riley4183

Jees my BMI is 37.9!! That's well into the obese range again! Well, it was 46 when I started the Kaiser program, so that IS a lot of progress I guess. I think I'll go to the gym. I always feel better after I work out.

I was 6 lbs from goal. I guess I needed brain surgery along with a band! And you gained back with a sleeve, so I guess that's not a miracle cure. BIG SIGH. How can we get re-motivated?!? I read the posts that I used to make when I was losing, and I was totally motivated! This is so depressing!!

I have gained back more than half of the 124 lbs that I lost after being banded in early 2009 . . . first my dad's cancer diagnosis and the caretaking of him - when you're going through that, what you weigh seems of very little consequence. He passed 2 1/2 year ago and I'm still going up at the rate of about 10 lbs a year, even though I remain active, walk a lot, actually GO to my gym, and to weight watchers where I log everything and rarely go over my points . . . .aargh! What is WRONG with me? I did have most of the Fluid removed & have no restriction unless I eat dry chicken or fish, and I can't get anything added back in until I am 10 lbs lower than I was when I had the fluid out - which is 29 lbs away! I have Kaiser. I have worked with the nutritionist and gone back on the 1200 cal diet, and only managed to maintain.

Tamra!! Helloooooo! R U still on here? Jeez my old ticker was so good, how depressing!! I have gained so much weight, had my Fluid removed when I was up 50 :-( and have gained 20 more since then!! I am SO close to the weight I was on the morning of my surgery, it's SO depressing! WHAT DO IT DO!?!?! I have been in Weight Watchers and tracking and exercising since April 2013 when I had the fluid removed, and I have GAINED in that time - not as fast, but still gaining. I have really bad stomach cramping when I overeat, but don't feel any restriction - what is up with that??

Hi IrinaK! Welcome to Richmond Kaiser :-) I had orientation way back in November 2008 and surgery in February 2009, and that was considered very fast at the time! I understand that they are a lot faster now. Even if they don't make you lose 15% of your weight before surgery anymore, you should still strive for it as it is healthier, safer, and it just makes everything so much easier! We also had to see a nutritionist (yay Robin), a counselor (got to have your stuff together before surgery, because YOUR LIFE IS GONNA CHANGE!), and the head nurse (yay Liz!). You probably still have to do those things. We had to go to classes, too. I also took 16 weeks of classes at my local Kaiser, which were SOOO helpful, and I stillhang out with many of the people I met then! Good luck!

I was banded Feb 23, 2009 and lost 79 lbs post op (124 lbs total) by December of that year. Then I met a guy, fell in love, moved in with him, quit exercising, quit following all of the rules, and gained back almost 50 lbs! Yikes! Did I mention that he is a chef?? LOL I tell my story because it's easy to get discouraged when you see people losing so FAST and it feels like you are barely moving. But SLOWER weight loss is more permanent weight loss! I lost really fast - 124 lbs in a year - and promptly gained a bunch back. So take your time, learn to make the lifestyle changes, go slowly enough to really ingrain them into daily life, and you will make it! If you keep following the rules and exercising, you WILL lose :-)

Yes! I just started yesterday. Have you heard of the 5 day pouch test? It's not really a "test," it's designed to re-acquaint us with our tools . . . and it works!

I get it about the protein shakes - bleck! In my program we were actually not allowed to have them - only "real" food. So I learned how to make everything into a "soup" with my Bullett blender - reallly! Split pea with ham - pureed, of course - is excellent for protein. You can add tofu to anything to thicken it up, or milk (or soy milk) to thin it out. I have pureed denver omelettes, eggs and bacon, just about whatever I wanted to eat that had a high protein content. But I was on clear liquids for a week, full liquids for a couple of weeks, then purees, so I was pretty far out before I got all crazy. Advancing yourself too soon could well be interfering with your progress! If you can't go out with your friends while staying true to #1 - YOURSELF - then you should probably not go for a while. I went out with friends right away, but then I told everyone :-) It's a choice that only you can make! Best of luck

Hi Pammie, hi Nicole, everybody - I have to get back on track!!!! I have gained 50 lbs back :-(

Hi Jst, hi Reggie! I miss you girl! I have a band, and I did really, really well with it and lost 124 lbs in less than 2 years. I was 2 lbs from my goal weight, so they considered that I had lost 98% of my excess weight. I WORKED IT. I was in a size 10 and r e a l l y close to a size 8. Then I met my man, the chef, and stopped excercising and following my plan, and I have now gained almost 40 lbs back (!) and have to SQUEEZE into my 12s. I have lost some again, but it's a struggle and it always will be. So. should I have had the sleeve? (I did NOT want RNY, and if you tell them that they will respect you!) I wonder! If they had offered it at the time, I would have looked into it for sure. But I think I still would have gone with the band. It is adjustable even after you lose all your weight. With the band, as I have gained weight back it has gotten tighter and tighter, so I get to the point that I cannot gain any more - for the first time in my life!! If you want the band, request it. Most folks were RNY when I went through, and when I met Dr. Baggs I said simply, "I will only consider the band" and he said OK (and pulled one out of his pocket and handed it to me - funny guy!). Whichever you chose - IF YOU FOLLOW THE PROGRAM, IT WILL WORK! I had orientation early November and surgery late February - so it took 3 months for me. And surgery was a breeze - almost drive-thru! In at 8, home by noon. Back to work the next Monday. Good luck!!! :-)

