julie.ann

Thanks for all the encouragement guys. This place is a life saver....so is this band come to think of it.

Great job Molly! Way to go! It is great when things get moving again

1-13-09 What does my band do for me? That is what I have been asking myself lately. Everyone at work, everywhere I go, asks me how much weight I have lost. Oh it was great at first to have people notice, but now it is all the time and of course the question follows. How are you doing it? I tell them I am doing what I am supposed to. I am eating healthy, watching my portions and exercising. That is absolutely true. That is not a lie at all. So that has made me ask myself what the band is doing for me. I know it is doing a lot. I don’t mean to say that it isn’t. I just need to know how the band is working for me. 1. The band reminds me to take smaller bites. If I don’t take small bites things get stuck and I start to slime. That isn’t fun. Today I had roast beef and I started to slime. If I mix textures I don’t really have a lot of trouble. I mixed cottage cheese with my roast beef. I know it sounds gross, but I really like it. After I mixed the two I didn’t have ANY problems, even with a little bigger bites. Not too big though. 2. The band helps me to get full faster. Since my second fill I eat about 1 cup of food before I get full. 3. If I eat too much the band reminds me that I can’t do that! That means chest pain and feeling crappy! 4. The band curbs hunger almost to the point that I can ignore it if I get busy. I don’t starve myself. I eat three meals a day, but if I am busy and don’t eat for an hour after I start to get hungry it really doesn’t bother me. I am more susceptible to eating poorly if I wait too long and don’t plan ahead. That’s it. That is what the band does for me. What I mean is that there are things that the band doesn’t do for me. 1. It doesn’t buy healthy food and throw out all the crappy food. 2. It doesn’t keep track of what I eat. 3. It doesn’t keep me from stopping and getting ice cream or a milkshake or other high calorie food that would slip right through the band. 4. It doesn’t drive me to the gym. 5. It doesn’t make me step on the scale and be accountable. I work hard for what is happening. I am thankful for the band. I am thankful that I did this now instead of later. I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I guess that is what I will keep telling everyone when they ask. This is my journey, my decision to keep it secret and when I succeed it will be MY SUCCESS!

Mini I stay about where you do. I watch my protein too. I keep track ono sparkpeople. I don't think I would be doing so well if I didn't do that. I think if it is working why mess with it! Have a great day!

1-10-09 Well my second fill is behind me. Dr. K saw my weight loss and asked me if I even needed a fill. (I lost 15# in 5 weeks.) I asked the same thing two days earlier when I called the office. What made Natalie decide that I needed to keep my appointment was the fact that I was starting to get hungry a little faster between meals. I also can eat more than I should. I would stop at about 1 ½ cups but I know I could eat more. I think every fill might be different. It wasn’t as clear for me this time how much was the right amount. Last time there was a level that water didn’t move, then one that did a little more, a lower level with a tiny hesitation then a level when with water ran right through. This time I questioned myself more. Maybe it was because I didn’t hit the level when nothing would move through. I have been so worried about getting too tight. I went out to eat my now customary Sizzling Chicken and Cheese at TGI Fridays like I have for every Denver trip. I was so worried that it wouldn’t go down easily. Thankfully it went down great! I was happy to find that it took much less to fill me up. Last time I ate at TGI Fridays I put half of the meal in a TO GO box and ate a half order. This time I, of course, started out by putting half of the meal in a box, but I had to put half of what was left on my plate in the box too! I only ate ¼ of my meal and I was full! Wow! That was great! This morning I had to stop my breakfast after not being able to finish half of it. I am going to have to learn what my band wants and how much. That’s ok! I don’t mind. I hope that I won’t need to go back to Denver. I hope that I have found my “sweet spot.” I have been working hard at the gym too. At least three 30 minutes workout each week is my minimum. I have been there 3-5 days a week and I try to work out at least an hour each time. I do 30min of cardio every day I make it to the gym and then I’ll work my abs or upper body or legs. I don’t work my legs enough. I know that. I need to work on that because I don’t want to be pear shaped, but I think if I keep working out my upper and not my lower body that is what will happen. I’ve also noticed that I am having a harder time getting an intense workout when it comes to weight training. I did add a new ab exercise. I have to keep my motivation up. Weighing in everyday on the Wii helps me with that. Yesterday was the first day I missed since I was out of town for my last fill. Well I have a goal for Valentine’s Day and only have to lose 11.1 more pounds to get there. I would love to blow that goal out of the water!

Take a look on Lapband.com - LAP-BAND® System Adjustments - Weight Loss Management You want to be in the Green zone to hit your sweet spot.

Dan remember that liquids should go right through. They shouldn't get held up. It is fine that you are getting hungry so quickly. Your body is also spending alot of energy healing. Listen to what your body tells you. Make sure you get plenty of protein as soon as you start the shakes. I even bought the shot of 42 gms of protein that comes in a test tube looking container. (3 oz in each on) I just couldn't get me protein in otherwise. Once you start eating the swelling you have might put you into banders euphoria for a while. That lasted for about 3 1/2 weeks for me. Then you enter bandster hell which is where you have no restriction and have to work hard to not eat too much before you can get in for your first fill. If you are hungry eat/drink. Again this is a time for recovery NOT WEIGHT LOSS! Sure weight loss before your first fill is nice, but don't focus on it.If you lose weight, but don't heal right itis not worth it! Take care and keep us posted! Group Hug!:thumbdown:

I would say you should document your weight. Keep track of it on here with a ticker if you want. Can they make you lose weight? No. You can make yourself lose weight. It is just practicing eating like a bandster. I think the best thing you can do is keep track of what you eat. There are free sites like the dailyplate or sparkpeople.com. This is the best tool I have beside the band. Limit or give up starches. Little or no bread, pasta, rice or potatoes and get plenty of protein. That will help you feel less cravings as your blood sugar spikes and feel less hunger if you have enough protein. I'm a nurse and I understand about needing to weight until you are out of school. It is great you have made the decision to take control of your life with this surgery. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself with the exception of marrying my husband and having our family. Good luck!

1-10-09 Well my second fill is behind me. Dr. K saw my weight loss and asked me if I even needed a fill. (I lost 15# in 5 weeks.) I asked the same thing two days earlier when I called the office. What made Natalie decide that I needed to keep my appointment was the fact that I was starting to get hungry a little faster between meals. I also can eat more than I should. I would stop at about 1 ½ cups but I know I could eat more. I think every fill might be different. It wasn’t as clear for me this time how much was the right amount. Last time there was a level that water didn’t move, then one that did a little more, a lower level with a tiny hesitation then a level when with water ran right through. This time I questioned myself more. Maybe it was because I didn’t hit the level when nothing would move through. I have been so worried about getting too tight. I went out to eat my now customary Sizzling Chicken and Cheese at TGI Fridays like I have for every Denver trip. I was so worried that it wouldn’t go down easily. Thankfully it went down great! I was happy to find that it took much less to fill me up. Last time I ate at TGI Fridays I put half of the meal in a TO GO box and ate a half order. This time I, of course, started out by putting half of the meal in a box, but I had to put half of what was left on my plate in the box too! I only ate ¼ of my meal and I was full! Wow! That was great! This morning I had to stop my breakfast after not being able to finish half of it. I am going to have to learn what my band wants and how much. That’s ok! I don’t mind. I hope that I won’t need to go back to Denver. I hope that I have found my “sweet spot.” I have been working hard at the gym too. At least three 30 minutes workout each week is my minimum. I have been there 3-5 days a week and I try to work out at least an hour each time. I do 30min of cardio every day I make it to the gym and then I’ll work my abs or upper body or legs. I don’t work my legs enough. I know that. I need to work on that because I don’t want to be pear shaped, but I think if I keep working out my upper and not my lower body that is what will happen. I’ve also noticed that I am having a harder time getting an intense workout when it comes to weight training. I did add a new ab exercise. I have to keep my motivation up. Weighing in everyday on the Wii helps me with that. Yesterday was the first day I missed since I was out of town for my last fill. Well I have a goal for Valentine’s Day and only have to lose 11.1 more pounds to get there. I would love to blow that goal out of the water!

Debbie, I know just what you mean. I have lost 50 lbs and I think I look now like I thought I looked when I started. I get these comments from the girls at work. They say...Oh you are so skinny. I still weigh 234 and THEY are skinny. But compared to where I was it is a big difference. I made sure I was in pictures this Christmas so I wouldn't start to fool myself into thinking that I looked so good I could start to fall off the wagon. Well the pictures worked. I'm already getting the mentality that makes me hold up clothes and and say there is no way it will fit THEN IT DOES! The band is the best thing I have ever done for myself with the exception marring my husband and having my family! (But it right up there!)

Well I am a day late AGAIN, but that is because I was out of town yesterday getting a fill. I am down 3.9 pounds for the wee! That puts me at 234. I keep thinking of my self as 250# I have to keep reminding myself. I can't wait to hit the 220s! I love good news!

Alright the first week of our :regular_smile:-day challange is over and you can put me down for a loss of 3.9 pounds! :cool:

Sorry, Here is the other address that I didn't get copied. October 2008 Bandsters - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Welcome Terri! Here is a link for the Friday weigh in for the Smashing Pumpkins: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f282/friday-weigh-84472/#post1112907 and here is the link to our main page of forums. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f282/ We aren't as talkative as some I think. I like the idea of catching up once a week. I have several different groups that help keep me going and here is my blog..... Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - My Secret Journey Have you started your own yet?

Well I did end up having a fill today. Jamie, It was nice seeing you again. I had 0.7 cc put in. I'm surprised I needed that much. So was Dr. K. I was able to eat without any problem and drove on home. I am so nervous about the possiblity of getting too tight! I now have 3.5cc in my 10cc band. Abitrary number or not it is still nice to know.

