lsmmom

I was banded in March, and have lost 65 pounds, gone from a tight 28/30 to a 18/20, and from a 48DDD to a 44DDD, I am doing good.....BUT....for the last 2 months I have been craving sweets like there is no tomorrow! I can't get over how bad it is. I have tried fresh fruit, but that does not help. I excerise, and I am getting enuough protien, but my problem has been quality NOT quanity. Any one else go through this??? If so what did you do?

This is my first blog here, but I have a blog on Blogspot here is the addy: ajourneytoachange.blogspot.com Here are some points from my previous blogs, I will try to post here as well if I get good feed back. Feb 10 2009 THE APPROVAL LETTER FOR THE SURGERY!!!! I will not lie I was feeling a little skeptical about it. Only because it does not seem like luck is on my side. So tomorrow I will send it to the doctors office so we can start setting appointments. This is the table of appointments - 2 weeks before the surgery Pre-Op nutrition class, then Pre-Op FAST!!! That is like the slim fast diet, 2 protein shakes then one meal a day. Then 2 days before surgery labs drawn, clinic & hospital visit. The day before surgery LIQUIDS ONLY. Then surgery. It has been approved, and now hurry up and wait some more!!!! I am so ready for the change this is going to be. The change in my life, I will be able to do more with Logan, and maybe even ice skate more than I did Saturday. We all had a blast. I could not have asked for a better birthday party for Logan! _______________________________________ Saturday, February 28, 2009 This Lap Band Thing Here is the deal. I have joined a forum called. lapbandtalk.com it is neat and really informative. I have found a few people on there who's blogs I am following and I know one is following mine, and I hope she continues her journey since she is so close to the end of it!!! As I have stated in previous blogs, my surgery is being done at UT Southwestern Medical Center here in Dallas, TX. I am pretty confident on them, especially since I have know several people who have gone there, and had great results, and nothing but POSITIVE things to say about the doctors and the after care. One lady told me a downside for her was since it is a teaching hospital she had lots of interns/students seeing her. But you know they have to learn somewhere too. But back to my point...Knowing what my insurance requires and how strict my doctor is about the Do's & Don't's I am really flabbergasted reading some of the posting. It seems like everyone knows they have the best doctor....but here is my question - How good is the followup care your doctor is providing you? Are you just a number to him? Does your success mean anything to him? This is done so often as out-patience. If you are having a foreign object placed in your body around a major organ why would you want to hurry up and get out???? I am looking forward to spending the night at the hospital so I have the nurses at my disposal when I have a question or concern, and for what we are paying, I am going to make sure all my questions are answered. I have started a list of who I need to ask what questions too..I am just hoping I remember to take it with me and ask all the right people. My doctor makes sure I understand the band is a TOOL, and I have to use the tool right...How many people are doing this. Maybe I am being too critical. The pre-op diet, you know you are going to have to do it...so why are you in shock at it? I don't start mine until March 13th, but I have already started to replace breakfast with a shake. I will be in less shock and have an easier time cutting out 2 meals since I have already gotten rid of one. It is working out good. I mix it up the protein shake thick so it last until about lunch time, and I am trying to not splurge. In my work on doing this...I am down 13 pounds since the first time I was at my doctor's office. So I am below 300, not a lot below, but I am below it. I have also found out that in the last 6 months, my cholesterol has drooped about 15 points. I know I am on the right track. I miss some foods already, but I know that in moderation or a bite, I may be able to taste them again. Logan is probably 85% of the reason I am doing this. He is such an inspiration to me. He is already talking about all the things he wants to do this summer when I loose my 'fat weight' it does make him a little sad that i do not eat breakfast with him, but I think in some little 6 year old world he understands more that I think he does. Knowing that I am increasing my chances of being here for Logan longer makes this all worth it. I have been lucky because I don't have any of the co-morbidity's associated with obesity, but that does not mean I am immune. _______________________________________ Saturday, March 21, 2009 Counting the Hours In 36 hrs I will be on the way to the hospital for a life changed surgery....you will now be able to call me Mitchell...WAIT WRONG BLOG!!!!! I am 36 hrs away from starting life over! Starting a journey, to a new me. Is there really a skinny person inside who wants