Kat817

Personally I think you would be better off waiting for the fill and seeing how especially the first trimester goes. In my opinion, the band is already in place, and will still be there when the pregnancy is over, ready for you to get filled and get on with it. Right now tho, your body has more important work to do! The obvious thing to do is discuss it with your Dr... but as I say, I would wait til I had my sweet baby in my arms, then worry about it! You have incentive now to eat right, it is amazing even before birth the things we can do for them (our children) that we won't do for ourselves!! Congratulations, and I wish you a wonderful pregnancy! Kat

I actually did really well for the first 4-6 weeks. Then my DH was diagnosed with heart problems and we have been on one helluva rollercoaster ride ever since. As always before, I am still a stress eater. It seems the stress robs me of my common sense! I have had one fill, and I see my Dr. this next Friday, we will decide then if I get a little more or not. I know in my heart and my head, I am not eating from hunger, I am eating just to eat. We have also had a crazy several months, had kids moving in and out of the house, as they made changes in their lives. Our DD divorced, so she and her daughter moved in with us for a few months. She bought a place, and DH and she renovated it, she finally moved out a few weeks back. 2 days later, our DS and his family moved in, they were moving back to the area, and the home they were buying had a delay in closing, due to a death in the sellers family, their son. So our son agreed to allow them time, so they stayed with us until last night. Now we are once again just the 2 of us!! Maybe without kids and grandkids having snacks around I can behave a little better!!! We'll see!! I may not have lost much weight lately, but I just lost an excuse for not having lost it!!! Gotta get back in my plan!!! Wish me luck! Kat

Seems to me, if you had it done now, and there was any sagging to follow on the last 50 pounds, it would be minimal, and since you aren't 20 anymore (me either!!!), some sagging would be expected. I will have mine as soon as I think the majority of the weight it gone. My back deserves it ASAP!!! Good Luck, and congrats on being so close to goal!!! Kat

I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! I think the issue is that most of us who are not having problems at the time, or had an easy surgery, just say nothing. If we posted everyday about how good we feel, it would be a bit overboard!!! It seems like most people post questions when they have a problem or feel bad...for support and help, which is a big part of what LBT is for I am sure! When there is no problem, they chat in groups by state, or when they were banded, simply for friendship and support. Or they start fun threads!!! I guess we need to start speaking up when we do good as well!!! Good Luck to you! Kat

Rum Congratulations! You're 90 proof, with specific scores in beer (40) , wine (66), and liquor (78). Bring on the mixers! Take something strong, add something without any alcohol and you got yourself a Cuba Libre, a Presbyterian, a Greyhound or a Whiskey Sour. You like your drinks strong, but with the flavors of your favorite colas or juices. You're willing to try something new, just so long as it doesn't give you a headacheDang, I may have to hang out & drink with y'all so I can learn more about it!!! Kat

Just go back to www.tickerfactory, where you originally designed it. It will remember you, and you can just change the numbers. Then delete the one you have and copy/paste the new one, through the edit signature under User CP. Now I told you how to do that....you tell me how to lose the weight so I CAN change my numbers!!! Congrats on the loss!!! Kat

I have found that for myself, I don't have to change how I eat EVERY day. On average I get between 1000 and 1200 calories a day. But once a week, I eat more, I may go to 2000 that day. Not the next day, but the 2nd day after the increase, is when I will see the weight loss, and I also have a big burst of energy. I make sure to get my protein in each day, so I know it isn't that making the energy difference. Now, I can do this, or I can eat nothing, and it won't make a difference, and I will not lose anything, if I don't get my water in. If I drink it, I can lose, albeit slowly lately, but without the water, I am stuck! Somedays I feel like I am growing gills!!! Kat

Congratulations!!! That was a fast scheduling!! Lucky for you!! Less "last supper" time!!! You will both be on the banded side of things before you know it. Surgery for me was a breeze! I hope yours goes well...will be thinking of you!! Best of Luck! Kat

Hi Sharon, welcome to LBT...the best site ever! Any questions I have every had have been answered here! As for how you feel about eating, don't panic!!! It is quite normal! The band was designed to work as it is filled, which is what you will be getting done!!! I had my first fill, and even tho he had some problems locating my port, it was a piece of cake...I need a better analogy!! Anyway, I didn't immediately feel restriction, but in a couple days or so it kicked in. It is not a lot of restriction later in the day, but mornings, I am tighter. I am scheduled to see my Dr. again on the 21st, we will decide then if I am ready to add a tiny bit more or not. He said from here out we add little bits at a time to get it tweaked just right! Good Luck on your fill, and once again...Welcome!!! btw, where abouts in TX are you at? Kat

