Lapband LaLa

You can find some pretty cool free workouts on YouTube or go by the library and check some out. It helped me in the past...and now it's got to help me from this point on! LapbandLaLa Twitter: @lapbandlala Blog: http://lapbandlala.wordpress.com/ FB: www.facebook.com/LapbandLaLa

Welcome to my new blog! Join me! http://lapbandlala.wordpress.com/ Putting yourself out there for the world to see is a bit scary. For someone to put themselves out there about weight, is even more frightening. Let’s face it, when you are fat, you are easy target for others. Sometimes you feel invisible, other times you feel you are being watched with micro-eyes. I want to share this journey with you. I decided to be banded in 2009. I started at 285lbs. I made it down to 155lbs at one point. I hated 155lbs. I looked and felt horrible. So I felt 165lbs to 170lbs was best for me. Along this journey I was successful! The band (Lilith) was my tool. I used her like nobody’s business! I reached my goal in less than a year and was the happiest I had ever been. Then my band started giving me a few issues. So I am sharing this journey with you. I hope you learn and share this with others. It’s MY story and I am willing to share it with you! HERE WE GO… Twitter: LapbandLaLa Facebook: www.facebook.com/LapbandLaLa

Hello Beautiful. I've been banded for almost two years now. May 2009. I was banded here in the states so I am not sure how it works in Mexico, but I thought there were plenty of places here to get fills and unfills. Matter of fact...fill centers. Why would you have to go to Mexico for that? Call a coupe of local doctors or do a little research on where you can go. You can't be uncomfortable like this, and it could do more harm in the long run. Where are you located? Now if I am just saying something you already know, I'm sorry. I have not been on in a while but your post moved me and I wanted to let you know someone feels you.

Hubby is working on his 3rd CD and so we should be out singing again soon. I can't wait!!!!

I remember the first time I realized I really did have eating issues. For the most part all of us know we overeat, but I had been strict enough in the past to lose weight and one time I even got down to 199lbs! Yes, yes...so I thought, naw it's genes, it's this, it's that. It was not until after I had my lapband for about four months when it really hit me that I was a TRUE emotional eater. In my heart I knew this was a piece of my weight issues but I thought I had it under control. It was the first football game of the season...and I love to watch football with my hubby. I'm not a big fan, I just love spending the time with hubby. Well in the past we'd order pizza, pasta, make cookies, popcorn, candy, soda...you name it...we ate it. I now see I liked that time to EAT just as much as spending time with hubby. And EATING PLUS HUBBY....man what a JOY! I actually got ANGRY! Yes ANGRY because Lilith (my lapband) was holding me back from enjoying the game! HA.....Realty Checks....we need them. Keep pressing forward, this growth has been amazing and I feel like a new woman, you will too! Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

I am SO proud of you. What an amazing step! And it's a positive step in the right direction. Two years ago, I refused to take photos with my husbands band. I am the lead female singer. His project was fantastic yet I could not share in his joy because I was 280lbs and there was NO WAY over the RAINBOW I was going to be pictured with my handsome talented hubby looking the way that I did! Then after the CD came out, I got hurt all over again, because....I WAS NOT IN THEM! Everyone said, where are you Laura and I did not want to explain to them the trama of it all. See where we put ourselves? Our weight can really keep us trapped. But now....OH YES, he is working on his 3rd CD and GUESS WHO'S GOING TO BE IN THE PHOTOS!!!!!! HA! GOAL is SWEET and the lapband has been the best thing I have ever done for myself! So keep posting those photos because now they are going to tell your story and show your journey! So...I AM PROUD OF YOU! Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

