tonya66

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.

Well, things have definetly gotten worse with my band being too tight. I'm going to stay on liquids for the next few days and see if that doesn't calm my irritation down, I've had this happen before. If it doesn't, I might have to go in for a slight unfill. I didn't know Ambien makes you eat? I dont take it often, I have the Ambien cr, I think my perscription is like a year old, I've maybe taken it 3 times, maybe 4. But so far, haven't seen a difference in my hunger. How is everyone else doing? Anyone out there lurking?

Okay, this last fill I've had is really playing some tricks on me. First I was perfect, then I was too lose, and now I'm extremely tight. grrrrr............. I am staying on liquids for a few days and see if that can calm my irritation down. I couldn't eat anything last night and went to bed and was up all night with acid reflux. My throat is so sore from caughing. I am going to give it a few days because I've had this happen before, it sometimes takes a few weeks for my band fill to really settle in. But if it doesn't loosen up a bit, I might have to go in for an unfill. I can't live on liquids alone. Sucks because the fill was great - perfect, then got a little too lose. I'm so frustrated with trying to get to the sweet spot. Another thing I might have to do is finally start taking small bites. You know, I've never had to do that, I've always eaten regular. Maybe I need to actually learn how to eat "The Bandster" way. I'm going to pull out my little rules and make sure I'm following them before I get an unfill. I think I might be taking too big of bites. I bought two new books that I can't wait to read, one is from Khaliah Ali - she talks about her wonderful experience with the band. I also bought Dr. Duc C Vuong book, he's on this forum alot and I thing his book is more for people who have already had the band vs the people who are trying to get it. Which I like that, seems like most of the books on the market focus on explaining what the band is and how it works. I want to read a book that talks about the long term success with the band etc. One thing I have really never thought about is the PROTEIN FIRST rule. Well, I always try and eat it first, but if we go to a restraunt and my salad comes, I eat it first, Dr. Vuong says you have to for go that, I need to work on that. Anyhow, life is a struggle right now, my alergies are causing all kinds of drainage, which could be the reason my band is so tight, who knows. I will just play it out for a few days and see what happens.

Okay, this last fill I've had is really playing some tricks on me. First I was perfect, then I was too lose, and now I'm extremely tight. grrrrr............. I am staying on liquids for a few days and see if that can calm my irritation down. I couldn't eat anything last night and went to bed and was up all night with acid reflux. My throat is so sore from caughing. I am going to give it a few days because I've had this happen before, it sometimes takes a few weeks for my band fill to really settle in. But if it doesn't loosen up a bit, I might have to go in for an unfill. I can't live on liquids alone. Sucks because the fill was great - perfect, then got a little too lose. I'm so frustrated with trying to get to the sweet spot. Another thing I might have to do is finally start taking small bites. You know, I've never had to do that, I've always eaten regular. Maybe I need to actually learn how to eat "The Bandster" way. I'm going to pull out my little rules and make sure I'm following them before I get an unfill. I think I might be taking too big of bites. I bought two new books that I can't wait to read, one is from Khaliah Ali - she talks about her wonderful experience with the band. I also bought Dr. Duc C Vuong book, he's on this forum alot and I thing his book is more for people who have already had the band vs the people who are trying to get it. Which I like that, seems like most of the books on the market focus on explaining what the band is and how it works. I want to read a book that talks about the long term success with the band etc. One thing I have really never thought about is the PROTEIN FIRST rule. Well, I always try and eat it first, but if we go to a restraunt and my salad comes, I eat it first, Dr. Vuong says you have to for go that, I need to work on that. Anyhow, life is a struggle right now, my alergies are causing all kinds of drainage, which could be the reason my band is so tight, who knows. I will just play it out for a few days and see what happens.

Sala - the good news on your trip is YOU DIDN'T GAIN. I aways gain, no matter how healthy I eat, I think traveling makes me old onto Water. My husband leaves for Canada the 25th, he's so excited. I ended up getting another fill on 8/31/09 - well It was tight, then lose, and today it is tight again. I'm hoping it just took a few weeks to kick in. We'll see how this goes. I'm tired of the scales these days, so going thru a phase where I am not weighing, I can tell I'm up, was out of town last week for a funeral, and well, the food was abundant and I took advantage of it. Didn't eat a whole lot, but ate all the bad bad stuf. The past few nights I have survived off no sleep, was awake every 30 min caughing up fluids - it was coming out my nose, it was horrible. Last night, I went and bought some Zertech D, took an acid reducer pill, and popped an ambien, I really needed my sleep! Well, glad to say, I slepted until around 4:30 before I needed to caugh some stuff up. It was wonderful to sleep that long. Usually it starts by 11:30 and last every 30 min, I get no sleep. I'm thinking I have so much drainage going on when I lie down, and I get tighter, there is no where for it to go. Everything that comes up is clear, there is no food in it, so thats why I decided to try a drying alergy medicine, and it worked, for the most part. I can handle sleeping until around 4:30, I get up at 5 anyhow. Waking up at 4:30 will help me get to the gym! Anyhow, I hope it works again tonight, I'm going to do it again tonight and see how it works. Okay, goals today, GET BACK ON TRACK!