I forgot something!!! Betty--if you would not mind,I would be glad to add your nephew to our "service" tree at church. I explained it to Donna for her son...it is a simple ficus tree with yellow ribbons with each service members name on it, the banner reads "In service to the Lord and the Country"...On the way into church, members pick a ribbon from the tree, and pray especially for that serviceman, laying them on the alter as they leave from the service. Then are replaced for the next service. If you don't mind sharing his name, I would be proud to include him. Kat

LOL, Made me laugh Anne! I had a niece who used them to wallpaper the bathroom at my former mother in laws!! And one of the kids I babysit for took a box of tampons from under the sink, he opened them, and was holding the top and popping them down on the ground, til, they come apart, when I heard him in there, I knew he was up to something other than what he should be doing...so I went to investigate, he looks up innocently and says "Look Kat, rockets!" So from that time on, it was a catch phrase in our house, when they needed to be bought, it went on the list as "rockets". Kids....gotta love 'em!! So what's up with everyone this weekend? We are going to take it easy, DH is having increased numbness in his feet, and as a result stepped on a hose wrong, and twisted his ankle. It is just a simple sprain, but with all the blood thinners he has taken, it is black! He has bled under the skin, it looks like it is gonna fall off!!! He is taking it hard, feels like he is just one problem after another. Poor guy is usually very upbeat, this brush with depression is all new to him. Other than waiting on him (!) all I have planned is a breakfast with the girls tomorrow...hoping my morning restriction allows for a decent breakfast with no golfball to distract me!! Might try a cup of warm tea before I go... Will be praying for safe trips for all you lucky guys going on vacation! Catch personals at some point this weekend. My Grandson needs Grandma time right now, he is working his lungs!!! See Ya! Thanks for the laugh Anne!! Kat

If it isn't a financial hardship, I say buy a new one, and keep the old for like 3loves said, doing the chemicals the next time. While the weight does come off fairly quickly, I have not noticed a sudden need for smaller tops. I lost through my face,then my hands...like I was worried about fat hands!!! I am losing all over now, but it isn't sudden. So if it was one you liked, I would say you will get to wear it for awhile anyway, at least this summer... I also feel like you are going to have a lot going on in the next while, and if the shirt looked good, and you liked it, it will give you an extra emotional boost. Knowing the shirt was there, fit, and looked good, would simplify your life in one small aspect...and simplifying in ANY way is a bonus!! I say buy another...and use the other one from now on when dosing the hot tub....even when it fits like a tent!!! Good Luck on your surgery! Kat

Meryl Streep huh? Better go buy me some Prada!!! You crack me up!!! Kat

A couple of years ago, one of my SIL's who works for an insurance company, mentioned it, saying that she was thinking of it. Now, this SIL is still and was then, much smaller than the 2 of us she was talking to about it, her sister and I. No one did anything about it at the time. The thought popped in my head on occasion, but I never did anything about it. Fat forward a couple of years, and a friend and her husband had it done in Mexico. Now she has not lost as quickly as he has, but it still perked my interest again, so I began talking to my Dr., and researching. I was denied by insurance, so appealled, and researched some more...was denied again. I was in a car accident and injured so that it required surgery, which give me a lot of thinking time, a lot of time to regret my size as I attempted to heal, but I spent huge amounts of time researching, reading and learning about the band. By this time I KNEW it was what I wanted, and I wanted it desperately! So I began looking at self pay. I hated my weakness at losing weight to affect our family financial security tho. I was bordering on depression, and looking into financing it, which I truly did not want to do, but was prepared to, when I got my answer! The accident I was in...the insurance company offered me a settlement! I used it to pay for my surgery!!! I was self pay and went to Mexico, to the same surgeon my friends had used...in fact one of the SIL's and I went together and had it done, and it looks as tho the SIL who originally put the idea in our heads will have it done this next year. She is still fighting the insurance battle...and works for the insurance company!! No wonder some of US can't win it!!! Good Luck to all!! Kat

"Here's another apple!!! I may weigh 250 lbs, but most of that is my abdomen/upper body. My legs and butt look like a normal sized person. I actually think that my legs and butt are a size 16 and my waist is a 20. It sucks so bad because it is so hard to find clothes cut to fit right." I could have wrote that!!! I weigh a bit more, but I have normal legs, and butt...could easily fit a 16 ( I am 5'9") but this belly....oh heaven help me!!! I also am very big chested. Even at 125 lbs in HS I was a DD cup. So between the shoulders and the hips I am huge, the rest of me is fine! As for the double chin...it was the first to go, that and weight in my hands, my rings were falling off within 2 weeks. I too am seeing room between me and the steering wheel, and behind DH on our motorcycle, but am anxious to see more free space, and less of me! Good Luck!! Kat

