DebbieGail

Jenai, Yes I am concerned over the interaction ... that is why I am resisting the urge to try and feed it or touch it. Your description of your trip was awesome...I've never been farther west than Kansas...I do want to take a trip to the west coast even more now. Maybe one day! My husband wants to take me to San Francisco (he was there on business trips several times) But your area - is more of what I'd like to see... Maybe in a couple of years we will take a road trip over the summer and hit the whole coast and another goal the Grand Canyon. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Deb

Well, September 11th my 9 month bandaversary came and went I was 2# from my goal...but that's okay...when I set weight goals it helps me stay on track but my body decides when it lets lose of the weight...I'm eating right - exercising - and am getting healthier with each passing day...last weeks general practicioner's visit was great...infact she stood up and gave me a high five....blood pressure went from 148/90 to 124/76 and lose of weight from highest weight recorded was over 100#....so am I disappointed ...heck NO! I'm meeting my goal of why I started this to get my life back and be healthier. I'm still working on my month weight goal - we will see if my body believes it is realistic or not....it may want to take a little longer and that will be okay also. To all those that are feeling frustrated...stay up, remember this is a lifestyle change and it's here for life...just follow the rules...be patient...it will pay off. If you break a rule, eat something you shouldn't, or don't exercise that day....brush yourself off...and try again the next day maybe even do just a little more...we are human...just don't give up...it's too important! Deb Keep the faith in yourself. Deb Deb

I hope you had a wonderful time...just reading about it made me happy. I tried to imagine what you were experiencing. I love the river/lake - water/nature experience. It definitely is a relaxing place. We go to southern Missouri (Branson) area and play on Tablerock Lake - we're a boating family. This week: Walked 17.8 miles Total 25.8 Miles to goal 28.2 Bike 5.6 miles Total 11.6 Miles to goal 9.4 Okay, I was a little worried that I was getting a little lax on my exercise...I missed a couple days but then I picked up a couple of miles two of the other days...so I feel I'm in about the place I need to be. I have to let you know that I'm out the door when it's dark now (not liking the daylight getting shorter). But this week I picked up a walking companion....(scared me at first put I'm enjoying it's company now, wait I'm getting ahead of myself.) The other morning starting my walk in the dark down my .2 mile driveway out of the woods and onto the road jumped a red fox. He stands about 18 inches high, long skinny legs, and long tail. Well I talked in a calm voice and he just cocked his head several times looking at me...I slowly started backing away and he following me. I gently tried to shu him away and he jumped off the road and began walking right beside me off the road. I'd slow up -he'd slow up - I'd speed up = he'd speed up. Then he moved faster and jumped on the road in front of me....he'd run ahead of me, turn around and sit and watch me walk until I got quite close then he'd run farther ahead sit and watch me. He was really quite cute....The next day my husband asked if I saw him ...no ...He said I thought not because he was on our patio and playing in the flowers about 1/2 hour after I left. Last night coming home about dusk he was again on my patio...I sat down and he played around and several times got within about 2 feet of me....He's also curious about my husband but not really afraid of us....He plays around like a energetic puppy. We live in the woods and always have deer, wild turkey and hummingbirds around....an occassional night raccoon or skunk. But this is a new addition to our animals. My kindergarters were learning the letter Ff and sound this last week so, of course, the Friendly Fox with red fur that runs fast, follows me, and lives in the forrest was a favorite story of theirs. Some thought I made it up so I am going to attempt to get a picture for them. Anyway it did spice up my walking this week...that's why I'm not exactly happy that before to long I may have to do exercises in gym or on bike at home. Oh well, maybe I'll find some interesting 2 legged people to occupy my mind at the gym. Hope you enjoyed my fox tale! Deb

