LindaD

Thanks for talking me off the ledge. :lol I did get that whoosh this morning and have updated my ticker. I am now at 34.9 on BMI, which takes me out of the 'severely obese' category for the first time in nearly a decade. And I'm at 70 pounds gone. So today I am happy. And Chris, you are right - at the VERY least, I should avoid the scale for a few days after I return from a business trip. Because the reading I get is never right - it's not true weight gain. I suppose that I've gone without a scale all during the trip and I'm anxious to make sure I didn't screw up, so I climb on. But this is a case where it does cause me negative anxiety, so perhaps my rule should be that I get on the scale 2 days AFTER I get home.

Well, at least today my number was back where my ticker says it is. So that's something. I still don't understand how a person can have a calorie deficit of more than 1000 calories per day and not lose. And I'm not under-estimating my food - if anything, I'm over-estimating because I want to be sure that I'm counting properly. I'm also not over-estimating my activity - I bought this GoWear Fit armband and it keeps track of all of that - activity, vigorous activity, how many steps I take per day, etc. From that, it estimates a number of calories burned that is said to be something like within 8% accuracy. The band is doing what it's meant to do - it's keeping me eating a very small amount of calories per day - less than Jenny Craig would have me on. I am doing what I'm supposed to do - I'm tracking every bite, I'm exercising almost every single day. My body isn't cooperating. It will happen, though. I know the things I am doing are right and good so I'll keep doing them. I just wish the results weren't so slow.

I had my first fill on July 8th so it's been a couple weeks. Over the past couple weeks, I didn't have many issues. I mean, I could feel it was more restricted, and I was being very careful. But I have a pretty good routine going at home, access to the foods I know will be OK, etc. This week, I'm on a business trip. This means I was subject to lunch being provided at business meetings and dinners out with colleagues. Stuff like that. I've been careful, I haven't over-eaten, I've tried to take really small bites and chew really well, etc. But I've had a few minor incidents of getting stuck. And then this morning, I had a major one. I ate Breakfast in the hotel and I got stuck. I tried to wait for it to resolve before I had to leave - I wanted a long time, until 8:45. My meetings started at 9. Finally, I got into my rental car and drove to the office but I sat in my car in the parking garage waiting for it to either go down or up. It finally resolved at 9:30. I was very late for my workshop (that I was supposed to be leading). Sigh... that was stressful. Really stressful. I'm sure the stress didn't help. I need to be way more careful and only eat "sure things" when I'm traveling. Also, my band feels tighter this week than it did last week. I wonder why. Just venting, I guess. I need to research the best things to do when you're stuck - lie down? Stretch? Be still? Be active? Does anyone know?

I updated my ticker this morning - I broke into the two-teens!! I'm at 219.5 so that's 66.5 pounds lost. :thumbdown: :scared2:

Even without surgery, our bodies often stop and take a rest after dropping a chunk of weight. You've lost 34 pounds? That's great!! Let your body adjust and heal, and soon the scale will start creeping down again as long as you are doing well on your eating and exercise. Good luck!

Walk, walk, walk. It will help, I'm pretty sure. I had the chest pains when breathing for about the first month, but it did lessen in intensity over time. Those pains finally went away, of course. Hang in there!

Stop worrying about the weight loss just yet - you are two days post-op! Right now, focus on healing and setting the stage for future weight loss. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You're only two days post-surgery! (I gained a bit post-surgery too. I was soooo hungry after about 4 days, my doc said I could have oyster crackers and for a week and a half I ate a lot of oyster crackers. LOL And yes, I gained a couple pounds... but once I was healed and eating better, they came back off and I've continued to lose.) Good luck!

I think it just can really upset the equilibrium of the relationship, especially if the other person is insecure and feels that once your options open up (and I'd imagine that they often do when weight loss occurs), then why would you stay? It's sad, but I don't think one person can fix insecurity in another. And enabling a jealous/controlling partner doesn't get you anywhere, either. It sort of becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I'm sorry for anyone who is dealing with this.

I chose to be very open about it, but I certainly understand that some would not want to share what is considered private medical decisions with everyone. I sort of feel like it gives me an opportunity to dispel myths, to create understanding. For people who do choose to keep it private, if they lose a lot of weight quickly, I think people may speculate about it anyway, probably behind their backs. And I suppose that's OK too - if the objective is not to have to talk about it, even in this situation, the objective is still met, right? For me, even though I understand the desire for privacy, it just feels dishonest to act as if I was suddenly able to conquer this demon without some help. I worry that other fat people might think "Gosh, if she can do it, then why can't I???" and it could make them feel worse. Good luck with whatever you decide. It's not an easy one, I'm sure.

