kimmyv

Hey all-- I haven't been on or posted for a really long time. I fell off the band track, wasn't losing, wasn't working out and generally was embarrassed that I hadn't lost more etc. I came back here, started lurking, reading posts and finally band slapped my self. A few lessons i have learned in the past 1.5 years: Follow the rules Track your food Exersize Don't beat yourself up Talk to your doctor-they won't be mad-they are there to help Get fills if you are able to eat too much etc Talk to fellow bandsters When i sucked it up and went in for a fill it changed everything. I have restriction big time. AND-- my new band doc ran a ton of blood tests. Yeah-- my thryroid is totally JACKED. Along with the hypothyroidism I am severely anemic and vit D deficient. I started a regimen of prescriptions along with my fill and rededication to proper eating habits-- I feel AMAZING. I have also lost 10lbs in the past 3 weeks after no loss for the past 6-8 months or more. If you are losing slow, if you are discouraged, if you feel like crap--- Go to your doctor and figure out how to get it all on track. Don't be embarrassed-- it was a big step to get the band in the first place. If we can do that we can do anything! Just some thoughts... :redface:

I can understand what you are saying.... The Lap band does have a way of making it all "real". The self loathing, the fear, the feelings of being an outsider etc. With out the band we have our fat to blame for not having confidence, feeling bad or unmotivated. Once we get the band and the weight starts to come off what will we have to fall back on? Please don't get me wrong-- losing the weight helps alot and I know that you are going to feel so much better and so much more in control of your life and able to take part in life. I would suggest that while you prepare and wait for the surgery that you try to get in with someone and do some counseling sessions to get your head in the right place so you can move forward with your band. Unfortunately the scale doesn't come with a guarantee of confidence and motivation-- only that it will weigh you. Also try to focus on the positives vs negative. You are SO CLOSE to getting what I think is something you actually really want. It is not about being sick of not being or doing stuff but how close you are to doing it all. Good luck-- I know you're headed for great things!

Did you all ever check with Dr Fusco's office in Melbourne? His clinic is called Lifeshape.... I am not sure what their fill policies for patients that they didn't do the surgery for but worth it to call and see... I got my surgery and all but my last fill with Dr Fusco and staff--They are really nice. I have now moved over the St Pete and due to the drive i now go to Dr Kathy Gonzales (thru FillCenters) and she is AWESOME

I tried the frozen dinners at first. And even though I had eaten them in the past when trying to diet and liked most of them.... After being banded my whole taste for food changed. Processed, frozen foods now taste like sawdust and chemicals to me. Partly because of how much we have to chew and also because as part of the journey I have been trying to eat "clean" and organic. I shoot for nothing refined, no high fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenate/partially hydragenated oil, no white flour, no chemicals. About 80% of what I eat is clean, whole foods. It is amazing once you get past the carb and sugar withdrawals how good the food tastes vs processed. If it didn't have a mother or grow from dirt- I try not to eat it. I create my own little smart ones Entrees. For example, this is what I did last week. Sunday-- took organic chicken breasts, salt and peppered and a slight dusting of rice flour (optional)(tsp). Sauted each side (to just light brown not cooked thru) in tbl olive oil and then put into a 250-275 degree oven till cooked thru(my pan can go into the oven). You can do this will pork chop/boneless loins too. I usually cook a big pan of both and divide up. Steamed broccoli (or i have sauted zucchini or asaparagus). What ever veggie you want! I cut the chicken breast into 2 oz pieces and then weigh out 2 oz of veggie. Pack into containers and you've got 4 meals. Make a couple of different veggies for variety. I will also make a pot of organic, gluten free risotto and dish a small amount of that in. Sometimes I can eat rice, sometimes not. Or I will slice and saute a couple baby potatoes with onions to put in for a little carb action. I bring all the pre packed containers to work on Monday or Tuesday (depends which day I cook) and also leave 1 or 2 at home so I have options if I don't feel like cooking at night. Just an idea.... Takes some getting used at first to get into the planning and shopping routine of it. We eat so little-- why not make it worth it!

You are not insane and not alone-- look at all of us here that are having the same struggles. I slacked off and didn't want to face that I was sabatoging myself. I sucked it up and just went and got a fill today. A couple of weeks ago I started by recommitting-- to tracking what I eat (on daily plate), focusing on working out, and following the rules. Seriously-- if I do not work out and do not eat right-- i will not lose. I cannot just eat less with my band--it has to be healthy and I have to work out. I have a new fill doctor (i moved 4 months ago)and she is awesome. She is also re-testing my thyroid and helping me get back on track. Refocus, go talk to your doctor, get a fill and set a short term goal for yourself. Vent to us. Don't look at what didn't happen or what your long term goal is--focus on just the next step in front of you. You can't change the past and if you only look at the end you'll never get there because the potholes (or donuts) in front of you will keep on making you fall.