Kim, With your appointment with Dr. Minkin coming up Friday...I would like to make a suggestion that before you go in, sit down and think about the questions you have, you know all those I wonder if this is normal, or any things you are just trying to figure out... I went in with a list of about 15 questions, many were just things that have come to my mind ... this is all new to us ...so instead of guessing I got into the habit of any question I had whether small and insignificant or bigger I wrote it down. When I went in for my appt. I said I had a few questions and I read each one...he was great about answering each one. It has helped me alot learn about this new way of life. ANyway if you are anything like me...when I go in to any doctor I get nervous and forget all the things I was going to ask until I leave the office, hence the write it down. On the protien, I really did like the GNC 100% whey protien drink mix (chocolate Caramel was my favorite). I mixed it with skim milk. Three of those a day put me in the right area on protien. But ask Dr. Minkin. I feel the more you let him know the better he will be able to help you fine tune this new TOOL of yours. Good Luck. Oh by the way have you thought any about coming to the support group meetings that Des Peres Hospital has. There is one tomorrow night at 6:30...The schedules are on the Mynewself web site. I find the meetings helpful and help me stay on track. Let us know how Friday goes. Deb

Kim, Just remember that you need to be patient and follow the rules. They are there to help you heal ... and let your body get adjusted to this new stomach...it's just like a baby's stomache easy does it. When is your next checkup with Dr. Minkin? Still thinking about you and sending you all the good vibes I can. Deb

Okay, Willow - you need to send me some of your energy in the morning...I've been feeling a little sluggish...need a good kick to get me started....Will be thinking about you in the morning....Great job going over your goal this week! Deb

Emilyxx How are you doing? I did not really feel the restriction until my 3rd fill. Although I didn't feel hungry...I just kept measuring my food and following the rules. I hope you are adjusting and all has evened out. Kim: How did everything go....I thought a lot about you on the 2nd. Hope you moving around is getting easier and everything is going good. Let us know how you're doing. Deb

Wow, I've just reread this thread and especially my post, how far we have all come. In one of my earlier post I was excited that I had walked 1.5 miles when earlier I couldn't walk from the parking lot to school building I worked in..... Well I have walked 5 miles at one time for a while this summer but now that school has started I walk 2.5 miles to 3.0 miles every morning staying within my target heart rate which means as I get stronger I have to get faster. I would never have dreamed I could do this. My newest NSV is this: Just went to my new General Practicioner of 3 months...When she came in the nurse was still taking my blood pressure she said it out loud and the doctor started recording it...she flipped back a page, jumped up hands over head and shouted, "Give me a high five!" I had to get up and give her a High Five! She smiled and told me I went from high blood pressure of 148/90 to a good blood pressure of 124/76 and my weight loss was over 100 lbs....She then asked how I was feeling about that? She really wanted to know ...I thought for a minute and answered, It has given me my life back! I've learned that I have gained much more living than what I have given up! So I am going to continue gaining life back with every lb. lost. This is where losers....Gain! Highest weight 386 1st doctors visit 376 Surgery Day 343 Today's 279.5 lbs. Deb

Well, I did see 278 on August 29th but on August 31st it had slipped up to 280.5...So close....my weight teeters acouple pounds all the time. I've learned that is what my body does...so it doesn't get me down...I weigh everyday and it helps me reflect on what I've ate....Anyway I'm happy with this month. September 11th (9 months banded) goal is to get to 276 ... the 100 lb mark from my first visit to the doc. By the end of month I'd like to be 270. So from today 9.5 lbs. Highest weight 386 lbs 1st Dr. Visit 376 lbs Day of surgery 343 lbs Todays weight 279.5 lbs I'm learning that the food I'm giving up is GIVING me my life back. So I'm gaining so much more than what I'm giving up! Thanks to all of you for being here! Deb

Oops, the first paragraph in the quote was from Rayne...I thought I was quoting but I just cut/paste and it didn't show up as a quote....Be patient my tech knowledge is not good....notice no tickers! But I keep trying! Now to continue trying to reach my goal I'm signing off and going to go bike awhile....rained all day, so no walking today. Keep moving, Deb