to be seen? I have wondered this for a while. I have lost 22 pounds already. My personal goal....75 by Christmas...53 to go. I know that this changes a lot of people, not for the better, maybe physically, but just the person. I HOPE that does not happen to me. I have enough people around me to keep me grounded and on track to make sure I do not become some monster. I am so grateful to have the supportive husband and son that I have. Ray is looking forward to the new meals and things I will be trying, Logan is looking forward to me being able to jump on the trampoline with him. And I am too. Looking forward to being able to run around crazy with him, and be a more involved mom. In May I am hoping to be able to start taking martial arts with him! If I don't post tomorrow, I will post something as soon as I get home on Tuesday! ________________________________________ Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Surgery Day - 2 Day Post Op Monday went good. We got to the hospital about 4:45 am, and waited. Got up to the day surgery waiting area, with signing in and my number. Lisa came up before she went to work, and mom and day were close behind. I went back to my curtain about 5:40 am, got changed in to the ICU gown, you know the one where people behind you can go "I C U"!!! Lisa & mom came back and visited then about 6:30 I wanted Ray back there since we were getting down to business. He came back and the parade started, the IV, Heparin Shot in the tummy, belly getting drawn on, twilight shot, and the OR Nurse taking me to the bathroom to potty so I would not have to have a cath! I was all for that!!! About 7 am we went to the OR....only after they let me get one last kiss from Ray! It was about an hour to get ready before they started on the procedure. He got called very often from the OR to let then know the progress. When it was done, Dr Scott came out and talked to Ray to tell it is all went well. As I have talked about before my doctor has been doing SIL - Single Incision Laporscopy for about a year now. He one incision went in thru my belly button, the port is attached right above my belly button. Hopefully the fills will be easy. I got out of recovery, and in to my room, about 11:00am. By that time, my parents & Ray's parents were there, when they wheeled me toward my room, I say the best image I could..Ray was sitting in my room. Every one came in I was doing well. we visited for a little bit, and once the moms saw I was good, they started to leave, Ray and I tried to nap. He had to leave about 1:45 to go get Logan. My sister came up about 2:00, we spent some time together, she was the only one of the other 3 kids, who came or even called. I decided to get out of bed about 3:20 to walk and potty, I did really good, I did not get back in bed until about 9:00pm. Lisa came about up about 4, and Pete left about that time since I was not alone, and so she cold miss some of the traffic going home. Ray & Logan got up there about 5:30ish, and ate dinner. It was so nice seeing Logan although I could not cuddle him as I would like to. Lisa headed home about 6:00, and Ray's Tina came in...I was being tag teamed on visitors and it was nice. I begged for a tray...the ice chips were not cutting it, so I was able to have broth, juice, tea, and some frozen Italian ice. They all hung out for about an hour & half, and 3 more laps around the floor. They started heading out about 7:45, and passed Holly in the parking lot...we had some time together, I was feeling tired, but just did not to be alone. _______________________________________ Saturday, March 28, 2009 People Noticing the Weightloss I was banded on March 23, 5 days ago. From about the 20th of Feb until March 19, I had lost 20 pounds! And in the last week, another 8. I went back to work and people are already noticing in my face and upper body that I am loosing. I am feeling it some, but since I still have lots of swelling in my tummy, my clothes are a little tighter that I would like. I have been cooking for my hubby & son, and doing ok...but last night the hunger pangs started. Since I was making sketti, I took some of the meat chewed it up until I got all of the flavoring out, then spit it out. The sauce was so so good, it was garlic & onion I think!!! It was good, but just for the flavoring!!! That is what I miss is the different flavors. Although adding extracts to the protein drinks help, my pallet is not very forgiving of me keeping all those good flavors from it! My 1st goal is 75 pounds by Christmas...I want to stay on that track. ________________________________________

