debbieperez55

Hello, Welcome to the September Samurai. Everyone from September is always kind and supportative. We have a great group. Regarding your question, you are loosing, and that is fantastic. I tend to step up my exercise when I get hungry, but I just had my first fill last week so I am not completely back on regular food, decided to take it slow this time. I would discuss this with your Dr. No one knows you better than He/She and they would know when and if you need another fill. Take Care Debbie

Funny how others feel and think the same thought I do. The scale scares me. I haven't had a scale in almost 15 years. I gave up on them. They just increased my unhappiness, watching it go up and up and up. Like right now, I am so close to another marker, you know, 20, 30 , 40 , 50. On the old scales you have the big 50 pound clunks. I was so excited when I was finally under the 50s. Right now I am righ at getting into the twenties. I know for a lot of you that is a lot, but for me, I haven't weighed in the 20's for what, 10 - 15 years. The 20 were my stalling point on Weight Watchers too. Today I was down to 31, still not in the 20s but close. That is a really long time ago and a lot of Junk in my trunk. I just need to get these ghosts out of my closet and move on. Funny, the way I have been going I should be into the teens in a few months. So as I get close to this marker I get more and more scared. Somehow getting under the 20s seems like a big deal. Maybe if I walk more. :wink: I hate my scale, I may have to take it to the garage. So much pressure.:cool2: And I am at such a weird place. None of my clothes fit, my pants started to fall off, you can't have your pants fall off at work and no I don't have a belt. My Mom tried taking them in, her sewing machine couldn't handle it. And we took up so much they hung weird and still fell off. So I am giving them away. Friday we set and took up my bra's, we cut off too much on the staps, but the girls are up where God intented them, for now. And my undies don't fit. I know quit crying :tongue:, but they hang and bag and bunch. And here is the funny part. I AM A TIGHTWAD ----- I refuse to purchase clothes until I absolutely need to. :sad: So here is the real problem. I am getting there, I am going to get a few to tide me over, but you know how your old thinner clothes, you wore them until they would not stretch anymore, until they were so tight you coldn't breathe. Well, I know the size I am wearing in those old clothes is not the size I wear and I am afraid I will be totally disappointed when that size doesn't fit. Sizes are so messed up anyway. I know I really wore a much larger size when I started, I was just lucky that my pants stretched a lot. But now I don't know what to buy and they put you in that tiny hot miserable room and you try on clothes that don't fit and you are miserable and disgusted. :tt2: So yes I hate to shop for clothes, it is always a bad experience and now I have to do it again. It stresses me out. I hate it. Now that you all know that I am totally a wack job I had better shut up. I was going to erase everything I had just written, but I guess I am just going to leave it. Please understand I am not crazy, I didn't have many clothes to begin with and now after weeding out my closet I have even less. It has been a hard day. In a feel sorry for myself mood................... Debbie Maybe I need some protien.

I make the Cream of Wheat (I have heard that some use chocolate Malt O Meal) with milk for extra Calcium. I only get 1/4 cup so I make it taste good. I use a little Agave Syrup. It is Organic and Low Glycymic. It is Natural and sweeter that sugar so I only use 1/8 tsp. This is my one sweet thing. I even gave my Pharmacist some and he loved it, at the time I was mixing my pills in it to make them taste better crushed. here is a web site Organic Low Glycemic Agave Syrup | Melissa's Produce Oh and I work at Melissas. But, I wouldn't use it if I didn't like it. Our Chefs only use the Agave now instead of sugar because of the health issues. Anyway you could also have Oat Meal, I was afraid of the pieces and wanted something runny. Now I am stuck on it. But a 1/4 cup is not that much, just like 1/2 slice bread, but I am still afraid of me with bread, it was my binge food. I am so glad you are feeling better. Poor thing, I did that while eating my chicken salad with crackers. I was pissed off at work and started mindless eating and all of a sudden, a heavy feeling. I didn't like it at all. I haven't eaten crackers since. OF course that was Monday and I had my Fill Friday, but still, crackers scare me. I think I shall have baby sweet potato tomorrow. MMmm love those sweet potatos. Take care Slim, I don't know what I would do without you. Debbie

I just had a fill and was told to crush my pills again. I believe in a couple weeks I may be able to take pills again, but I also worry about them getting stuck. Crushing, you cannot crush certain pills - ask your pharmacist, is a good alternative. I was mixing them in baby food, but now I just take them with flavored drink. Tonight it was my protien drink, chocolate makes everything taste better. Anyway, in this area, your Dr is the best resource. Listen to what they say, and if in doubt and it is okay to do so, crush them. You can never go wrong with smaller sized pieces. Debbie

