tonya66

Thank you Dr. JLo. I really didn't know if they were the same or not. I'm glad you clarrified it.

I heard about Dr. Masters from Channel 6 news. She was the first to bring it to Tulsa. I haven't heard about the Dr. Gurthrie, but I'm anxious to hear what he says. So please come back and post about your visit. Who did you Lap Band surgery?

Tami - I think it is.

Sorry I haven't posted, but I have been reading all the links, thank you so much for posting them. Reading this has helped me in making the decision to wait just a bit longer. I think smartlipo is better if you have lost most of your weight, and are pretty much at goal but ready to "tone" or get rid of some of the problem areas. With that being said, I'm about 25 lbs from goal, so I thought I would wait until I reached about 155 and then try and get it done. Very few people are unhappy with their results, but the people that were unhappy either didn't get the sucktion with the laser, and/or they were not at or near their goal weight - still had 30+ pounds to lose. Thanks again.

Well, I have my quote in writing and it is good for 1 year. I do think the price must be negotiable. I came into her office with all the facts and other quotes - so she knew I knew the price. I don't know, maybe she knew I was serious and gave me the deal, but that is what she quoted me for the entire body to contour. I have decided to wait until I lose more weight, although she tried to talk me into doing it now, and saying it will help with weightloss. However, from everything I have read, they can only suction out so much, (about a pop can) at one time, so, I know I have more than that, so I'm going to wait until I reach about 155 lbs. They didn't even quote me for 1 area, she just came in and looked at me and told me all the great things she could do. I really want to have it done, but I'm going to wait until maybe April. Or, it will be end of year. The one thing I'm torn on is do it here, or go to the Dr. in Mexico, from everything I've read, she takes her time and creates a masterpiece. Where the doc here where I live, its finished I think in 30 min or so. So, I'm still debating.

This morning, I was up 4 min before the alarm went off! It was cold outside, snow was coming down and I thought about staying in bed. I kept laying there and I finally said to myself "either I go to exercise this morning, or I have to go tonite". I really didn't want to go tonight because the snow will be worse, so I got up, and headed to the gym. I'm so happy I did. My plan for today: Exercise - 5:00 am - 20 min HIIT Elliptical, 10 min Recumbant bike Exercise 2 - 3:00 pm - strength training, arms - biceps, triceps Menu - Bfast coffee with cream 1 piece of extra dark chocolate - (52 calories) Lunch South Beach Frozen dinner - 220 calories Snack Apple with pnut butter - 140 calories Dinner Still undecided - but probably fish Okay - I feel like my attitude is doing great, I feel like I am beating the carb demons and I will succeed. I am not letting my "no restriction" be an excuse any longer. I have to take control. Since I've been eating smaller portions, I think my band seems to be working better too. Weird, when we use the band as a tool, it does work. Its only when we lean on the band to do everything that it doesn't. Okay - back to work I go. PS - I wore my size 8 coat today to work, and it's weird to say, its not even tight today. I know, I know, it could have not happened overnight, but I swear, I feel like I have lost 20 lbs. I Know that I was swollen from water weight, and I just ended TOM, but inches are finally coming off again. I feel so good to be back in conrol!

This morning, I was up 4 min before the alarm went off! It was cold outside, snow was coming down and I thought about staying in bed. I kept laying there and I finally said to myself "either I go to exercise this morning, or I have to go tonite". I really didn't want to go tonight because the snow will be worse, so I got up, and headed to the gym. I'm so happy I did. My plan for today: Exercise - 5:00 am - 20 min HIIT Elliptical, 10 min Recumbant bike Exercise 2 - 3:00 pm - strength training, arms - biceps, triceps Menu - Bfast coffee with cream 1 piece of extra dark chocolate - (52 calories) Lunch South Beach Frozen dinner - 220 calories Snack Apple with pnut butter - 140 calories Dinner Still undecided - but probably fish Okay - I feel like my attitude is doing great, I feel like I am beating the carb demons and I will succeed. I am not letting my "no restriction" be an excuse any longer. I have to take control. Since I've been eating smaller portions, I think my band seems to be working better too. Weird, when we use the band as a tool, it does work. Its only when we lean on the band to do everything that it doesn't. Okay - back to work I go. PS - I wore my size 8 coat today to work, and it's weird to say, its not even tight today. I know, I know, it could have not happened overnight, but I swear, I feel like I have lost 20 lbs. I Know that I was swollen from water weight, and I just ended TOM, but inches are finally coming off again. I feel so good to be back in conrol!

Well, its been 1 year (1/18/08 made a year) since my surgery. The first 6 months were wonderful, the 2nd 6 months sucked. I am not blaming the band, I'm blaming myself. I quit trying, the good news, I will never weigh over 200 lbs again. I know my band will keep me around the 170's if I just eat like I want. However, I don't want to weigh in the 170's, I am ready to get down to the 150's or 140's. So, I'm refocussed and recommitted. 2008 I will lose this weight! Here is my updates on weight: Highest weight - 248 1 mo post op - 206.8 2 mo post op - 198 3 mo post op - 193 4 mo post op - 184.2 5 mo post op - 178 6 mo post op - 174 7 mo post op - 178 - went on vacation and ate big 8 mo post op - 174 9 mo post op - 170 10 mo post op- 167 11 mo post op - 170 - havent even been trying 12 mo post op - 174 - again, not trying. But finally refocussed.

I guess the best advice I could give is stick with the rules. I notice when I sway from the band rules, I am not successful. Following the rules is key! Best wishes to you!

I am staying on plan today because I don't want to go off of it!

Debbie, I'm thinking about trying it too, at some point. It's a great way to get the carb demons out of your system I think.

Wow, I forgot about you having your port flipped. I remember when it first started, it litterly felt like it was ripping. It hurt bad, but then it would stop. I would move a certain way and it would do it again, it actually took my breath away. I thought I was having muscle spasms, I get those a lot in my legs, so I was eating bananas and taking a potassium pill, but that didn't help. I had it for about 2 weeks off and on. Then when I went to get my fill on the 18th, he said my port was laying side ways, but he was still able to get a fill in. I had some more pain with it, about a week later, and now I haven't had any pain for about 2 weeks. How long did it take for your port to flip from the time you started having pain? I am thinking if I have to have a revision surgery, I will make them put in a low profile port - I think they now have the floating ports. I heard that my doctor is now placing the ports more in the middle and higher up and it less likely your port can flip. I hope you don't have a slippage. Do you PB often? Please keep us updated on how your doing.

I thought I would share the following article I received in my email today from Shapefit.com: How many people do you know that constantly make excuses for why they can’t exercise? Chances are you know at least one. Maybe you are one of them? I know at times I have been guilty of thinking up some lame excuses. But let’s get one thing straight … excuses are not reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 50% of American adults do not engage in the required amount of physical activity for health benefits, and 25% of adults are not active at all. That’s a lot of people making excuses! Constantly making excuses for things will never get you anywhere in life. It is time to ditch the excuses and find the real reason behind not wanting to do the things you are making excuses for. Here are some of the excuses I hear most often when it comes to people not wanting to exercise. Maybe some sound familiar to you, or maybe you’ve even used some of them yourself. 1. I don’t have time to exercise. People will always find time to do something they enjoy doing. Saying you don’t have time to exercise is just an excuse to get out of doing something you can’t be bothered doing. Now, I’m not saying that you are not a busy person. Maybe you are. But I am pretty certain that almost every person can find 30-60 minutes, somewhere in their day, to exercise. Make an appointment with yourself to exercise. 2. There is no gym close to my house You can get in great shape without ever stepping foot into a gym. Buy a set of dumbbells and some resistance bands so you can exercise at home. Stability balls are another great ‘home gym’ piece of equipment. An at home cardio workout only requires a good pair of running shoes, a jump rope, or even bike. No gym? No excuse! 3. I don’t know how to exercise Exercise is not rocket science. If you really have no idea how to be active, go and buy a fitness magazine, ask a friend who exercises regularly for some tips, or hire a personal trainer. There is absolutely no reason why people can’t engage in some form of physical activity. Unless your doctor has specifically told you that you should not exercise at all, start by taking a jog or a walk around the block. There are also hundreds of exercise DVD’s and workout videos available that will take you through entire workouts based on your fitness level and goals. 4. I have no energy to exercise Of course if you sit around all day doing nothing you will feel lazy. I know for me, the less I do, the lazier I feel throughout the day. Exercise has been shown to increase energy levels and leave people feeling better about themselves and more energized. Get up off the couch and get moving. Start with just 10 minutes of activity each day. Soon you will have the energy to do more. 5. I have no one to work out with Do you really need someone to workout with? For most of us it would be nice to have some company. What will happen to your motivation though if your workout partner is not as motivated as you when it comes to exercise? What if they start skipping workouts and you’re left to workout on your own anyway? Would you stop too? Unless you have someone you know is totally committed to exercising with you, you really don’t need a workout partner. If you absolutely cannot workout alone … hire a trainer, participate in an exercise class, or take your furry friend for a walk. As you can see, there are solutions to each of these excuses. Don’t let excuses get the better of you and keep you from reaching your goals. Focus instead on the benefits you will get from engaging in a regular exercise routine. You will be thankful you ditched the excuses in the end.

I asked for the low profile port - however, it did not come in. The low profile port is smaller, and when you reach goal, you have a less likely chance that the port won't show. What happens is when we lose weight and lose the fat around our belly, where the port is, the prot starts to show (on some - not all). So, a low profile port will help cosmetically. I could have postponed my surgery and waited for the low profile port, however, I was too pumped and decided that if I need it down the line, I will get it done. My doc said since it was his mess up, he will not charge for the correction, if it is needed. So far, I am about 20 lbs away from goal and you cannot see my port. So I'm not too worried about. Glad you were able to get it though. A lot of docs don't like it because it is smaller and harder to get a fill in, however, my doc said as long as they do the fill with flouro they can still do it. Congratulations on your band and low profile port!

Yes, my old self is back! I was up at 5am and headed to the gym. My menu has been clean, I've been eating clean and my jeans are getting loose on me again. I bought myself a present today. I bought a SIZE 8 coat. It was a little snug, but not too tight that I couldn't wear it, however, its a freaken size 8. I want to scream it out to everyone here at work, I want to show everyone the tag, its a size 8. I can't even remember the last time I bought a size 8, but I think it was like in 8th grade or maybe 7th. Anyhow, I know its made a little different, and normally I would not buy an 8, I buy 10's or 12, but I decided by next winter, I will be wearing it with no tightness. I'm just excited I can put it on, and button it! A size 8 people, did you hear me, a size 8! Okay, here is my today plan: 5am - Recumbant bike - 30 min Hip Abductor - outer thighs - 3 sets of 12 - 70 lbs Hip Abductor - inner thighs - 3 sets of 12 - 70 lbs Seated leg press - Quads - 3 sets of 15 - 70 lbs Laying leg curls - Hamstrings - 3 sets of 12 - 20 lbs (this killed my knee) Incline sit ups - Abs - 3 sets of 25 PM exercise - (3:00 pm) 15 min on Elliptical machine Menu Bfast egg white omlet made with 1 turkey sausage link and 1 canadian bacon Lunch coffee w/cream - very tired - Drank before I ate - I do not drink while eating. apple with pnut butter (2 TBSP) 3 oz of chicken breast Dinner spinach chicken wings (baked with hot sauce) Suppliments - quickslim30, multi-vitamin

Well, its been 1 year (1/18/08 made a year) since my surgery. The first 6 months were wonderful, the 2nd 6 months sucked. I am not blaming the band, I'm blaming myself. I quit trying, the good news, I will never weigh over 200 lbs again. I know my band will keep me around the 170's if I just eat like I want. However, I don't want to weigh in the 170's, I am ready to get down to the 150's or 140's. So, I'm refocussed and recommitted. 2008 I will lose this weight! Here is my updates on weight: Highest weight - 248 1 mo post op - 206.8 2 mo post op - 198 3 mo post op - 193 4 mo post op - 184.2 5 mo post op - 178 6 mo post op - 174 7 mo post op - 178 - went on vacation and ate big 8 mo post op - 174 9 mo post op - 170 10 mo post op- 167 11 mo post op - 170 - havent even been trying 12 mo post op - 174 - again, not trying. But finally refocussed.:biggrin:

Yes, my old self is back! I was up at 5am and headed to the gym. My menu has been clean, I've been eating clean and my jeans are getting loose on me again. I bought myself a present today. I bought a SIZE 8 coat. It was a little snug, but not too tight that I couldn't wear it, however, its a freaken size 8. I want to scream it out to everyone here at work, I want to show everyone the tag, its a size 8. I can't even remember the last time I bought a size 8, but I think it was like in 8th grade or maybe 7th. Anyhow, I know its made a little different, and normally I would not buy an 8, I buy 10's or 12, but I decided by next winter, I will be wearing it with no tightness. I'm just excited I can put it on, and button it! A size 8 people, did you hear me, a size 8!:biggrin: Okay, here is my today plan: 5am - Recumbant bike - 30 min Hip Abductor - outer thighs - 3 sets of 12 - 70 lbs Hip Abductor - inner thighs - 3 sets of 12 - 70 lbs Seated leg press - Quads - 3 sets of 15 - 70 lbs Laying leg curls - Hamstrings - 3 sets of 12 - 20 lbs (this killed my knee) Incline sit ups - Abs - 3 sets of 25 PM exercise - (3:00 pm) 15 min on Elliptical machine Menu Bfast egg white omlet made with 1 turkey sausage link and 1 canadian bacon Lunch coffee w/cream - very tired - Drank before I ate - I do not drink while eating. apple with pnut butter (2 TBSP) 3 oz of chicken breast Dinner spinach chicken wings (baked with hot sauce) Suppliments - quickslim30, multi-vitamin

I am staying on plan today because staying on plan is working. I am shrinking again!

Okay, put on my jeans today - they are loose again! Yay. I was wearing a juniors size 11, but they got tight, so I switched to my Juniors size 13 and today they are baggy and I can fit comfortably back into my 11's. So, even though I've avoided the scales, I know that I'm losing inches again. Exercise is the key for me - without I don't lose. Also, making the right food choices does help too. I'm staying away from sweets still. I found this website for anyone interested for the pouch test, its supposed to get your tool working for you, I think its geared for all people who have had WLS. Here is the website - Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

Oh that is so exciting! Are you going to find out what it is? I am so happy for you!

Well, I got up this morning and went to the gym! It was hard, but I did it. I'm working hard to get back into my 5 AM routine. I really like working out in the AM, and I seem to do better during the day when I do, however, Its just so hard to drag my butt out of bed at 5:00 am. Did the Recumbant bike for 30 min, and then worked out my lower body. I would love to do the BFL intensity level, but so far, my knee just can't handle it. Just the little bit of weights I did, it is burning this morning. I'm about to ice it down and hope that helps, it usually does. Well, I'm off to heat up my egg white omlet made with turkey sausage and canadian bacon. Have a great day! PS - My jeans are getting looser on me. :frown:

Cindi -I am not too upset that I haven't lost weight in such a long time, mainly because I don't blame the band, I blame myself. I have made poor food choices. First, I went on vacation, ate whatever I wanted, while on vacation, I fell - came back home, my house had flooded, completely flooded and ruined almost every room in the house. I also had to have surgery on my knee. So, with all this going on, exercise stopped, eating began. Everyone from my church was bringing food to my family, we moved in with my mother in law, and ofcourse she cooked for me too. I was having a pitty me party! Well, my house is back order - (looks better than it did), my knee is finally healing, but I still want to eat all the junk. I'm battling the head hunger, but I'm about to win the battle I think. I'm getting better and better at saying "No thank you!". I'm also avoiding bringing in the junk into my house. So, even though I haven't lost weight in 6 months, I feel like I learned a valuable lesson. I know that I must take control and not resort back to my old habits. The other thing I have learned is I don't think I will ever weigh over 200 lbs again! Even though I haven't lost weight, I haven't gained either. I might have gained 5 lbs or so, but nothing like I had done "pre band". Normally a 6 month eating binge would bring on 50 to 75 pounds, no problem. I can live with a 5 or 7 lbs weight gain. So, I love my band. It's a wonderful tool, the problem is I haven't been using it as a tool. Now, I've got my head screwed back on like it should be, I am making better choices, I am actually planning my meals out. If it is not written down on my plan, I am avoiding it. Even when we went out for Mexican Sunday, I chose grilled chicken, and I counted out 5 chips and put them on my plate. I ate them very slowly so I wasn't eating a bunch of chips & salsa like normally. No one noticed I wasn't eating. Anyhow, its all about choices and attitude with the band. We have to utilize it as a tool and not let it do all the work, we have to do work, but the band will help us if we follow the rules. This is the lesson I have learned and it was a valuable lesson for me!

Lisa - look at you go girl! You look GREAT! You have come a long WAY!

Cindi - you really are woman, hear you roar! The elliptical is my favorite machine. I love it. Last nite my DD and I headed to the gym and I did about 20 minutes, and really worked up a sweat. I then did another 15 min on the recumbant bike. I left the gym feeling like I had a real workout. This is the first time I have felt that way since last August. I am still working on getting up in the am, just have not been able to do it for some reason. However, if I don't get up, I make myself go in the evening. The good thing about going in the evening, I can go with my daughter. I want to teach her the benefits of exercise, even though she is not overweight, I do want her to be healthy as she continues to grow. (she is 15). I hate the scales! I really do! They have not been kind to me in the past 6 months - but I think I haven't been kind to myself either, so I probably deserve the numbers the scales give me. :Dancing_chief: I'm on day 3 or 4 I think without chocolate. I have a real battle with head hunger, but I am winning so far this week!:rolleyes2: I'm keeping my vacation in mind, it motivates me to keep exercising. I know I will want to look good in my bathing suit!

Cindi - good news and no stretch! And it sounds like everything is doing great, the band is working - and you are certainly working hard on your exercise! So, I think this is where "patience" comes in. I know, something we all do not have, I certainly don't. But hang in there, 7 lbs in 3 months - I would take that at this point. It has been 6 months since I have lost any weight! Yes, 6 months! So, I know your feeling of frustration. .