Bet you guys thought I abandoned you? NAH...I am a Realtor and let's just say...things have not been so fun for a while and I have been working so hard and concentrating on my business I have not had much time to do anything else. So, for now I will just give you a short update. I am steady at 155lbs. Anything less and I look sickly. My goal was 170lbs but my body settled at 155lbs so I am happy with that! I have lost a total of 125lbs. My year anniversary was May 21, 2010! I am a size 10 but I am being told some of my jeans look baggy so I plan to go try on some size 8's? REALLY...I think I will pass out if I get some of them to fit! HA I am wearing strapless dresses! Something I thought I'd never be able to do and even though I have a little flab. I don't care! I am at my sweet spot. I have 4cc's in my band. Anything more and I get sick real easy. I love my new body! I still have a hard time getting in exercise but I work hard at it. I still do what I am suppose to do to be successful. No soda, no junk, no slider foods. I have trouble with some foods. Lilith (my band) does not like chicken wings (baked or anything else) She had a bit of a time with some fish and my steaks have to be medium rare. I can eat almost anything else. So...that's it in a nutshell! I am hoping to get active on here again. PRAY that things turn around!!!!!!!! I need to sell some houses!:laugh: Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:cool: Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

This was the BEST thing I could have EVER done for myself. I am a year out. I celebrated my year on May 21st. I've lost 125lbs. I hit my goal weight in January 2010 and I continued to lost a bit more. I am steady at 155lbs and I am at my sweet spot for my fill as well. I live in Westminster and I WILL make sure I go to see Dr. Metz WAY>>>>>> down in Parker because I love my Dr. Dr. Metz was not like the other doctors I met. He took the time to talk to me, he smiled at me, listened to my concerns and even answered a couple of personal questions. I did not want to be "just another patient" so I decided Dr. Metz is for me. He is using my "Before and After" photos in his seminars now. I LOVE IT! So....do your research, make sure you are happy with your doctor, make sure you are ready for this in your head...REALLY READY, because it's hard work. It's not a magic pill but for me....I could NEVER go back. Best money I ever spent. I was self pay.

Dr. Metz is opening a practice in Parker. Allison left to go with him.

(April 10, 2010) Back from Italy. What a horrible, horrible trip it was. 17 Days of pure hell! I am sure some will beg to differ but I did not enjoy the food at all. Pasta, bread, pizza EVERY DAY!!!! It's all so bland and so blah! Every shop is stuff we all should really avoid. I pretty much given up all that stuff and then I get there and it's all there was to offer. Every other shop is a restaurant, but they all have the same menu with the same stuff. UGH!!! There were a couple of nights we found other types of places and believe me...I was never so happy to see Mexican and Irish Pubs!!!! If I see another piece of bread or pasta I am going to scream. My husband felt the same way so I know I am not over reacting! Also they charge for water and you better let them know if you just want plain water because sparkling water is HUGE!!!!! Even over there they trip when you tell them you do not wish to have a drink with your meal. Then we were robbed in France!!!! They took everything! Watched us close then in just 20 short little minutes, broke into the car, yanked the whole set of luggage, computers, ipods, dirty clothes and all!!!! So a full afternoon was spent at the French police station! Try making a police report in different languages! We were reduced to drawing photos! Thank GOD they did not get our passports or money, but I was left with the clothes on my back. For some reason my husband had put his dirty clothes in a different bag and put it behind the driver’s seat. Mine were in a different compartment in my luggage. So he had three outfits and me....NOTHING BUT WHAT I HAD ON!!!! So, you would think since I have lost 125lbs and now a size 10, I would not have trouble finding clothes! WRONG AGAIN my American friends! We are considered big!!!! So after about 40 stores I gave up. I had to wash my underwear in the sink every night and blow dry them with a dryer! After a few more days I was able to at least get more underwear. Every other day my husband had to leave me in the hotel room wrapped in a towel while he went to wash my clothes! I am going to burn them now; I never want to see that outfit again! What's so bad is....all the clothes they took were NEW!!!!! Most less than a month old. I had two outfits that still had tags on them. At this stage in my life...I have come to understand I AM AN AMERICAN GIRL and I can take or leave Europe. It's going to be a while before I want to ever go back over and explore. Italy and France do not have 24 hour stores, no fast food, no variety, and no Wal-Mart!!!!!!!!!! (ha) I never thought I would miss any of those things until they were taken away. You do not appreciate what we have here in America until you start visiting the world. You would not believe how unimportant the Internet is to them....AGGGHHHHH! Enough of that horrible story....onto the next thing. So now we are back but within a day I caught the worse flu I have ever had. Fever, aches, nausea, you name it...I had it. And because of the nausea, I had to get totally unfilled. I have nothing in my band right now. I have lost more weight! I am down to 150. Today is the first day I have been well enough to even get out of bed. The last month has been....well....is there really a good word other than HELLIASHOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, we were blessed to not be harmed. For that I am grateful, and if anything it made hubby and me grow so much stronger. We really only had each other! Hey...ain't nothing like keeping a 6 year old from picking your husbands pocket on the metro! (Yes, that happened and I caught him!) So now the journey begins to replace our stuff. We did have travel insurance and my advice to you if you travel is to do the same! It's worth it. I know, I know...some will say...look forward to shopping...but you know what...it's something about having someone take all your stuff. It was yours, it was not theirs and the hassle of replacing it takes a lot of energy and time. Yes...I am still a bit bitter and it is going to take a while to get over it! So...I guess I better end now or else I will just keep on and on and on. Hope my next post will be a better one. Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:thumbup: Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

