jbflorida

I had my first PB tonight. I ate a few bites of chicken at 6PM and was just fine! I had a few more bites at 9:30 PM and whoa!!! Got stuck and was in pain for over an hour. (gross alert) I slimed for the whole time and finally, brought the chicken up...twice. May have been more than a PB (you were warned, gross). Now I am not in pain, but my chest feels sore inside. I guess I am inflammed..? Now, an hour later, I am sipping tea. Finally, the question: what do I do tomorrow? liquids? Clear only? Just soft things slowly? And of course, I am hosting a small dinner party tomorrow. "Would you care for the Chicken Parmigiana or...a sugar-free popsicle?"

psch--saving all receipts and hope to get a lot back!

This will make you feel better-- My package cost me $16,000.

I am getting cold feet. My surgery is this coming Tuesday. I am on Day 10 of Preop and have lost 11.5 lbs. Today I was able to fit into a pair of size 16 pants and a 1x shirt that I haven't worn for awhile. I feel I look "chubby," rather than obese which I felt 2 weeks ago. So now I am thinking WHY AM I DOING THIS? :biggrin: Should I go through all of this (self pay) to lose 60 lbs? I KNOW I can do it myself--I've done it before! That is the only thing that I am hanging on to! That I HAVE done it before and back it came--with its friends (more lbs). I guess I am not feeling the food addiction that I KNOW I have. The Optifast was only bad on days 4-6. Now I am not hungry and have no cravings...not one cheat in 10 days. But I can't live on Optifast! Some advice or support would be so appreciated....I think the surgery in 5 days and the size 16 pants have me confused and worried about my decision.:thumbup: Judy

If the request for update is for me-- I am fabulous! And you will feel the same way. I have lost 48 since the beginning of this journey, off of BP meds, and feeling great! I have gone from a 20 to a 12. Of course, I am exercising daily which helps. I have had 2 fills and though learning not only WHAT to eat, but HOW to eat is an omnipresent challenge, it is possible to succeed. I wish the same for everyone. No regrets. None. Not one. Not even a little bit.

I never told anyone in my family that I was banded...3 months ago...we've never even discussed it! (We do not live in the same area.) I will see my sister in NY this Saturday! I am excited and I hope she is supportive. The rest of the gang will find out too. I am a little nervous. She'll want to know why I couldn't do it myself. I will tell her to remember the dozen times I did do it myself...only to regain and gain some more. Down 48 lbs. so far--30 some to go! The hard work is so worth it!

Sunshine--try to take the carbs out...no fruit, no Wheat Thins, no rye bread or other bread. Check the carbs on the frozen meals--and anyway, too much salt! I am not saying forever, but for now. Protein first! Fish, chicken, turkey, ground turkey, cheese, eggs... Then, if you have room, some veg. Nancy and I have the same doc with the same food directions and we've done well. I was banded a week ahead of you and have lost 47. (38 to go) Also, exercise will bump up the metabolism. Give it a try! Good luck

I haven't regretted my decision for even a minute! Love it! Would do it again! But then, I am not struggling with the food choices and all of the exercise, because I am really ready to let go of this weight. If your head is not in the right place, your body will not follow. I was going to do this thing no matter what. And I did--from size 20 down 47 lbs and size 12/14 in 3 months. I'm not saying this to brag'--just to let you know that it can be done....with hard work.

Sadie--been there. Just keep going. If you are doing the right things, you WILL lose...eventually. I do think your body needs to "adjust." Also, you don't have that much more to lose--it will be slower now. Just enjoy and MAINTAIN what you have accomplished so far. This journey is not just about the loss. God knows that I am an excellent dieter. I just STOP when I get to my goal. Those days are over. I will exercise and make good choices for the rest of my life...regardless of the scale. This is a bump--it will pass--but continue with the lifestyle change anyway. You'll get there. And promise me, when I am feeling what you are feeling, you'll write the same back to me! Judy 217/170/132 Banded 5/13/08

I can feel my port (I even let others feel it!) I told my doc (in a lighthearted way) that the port is going to stick out when I wear my size 4 bikini. He replied, "Won't that be nice!"

BS--why haven't you gotten a fill yet? That may make ALL the difference.