Thank you, I didn't think that I would be able to wake up at 5am and make it to the gym but thinking about the goal that I set allowed me to!! I'm excited to see the results. Thanks for the support! Rayne - Glad to see another early bird joining our ranks! It's hard for me to get going in the morning but once out of bed ... it really does start my day off energized! 80 mile goal... what method are you doing? I'll be thinking about you in the mornings as I walk. Glad you joined. Now for my goal this month: Since what got me to this point is just one step farther than the day before...I'm going to try to keep this up. Soooooo... Walking 54 miles Biking 25 miles Total 79 miles My miles this short week: 8 m walk/6 m bike total 14m Miles to go: 46/19 Total 65 miles Good Luck everyone! Welcome all newcomers...there is strength in numbers! I'm excited that you're here! Deb

Wow! Congrats to everyone....Everyone feeling healthier? I know I am. Dr. visit...amazing thing happened...My blood pressure is down from last visit 148/90 to a whopping 124/76. Whoo hoo! With my weight lost my dr. jumped up from looking at my records and had me get up and give her a high five! This is my new General Practioner that my lapband surgeon recommended. She is awesome! She acknowledge the fact I am over 100 lbs lost and then she asked me how I was feeling about that. She takes time to listen. Then she came down to business of my foot...She gave me some anti-flammatory cream to use on the foot because it is swollen.(she is aware of the lapband), then gave me a script for an exray...I'll know results probably Wednesday (because of the holiday. Told me to tape it and showed me where and gave me the okay to continue walking. She is suspecting a bone spur! The exrays will confirm and she will let me know what we will do from there. Well one month down(August) and the rest of our lives to go but one month at a time on to September Mile Challenge. Off and walking!! Hope to see everyone there. Deb

After two days of not walking ...this morning was so beautiful the allure of the road won out....I stretched the Achillee's heel and off I went. I did ease up a little on the speed and just enjoyed the walk...used my arms to speed up the ole heart rate.... So 3.1 miles can be added to my total. It felt tight but as I continued it loosened up some. Later this afternoon it was hurting again, so the dr. appointment will be kept. If my adding is right here are my month's miles. Goal 50 miles Walked 53.6 miles Yea!!!! Biked 17.95 miles Ellipitical 4.0 miles Swam 9 1/2 hours Wow! who is this crazy woman! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could do this! Thanks to all that are wishing me a speedy recovery. Deb

My miles for this week was 15.3 miles walked and 8.2 miles biked. It was harder for me this week -- I've messed up my Achilles heel...I'm going Tuesday to the Family Doctor hopefully it is just strained...but since I'm limping I wanted to get it checked out. I biked instead of walked yesterday and layed off today...but I really feel guilty and amazingly I'm missing it. I can't believe my attitude toward exercising has changed so much. I went through my closet trying on clothes and had to get rid of quit a few clothes - I've had a hard time getting rid of them though....but today I felt ready and bundled them up and tomorrow they are out the door. I'm feeling strong today that I will never return to that weight to need them...It took me a while to get there but I was reay today! Just one more step in my new way of thinking. Well enough of my rambling. One more day of August hope all are feeling good about their goals. Are my early birds still seeing the sun rise? I'm having to adjust my bedtime but am still committed to the early morning! I'm thinking about my Septmeber goal....would like to hold off on setting my goal until I talk with Doc Tuesday... By the way Sept. 2 is my 37th Anniversary...my present to my husband this year was going over a 100 lb loss. Well really that's my present...his is getting a much more energetic and happy wife back! He has been so supportive. Thanks for all of your support alwo. This has been a great month working toward our common goal together. Deb

Lots has gone on this week...Our first time ever High School started this Thursday...wow after over 35 years our community finally has a High School. Was on the Ribbon Cutting Committee so last minute details kept me running. And drum roll right after ceremony I had to get to my building to welcome my kindergarteners for their first day... I didn't realize it but walking fast wasn't doing it and I actually jogged to the car parked quite a bit away to beat the crowd leaving. As I was getting my breathe back and driving to my building - I almost fainted when I realized I jogged! I also went over 100 lbs lost this week! Exciting. This weeks totals were not as newsworthy but considering my week I'll take it and do better next week. 7.3 miles walked 7.25 miles biked it rained this morning so resorted to bike. Hope everyone has a great week. Deb