"Operator Error" I LOVE IT!!! This is exactly what I have tried to explain to my fiance and my co workers..... I am pretty tight and FINALLY have good restriction. My 4-6oz totally fills me up and I don't get hungry between meals. But--- if I take too big of a bite, ignore when I am tighter (mornings) or don't chew well and take my time-- Hello PB! And also-- I have tried to explain that sometimes it is random--I don't know that I am tight or that a food doesn't sit right until it doesn't. Each day is different. Yesterday I could eat scrambled egg. Today--I thought I was going to die from 2 bites. Why? Who knows. With in the last couple weeks I can no longer eat Pasta or most bread (my italian half is screaming at this latest development). I learned it the hard way but now I know. My fiance gets upset too because he is worried for me.

Seriously! Wow. Got 1cc on Wednesday--liquids for 2 days (per instructions) and back to solids today. Well-my band just slapped me silly! I thought I had maybe been stuck or slimed before. NO WAY. This was for real-DANG. I mean DANG. I thought that I ate slow and chewed well. NOPE. This is restriction for real. In a strange, almost masocistic (sp) way, I really like it. About 2 hours ago I wanted to tear open my chest from a couple of bites of veal piccata (I think it was the 1 bite of pasta I didn't chew well that did it) but honestly-- This is what I have been waiting for. Also--has anyone ever had it where they started talking about something stressful and then BAM-you are super tight? I have had major restriction since my fill but I think that may have also contributed to the ultra pb/slime incident tonight..... I was eating and feeling ok till we started talking about my brother (who is currently homeless and apparently living on the streets of LA because he decided to just hop a train and go there with no money or job). One or 2 bites later and I couldn't even get a sip of water down. Anyway-- I am actually excited for this restriction. Until now I KNOW I have been regulating what I eat by sheer will and measuring but never feeling like I had my band-trying to just learn slowly; my loss to date obviously shows the results (ie lack there of). This is what I have been waiting for. And I think that now I will be able to handle it. When my doc said take 30 min to eat-- now I have to or it won't be pretty. And that is fantastic! Just wanted to share--Happy Valentines Day Bandsters!

I had a chicken parm sub.... But spent the week before having the quantity of food I knew would be no more. Honestly Oblong--besides the champagne--you can still eat out-you just can't eat the quantity you can before surgery. I had Indian food 2 weeks ago. I couldn't eat the na'an bread (gets stuck) but I had 4 oz of chicken masala and chicken saag with just a little rice (very little). And my fiance and I go out but share.... I have been losing very slow but I am learning a new relationship with food and eating. I am learning to use my band. I now have major restriction (this week) and am taking this to a new level. I don't know about you--but I never did very well at the "all or nothing" thing when it has come to diets etc.... I really think that is why the band is such a great invention. It allow us to semi-induldge while not letting us go to the extreme. 2 chicken wings-- not the best choice but not too bad. 20 wings-- no way-the band wont allow it. I don't believe that have the lap band means giving up going out to eat, going to parties or to nice restaurants. It just means eating less. It just takes some getting used to in social/eating situations. I know that my weight has stopped me from doing things in the past-- I will be ding danged if I let my band (my little "lifesaver") prevent me from going anywhere.... Know what I mean? Good luck on your surgery and welcome to BAND LAND!!! The band is the ultimate weapon in this fight!

Week 1--I was put on clear liquids only. Nothing with milk basically. Italian Ice, popcicles, jello-all different flavors, apple juice, tea bags, lemon juice (to put in the warm tea-helps prevent caffine withdrawal). Chicken noodle soup--I strained the noodles etc out and heated up the broth. High in sodium--yes. But it REALLY hit the spot on like the 3rd day when I started to get my appetite back. I was told no low sugar etc because it was the only calories I was getting. My doc didn't allow protein shakes till week 2. The popsicles were crucial-- the different flavors really helped and you can't eat them that fast because they are frozen. Helps with the bad taste from the anethesia too. Not everyone gets that side effect though. I also got a 32oz "mug" that had the measurements on it. That way I could regulate and sip constantly to make sure I was getting enough liquids. I alternated water w/lemon juice, apple juice and warm tea w/lemon. I would put 8-16oz at a time and MADE myself drink it in an hour to keep hydrated. I just kept sipping while I was awake. Pudding for when you can eat stuff with milk in it.

Warm tea is sooooooooo good. Hot coffee--no way. Can't drink it anymore. It's too hot. And cold drinks don't work well at all for me. Instaneous tightening. Warm tea and broth got me through my first week of banding. And I still drink warm tea ALL DAY LONG. My doc doesn't have a thing with no caffine and I also was a huge coffee drinker prior to banding so I drink tea (w/lemon or plain) am glad to not have to go thru caffine withdrawels. I can't do coffee very well now- I only like it hot and when it is hot it is too hot for my stomach-makes it contract. And it just doesn't sit well. Gives me heartburn like crazy.