Tamara, first of all - you need a hug :eek:. Maybe more than one :girl_hug: A 17 year old, I am so sorry...... :w00t: You have entered the - "you are going to get more stupid every year until she is 25" - stage. Your Daughter wants to test you to the limits, spread her wings, and I bet she thinks she is all grown up and she knows what she is doing and why don't you understand. I am 53, have two grown children and THANK GOD I made it through alive. I don't envy you. I bet if I had to guess you have stress which might be causing a muscle twinge and that might be effecting your port. I know sometimes at work my shoulders and neck get so tense and tweaked that I get a pain shooting down my arm, pinched nerve. You might have restriction. Some Drs do it at the time of surgery. And I have heard that some people have more restriction at different times of the day. My Nutritionist told me to walk, I swear she told me this just Wednesday, the more you walk the more you will loose. Also, did you know that walking can relieve stress? I take a walk during lunch now. I am the Manager of an Accounting Dept. I have a bunch of DRAMA QUEENS working for me and everyday someone has some crisis. Walking at lunch has saved me from having a stroke. I put on my head phones, listen to my music and just walk. It actually feels good, must be those endorphins. Perhaps you could take your two year old for a walk in the stroller? Anyway, I think more than that, you need to talk to someone. Teen years are hard for regular times. Your body has been through a recent stress, surgery, and you need to recover. Even if you don't post here, send a private email to any of us. We will be there for you. Sometimes you just need someone who understands to listen. It is awful to feel all alone. And you are not alone we are all here for you! But, 22 pounds is terrific :cool2: When do you go for your follow up appointment. And you can always call the Drs office and talk to someone. Don't dispare, we are here if you need an ear. Take care Debbie:smile:

There have been many times I have had to stop myself in the middle of reaching for a french fry from my hubby. It's mindless eating that causes us so many problems. Try to be aware, maybe chew gum when you think you might be in a situation like this. But don't beat yourself up over it, it is done and almost over. Hopefully that full feeling will go away soon. Man I wish I had a egg today. I have been "grazing" on liquid to full liquid today. I am doing mushie tomorrow. My Mom made me some boiled chicken that I am going to grind up. I hope the funnel cake goes through soon. I am still afraid of eating bread, even toast. I have heard bad things about dough. Thats why I have Cream Of Wheat and an egg everyday for Breakfast. I just can't do toast. 1/2 slice, I think I would rather have the Cereal. Oh, I remember reading that pineapple juice is suppose to help. Who knows, but I hope it goes through for you. Take care, let me know what happens. Debbie :eek:

Slim, how you doing today? It was the soup, which I had again today. I am progressing to mushies. Cream soup for lunch and I think some ground up chicken for dinner. But here is the good news. I am "full" after 1/2 cup or I think it is the full feeling so I am quitting eating. I may have a snack a few hours later, but I am going to keep my pouch tiny if it kills me. Ha ha ha But let me know how you are doing. Maybe you just need so very pureed food, like babyfood applesauce. They didn't give me time frames so I am going for blended but food all the same. Take care Debbie

Poor Slim, I feel so bad for you. My Nutritionist finally returned my email and said I could use Benefiber, I bought the LARGE size. Last night I even bought regular milk hoping it will stir up a little Lactose Intolerance or a flair up of IBS. But sad to say my trigger foods are not present in my diet any longer, except I hope milk. Thanks to all of you who have tried to help. I have read, absorbed, and even tried some of your suggestions. Where else except this web site could we discuss this toppic. And as sorry as I am that most of you have this problem, I AM SO GLAD I AM NOT ALONE!!!!! Thanks Debbie

Teri, I thought for sure I knew where my port was. Turns out it is lower than the incission. I have a little red mark from the needle. I think I am glad the first one was under flouro, but then again, I have no choice. This is what they do. Okay, I was so afraid to eat today. I mean REALLY scared. Finally hunger won out. But I made sure everything was THIN. I am following the full liquids and will do this a couple days before going back to mushies for a week or so. I had runny cream of wheat for lunch, baby food applesauce, sf pudding and my favorite - SF POPSICLES. I have heart burn, Slim do you have heart burn? Maybe the soup was too rich. Take care Debbie

Nay, Hey, we have all been there. Mine lasted quite a bit, I would get like spasm in my diaphram, very painful. Walking is the best thing, and time. You are doing great, keep a positive attitude and walk the pain away. My Sister-In-Law was certain that she way dying after her surgery and it was - yes you got it - gas. I promise it will get better. Give it a little more time. And Slim is right, pain meds don't really do anything, walking makes you feel better, that and a good - dare I say it....... Yes I will That and a good FART! Take care sweetie. You will be fine. Debbie

Ok Slim, this is getting spookey. We must be sisters in a previous life. I also use a baby spoon. I have several, got them at Walmart, many pretty colors. I think they are a FANTASTIC tool. Small bites, eat slow, toddler spoons are the best. I even bought those little bathroom cups. Excellent for drinking little tiny amounts. So are you taking little tiny sips too??? What happened to the person who could eat half a cow in one bite? I have become a chewer and a slow poke. Once at work I was eating my chicken, ground fine to a mush of course, with crackers for lunch. I reverted to mindless eating and all of a sudden there was this feeling. I stopped eating and realized I was wolfing. Bad Debbie, bad. :wink_smile: I am writting this as I eat another SF Popsicle. I had some juice to raise my blood sugar, it was the first thing I had today that was not sugar free. I just picked my husband up a hamber and fries, he is as skinny as a rail, unlike me - but the smell is almost sickening. LOL It's weird, I don't recall anyone writing that they are almost afraid of food. I told my Mom that I could live off Baby Food for a while longer. I know logically everything is okay, but there is that little twinge. Part of it is "waiting for the other shoe to fall". Everything is going so well. But Slim, I have changed. I enjoy my walks. I walk at my lunch. 30 to walk and then I eat. My stress level has dropped. My boss doesn't like that I don't sit at my desk for 10 hours a day, but I have to think of my health. Today, I was afraid to walk, but once I started I got into it. It felt good. The other night I wasn't that hungry so I had a cottage cheese and I was satisfied. I know some of it is the band, but a lot of it is me. I am becoming a different person, and I like it. So enough heavy stuff, we have to get through tonight so we can at least have our protien drinks. I have enough hair falling out... :biggrin: Let me know how you are doing tomorrow. Debbie

Okay, Jello, I took tiny bites and swished it through my teeth. Yes I am afraid too! It took me an hour and a half to eat one Jello. ONE JELLO. But we did good today! Thanks for thinking of me, it helped me a lot knowing you were there too. Funny how we had the same procedure at the same time all the way across the states. It's a small world. So about Jello, squish or swish or whatever makes you feel better and I made sure it was mushy before I swallowed. Yes I am a COWARD :smile: Debbie

Today is exactly one month from my surgery. I had my fill today using Flourascopy, or whatever it's called. Okay, so here is the truth. It doesn't hurt. I now have 5.5cc in a Realize Band. I guess I was his first Realize Band and the ports are slightly different so my story will be different, but it wasn't bad. Okay, first the Dr asked me where my port was. Seems it is placed slightly lower than usual, but nothing to worry about. They used numbing cream on my port area, thank goodness and then he used a paperclip and the Fluro thing to find the center of the port. I got to watch the TV screen a lot of the time, it was very interesting. He got the needle to the center, you can see it on the screen but he had trouble getting the needle into the port. I didn't feel a thing, but I am a little sore now. There was a lot of pushing and manulipating to get the sweet spot. Anyway once the needle was in I was told DON"T MOVE. I stayed frozen. So he injected some saline in and the table was raised. I couldn't move an inch so they had to help me keep my balance. It was weird I felt like I was falling forward on that table when they stood me upright and when they lowered me I thought they had stood me on my head. I drank the barium, what by then was tasting might fine since I was starving. I even ended up with Barium Lips, but thank goodness the nurse helped me out. The Dr put in a little more saline in and then told me that he doesn't like filling too tight the first time. He said it depends, I might need another fill or this could be it. Once they got the needle in it was very fast. And no pain. None, and that was with a fishing expedition and I am a very nervous person. So trust me, not bad at all. So after they showed me the pictures and it was cool, the first swallow straight through. After the fill you can see the decreased amount, it looked very little to me, coming out of the band. It was so weird to see the band on my stomach, my big huge stomach with a little tiny band making the little tiny "pouch" area. Anyway, I went back to work, and I bled on my shirt, I am a bleeder for some reason - for those of you who read this, don't wear a white shirt and check before you get dressed. Anyway I went back to work and had a sugar free Jello. I was full after 1/4 of it. I was shocked!!! I am on clear liquids today and full liquids for 2 to 4 days after. I can start mushies when I feel ready, I am afraid, but I have to start with very very pureed food, I just love my baby food. He told me to take it slow, my tummy has to get use to the fill. So here I am, full after a SF Popsicle. AND I FEEL GREAT!!! :smile: The Dr said I was an excellent patient :cool2:. See, piece of cake! :thumbup:

Hey Slim, last night I replied but my computer went wacko. Sorry, but I want you to know that right in the middle of my fill I started telling my Dr that you were having the same thing at the same time. Small world, I had my under Fluro too. I do know how much they put in because I asked, and I got to see pictures! It was great. Anyway he said that I had minimal restriction before. He put in 5.5cc into my Realize Band. I guess I was his first Realize Band and the ports are slightly different. Okay, first he asked me where my port was. Seems it is placed slightly lower than usual, but nothing to worry about. They used numbing cream on my port area, thank goodness and then he used a paperclip and the Fluro to find the center of the port. He got the needle to the center, you can see it on the screen but he had trouble getting the needle into the port. I didn't feel a thing, but I am a little sore now. There was a lot of pushing and manulipating to get the sweet spot. Anyway once the needle was in I was told DON"T MOVE. I was frozen. So he injected some saline in and the table was raised. I couldn't move an inch so they had to help me keep my balance. It was weird I felt like I was falling forward on that table when they stood me upright and when they lowered me I thought they had stood me on my head. I drank, what by then was tasting might fine since I was starving, the barium. I even ended up with Barium Lips, but thank goodness the nurse helped me out. The Dr put in a little more saline in and then told me that he doesn't like filling too tight the first time. He said it depends, I might need another fill or this could be it. Once they got the needle in it was very fast. And no pain. None, and that was with a fishing expedition and I am a very nervous person. So trust me, not bad at all. So after they showed me the pictures and it was cool, the first swallow straight through. After the fill you can see the decreased amount, it looked very little to me, coming out of the band. It was so weird to see the band on my stomach, my big huge stomach with a little tiny band making the little tiny "pouch" area. Anyway, I went back to work, and I bled on my shirt, I am a bleeder for some reason - for those of you who read this, don't wear a white shirt and check before you get dressed. Anyway I went back to work and had a sugar free jello. I was full after 1/4 of it. I was shocked!!! I am on clear liquids today and full liquids for 2 to 4 days after. I can start mushies when I feel ready, I am afraid, but I have to start with very very pureed food, I just love my baby food. He told me to take it slow, my tummy has to get use to the fill. So here I am, full after a SF Popsicle. AND I FEEL GREAT!!! :smile: And Slim, you were there with me, but oh how I wish I could have taken a nerve pill first. When they were "fishing" for the sweet spot I got nervous. But I thought of you and then started blabbing. The Dr said I was an excellent patient. Thanks for being there for me Slim. Debbie

From Surgery - 12 pounds, but that is a month so I guess I am on track. I stalled for almost two weeks, yikes. But I have lost inches galore so I know things are moving. Deb

Teri, thanks for the warning. When I go back to the Dr I am going to mention my PROBLEM. I am taking 3 colace a day, nothing. I eat prunes, I drink water, I walk, I eat Beans for fiber. I think tomorrow, regular milk. Lactose intollerance would be better than nothing. I even saw those fiber chewable pills, orange flavor, but I am afraid, really afraid. What if the fiber just stops it up more. So what, the IBS had to go completely away?? I couldn't have just a touch? Good grief! Debbie

SLIM - I didn't read my email that well, and when I saw it was you the biggest smile came to my face!!! FATE!!!! For sure now we will have to compare notes. Oh I am so glad we are going to do this together. I am overwhelmed right now . I am just so glad, I know it's stupid :biggrin:, but we are having our first fill on the same day. Okay, now I know I am nuts:rolleyes2:, getting so weird over a fill, but it is such a big step. AND I WAS VERY HUNGRY TODAY - I NEED A FILL!!!!! Teri, I am so sorry you have to wait for your fill, but you are doing so fantastic. November 4th will be here before you know it. :tongue2: Debbie