I missed my goal last week, had a death in the family, had to travel out of town, blah blah blah, ate too much of the wrong stuff, haven't stepped on the scale, but I can tell I've gained. My feet are swollen, holding a lot of water. I usually do when I travel. Anyhow, I've used the death in the family as an excuse, time to get back on track. Will weigh in the morning to get a true picture of where I am, I know its not going to be pretty, but time to face the music! Need to up my water, and get back to the gym, consistantly! No more excuses!

I missed my goal last week, had a death in the family, had to travel out of town, blah blah blah, ate too much of the wrong stuff, haven't stepped on the scale, but I can tell I've gained. My feet are swollen, holding a lot of water. I usually do when I travel. Anyhow, I've used the death in the family as an excuse, time to get back on track. Will weigh in the morning to get a true picture of where I am, I know its not going to be pretty, but time to face the music! Need to up my water, and get back to the gym, consistantly! No more excuses!

What a tear jerker last night. Abby touched my heart, Shay also did. I agree, I think Dan is the "crush". How cute would they be together! Who needs the Bachelor when you have the Biggest Loser! lol. I was kinda excited, there are two players from Oklahoma, Danny is from Broken Arrow (suberb of Tulsa) and Sean the youth pastor is from Tulsa - where I live. I have heard Oklahoma is one of the fattest states, I believe it. I just look around and everyone is overweight, its all the down home cooking they do around here. Anyhow, thought it was a great show, but got tired of the F bomb being dropped too much. But besides that, I think this is going to be a good season. Who is everyone's pick? Anyone have one yet? Still too soon for me to pick, but so far I like Abby. I guess I can relate to her being a mother, and I feel for her losing her entire family. I also am partial to Dan, he's an inspiration.

Thanks guys!

Okay, I was reading a magazine yesterday - since it was "me time" and I found an interesting article. It focussed on hitting 350 minutes a week of exercise, you can do it all in one day - ahhh, not me - or you can devide it up into 6 days a week, or 5 or even 3 - but the key is you have to do 350 minutes a week. I opted for 6 days a week, which averages to be about 60 min a day. I know, 6 days a week is a lot, but I have found that I have to give it my all in the beginning or I just quit. Some people have to start off slow, but for me, if I start off slow, I never get going. Anyhow, I decided to set some goals this week and push myself to do them. I hit the gym this morning, I did a circuit training, where I did 15 min on the elliptical - got my heart rate up - then jumped on the weights (worked my upper body -biceps, triceps, shoulders, back - and thru in the abs). After doing a set of weights, I jumped back on the elliptical for another 15 min, it was at this time my stomach started turning. I pushed anyhow, and did another set of weights. Jumped back on the elliptical machine (I was planning on doing another 10 to 15 min), but I realized my stomache was not settling down. I started dry heaving, which I HATE to do. I don't know about anyone else, but since I've been banding, I cannot throw up. I can PB, or spit up something thats in my pouch, but as far as something that has made it to my stomache, It is not coming back up, no matter what! Anyhow, I had drank some water, and I think that was sitting in my pouch still, and I knew it was about to come up. So I had to cut the elliptical machine short, so I grabbed my towel and headed to the door. I almost made it, but hear it comes, I covered my mouth and out came the water, I knew several saw me. I left in a hurry, so embarrasing. Sorry if this is TMI. Anyhow, I did get in 60 min, despite it all. I'm not sure what made me feel so sick, but I feel better now. I'm about to head to the kitchen and make me a colorful plate of food. Turkey breast, salad greens and some diced apple salad. yum. I'm going to take my measurements later and see where I am too so I can also keep track of them. Goals for the week: 1. Eat Clean 2. Exercise 350 min 3. Get some sleep So far 350 min minus todays 60 min = 290 min to go! Wt - 165.8 - grrrrrrr

uggggh, work today.....feeling a little sore from yesterdays workout. Actually feeling more than a little sore, hurting all over is more like it. Planned my meal out today: Bfast 1/2 cup ff plain yogurt handfull of frozen blueberries couple of tsp of granola Meal 2 carrots dipped in spicey hummus (yum) M3 Turkey and fruit salad M4 Apple with almond butter (like peanut butter but made with almonds) M5 3 oz chicken breast green beans Exercise - 60 min at gym done in two 30 min increments (30 min done at work - 3:00 pm) - 30 min done in the evening at my gym. Elliptical machine only today.

uggggh, work today.....feeling a little sore from yesterdays workout. Actually feeling more than a little sore, hurting all over is more like it. Planned my meal out today: Bfast 1/2 cup ff plain yogurt handfull of frozen blueberries couple of tsp of granola Meal 2 carrots dipped in spicey hummus (yum) M3 Turkey and fruit salad M4 Apple with almond butter (like peanut butter but made with almonds) M5 3 oz chicken breast green beans Exercise - 60 min at gym done in two 30 min increments (30 min done at work - 3:00 pm) - 30 min done in the evening at my gym. Elliptical machine only today.

Okay, I was reading a magazine yesterday - since it was "me time" and I found an interesting article. It focussed on hitting 350 minutes a week of exercise, you can do it all in one day - ahhh, not me - or you can devide it up into 6 days a week, or 5 or even 3 - but the key is you have to do 350 minutes a week. I opted for 6 days a week, which averages to be about 60 min a day. I know, 6 days a week is a lot, but I have found that I have to give it my all in the beginning or I just quit. Some people have to start off slow, but for me, if I start off slow, I never get going. Anyhow, I decided to set some goals this week and push myself to do them. I hit the gym this morning, I did a circuit training, where I did 15 min on the elliptical - got my heart rate up - then jumped on the weights (worked my upper body -biceps, triceps, shoulders, back - and thru in the abs). After doing a set of weights, I jumped back on the elliptical for another 15 min, it was at this time my stomach started turning. I pushed anyhow, and did another set of weights. Jumped back on the elliptical machine (I was planning on doing another 10 to 15 min), but I realized my stomache was not settling down. I started dry heaving, which I HATE to do. I don't know about anyone else, but since I've been banding, I cannot throw up. I can PB, or spit up something thats in my pouch, but as far as something that has made it to my stomache, It is not coming back up, no matter what! Anyhow, I had drank some water, and I think that was sitting in my pouch still, and I knew it was about to come up. So I had to cut the elliptical machine short, so I grabbed my towel and headed to the door. I almost made it, but hear it comes, I covered my mouth and out came the water, I knew several saw me. I left in a hurry, so embarrasing. Sorry if this is TMI. Anyhow, I did get in 60 min, despite it all. I'm not sure what made me feel so sick, but I feel better now. I'm about to head to the kitchen and make me a colorful plate of food. Turkey breast, salad greens and some diced apple salad. yum. I'm going to take my measurements later and see where I am too so I can also keep track of them. Goals for the week: 1. Eat Clean 2. Exercise 350 min 3. Get some sleep So far 350 min minus todays 60 min = 290 min to go! Wt - 165.8 - grrrrrrr

Dr. Kirk does fills for other patients who he did not do the surgery on. He is dr. Gorospe's counter part. He is out of Owasso (just north of Tulsa), Bailey Medical Center - he does all his fills under flouro and I know several who uses him that had their surgery in Mexico. Everyone loves him, he is a true sweetheart. His name is JoBob Kirk.

My entire house is empty, hubby and son are on a "guys" trip, hunting and camping. My Daughter went to spend the night with her best friend, so I have the entire house to myself. Even our dog is gone, lol. He went hunting with the guys (he's a pointer) I LOVE IT! I don't get it often, but when I do get it (on a very rare occasion), I sure do enjoy it. One of my big regrets in life is I never lived on my own. I went from my parents house, to college dorm, to getting married. Oh well, it makes me appreciate my alone time. I made a wonderful salad for dinner 4 oz turkey breast fillet - baked 1 cup of organic salad greens 3 home grown cherry tomatoes 1/2 michigan apple, peels and sliced 2 baby carrots 1 TBSP of lite honey mustard Mix all ingrediants and enjoy....it sure was good and satisfying. Wt this morning - 166.4 Exercise - 30 min on elliptical house cleaning, laundry, etc etc etc. The back of my legs are hurting.

My entire house is empty, hubby and son are on a "guys" trip, hunting and camping. My Daughter went to spend the night with her best friend, so I have the entire house to myself. Even our dog is gone, lol. He went hunting with the guys (he's a pointer) I LOVE IT! I don't get it often, but when I do get it (on a very rare occasion), I sure do enjoy it. One of my big regrets in life is I never lived on my own. I went from my parents house, to college dorm, to getting married. Oh well, it makes me appreciate my alone time. I made a wonderful salad for dinner 4 oz turkey breast fillet - baked 1 cup of organic salad greens 3 home grown cherry tomatoes 1/2 michigan apple, peels and sliced 2 baby carrots 1 TBSP of lite honey mustard Mix all ingrediants and enjoy....it sure was good and satisfying. Wt this morning - 166.4 Exercise - 30 min on elliptical house cleaning, laundry, etc etc etc. The back of my legs are hurting.

Well, once again, I can feel myself losening up. I think the swelling goes down and I get lose again. I still have some restriction, but not as much as I want. I'm going to call for another fill and have him do the fill just like he did this last time, not to take ANY out, and just add a little, I'm so close to that sweet spot. I can't eat a whole bunch, but can eat more than I should. I do force myself to stop eating before I eat too much. I've had fills in the past that got tighter after a few weeks, so I'm hoping this one will get tight again, so we'll see. In the meantime, I will make another appointment for another fill. NOTE TO SELF, time to exercise again and you will lose! Quit depending on the band to do all the work for you!!! ...End of Note to self. Last Monday when I woke up and stepped on the scales, the exact number was 171.6 - yikes! This morning, it was 164.5, so the weight has dropped a lot in the past 5 days. I'm sure in the morning I will probably weigh more than I did this morning, I went to my aunts house for a family get together. Well, had a peace of homemade chocolate cake, ate barbeque, and just ate more than I should have. I'm planning on hitting the gym tomorrow, and eating right so hopefully by the time I weigh in on Monday, I can be happy. I really really really want to see the 150's again! But more than that, I just want to be at goal. I'm almost embarrased that I've had the band as long as I have and not reached my goal. I knew when I got the band it was going to be a long process, but I seriously thought I would be at goal by 18 months. I'm now getting close to 3 years! January will be 3 years. I guess I should be happy with how far I've come, I'm down from a size 18 to a comfortable 10 and when I'm weighing around 160 I wear an 8 comfortable. Today I'm wearing my size 8 capris and they feel good. So I should be happy with my progress, and I am happy. I just want it all. I do not want to be the statistic bandster that usually only loses 60 to 70 % of their excess weight. I said from the very beginning I would lose 100% of it and by jolly I will! I need to THINK before I eat, I need to quit grabbing the chocolate out of the candy dish, and most of all I need to exercise! Time to refocuss and finish what I've started. So, as of tonight or this morning, Sunday at 12:45 am CST, 9/6/09, I promise to myself that I will recommit to the bandster program. Recommit myself and give me what I deserve. I deserve to reach my goal, I deserve to take time out for myself and exercise, I deserve it all! So, by my 3 year Band anniversary, which is 1/18/10, I will be at goal! My goal is somewhere between 140-150. I'm going blog my daily progress, or at least try and blog daily. I seem to do better when I blog....I want to keep myself accountable to my promises to myself so I'm putting it down in black and white! Here goes my final push.........time to cross the finish line and finsih this race!

Well, once again, I can feel myself losening up. I think the swelling goes down and I get lose again. I still have some restriction, but not as much as I want. I'm going to call for another fill and have him do the fill just like he did this last time, not to take ANY out, and just add a little, I'm so close to that sweet spot. I can't eat a whole bunch, but can eat more than I should. I do force myself to stop eating before I eat too much. I've had fills in the past that got tighter after a few weeks, so I'm hoping this one will get tight again, so we'll see. In the meantime, I will make another appointment for another fill. NOTE TO SELF, time to exercise again and you will lose! Quit depending on the band to do all the work for you!!! ...End of Note to self. Last Monday when I woke up and stepped on the scales, the exact number was 171.6 - yikes! This morning, it was 164.5, so the weight has dropped a lot in the past 5 days. I'm sure in the morning I will probably weigh more than I did this morning, I went to my aunts house for a family get together. Well, had a peace of homemade chocolate cake, ate barbeque, and just ate more than I should have. I'm planning on hitting the gym tomorrow, and eating right so hopefully by the time I weigh in on Monday, I can be happy. I really really really want to see the 150's again! But more than that, I just want to be at goal. I'm almost embarrased that I've had the band as long as I have and not reached my goal. I knew when I got the band it was going to be a long process, but I seriously thought I would be at goal by 18 months. I'm now getting close to 3 years! January will be 3 years. I guess I should be happy with how far I've come, I'm down from a size 18 to a comfortable 10 and when I'm weighing around 160 I wear an 8 comfortable. Today I'm wearing my size 8 capris and they feel good. So I should be happy with my progress, and I am happy. I just want it all. I do not want to be the statistic bandster that usually only loses 60 to 70 % of their excess weight. I said from the very beginning I would lose 100% of it and by jolly I will! I need to THINK before I eat, I need to quit grabbing the chocolate out of the candy dish, and most of all I need to exercise! Time to refocuss and finish what I've started. So, as of tonight or this morning, Sunday at 12:45 am CST, 9/6/09, I promise to myself that I will recommit to the bandster program. Recommit myself and give me what I deserve. I deserve to reach my goal, I deserve to take time out for myself and exercise, I deserve it all! So, by my 3 year Band anniversary, which is 1/18/10, I will be at goal! My goal is somewhere between 140-150. I'm going blog my daily progress, or at least try and blog daily. I seem to do better when I blog....I want to keep myself accountable to my promises to myself so I'm putting it down in black and white! Here goes my final push.........time to cross the finish line and finsih this race!

Wow susie, Did your insurance just quit covering? Or did you get new insurance? Just curious? Did it used to cover the fills? I think getting to the sweet spot is so hard, IMO, its been so difficult for me to get there. I just had fill #16, and I had great restriction, but then the swelling goes down and I'm lose again. Not sure what to do either. I still have restriction, but now as much as I want. I have had the acid reflux a few times, but it does go away when I don't eat late or don't eat a heavy meal night. I know how horrible it is the few times I've gotten it and I was so misserable trying to sleep. So I do feel for you. Everytime I get lose, I put on about 10 lbs, luckily I am able to get in for a fill and lose it again before I get out of control. Its so hard. If you could start out slow, I think that would be good - I understand the cost though, I don't think I could afford it without insurance. I would take the fills slow and try and find the sweet spot, make sure you don't eat 3 hours before you go to bed. See if that helps. Hang in there, I'm glad you checked in with us, I have been thinking about you and how your doing.

I'll be glued to the tv as I have every season! I haven't missed one yet! I read they are already casting for season 9 - to qualify, you have to be at least 100 lbs overweight.

Season 8 is all about 2nd chances is what I read. 2nd chance for Dan, and 2nd chances for people whose life was really messed up. I've read there is a lady there that lost her entire family in a horrific car crash (husband and two children), another who grew up in foster care while her mother lived on the streets hooked on drugs. All these people used food to cope with their problems. It should be an interesting show. I'm glad they are putting Dan back on the show so he can finsih what he started. I can't wait for Tuesday - 9/15 for the show to start. I read on the website they are already casting for season 9. It said you have to be at least 100 lbs overweight to try out.

Day 2 of my new fill, so far it is the best fill I have ever have. I always thought I had restriction, but I feel this one more than any other fill. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping this is the one, this is the fill that I've been searching for, could this be the "sweet spot"? Yesterday, had a WW smart one meal, chose speghetti since it is soft. Well, I had to work to eat it and only ate 1/2 of my meal, then I finished the rest for dinner. I drank water last night before bed, and I had a hard getting it down before I went to sleep. It was iced cold water and that usually makes me a bit tighter. I don't think I will be doing that again before bedtime. lol. I'm actually having to chew my food these days, thats a good thing. Weight this morning 168.7 - so its going down......It better keep going down if that scale knows whats good for him! Now on another note, NOTE TO MYSELF - GET OFF THE COUCH, PUT THE REMOTE DOWN, STEP AWAY FROM THE "COMFORT" AREA AND GET YOUR BUTT TO THE GYM!!!!

Day 2 of my new fill, so far it is the best fill I have ever have. I always thought I had restriction, but I feel this one more than any other fill. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping this is the one, this is the fill that I've been searching for, could this be the "sweet spot"? Yesterday, had a WW smart one meal, chose speghetti since it is soft. Well, I had to work to eat it and only ate 1/2 of my meal, then I finished the rest for dinner. I drank water last night before bed, and I had a hard getting it down before I went to sleep. It was iced cold water and that usually makes me a bit tighter. I don't think I will be doing that again before bedtime. lol. I'm actually having to chew my food these days, thats a good thing. Weight this morning 168.7 - so its going down......It better keep going down if that scale knows whats good for him! Now on another note, NOTE TO MYSELF - GET OFF THE COUCH, PUT THE REMOTE DOWN, STEP AWAY FROM THE "COMFORT" AREA AND GET YOUR BUTT TO THE GYM!!!!