SanDiegoUbermom

I have been going to the beech so much this summer with my kids and actually enjoing it. I have been actually going into the water and swimming or boogie boarding with them. :thumbup: Today I swam out into the ocean as far as I could with my oldest son. I haven't done that since I was a teenager. It was such fun! I can see that my kids are happy that I am not just sitting on the beach watching them and taking pictures, I'm really out there with them. I started in a Zumba class back in April. I know that this has given me so much from energy to self confidence. I am up and out and not just sitting around. I've dropped 11 inches and 7 pounds! :smile: LOVE IT! I really started focusing in getting back into the right frame of mind on how to use my tool to its potential back in January of this year. I started by journaling my food and finding blogs that would help me and going back to the doctor. When I stopped going to the doctor back in November in 2007 I had left at the weight of 198 and thought that I knew what I was doing because I was losing weight. In January of this year I started at the weight of 205, I am now lower then I was in November of ’07, I'm at 196. I am so happy that I’m working on this again! :tt1:

I've been so busy. Life does that to you. Current weight as of a week ago is 202. On banding day (7/11/06) I was at 208, prior to that I started at 224 w/first visit to doctor to start all of this. Fills: 11/06 - 5cc/194#/BMI 37 5/07 - Pulled out fluid, found 4cc, added on more to total 5cc again/202#/BMI 38 8/07 - Pulled out fluid again, 5cc still there, added 1cc for a total of 6cc/198#/BMI 37 I'm happy to have kept the weight off but not happy that I haven't lost. I've done it to myself. I haven't been watching what I put into my mouth in the past 3 years. Last Monday I started logging what I'm eating. I've come back here to look for support and to talk to others about what they are doing and how it might be working for them--or not. I will try my best to keep up on the logging.

Thank you. I love support!

Thanks for keeping an eye on me. I want on Thursday to the doc for the first time in over a year. I now have 8.5cc and can feel the difference. I'm already finding that's it's harder to drink like I used to. I'm getting back on track! I now need to commit myself when I go out to friends houses for parties. Just got back from a b-day party and had more then I should of (the bad stuff that is-chips, cupcake/no frosting...but I did find the veggies and fruit too!) Good luck on your up and coming surgery too.

You have NOT failed. We don't fail, we just adjust, own it, learn from our mistake (if there is one) and move on. Yes, Yes; it could be more of the mental then the physical. You are not used to your new tool and the change in eatting habbits. Keep logging your food and times. This will help you understand when your hunger cycle is (my worst part of the day is between 3-5 cause it's the busiest time for my family, we're winding down from the day and they demand more of me) and a snack could be the trick to get you by till your next meal. Do you bring a tote or cooler w/you where ever you go filled w/food or drinks you can have at a moments notice? Or do you have that quick grab and go food at home when the feeling comes on? Think of those if you haven't already. Having 4 kids, they have a lot--I mean a lot of the wrong kinds of "grab and go" food. I've placed theirs at the other end of the kitchen so mine is the easiest to get to, even in the fridge too. Fills: they (my doctor did) usually like to go slow at first so you my not fill a big difference but there will be a difference on how much you can eat. By logging your food and making comments will make you more aware of the differences. "One day at a time, one day at a time"

Thanks. I'm working it "one day at a time". Have a great day! m:)

Okay, I can tell you that I was truly nervous while waiting in the waiting room. I haven't been here in over a year, not sure if he would do a fill or not, would he ask about my journal... After getting weighed and finding out that their scale showed me to be 4 pound heavier than my home scale, my feelingss where hurt. "I've been working really hard this past month and I thought it was working!" But after I calmed down and remembered that each scale can be different and that it's ok to go by my scale at home (the one that shows I've lost 9 pounds since June) I felt better. So...he came in and I really felt it was like a wham pam thank you mame kind of visit. He let me know that I really should have been coming in. Said that in order for this to really work I need to visit at least every other month. He asked if I felt restricted- "not really" Do you want a fill - "yes" Do you have reflux - "yes" Sleep apnea -"yes" I told him that the last time he and another doctor tried to give me a fill that they had a problem finding my port and that I wanted a local cause it hurt. He said that he really didn't do that and that this shouldn't hurt. WRONG - He had a problem, took longer then it should have and each time he moved the needle around it would pinch me in the inside. But he did eventually find it. He pulled out 8cc, my records indicated that there should have been 7cc in so we both were surprised to find more. He added it back along with a half cc more. I found restriction while drinking the water in the waiting room and then later when I ate lunch and at dinner, I could feel I was fuller a bit sooner. It was a strange feeling though when to took out the 8cc. You know how it feels when your pants or belt is to tight after you've eaten and then you undo and fell relieved? I could feel the opening of the band and of it being filled back up. I think I will be looking for another doctor too.

Okay, I can tell you that I was truly nervous while waiting in the waiting room. I haven't been here in over a year, not sure if he would do a fill or not, would he ask about my journal... After getting weighed and finding out that their scale showed me to be 4 pound heavier than my home scale, my feelingss where hurt. "I've been working really hard this past month and I thought it was working!" But after I calmed down and remembered that each scale can be different and that it's ok to go by my scale at home (the one that shows I've lost 9 pounds since June) I felt better. So...he came in and I really felt it was like a wham pam thank you mame kind of visit. He let me know that I really should have been coming in. Said that in order for this to really work I need to visit at least every other month. He asked if I felt restricted- "not really" Do you want a fill - "yes" Do you have reflux - "yes" Sleep apnea -"yes" I told him that the last time he and another doctor tried to give me a fill that they had a problem finding my port and that I wanted a local cause it hurt. He said that he really didn't do that and that this shouldn't hurt. WRONG - He had a problem, took longer then it should have and each time he moved the needle around it would pinch me in the inside. But he did eventually find it. He pulled out 8cc, my records indicated that there should have been 7cc in so we both were surprised to find more. He added it back along with a half cc more. I found restriction while drinking the water in the waiting room and then later when I ate lunch and at dinner, I could feel I was fuller a bit sooner. It was a strange feeling though when to took out the 8cc. You know how it feels when your pants or belt is to tight after you've eaten and then you undo and fell relieved? I could feel the opening of the band and of it being filled back up. I think I will be looking for another doctor too.

Hello All, How are things? I have a non weight triumph for today!! Took the kids to the beach and for the first time I wasn’t terrified to walk around w/out my shorts. I took them off after getting there and never put them back on. I even got sunburned on my legs. :wink2: I was in the Water so much, it was great. I was out playing with the kids instead of just sitting there watching them. Do we have a meeting place yet? Have a great day! Oh ya; have my doctors appointment tomorrow. I'll post later w/what they have to say.

Hey Teresa, Good for you on losing what you have and watching what you eat, that is always one of the hard things to do. When I had my first fill, they couldn't find the port. The kept trying and then they did. It didn't hurt much, no more than a pinch. But after that I did start asking for a local. I felt my first restriction after my second fill and then of course more after my third. Please remember that everyone is different and feeling restriction could be on the first on w/you. Filling full: It's hard to recognize at first because we are so used to eating and eating and we just don't know just what full is. For me it's not a complete feeling of full as much as it is a feeling of being comfortable. I do eat between 5-6 times a day. Three are meals and the others are snacks. I also try not to eat after 7pm. (today that didn't work L ) I keep water coming all day long. I am getting better at drinking my 64oz in one day and there are days when I even drink more! I do use those flavor packages too. Even if you never get to the point of feeling full, stay w/in the menu you have prepared, your stomach and your mind have to get used to its new routine and substance amounts. Hint: I now prepare a car tote. It has extra water and snacks in it. The snack could be veggies, fruit, cheese, nuts…what every you want to bring so if for some reason you are stuck and all that is around is a fast food—you can just say no and go to your tote. Keep up the great work Teresa! Melia/SanDiegoUbermom

Just stay on it and on top of it and things will go smoother for you and then. Good luck, I know it's hard but you can do this! ONE DAY AT A TIME one day at a time

Me either. It's been since last Thursday. I sent an email from the "contact us" area but no response yet. I hope they fix it soon!

I am so glad that I tried the Zumba class out! I've seen it on TV to buy for home use, but felt that I wouldn't keep up w/it. The dance studio that my girls go to started up a class and I tried it out. Well that was back in April and I've dropped 15 inches off of my total body!!! I've lost 5 pounds to boot! The studio now has a total of 4 classes through out the week and is looking to add another one. If they have it each day, I just may drop my gym memebership (that I never seem to go to). The weight is coming off better right now. I've been writing down everything and drinking the water (64oz a day). Using those little flavor packets for the water has made it easy and I rarely have a soda now, maybe once a week if that. I picked up myself a new little car tote for my snacks while I'm out and so far I haven't been looking for a fast food joint to satisfy my hunger needs. I did make an appointment to see my doc. Found out that's it's been over a year since I had seen him. After looking at my weight logging, I never placed a single log for '08. I'm back in the game and ready to play some hardball.

I am so glad that I tried the Zumba class out! I've seen it on TV to buy for home use, but felt that I wouldn't keep up w/it. The dance studio that my girls go to started up a class and I tried it out. Well that was back in April and I've dropped 15 inches off of my total body!!! I've lost 5 pounds to boot! The studio now has a total of 4 classes through out the week and is looking to add another one. If they have it each day, I just may drop my gym memebership (that I never seem to go to). The weight is coming off better right now. I've been writing down everything and drinking the water (64oz a day). Using those little flavor packets for the water has made it easy and I rarely have a soda now, maybe once a week if that. I picked up myself a new little car tote for my snacks while I'm out and so far I haven't been looking for a fast food joint to satisfy my hunger needs. I did make an appointment to see my doc. Found out that's it's been over a year since I had seen him. After looking at my weight logging, I never placed a single log for '08. I'm back in the game and ready to play some hardball.

It was great to meet everyone! After leaving I called my doc and have an appt. sent for 16th. I was told that my last visit was in Nov. of 2007. I'll let you know how it goes. I feel renewed to have people to talk to not only one line but in person. Can't wait to meet again! Thank you all for being there!:smile2:

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test I was thinking about doing this. As anyone done this? I need to find some place to go to get back on track. I can't believe that I've done this. Rec'd this great tool and haven't used it correctly! I've started a journal but it's hard to stay on top of it.

Sorry to hear you can't make it but we'll have more for you to come to. Have you picked a date yet? Where are you having it done? As far as suggestions; YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO THE PRE-OP DIET! Mine was for 2 weeks and it was hard. I lost more weight there then I have in the past 3 years. Fasting will do that to you :smile2:

Today was a bit crazy. Took all the kids out to see a movie (free) but it was full. So I took them all to get new shoes and it wasn't fun. They all couldn't listen. I was yelling left and right to either "stop it", "don't touch it or him/her", "what is our #1 rule?"... Then when we got home it was just the same. Ty had another game so when we got home we needed to get ready and go back out. The only good thing about the out come of tonight's game is that we will not longer have practice each and every night. We lost 6-11. I got up at 7:45 when DH woke me up to do the tie but as I lay back down I realize that the trash needed to be put out. B/9:30 while driving to the movies. Wheat thins w/a bottle of water L/1:00 IHOP-ordered a grilled chicken salad. it had chz, tomatos, carrots, hard boiled egg, lettuce, ranch and honey mustard dressing. Large glass of lemon water w/pink surgar. D/5pm Carl's Jr. Chz burger w/tomato, onions, pickles, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, bun. Lrg Coke (didn't fiish it) PM Snack: 4 Gummy snack bags Our freezer was causing things to frost up. It started a while ago but got really bad w/in the last week. Well today when we got home I thought that we had left it open. I could see that things had been melting. Well when I got home (9ish) from the grocery store I noticed that it was still the same and it looked even worse. I added the food and put up a sign asking not to open it. I think we'll be needing a new one and right now we really can't afford one.:redface:

Mission Valley Library: 2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108-4739 See ya there on Wednesday, 7/8/9 at 10AM.

Great and welcome KartMan!! Okay everyone, get your thinking caps on! Where can we meet that's in the middle and not near food?! I was looking on-line w/googleearth.com and found libraries to be our best bet. There is one in the Mission Valley area near the stadium (next door to Ikea) if we'd like to start there? They have an outdoor patio that we could use too?

Thanks marivan for the update on the 5 day pouch test. It sounds like something we all should do every now and then. I'm going to go back to the site and look again on how to do it and give it a try. I wish I could afford a trainer because as I watch our "Bigest Loser" show I can see how much they do help. I started out back in 2006 w/water areobics because working-out on land was just not for me. It hurt to much and the water was great and still is. Just w/in this year I've started going to a Zumba class and I love it. It's a full hour of dancing and I see my body changing. The one thing I like is how my stomach is getting tighter and this happened w/out doing a single floor crunch (which I can't do because of lower back issues). I'm 46 so I know about the yoyo diets. Been dieting since I was 16. But as I look back at my picutres as a child, I see a healther kid not a fat, over weight kid as I was told (teasted) by others. If I could, I would tell all expected moms not to have a c-section if at all possible. "It will screw you up in the long run". I loved being pregnant, it was like a licence to eat--for two! You could look fat, eat more, gain weight and it was for a good reason--You're having a baby! Each pregnancy of mine (3) I gained at least 40 pounds. I lost half afterwords but w/3, it added up in the end and w/a c-section (twice) I now have lower tummy muscle issues (like they don't exist). I would like to lose 3 pounds a month and get back on the right track of eatting. I need to show my kids (12,11 & twins at 7) that they don't need all that junk cause so and so has some at school. There are other alternatives that we as a family can have and enjoy.

Hello All, I feel your pain. I've been banded since 7/06 and have only lost 20 pounds. I started at 224, a year out got to 184 but now I'm back up to 205. Haven't had a fill in 2 yrs and haven't been to the doc's since last fill either. I'm trying to kick start the program again and get back on track too. marivan; on another post (were I found you first), you talked about a website about the 5 day pouch test. How did that turn out for you? Did you purchase it or just go w/what the site had on hand? I would like to hear how the trainer works out for you. meena; marivan is right, keep track of what you eat. I'm trying to get back into that habit myself and it's hard. I'm not putting down calories yet, just logging the food and time I eat it. Oh ya and keeping track of my liquid intake too. BioTeacher; I've been working out 3-5 days a week since April and havn't seen the scale move. I do Water arerobics and Zumba. I can feel and see my clothes fit better but that's it. I know that is a good but I would like to see the scale move too.