Have you started exercise - walking on the treadmill? I have heard many say it helps relieve some of the gas pressure that is causing pain. I'm guessing the fact that I walked on my treadmill from day one - including my day of surgery - is what helped make my pain and healing process easier. Taking the band out won't help with this. You'd likely prolong it by having another surgery where more gas is pumped in, etc. You had surgery. You have to expect some of this - it will pass! Chin up and muscle through it. I don't mean to sound cold or uncaring, nor to minimize your pain and misery, but you had this surgery to change your LIFE - it's not a little thing, it's a big thing. These few days or even weeks of pain are just the first part of a long marathon and pretty soon they will be a distant memory. For such a big important life decision, it seems you're willing to throw in the towel way too fast and way too easily. Put your game face on - this is a marathon and you're only at the starting line. Don't focus just on the start of the journey - keep in mind the big picture.

I exercise at least 30 minutes a day, more on weekends. My goal is 6-8 hours a week, most of that being cardio but I also do weights at least once a week. I log all my food - every bite. The Daily Plate is a GREAT place to log food - the database is better than any other I've tried (including fitday and sparkpeople). I just strapped on my GoWearFit for the first time today. That will help monitor my activity, with a better estimate around calorie burning and such. I drink Water. I avoid breads, cereals, rices. I work to get my Protein in (probably less than I should - I'm hitting about 50g a day, I guess). The band helps me by lessening my appetite, helping me to be full on less food, helping me eat less frequently. But I still take full control of making sure I do my exercises and by choosing the right foods to put in my body. I'll give the band credit, but I give myself credit too. I hope you find some ideas that help you get where you want to be. Good luck!!!

I just had shrimp for the first time at 8 weeks post and I had some issues with it. My surgeon said that you want to chew until the food is the consistency of toothpaste. I don't think shrimp breaks down like that - it doesn't ever become complete mush no matter how well you chew. I would avoid it, I think.

You know, I think that when you're 100+ pounds overweight and have tried all the traditional things for years to correct the situation, then no matter WHICH path you take, you are taking a leap of faith. There are no guarantees with any of them. Don't have the surgery and keep trying to lose it on your own - there is no guarantee of success. Accept yourself at your current weight and embrace life as a fat person - there is no guarantee that diabetes or apnea or heart attack or whatever won't stop you. Lap band, sleeve, bypass... none of them come with a guarantee. People have them and do great. People have them and fail. People have them and have endless medical problems. Who knows what your roll of the dice will be. For me, it wasn't about finding the "right" answer. It was about weighing the options and making my best decision, but still knowing it was a leap of faith in some regards. Good luck with whichever path you choose. No, my decision does not come with any guarantee. But you know what - REGARDLESS of what you decide, neither does yours.

That I wouldn't need to stock up on so damn much Soup. LOL I'm not a big soup fan but I knew it would be important during the few weeks after surgery before I could eat "real food", so I stocked up. Boy, did I stock up. Way too much. LOL That life after the healing isn't that much different than life before surgery as far as eating goes. Oh, sure - I eat a lot less and I avoid some things. But it's not like this HUGE thing that impacts my entire life. I don't need to buy all sorts of special foods, I don't need to eat differently than my family with regard to what we serve. I just eat less of it, and less in between. It's pretty much a non-issue, really.

18 days ago?? Sweetie, be patient! Give it time. Goodness. I too lost a lot pre-surgery. After surgery, I actually lost a little the week of clear liquids and then - I was so hungry - I actually GAINED some. But you just need to give it a chance. You seem determined to fail, and I really think attitude has to be part of it. I know you're discouraged, but step back and tell yourself "I'm not looking for results NOW, I'm looking for what I have in 3 months or 6 months" or whatever. Log your food, exercise, see what happens. 18 days is way too soon to throw in the towel and to declare failure. Give your body time to heal and adjust. Let yourself get to the right fill level. See if it works as well for you as it does for others who may have also failed at many other (every other) weight loss attempt. Good luck.

When I am avoiding the scale, that's a bad thing. It means that I am in denial about what I would see. I realize those who are obsessive, who let themselves get down in the dumps over no-loss or whatever, might need to avoid it. I don't think it's a problem for me. Being willing to get on the scale FOR ME means being willing to be culpable, to take responsibility for my eating and exercise. Avoiding the scale means avoiding the truth of my choices. So I'm good with it...

RM, congrats to you and continued success!!! To us both, to us all. I am still on Cloud 9 (I've posted that more than once tonight on the board LOL). I mean, sometimes I contemplate my new reality and I want to cry tears of happiness. I can't stop smiling about it. Last week, I had a 5 day business trip. Then my husband and I did a little 4 day get away. I was definitely out of my normal routine - I missed my workouts, and I didn't eat as carefully as I do in my routine. And not only did I not gain weight, but I lost a half pound. Oh, it wasn't 2 pounds or 4 pounds or whatever, but I LOST WEIGHT WHEN I WASN'T EVEN TRYING. I'm deliriously happy.