Sunday, April 19, 2009 Almost off Restrictions!!! April 19, 2009 just 4 days from restrictions being lifted. I have been on mushies for 2 weeks now, maybe eating more than I should have, so the weight loss has not been as much as the 1st 2 weeks...of course not I am not eating food! But anyways at least 5 more pounds, there is another 'reason' for some retention!!! I go back on Thursday to be released, and I think I will make the appt for my 1st fill somewhere around the first week in May. I am looking forward to it. I do have restriction now, and there is nothing in my bad, so I am sure that the fill will really make a difference. _______________________________________ Saturday, May 16, 2009 50!!!! Things have been so crazy around here lately!!! Logan passed his Orange Belt test, now we are getting ready for the Talent Show at school. In case any one is wondering he will be singing 'Sandy' (Stranded at the Drive In) as Danny! Yes we are dying his hair Black, he will have on his jeans rolled up, white T-shirt, and his T-Birds jacket. Ray & I joined TKD with Logan, we are having a good time with it. Although, me doing jumping jacks with all the blessing I have been given is a sight to behold...Mr Stevens indicated I can upper body twists instead. So that is working out nicely since this is the best marriage therapy we could have ever thought about. We get to beat the crap out of each other!!! I love my husband. Oh yeah the Title of the email....I HAVE LOST 50 POUNDS!!!! Pictures to come soon....PROMISE. It is just hard to take time to do it....maybe tomorrow, I may even surprise Logan and get on the trampoline with him. ________________________________________ Saturday, May 30, 2009 Where Does Time Go?? It has been a while since I have blogged, and I am sorry. We have had a Talent Show, Belt Test, Graduation, TKD Pics & today is Instructor for a Day at TKD. The Talent Show was great? The video is on YouTube, the link is in the previous blog. I am so proud of him. I am going to try to the Graduation put on this weekend. I cried like a little baby. I know it is just 'Kindergarten Graduation', but it is another step to my baby betting older and not needing me. I know that day will come as soon as it feels like it will, but I know I have to let him fly with those wings we have been molding for the past 6 years! He is very excited about being a 1st grader! I am too. The pride he has in his eyes when he knows he has passed Kindergarten and will be on his way to a big kid, a kid the others will look up like he does. The kinder kids have 6th grade Book Buddies, these kids get together once a week and work on reading. He looks up to Jake, his Book Buddie, several of the book buddies came to the Talent Show and were glad they did not miss his act, and once he was done. They all told him how great he did. That was so important to him. He got his Orange Belt, although to go for Green in July, he will be taking classes 3 days a week to get the new Kata down, he is having a little problem with that... Heck Ray and I joined TKD, and to be honest we have to stop and think about the 5 moves we know. It is all good. It will come to us when necessary! And besides it is the most inexpensive form of marriage counseling EVER!!! I get to practice self defense on Ray...and in turn he does on me too. It is really fun! He took his TKD pictures for the first time, he had to use a SWORD!!!! It was almost as big as him. He had a good stance, and it will be an awesome picture. I can't wait to get them and post them. We do Instructor for a Day today, he has invited Grace, Stephanie & Barry's daughter. The kids really enjoy playing together, and we as adults like getting together too. That video will be posted this weekend too. Also he is bringing Caleb from his class, Caleb was also on the football team, so the boys are pretty close and really have a good time together. He gets to teach them the moves students would learn to get there White Belt, the kids will break a board, and earn their white belts. He will get a 'Future Instructor' patch. He has said he wants to be just like Mr Stevens and be an instructor. OH YEAH one more note...Only because she likes being Blogged...Lacy's appt is set for June 16, it is a Tuesday...the crazy thing about this is that is the same day my fill is scheduled for. SO I will get to spend some time with her at the hospital. I have the case study that morning, should be done about 12, fill is scheduled for 3:30...cant eat 4 hrs before the fill, so I will have some time between those to go visit. I am so glad she got her date and around the time that is going to benefit her most. Love ya girl!!! I am so glad I have someone close who is going through the journey as well. We will have lean on each other...enjoy your food now....I know there are times, I say....DAMN THE LAP-BAND...but then I fit in to clothes I have not worn in 3 yrs and it is all worth it... ________________________________________ Saturday, June 20, 2009 June 20th I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged, I did not realize it. Or realize you can be so busy! By the time I get home that last thing I want to do is sit on the computer. I have some pics of Logan..Not the best, but I am still learning my scanner functions. This was his graduation picture. Aunt Tina & I has pics done of the boys last weekend we are picking them up today, I cant wait to get them...They looked so great. I got an awesome collage for Ray for Fathers day. But then again almost any picture of Logan is awesome. Am I a little bit of an overly proud