tonya66

Its been a long Month, things in my life have been hectic, my knee surgery really put a damper on things. My house flooding was a total nightmare, and my grandmothers passing was a heartache. As they say, Old habits are hard to break. I realized just how much I was an emotional eater. I did it before I even realized I was eating for comfort. I am trying to "think" before I eat now and it seems to be working. I'm trying to get back to the basics and follow the rules. They are easy to sway away from the longer you have the band. But let me tell you, they are rules that you need to follow for the rest of your life. At least, I need to follow them. My knee is improving everyday. I'M OFF MY CRUTCHES officially today!!!! I'm so excited!!!! I still have my brace on, but soon, that will be leaving too! I'm still tight, and I still have to ice it down throughout the day, but I can deal with that. I am going to probably get to start out SLOWLY next week on the elliptical machine. YAY. My house, it looks so pretty now. Still have a lot of tiny things to do, but it looks like a home again!!!! I love my new wood floors, I love my new tile in the bathroom, I love my new paint in the bedrooms and new carpet. It looks like a totally new home (its about 40 years old). My restriction has really kicked in, I have to slow down on drinking and eating. I get full quickly, so I'm making sure I eat good healthy protein that my body needs. I'm taking the quickslim 30 (on my 2nd day of it), so I'm anxious to see if this will help me as well. I don't feel any different taking it, I don't feel like I have a lot of energy, or don't feel like I don't. I really feel the same. I do think it could be helping me with my appetite. I was going to "try" and stay off scales, but I couldn't do it, I ended up weighing this morning and it said 170.4. So, I'm losing!!!!! I am hoping by Monday, I will see the 160's! OMG, I can't believe I'm going to weigh in the 160's. Thats so hard for me to comprehend. when I say it out loud, or type it out loud, it just seems so unreal to me. It makes me want to cry. My eyes are tearing up now. I just can't believe I'm no longer morbidly obese. I am no longer Severe overweight, but the charts show Overweight and getting close to the "healthy weight" range. I'm out of the Red Zone on the charts. I never want to go back to my old self, never ever ever! I feel so much better now. I love my new me. I'm trying to look past my imprefections (stretch marks, scars, sagging skin etc) and see what my DH tells me all the time - That I'm beautiful. Thats so hard for me, I still see myself as a fat ugly person. I know others don't see me that way, I get told I'm beautiful all the time, however it is hard to have a good self image of myself when I let myself go for so long.....but this is something I am working on. I want to be happy with my body and my looks and accept the things that I cannot change. Okay - back to work I go............

I lied too - I weighed this morng. - I can't help myself...I'm a slave to the scales!!!!

Yep, my mind is finally right. I've gotten over the "mindless eating", I'm back into the swing of things. I really am! I turned down CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE last night. Yay! I felt so much in control when I didn't eat it. It's been 3 weeks since my last fill and I notice I'm tighter, I think I've hit my sweet spot, I really do. I actually had a PB episode yesterday. I know it not good to PB, but I was glad I've finally got to the point to PB. I was eating some chicken - 4 bites and I was full, and my last bite got stuck. I think I took too big of a bite. I'm finally to the point where I need to take smaller bites. I'm glad I finally can feel the restriction! I ordered some herbel suppliments from a girl that has lapband (babygotback - Aubree), they are called Quickslim-30. I started taking them today. You only take 1 a day first thing in the morning. Aubrey swears by them, so we'll see how they work for me. They are supposed to help your matabolism - somthing I need help with. :confused: Weight this morning was 171.5. My menu today: Bfast - coffee with protein powder mixed in Lunch - albacore tuna mixed with brown rice Dinner - grilled talapia - spinach salad For all those who are considering lapband reading this - if anyone really reads this. Please know that the lapband can be your best friend. But, you can be your worst enemy. The thing with the band is, it works, but you have to work too. You cannot eat whatever you want and expect the band to "lose the weight for you". However, the thing the band will do is keep you from eating too much of whatever you want. For that, I am so grateful. I am able to maintain when I splurge, instead of gain. That to me is a major accomplishment. But, when I watch what I eat (eating grilled meats, and fresh veggies), I lose. All I have to do to lose weight is follow the band rules. 1) No liquid calories 2) protein first 3) no drinking with meals 4) stop eating after 20 min 5) stop eating when full - listen to your body 6) exercise 30 min a day These are just a few of the rules I remember off hand. I have not been following them - and my mind is finally back in the game, so I'm following them now. I will succeed - I really will!!!

I agree, when I'm feeling down, I just look at my before pic, the one I took the night before surgery and I don't even recognize myself. I can see how far I've come by pictures when the scale is not moving. I still see myself as so fat when I look in the mirror, my DH keeps telling me I'm no longer fat. Not sure if we will ever feel "thin", but pictures do show that we've come a long way.

For over 5 years, I could not get below the 190's. And like you I would be discouraged and usually gained the weight back - plus some, only to start the cycle again. I am now for the first time in 16 years down to the 170's and almost into the 160's (1 pound to go!). So, I have to give credit to the band!

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly Food can pass through the new stoma only of it has been into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well. Stop eating as soon as you feel full Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time, though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you rush through your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to eat you meal. Try to recognize the feeling the fullness - then stop eating at once. Do not drink while you are eating This operation can work only if you eat solid food. If you drink at mealtimes, the food you have eaten becomes liquid and the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND System is greatly reduced. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. This allows you to keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible. Do not eat between meals After a meal, do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit. Patients with proper "fill" levels do not feel hungry in between meals. If you are, this may be a sign that your band is too loose and you should tell your clinician. Eat only good quality food With the LAP-BAND System in place, you should be able to able to eat only a small amount so the the food you eat should be as healthy as possible. Do not fill your small stomach pouch with junk food that lacks vitamins and other important nutrients. Your meals should be high in protein and vitamins. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and cereals are good foods to choose. Foods high in fat and sugar are not. You may eat apples and oranges, but try to avoid orange juice and and apple juice. Ask your doctor or dietician before you take any vitamin supplements. Avoid fibrous food Food such as asparagus that contains many fibers can block the stoma. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then you must be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces and them chew them thoroughly. Drink enough fluids during the day If you lose weight, your fat content will drop. This results in waste products. You will need to drink large amounts of liquid every day in order to urinate more and excrete these waste products from your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Drink only low-calorie liquids. Drinks, including those containing calories, simply run through the narrow outlet created by the band. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you otherwise follow your diet. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day This rule is just as important as the other nine rules. Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is very important to successful weight loss. Exercise can help improve your general health. Your size may make it hard for you to exercise as much as you should. But get started, even if it is a little at first. The more weight you lose, the easier it should get. Start with simple exercises such as walking and swimming. Gradually expand you program to include more vigorous forms of exercise such as cycling, jogging and aerobics. Increase your activity level in the course of daily living. For example, stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator, etc. Remember you should always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you. Food Choices Use this section to help you plan what you eat. you may choose what you would like from each of these food groups on a daily basis: Fruits and vegetable 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetable daily Bread and Cereals 1 small portion of corn flakes for breakfast 1 to 2 slices of whole wheat or rye bread each day Meat, Fish, Poultry, Eggs 1 oz. to 2 oz. of meat, fish or poultry or one egg each day (remove all visible fat from the meat. remove the ski from poultry. Grilling, steaming, microwaving or boiling are best ways to prepare them with low fat). Dairy Products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. In theory, then, they should be avoided. But these types of food have calcium. That makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet. Choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 oz. of cheese a day. Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressing and mayonnaise in moderation. Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish. Suitable drinks are: Tea or black coffee with low-calorie sweetener Water Non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Clear soup Note: Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and should be avoided. Foods to Avoid Some foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value and should be avoided as much as possible. They include: Sugar and foods containing large quantities of sugar, such as: High-calorie soft drinks Syrups Cakes Biscuits Sweets Jam Marmalade Honey High-fat foods including: Chocolate Pies Chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly Food can pass through the new stoma only of it has been into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well. Stop eating as soon as you feel full Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time, though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you rush through your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to eat you meal. Try to recognize the feeling the fullness - then stop eating at once. Do not drink while you are eating This operation can work only if you eat solid food. If you drink at mealtimes, the food you have eaten becomes liquid and the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND System is greatly reduced. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. This allows you to keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible. Do not eat between meals After a meal, do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit. Patients with proper "fill" levels do not feel hungry in between meals. If you are, this may be a sign that your band is too loose and you should tell your clinician. Eat only good quality food With the LAP-BAND System in place, you should be able to able to eat only a small amount so the the food you eat should be as healthy as possible. Do not fill your small stomach pouch with junk food that lacks vitamins and other important nutrients. Your meals should be high in protein and vitamins. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and cereals are good foods to choose. Foods high in fat and sugar are not. You may eat apples and oranges, but try to avoid orange juice and and apple juice. Ask your doctor or dietician before you take any vitamin supplements. Avoid fibrous food Food such as asparagus that contains many fibers can block the stoma. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then you must be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces and them chew them thoroughly. Drink enough fluids during the day If you lose weight, your fat content will drop. This results in waste products. You will need to drink large amounts of liquid every day in order to urinate more and excrete these waste products from your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Drink only low-calorie liquids. Drinks, including those containing calories, simply run through the narrow outlet created by the band. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you otherwise follow your diet. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day This rule is just as important as the other nine rules. Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is very important to successful weight loss. Exercise can help improve your general health. Your size may make it hard for you to exercise as much as you should. But get started, even if it is a little at first. The more weight you lose, the easier it should get. Start with simple exercises such as walking and swimming. Gradually expand you program to include more vigorous forms of exercise such as cycling, jogging and aerobics. Increase your activity level in the course of daily living. For example, stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator, etc. Remember you should always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you. Food Choices Use this section to help you plan what you eat. you may choose what you would like from each of these food groups on a daily basis: Fruits and vegetable 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetable daily Bread and Cereals 1 small portion of corn flakes for breakfast 1 to 2 slices of whole wheat or rye bread each day Meat, Fish, Poultry, Eggs 1 oz. to 2 oz. of meat, fish or poultry or one egg each day (remove all visible fat from the meat. remove the ski from poultry. Grilling, steaming, microwaving or boiling are best ways to prepare them with low fat). Dairy Products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. In theory, then, they should be avoided. But these types of food have calcium. That makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet. Choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 oz. of cheese a day. Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressing and mayonnaise in moderation. Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish. Suitable drinks are: Tea or black coffee with low-calorie sweetener Water Non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Clear soup Note: Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and should be avoided. Foods to Avoid Some foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value and should be avoided as much as possible. They include: Sugar and foods containing large quantities of sugar, such as: High-calorie soft drinks Syrups Cakes Biscuits Sweets Jam Marmalade Honey High-fat foods including: Chocolate Pies Chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation

For me - its real simple....If I follow the Band rules, I am successful, when I don't, I"m not.... 1) eat Protein first 2) eat slow - eat for no longer than 20 min 3) listen to your body, when your full, stop eating 4) No drinking while eating 5) no liquid calories (I am not too faithful at this one) 6) Exercise 30 min a day 7) Eat good low fat/grilled protein and veggies 8) Stay away from sugar 9) Stay on top of your fills 10) And not get discouraged when the scales don't move, take measurements instead.

Enterprise - WOW, look at your waist! You look GREAT!

I've heard a lot of women having this same problem, where their spouse or significant other feels like they will "lose all their weight & leave them". My DH has even made statements like that to me, just jokingly with me, but I wonder if deep down he may have a fear of that? Not sure what to do, but keep reasurring him that you are losing weight to feel better about yourself, and the plastic surgery is for that reason as well - and you two can have a better relationship. If you feel better about yourself, all aspects of your life are better, which includes your relationship with him. I'm sure he will come around and realize there is no threat of you leaving him.

I will!! So far so good today...I am just loving my new restriction too! Sherilynn - you have come sooooo far! It is a long journey with the band. But, its a life changing journey. You have lots of NSV!! I love the no snoring part, my DH loves it too! He finally can get some sleep. lol. I noticed no more heat rashes this past summer! In the past my thighs rubbes so much, that I would get a rash between my thighs, it would drive me nuts.

I am a slave to the scales - I'm going to see if I can go for a week and not weigh! It is depressing when they don't move, thats why I love measuring! I need to get back into the habbit of measuring. You are doing so great! You have come soooo far!

Congratulations on your surgery date! I'm 9 1/2 months out and am so happy with my results. Its not always easy, but its so worth it!

Well, I've had 7 fills now, and FINALLY at restriction. Its been a long road! So hang in there and don't get discouraged. I have a 4.0 cc band, and am at 3.8 cc's and I think I'm at my sweet spot. So we'll see - I'm 3 weeks out from my last fill and so far so good.

Sherilynn - saw your pics, you look GREAT! Just wanted to tell you to post on the following thread - we've been posting there, easier to find instead of here. I didn't want you to think everyone was ignoring you.... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f88/anyone-here-42401/

enterprise - I'm sooo jealous!! I can't wait to be able to get plastic surgery. I'm hoping once I lose all my weight I will get a lower body lift. I'm trying to get my credit cards paid off so I can afford it. I'm hoping to be able to do it next year or by January of 2009. I ordered some quickslim-30 from Audree - just started taking them this morning! Audree - thanks for shipping them so fast!!! I'm hoping to get out of the 170's by my 10 month Band birthday. Gosh, the thought of me weighing in the 160's is so exciting. The thought of me being so close to goal is even more exciting. I'm on my 3rd week of my last fill, and this week I can tell it has gotten tighter. I think I'm at my sweet spot - FINALLY! I actually had a PB incident. I was exciting that I am having to slow down on eating now. I'm only eating about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of food. I get full off coffee in the mornings. I made a chicken breast last 3 meals, finally threw it away, it could have made it to 4 meals. lol. My knee is getting so much better, my PT thinks I might be able to get on the eliptical machine next week - Yay! I'm ready to start sweating again, I miss exercise so much. Well, I better get back to work.

Yep, my mind is finally right. I've gotten over the "mindless eating", I'm back into the swing of things. I really am! I turned down CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE last night. Yay! I felt so much in control when I didn't eat it. It's been 3 weeks since my last fill and I notice I'm tighter, I think I've hit my sweet spot, I really do. I actually had a PB episode yesterday. I know it not good to PB, but I was glad I've finally got to the point to PB. I was eating some chicken - 4 bites and I was full, and my last bite got stuck. I think I took too big of a bite. I'm finally to the point where I need to take smaller bites. I'm glad I finally can feel the restriction! I ordered some herbel suppliments from a girl that has lapband (babygotback - Aubree), they are called Quickslim-30. I started taking them today. You only take 1 a day first thing in the morning. Aubrey swears by them, so we'll see how they work for me. They are supposed to help your matabolism - somthing I need help with. :confused: Weight this morning was 171.5. My menu today: Bfast - coffee with protein powder mixed in Lunch - albacore tuna mixed with brown rice Dinner - grilled talapia - spinach salad For all those who are considering lapband reading this - if anyone really reads this. Please know that the lapband can be your best friend. But, you can be your worst enemy. The thing with the band is, it works, but you have to work too. You cannot eat whatever you want and expect the band to "lose the weight for you". However, the thing the band will do is keep you from eating too much of whatever you want. For that, I am so grateful. I am able to maintain when I splurge, instead of gain. That to me is a major accomplishment. But, when I watch what I eat (eating grilled meats, and fresh veggies), I lose. All I have to do to lose weight is follow the band rules. 1) No liquid calories 2) protein first 3) no drinking with meals 4) stop eating after 20 min 5) stop eating when full - listen to your body 6) exercise 30 min a day These are just a few of the rules I remember off hand. I have not been following them - and my mind is finally back in the game, so I'm following them now. I will succeed - I really will!!!

I too had a hiatal hernia too - it was actually the rarer kind called para-esophageal hernias, the gastro-esophageal junction remains where it belongs, but part of the stomach is squeezed up into the chest beside the esophagus. These hernias remain in the chest at all times. With this type of hernia, complications can occur, such as incarceration and strangulation. Incarceration means the hernia is stuck and being squeezed. Strangulation results from teh lack of blood supply, leading to death ofthe tissues involved, when incarceration persists too long. Surgical intervention is required. The other type of hernia is Sliding hiatal hernias are those in which the gastro-esophageal junction and part of the stomach slides into the chest. This junction can stay permanently in the chest, or just slide into the chest during swallowing. The later results because with each swallow, the esophagus contracts, causing the esophagus to shorten and pull on the stomach. After the swallow, the junction falls back into the abdomen. Approximately 90% of all hiatal hernias are the sliding type. My doctor performed surgery on my hernia - it was a balloon type of surgery, I did have to stay in the hospital overnight but was released the next evening. I think I had a little more pain than usual, but not too bad. I know it can be done - lap band with hernia repair. I do know that they don't recommend getting a lap band if you have a hernia, but if you repair it it is okay. Most surgeons repair and then do the lap band.

Things are smoothing out for me and I am now realizing it is going to be a real struggle to get the last 25 lbs off. So, I've got to focus on what I'm eating....I've been eating whatever the heck I want,but just in small amounts, I've been maintaining, but not losing. My knee is preventing me from serious exercise. I see the doc today and I'm hoping he releases me to start doing some elliptical training, I need something to make me sweat, I need to burn calories. My weight this morning was 174.4 - Keep bouncing from 170 to 174! I need to see 169 on the scales, soon! I've got to get below the 170's! I've got to push myself, I've got to stay away from the chocolates, I've got to use some will power, I'm weak, I tell you I'm weak these days. I cave in for anything! Head hunger is getting the best of me, I'm doing the mindless eating thing! I want to see a size 10! My size 12's fit just right, my 14's are way too big. I need to see a size 10! Now, for a little motivation, we booked our 2008 vacation last week. We're headed to the Eastern Carribean on a 7 day cruise out of Florida. We go to St. Thomas, St. Marteen, Nassau Bahamas. So now I have something to look forward to. I would love to wear a bikini!

Maybe you could encourage her to exercise with you? Or tell her you didn't mean to be hurtful and that you are just so excited about your weightloss and it has been years since you have been this weight? Explain to her your feelings. I have a problem with my cousin, she is really jealous of my success, but I've been trying to encourage her and that has seemed to help. She had RNY 2 months before I had my Lap Band, I've lost more weight than she has - which is weird, but true.

Okay - I ordered some, ship them to me ASAP!

Sometimes I should just stay in bed, like today. Have you ever had one of those days when you wake up mad? Today is my day! First of all, I wake up and I knew right away my leg was swollen by the way it felt, It hurt and was throbbing and I can't bend it. This means I'm having another relapse, which extends the time I will be on these darn crutches and leg brace....grrrrrr. 2nd, I weigh. Bad mistake, Tom is here, my leg is swollen and I ate fattening stuff this weekend. The scales said 177! OMG, how can that be? I didn't eat that much - but I had manacotti and mexican over the weekend. I must be holding a lot of water is all I can say. I'm just so darn discouraged! I'm in a bad mood I guess. I think I need to go home and take a nap.

Sometimes I should just stay in bed, like today. Have you ever had one of those days when you wake up mad? Today is my day! First of all, I wake up and I knew right away my leg was swollen by the way it felt, It hurt and was throbbing and I can't bend it. This means I'm having another relapse, which extends the time I will be on these darn crutches and leg brace....grrrrrr. 2nd, I weigh. Bad mistake, Tom is here, my leg is swollen and I ate fattening stuff this weekend. The scales said 177! OMG, how can that be? I didn't eat that much - but I had manacotti and mexican over the weekend. I must be holding a lot of water is all I can say. I'm just so darn discouraged! I'm in a bad mood I guess. I think I need to go home and take a nap.

At this point, I would love to even PB but I don't. I seem to have restriction, but then lose it. Each fill I gain a little more restriction. I have 3.8cc's and have some restriction, but I don't think I have enough still. I'm 2 weeks from my last fill and have my 8th fill scheduled for 11/21. I think I just need .1 or .2 cc's more and I will be perfect. I can still eat regular bites of food, and still eat a little more than I should I think, so we'll see what happens in the upcoming months. If I continue to lose, I might cancel my fill, but I wanted to go ahead and make the appointment since it takes so long to get in to seeing the fill doc. I weighed this morning and I'm up 5 lbs, but TOM is here and I am probably holding a lot of Water so I'm not going to get discouraged. I am also a little down because I can't exercise. I woke up this mornig with my knee swollen and pain, so I'm really fed up with dealing with this surgery. I am sick of being on a crutch and leg brace and the doc tells me I still have a long way to go. grrrrr. I'm in such a pissy mood today, I'de like the cram this crutch up the docs you know what. lol Well, sorry to be such a downer........happy Monday everyone.

Yes he will, the reason I know that he was telling me about a lady that was in before me and she had her band done in Mexico, well the port had flipped and moved all the way over to her right side, but he was proud of himeself saying he was still able to give her a fill. He said it was hard but he managed to get it done and he was hoping that he could do it next time and that it wouldn't flip more.