elleaitch

Fantastic! Go Girl! I know we all want to see immediate striking results but when my losses start to slow down I just tell myself that it took me 30 years to get that big, can't take 30 days to reverse it. I love the clothes being too big and working down my wardrobe, my dilemma now is what suits me? The last time I actually chose clothes that I liked rather than concealed me was about 20 years ago but it seems fashion doesn't always suit me now. Oh well, looks like I go for classics and work from there. I have a wedding in 4 weeks and have no idea what to wear; can't buy the outfit until the same week of the wedding or chances are it just won't fit. What a change to have choices though in everything we do, it's wonderful.

What a fantastic feeling it is! So did you pin the skirt or choose something else? :biggrin: Hey did you get a step counter, I bet you're doing more miles than you realise and it all counts.

Hi Padanelle, it's taken me 3 weeks to get used to the restriction from my 3rd fill. I had to stay on soft foods for 2 weeks after this one (or starve in the bathroom). I also discovered a few foods I can no longer tolerate and the slime is an issue with only one of them so far but that was scary the first time indeed. No PB so far. I start my day with a protein drink too, after a cup of tea which seems to open up the site, or maybe that's psychological only. As for your walking, if you're not taking much in then there's no urgency to be putting it out either. Deal with one issue at a time. That 20 mile goal can be for next month instead when you're feeling more settled. I work from home but had to go into the office yesterday and I bought a new outfit specially. It is 3 sizes less than when I started my post op diet and not from a specialised plus size store. I started at UK size 30 and am now 24. Some people who hadn't seen me since before my op did a double take, others just stood wide mouthed unbelievingly and as I expected, there were a few just didn't make comment at all. C'est la vie! Off to the gym now to work towards that size 22. Have a great day

I'm having this with my daughter but it's always been out in the open. Young lad seems nice enough but lacking in the brain department. I can't knock it, my oldest son met his partner online and they've been together for 8 years and 2 beautiful children but I'm scared with my daughter being so young.

Hi Padanelle, does this mean I motivated you? If so it sure feels mighty fine to me! :biggrin: Let us know how you go on. Goodbyedblchin, I know where you're at with that constipation, it's murder! Second fill for me last week too and mighty restriction now, in fact I'm haing problems burping. Seems like it can't make it up through the band site. Is it too tight maybe? I hope not.

Hi I was banded June 27, had my second fill last week. Ooh it's tight now! So far I have lost 51 lbs

'IF'... I think you have it sorted with the protein shake for breakfast. I'm trying a banana mashed in yogurt for breakfast right now and it's a killer.I have read that a warm drink opens the band in the morning but it isn't working yet. I do find I have to set a target if I'm walking, set the route and work out the mileage, maybe I compete with myself. And I don't particularly like walking with someone else, it's a selfish streak in me that wants to do it just for me. Spud and Padanelle, I got motivated! It started when I spotted the August 2009 challenge thread and I joined in. I set myself a goal of 50 miles for the month which I started logging from about August 5, I passed it last Thursday with time to go. Had my band fill on Thursday pm and haven't 'moved' since apart from pottering about shopping and at home. My personal challenge for September will be 60 miles. I have arthritis in my knees and because of this and the state of my health, before I was recommended for the band, my doc referred me to a gym with my own trainer. He's not actually there with me each time but I see him for reviews and I found a different side of me I never knew existed. I LIKE exercise. When Usain Bolt broke the world record in 19.19 seconds, I was in the gym and exercised for 60 minutes, he's such a lightweight! haha. I walk, use the cross trainer (eliptical) and cycle on a recumbent, laid back, bike. I also do some weight training but very light weights and last week for the first time in many years, I swam. I did 250 metres which after an hour in the gym I was pretty pleased with. I'm itching to go for a walk this morning before the world gets busy here (bank holiday today) but the cup of tea comes first. Have a good day

Hi Donna, I was advised clear liquids for 2 days, then liquidised foods for 2 weeks, soft foods for 2weeks then chew like mad.