I can only go if we leave early! I have to be back up here by 2. I think Chris may be off that day and come with us, I so want you all to meet him!! I think an Atkins-type program (I like South Beach) can work well with the band. It's not just meat; it's also eggs and cheese and vegetables. I also get frustrated (and starved!) when I can only eat 2 tblspoons of a dense protein! That used to fill me up when I was 4 months or 6 months out from surgery, but at 30 months out uhm - NO. But I can eat LOTS of veggies, and quite a bit of cheese, and eggs are better than fish. I know that I have to cut the carbs back out, but when the ulcer flares up like it is right now, protein alone just plain HURTS! I end up eating oatmeal oatmeal oatmeal. Oatmeal with butter (lol) and salt; oatmeal with cream, oatmeal with berries, etc. It fills me up without hurting, but then I crave carbs all day! I really did SO much better when I was off of the carbs. It really gets rid of cravings!! Back to work - let me know if we can meet early like 9 ish!!

what is alltogether up with this little itty bitty text . . jeez I'm really starting to feel my age here!!

Hey gang bad news! I have a retirement party (not mine, LOL) on May 14!! Unless we are walking in the early AM, I can't make it :-( I don't remember when we were going to walk, but I would have to be back here in Santa Rosa by 1 pm

From Emotional Eating to Emotional Understanding Avoid labeling yourself (or your client) “an emotional eater.” Labels become self-fulfilling prophecies. Instead, identify the behavior since unlike personality characteristics, behaviors can be explored and changed. Examples: emotional eating, eating when I feel stressed, using food for comfort, eating as a form of entertainment, etc. . Get back to the basics. To identify emotional triggers, ask “Am I hungry?” whenever you feel like eating. If there are no physical signs of hunger, it’s likely that the urge to eat was triggered by environmental or emotional cues. Leave judgment at the door. Guilt and shame feed the eat-repent-repeat cycle and close the door on learning. Have compassion for yourself. When you eat for emotional reasons, you are simply trying to take care of yourself. What could you do that might work better? Respond instead of react. Realize that a “trigger” is just that—a coping mechanism that you can choose to pull or not. Choose how you'll respond to your triggers instead of reacting automatically. Read the need. Your desire to eat when you aren't hungry is a doorway into your underlying feelings and needs. Cravings can be clues. The food you crave may give you insight into the underlying emotion or need, i.e. comfort food. Avoid labeling emotions as good or bad, or positive or negative. All emotions are information that you can use to better understand your interpretation of an experience and help you recognize your true needs. This too shall pass. Ride your emotional waves as if you were floating on a raft. All emotions come and go. It is futile to resist the ones that feel unpleasant; resistance only adds to your discomfort. Likewise, it is pointless to cling to the emotions that feel pleasant; just enjoy them while they last. Create a self-care buffer zone. Caring for your body, mind, heart, and spirit builds resilience to the stresses of life. When you practice regular self-care, you will be less likely to turn to food to manage your emotions. Ask for help when needed. Reach out to a counselor, coach, pastor, or Am I Hungry? Facilitator to help you understand and cope with emotional eating.

I totally get wanting the fluid out! On our way down to the Giants game last night we stopped at Panda, I ordered by health beef & brocolli and got like less than 3 bites down and could not make anything get through the band. I was REALLY getting pissed about it, I mean that was my one chance to eat before we got to the ballpark where there's nothing under $10, but Chris and my son just said hey - that's why you did it. Does it beat the alternative? Uhm - yes. it does. May 14 is on my calendar, I love my girlz!!

Reggie you sound just like me! My band WOULD work, if I would do MY job. I joined weight watchers again so I'll log everything. I need to buy a new pedometer and get re-addicted to exercise! I'm at work so I have to run, but sta7y on here with me girls I need you!!!

YAY! We're BACK! I took the poll; I have my "stepson" every weekend through April cause his mom took off to Mexico again, so I signed up for May but if we do April I'll figure it out! I miss you girls!!!

