clarityseeker

I am wondering how many of us there are in the group for the cruise -- I am so looking forward to this. Also, Karla, if you know how to do a private message, would you send me one -- I thought it might be fun to at least email before Sunday. I can't wait to meet y'all -- and for those of you from outside Texas, I would like to be the first to welcome you to our wonderful, friendly state. Jessica

Pelo, I rarely feel hungry at all -- in fact, when I do feel hungry, I really notice it. That's probably the biggest change I have had with the band. Are you sure you are filled enough? Libra, 100 lbs -- Wow, that's awesome. You should be so proud of yourself. Congrats! All, I am approaching my goal weight, which I am excited about. I am wondering a bit if I want to try and lose a bit more -- I'm only 5'3" and my goal weight is now 135. I am at 142 and wearing a size 8 in most clothes. I am feeling good about myself -- I have energy, am exercising regularly which I have not done in a LONG time, and I FINALLY feel attractive (which helps a lot because I am single). So, Robin, I can relate to your post from last month. Did you come to any resolution? The lapband cruise leaves in 1 week and I am so excited -- it will be the first cruise I have been on that I am not COMPLETELY self conscious about being seen in a bathing suit. I can't wait to meet the other members and meet new friends in person! Take care, Jessica

I'll kick us off for May. I have been absent again. My world was rocked when I found out I had been laid off, so I have been looking for a new job. The silver lining is that exercising has been extremely helpful in keeping my spirits up, so I have been doing it. I only started exercising about a month ago -- around the 50 lb mark. It's amazing how much easier it is to exercise without the extra weight. I don't hurt all over like I did when I exercised at my heaviest weight. I also got a fill recently. Interestingly I had lost a couple of cc's, and when she re-filled me, I actually have less than my last fill. Go figure! My band has its own personality -- sometimes it lets me eat a particular food one day, but not another. I feel tighter sometimes and looser others. I am at 2.4 in a 4 cc band. I am hoping this fill will be the one that gets me to my goal. When anyone asks if I would do it again, I say "in a New York minute!" Even with the PB's, no sodas, a very shallow port now, and the few other inconveniences, I am so happy I did this for myself. It was the best money I ever spent on myself. Robin, I have lots of time now -- I'm calling you!! Best, Jessica

I have both at home and they sit there never being used. I think I am going to start using them some because it's starting to get HOT in Houston and outdoor running is becoming less pleasant. I don't know about the difference in caloric burning, but I would think that it is not that much different. On my elliptical I can change the tension and make it hard and change the incline. I think this can greatly affect the work-out, depending on one's goals. Also, it's easier on the knees if that's an issue for you. I think that any exercise I will do is the best exercise for me. I've been ill this week and haven't worked out at all and I'm feeling it -- need to get back to it!!

Jessica, flying solo, 5th cruise, from Houston, TX. I am soooo looking forward to this.

Karla, I am very fair also, but I like to have a little color when I go on a cruise. But, I don't do sun or tanning booths. So, I will probably go to one of those places that spray you with tanning stuff and then bring my own to touch up. I really like the Nutragena (sp?) brand spray. They have light, medium and dark. I have less problems with streaks than other brands I've tried. As for sunscreen, I ALWAYS wear it, even with my fake tan. The tanning solution doesn't have any protection in it. I use SPF 30 or SPF 15 depending on the day's activities. I am starting to get really excited. I have been on several of the Carnival ships out of Galveston, but this is the first time on Rhapsody and I've heard lots of good things about it. If anyone going needs any info on Houston or Galveston, or a place to stay before or after the trip, let me know (or a ride to or from the airport). I'm happy to provide any information or help. See you cruisers soon! Jessica