but I'll carry on because I'm worth it. (That's so hard to say) I had a 2nd fill 4 days ago, an addtional 2.5 mls so now have 6.5 mls and it's tight. The doc said it was and he wasn't telling lies to me either. :blushing: Since the fill I have had 48 hours on clear fluids which consisted of water, tea, oxo drinks and a concoction I came up with; melon, yogurt and a soya protein powder. I know I previously said I hadn't used it but I have now tried it and it will be a daily addition. It lifted my mood, sounds odd I know but it worked for a while. I also had soluble vitamins being aware that minimal nutrition was going on here. I have felt awful since this fill, :biggrin::thumbup: It wasn't easy and I was physically manipulated this time but it wasn't for long. This was THE time I needed my trusty chauffeur, Pete my husband, but he just couldn't get the time off, so drive I did! Today I am going to try prepared jars of baby food, simply because I'm lazy but also scared to get chewing just yet. It may be another few days before I am brave enough to go for the chew, probably Tuesday (chewsday?) because I have the afternoon off work which would give me as long as I need and I have already decided on that meal! It will be cauliflower in cheese sauce with a quorn 'chicken' breast. Hardly solid food but at least I will have to prepare it. Since I started today's blog I realised my tummy is rumbling so it will soon be receiving Heinz baby creamed porridge. I'm not sure if my stomach or my brain will benefit more from the food LOL I am a little low at the moment but can see that light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel is very dark right now. I'm sorry not to be my usual chirpy self. I think my lack of exercise isn't helping. There has been a slight concern over my gym membership, too long to explain here probably but basically, it's NHS subsidised and dates have lapsed between my reviews and my membership has become invalid. I am seeing my gym man , JIM, on Tuesday so it will likely be sorted then. Until then I will walk a bit. I did set myself a small challenge in August to cover 50 miles with exercise of one kind or another. I completed it and passed it and will add to it today also. I will likely manage 55 miles. I read other challenges where they were covering 30 miles day, how do they manage that at all? The time aspect o it would floor me apart from the fact I'd be dead in a heap by the end of the first day. I am no athlete! I would like to add to that mileage for September but have to be realistic so may well set it at 55 miles and see if I can make it more. Little steps are my way forward, the Olympics don't need me. I'm off for that porridge now, can't wait any longer............

but I'll carry on because I'm worth it. (That's so hard to say) I had a 2nd fill 4 days ago, an addtional 2.5 mls so now have 6.5 mls and it's tight. The doc said it was and he wasn't telling lies to me either. :smile2: Since the fill I have had 48 hours on clear fluids which consisted of water, tea, oxo drinks and a concoction I came up with; melon, yogurt and a soya protein powder. I know I previously said I hadn't used it but I have now tried it and it will be a daily addition. It lifted my mood, sounds odd I know but it worked for a while. I also had soluble vitamins being aware that minimal nutrition was going on here. I have felt awful since this fill, :crying::cryin: It wasn't easy and I was physically manipulated this time but it wasn't for long. This was THE time I needed my trusty chauffeur, Pete my husband, but he just couldn't get the time off, so drive I did! Today I am going to try prepared jars of baby food, simply because I'm lazy but also scared to get chewing just yet. It may be another few days before I am brave enough to go for the chew, probably Tuesday (chewsday?) because I have the afternoon off work which would give me as long as I need and I have already decided on that meal! It will be cauliflower in cheese sauce with a quorn 'chicken' breast. Hardly solid food but at least I will have to prepare it. Since I started today's blog I realised my tummy is rumbling so it will soon be receiving Heinz baby creamed porridge. I'm not sure if my stomach or my brain will benefit more from the food LOL I am a little low at the moment but can see that light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel is very dark right now. I'm sorry not to be my usual chirpy self. I think my lack of exercise isn't helping. There has been a slight concern over my gym membership, too long to explain here probably but basically, it's NHS subsidised and dates have lapsed between my reviews and my membership has become invalid. I am seeing my gym man , JIM, on Tuesday so it will likely be sorted then. Until then I will walk a bit. I did set myself a small challenge in August to cover 50 miles with exercise of one kind or another. I completed it and passed it and will add to it today also. I will likely manage 55 miles. I read other challenges where they were covering 30 miles day, how do they manage that at all? The time aspect o it would floor me apart from the fact I'd be dead in a heap by the end of the first day. I am no athlete! I would like to add to that mileage for September but have to be realistic so may well set it at 55 miles and see if I can make it more. Little steps are my way forward, the Olympics don't need me. I'm off for that porridge now, can't wait any longer............

Hi, I had my second fill on Thursday last and the doc said it was very tight. He was telling the truth. :wub: I am so scared to start solids, I bought prepared baby food for a few days after the 48 hours on clear fluids. Even the fluids hurt as they hit the band. I have to go so gently with this, my mind feels like it's been altered and the gas is a killer. I actually feel slightly insane since this fill. I think I'm now where some people seem to be at their 3rd fill, I have 7mls in a band I don't know the size of but pevious to this fill I was sure it must be a 10 litre band! I'll get on with it regardless and just take it slowly but plan to be chewing by Tuesday. I'm just so scared now.

Welcome Caz, good to have you here.

Hi Elcee, well I got another 2.5 mls today and it wasn't easy peasy for the doc at all, a little incomfortable is putting it mildly. Back to clear fluids for 48 hours and already I can feel the difference when I sip and get that internal 'air' movement straight after I sip. I have baby foods in ready for days 3 and 4 as we're going camping for the weekend so it's just easier han trying to make somethin outdoors separately to suit me. I reckon this will be the turning point for me but we shall see. Happy Days

Ladies, Good morning from the UK! I am off to complete my challenge this morning and probably add some too. I'm so excited to actually have set this goal and now know I am actually going to do it. Pre band I never had a challenge in my life that I recall anyway, it's unbelivable how I have taken this on and really enjoyed it too. The fat girl gets fit and is loving it! I'm also going to 'take the plunge' this morning after gym and have a swim for the first time in 3 years. My swim suit is a little on the loose side but not enough yet to be offensive to others. So off to it I go! :blushing: Happy moving!

