socalgal3

I didn't hear about a big fire. I hope all my TX buddies are ok! I always cry when I watch Biggest Loser! Today is my re-bandiversary! This is the day I had my slip repaired last year. That was such a difficult time, but it is good to remember that I could have lost my band, so I need to be good to it. I don't ever want to be without it. I know I couldn't do it on my own. Happy Wednesday Junebies!!

6th Annual Seattle Bandster Bash and Splash You all may already have heard about this, but I thought I'd post the link in case you hadn't. I'm holding steady at 150. I still get comments on my weight loss everyday. Still waiting for the day it isn't a topic of conversation. Feel better soon Pinky! Keep us posted on your progress Barb465.

Some other ideas are to share with a friend. I did that last week with someone who doesn't even know I'm banded. We each had a small cup of soup and shared a sandwich(I only ate the inside since I don't do bread well most of the time). She is a petite coworker, so I don't think she even noticed. Be prepared for old friends and family to make comments like, "That's ALL you're having?" Or, order from the appetizer menu or ask for a box right away and put half in the box immediately, so you won't be tempted to eat it. You can bring a measuring cup if you want, but eventually you will learn the proper serving amount for you and it will become second nature.

If you plan a holiday, make sure you have your fun before surgery. Afterwards, you may be too tired to sightsee. That being said, also make sure about your aftercare as others have mentioned. I had my procedure in Tijuana, Mexico, but I live in the San Diego area, so it takes me 20-30 minutes to get to my doctor's office. I know many people fly in for fills, but in case of emergency or complication, it is nice to have someone nearby. Sometimes, I dread going across the border because while it is fast to get into Mexico, the border wait to get back into the US is usually an hour or more. I paid $8500. Best of luck in your search for a surgeon!

Well congrats on that! When were you banded? What is your fill level? Are you exercising? There are some threads here about busting plateaus-do a search. Also, take measurements! Sometimes when the scale isn't moving, you are still losing inches. 63 pounds is great! Best of luck losing the last 37!

First of all, I am butting in! But all of these reasons should be validated by you that you hear his concerns, but they also can all be argued. It is EXTREMELY rare for someone to die on the operating table during lap-band surgery. Him not being attracted to you will SO not be the problem. I am sure he is more afraid that you will no longer be attracted to him or that everyone else will be attracted to you! Fat people are seen as "jolly", but most of us know from experience that fat is usually hiding some pain. Thin, healthy people are just as happy if not more so than overweight people. Not being able to eat out is a farce! I eat out all the time. You just learn how to order differently and take a doggy bag home. No, you won't be sitting side by side stuffing your faces at the buffet, but you can certainly eat out. I understand your need to have his support and not wanting to go against his wishes, but this is a health issue, not just a vanity issue. There are numerous people in the world who have "foreign objects" inside their bodies for various medical reasons. I have a friend who has a defibrillator(sp??) under his skin for a heart ailment, one who has an insulin pump for diabetes, etc. Obesity is just as serious a medical condition. I hope that you have some supportive friends and family members that you can turn to. That being said, I told no one and did it on my own, so it can be done without telling others or getting their support. I eventually told one friend who has been very supportive. Sorry, I'm on my soapbox this morning, but naysayers frustrate me!!

WooHoo! Congrats! That's AWESOME!!!

First of all, I didn't walk Monday because it was raining and I am a CA weather wimp! I have been very bad about exercising! I detest cold and it has been pretty chilly here. It was 38 as I drove to work this morning! The high yesterday was 62. I know that is warm for some, but it's darn cold for SoCal! And I am freeeeeezing all the time anyway without my protective layer of FAT! My cousin wants to go to a movie about a marathon this week to motivate me to get running and I SOOOOO don't want to go. Anyway.....Barb-I can't really recommend hypnosis CDs because I went to the hypnotherapist's office and she made personalized CDs for me. I had some in the past by "Dietless", but I don't recall them being as effective. Sorry!

Maybe you should have gone for gastric bypass if you wanted immediate results. The band is a much slower process. That being said, 14 pounds in 17 days is pretty amazing! Don't be so hard on yourself. It took more than a month to put those pounds on and it's going to take more than a month to get them off. Be patient. One good motivator for me was to take measurements. Sometimes, even when the scale didn't move, I had lost an inch or more! Celebrate the NSVs, like getting off meds, exercising more, being able to fit it something you haven't worn in a while, etc. Hang in there-you are doing great!

Poodles- I think that dish may hold too much food. That is 10 oz. and you should probably be around 4-8 oz. per meal. You could still use it as a visual reminder of portion control. That portion varies by day and type of food for me, but that is an average. For example. I buy Smart Ones and Lean Cuisines for lunch alot and I couldn't finish a 10oz. Smart Ones last week. Definitely eat the protein first. I agree with Pinky on everything else. I think you also may want to address the emotional aspect of this. Have you had any counseling to talk about your frustration and disappointment? It might be helpful. Or you can try hypnosis like I did. That was very instrumental in helping me conquer head hunger and stress eating and encouraging the belief that I could be successful and maintain success. We are all hoping that you make progress with your band. Keep us posted. I am going walking today with a friend since I am off work for MLK Jr. I need to work off the extra calories I ate at the Chargers party I went to yesterday! Poor Chargers Have a good week all!

I am single with no kids as well...........

I'm sure you are relieved that your band hadn't slipped. I hope your esophagus heals quickly.

P.S. Glad that liquids solved your problem Belle!

This would depend on your surgeon and your insurance. I had to have my slip surgically repaired. I was self-pay and it cost me about 1/2 of my original surgery fee.

I am so so sorry Regina! I can't even begin to understand what you are going through, but I know you are strong enough to get through it. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You have been through so much and I hope things improve for you soon. You deserve a break!

Congratulations! I hope the next 100 come off just as easily.

That is so AWESOME! I've been contemplating doing a run this year as a life goal of mine is to do a marathon. I did a walk/jog of 6 1/2 miles today. I can't imagine doing a half or whole marathon, but it is a process, just like the lap-band. Way to go Pete!!

Ok, a good thing about this board has always been accountability for me. So, since Melissa asked....I didn't start "training" on Wednesday because my period started and I had cramps and I capitalized on having an excuse NOT to exercise... I did ride my stationery bike for 30 minutes last night and I walked 6 1/2 miles by the lake today. I did some jogging "spurts" and boy, were my lungs burning! I think I still had some leftover phlegm from my sickness last month, cuz I was coughing it up(Sorry! TMI, I know!) Anyhoooo, I have been good about water and vitamins. I wish I had a treadmill instead of a bike. That would help me because one of my big issues is being self-conscious about running in public. I realized I need some new shoes too. Ok, no more excuses. I will get serious this week. Thanks for letting me rant. Have a good week!

I'm so sorry that you had to lose your band and go through such an ordeal. I hope you are on the road to good health. Focus on getting better and then you can explore options for weight loss. I wish you all the best.

Hi all! I am 37, single, never married, no kids and finally AT GOAL! LBT has been a tremendous support. I wish all the 30 somethings success in their weight loss journey!

I always worry that this is too good to be true. After I had my slip, I had the realization that I could lose my band. Luckily I didn't, but it is always in the back of my mind. I was getting rid of some clothes today and I kept thinking...."maybe I should keep some...just in case". They aren't my FAT clothes because I did get rid of most of them. They are my in-between, size 12-14 and I keep thinking I should hang on to them. Even if I gain a little back. But that's just stinkin' thinkin'. I need to allow myself to be this new person without hanging on to the past. Anyway-good luck PaulaX. I know you can do it!

Just checking in to let the Junebies know I know where to find the thread! Barb123- I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. It sounds like she enjoyed her time on earth.

It took me a year and a half to lose 95 pounds and I am at my goal. I haven't been perfect, but I exercised, logged my calories, had a trainer for awhile, did hypnosis, etc. As we always say, the band isn't a silver bullet, but it is a tremendous tool if you use it properly!

I guess I should clarify...I said it was highly unlikely, not impossible. I realize that you can always stretch your pouch. I had a slip even though I was unfilled, so I am not saying it is impossible.

It is highly unlikely that you have stretched your pouch when you have no fill. You have no discomfort and no symptoms, so don't assume the worst. I'm sure you will be going in for a check-up or fill soon and that will hopefully ease your mind. Before you have a fill, you have little restriction and therefore can eat larger quantities. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Be careful and measure your servings and count your calories until you get a fill. Best of health!