Steph, So glad you are back and your band is back in functioning order. My thoughts are with you -- you've had a tough time. That's great that you are not PBing. Definitely a BIG step in the right direction. I am going on the lap band cruise in June, and my goal was to get to 145 lbs (10 lbs from my goal) by the time of the cruise on June 17. Well, with all of the exercise (being laid off has some advantages...) and my recent fill, I am almost there, so I am going to try to get 5 more lbs off before the cruise. It really helps me to have goals like that. Also, I have found that exercise is really helping keep my spirits up as I transition into the next phase of my career. It is truly what keeps me working out. I just don't do well when my motivation for exercise is to get in shape, get healthier, or look better. I wish it was but it's not for me. Hugs to all, Jessica

Ok, I'm getting banded in August and I have decided to tell only 3 people --- my daughter who is going to take me for the surgery (I have several other kids who would tell the world), my MIL, and a friend who had the surgery, This is my question -- what's my story to my colleagues, friends and family about 1) having surgeryout of work for a few days (gall bladder, "female problem"?; 2) eating differently. I mean -- has anyone had friends or family ask why you are eating blended meat and vegetables or baby food? (Ok, I'm being a little extreme, but really -- some ideas from you closet bandsters would be greatly appreciated)! Geez, my secretary is the nosiest person in the world -- she'll ask a million questions. And I have some pretty observant friends -- you've never eaten anything green in 3 years -- what's the deal? Uh...I'm just trying to get healthy?!

Doesn't it mean August Band Club? We started the group when we were all banded in Aug. 2006. Of course, we welcome anyone to join our discussions, but that's the origin of the name. Pelo, First of all, we all lose at different rates and as long as the scale/clothes size, etc. are going the right direction overall, I try to stay happy with my progress. I went almost 2 months only losing a couple of pounds. Maybe it is because my BMI was on the "low" side to begin with. Maybe my body liked that weight. Right now I'm starting to think that my scale is "stuck" because I have been doing a LOT of exercise and the pounds are not coming off even though I am not eating more than I used to. But again, my body is smaller, needs less calories at rest (apparently I have NO metabolism because I swear I eat less than 1000 calories per day and based on my weight, I should need about 1,400 if I didn't even get out of bed all day!!!). I know I shouldn't complain b/c I am very close to goal and really very happy with my band. But, I do understand your frustration. I'm going to start writing down everything I eat and drink to make sure I'm not "losing" calories during the day. Hang in there -- eventually it will come off. Like others have said -- re-evaluate what you are eating. Damn that self-honesty thing! I found it helpful to have a pretty standard eating plan during most of my weight loss -- a Protein shake for Breakfast, Soup for lunch, and either a small meal or even just some cheese and yogurt for dinner. It was LOW calorie!! Hope this helps some. J-

Thanks for all the support on the layoff front. It really helps to know that others can relate and care. It means a lot. I have been working out a lot because it is helping me mentally and defintely physically. I think I need to increase my caloric intake. I almost feel like my body is holding on to weight, but maybe it's just the muscle building thing. I bought a new bathing suit -- it's also a tankini, and I can't believe that I actually don't HATE the way I look in it. I won't go so far as to say that I am totally comfortable in it, but it's been a long time since I could say I am okay with it. Shopping for bathing suits is still not a fun experience, though!! I don't think it ever will be for me. Hang in there, everyone -- this is a tough month with the end of school, start of summer, etc. Maintaining seems to be a good goal. J-

My experience with exercise is different than many others. I did not exercise until I had lost 50 lbs. My previous experience had been that exercise did NOT help with my weight loss, though that was pre-band. I do have a fairly active lifestyle, but with a desk job. I am a single mom with 5 kids at home so I am rarely not going and doing. But, traditional exercise -- no way. But, I went skiing twice last winter and it reminded me that although I had lost weight, I was not in good shape. So, I started exercising, and now that I am close to goal, I am happy I did. So, if it were me, I would get a fill. Every time I get to the point where I can eat what I consider to be "too much," I get one -- the last fill I got was actually less than the previous one (I had lost .2 cc's), so I am less filled, but more restricted -- weird. My net fill was -.1 cc. So, maybe try a small fill -- don't let your dr bully you in to a big fill that brings on the PBs and yucky stuff. Good luck.

I know there is a phenomenon where your body can go into starvation mode and try to hold on to weight. However, I think if we eat enough calories on a regular basis, that does not happen. Instead, my thought is that the slow-down in weight loss as I approach my goal is simply that I do not need as many calories to maintain my weight because I am smaller. So, for me, I am really trying to add SOME exercise -- not so much that I build a bunch of muscle right away, because that will also slow the scale down. I simply want to burn more calories than I am taking in. As I get close to goal and at goal, my focus will turn more to the exercise, weight training, and trying to get my body into good physical shape. I am lucky that I do not have a lot of excess skin -- firming up should take care of most of it and I'm sure I'll always have the reminder in the middle of my body that I have 4 kids. I don't expect to have a flat stomach! I am going for a fill because I can eat foods that are not helpful to my eating plan -- pastas, some bread, other starches, etc. And, I can eat too much in a sitting. I haven't had a fill in a couple of months, so I think that I will get one, go for the gusto, and see if I can shave off 10-15 pounds with some exercise. Pelo -- your PB experience is NOT a failure. It is a side effect of the band. I have had bad PB experiences when I did not really mess up too badly, and I have had no problem when I really should have. It's one of the mysteries of the band and the journey. After I have a bad one like you did, I give my tummy a break for a couple of days and stick to liquids and soft, easy foods and I am fine. But, don't beat yourself up -- it happens to (nearly) all of us! Finally, I do not weigh every day -- I do like to keep close tabs, so I will weigh if I am concerned. Otherwise, I check weight a couple of times a week -- if I am down, the same, or within a pound of my "low", I'm fine with it. So far, that's been my experience and it has worked for me. Also, I don't weigh at all during "that time of the month". I wait until just after I finish and then I usually see a downward movement. My 2 cents. Jessica

Kutia - way to go, girl ; Jamie -- you look awesome. And, Robin, you, too!! I am so happy to be part of this very inspirational group of women (do we have any guys???). The scale is not moving as much, but I am still shrinking. I have just under 20 lbs to goal, and I'm going on the Lap Band cruise in a couple of months, so I'm trying to set a realistic goal of 10 lbs before the cruise. I am a solid 12 in pants, now. Sometimes, I am a 10. I can't believe I can finally consider myself (almost) normal size. I love not being the biggest person in the room when I go somewhere -- especially to the gym. I feel like I'm an in-betweener. I went snow skiing 2 times this past season (my first time)! and I had the confidence to do it. My goal for next season is to be in good shape so that I can ski ALL day long, several days in a row. I think I am going to get a fill b/c I ate an entire plate of food for lunch -- it wasn't super-sized, but it was ravioli, which is not something I can usually eat. I've been debating getting a fill and I think I need to do it. Hopefully, along with exercise, I can make my 5 lb goal for April and my 5 lb goal for May (heck -- maybe I'll shoot for 15 by the time I leave in mid-June!!) Keep up the great work everyone. I am so impressed with you all. Best, Jessica

I have mental hunger, but not as badly as I would have expected. I notice it most when I am PMS'ing. (not surprisingly). I haven't updated my ticker yet, but I finally broke through the 50 lb mark --- I think I have only lost a pound or two this entire month! I guess I need to get moving. J-

Hey, Robin, I have the same problem occasionally. I haven't figured out exactly when/what causes it, though I ate some fruit the other day and it happened. I don't think I am too tight -- in fact, I feel like I might be due for a fill already again. If I figure out a pattern, I'll let you know. P.S. This morning I was .6 away from the 50 lb mark. (I had been up a couple of pounds over the last few days, so we'll see if I can break through!) Jessica

Libra -- too funny -- I love the bathroom story. I can so relate. So, I'll tell me most embarassing PB story. I was on a date with a guy -- 2nd date, so I hadn't told him about the band yet. He was supposed to call me when he was leaving his house (about 45 min. away) and I was to meet him -- well, he called when he was 15 minutes away and I was eating at the time. So, I ate fast and got nervous at the same time -- for me, a double recipe for a PB incident. I finished my meal and then drove to the bar where we were meeting. By that time I was in full PB mode, and I had to bolt from the table 2-3 times within the first 15 minutes I was there -- once I was afraid I wouldn't make it to the bathroom in time -- to hell with whether or not there were other women in there!! Anyway, he was really concerned about me and I eventually told him about the band (kind of) b/c I was then interrupted with another need to go throw up. It was soooo awful, but I finally felt ok and we finished the evening. The next day I came down with the worst flu I've had in 10 years, so now I think the incident was not all PB, but may have been flu-related. So, to answer the question about the flu -- yes, I have had it with the band and it sucked big time. I finally called Spivak's office and asked if I could take motrin or advil b/c tylenol was doing NOTHING and I was so miserable and sick I could barely move!! They said I could take liquid or chewables as long as it wasn't on an empty stomache, and after that, things were more tolerable. As for NSV's, my dress size is down from an 18/20 to a 10/12 (they are certainly making sizes bigger now!! (I would never have fit into a 10 at my current weight "back in the day"). I am short, so I LOVE that I can wear high heels comfortably now. I never realized how much the weight mattered on the heel thing. I'm down from a size 7 shoe to a size 6 1/2 (still bigger than the 5 1/2 I was before kids), bra went from 44DD to 38D. I can walk for as long as I want without getting too tired or my feet hurting. My 10-year old can hug me and touch her hands together. I can get down and up from the floor without looking and feeling like an idiot!

I decided on my last fill that I would ask for what I wanted. I told the PA to "get serious" and fill that sucker up. She added .5 cc I think and it made a big difference in restriction. So, I say, go for it -- ask for what you want. You're paying for it. If it's too tight, you'll know when you drink the Water or they will see in on the fluoroscope. Robin, I am so proud of you -- you are doing so awesome. You have so much to be proud of. All those NSV's to go along with your great weight loss!! Especially, the health-related ones. Those are truly the best. I may be able to do lunch on Saturday -- I have a busy weekend since this last one was a total bust with being sick, but I'd love to see you and anyone else that is available. Otherwise, after the end of this month, my schedule frees up a lot. I am finally feeling like I'm going to survive -- I'm even going to get into the office tomorrow even though I worked 10+hours today, I did it from my bed, which is a lot easier! Take care!! P.S. I'm totally excited that I am now classified as "slightly overweight!!"

I'm a little over 5'2", and pretty short between my bra-line and my hips -- so, for example, I usually can't wear petite pants b/c the legs are too short, my short-ness is in my torso. I haven't had any problems with my band as a result of this. However, sometimes when I wear a wide belt or some pants, they will hit my port and is a bit annoying.

Libra, thanks for the info -- I'm going to check into a low-profile port. Robin, I thought Spivak used "low profile ports" as a general rule? Do you know? Rachel's Bat Mitzvah is at Emanu El in two weeks! Where do y'all go to temple? This is number 2 of 4 -- yikes. I was going to do a bunch of shopping for the open house we are having and for Rachel's kid party this weekend, but I came down with some kind of flu -- and I did have the flu shot!:sick So far, hanging skin is not as bad as I thought it would be -- after 4 kids, I thought I would have more tummy skin, but it seems to be not too bad. I could definitely use a breast lift!! I have a friend who had the band in 12/2005 and lost 90+ lbs. She was about my size to begin with. She had a tummy tuck and breast implants/lift in 12/2006. She is happy with the results. Jessica

I am involved in a 12-step program and I can tell you that working on myself on the inside has been a huge part of my journey. I had been working a program for 2 years before having the surgery, and I have similar issues with food as you do. I don't think I would be as successful in my weight loss or as happy with my life (despite lots of crap that has happened in our family, including my husband's addiction and suicide in 2005) if I wasn't working a program. Addiction can't be cured -- by the band, or anything else. Try going to OA and see if it can help you as much as my program has helped me. Therapy is another tool and I agree that it can be helpful as well. my thoughts and prayers are with you. J-

I have had a total of 4 fills -- I am at 2.4 in a 4 cc band and it seems to be a pretty good spot for now. I am about 25 lbs from my goal weight, so I'll be interested to see how many more fills I will need. My biggest challenge has been exercise. I have finally started to walk some and as things at home with the kids calm down a bit, I am hoping to have a little more time. Anyone else having port protrusion issues? My port isn't really visible, but when I lie down, it's right there and easily felt. I am starting to date after 18 years -- my husband passed away in 2005. I would prefer to share my banding experience on my timetable, but intimacy is impossible without the guy feeling my port. I have so much "baggage" -- literally and figuratively, that I feel like I am saying -- yes, I have 4 kids, my husband died, oh, and I have this port that goes to a band on my stomache... I've had some dates, but it's going to take a special man to be able to handle me and my family and all of our "stuff." thanks for letting me vent a little... J-

Steph, thanks for noticing that I haven't been coming around -- I've been MIA. Life intrudes. Work and kids and a Bat Mitzvah for my daughter this month are all keeping me busy. My band is great -- I'm still losing and it's nice that people are really noticing. Lots of questions about how. I just say that I don't eat much -- which is true. Here are my lessons with the band: 1. When I PB or get something stuck, it's always my own damn fault. 2. I feel extremely lucky that I rarely feel hungry and when I do, a little food gets me satisfied. 3. I'm always surprised at how I can eat only a little bit some days and a lot more on other days. Haven't quite figured that one out. 4. I have to be much more careful with alcohol -- I am becoming a "light-weight". 5. I LOVE being able to buy clothes in regular stores. 6. I would do it all again, even with the PB's, scars, my port almost sticking out, and all.

Hi, I am a single bandster -- my husband died in 2005, and I have recently returned to the dating scene. It's totally strange to be 41 and single, but I'm trying to make the most of it. I read some posts about disclosing that you have the band, but I had an experience recently where it wasn't the scars that gave me away, but the port. I am grateful that I have lost the amount of weight that I have -- don't get me wrong -- but it is impossible to be at all intimate with someone (if I'm laying down) without my port being very easy to feel. I'm wondering how to handle it -- I guess I am just going to tell the guy before things get that intimate, but I kind of wish that I had a little more control over it. I love the knifing accident explanation....maybe I can come up with a creative explanation for the bump on my stomache!!

Robin, I definintely would love to get together. I am at 40 lbs down right now, but the next 10 might take a while -- I hope not too long. I'm setting a goal of my daughter's Bat Mitzvah on March 23-24th for the 50 lb. mark. I JUST started exercising, so I'm hoping that will move things along a bit faster. It's wild that people are totally noticing the weight loss now -- I have started my before and during pics and there is a big difference from pre-op to now. I expect that as I get closer to my goal weight (around 30 more pounds or so, give or take), it will get harder and harder to lose the weight. I hope to get to goal by the 1 year mark, though. I think it's very possible. My 3rd fill was the one that really seemed to hit the "sweet spot". I think I can probably lose another 10 lbs or so before I'll need another one. I love my band -- it keeps me from getting too hungry, and I can eat SMALL amounts of most things. Bread is a problem after the last fill. So, let's see where we are in a month or so -- I'd love to meet other Houston members! Jessica

My first fill didn't really give me much restriction. I should have gone back within 3-4 weeks b/c when I went back most of the fill was gone (absorbed). The second fill held, but still not much restriction. My 3rd fill finally resulted in restriction and I have been good with it for a couple of months. I don't plan to go back for another for a while. I think I am probably at my sweet spot.