Hi Ladies, I'm going for my 2nd fill today. 3 weeks from my first which was 4.5, nothing lost and I could still eat a horse! Only waited 2 days since asking for this and it will be fluoro on he incline bed so easy peasy for the doc. Let's hope it's not so easy peasy for me after because so far it's has been a walk in the park and I really need that kick to get me working with this band. Have a great day, keep chewing! :blushing:

It does work sometimes but lately I can't attach one of mine either, my August miles challenge, only the link. I get the message ' invalid file'

Hi Donna, Good to see you here. I am not sure where 133 lbs came from , my personal target is 182, 13 stones. You know after the op my brain was in la la land for a few weeks, I think I was in shock LOL I shall change that immediately. Regarding foods and supplements, I eat what I want. I believe our bodies tell us what they need anyway although I do take a multi vitamin each day I never added protein powders or anything in addition to meals. I started off on liquids for 3 days and I had fresh fruit juice watered down and vegetable juice, V8 is quite tasty. For that short time the juice and my favourite cups of tea were enough. I then moved onto liquidised foods for what should have been 2 weeks but was in fact 11 days because I craved chewing and gum didn't work. It was at the 11th day I started back exercising, I had played with it previously but I stopped losing weight and was feeling quite despondent and wondering why I had bothered at all if all I was going to lose was the 15lbs I managed upto that point. I still felt very strange but that's just how I am after general anaesthetic. I read this site, cover to cover and the point that kept screaming out to me was that those who lose regularly, also move regularly so that must be the key. It's not rocket science but hey, what fat bird exercises regularly with passion, certainly wasn't me. For the very soft foods I liquidised everything but made my meals simple; fish in sauce with veg was a favourite and they were those you buy in the bags with sauce. Instant mash and carrot and spinach were quick and easy and I made in bulk and froze. It doesn't look great liquidised but it hit the spot. At this stage I started to use quorn as a protein replacement because it is softer than meat of any kind. It liquidises well with veg too or on it's own with gravy. I also pureed fruit which I would eat with plain low fat yogurt, still a favourite now. I did find prunes were not beneficial for the purpose I bought them, constipation was a problem at the early liquidised stage. Prunes gave me pain in my gut rather than got things moving. I had to revert to movicol which doesn't purge you, but holds the moisture and so stops constipation. And on toilet matters, you need to know, you won't 'go' as often as before and taking the movicol will help stop constipation at this stage when you will hold any waste much longer than usual. At my worst stage I went 5 days and that was before movicol, not a pleasant experience in fact I'd rather eat nails! I spent the whole day upstairs in and out of the bathroom doing nothing of effect. Hence movicol, well worth getting some in ready. It is vitally important to drink water. That sounds like a silly point to make but it will keep you hydrated and I don't know why but on the days I don't take at least 1.5 litres, I lose nothing! And now I can probably eat anything. I am still learning to chew properly and did have a problem yesterday when I totally forgot all the rules and downed a roast potato that may as well have been a brick. IT HURT! and it was my fault. I eat whatever I make for the family, unless I fancy something different. I control my portion by using a small glass, if it doesn't fit in, it doesn't get to my plate and therefore it doesn't get to my mouth. I don't count calories but I am more and more aware not to abuse myself with eating rubbish. The way I see it, if I can only eat a handful, it had better be good and by good I mean serve my body as well as my eyes which are still bigger than my belly, or so they think LOL. Others may say I should count every calorie,weigh every gram, be more aware of nutritional values etc etc but this is a lifestyle change for me. I'm not training to be a dietician and dieting taught me in the past that I can't do that, it's boring, makes life boring, takes up far too much time and energy. I am aware to eat protein, carbs and vitamins and I do and occasionally I have something naughty. It's working for me right now, it may be that eventually my thinking on this will change and I will become a 'counter' but for now, I eat less and move more than I ever thought I could and it works. It is all new to you and will be totally different to your life before your op andyou will have fleeting moments when you regret doing it but I assure you it's amazing Donna. The feeling of empowerment and so what if you need a lap band to assist you to live a longer and healthier life? The only people who will knock it are those who haven't tried it. Opposition is something you will come up against. I have already lost a friend because of it, she's a big girl (32 stones) and happy she says and spends most of her life drowning in beer. She called me a traitor. Another slim friend didn't like the fact that I may become slimmer, I think the word 'threat' was at the back of her mind but she said I'd lose my personality. She may come to terms with it, she may not. I can live with either. Everyone I know is aware of my band, it's no secret although I know for many people it's vital it isn't revealed. It's also no shame to have the help the band gives you. Going back to the exercise issues, I recently found out I have arthritis in my knees, wear and tear I suppose and that I have the scar from a previous fracture to the femur that I never knew about. The arthritis does slow me down but I exercise daily when possible with walking and the gym and alternate days when the knee tells me to. I want to swim but still can't bear the thought of being in public in a swimsuit. Maybe one day.

My target weight is 182 and no matter how many times I try to change my ticker, it won't ammend. My ticker wants me at 133 lbs, don't think so! LOL