I was banded about 8 weeks ago and have lost 66 pounds (need to update my ticker) but a bunch of that was pre-surgery. LOL Still, if the current rate keeps up, I will likely be considered a fast loser too, I guess. I'm working out a lot, and am very happy to be able to eat a reasonable diet (in variety and amount) and feel full and satisfied. As for the hair loss... there are many other possible reasons. You can't just assume it's malnutrition or even not enough Protein. Hormonal changes can create hair loss, and we all know that our metabolic system (which we have just impacted in a major way) is tied into our hormonal system too. I lost hair after every pregnancy. I assure you it wasn't malnutrition. LOL Nor was it lack of protein. I am losing hair now, but I am eating enough and getting enough protein in. So I think perhaps it's another cause, or maybe even a combination of causes. I'm not panicking because I've been through this massive hair loss thing before, post pregnancy. I am pretty confident it will stop eventually, before I'm bald LOL and in the mean time, new hair IS coming in even as the old hair comes out.

When your body is metabolizing fat for energy, there is a by-product called ketones. The state is called ketosis. Many people who follow a low-carb diet, where they deprive their body of carbohydrates and force the conversion of stored fat for energy, are very familiar with the breath issue that is present. Get some sugar-free mints and remind yourself "My body is converting fat for its energy use. This bad breath means I am losing weight." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketosis

Not tellin'. :)

I had been flip-flopping on the decision for 5 years... I would convince myself to do it and then I'd talk myself out of it. My loved ones would tell me they loved me how I was, they would worry about the risk. And so I'd put the idea aside for awhile until it came up again. What finally got me off the fence -- my company was being acquired. I knew my existing insurance would cover it, but the new plan was an unknown to me - maybe it wouldn't. That is what got me moving. I had planned to have the surgery before my insurance changed, which was due to happen Jan 1 of 09. I started in April of 08 thinking I had plenty of time. I jumped through all the hoops but in October Aetna denied my request. I was devastated and thought it might all be lost. Fortunately, my new insurance covered it and I switched surgeons and jumped through more hoops and had it done in May - over a year from when I made the decision.

While I was healing, on liquids and soft foods, I was HUNGRY. I mean, really hungry. For me, it wasn't feeling deprived, it was because my body was asking for real food. I had been on liquids for a long time. I had dropped weight during the pre-surgery and post-surgery liquids phases. Are you sure it's not just plain hunger? Once I got past liquids and soft foods, I slowly expanded what I ate and I swear I have not felt deprived at all. Now, frankly, I would not eat a Subway sandwich - it's just too much bread and bread causes me issues. But I do have pizza and lots of other stuff. I feel so very satisfied with what I can eat, and I'm a person who has felt deprived on every other diet I've been on. Now that I have the ability to eat a reasonable variety, and to feel satisfied on small amounts, well, I'm still on Cloud 9 over it all - it's incredible, amazing.

I think there are different degrees of stuck. Even before my Lapband surgery, I had this condition with these esophogeal rings (where my esophagus is constricted at a point) and I would get stuck prior to the lapband. I have had some issues since getting my band too. I guess I've been dealing with this for about 5 years to some degree. Sometimes, it's a moderate experience getting stuck. You just have to wait and let it pass through. It sometimes takes a minute, and it sometimes takes longer. This still happens with my band. But if you get REALLY stuck, you will know it. Seriously. LOL Several months ago, I went to the ER because I had gotten stuck eating steak (this was before my band) and for 3 hours, I was just miserable and in pain and the saliva won't stop. After 3 hours, I didn't think it was going to resolve on its own, so I sought help. (It did resolve, the gross way, while I was waiting to be seen.) I have gotten stuck rather badly ONCE since the band - just last week. It took a bit less than 2 hours for it to resolve. It was awful. Something like that definitely cannot play out around other people.

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. All healed up and feeling good? Any lingering problems? How is life in general? I had a really easy recovery so nothing to complain about there. I am losing hair like CRAZY. I've researched it and will try a few supplements. I've lost hair before when the weight was coming off, or when I was going through major hormonal changes (like after pregnancy), so I hope it will eventually stop coming out. So far, it's not like it's noticeable but I'm getting a bit worried. I'm feeling great otherwise, losing weight and I have lots of energy. I had my first fill this past week. The only other weirdness is that I still have what I assume is nerve pressure? I have spots on my upper arms that feel numb, which is weird. And I can tell if I eat too much because it causes pain in my left shoulder. What's up with that? Anyone know? Does it happen to anyone else? Check in and share... how's the journey?

OK, it was morning, I was on Day 2 of my cycle, and I was away from home. Add to that I felt very stressed once it started (and I already knew that wouldn't help, I was TRYING to relax), and I suppose that explains it. I haven't had a major stuck issue since, but I've had a few minor ones. Out of town again next week so I will be VERY careful.