I was prescribed liquid Vicodin..... Took it about every 4-5 hours the first couple days and definitely before going to bed at night the first week and a half. I took partial doses randomly after that if I had port area pain so I could sleep (which I had sporatically for about a month after). Everyone is different but due to the angle of my chair at work sometimes I would come home and be really sore where my port was healing. I don't think you'll need anything as major as an inserted pain system for this...Honestly-the gas pain is the worst part. And healing around where the port is while it develops scar tissue etc.

SWEEET!!! I just got home and am changed to hop on the treadmill for some walking. I am still getting over that virus that is going around--feel like I want to puke but I'm not and really tired so I think a good sweat will break me out of it. LET's DO IT!!! AWESOME!

I also started to lose when I up'd my calories a little! DailyPlate.com is part of Livestrong.com (lance armstrong's site). I heard about it on here. You can track what you eat and it breaks it down to your % of fat,carbs,Protein, calories etc. You can also add in your exercise and Water consumption. THere is a forum on there like here as well. Although I will tell you--those posters on the forum are for the most part-super into weights and nutrition etc.... I read the posts and get ideas on healthy food alternatives but don't really post there for the most part. But the food tracking (and diary if you want it) is just for you unless you want people to be able to see it. For me it really helps me see what I am putting in my mouth and holds me accountable. I had thought I was doing low carb but I was consuming more carbs than I thought.

Healed32--Why not get another fill? Another thing to think about... Full is a relative word. Do I feel full like I used to? No. But I am not actually hungry. I just have to sit and think about it for a minute when I am done with my portion. Also--are you taking a full 30 minutes to eat? I have found that when I do that I feel full. Also-- I keep experimenting with what makes me more full and for longer-but with the same 4oz. So far-- 3oz of grilled steak and 1oz of broccoli or spinach or asparagus works the best. I take the 2nd half of the steak and eat it the next day for lunch w/lettuce and red wine vinegar/oil italian dressing. I HAVE to eat small bites and slow or it could get stuck. I do the same with chicken cutlets. 1 cutlet is 3oz or so.... I cook the whole package and eat the other cutlets with salad for lunch. It is a slow re-learning process of how and what to eat. Have I lost a lot? Nope. Do I have bad band days where I feel like I am failing? Yes. Everyday is a new day for me to succeed with my band--I cannot look back at what I have not done but what I can do today. I did not go into surgery and come out cured of my food and eating issues because I have a band. Hang in there!

Hey Chickie... I was banded a week before you...And you are a loser-- 34lbs worth! Go get a fill. I am going to get one next week because I have very little restriction--only in the morning. I didn't gain over the holidays but I didn't lose anything from Thanksgiving till last week and this week. But I have not been working out until the last 2 weeks (just got my treadmill). I also joined Daily Plate to track where my calories are coming from etc. It is a wake up call. Enter in your little grazing Snacks and see how bad they are-- that will wake up the bandster inside you. It did for me. A month of mashed potatoes/gravy and green bean casserole made me feel like a loser too-not in the good way. This is a learning process. We have to undo decades of poor eating habits and other issues--it is not going to happen in 5 months. In addition-I committed myself to measuring out and weighing correct portions (4oz at a time). This has helped me realize that I need a fill. You are on track for at least 1 lb a week though..... Keep your eye on the long term.... Kick yourself in your now 34lbs smaller ass and lets make February a fresh start! Julie-- YOU TOO GIRL. Let's focus gals! We're the September Samuri! And September SUPERSTARS. I will check in with you both tomorrow-- Let me know how you did.

I used Zyban to quit-- Chantix wasn't out yet. And I haven't had a cigarette in more than 3 years. I was smoking almost 2 packs a day. I used nicotine gum and lozenges to help with the nicotine cravings the first couple weeks. I cannot even STAND smoking now. My fiance still smokes and the only thing that bothers me is the smell. It really stinks. About a year ago I was craving one and tried it. BLECH. I almost puked. Crazy.

I am always super tight in the morning..... I can handle a scambled egg with some turkey kielbasa (2oz) cut up into it in the morning. I just throw in the microwave in a bowl. 1 minute=Breakfast. Or an egg over easy on a half a piece of toast. The yolk helps and it is good Protein too. I never eat right away-I have to wait. I have some warm tea w/lemon and that helps. Every now and then I can handle a toasted bagel (half of one) with some laughing cow lite cheese on it. But there is NO WAY i can eat it first thing in the morning. More like 10 or 11am. Also-- I have found that when I have an egg and a little turkey sausage I stay full much longer than when I have toast or bagel or Cereal. But I am a carb addict and have to watch the carbs I eat.

I think there is a Lap band doc at Florida hospital at the Celebration location. Are you in the Orlando area? I am over in Melbourne--not sure if my doc here does fills for other patients or not but I know that he is even listed on the Lap band site.... Depending on where you live it might be a shorter drive over here than St Pete.

Way to go!!! I finally got my treadmill and actually worked out 3x last week-- Let's get our booties in gear! Isn't it amazing how good it makes you feel? I hadn't really worked out since being banded but did prior and I forgot how it can energize you. LET'S DO IT! :thumbup: