lisalee

MOM, down 3 pounds this week to 203. Onederland is just around the corner!

Someone once called me a "discouraged perfectionist." That is, I would rather sabotage my success than deal with the fear of failure. Like the person who leaves their desk at work messy all the time because they fear they wouldn't get it straight enough if they tried. Could this be what is going on?

Hard to say if that's it. I gained about 10 pound years ago when I started taking birth control (my gosh, I was only 140 pounds!) For the last several years I have taken one active pill daily without stopping because I become Cruella DeVille if I have a period. I have been fortunate to see consistent weight loss since being banded in September (just a couple odd weeks that no loss was seen.) It could cause you problems, or it could just be a lap-band enigma. We all react differently. Good luck!

The doc told me if I have to stand up to get things down it's too tight. They want me to be able to eat and drink sitting down.

Tami, I understand what you mean now! I read your comment a couple of times and couldn't quite figure it out at first. YES, I agree...that we shouldn't have the fill withheld just because we are struggling (yet succeeding) to lose the weight. So much time, energy, money, blood, sweat, and tears have been spent in this process. Someone give that girl a "leg up!" (or a little help please?)

Tami, I hear what you're saying. But I think that as long as the weight loss continues, despite losing weight in the stomach, the band is still tight enough. If you have restriction, no matter what size the stomach is, you will lose weight. Too much could of course cause problems. When that stomach gets skinny (er) it's time. Again, (and I have to remind myself this all the time) the safest loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I sure would like to have it all off tomorrow though!:xena_banana:

Karey, I was told that the fluid sometimes will absorb into our abdomens...actually seeps out of the band. And yes, our stomachs do lose weight, just as the outside of our bodies do. Dr. Spivak gave me a picture of my insides during surgery, with and without the band. My liver has a rounded edge, most are sharper and that is due to fat. Also there are globs of fat inside the abdomen wall and hanging onto my stomach. At my last fill he told me my stomach had lost weight, hence the need for more saline (actually, I got something thicker that does not leak out of the band...I don't know what it is.) We actually lose weight from the inside and out. Amazing.

ItsGottaGo: I know what you mean about that feeling of restriction. I've been cruising along since my last fill with a decent amount of tightness. Recently, I've been catching myself coming and going to get ready for family here at my house for the holidays...it's been so busy and I have so much to do before then. This morning I woke up and felt tight. It HAS to be stress, even though it's fun and exciting stress. Even mushy foods have to be eaten very slowly, or I get the slimes. I have heard about this but am suprised now that it is happening to me. And yes, it can get uncomfortable. But, I'll take it while it lasts. I really thought I would be gearing up for another fill soon. This band is fickle and varies so much from day to day. I've gotten only 1/2 cup tuna salad and a protein shake down today. BTW, when people PB do they regurgitate the food eaten? Or is it just the slime? And a lot of the food? All I have experienced is a very thick clear PB which lasts about 10 minutes. Will that cause slippage? Or is "protective" good?

Bullwinkle, I agree. I agree that smoking stinks too. And, I am a smoker. I think that starving would be easier than to quit smoking. I have quit many times and probably will do so in the future. But these people are not allowed to smoke in even a closed room, for smokers only, in their own businesses. Too much govt. control. Don't get me started on NY governing how people cook their food. Was it Chicago that tried to outlaw foi-gras because it was "unhealthy?" Being smelly is a personal choice (of course, I take measures to avoid being a smelly smoker People can and should get up and move if a person smells like an ashtray. That is their right. But it is not illegal to stink. What's next, the govt. mandating how many times a day we shower? I realize the law is not about smelly people, it's about other's health. But where do we draw the line? I hate being a smoker. Just as I hate being an overeater. How many times have we all heard, "just don't eat so much." Addictions are a lousy thing. So is discrimination, and so is the government telling me what to do in my own personal realm. :eek: I take the responsibility. I don't want Big Brother to do it for me.

MOM, weighing in at -2 this week. Almost hit -3 but thought I'd save that for next week Sorta depends on how I hold my tongue or lean on the scale....wish I could find a scale that doesn't do that! I just try to stand on it the same way each week, and realize that a 1 or 2 pound fluctuation can be so many things. Onederland is 7 pounds away....it's hard to believe. Does anyone else have difficulty believing that they are actually losing weight? I see it but have not internalized it. No complaints though!

Checking in for weigh in. No weight loss this week, 0 pounds. I was a little disappointed but then realized that I made it through Thanksgiving without gaining. It helps to have the holiday meal somewhere else then leave the leftovers there! Also, I got caught up Christmas shopping and working odd hours that left out my exercise routine. Gotta get back on track!

Tami, thanks for the recipes. A dietician told me to rinse the hamburger in a colander under hot water for a minute or so to get all of the grease out. Doesn't seem to affect the hamburger at all. MOM, sorry I'm late...worked a rare night shift last night so things got a little screwed up. Down 3 pounds this week as of yesterday. Ten more to go and I'm in Onederland. Hopefully by Christmas?

It's probably just all of the fiber in the veggies, or whatever causes gas for people who eat beans, etc. Try something for gas and eat your next meal with a little Beano. Maybe the salt content too? It seems to me that I am less tolerant of salty foods now i.e. I feel bloated and thirsty sooner. Taking in less food...less salt so more sensitive. Just a thought.

I usually tell people everything right out. I am so excited about it, and subsequently have found one secret bandster and motivated another to get it done, she is now scheduled for surgery! I have told people "move more, eat less" and "a lotta pain and suffering" (with a smile.) That's usually all it takes.

Go get the book "Fast Food Nation" and read it....yikes, what yuckiness! One of the doctors I work with always says, "eat what you need, not what you want." Ask yourself, "What will this food do for me?" It's a different spin on how we look at food but when I can remember to do it it is really helpful.

I had similar pain in my back. I went out and bought bras without the wire, tried sleeping with extra pillows under my back, etc. I thought I had lifted something too heavy and was having back pain. Nothing helped. The doc told me it could be a sign of esophagitis, or an irritated esophagus. I backed up to liquids and mushies and found within a couple of days that the pain was gone. Also took some liquid ibuprophen/motrin. Not sure what's going on with your pain but hope you can find some relief.

I was devastated when I came to the realization that I could not lose weight any other way. I hated to put myself in the category of "those people" who had to have surgery to be healthy. It was the most difficult decision of my life and the stress of going through was nearly as bad as losing my mother 6 years ago. There were two family members who were absolutely delighted and have been my personal coaches throughout this entire event. They both told me they had been waiting for me to bring up the subject because they really wanted to see me get it done but did not want to hurt my feelings by mentioning it. One even told me,"get it done and do it as soon as possible," knowing I am the type to get a good idea then second guess it or put it off. Denial is a powerful coping mechanism but not always healthy. Had it not been for my Dad who insisted on going to support me to every meeting, appt., etc. I would have balked at the last minute and backed out (fear of failure?) One of my first thoughts the day after surgery was, "Take this thing outta me!" I still was not ready. Now, I am 2 months out. I would not have believed what a change in my life this has created. I think everyday about how blessed I am! Not only have I lost weight that I never thought I would lose, I have hope! Every day is a new beginning, there are so many things to do, I find myself smiling, giggling and those around me see it too. I would do this all over again. My doctor told me only 2% of people who diet lose and keep the weight off long term. That's all I need to hear to validate what I have done.

Where are all those guys who liked bigger women? I could never find them! I personally would like to find a guy just big enough to carry me out of a burning building. Yep, that sounds about right.

1. Coffee:target: 2. A whole lotta Water :eek 3. Hope for tomorrow (something that is new to me!) :high5: 4. Personal friends, family coaches and supporters :clap2: 5. My furry friends who love me just as I am:cat::flock:

My doctor told me if I had to stand up it was too tight. I like it that way but of course there is more risk for erosion, etc. Lisa

:clap2::clap2::clap2: Go Tami!

:peep: MOM, sorry for the confusion. I started at 222 pounds on October the 8th/9th. Week #1 after that was 220 (-2), week#2 was 218 (-2), week #3 was 217.5 (-0.5), week #4 was 218 (+0.5), and Monday, start of week #5 was 213 (-5.) Total weight lost since challenge started is 9lbs. Best of all, I had a NSV today...I sat in a lawn chair and didn't walk off with it stuck to my hiney when I got up. I stood up and it stayed on the ground! Silly how these things mean so much. :biggrin1:

Stephanee, I am glad to hear you saw a doctor today and found out about the blood pressure problem. Sorry to hear it but maybe there's room for a little "hurrah" in there somewhere to? This might be what it takes to get that beloved band. I hope you are feeling better...the stomach crud is so awful. Keep us posted. I am excited for you and hope things work out.

:biggrin1: Tami, yes I agree about procrastinating. I see something that needs to be done and do it. No more sleeping at all hours of the day just because it's the only thing that feels good (which made me feel worse.) Somehow that melancholy or indifference is slowly dissipating. MOM, I had a fill last week and weighed in at 213 this morning. I still can't believe it. I am not feeling a lot of restriction after fill #2 but something is working. I am at a 25 pound weight loss now, 25% of my weight loss goal. WOW, what a feeling. I wasn't sure I would ever get here. I think I can see a light at the end of the tunnel...or wait, maybe it's a train?!

:clap2: Non-scale victory...thanks Tami! There really is so much more to this journey than the numbers on the scale. I am so blessed to have this experience...no more knee pain, no more reflux...and only after such a short time. Also, what about the hope that is restored and a brighter (possibly longer) future it entails?! Success breeds success, so I was told and it really is true. When things start to happen I really get motivated to keep doing the right thing.:high5: