angelshere

Honestly, before my band, I think I was on a fast road to an early death. The band has saved my life. While I still have serious arthritis and shot kneecaps (that will some day require surgery), the pain is minimal now and tolerable. The high blood pressure is totally gone. I never got diabetes (by a miracle, as I was at 327+ pounds and gaining), so thankfully that is no longer a threat. Along with all the superficial benefits of looking better and feeling better, the serious health improvements are so very worth this process, even if there might be complications. I know I was lucky, but I followed my doctor's orders to the letter (I was afraid not to, as I knew this is my last chance to ever get healthy). For those of you who are worried, just choose a doctor you trust and do what he says; you will be fine! As a postscript, I must add that I have a dear friend who has so many health issues that my (our) doctor had to do a lap RNY. She was in intensive care one night, in the hospital a few days, and has lost over 26 pounds so far and feels like $1M! Her surgery was July 18. To contrast that, I have another friend, who is very shy and does not divulge any information to anyone, so we don't even know the name of her doctor. This person had an open RNY (fewer health issues than dear friend) a few weeks before my band (mid-May); many of us urged her to get a second opinion or at least talk to other doctors. She said her doctor was a friend and she trusted him. God bless her, but she was in intensive care for a few weeks after surgery, an induced coma for over a month and is now in her second rehabilitative hospital since leaving the surgical hospital. She will not be able to return to teaching any earlier than January (if ever). She is in our prayers and we hope she has a full recovery. This post has gone on too long, but I guess what I am trying to say is this: if you are considering WLS, do your research, talk to everyone, read everything, meet and confer with several doctors, and then make your decision. It is your body and your life and not every doctor is the best for everyone, even if he (or she) is very likable and personable. I only wish each person finds the ideal and most appropriate doctor and solution for her own life and has a successful and healthy conclusion. Best to all, Nancy

Good luck to the new bandsters. I also second the wish that you have as easy a time of it as I did. Pangea, I don't know if you have a doctor like Dr. Rehnke in your area, but if you do, I know he could help you. The weight loss is not so rapid for us older gals (well, at least for me), but it is relatively effortless and I am off of 14 meds after a 43 pound weight loss. Even though I have a long way to go, I am glad I have the band and I know I will lose the rest of the weight, in time. Best to all, Nancy

Interesting, as I just sent the link for the 5 day pouch test to a friend, and I am going to start it tomorrow. I want to be sure I am in tune with my pouch and my body; after reading about the test, it sure won't hurt me and might actually help! The link I sent my friend is: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test Good luck! Nancy

Wow....as usual, I am in awe of how well everyone is doing. 100 pounds in 7 months???? Unbelievable. You are all so inspiring to me. I had two victories today: finally, after 2 weeks of not moving, that blankety-blank scale went down a pound! I stayed with the low carb program, charting everything I ate on myplate.com, and thank goodness, it is working again. Hope that continues. Also, and probably a silly NSV to many, I was able to eat romaine! Now, before this process, I was a salad lover and had prepared myself psychologically to give up salads. I was brave today and ordered a chicken caesar without dressing and croutons. I ate about 1/4 of it, after I chopped it up with a knife (kind of like a cobb salad can be) and took tiny bites. Nothing ever tasted as good as that romaine lettuce did today! I have the rest in the fridge for another time (or two or three), and I am a happy woman. Now to lose the rest.... Nancy

Lizalee: Did I read your post correctly? You have lost nearly 95 pounds in a little over 3 months? Omigosh! That is awe-inspiring! And I thought I was impatient...LOL! My friend, you need to pat yourself on the back and look at the amazing progress you have made. I have to lose about the same amount of weight as you do, but I was banded June 10 and have a lot farther than you to go. I hope to hit 100 pounds by my one year anniversary; anything sooner than that, and I would have to do a happy dance! Be nice to yourself; you are doing incredible! Alice150: You didn't go to Dr. Rehnke, did you? He's a wonderful doctor, but very strict and aggressive! Your post sounded so much like him, I had to ask. But I do agree with the others who posted in response to you; you need to be comfortable with your fill and the doctor should listen to you (yes, even our beloved Dr. Rehnke!). Good luck. Judy: congratulations on your success. Sounds like you have a fabulous weekend planned....good on you! Long: congratulations on your weight loss and all that exercise. Everytime I read one of your posts, I wanna go out and get myself a bicycle! Thanks all, Nancy

Long, you are so sweet....thank you! Maybe I am just tired and grumpy tonight....summer school is starting to wear me down....only 1 more week and then I get a break until August 8. I love teaching, but it can be very tiring! Each day, I thank God for all the good things he has blessed me with: my friends, my job, my band (yay!) and all the wonderful support I get from friends and this group. I hope you all know how much you help me (and probably many others who don't post), just by your kind words and encouragement and sharing all your struggles. God bless you all! Nancy

Congrats to the new bandsters! I know you will all enjoy much success on your weight loss journeys! Janet: Good luck. You are in my prayers that all goes well. If anybody could help me with this, I would appreciate it. I feel kind of silly even mentioning it, but I had my first fill on Monday and the bruise around my port is now purple! Does everybody bruise like this when they get a fill? I am very fair-skinned and do bruise easily, but the fill didn't hurt....the bruise did! Also, even though my doctor is happy, I am getting frustrated that the scale is so slow-moving! If only old age would bring me some patience, along with all the other gifts! Thanks for your help, Nancy

Charlene: Thank you. I just hope the loss continues....with my huge amount to lose, I have to keep myself motivated! Judy: What band do you have? Your fills are so much more saline than mine was...interesting. Since I've been doing pretty well, Dr. R's nurse thought he wouldn't give me a fill so soon, but I am happy he did. Indio: Yeah, a few days of liquids is good for me! I do track my food intake on the daily plate; it averages around 700-800 calories/day when I am eating regular foods. I walk every morning and do aqua aerobics when I can get my lazy self down to the gym (not often enough, though!). To everyone: congrats on all your hard work and success. This website is my favorite and even if I am too busy to post, I read it at least once a day (sometimes even after school!). You all help me keep my eye on the long run and remind me that this is doable, even for an old gal like me! Thanks everyone, Nancy

Charlene: Thanks, but I have to be honest. It has taken me one month, PLUS 2 weeks of Optifast, and 12 pounds of it took 6 long, hard, grueling months (while I waited for insurance approval and did everything I could to lose weight). Obviously, the band has made all the difference! PJ: I haven't really "given up" ground meats and chicken (and steak and shellfish), but I haven't yet tried them with the band. I eat a lot of cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, fish (salmon, tilapia, tuna, etc.) and am hoping to expand my protein horizons soon! I am sooo wary of a PB or getting stuck, that I have been very cautious about trying new foods, post-band. Even though the band is not a quick fix solution, it is a wonderful tool, and I am so glad that I have it. I have a lot more to lose, but for the first time in my life, I believe those pounds lost are truly gone for good, thanks to Dr. Rehnke and my band! Nancy

Teresa: You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you all as you go through this. Judy in FL: Oh, Honey, my heart goes out to you. I haven't had that happen yet, but I have avoided ground meats, chicken, steak and shellfish so far (probably out of fear of them getting stuck.). It seems like it is a hard lesson to learn. Long: It's scary what you said about a connection between weight loss and gall bladder problems, since I had my band on 6/10 and have lost about 42 pounds....yikes! I got my first fill today...1.5 cc in a regular size Inamed band. Back to liquids for a few days---oh well...:confused_smile: Now I hope to lose more with this fill, since I've been stuck at this # for too many days...:smile2: Nancy

Hi Judy, Yeah, when I think of it, 42 is a lot (even though I have MUCH more to go), but I am happy and as long as the scale continues to go down, fish is definitely my best friend! I have never been to the Island Grill in AB, but I have heard it is good. Give me a call when you get a chance and we'll set up a date for fish! I'm booked next Monday, Thursday and Friday (not all friends, I do have to see Dr. R. for a fill, you know!), but we can work something out. Now if only I was at the weight you are at right now....sigh....:thumbup: Someday, if I can only be patient and continue to eat (and track) my fish, I hope to join you in normal size heaven. I am tired of looking like an old blob... I now long to look like a normal person, even if a bit older. LOL! Nancy

JB: Congratulations! You are doing so great! Elayne: You are doing all the right stuff and time will fly for you once you get your date. I love your weight loss ticker! Phyllser: You are helpful and inspirational....thank you for your great posts! To everyone: this is my best support group; I get online before school and after I get home every day. I love reading all your posts, sharing in your successes, commiserating with your challenges (we all seem to go through similar things, don't we?), and absorbing all the great information you all impart. I've been going out with friends a lot lately. I never knew I loved broiled fish this much. Now if only the scale continues to go down....:thumbup: Nancy

Congratulations, Judy! Way to go! You will lose the rest of the weight---I'm sure of it. Your motivation is awesome! Nancy P.S. The NSV is even better, huh?

Whew! I just spent the past few days with a major stomach bug.... The good news is, I finally lost the rest of the weight I put on not long ago and am back to 289. Between the barfing and the gas and the fever, it was not a fun way to go. I know, TMI! LOL! ElaineC: try tracking everything you eat on Fitday.com or dailyplate.com they help me keep track of protein and calories (I'm still on mushies, too). Also, try to drink lots of water, as soup has a lot of salt in it and can make you retain water (at least it does that to me). Good luck everyone. It is so nice to be able to read all your posts again. You are all helping me stay with this, as I haven't been driving an hour and a half to my doctor's support group (not with gas over $4/gallon!). You are a great support group! Nancy

Yay! Ingyrob, way to go! At this point, I will be thrilled to be just "obese"! So many of us long for your description, "merely overweight"! Great job!

Hi Roustabout! Welcome to the group! You can do this, and as you said, there are many on here who have and are doing it, too. When I started this process, I weighed 327 pounds. I still have a long way to go, but with lots of support and good friends, it can be done. Just follow your doctor's instructions to the letter and keep posting here. You can and will succeed! Nancy P.S. I started teaching in my old age, too, and it's one of the best choices I ever made. Good luck in your new career!

Long, Thank you and sometimes TMI is just what is needed. I hated to bring up that (gasp!) topic, but I guess it is a problem on all liquids. Indio, Thank you. I feel better after reading your words. I did update my ticker, and I gained 4 pounds (I dropped 2 of the 6 I gained). I hope the other 4 and many more, come off soon. I had some SF pudding and will try to up my calories to 800 or 900 (but I worry that might be too high). Oh, and I love Big Medicine, too and can't wait for it to come back on Discovery Health. I always want everyone on the show to succeed and get healthy -- just like we are all trying to do! Nancy

Omigosh, Long2bethin, I had to laugh when I read your post as that could have been me! I shop at costco and also try to avoid the samples.....but I could see me becoming distracted and not even thinking about it and putting some kind of meat in my mouth before I realized what I had done! Thank goodness it went down for you! Nancy

Lizalee: Thank you for the encouragement... I took some Milk of Magnesia and ate an Activia yogurt, and hope that helps. My calorie count (according to Fitday.com) averages about 300 to 500 a day (depending on the kind of Soup and whatever else I have that day, so I think that is ok. I do think the Water retention may be a problem and also, I hope that the MoM and yogurt do their magic. I will keep on doing what the doctor ordered and in time, I hope the pounds will go, too. Carol & Sadie: Thank you both for your encouragement. I am hanging in there. 2 pounds down this morning and I hope the rest goes soon (and a whole lot more!). Everyone: this group helps me so much, I can't thank you all enough for what you give me. I spend hours reading posts, but usually post just to this group, and the knowledge I have acquired is so useful. Thanks and hugs to you all, Nancy

LOL! Yes, she is! I am fortunate to have such good and wise friends to help me through this difficult time. Someday, I hope to be in a position to help others in their struggle, as well!

Hi Charlene, Thank you for your kindness. I spoke with a friend who is ahead of me in the process with Dr. Rehnke. She went through a similar problem while on full liquids, and started losing well when she got a fill. It's possible that my body is acting like it is starving and is holding onto every bit of liquid and each and every one of the 300 or 400 or so calories I am consuming daily. This is a time of healing for my body and I know that if I follow my doctor's orders, I will lose the weight, it's just a matter of time and patience. There is no way to do this without the help and support of friends, I know that for sure! Thanks again, Nancy

Can anyone help? I am trying to remain optimistic, but it is really hard today. Over the past 2 weeks, I have gained 6 pounds! At first, I thought I was just retaining water, but I continued to gain or pound or stay stable each day. I am still on liquids, but can have cottage cheese, protein drinks, creamy soups, etc. I haven't eaten (drank?) anything I am not supposed to have. Each morning, I go for a walk before my shower; after school, I go to the gym to do water aerobics for an hour or more. I am probably not getting in all my water, but I try to drink bouillon and hot tea to get in more fluids. I'm worried that I just cannot lose all this weight on anything but Optifast or total starvation..... I really dread getting to the solid foods phase, as I fear I will gain weight like mad.... When I saw Dr. Rehnke, I was still on clear liquids and doing well. Now, I am really worried. Any advice/suggestions? Thank you all for being here and sharing your journeys with everyone. Nancy P.S. My ticker is not current---I cannot bear to ADD 6 pounds to it...omigosh....I am trying to stay optimistic here.....:thumbup:

Long, I'm still on full liquids and at a standstill (ugh!). I know from Fitday.com that my calories are always under 600 (no matter how crazy I get and how many Protein shakes I manage to consume---never more than 3 a day, however). So, slow metabolism seems to be my problem, too. Nancy

Congratulations Justjan! But I have to tell you, I have many "skinny" teacher friends who are totally exhausted at the end of the day! I think it is a far more strenuous occupation than most people believe---those little darlings keep us busy, don't they? Summer school just started for me today, and with the air conditioning out, I was grateful to have just gotten a short hair cut and to have the lost the weight I have so far---even so, it was miserably hot! Hahaha! Nancy

My insurance, Humana, required a 6-month monitored diet, but I'm glad I had to do that (even though it was hell at the time.....the waiting!), as it helped me prepare for life after the band. I had 2 weeks of Optifast pre-op, and liquids after the band. Soon, I will start soft foods, and gradually move on to regular eating, in very small amounts. I've never been "hungry", but I have struggled with "head hunger", which is probably how I got this fat in the first place! This forum helps me so much---thank you and good luck to you all! Nancy