LapBandit

I'm glad you started this thread because I'm facing the same issue. I've found that my skin hasn't been keeping up with me for the past couple months. For me, I want surgery to fix it for me...it has nothing to do with vanity. It's because I've worked damn hard to lose this weight and I want to be able to feel comfortable in my own skin. Those of us who started at a high BMI will most likely have extra skin. It's not a vanity issue of a little flappy stuff under our arms...it's EXTRA SKIN. It doesn't lay properly and feels gross. So, I completely am in support of anyone who want to get that taken care of. I can only hope that when the time comes that I can find some way to pay for it. I fear I wont be able to, though. It would make my transformation complete to feel as good about my outside as I do my inside. I've talked to my doctor about this issue in the hopes that there was some Vitamin or something he would recommend to help. All he said was that I need to focus on losing the rest of my weight and try not to worry about it right now. He said that sometimes our skin just needs more time to catch up. He said that filling my body with good muscle will help hide some of it. So, that's what I'm doing. PS--I'm also probably wasting money, but...I'm using a firming lotion all over every day. I think it has helped a little, it hasn't fixed the problem but I think it might be preventing it from getting too much worse. It just seems to be helping my skin stay pliable. Plus, like a good little patient...I'm working out and doing my strength training. He's been right about everything else so far so I'm trusting him on the staying fit idea that it will help out the extra skin problem!

Valentine's Challenge Check In Week 5/6 Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237.................... ..10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................231..................... .20..........................4 Libra....................... 251......................20....................... ...6 Indianlight................ 268......................20....................... .9 JulieNYC.................. 215......................215...................... ...0 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1 OK folks, I've got 4lbs to go to meet my challenge. I'm gonna try, but I don't see it happening. But, I'll be darn close! Molly-You are MY inspiration right now. I love your attitude and I just know you're going to great with your new objectives! I'm glad to see you back on the boards! So, let's take a vote. I'm in for a new challenge seeing as our Valentine's challenge will end next week. These darn challenges help keep me on track. So...we had mentioned doing a St. Paddy's challenge, but that's only one month away basically. We could stick with that...or...what about an Uncle Sam challenge and we stick it to tax day, April 15??? That would be a two month challenge. Just an idea. Let 'em rip folks and vote if you're interested in another challenge and what kind of challenge you'd like this time. Good luck all as we wrap up our final week of the Valentine's challenge!!

I had a slow start. The first month or so is for healing and although some people manage to lose within this stage, I did not. So, please don't think you're behind at all! You'll do great!

Julie, you're unstoppable! Congrats!

This is what my trainer said too. Do weights first, then cardio if you're going to do them both in the same session.

These ladies are right. The other thing I'd add is that over-exercising can be counter productive. My trainer said no more than 3 weight training sessions and 3 cardio sessions per week. So, I exercise every day for an hour but alternate between weight days and cardio days. Plus at least one day is a pure rest day with one other possible day of rest if I feel over-worked.

This is EXACTLY what I was told too. My doc said that if the food was healthy then eat until satisfied and he didn't care if it was three cups, unless I stopped losing weight or if I was stuffing myself sick.

My doc made us sign a contract that we wouldn't drink for a year post-band. I was told that alcohol causes the body to produce cortisol which contributes to belly fat. A glass of wine with dinner once in a while probably won't do anything but having alcohol on a semi-regular basis is something I was told would interfere with weight loss. Don't shoot the messenger! I'm just adding what I was told!!

Ditto what BigBZ said! Mine was hilarious because people could definately hear it, not just me. But, it calms down. Although, sometimes my belly chimes in and it's still kindof loud!

I was probably a little "off" for about a month. I guess it probably depends on how fast your body heals from the surgery.

I get wicked chocolate cravings around TOM and I have, on occasion, had a little bit with no problems what so ever. True, it's not a weight-conscious food to select but sometimes a girl's gotta have some chocolate!! If that's all you're doing and it makes you feel better then have a little.

I didn't hear that the reason is because of pouch stretching but I was told that lying down too soon after eating can cause the food to sit closer to your esophogus and can result in GERD-like symptoms. How many times do you really eat then lie down? Never, for me. I'd imagine that you're fine.

Oh my...that brings up memories. I was scared too. It's totally normal. But, it's my belief that you're embarking on a journey that will change your life in a good way. The surgery was a breeze for me and so was the recovery so I wouldn't worry about that. Just do what your doc says and as long as you're ready to make this work then go for it! Happy recovery and let us know how you're doing!

Tann you are doing an AWESOME job too! You have lost an incredible amount in 2006. But, the way I look at it is...the thing that matters most at the end of the day is whether or not your happy with your efforts. If you're doing your best, then it's a total success regardless of the scale! Happy B-Day Elizabethsew! Welcome to Twoterville Shannonh!

That's awesome! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: You're doing great!

I'm just curious...once in a while immediately following a good workout I get the sensation of smelling ammonia??!! As far as I can tell, it's not in my sweat or from my breath. I just get the sensation of smelling ammonia through my nose. I googled it expecting not to find anything and actually I found multiple conflicting articles stating it's a result of too low carbs, possible liver problem...a whole bunch of junk. So...my question is: has anyone else ever experienced this? If so, did you discuss it with a medical professional and what did they say about it? Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

Yeah, as I originally stated, I had already googled it and read all the mumbo jumbo about it before I started the thread. Most of what I read seemed to contradict itself so I was just hoping to hear if anyone else ever had this happen to them and hopefully share what they thought about it and if they had ever actually discussed it with a doc. But thanks for all the input.

Thanks Kebsa, that was good info!

Way to go, Carol! Congratulations! Elisabethsew...only 1 pound to go??? You got this girl! Well, it's time for the Valentine's Challenge weekly check in. Week 4/6 Name....................Current Weight......Valentine's Goal......To Go Juliegeraci................237......................10................Done! 5lbs Bonus Lapbandit.................235......................20..........................8 Libra....................... 254......................20..........................9 Indianlight................ 277......................20........................14 JulieNYC.................. 218......................215.........................3 Elisabethsew............ 283 (-11)...............282........................1

Wow, you have lost a lot of weight in a short period of time. You should be really proud of yourself! If you work at it, your goals are achievable! I love this thread because everyone here has supported me while I was trying to get into Twoterville and now as I struggle through it. I weighed basically 400 lbs about this time last year. It hasn't been easy but I've gone from super-morbidly obese to just obese and in about another 40 lbs I should be considered overweight. That's my big goal in life right now...I want to be overweight!! :nervous So, welcome and happy travels into Twoterville!

Welcome Shannonh! Congrats on the band and I hope you make it to Twoterville real soon. Now, because you were just banded I just want to make sure you're prepared if you haven't lost anything since surgery. Your body has a lot of healing to do and a lot of us didn't lose anything until a few weeks later. IF that happens and you don't lose weight, it won't mean you are doing anything wrong. It just means your body is healing and as long as you concentrate on following your doctor's plan you'll see results real soon. I was a real nervous-nelly immediately post-op because I was expecting to lose weight when I didn't, but my doc set me straight and told me that my body had to heal first. (I just don't want you to put too much pressure on yourself.) You'll do great and we're glad to have you on the team!!

You are very, very close! You'll be there before you know it! I'm excited for ya...it's a great feeling. You've lost an incredible amount of weight already and you're still chugging along! :clap2:

Sorry Indianlight...I gave up on tickers a long time ago. I guess they're too complicated for my blood because I could never make them work!! Good job ladies on the progress! I think I might have something good to report on Wednesday too! Keep your fingers crossed for me that the plateau has ended!

I haven't heard "not" to use soy protein. I've heard that one of the best is whey protein. I try to stick to whey proteins. I like soy, but for me I find it harder to digest. I'm weird!

Good question! Unless a doctor actually tells you that you've stretched your pouch (which can happen), your pouch isn't stretching. It more that your insides are changing and causes you to need a fill. I just recently spoke with my doc about fill levels and he said that there are several major things that cause us to need a fill. 1. As we lose weight the thickness of our stomach walls decrease which makes the band feel looser. 2. As we lose weight the fat pads surrounding our stomach decrease which makes the band feel looser. 3. We can get used to the level of restriction and just plain old feel like we need it tighter. There are other reasons that someone may need a fill adjustment, but his belief is these are the major reasons. So, I asked how that cycle stops and he believes that eventually these three factors stabilize to a point where changing your fill level is no longer necessary, or holds for a much longer time. I hope that helps answer your question. I thought his info was pretty interesting.