Thanks! Great job on the pre-op diet. I lost 14 pre-op. Tondavi - check out the rest of my blog if you want to. I started it about the same place you are now. Hey Groupie....thanks! I got compliments in every department today at the hosptial. I usually make rounds every morning and I couldn't believe the reaction. I am running out of clothes to wear though!

FIFTY pounds gone forever! I can't believe it! Three short months ago I was getting ready to start my pre-op diet! It was 3 months ago that I was wondering if I would let myself down like I had every other time I tried to lose weight. It was 3 months ago I wondered if the band would work for me the way it worked for so many. Three months ago I was wondering what if I spend all this money…$265/mo for 5 years, to weigh the same as I did on my surgery day. I am over a third of the way to my goal. I can’t wait to see how I get there and when. It is like a trip to Disney World. It’s coming…I know its going to be great and so much fun once I get there. The anticipation is just about killing me!

FIFTY pounds gone forever! I can't believe it! Three short months ago I was getting ready to start my pre-op diet! It was 3 months ago that I was wondering if I would let myself down like I had every other time I tried to lose weight. It was 3 months ago I wondered if the band would work for me the way it worked for so many. Three months ago I was wondering what if I spend all this money…$265/mo for 5 years, to weigh the same as I did on my surgery day. I am over a third of the way to my goal. I can’t wait to see how I get there and when. It is like a trip to Disney World. It’s coming…I know its going to be great and so much fun once I get there. The anticipation is just about killing me!

Hey Jamie, I got 2.8cc for my first fill. I didn't really have a big change until about 10-14 days later. I am being very conscious of my body this week. I was hungry today for the first time in a long time. I will see how tomorrow goes. I think I am off my plateau because I've lost 4 lbs in the last week. If I am hungry again tomorrow I will go ahead with my fill. Maybe just a tiny one. I wish I could join you on Thurday. Maybe after basketball season is over if I am still having fills I will be able to join all of you. Have a great time!

Thanks guys. I think that I will be very aware of my body and hunger and weight over the next few days and make my final decision on THursday morning, but I have a feeling I will be putting it off.

I really hope that I don't feel this way everytime it is time for another fill. I really need your opinon.... I had my first fill Dec. 5th. It took about 10-14 days for that fill to kick in. I am questioning wether or not I need a fill. I am scheduled for a fill on Friday. I eat and don't get hungry for 4-6 hrs depending on what I eat. I can eat more than 1/2 - 1 cup, but I try hard not too. I have come to realize that even thin frozen pizza crust is not band friendly, but if I stay away from bread I usually don't have a problem with anything getting stuck. I was on a two week plateau that I think I have recently begun to break out of. (Otherwise I wouldn't question it and I would just go! If I don't lose anymore weight by Friday I definately should go.) Even when I am hungry it isn't an overwelming hunger. I worry about getting too tight and having to drive 8 hrs back to Denver. I can eat any time of the day. The band is never too tight for that. Not in the morning or at night. I know the chance that I am where I need to be with only 1 fill is slim-to-none. I am still a new bandster...what do you think?

I would like to post a NSV. I went shopping yesterday. My jeans are getting big. I went to Lane Bryant and I tried on a 5P. They were loose....very comfortable if this was the weight I was staying at. I tried on a 4P and they fit! Then I thought I was trying on a size 22 coat. (I usually would look for a 24 or 26.) I thought it was okay.....just a little tiny bit small, but something I could definately wear and I could grow into it through the winter. I looked at the tag again and realized that I couldn't afford it...then I realized it was actually a size 18-20! I couldn't believe it!:blushing: Then I went to JC Penny's and the 2x was too small...:cursing:...Oh well I think I'll focus on my NSV at Lane Bryant. I used to love that store and now I can't wait until I can't shop there any more!!!

CG: That is awesome. I was talking to my hubby and he made a comment about when I had lost weight because of thyroid problems. I weighed 170....30# more than my goal. Anyway he said,"When you were skinny...." I couldn't believe he thought I was SKINNY then. I know he made comments, but never used that word. I can't wait to get back there. It means so much when the man you love makes comments like that! Congrats!

I really hope that I don't feel this way everytime it is time for another fill. I really need your opinon...again. I had my first fill Dec. 5th. It took about 10-14 days for that fill to kick in ( I am questioning wether or not I need a fill. I am scheduled for a fill on Friday. I eat and don't get hungry for 4-6 hrs depending on what I eat. I can eat more than 1/2 - 1 cup, but I try hard not too. I have come to realize that even thin frozen pizza crust is not band friendly, but if I stay away from bread I usually don't have a problem with anything getting stuck. I was on a two week plateau that I think I have recently begun to break out of. (Otherwise I wouldn't question it and I would just go! If I don't lose anymore weight by Friday I definately should go.) Even when I am hungry it isn't an overwelming hunger. I worry about getting too tight and having to drive 8 hrs back to Denver. I can eat any time of the day. The band is never too tight for that. Not in the morning or at night. I know the chance that I am where I need to be with only 1 fill is slim-to-none. I am still a new bandster...what do you think?