momma? We went to Six Flags for a while last weekend. It was so HOT...we got to ride the Tony Hawk. It was fun, and Logan may tall enough for the Texas Giant & Titan. So we will try those this summer, especially the Giant since they are closing it down this year for repairs...go figure filing Bankruptcy and then spending 10 billion dollars to rehab a roller coaster...don't get it..any way...Logan & Rode the Conquistador, and this girl passed out on the ride, so we had to stop the ride she was only 18, it was said she was that scared. But she went to first aid...and hopefully was ok. We checked in to a modeling/talent search to enter Logan in, we got invited back for the informational seminar. They wanted $700 to get your kid entered in a convention in November to go in front of talent scouts...and it had to be paid that day....or installments...then for each person along with the kid...it was $89 to get in to convention. So this would be $900 out of pocket with no guarantees....call me negative if you want...but why not just throw that kind of money away in this economy? So maybe next year.... Lets see...I also had my 2nd fill on Tuesday. only 1cc i think...and I can REALLY tell a difference. It was Friday before I felt hungry, I go back July 28th maybe for another 2cc. That would be 6. SO the question of weight loss....from Jan 2009 (309lbs) to today when I got on the scale in my bathroom June 20 (250)....59 pounds...but can we just call it 60??? I purchased a new swimsuit last weekend. I had not purchased one in 2 years... the last one was a size 28 SWIMDRESS!!!! It was cute, and I liked it, but it was just that a dress!!! The one i purchased last weekend is a Speedo brand with the racer back...needed for support. A size 18...Am i putting to much out here. Well sorry...this is my plan. I have a ton of yard work to do today and will probably be in my suit...so my hubby is going to have to take a picture of me in my suit & shorts for my update picture I know it is not what I had been wearing...but that shirt is not as form fitting as it use to be!! TKD is going great...being able to break a sweat again is an awesome feeling...and feeling great while I am doing it. Keep Lacy in your prayers. She is getting banded on Tuesday June 23rd... She is doing great. I cant wait to go see her and be on this journey with her! _______________________________________ This should bring anyone up to speed, I left stuff in there about Logan so you can see my inspiration! He is my world and I think about him every time i make a bad choice. Give me some feed back so I know if this is interesting to anyone!

Sunday, April 19, 2009 Almost off Restrictions!!! April 19, 2009 just 4 days from restrictions being lifted. I have been on mushies for 2 weeks now, maybe eating more than I should have, so the weight loss has not been as much as the 1st 2 weeks...of course not I am not eating food! But anyways at least 5 more pounds, there is another 'reason' for some retention!!! I go back on Thursday to be released, and I think I will make the appt for my 1st fill somewhere around the first week in May. I am looking forward to it. I do have restriction now, and there is nothing in my bad, so I am sure that the fill will really make a difference. _______________________________________ Saturday, May 16, 2009 50!!!! Things have been so crazy around here lately!!! Logan passed his Orange Belt test, now we are getting ready for the Talent Show at school. In case any one is wondering he will be singing 'Sandy' (Stranded at the Drive In) as Danny! Yes we are dying his hair Black, he will have on his jeans rolled up, white T-shirt, and his T-Birds jacket. Ray & I joined TKD with Logan, we are having a good time with it. Although, me doing jumping jacks with all the blessing I have been given is a sight to behold...Mr Stevens indicated I can upper body twists instead. So that is working out nicely since this is the best marriage therapy we could have ever thought about. We get to beat the crap out of each other!!! I love my husband. Oh yeah the Title of the email....I HAVE LOST 50 POUNDS!!!! Pictures to come soon....PROMISE. It is just hard to take time to do it....maybe tomorrow, I may even surprise Logan and get on the trampoline with him. ________________________________________ Saturday, May 30, 2009 Where Does Time Go?? It has been a while since I have blogged, and I am sorry. We have had a Talent Show, Belt Test, Graduation, TKD Pics & today is Instructor for a Day at TKD. The Talent Show was great? The video is on YouTube, the link is in the previous blog. I am so proud of him. I am going to try to the Graduation put on this weekend. I cried like a little baby. I know it is just 'Kindergarten Graduation', but it is another step to my baby betting older and not needing me. I know that day will come as soon as it feels like it will, but I know I have to let him fly with those wings we have been molding for the past 6 years! He is very excited about being a 1st grader! I am too. The pride he has in his eyes when he knows he has passed Kindergarten and will be on his way to a big kid, a kid the others will look up like he does. The kinder kids have 6th grade Book Buddies, these kids get together once a week and work on reading. He looks up to Jake, his Book Buddie, several of the book buddies came to the Talent Show and were glad they did not miss his act, and once he was done. They all told him how great he did. That was so important to him. He got his Orange Belt, although to go for Green in July, he will be taking classes 3 days a week to get the new Kata down, he is having a little problem with that... Heck Ray and I joined TKD, and to be honest we have to stop and think about the 5 moves we know. It is all good. It will come to us when necessary! And besides it is the most inexpensive form of marriage counseling EVER!!! I get to practice self defense on Ray...and in turn he does on me too. It is really fun! He took his TKD pictures for the first time, he had to use a SWORD!!!! It was almost as big as him. He had a good stance, and it will be an awesome picture. I can't wait to get them and post them. We do Instructor for a Day today, he has invited Grace, Stephanie & Barry's daughter. The kids really enjoy playing together, and we as adults like getting together too. That video will be posted this weekend too. Also he is bringing Caleb from his class, Caleb was also on the football team, so the boys are pretty close and really have a good time together. He gets to teach them the moves students would learn to get there White Belt, the kids will break a board, and earn their white belts. He will get a 'Future Instructor' patch. He has said he wants to be just like Mr Stevens and be an instructor. OH YEAH one more note...Only because she likes being Blogged...Lacy's appt is set for June 16, it is a Tuesday...the crazy thing about this is that is the same day my fill is scheduled for. SO I will get to spend some time with her at the hospital. I have the case study that morning, should be done about 12, fill is scheduled for 3:30...cant eat 4 hrs before the fill, so I will have some time between those to go visit. I am so glad she got her date and around the time that is going to benefit her most. Love ya girl!!! I am so glad I have someone close who is going through the journey as well. We will have lean on each other...enjoy your food now....I know there are times, I say....DAMN THE LAP-BAND...but then I fit in to clothes I have not worn in 3 yrs and it is all worth it... ________________________________________ Saturday, June 20, 2009 June 20th I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged, I did not realize it. Or realize you can be so busy! By the time I get home that last thing I want to do is sit on the computer. I have some pics of Logan..Not the best, but I am still learning my scanner functions. This was his graduation picture. Aunt Tina & I has pics done of the boys last weekend we are picking them up today, I cant wait to get them...They looked so great. I got an awesome collage for Ray for Fathers day. But then again almost any picture of Logan is awesome. Am I a little bit of an overly proud momma? We went to Six Flags for a while last weekend. It was so HOT...we got to ride the Tony Hawk. It was fun, and Logan may tall enough for the Texas Giant & Titan. So we will try those this summer, especially the Giant since they are closing it down this year for repairs...go figure filing Bankruptcy and then spending 10 billion dollars to rehab a roller coaster...don't get it..any way...Logan & Rode the Conquistador, and this girl passed out on the ride, so we had to stop the ride she was only 18, it was said she was that scared. But she went to first aid...and hopefully was ok. We checked in to a modeling/talent search to enter Logan in, we got invited back for the informational seminar. They wanted $700 to get your kid entered in a convention in November to go in front of talent scouts...and it had to be paid that day....or installments...then for each person along with the kid...it was $89 to get in to convention. So this would be $900 out of pocket with no guarantees....call me negative if you want...but why not just throw that kind of money away in this economy? So maybe next year.... Lets see...I also had my 2nd fill on Tuesday. only 1cc i think...and I can REALLY tell a difference. It was Friday before I felt hungry, I go back July 28th maybe for another 2cc. That would be 6. SO the question of weight loss....from Jan 2009 (309lbs) to today when I got on the scale in my bathroom June 20 (250)....59 pounds...but can we just call it 60??? I purchased a new swimsuit last weekend. I had not purchased one in 2 years... the last one was a size 28 SWIMDRESS!!!! It was cute, and I liked it, but it was just that a dress!!! The one i purchased last weekend is a Speedo brand with the racer back...needed for support. A size 18...Am i putting to much out here. Well sorry...this is my plan. I have a ton of yard work to do today and will probably be in my suit...so my hubby is going to have to take a picture of me in my suit & shorts for my update picture I know it is not what I had been wearing...but that shirt is not as form fitting as it use to be!! TKD is going great...being able to break a sweat again is an awesome feeling...and feeling great while I am doing it. Keep Lacy in your prayers. She is getting banded on Tuesday June 23rd... She is doing great. I cant wait to go see her and be on this journey with her! _______________________________________ This should bring anyone up to speed, I left stuff in there about Logan so you can see my inspiration! He is my world and I think about him every time i make a bad choice. Give me some feed back so I know if this is interesting to anyone!

This is my first blog here, but I have a blog on Blogspot here is the addy: ajourneytoachange.blogspot.com Here are some points from my previous blogs, I will try to post here as well if I get good feed back. Feb 10 2009 THE APPROVAL LETTER FOR THE SURGERY!!!! I will not lie I was feeling a little skeptical about it. Only because it does not seem like luck is on my side. So tomorrow I will send it to the doctors office so we can start setting appointments. This is the table of appointments - 2 weeks before the surgery Pre-Op nutrition class, then Pre-Op FAST!!! That is like the slim fast diet, 2 protein shakes then one meal a day. Then 2 days before surgery labs drawn, clinic & hospital visit. The day before surgery LIQUIDS ONLY. Then surgery. It has been approved, and now hurry up and wait some more!!!! I am so ready for the change this is going to be. The change in my life, I will be able to do more with Logan, and maybe even ice skate more than I did Saturday. We all had a blast. I could not have asked for a better birthday party for Logan! _______________________________________ Saturday, February 28, 2009 This Lap Band Thing Here is the deal. I have joined a forum called. lapbandtalk.com it is neat and really informative. I have found a few people on there who's blogs I am following and I know one is following mine, and I hope she continues her journey since she is so close to the end of it!!! As I have stated in previous blogs, my surgery is being done at UT Southwestern Medical Center here in Dallas, TX. I am pretty confident on them, especially since I have know several people who have gone there, and had great results, and nothing but POSITIVE things to say about the doctors and the after care. One lady told me a downside for her was since it is a teaching hospital she had lots of interns/students seeing her. But you know they have to learn somewhere too. But back to my point...Knowing what my insurance requires and how strict my doctor is about the Do's & Don't's I am really flabbergasted reading some of the posting. It seems like everyone knows they have the best doctor....but here is my question - How good is the followup care your doctor is providing you? Are you just a number to him? Does your success mean anything to him? This is done so often as out-patience. If you are having a foreign object placed in your body around a major organ why would you want to hurry up and get out???? I am looking forward to spending the night at the hospital so I have the nurses at my disposal when I have a question or concern, and for what we are paying, I am going to make sure all my questions are answered. I have started a list of who I need to ask what questions too..I am just hoping I remember to take it with me and ask all the right people. My doctor makes sure I understand the band is a TOOL, and I have to use the tool right...How many people are doing this. Maybe I am being too critical. The pre-op diet, you know you are going to have to do it...so why are you in shock at it? I don't start mine until March 13th, but I have already started to replace breakfast with a shake. I will be in less shock and have an easier time cutting out 2 meals since I have already gotten rid of one. It is working out good. I mix it up the protein shake thick so it last until about lunch time, and I am trying to not splurge. In my work on doing this...I am down 13 pounds since the first time I was at my doctor's office. So I am below 300, not a lot below, but I am below it. I have also found out that in the last 6 months, my cholesterol has drooped about 15 points. I know I am on the right track. I miss some foods already, but I know that in moderation or a bite, I may be able to taste them again. Logan is probably 85% of the reason I am doing this. He is such an inspiration to me. He is already talking about all the things he wants to do this summer when I loose my 'fat weight' it does make him a little sad that i do not eat breakfast with him, but I think in some little 6 year old world he understands more that I think he does. Knowing that I am increasing my chances of being here for Logan longer makes this all worth it. I have been lucky because I don't have any of the co-morbidity's associated with obesity, but that does not mean I am immune. _______________________________________ Saturday, March 21, 2009 Counting the Hours In 36 hrs I will be on the way to the hospital for a life changed surgery....you will now be able to call me Mitchell...WAIT WRONG BLOG!!!!! I am 36 hrs away from starting life over! Starting a journey, to a new me. Is there really a skinny person inside who wants to be seen? I have wondered this for a while. I have lost 22 pounds already. My personal goal....75 by Christmas...53 to go. I know that this changes a lot of people, not for the better, maybe physically, but just the person. I HOPE that does not happen to me. I have enough people around me to keep me grounded and on track to make sure I do not become some monster. I am so grateful to have the supportive husband and son that I have. Ray is looking forward to the new meals and things I will be trying, Logan is looking forward to me being able to jump on the trampoline with him. And I am too. Looking forward to being able to run around crazy with him, and be a more involved mom. In May I am hoping to be able to start taking martial arts with him! If I don't post tomorrow, I will post something as soon as I get home on Tuesday! ________________________________________ Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Surgery Day - 2 Day Post Op Monday went good. We got to the hospital about 4:45 am, and waited. Got up to the day surgery waiting area, with signing in and my number. Lisa came up before she went to work, and mom and day were close behind. I went back to my curtain about 5:40 am, got changed in to the ICU gown, you know the one where people behind you can go "I C U"!!! Lisa & mom came back and visited then about 6:30 I wanted Ray back there since we were getting down to business. He came back and the parade started, the IV, Heparin Shot in the tummy, belly getting drawn on, twilight shot, and the OR Nurse taking me to the bathroom to potty so I would not have to have a cath! I was all for that!!! About 7 am we went to the OR....only after they let me get one last kiss from Ray! It was about an hour to get ready before they started on the procedure. He got called very often from the OR to let then know the progress. When it was done, Dr Scott came out and talked to Ray to tell it is all went well. As I have talked about before my doctor has been doing SIL - Single Incision Laporscopy for about a year now. He one incision went in thru my belly button, the port is attached right above my belly button. Hopefully the fills will be easy. I got out of recovery, and in to my room, about 11:00am. By that time, my parents & Ray's parents were there, when they wheeled me toward my room, I say the best image I could..Ray was sitting in my room. Every one came in I was doing well. we visited for a little bit, and once the moms saw I was good, they started to leave, Ray and I tried to nap. He had to leave about 1:45 to go get Logan. My sister came up about 2:00, we spent some time together, she was the only one of the other 3 kids, who came or even called. I decided to get out of bed about 3:20 to walk and potty, I did really good, I did not get back in bed until about 9:00pm. Lisa came about up about 4, and Pete left about that time since I was not alone, and so she cold miss some of the traffic going home. Ray & Logan got up there about 5:30ish, and ate dinner. It was so nice seeing Logan although I could not cuddle him as I would like to. Lisa headed home about 6:00, and Ray's Tina came in...I was being tag teamed on visitors and it was nice. I begged for a tray...the ice chips were not cutting it, so I was able to have broth, juice, tea, and some frozen Italian ice. They all hung out for about an hour & half, and 3 more laps around the floor. They started heading out about 7:45, and passed Holly in the parking lot...we had some time together, I was feeling tired, but just did not to be alone. _______________________________________ Saturday, March 28, 2009 People Noticing the Weightloss I was banded on March 23, 5 days ago. From about the 20th of Feb until March 19, I had lost 20 pounds! And in the last week, another 8. I went back to work and people are already noticing in my face and upper body that I am loosing. I am feeling it some, but since I still have lots of swelling in my tummy, my clothes are a little tighter that I would like. I have been cooking for my hubby & son, and doing ok...but last night the hunger pangs started. Since I was making sketti, I took some of the meat chewed it up until I got all of the flavoring out, then spit it out. The sauce was so so good, it was garlic & onion I think!!! It was good, but just for the flavoring!!! That is what I miss is the different flavors. Although adding extracts to the protein drinks help, my pallet is not very forgiving of me keeping all those good flavors from it! My 1st goal is 75 pounds by Christmas...I want to stay on that track. ________________________________________

You need to get your hubby on board...you will need that support. Between my hubby and 6 yr old i have monitors all the time...and it is nice...knowing they want me to succeed as well...Talk with him..he maybe afraid you are going to change and he is going to loose you...that is VERY common!

I had my first fill on May 14, I got 3cc in a 12cc band. This is my question. How much of that fill really went IN the band...Think about this..the saline has to get in the band by way of all of the tubing so how much of the saline goes in to band? I did notice several days of more restriction, but it seems now that the restriction is gone. I go back on the 16th of June for my second fill...DO i request more? or ask the question and hope they do 5-6cc? :blushing:

WOW!!! You are so right! That is one reason I have stayed away from here for some time....the way the people freak out. You are swesome for saying it.

I had my first fill. It was all I thought it would be...lol. I have a 12cc band and it was filled to 3cc. I can tell a restriction now that I did not have before. I have lost a total of 30 pounds since surgery and 30 before. So a total of 50!!! YEAH!!! I am hoping that the fill with help keep me on track, I can tell more now than before when I need to stop. I do miss drinking as much water as I want when I want...that is the most I miss. Hubby & I have started taking Tae Kwon Do classes with our son...we love it, and it is an awesome workout!!!!

Okay ladies...I started taking TKD classes with my son & husband, and I am NEED of a sports bra...As you know starting this journey at over 300lbs, and if anyone has been able to find a sports bra and been happy with it, please tell me where you got it and what kind you got. I have looked at Dick's Sporting goods online....BUT I do not want to buy online so i can try it on. I am currently a 44DDD, and that number has gone down in the last 2 months. From what I have seen apparently the companies that make them dont think anyone over a 38 should be working out...AUGH...I can wait to get into a smaller bra again.

Hey Kathy! Try the Oh32 from The Vitiman Shoppe there on Cooper, they have them pre-mixed. Are you still on the shake? For how much longer? After the 23 of this month I have to stop drinking them. Since I will be on full foods at that point. Good Luck. We need to plan lunch some time. I think Jason's by the mall would be good! ~ Mis

I am doing great! I have lost 15 pounds since surgery just went to my first post op appt on Tuesday the 7th. I am down 35 pounds overalll. I FEEL amazing!!!! I have so much energy, even though I am only still eating a small amout! It is incredible...1/2 can of tuna and I am FULL. I dont go back on solids for another 2 weeks, on the 23rd of April. My incisions are great...only 2 one below my breastbone from the liver clamp, and the other is a horseshoe cut inside my bellybutton. My doctor did a SIL. The port is above and just a little to right of my bellybutton. I can already feel it. This is only the begining. I can not wait for how wonderful I am going to feel once more weight starts coming off. I have also posted some pictures, please go to my profile and look at them and let me know what you think. Thanks to all of the people on this website for all of the help and support you are to everyone who is on there. For some good light hearted reading check out my blog: ajourneytoachange.blogspot.com

make sure you are getting your protiens that will help keep you fuller, eat things that are going to stay with you...stream and then mash up some squash, or other veggies to go with some salmon. Think about what you are eating before you be worried you have already done some damage. Call your doc. do they have a nutritions on staff you can speak too...they should be able to guide in the right direction for now.