is awesome, but in obviously good shape! Well, a darn trojan got into my personal computer, so I may be away from the board for a little. (I'm really hoping I have it resolved and will be on tonight!) In any event, have a wonderful, active weekend!

Howdy! I just wanted to drop in and leave a note. I found a trojan in my computer and as of Wednesday I haven't been able to get online. I will check from time to time from work, but I am not sure when I will get back online. It could be as early as this weekend. Don't let me catch the person who created the trojan! I'm still a large women and I fight dirty! :cool2:

Hi Everyone! Bummer for all of us slow loosers. I can tell you that with me getting more Protein, things have been going much smoother. I eat 3-4 ounces of protein and then some veggies or something like that. Then I wait and see if I am really hungry for more. So far, I haven't eaten any more. Diva! Poor thing, you sure have had a rough week or so. I doubt your band was affected by the wreck, but I would mention to the doctor you should see. I would see one to get checked out even if you don't feel bad. It never hurts to be sure. Well.... I'm off to eat dinner with some friends. I'm going to focus on the protein first. I'm hoping I do well in that Italian restaurant. (YIKES!) I'm picking the place next time! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Greetings! Wow, it is good to be back. Life is much less hectic now! My mom is out of the hospital, work has settled down and other issues have resolved. Why oh why does everything happen at once? It is good to be back and see others say what is going on in my head. For everyone that is loosing, congrats! For anyone else, like me, who is not, hang in there! I have another fill coming in about a week. I am thrilled! Right now I can eat WAY too much. It is odd what I can't eat! I tried to eat a french fry the other day, OMG! I think I didn't chew it enough, but goodness, I won't be doing that again. I agree with the Protein thing. We need a lot more protein based on our size. I can tell when I don't get enough, I feel sort of weak. Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Hi Everyone! I have been out of touch for a while. Work is insane! My mom is in the hospital and looks horrible. (She is getting out the hospital this week!) Lisa: The fill went great! I had no problems. I will need another one. I can already tell. I do have an appointment in 2 weeks, so that is exciting! Do you have a fill date? When they ask you why you are there, tell them a fill. They set up as if you are getting a fill. It was matter of fact for me. Let us know how you are doing! 366 - Sounds like you are getting everything lined up. It is tough when folks don't support you. I have only told 3 people in my life. I still choose NOT to tell many folks. It is truly your choice who you tell. Frankly, I chose the folks I knew would support me. As you said, you can pick your friends, you cannot pick your family. You can always talk/vent here. I find it is a good resource. The people are kind and are good listeners.

Hi Busy: My mom has an infection that is common to nursing homes. This is the second time she has had one. This is pretty nasty. We actually had to have a feeding tube inserted. She is getting better and when she gets released, she will go to a different nursing home. Thank you for asking! It has been stressful as I am the one to make her medical decisions. She did agree to the feeding tube, so I am glad about that. She is alert and that sort of thing, not like she was in a coma or something like that. I appreciate the concern by you all about my mom! Lynn/Diva: Glad to hear your fills went well. Hi Sharon! Just remember it is a journey and tomorow is another day. I beat myself up about it last week. Don't do that to yourself. Get up, dust yourself off and start brand new! I know you can do it. Good news about getting another fill next week. Here's hoping you get near your "sweet spot"!

Hi! I just had my first fill yesterday. I don't mind watching other folks get needles, but I don't like to see ME get them! I just didn't look! My doc gives you a numbing shot first, then he gives you the shot for the fill. I looked the other way. I could feel a slight tightening sensation near my stomach and that was it. I was on liquids yesterday and today and tomorrow I am on mushies, then back to food. Good luck and don't worry. I think the thinking about it is the worst!

Hi folks! I don't think we will have restriction for a while. I think most folks take several fills before they hit that 'sweet spot'. The dietician told me yesterday that when you hit that spot it is like a light switch goes off. Until then, we are kind of at the mercy of our own selves. Lafs - I've got to tell you that I was there where you are only a few days ago. I expect to be there again. The only good thing I have going for me is that I see the doctor again in less than 3 weeks. Have you had a fill yet? I hope you don't have one of those militant doctors..... You know everything according to their set schedule. ah well, not much else to say except my mom's in the hospital and work is so very crazy. Life is extraordinarily hectic! I'm kind of glad I had a fill, otherwise I'd be looking in the fridge! Hope you all have a wonderful......THIN friday!

Hi Lynn: Sorry I haven't been able to meet you lately to walk. My schedule just hasn't allowed for it. I really like the fill. I would imagine I will need more. I did not find the experience bad at all. They give you a numbing shot, then the fill. I could fell the band tighten a little. It wasn't painful, just a weird feeling. I'm back on liquids today. YEAH tomorrow I get mushies. I like mushies! Good luck with you fill Lynn. Let us know how it goes.