Hey all! I hope you are all well. I joined Weight Watchers (again) last week and am already having a tough time staying on plan!! Ugh. But life is good, love is good, I am blessed and SO ARE YOU! http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/01/all-of-god%e2%80%99s-girls-have-issues.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+p31encouragement+%28P31+Encouragement+for+Today%29

TaraRose, I'm in Santa Rosa & did my overview there, plus the 14-week class (which I HIGHLY recommend!!) there. I did my orientation at Richmond. Email me! :-)

OH FINALLY! Thank you Pammie :-) We've found each other at last YAY! I was doing well until yesterday. Pammie it sounds like you had the perfect office party!!! Me . . . not so much. Oh well today is a new day! I usually start off good but by mid- afternoon I've done wrong :-( Lots of stress is my life right now, 2 or my 3 kids are in some sort of crisis, they are out and I've moved in with Chris, WE at least are good but layoffs loom again and, well, my budget aint what it used to be!! All prayers welcomed :-) I miss you guys!!

Thanks Reggie, he really does want my blessing! And he's getting my prayers too :-) 6 lbs in a week??? What are you doing??

Hey girlie! Thanks, I'm loving life . . most of the time. Lots of upheaval and change and uncertainty right now, it's weird to be between houses but at least both boys are moving out. Dont know where the older one is going yet, but the younger one (almost 19) has just informed he's quit his job and is moving to WA with an online girlfriend whom he's never met, who has no job, and a child, who lives with her mom. uhhhhh . . . and he has purchased his one-way ticket and shipped his belongings already. Kids! He refuses to go for a visit this month and wait to move until next month when he maybe had a job?? Oh and he doesnt drive, either. You cant tell him anything tho . . he is desparate for my blessing and I want to support him but dont want to see him make such a hasty choice! He had a different girlfriend until 3 months ago, now he says he really loves this one and wants to spend the rest of his life with her . . . . Why am I posting this on the Lap Band site? Cause we all need to realize that this is just a TOOL!! even with a lap-band and the weight loss and counseling and all of that, and all, we still have stressful stuff that happens and we still try to feed the stress and anxiety! In & Out burger for lunch, for Pete's sake! (no bun of course) The one thing that I CAN say is that my band does not let me stress eat!! No sirree. Nothing is going down until I relax, and then only about a golf ball fits. The band DEFINATELY does its job. I just wish I would get good at doing mine again!!

Wow - yesterday was my 2-year anniversary from my orientation! Yours too Nicolie! Time flies when you're normal-sized and active and in love <3

Yay Dr. Baggs! Hope to see all my peeps up here next Saturday!! Reminder from: SoCoRNYWLSSupport Yahoo! Group Title: Sonoma County RNY- WLS Support Group Date: Saturday November 13, 2010Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Repeats: This event repeats every month on the second Saturday.Next reminder: The next reminder for this event will be sent in 7 days, 1 minute.Location: WELLS FARGO CENTER FOR THE ARTSNotes: Our weight loss surgery support group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. We meet at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa. Our meetings are held in the Carston Cabaret. Park and enter through the south entrance. Watch for the signs. This meeting is for anyone who has had weight-loss surgery, thinking about having weight-loss surgery and those support people who want to find out more about our journey. This month we will be having a guest speaker. Dr. Baggs, a Kaiser bariatric surgeon, will be at our meeting. Dr. Baggs will give a presentation and we will also have lots of time for questions and answers. If you have never heard Dr. Baggs speak, you are in for a real treat. For those that are pre-op, thinking about having the procedure or even post op., Dr. Baggs has lots of useful information for everyone. It's a meeting NOT to be missed. This meeting is also a wonderful way to have your support people be well-informed and give them the opportunity to hear information and be able to ask questions, too. Steering committee meets at 9:00 a.m. Regluar clothing and protein exchange. Cookbooks will be onsale, too. $15 cash. Please plan on attending!! See you there.

I'm just sayin' people!!!! Joel is speaking to US this morning!!! Speak Faith into Your Future Posted by Joel Osteen on October 11th, 2010 A couple of years ago after service, I talked to gentleman who had lost 150 pounds. He looked fantastic and was beaming with joy! He seemed like a different person. I asked him how he did it, and he explained that when he was growing up he had a very defeated mindset. For years he would go around saying, "I'll never lose this weight. Everybody in my family is overweight. I'm not disciplined. I'm not focused. I just don't have what it takes." Those negative words created the wrong image on the inside of him. He saw himself as a failure. One day, he heard me talking about speaking victory over your life, and he took it to heart. Every morning and all through the day, he would declare, "I weigh what I should weigh. I'm thin. I'm healthy. I'm disciplined. I'm focused. I have what it takes." When he first started saying those things, none of it was true. But he understood that he was establishing his life with his words. He was prophesying his future. He was sending his words out in the direction he wanted his life to go. No, it didn't happen overnight, but little by little he became exactly what he had been declaring. My question today is, "Are you sending your words out in the direction you want your life to go? Are you speaking defeat or victory into your future?" Remember, your life is moving toward whatever you are constantly saying. When you speak words of faith and victory into your future, that's what will be waiting for you when you arrive! "It is written: 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.' With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak" (2 Corinthians 4:13, NIV).