My Dr. has me do clear liquids all day the day of my fill, full liquids the next day, then mushies for a day, then back to regular diet. I went for my fill when I was just not satisfied unless I ate a large amount,and I had not trouble eating anything, it didn't matter much how I chewed, so I thought it was time,before I began gaining back what I had lost. I now have some restriction, tho I can still eat more than I think I shoud. I am working on that! I do have to chew carefully and watch what I eat now, which is helping. I am unsure what noise in the throat you have. I do not have noise in my throat that I am aware of, I do find I burp as my food passes from the pouch, it has to be air moving, it is always unexpected... not something I feel before it happens! Good Luck to you! Kat

I have not noticed, or been told of any odor, or difference in how I smell. But like Karen, I have had to change deodorant, after using one brand for many years....I just never related it to the surgery, I figured they changed the formula or something!!! Wow!! Kat

I too looked into all surgical options for weight loss. You say you have been reading about issues following lap band...have you read of any of the issues following bypass? I did, and while some people had issues with both, there was a glaring difference to me. If worst come to worst, the Lap Band was reversible, without permanently altering my stomach or intestines. I have had cancer, and there is a liklihood that in my future, I may have it again. If I needed extra nourishment at that time, I can have fill removed, and eat more to maintain my health. If at 30 you want children, there is not worry of malnourishment during pregnancy. My other issue, was quite different, I did not like the idea of never being able to eat sweets again. I eat much, much less now, but that is how the band works. I tell everyone, I want to eat cake at my grandkids birthdays, I want to live as normal of a life as I can, and for me the band was the obvious answer. At this time I only have one regret, and that is that I waited so long to have it done. It has been an answer to many prayers, I have a control over my eating that I never had before....it is wonderful!!! Good Luck in making your decision! Kat

Maybe I am just emotional, but everything brought tears to my eyes tonight. Eileen--prayers are going up for you, yoru neice, her family, and even your boss, that he be compassionate. Big hugs for all of you...well maybe not the boss!! I am sorry about the TOM, I am glad you are seeing your Dr. I am very paranoid over that kind of thing now...guess I always will be, I make appointments for the girls still....Mom insists they go!!! Donna--his stance and salute gave me cold chills! My Dad got his ribbon in church last week! Is so fun to "See" him!! Enjoy the rest of your trip. Cindy--Woo hoo it is finally here!!! Lucky you!!! Have fun, enjoy yourself--in every way on every day!! Mary--this is a really tacky thing to say so close your eyes if you don't wanna read it guys!!! Maybe your EX finally found his balls--it isn't a hernia afterall!!! Sorry- that was my first thought!! LOL Sherry--do what you can and leave the rest behind til you get back, just don't take it with you in your mind...It is time for you and DH to enjoy!!! Darcy--sorry you missin' you baby....just think of the fun she's having! Dianne---how you feeling, still stiff? What did you decide about the lawyer? Betty--Patty--Beannie--Pat--where ya at? Big hugs to all!!! Kat

Hi all, I was banded April 24th. So far I am down about 30-32 pounds depending on the day!! I have had one fill of 1.25cc's. I have another appointment on the 21st of this month, but unsure whether I will be getting another fill, we will discuss it then. If I do it will be 1/2 cc., very small adjustments from here on out my Dr. said. My weight did really well in the begining, but has been slower this last month. We got some scary news about my DH, he is going to be having open heart surgery the 2nd of August. His Mitral valve is failing. He was supposed to have had the surgery 3 weeks ago, but developed a blood clot following the heart catheter test they did...so now he is doing massive blood thinners, and waiting the requisite 6 weeks. I have spent a lot of time in the hospital, and traveling, because the hospital they will operate in is almost 200 miles away. Needless to say, my diet has been on a back burner. Hopefully once we get this behind us, I can focus again, I just feel scattered right now. I do know without the band, I would have gained like crazy over this time, I am a stress eater big time!!! Instead I have actually dropped several additional pounds, and not gained...I love it!!! I too am seeing a difference in how I fit behind the steering wheel! Also how I fit behind DH on our motorcycle, he says there he really notices it!! All of my clothes were so stretchy, I have not tried on any smaller sizes, I do not want to be disappointed!! But I have measured regularly, and am losing a lot of inches. In my waist alone I am down 7 inches. That was my problem area, a HUGE belly! So when I need fall clothes, I am hoping to see a size change!! Continued good luck to all of you!!! Kat

Welcome to LBT!! You are right this is a great site!! I have had any question I had answered, awesome support, and made very special friends. Yes, we have all changed our habits for short term success' before, only to regain our weight usually plus a few extra pounds as well. However as I am sure you have heard, this tool, the band, makes life so much easier!!! I am satisfied with less food, do not have the actual hunger as badly as I used to. I just feel a level of control I never had pre band. I have only had one fill, and I have minor restriction...I can still eat way more than I know I should, that is what I am trying to work on!!! I do have restriction tho, in the morning I am tighter, and have to be VERY careful with my bite size and how much I chew. I do not know how much you have to lose, and whether losing any over the 6 month program will cause you to be close to BMI requirements or not. I would do what the Dr. and ins. require, but also try to teach yourself to eat like a bandster. No liquids with your meal, wait an hour after to drink. Chew, chew, chew! Eat a balanced diet, but load your stomach with protein first, working to where the carbs/ sweets are the last things, and then when you are banded, you likely will not be able to fit them in!!! And in the meantime, hang out here, ask questions, learn all you can. Research everything! Go in well prepared! I was told to imagine you are making these decisions for your Mom, or sister, or daughter....because YOU are just as important to them as they are to you, and they want you to make the best choices! If there is anything I can answer for you I would be glad to...most everyone will be! Good Luck to you...the 6 months will pass quickly! Kat

Now I do my protein from food, but I have used quite a bit of the unflavored unjury powder as I got to this point. I mixed it in all kinds of things! Broth, jello, protein shakes, with DaVinci syrups, sugar free of course! It worked well for me. If I feel I am low in protein now I still sprinkle a bit on things, I have even put it in spaghetti sauce! For sugar cravings I do lots of sugar free popsicles. I use the DaVinci syrups to make all kinds of them too, with juices added. All things in moderation, I find I do better if I am craving something, to just have a small amount, or I tend to obssess over what I cannot have! Good Luck to you! Kat

Hi Jenna, I am not a teacher, and don't have a lesson plan (sorry), but I am a Mom, and I ran a home based day care for over 20 years. I had a lot of kids still here in 6th grade. It seemed like especially for the girls this was a monumental year. Where we live we have a middle school as opposed to a Jr. High. There is a big difference in maturity level of 6th graders and 8th graders! The girls are suddenly getting attention in a way they have never received before, from older boys. I had some very serious talks with my kids as well as those I cared for, about where to draw the line. The old "boys will be boys" is only good to a certain point. Kids self esteem is so fragile at that age. I had boys who thought they had to be bigger and tougher and prove it, because the girls they had gone to school with all the years prior, were now uninterested in them, and looking at the older boys... They weren't even sure they liked the girls, but the older boys did so they had to too! And the girls all slouched, so they would not be taller than the boys! And it was the year that both daughters started their periods for the first time! Poor kids!!!! All I am saying, is I do understand a need for a great lesson plan, but first and foremost, always remember how much influence you have on these impressionable minds, in matters not always related to acedemics. I think in some of these matters, your police background will play an amazing role!! You have street knowledge you can share! I think you will do great, wanting to is the biggest step! I wish you the best of luck, I hope you get a curious and well behaved group of kids!!! Kat

I too lost well on Atkins, and promptly regained it when I tried eating "normally" again. I do try to avoid overdoing the carbs, as well as the sugars. But I do not eliminate anything from my diet. Although the fried chicken that caused my PB is not something I care for again! My weight is coming off, it is not dropping off as fast as some others, but I feel good about it. I am looking at this as my new way of life. I eat whatever I want to eat, I just do it in a more sensible way than I have ever been able to do before. I use a salad plate now when I eat a meal, I fill it with some of whatever we are having for dinner, for instance last night we had pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, and green beans. I put some of each on my plate, but had far more green beans and pork than potatoes, and I concentrated on eating them first. I chew until I am no longer aware of what it started out to be, when I eat meat like that! But if I told myself I couldn't have the potatoes, I would have wanted them even more!! I want to be able to eat a piece of cake at my grandkids birthdays, is what I always said, I no longer feel a need to eat the huge corner piece with all the frosting, but am happy knowing I will have a small peice. I guess I have always been this way, anytime someone told me I couldn't do something, I would move heaven and earth to do just that!! So dieting, and being "unable" to eat certain items, made me crazy wanting them! Eating smaller amounts of whatever I want is wonderful for me! I hope you find the working plan for you, whether it be Atkins, or whatever. I do know when I plateau I plan on using an Atkins approach to jump start it again. Good Luck to you!!! Kat

I did a week of lean protein, and low fat/ low carb. I basically just did a Atkins thing, I had luck with it before for awhile, so knew I could do a week. I avoided the fatty meats, and did some veggies...also added some protein bars, I survived it! I managed to lose about 10 pounds before surgery, Dr. said he could tell by my liver that I had followed the diet. Was glad I did when he said he could tell!!! Good Luck to you! Kat