Hi Shamrocks: Texgirl - loved the scale story. Too bad it wasn't for real, but it had to be a nice preview! I got a fill today! YEAH! I have to tell you that it was no big deal. My doc numbs the area with a shot, then gave me 2 cc in my 10 cc band. I do feel some restriction. I was a little hungry, but I am on liquids. I am so thrilled that I have restriction again. The scale didn't move, but overall that was a good thing. Well, it moved a little for the doctor, but it hasn't moved for the past 2 weeks. I am actually thrilled about that! I was afraid I had gained weight. While I was at the doctor's office, I bought a variety pack of stuff they sell. it included Isopure. I am drinking the blue raspberry. It is not bad. I would not say it is great, but not bad. Anyone drink this stuff? Any suggestions about flavors? I also have green apple. Well.....I'm loving the fill. I'm set to go back and see the doctor in 3 weeks. Again, I am thrilled! I thought for sure I would have to wait 4-6 weeks to get another fill! I am so happy that things are moving along!

Hi Shamrocks! Tarrnyn - welcome to the group. What wonderful success! Cathy - OMG, what a horrible year. I hope your brother in law gets better. It is wonderful that you are a support system for him. I think this is a great way to get your feelings out there. The shamrocks have a great support system. Sharon said a wonderful thing. I can speak from my own personal experience as well. Please take care of yourself. It is all too easy to forget yourself with all the things you are doing now. Remember, if you get worn out, who will be there for him? I will keep you and your brother in law in my thoughts and prayers. Diva! I am with you! I am fairly certain I have gained about 4 pounds. I dread the visit with the doctor's scale tomorrow. The one good thing is that I am hoping that he will give me a fill. I'm guessing the gaining weight will definitely swing that decision to my favor. UGH! I only feel like I have restriction when I eat steak or chicken. Although today I ate a hard boiled egg and I got a little chest pain. I'll be honest, I think I didn't chew it enough. I really want that post surgery feeling...... not even being hungry, or just being happy sipping something or taking a small bite. I guess patience is the word for me today. I just need to be a little more patient.

Hi Beginnings! Don't feel bad! I was banded not that long ago. I kept reading how folks were back to normal in a very short time. I WAS NOT! It took me a good 3-4 weeks before I felt OK again. Did you have a hernia repair at the same time? I truly believe that they cause more pain and take longer to heal than the lapband. It takes a while for you to heal. Don't worry that you are not healing as fast as you think you should. Call you doctor if you really believe you have an unusual problem. I don't think the belching is a unusual problem. I had the hiccups, which hurt! Try to take small sips of stuff. I know it seems like you are sipping all day, but try it and see if it works. As far as sleeping. I would start out in my bed with tons of pillows to prop myself up. I would end up spending part of the night on the sofa. It was maybe 2 weeks before I could sleep in my bed all night. Don't worry, this is the hard part. Let your body heal.

I did not take any medications prior to surgery. After surgery, for 6 months, I need to take Uso Forte. This is a pill my doc gives anyone who still has their gall bladder. Studies show that without this pill, it is likely that you could need to have your gall bladder remooved. I also need to take chewable Vitamins. Hope this helps.

I loved the butternut squash! But, I also tried to add cream of cheddar to other stuff. I would add it to cream of chicken. It was pretty good. If you truly don't like cream soups, I would definitely be creative with the Protein drinks. I love something called "skinny monkey". My docs ok'd it as a "full liquid". It is 8 oz skim milk, 1 scoop chocolate Protein powder (my favorite is Body Fortress whey Protein - you can buy it at Walmart - and it is inexpensive), 1 tablespoon of low fat Peanut Butter and a frozen banana. Put is all in a blender. I think it tastes yummy. If I were you, I'd try out some recipes prior to being banded, that way you can figure out what you like. Hope this helps!

Hi Ann: I think it is rotten to lose slow. I am not losing that fast at all. How well do you know your body? By that, I mean that counting calories doesn't work for me. I have tried it multiple times and it just doesn't seem to work. Counting carbs does work for me. When I sat down and thought about it, I came to this conclusion. Since then I have been counting my Protein, liquid and carb intake. I think it is making a difference. I also agree with Fenton that it is a good idea to document all that you eat and drink. There is a cool website called www.thedailyplate.com which makes all that very easy to do. I actually keep a little notebook in my purse and before I eat, I jot down what I am eating, how much, what time. But.....as I say that.... I also think it is a matter of perspective. You have lost 23 pounds. That is wonderful! I have read some stories of slow losers on the "slow losers' thread and there are some folks that haven't lost that much in a year. It sounds like you are doing everything right! I would also try to count the NSV - non-scale victories. Can you fit into clothes you couldn't before. Does your seatbelt fit better? I have started to tuck my shirt in my pants. I am sure that there is something other than the scale which is showing your success! I wish you well! I hope the scale moves for you soon!