I wanted to share my journey. My weight has stayed the same for over a week. But, I started using GG's chart the day before surgery. To date I have lost 34 pounds, 3 inches from my bust (thank god that is all) 4 inches from my waist, 1 inch from my turkey arms, and 7.5 inches from my tush. I can only figure out that the inches from my tush, so sorry I didn't measure my thighs, come from walking, which I am learning to love. :tt1: Me - the original couch potato loves to walk. :wub: Who would have seen that coming. :biggrin: 2 inches off the tush has come during the weight loss stall. It has to be the walking. :thumbup: I hope you all took these vital measurements, because even though my weight has stayed the same, SHAZAM! I don't know how it is happening, but something is melting off my body. I don't mean to brag or anything, I'm not that kind of person, and trust me, there is still plenty of tush to go around, , but it sure feels good to get into a those smaller sizes I have hidden in the back of the closet. I have read where a few have also stalled. But - I bet if you check your measurements you have gone down in inches or sizes. Maybe our bodies are in shock, how can they not loose wieght when you eat hardly anything? And since we have begun exercising, you know we are begining to build muscle while we loose some of the fat. Things shift. Too bad you can shift them back into the proper location, :lol::lol: I personally think our bodies are :thumbup: pissed off and having a party without us. They are very upset with the changes we have made, you know how your body gets when it cut it off from food. But if we keep on this path, one of us is coming out the winner. Personally, I plan on it being me, the tush, it's had it's fun in the sun (okay thats a lie, it is white and scarey) but it is time it said ADIOS for good.:tt2: Anyway, a little tounge in cheek, but :wink2: a little serious too. Thanks for always being there. Debbie

Teri at least I have something to look forward to. I am trying to pick the most high fiber foods. But - It is hard when you are still on the mushie phase. Thanks for your input. Debbie

I think weekends are my biggest struggling point. During the week I have structure. On the weekend I don't eat my meals or Snacks at the same time and this gets me all messed up. I need the structure of the work week, plus, eating and working at my desk helps me eat slower. Today, I ate as slow as I could, but I didn't make my tiny meal last 30 minutes. I still have trouble getting my Water in with the nothing to drink an hour before and after a meal. So meals plus snacks, on a structured day, it works, on weekends, I struggle with everything, but I have to admit I don't falter. I do have to say that it is easier for me to exercise during the weekend. During the week I walk 30 minutes before I eat my lunch and this seems to help me a lot. I have been trying to take one or two 30 minute walks a day. Today I was able to get three walks in. Funny, they are starting to feel good. I am enjoying it. :eek: I never thought I would say that. AND my thighs and butt are shrinking. Now that is a good feeling. :w00t: Debbie

So glad you are doing okay. I found that Sugar Free Popsicles were my favorite, they just melted and slip right down. You sound like you are doing great and trust me when I say, Each day will be easier than the day before. Just follow your Dr's instruction and sip sip sip, walk walk walk. Take care:thumbup: Huggs Debbie

Teri, you are alway thinking of everyone. NanRay - I have been thinking about you too. My computer was down so I was very upset that I might have missed your post. Hang in the - you are going to do fantastic! :tongue_smilie: Let us know how you how you are. Huggs Debbie

Didn't the Nutritionist or Dr give you Guidelines. I was on Full liquids for 3 weeks and now I am on Mushies for 3 more. Mushies are ground up Tuna and chicken salad, baby fruit and veggies, Protien Drink and I can have 4 crackers. Also, I was told not to drink water 30 min to 1 hour before or after meals, but protien drink is water so I sip and sip during those times. Didn't they tell you anything? Also you could look here, http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blogs/coltonwade/ Mindy has given some suggestions. Hope this helps. I know my Dr is VERY restrictive in his diet, but for me it works. Debbie

Congrats Teri - so that is the secret when we stall out - post. So here I go. This week I have lost and gained the same two pounds. Now I have to be honest and say that I lost two inches in my BUTT and an inch in my waiste so I know I am doing something. But of course it is that all important scale :tongue_smilie:. Awe - Kitties, they are so wonderful. We have 4 cats and they are my babies. Each one has it's own way of bringing joy into my life. Getting into the "skinny" jeans, that is something to Celebrate :tt1: My Dr had warned that bread and lettuce might be hard, skin from fruit also. I am on mushies for a while longer, two weeks, but at the end of the month I get more normal food. For now I live on mushies and it is amazing I am learning to LOVE baby food - just add salt to the veggies.:cool2: You should step back and be very proud, you are doing terrific!

You will be fine. You will be sore, and the gas pain is icky. Have your sugar free Jello and popsicles ready, they will taste good tomorrow. Rest, but be sure to walk, don't go too far, you will be able to do more and more. Remember, your port is the most sore, but it gets better very quickly. My Mom came over the day after I WISH I had been alone. Oh how I wish, she drove me crazy. Take care Debbie