Catherine55

Funny enough. . . I got on the scale this morning and it FINALLY went down! It was at 194.2 -- a new post-op low (or should I say "high"?)! :glare: So, after all that struggling, I went from 195.6 to 194.2 in one day. I guess it probably was a bit TOM-related. Catherine

I haven't noticed a change in my friends, except that a few of them talk to me more now about how they want to lose some weight (usually like 10 lbs) and how they are doing on their diets and exercise. It hasn't caused any problems at all though. People at work have been really positive about my weight loss, to the extent that they have said anything to me about it (I did not tell any work people about the band). Other than that, I may be getting a little more attention from guys, but nothing too remarkable! Hopefully that will change for the better soon! :glare: Catherine

Thanks, everyone! This is good advice. I'm planning to shake things up with the exercise routine and see if that helps! I also am at the (sorry for TMI) very end of TOM, so maybe that's what's keeping on the extra weight? WorkingMom, I'm so glad that you're liking my blog! I took some more photos at a spot in Chinatown on Sunday night & will post them soon -- maybe tonight or tomorrow morning. Catherine

I will admit that yesterday was a particularly scant-eating day. I do focus on getting enough Protein generally though b/c I'm scared about losing my hair. Today, I had a lowfat yogurt, a soup (home made butternut squash soup), and I'll have salmon for dinner. I really want that scale to move, darn it! :thumbdown:

I go to Dr. Ren at NYU, though I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut. I really like Dr. Ren -- the office is busy, but she is bright, informative and gives a relatively pain-free fill. I read the book they wrote with Muhammed Ali's daughter before having my surgery. It was a decent read and informative, though my favorite of the books I bought before I had my surgery was Weight Loss Surgery With The Adjustable Band. Catherine

My doctor gave me Isopure Protein drinks in my post-op "kit" and they are SO much better than any shake I've had! They are more like Gatoraid. You can buy them at GNC -- they have 42 (or 44?) grams of protein, no carbs & no sugar. I really found shakes to be disgusting, and am a total convert to the Isopure drinks (the red one is probably my favorite -- Alpine Punch). Best wishes, Catherine

That is so amazing! I am totally impressed by you! :eek: Also, how has the weight loss gone as you've gotten closer to goal? Are you still losing 1-2 lbs / week, or has it slowed down? Congrats -- and happy bandiversary! Catherine

I completely agree with the people who told you to just say you're doing a liquid detox diet. I didn't tell people at work about the band, and I am so glad that I didn't. It takes a few weeks before you start losing after the surgery (because there is a period when you are pretty well healed, but not restricted . . a.k.a. "Bandster Hell"). A lot of people put back on a few pounds during that time, but it comes off easily once you get to decent restriction. Anyway, I wouldn't have wanted everyone at work watching me, gossiping about why I didn't lose a lot at first, what I was eating, etc. Congratulations on your decision!! I will tell you that I haven't regretted mine for a second, and the band is working like a charm. :thumbup: Catherine

I just posted this in response to the Mederma message, but the stuff I'm using is really good and I figured that you guys would be interested to have the name. Here is my post: . . .I found a new product that's working really well. It's called Epi-Derm. One of my friends told me about it (she had hip surgery and it really faded her scar). Anyway, I was using Mederma (which didn't do a whole lot), then Vitamin E (did a little. . maybe was more due to time), and I just bought 2 Patches of this Epi-Derm stuff about 2 weeks ago. My scar has already faded a bunch! I posted a few pre-/post Mederma scar photos on my blog and will post photos over the weekend to show what the Epi-Derm has done. Basically, my big scar is less keloid-y and is a lot lighter. The little one was pretty well faded already, so it hasn't changed as much. Also, the patches are re-usable (you cut them to size, then take them off once a day and wash them) and each piece should last about 10 days. HOWEVER, I didn't realize that I needed medical tape to keep them on, so they were coming off when I was sleeping and I wasted a few pieces (not so great b/c it's a bit expensive). Anyway, here is a link to the site -- I bought mine on-line. Epi-Derm Good luck! Catherine

Congratulations!!! That is the best feeling ever! Welcome to Onderland! (I just got back there too!) Catherine

I bought the Gel Patch that cost $29, but in retrospect, I think I would have done better to get the $40 sheet. I just didn't want to spend that much before I knew whether it worked.

I'm so glad that you posted this today! I've been meaning to post that I found a new product that's working really well. It's called Epi-Derm. One of my friends told me about it (she had hip surgery and it really faded her scar). Anyway, I was using Mederma (which didn't do a whole lot), then Vitamin E (did a little. . maybe was more due to time), and I just bought 2 patches of this Epi-Derm stuff about 2 weeks ago. My scar has already faded a bunch! I posted a few pre-/post Mederma scar photos on my blog and will post photos over the weekend to show what the Epi-Derm has done. Basically, my big scar is less keloid-y and is a lot lighter. The little one was pretty well faded already, so it hasn't changed as much. Also, the patches are re-usable (you cut them to size, then take them off once a day and wash them) and each piece should last about 10 days. HOWEVER, I didn't realize that I needed medical tape to keep them on, so they were coming off when I was sleeping and I wasted a few pieces (not so great b/c it's a bit expensive). Anyway, here is a link to the site -- I bought mine on-line. Epi-Derm Good luck! Catherine

I found this on another bandster's site the other day and thought it was amazing! (It's a morph showing the stages of the person's loss) http://lalor.smugmug.com/gallery/2908472_D5Dj8#329692120_HjFXj-O-LB Also, I have posted my measurements a few times on my blog to show where the weight is coming from. I'm expecting to have the same basic shape when I'm done -- just smaller! Catherine

Definitely switch doctors! I can't believe they couldn't tell you your fill level -- all they needed to do was take out the liquid with a syringe and see how much it was. My doctor does that periodically. I think you're in for a pleasant surprise when you switch doctors! You're going to get to be back on the bandwagon for real and see some great improvements!! BTW, I was banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico and have been going to NYU (Dr. Ren) for my follow-ups. It was no problem at all. Best of luck to you! :tt1: Catherine

I'm guessing this has to do with what you're eating and how much exercise you are getting. You might want to start journaling your food if you aren't already and make a commitment to upping your exercise. Also, consider thinking about this a different way. How much weight would you have gained in the last 9 months if you didn't have your band? Well, you not only kept that off, but lost 35 more as well!

I'm surprised more people don't wear body shapers too! They do wonders. BTW, I find Donna Karan Ultra Toners (or is it Essential Toners -- they are the ones that have control top through the thighs and are plain at the end -- not lacey) hosiery to be even better than Spanx. They are my favorites. I haven't had a problem wearing them post-surgery, but I had a 2-cut surgery, so my scars are higher than where the hose hit.

Count me in! I just want to be out of the 190s and into the 180s by Shrinko de Mayo! I'd like to lose 10 lbs by then, though I'll be happy as long as I lose at least 7! Catherine

I haven't had any additional hair loss since I was banded in October. Actually, I started coming to work about an hour earlier each day and, since I'm not a morning person, I decided to go an extra day without washing my hair, as long as it still looks and feels clean. This seems to have done me a world of good. My hair is healthier (less torture with the hairdryer & straightening iron), and my stylist tells me that it's thicker. I haven't been taking any hair-related supplements (just my Multivitamin & calcium), but I am really careful to make sure I get enough Protein. On days when I'm having trouble eating, I buy one of those Isopure proein drinks from GNC. (I feel like a walking ad for those drinks! But they are so much better than protein shakes!) Catherine

I freaked out recently over what I thought was blood in my spit a while ago -- and then realized that it was just the coloring from my chewable vitamins. Any chance it was something like that, as opposed to blood?

but as of yesterday, I'm in ONEDERLAND!!! Woo-hoo!! I love love love my band! This is the 30 lb mark for me. I still have 45 lbs to go to my goal and I'm feeling just as motivated (if not more) than I did at any time through this whole process. I was frustrated with the slow loss for quite a while, but slow & steady sure does the trick! I'm averaging out at about 1 lb a week (er. .in part b/c I put back on a few pounds during Bandster Hell), but the weeks keep passing by and the weight keeps coming off! So, for all of the other bandsters who get frustrated by slow loss, hang in there! :wink2: I wonder how many of my friends can relate to me being thrilled to weigh 199. . . :mad2: Catherine

I had my surgery with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey (loved him -- very good experience) and do my follow-up with Dr. Ren at NYU. They have a relationship with Dr. R, so I was able to make my first follow-up appointment before I had my surgery. My insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) pays for my follow-up appointments (despite that I did not go through them for my surgery). So, I pay the co-pay and that's it. Hope that helps! Drs. Ren and Fielding at NYU have a great reputation and I've been very happy with them. You may see if your doctor can connect you with them. If you are worried about your doctor (not sure if you were just 100% kidding), consider giving Dr. Rumbaut a call. I have photos of the hospital on my blog & info re my experience on there if you are interested. Catherine

Welcome to Bandster Hell, my friend! :mad2: Everyone goes through this -- it's normal. You may even put back on a few pounds during this time. Don't worry -- it will come off when you get restriction. Just try to eat sensibly so that it doesn't take you too long to lose any weight you put on during this period. Catherine

Thanks for sharing this. We go to the same office -- my doctor is Dr. Ren. I love those guys -- such good doctors. Best wishes for your continued success! Catherine

Thanks!! I just checked out your blog as well! Looks great -- and congratulations on being 20 lbs down! Catherine

Absolutely! I've really enjoyed keeping a record of how things are going, what recipes I've found that are band-friendly, etc. Link is in my signature! Catherine