Emily, How has the adjustment been for you... did you ease back to regular foods has per dr. instructions? From what I have gained in understanding this process is that everyone is different...it will be determined by Dr. Minkin and the information that you give him including your weight lose and what has been happening with you. The more info you give him the better he will be able to help you use the band as a tool. I ask lots of questions...in fact I write them all down so that I don't forget what I wanted to ask... When he makes an adjustment without the x-ray he has to do it by feel, if down by x-ray he can be more agressive and get it closer to that sweet spot. I had the first one attempted in office (self pay) but he couldn't find the port so I elected to do the fluoriscope at the hospital...I received (1-19-09)2.2 cc then the rest were in the office 2nd fill (3-30-09) 2.0 cc, 3rd fill (5-1-09) 2.0 cc and then last fill (8-17-09) .5 cc. The first two fills I don't think I felt any restriction but I was never hungry...I was very vigilent with the lapband rules and measured everything that I ate. 3rd fill I definitely had the restrictions...I could get solids down but if I didn't chew and take small bites I paid for it (It only took acouple of times before I truly understood what this TOOL was all about..I did learn that I had allowed my eating habits to become sloppy...so back to concentrating on half hour before eating and one and a half after no Water, small bites, and chew chew chew. I've had to retrain myself and concentrate on what I was doing when I ate. I also realize I have to measure because my eyes are definitely bigger than my pouch. It's really it home to me that the band is a TOOL and I have to learn how to use it ... I have to listen and read the signs my body is giving me to make it work efficently. Sorry I got long winded...to answer your question it may seem like most have received 2.0 cc but it really depends on what your body is telling you. Trust the doc, I try and give him an accurate account of what's been happening and he then does his fill. So far, I am very pleased with what he has done for me. I have celebrated a loss of over 100 lbs this past week! This morning on my 3 mile walk I even managed to jog (downhill) just a little bit...Wow I never would have believed that would ever have happened again in my lifetime...but I push myself and discover new feats everyday! :biggrin: Let us know how you are doing! Deb Hope this helped answers your question.

Sorry, Didn't get my miles to you yesterday ... I just returned from a 4 day weekend to Chicago...I was determine to get in some exercise since I had to lay off Tuesday and Wednesday....So I utilized the hotel exercise room ... I did a variety of exercise so let's see 13 miles Walking - 6 on country rd. rest on machine 4 miles Elliptical figuring 2000 strides per mile. I know this I have no way to measure except for time ...I spent 9 1/2 hours past weekend in Water constantly moving feet and arms...Good movement but not so much to move heart rate into target zone. It really helped hip and knee soreness! So I think legally I can say 17 miles? Right. Well, I start back to school tomorrow. 3 workday/meetings and Kids come in Thursday. I'm hoping my morning schedule is going to work...Come on Early Birds let's give each other good vibes in the morning! Deb

OOPS, Jenai it was your comment I was responding to about remembering to eat following the lapband rules especially after a fill. After a fill did all of you have to stay on liquids for the next day and then soft the next before returning to normal diet? Deb

Willowcat, I know exactly what you're talking about ...my last fill made me realize how sloppy I had gotten with the rules...before my fill I was pretty much open...(I was afraid I was losing Fluid in my system...dr. said no I was losing fat under the band ...Yea) But I'm still having to concentrate and pay attention to how I am eating! It's going much better now! Thanks for asking how I went through the procedure....it was alittle rougher than my 1st one...stayed acouple of hours longer because of pain ... they had to make sure everything was okay....It was ..... can't believe how much pain GAS can cause ... I did have more extensive work done than originally thought but next Tuesday I go for followup and biopsy report... I'm confident in dr.'s skills so not to worried....and guess what...this 55 year old can go back and tell her very young (team,teachers that I got tattooed this summer!) Dr. tattooed beginning and ending area that he worked on....I made him laugh when I asked if I got to pick out the design...butterfly, heart with DH initials or something cool! You have to have some humor even with serious subject matter. Feeling better but took it easy today. Tomorrow leaving for long weekend to Chicago before I start back to school Monday. Hotel does have exercise room and pool so I'll join the Early Bird gals Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Hope to get some exercise in tomorrow night when we get there. Anyway thanks for those few extra peddles for me. I'll do the same for you anytime. Hope to pick up the slack tomorrow... Looking to meet my goal this month. Deb

Cassie don't do that to yourself...we all have to find what works for us...we are a support group ... telling everyone what we are doing is meant to help! Your weight is going down ... now I'm not sure why you feel ashamed...think about your comment and try to identify why you feel that way...once you can identify what it was that made you feel that way .... try and figure out one thing that you can do to help that feeling. Not only are we all working on our eating behaviors but also our emotions..Sometimes that is harder than the diet but it all goes together. I hope you try this and that it helps! Stay positive, the hard work both inside and outside will pay off, your worth all the effort!:drool: Deb

Kim, Congrats on the first step in taking your life back. :drool: It sounds like you are already preparing yourself for the new way of life. Before surgery I started by practicing chewing long and well any food I ate, small bites, and eating slowly. I still have to concentrate on all those things when I'm eating. I do hope that one day it will come naturally for me...but I woofed down my meals for 54 years so I guess 8 months isn't long enough to break that way of eating without having to think about what I'm doing. It's been the best thing I could have done for myself, my life has made a very positive change. You will be in great hands for this procedure! Make sure you have the things in place for you to follow the rules and diet Dr. Minkin puts you on. If you need to talk keep posting here we will try to help. Good Luck! Deb

My goal this month is to get to 280...so 6 lbs. I am just moving off a plateau and hope to continue to go down. I've beefed up my walking. Up to 5 miles :tongue_smilie:at least 5 days a week .... This goal may be to much but I'm going to set the bar high... Wow, I'm technology challenged and just figured out how to put in you quote ... I know it's really self explanatory but it was a big thing for me...maybe next I'll tackle a ticker:blush:. So along with me losing weight with all of your support I'm gaining in technology knowledge...Baby steps and we will get there. Patience, boy have we had to learn and practice this. By the way where do we see this chart? Deb

Everyone hear seems to be losers! Yea! What 8 months can do for a person! I'd like to add my weight lose history and join in for the rest of the year... Highest weight 386 1st dr. visit 376 Surgery date 343 Todays date 286.5 Thanks for crossing my path on this journey ... it helps to hear all of your victories and struggles. Remember losers are winners! Deb

Everyone is a loser!....Yea! Everyone has to travel their own path but it's nice to know others paths meet up with ours from time to time... We are all getting healthier and lighter ... keep up the good work! Highest weight 386 1st dr visit 376 Surgery date 343 Today's date 286.5 P.s. Since it is after midnight...It's my 8th month Bandaversary...Yesterday weight was 286.5 ... I'm hoping when I weigh in about 8 hrs I will be at 286 which will be 100 lbs. lost from my highest weight. What a present I gave myself! This has been life changing for me. Everyone tells me I'm always walking around with a smile on my face these days....It's because I'm feeling so good! And have more energy to walk and smile at the same time! LOL

Happy 8th month Anniversary! I was also banded December 11, 2008. What a difference in my life 8 months can make. Yesterday I walked 5 miles!!! Considering when I first started this journey I could not make it from the parking lot into the school I teach at without huffing and puffing and afraid a heart attack was not far behind. My everyday living is just sooo much easier. Still this has been the best decision I have ever made for myself! I have also discovered that the band is only a too, a great one and...I have to be responsible for my decisions....what I eat and the exercise I do! It's up to me! The band has been what I needed to help me and I'm on my way ... to a healthier me. I want to thank all of you ... the support I have gotten and just reading all the comments on lapband talk has helped me tremendously... Keep the faith in yourself. Each of us have our own journey to take but it's nice to know that along the path there are others we meet with similar paths, again Happy 8th month Anniversary! Deb Highest weight 386 lbs. 1st dr. visit 376 lbs. Surgery date 343 lbs. Today's weight 286.5 lbs