Greetings! I'm back and in a better mood today. I've have GOT to keep remembering the next minute is a new minute. Fenton: I guess that was a lesson! Bummer to be so stuffed you can't sleep. Oh, and HOLY COW 6 inches off your belt....that is a NSV to celebrate! Scrappy: Good for you going whole hearted into this process! I mostly can stop myself when I should.....but then there are the other times......it is the reason I was banded! Christine: Good news that your doctor was aggressive about the fill. Maybe I should tell my doctor I could eat 2 slices of pizza with no problem! Well, I am hoping to get some walking in tonight. I won't be able to get that in for the next couple of days. Bye for now!

Hi Everyone! Lynn: I'd be happy to walk tonight at 7. Just let me know where. I'm just as happy walking at the mall. It is closer! 366: Great choice to clean the cabinets out. I don't really have anything that I like that I shouldn't have. I think it is a good decision. A plan to succeed! Paige: How is the fill going? Can you tell? Fairy: Cool thing the wii. I want one, maybe I'll make it one of my rewards. At this point I don't have any gaming systems in my house, but that one looks like it will pull my son off the couch! Today is a better day! After 2 days back on the plan, I feel much better. Guess being sick really can get me down. Hope to see someone to walk with tongiht!

Hi Shamrocks! Lisa: Good news on the pup. I had a dog that was part pit bull. She never bothered anyone, but was very protective of me. I think badly behaved dogs have as much to do with their owners as to what breed they happen to be. By the way, I swiped your logo. I hope you don't mind. The shrinking shamrock logo I had disappeared and I never saved it! Well..... I haven't been on here in a few days. Mostly because of sickness in the family, but also because I was bummed out. I am not making the progress I had hoped for. I have lost 25 pounds since January. I am actually not really sure of that because for 2 days I pretty much ate what I wanted and I won't get on the scale. It was odd in way because I surely thought that pizza would make me PB. NOPE! I went to a seminar last week given by my doctor. He talked about many things including the fact that we may never be "full" again. He said "don't eat until you are full, eat until you are not hungry". It kind of reminds me of Paul McKenna. But, it helped put me on track again. That and I realized that I need to eat low carb. My body doesn't respond to the counting calories thing. I was never successful with weight watchers. I was successful with atkins. So for yesterday and today, I am eating what I should and watching the carbs. I've got to tell you, eating some Protein first sure makes me "not hungry". I think I was scared to progress past the liquid and mushie phase. I am so looking forward to the fill on Wednesday. I realize I will be back on fluids for a day or so, but I think the restriction will keep me from cheating long term. I honestly did not need to know that I could eat pizza. Anyway, I think overweight folks develope a sense of humor as a defense. Having said that, I think the folks in the March, 2008 Bandsters are extraordinarily funny!

I appreciate all the information on this thread as well. I have had a tough few days and felt like I had no restriction. Now, I know that if I eat the protein first, I seem to have restriction.

Howdy everyone! The past few days have been rough on me. I was sick, then my son was sick. Then I was depressed. I hate to admit it but I am not thrilled with the weight I have lost so far. But, I am over that for the time being. I am starting new. I enjoyed the talk that Dr. Peters gave last week. I took out my book and went through what I really should be eating now. I think I got so stuck on the protein and water goals, I didn't realize how many calories and carbs I was eating. Now I have a plan! The sugar free chocolate was also a bad thing to have in my house. It is not that I overindulge (it has its own fail safe from overeating!) but that I had it at all. Any suggestions for the sweet tooth? I'm just not sure how to handle that. I know it will come up again. I'm very happy that I will have a fill this week. I think that will help motivate me. I am also eating a lot of protein, like chicken, eggs and cheese. My body seems to love carbs way too much. Anyway, I'd love to walk on Monday....anyone interested? I have to admit that I haven't walked in a few days, but I want to get back to it. Thanks for listening!

Hi Alicia: I was a little later than they said, but not that much. There was a tv in the waiting area and they will bring you magazines and such.

Hello Shamrocks! I keep meaning to start this thread, then forget about it when I am online. I figured it would be nice to have a thread that is for all our embarssing questions and/or comments. Funny part is that right now I don't have one, but I wanted to start the thread before I forgot. :thumbup: