socalgal3

I don't know anything about insurance because mine didn't cover banding at the time of my surgery(Kaiser). Now I guess they do in some areas. So, I went to Mexico and paid $8500 for my original procedure and $3500 + $250 (for the endoscopy) for my slip repair. They just repositioned my band-did not remove or replace it. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I hope all is well now! Best of health to you!

I was pretty good today. A granola bar for breakfast, a Lean Cuisine for lunch and some pork chop, brown rice and carrots for dinner. I didn't exercise and I've only had 48oz. of water. I'll try to get my water in before bed. Have a great weekend Junebies.

So, Zach is out! I think Danielle will win. People won't vote for Dick, since he was...well....a DICK! They will respect Dani's game play since she won so many competitions. What do you all think?

Has anyone here adjusted their goal as they got closer to it? I only have 20 pounds to go, but I'm feeling like maybe that won't be enough. Then, I think that is only because I don't feel thin yet. Maybe I will when I'm at goal or considered "normal" on weight/BMI charts. So I was just wondering if you were happy with your original goal when you actually got there. Anyone?

I'm claiming my 170! 20 pounds to go! I saw it here and there on the scale, but its been 2 days in a row(with my jammies on-not nekked!) so it's mine! Regina- now you are where you were before all of your trouble. I know you'll be at goal in no time!

I wanted to tell everyone that I haven't done my measurements since April and I did them today. I was so excited that there was a loss of 1/2 inch to 2 inches at all my points of measurement(calf, thigh, hip, waist, chest, neck and bicep). I was so excited! I keep track of my measurements on Spark People. I always tell everyone to measure when the scale isn't cooperating, so I encourage everyone to do it! I've done pretty good with food so far today:granola bar, baby carrots with light Ranch, some tuna and All-Bran crackers, but only 24 oz. of fluids so far. I plan to ride the bike 30 min. and get the rest of my fluids in this evening. Happy Thursday all!

I think I lost 50 after 7 months or so. Everyone reacts differently, so its hard to say how much you'll lose. You can definitely lose more by putting forth more effort. I wish you luck! You can do it!

Yay for Pinky! Hopefully that will reduce your stress level and aid in weight loss.

Barb123- You might try those New Whey protein shots. I haven't tried them, but I've been meaning to. They sell them at Vitamin World and places like that, but you can also find them online. Just do a search. They come in different fruit flavors. So far today, I've just had my granola bar with 5g protein. Isn't your birthday coming up Barb(s)??

I tried the protein water. I like the lemon. The strawberry kiwi is too sweet for me.

Ok, I just wanted to post that I actually exercised! I rode my bike for 30 minutes and did my arm exercises as I rode, using my hand weights(2.5 lbs. each). I did bicep curls, tricep extensions, simulated rows, etc. Let's hope I do it again tomorrow!

I am a cheapie too, but some things just MUST go! The Biggest Loser was great last night. I LOVE the idea of the black team. I felt so sad for those people when they didn't get back. I had 4th grade softball flashbacks! But when Jillian rode up, I felt so happy for them! Cathy, I understand about depression. I was depressed for 12 years before my surgery. I was on 3 different medications at different times, saw numerous counselors, etc. I haven't been on any meds since my surgery(my choice). Somedays I think I need them, but I realize that it is just life. It is very difficult not to have my friend FOOD to get me through. Sometimes I wanna drive to Mexico and get an unfill just so I can have a binge! Hang in there. We are here for you. It is only 6pm here, so my goal is to ride my bike for 30 minutes tonight. Posting here that I never exercise is making me feel guilty. I guess accountability really is effective!

I did ok today. I had a granola bar(5g protein), some All-Bran crackers with garlic dip and some eggs/bacon for dinner. I am working on my 8th cup of water right now. I didn't exercise as usual and I have no excuse! I hope the storms in TX don't affect my TX buddies too much! I may have some watermelon or carrots later tonight. I need to get more fruits/veggies in, but I've been tight, so I'm sticking with stuff that goes down. Aimee-I have no idea what the rhyme and reason of weight loss is either! It's just like the old days when you would be bad for one day and gain 5 pounds, be "good for a week and lose nothing. Weight is a crazy equation. That being said, 2 cokes, no water and M&M's can't be helping. Get those M&M's and coke out of your house! I wish all my Junebies the best of health!

I found liquid Centrum to be gross. I use a brand called Liquid Health. I buy the Multi and the Calcium and they taste great. Sometimes I mix them with Crystal Light. Good luck!

Exercise is always a challenge for me. The best thing is to make a date with a friend to go for a walk or a bike ride. Having a partner makes it so much easier! I agree with Julie that you may need a fill. When you feel like eating and you aren't hungry, have a glass of water. Get all of the junk out of the house, so you won't be tempted. You CAN do it! Don't give up! You aren't a failure. The band doesn't work for everyone, but first you need to help it work. Best of health to you.

Thanks for sharing with us Cindy. I can't afford to have work done, but if I could, the only thing I would do is my arms. They are gross! I've never had kids, so my tummy isn't all that bad. Not exactly abs of steel, but not ugly like my flabby arms! I think Barb465 was gonna plan our plastic surgery trip to Costa Rica for the Year 2 bandiversary! hahaha I was 171 yesterday, but back to 174 this morning-damn PMS! It makes me so tight too-even my water is gurgling.

Little Roo- I have used Papaya enzyme and its not a magic bullet, but it helps. It really only works when you are stuck. A PB generally happens to fast(at least for me) to chew a pill and get relief. It's kinda too late at that point.

I recently had to use a water bottle too! That really sucked. I was in the back seat traveling with family trying to be discreet as I am a closet bandster. It was hell! I didn't eat in the car either. I had lunch and it decided to get stuck once we were on the road! In my own car, I swiped air sick bags from the plane, and I have a bazillion napkins. For the newbies, the best way to prevent a PB is to CHEW thoroughly and eat SLOWLY. But, sometimes it happens anyway! I get swollen around my period and things that normally go down, get stuck. Or stress, weather, etc. might tighten you up. Just be careful, but be prepared!

My question is...why did Dick get so bent out of shape when Zach nominated him if he is so confident that he will get off? He said it never worked for anyone else who nominated him, which is true, so why be such a spazz and show your obvious fear of being evicted? Also, Zach and Dani have broken their promises so many times, so why get mad that someone else broke a promise to them? That's the game! I don't really care who wins at this point, but of course I'll be watching!

Definitely go on liquids until you can see a doctor. It can be very dangerous if your bands slips too far. Assume the worst and hope for the best!

I've posted on some other threads that I am really struggling with that right now, Cindy and Regina. I think I've just hit a point when everyone is noticing, because I can't get through a day without a comment on how much weight I've loss. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy they notice and that I am successful, but I really hate the attention paid to my weight. It makes me want to hide. And I still feel fat for sure. Well, not FAT, but not thin or skinny. People describe me as skinny and I'm thinking of all the people at work that are thinner than me. I don't say it, but I think, "so and so is SKINNY, not me!" I guess it is "skinny for ME" or "skinny" compared to what I was. I mean, I'm still considered overweight for my height on all the charts. I feel like I'll accept myself when I'm at goal, or when I'm considered "normal" on a weight or BMI chart. But, I bet I'll come up with a new excuse then! That is one thing I am working on with hypnosis-accepting my success and knowing it can and will be permanent. I hope everyone has a great day.

That's a thought(th foil), but it reminds me how I was once wrapped in cellophane in efforts to try to lose weight! hahaha Thanks to all for listening to my rant, it's just a hard time for me. I guess I've always been the invisible girl or wallflower in my head and now I can't go anywhere without a look or comment. I'm happy people notice and I am happy to be successful, but I am anxious for the day that my being thin is normal. Who knows, maybe then I'll wish people were commenting! haha

Good to hear from you Leila! Great job on the weight loss you HOT mama! Don't be a stranger. How is everyone else doing? I am tight again. Not sure if it's PMS or what. I did put on a pair of pants tonight that I haven't worn since 1997! Happy weekend all.

I accidentally posted this on WASA's OMG thread, so I'll repost here! I've read this thread but never posted. I guess I felt like I didn't "belong" here because my goal seems so far away. But lately, this has been hitting me pretty hard emotionally. People at work were calling me "skinny" yesterday and I just wanted to hide. I am so uncomfortable with all of the comments. That is one reason I chose lap-band. I knew the weight loss would be slower and hopefully elicit less comments. But, I just hit the point where people are really noticing the difference. They say things like "You don't want to lose MORE do you?" I'm thinking, I am 175 pounds! While that is so awesome compared to where I was, in what world is 175 pounds "skinny"? I still wear size 12-14 pants. My arms look really fat still. I'm glad others have had similar experiences, but it is still hard to deal with. I so don't want to be a skinny person who complains about their size, but I know I'll never feel skinny. I always feel like the other shoe will drop and I will go back to being fat. I had a scare with nearly losing my band in January, so I guess I am very aware that this could be a temporary situation. I am currently doing hypnosis and she is working on getting me to accept my success and the fact that it can be PERMANENT. Thanks for listening to my blabbering. I'm just really struggling with this right now.

I've read this thread but never posted. I guess I felt like I didn't "belong" here because my goal seems so far away. But lately, this has been hitting me pretty hard emotionally. People at work were calling me "skinny" yesterday and I just wanted to hide. I am so uncomfortable with all of the comments. That is one reason I chose lap-band. I knew the weight loss would be slower and hopefully elicit less comments. But, I just hit the point where people are really noticing the difference. They say things like "You don't want to lose MORE do you?" I'm thinking, I am 175 pounds! While that is so awesome compared to where I was, in what world is 175 pounds "skinny"? I still wear size 12-14 pants. My arms look really fat still. I'm glad others have had similar experiences, but it is still hard to deal with. I so don't want to be a skinny person who complains about their size, but I know I'll never feel skinny. I always feel like the other shoe will drop and I will go back to being fat. I had a scare with nearly losing my band in January, so I guess I am very aware that this could be a temporary situation. I am currently doing hypnosis and she is working on getting me to accept my success and the fact that it can be PERMANENT. Thanks for listening to my blabbering. I'm just really struggling with this right now.