I remember writing to Nancy a little while back when she was so despondent over the scale not moving.....well, look at her now!! I am so proud of you and all of the success you are having....GO GIRL! Isn't good health grand? judy

I started this journey at 217---but knew 300 was in the future. My mantra became, "Who am I kidding?" Like all those bad things weren't going to happen to ME? Some already had (high BP, High Choles, sleep Apnea). Was it going to take a stroke to make me pay attention? As I was wheeled into the operating room, I remember one of my last thoughts was, "I am never going to have diabetes." (no guarantees on anything, but I have a much better chance at good health) Make the decision for you---but only do it if you are REALLY ready to make a change. This is surgery! Your head has to be in charge. My weight has cost me alot (financially, socially, mentally, emotionally) and it does not serve me anymore. It can't be done on willpower--it has to be CHOICE. Wishing you success--Judy

bug-- I went to 7 seminars of different docs in Tampa area. I did my homework!! I considered another doc that was $2500 cheaper, but decided to go with the doc that I felt was the best choice. Later, I found out that the other doc had made a terrible mistake prescribing a drug before someone's surgery which could have killed her! I also considered Colorado and Dr. K, but in case of a problem, I wanted to be able to go back to my doc THE NEXT DAY! I wanted just one doc that would come to know me and what is best for me. If you do go out of the area, make sure you have AFTERCARE set up for fills. Some docs only handle their own patients and some charge MUCH more for someone else's surgery patients. Some people have been happy with Mexico. My "gut" said no. Again, I want to be able to go back to the doc WHENEVER and IF ever there is a problem. Good luck with your decision. It IS a lot to consider. I know. I am thrilled with the band and have gone from a 20 pants to a size 12--just since May 13. I wish you and everyone the same success! Judy

I was self pay too---I went to Ernest Rehnke in St. Pete--16K. I had an easy surgery and have had good results.

OK--So, I go to a singles dance last night and this nice looking man asks me to dance. We're dancing and laughing and have a good time for about 15 minutes, when he asks if I am going to take him home with me. I said, "that ain't gonna happen." (I may have lost weight, but I'm still a lady.) He wasn't interested in dancing with me anymore. Part of me was insulted---but (and I know y'all will get this)--part of me was thrilled!!!!

I named my band Phillip (Fill Up). He is making me very happy. He doesn't send cards or flowers, but yesterday, a good friend gave me a long look and said, "You look like a normal person." I took that as a "gift" from Phillip. Judy Banded 5/13/08 217/171/132

How to get out of bed= Turn on your side and get close to the edge of the bed. Let your legs dangle off of the bed. Use your hands and arms against the mattress to push your shoulders and chest up until you are in a sitting position. Ta-dah! You're up! PS To those who are in pain, hang in there! This is soooo worth it. You will feel renewed in just days from now. I am 2 1/2 months out and am so grateful for this new health--body, mind and soul.

What a gift you have given yourself and those that love you!

Diva--I have lost 45 lbs since my surgery of May 13--217 to 172. I have stuck to what I need to do and yes, I am a frequent exercise--now! But I reaaaaaaalllllly want this to work. If YOU work it, it works! Wishing you the best---I would do it again in a heartbeat! (And I thought I was the diva!!)

As of this morning, I have lost 20% of me!! And I have gained 200% of feeling good! I have a friend who is starting the pre-op today (same doctor as me). He has diabetes real bad and his motivation is--he wants to keep his legs! I am rooting for him and will be his "buddy." I am going to a singles dance this weekend. Don't care to meet Mr. Right or even Mr. Close Enough, but I hope to dance and smile and flirt! The "man" in my life is Phillip---my band. (Get it--Phillip--Fill Up?) Feeling silly and happy. And healthy--Thank you, God and bless all these wonderful friends on this thread!

Snap, I KNOW that feeling. Small bites and chewing to mush will help (isn't that such a lovely visual??) I also keep small cans of pineapple juice around for just that purpose. It is supposed to help digest what is stuck if you take small sips. Papaya enzyme (at GNC) also helps. Live and learn. Judy

Nancy--42 lbs!!! We're twins! Isn't it funny how we all feel restricted at different amounts? My first fill (BTW, everybody, Nancy and I have the same surgeon) was 3.1 and two weeks later, went back and am now at 5.7 cc. I think Dr. R gets a buzz from sticking in that needle--smiles the whole time I am saying Owwwww! (But I do think he's terrif)

Hi FL banders! I am living in Sun City Center. That is just south of Brandon. Ruskin is around the corner. I have been here for almost 2 years and I love it! This is an active adult community and I feel like I am in camp--with my own bunkhouse! I go to some kind of exercise class every day and if I don't feel like that, I go to the fitness room. I have no excuse not to exercise. I was banded in St. Pete, Dr. Rehnke, on May 13, 2008. I started at 217 and am at 175 today. I tried on a size 16 pants today--too big-YAY! One day, we need to meet, go out for lunch and SHARE one meal! Judy

Hope--where were you tonight while I was in PAIN???? Good advice. This is harder than I thought it would be. But I'll learn. I'd better!