(April 10, 2010) Back from Italy. What a horrible, horrible trip it was. 17 Days of pure hell! I am sure some will beg to differ but I did not enjoy the food at all. Pasta, bread, pizza EVERY DAY!!!! It's all so bland and so blah! Every shop is stuff we all should really avoid. I pretty much given up all that stuff and then I get there and it's all there was to offer. Every other shop is a restaurant, but they all have the same menu with the same stuff. UGH!!! There were a couple of nights we found other types of places and believe me...I was never so happy to see Mexican and Irish Pubs!!!! If I see another piece of bread or pasta I am going to scream. My husband felt the same way so I know I am not over reacting! Also they charge for water and you better let them know if you just want plain water because sparkling water is HUGE!!!!! Even over there they trip when you tell them you do not wish to have a drink with your meal. Then we were robbed in France!!!! They took everything! Watched us close then in just 20 short little minutes, broke into the car, yanked the whole set of luggage, computers, ipods, dirty clothes and all!!!! So a full afternoon was spent at the French police station! Try making a police report in different languages! We were reduced to drawing photos! Thank GOD they did not get our passports or money, but I was left with the clothes on my back. For some reason my husband had put his dirty clothes in a different bag and put it behind the driver’s seat. Mine were in a different compartment in my luggage. So he had three outfits and me....NOTHING BUT WHAT I HAD ON!!!! So, you would think since I have lost 125lbs and now a size 10, I would not have trouble finding clothes! WRONG AGAIN my American friends! We are considered big!!!! So after about 40 stores I gave up. I had to wash my underwear in the sink every night and blow dry them with a dryer! After a few more days I was able to at least get more underwear. Every other day my husband had to leave me in the hotel room wrapped in a towel while he went to wash my clothes! I am going to burn them now; I never want to see that outfit again! What's so bad is....all the clothes they took were NEW!!!!! Most less than a month old. I had two outfits that still had tags on them. At this stage in my life...I have come to understand I AM AN AMERICAN GIRL and I can take or leave Europe. It's going to be a while before I want to ever go back over and explore. Italy and France do not have 24 hour stores, no fast food, no variety, and no Wal-Mart!!!!!!!!!! (ha) I never thought I would miss any of those things until they were taken away. You do not appreciate what we have here in America until you start visiting the world. You would not believe how unimportant the Internet is to them....AGGGHHHHH! Enough of that horrible story....onto the next thing. So now we are back but within a day I caught the worse flu I have ever had. Fever, aches, nausea, you name it...I had it. And because of the nausea, I had to get totally unfilled. I have nothing in my band right now. I have lost more weight! I am down to 150. Today is the first day I have been well enough to even get out of bed. The last month has been....well....is there really a good word other than HELLIASHOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, we were blessed to not be harmed. For that I am grateful, and if anything it made hubby and me grow so much stronger. We really only had each other! Hey...ain't nothing like keeping a 6 year old from picking your husbands pocket on the metro! (Yes, that happened and I caught him!) So now the journey begins to replace our stuff. We did have travel insurance and my advice to you if you travel is to do the same! It's worth it. I know, I know...some will say...look forward to shopping...but you know what...it's something about having someone take all your stuff. It was yours, it was not theirs and the hassle of replacing it takes a lot of energy and time. Yes...I am still a bit bitter and it is going to take a while to get over it! So...I guess I better end now or else I will just keep on and on and on. Hope my next post will be a better one. Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:thumbup: Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

(March 13, 2010) It's been a couple of weeks since my last post but I have been one very busy woman! Since my last post I turned 40 on Feb. 23rd! I danced the night away with about 10 of my good girlfriends. We took a free Salsa class and then danced, danced, danced. It felt so good. I wore a gold, mini-dress and some high heels and carried a wand! Oh yes....I acted like the Goddess that I am and I was very proud of myself. I felt it was like my first birthday all over again. There was no shame in the way I felt. I looked good and I knew it. Vain....yes but hey, you only turn 40 once. I celebrated the whole week and enjoyed life to the fullest. I have also has some difficult experiences with Lilith (my band) in the last few weeks. I experienced first-hand how anger and stress can make your band tighen with a vengence. I don't get angry much but I was upset with a lender who was not giving my client the attention she needed. This lender started to yell at me and I was NOT going to take that so I made sure I put them back in their place. Well, by the end of that episode, I was shaking, my head was pounding and Lilith (my band) was in an uproar! For the next few days I tried to stay calm but I could not get water down and I had acid reflux to levels I have never EVER had before! So off to the doctor I went. I had a full 1cc taken out. That took me to 4.0cc's. Well, I still was throwing up and experiencing bad reflux so just a few days ago I went back in and let them take out another .5cc's. SO that put me at 3.5cc's right now. I can't say it was bad either. Finally that fire in my belly calmed down and Lilith loosened her grip. But during that time I lost an additional 10lbs. I was already at goal but now I am in the 155 weight range. I don't think it looks bad on me, hubby says I still look great so maybe I will stay between 155-165 and feel ok. I am not really going for the emaciated look so I am trying to be careful! I don't know.....but I do know I don't really want to lose it like that again! Can you say.....ANGER MANAGEMENT???:wink2: My size 12 jeans are too loose now, I was getting away with wearing them without looking too baggy but not now. Hi-Ho Hi-Ho it's off to shop I go.....(giggle):thumbup: Since I have reached goal, I have been trying to focus on the positive changes in my life. Things you take for granted but notice when you now blend into the "normal" world. Things like.... Using a regular sized towel to wrap around you while you are getting ready in the morning. People looking you in the eye when they talk to you. Men whistling at you. The way you feel in your clothes. Getting a good nights rest because your body does not always have body parts falling asleep to deadness. Liking the image that looks back at you in the mirror. Shopping in the regular sized stores. Feeling sexy for no reason Knowing you can fit into a airplane seat (I have a trip coming up, more later) Accepting compliments without shame. Feeling good in room full of women! Women can be so catty sometimes, but I can hold my own now! I no longer hide in the shadows! I could go on and on. This life of mine....of yes....this life of mine if finally happy and content. There are a few other things I am watching close. My periods are all out of whack. I had two, just two weeks apart! Gotta see if I can get more vitamins in. I am also just no longer intrested in food. Yes, I know that's weird. Sometimes I think I have cravings but when I get a bite it just does not taste the same or feel the same. Do you know what I am talking about? Sometimes eating was just totally emotional, it tasted good because it was a release. At this point of my progress I can really and truly say....I can take food or leave it. Well friends.....I am off to Italy! I will be gone until April 1st. A full 17 days to relax, unwind, enjoy my husband and see the world. It's my first time overseas! And....I will fit into the airplane seats! (HA):tt2: Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my photos! I truly felt beautiful for the first time in my life and now I have those photos to help me remember that feeling! I will tell you all about my wonderful adventures when I return! Love you all BUNCHES! And as always.....I AM BLESSED! Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:tongue2: Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475

(March 13, 2010) It's been a couple of weeks since my last post but I have been one very busy woman! Since my last post I turned 40 on Feb. 23rd! I danced the night away with about 10 of my good girlfriends. We took a free Salsa class and then danced, danced, danced. It felt so good. I wore a gold, mini-dress and some high heels and carried a wand! Oh yes....I acted like the Goddess that I am and I was very proud of myself. I felt it was like my first birthday all over again. There was no shame in the way I felt. I looked good and I knew it. Vain....yes but hey, you only turn 40 once. I celebrated the whole week and enjoyed life to the fullest.:glare: I have also has some difficult experiences with Lilith (my band) in the last few weeks. I experienced first-hand how anger and stress can make your band tighen with a vengence. I don't get angry much but I was upset with a lender who was not giving my client the attention she needed. This lender started to yell at me and I was NOT going to take that so I made sure I put them back in their place. Well, by the end of that episode, I was shaking, my head was pounding and Lilith (my band) was in an uproar! For the next few days I tried to stay calm but I could not get water down and I had acid reflux to levels I have never EVER had before! So off to the doctor I went. I had a full 1cc taken out. That took me to 4.0cc's. Well, I still was throwing up and experiencing bad reflux so just a few days ago I went back in and let them take out another .5cc's. SO that put me at 3.5cc's right now. I can't say it was bad either. Finally that fire in my belly calmed down and Lilith loosened her grip. But during that time I lost an additional 10lbs. I was already at goal but now I am in the 155 weight range. I don't think it looks bad on me, hubby says I still look great so maybe I will stay between 155-165 and feel ok. I am not really going for the emaciated look so I am trying to be careful! I don't know.....but I do know I don't really want to lose it like that again! Can you say.....ANGER MANAGEMENT??? My size 12 jeans are too loose now, I was getting away with wearing them without looking too baggy but not now. Hi-Ho Hi-Ho it's off to shop I go.....(giggle) Since I have reached goal, I have been trying to focus on the positive changes in my life. Things you take for granted but notice when you now blend into the "normal" world. Things like.... Using a regular sized towel to wrap around you while you are getting ready in the morning. People looking you in the eye when they talk to you. Men whistling at you. The way you feel in your clothes. Getting a good nights rest because your body does not always have body parts falling asleep to deadness. Liking the image that looks back at you in the mirror. Shopping in the regular sized stores. Feeling sexy for no reason Knowing you can fit into a airplane seat (I have a trip coming up, more later) Accepting compliments without shame. Feeling good in room full of women! Women can be so catty sometimes, but I can hold my own now! I no longer hide in the shadows! I could go on and on. This life of mine....of yes....this life of mine if finally happy and content. There are a few other things I am watching close. My periods are all out of whack. I had two, just two weeks apart! Gotta see if I can get more vitamins in. I am also just no longer intrested in food. Yes, I know that's weird. Sometimes I think I have cravings but when I get a bite it just does not taste the same or feel the same. Do you know what I am talking about? Sometimes eating was just totally emotional, it tasted good because it was a release. At this point of my progress I can really and truly say....I can take food or leave it. Well friends.....I am off to Italy! I will be gone until April 1st. A full 17 days to relax, unwind, enjoy my husband and see the world. It's my first time overseas! And....I will fit into the airplane seats! (HA):wink2: Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my photos! I truly felt beautiful for the first time in my life and now I have those photos to help me remember that feeling! I will tell you all about my wonderful adventures when I return! Love you all BUNCHES! And as always.....I AM BLESSED! Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:smile2: Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475