sandradee0124

I agree with you about the confidence thing. I'm not so afraid to go places where people will say "Oh God, she is even fatter than last year/month/time we saw her". They may not say I look good, or even notice I've LOST weight, but I don't pay attention to that as much as I used to.

Amen! Feel free to preach, as we all can use it once in awhile! I need a kick in the pants every so often, and you've done it well. Thank you!

Hanging in there, doing pretty well. Got a fill Monday but I'll need at least one more -- scheduled for 8/6.

Maybe you don't see a difference, but trust me its there!! We live with ourselves and people in our daily lives see us every day and changes are harder to see. You are doing FANTASTIC!!! Pick up a 20 lb bag of potatoes in each hand and carry them around the grocery store. This was you! Think of how much better you body feels not having to carry that around! I love your blog! Keep up the good work and keep your chin up. We are doing this together!!!!!!!!

It will go well, and a week from now you'll be posting about meal replacement shakes and liquids. Congratulations on getting to this point, and prayers/thoughts with you tomorrow. Check back when you can!

How frightening, but I'm glad you are ok and on the road to recovery. I've been assuming my multi vitamin has had the potassium I need. After reading your bog, picked up a couple bananas, avocados and potatoes at the store. Thanks for the heads up, and continue to feel better!

But with a fill Wednesday you could still be swollen? Sip G2, Vitamin Water, even a smoothie and see how that goes? I'm where you are -- fill Monday and I get shaky and dizzy, and I am basically sipping electrolytes all day long -- but tiny sips and wait a couple mins between. Maybe even popsicles? I read in the forum that cold is better than hot after a fill. I hope you feel better! Hugs!!!

I am virtually giving you a hug right now. You are doing FANTASTIC! However I feel your struggle, very very personally and I think we just need to continue to be there for one another and smile even when we don't feel like it! One of my water aerobics partners at the gym this morning told me her insurance had declined her procedure and she was going to try to borrow the money for surgery. That is what I'm holding close to me right now -- I got approved in one day and I'm here now! I agree with eating more. My surgeon was very adamant that I need to eat more than 800 cals a day when I exercise or I'll end up in starvation mode. They suggested keep up with the protein and add another meal (if I can) after exercising that has about 10 g of protein and 1/4 of veggies or even carbs. What about deli turkey or chicken or string cheese? Take care of yourself and congratulations again on your success. Sandy

I have a family like yours -- skinny and fat obsessed. I'll be thinking of you this week -- enjoy the family time and smile to yourself thinking of next year! That is how I deal :-)

I was going to Google it lol. But congrats on the tire and keep in touch :-)

Keep going, as you said each day gets slightly better. What did your surgeon say about your medication? They have had experience with this, they might have some good ideas. Hugs to your hubby for helping. Try little walks. Of course if you went to Harrah's you probably took a walk of some kind, but keep that up. It seems to really help! And next time you go, lose some for me so I don't have to lose next time? LOL. Rest. Honestly that was 8 weeks ago for me and I've forgotten the pain (ok most of it!).

I think yesterday was kind of depression -- feeling sorry for myself. Why? I'm losing weight, I'm eating well and not feeling deprived. I have no conscious reason for feeling down, but I did. I actually went to bed at 7pm last night. But today is another day! I got up, drove up here, and worked out for a good hour between weight lifting and the elliptical so I feel pretty good. My fitness buddy called in sick today from work (we work together) so I'm sure she took advantage of my day off to get her own lol. I am drinking a lot of fluids (still can't tolerate anything else after Monday's fill) and I have more energy. I feel very lucky to have had the procedure, and have support from the surgeon and staff in getting good fills and good information. I'm lucky to have friends and lap band buddies to provide additional support. I need to just move myself out of the funk. No good reason for it. Its sunny, and warm and I weigh 50 lbs less than I did at Christmas. Have a great day everybody! Hugs! Sandy

Yep! That's how I feel too. I'm glad to have something, even if it sometimes feels like "too much something". Good notes on the chewing and waiting. Once I get back to solids I HAVE to remember this! I used to be the one that basically ate dinner either standing up or in front of the tv, and before I knew it I'd be like "where did my dinner go?". No more of that, thank you very much :-). Have a great weekend...............

I was thinking about you this morning at the gym -- the trainer wants me to think about circuit training and described something similar to what you are working on. And my thought? I can't do this yet -- I am not in good enough shape. Arms with definition? Fantastic! Leigha, you have come so far and are such an athlete! Congratulations. And in my opinion, you've already conquered the hills, the rest is steady on...........

Here are some things I wish I would have had more of :-). Sushi -- rice isn't so good anymore Steak -- grilled, juicy steak Ribs -- Need I say more??? Sorry about that, but I'm hungry! But even though I can eat steak and ribs in small quantitites occasionally, I've hadn't had either one since surgery 5/26. Eat for me (a little). BTW -- my doctor lectured me for about 20 mins on "last meals" when I went in for final weigh in before surgery and didn't lose anything in two weeks. Its a psychological thing. I had a bunch of last meals.......

Congratulations and best wishes. We'll be here with you along the way :-).

I get an "early warning" with the gurgling before I have to slime. I remember reading someone warning us that a kleenex isn't enough to capture the output (as it were). SO TRUE. I haven't had it happen to me while I was driving though. Thank goodness you were able to "walk it off" and feel better and be ok. I'm just picturing a California Highway Patrolman pulling up behind me as I'm walking off the pressure and "sliming". I want the cell next to Lindsay Lohan.......

Wierd huh? I didn't even go to work I felt so tired! Thanks for your post; glad to hear your workout went well!

Started feeling a little woozy last night. I have been on meal replacement shakes and liquids since Sunday night (Monday fill). And the Slim Fast is not really working well so I haven't gotten in 60 gms of protein for several days. Cut down on exercise -- only worked out Tuesday morning. None on Monday or Wednesday. But I'm dizzy and weak and I know its from not getting enough energy intake. Staying home from work today and will drink at least 80 oz of fluids. Made some egg beaters and managed to eat about 1/2 of the serving so I'll just lay low today and get some work done from home and rest. I remember my dad saying when I was a little girl that he felt as weak as a kitten when he was sick. Yep! Take care everybody, and have a good day

Thanks everybody, for the support! I'm thinking I just needed a break from everything today -- work, commuting, drama, politics, working out. I have a very laid back day and feel ready to jump back into it all tomorrow :-)

I changed my picture -- there have been some pretty noticeable changes in just eight weeks. My face is smaller and I've lost some chins along the way. I'm tired today, but I haven't really eaten since Sunday -- just shakes -- after the fill Monday. But I exercise a lot and have more energy (usually) than I have in 10 years. I'm down at least two sizes -- from 22s to 18s -- but I haven't tried on clothes -- I'm going by the stuff in my closet that doesn't feet and needs belts, safety pins or is in the tailor pile. I've met some fantastic people in the last two months. Caring, compassionate, knowledgeable people who listen, provide advice, support and a shoulder to cry on. Most of those people are from this site and I can't thank you all enough. Here's to the next eight weeks!

My only regret: not doing this sooner. I have never felt so healthy, happy and hopeful in my entire adult life. Good luck and God bless..............

Trust me, chicken can be very very dry. I'm a dark meat eater and I have converted to (mostly) white meat. It is not the same. I'm sorry you went through that, but your description is pretty funny. I don't think Dial Bodywash will be using it in a commercial anytime soon though. I agree on the smoothie day -- seems to help the band and esophagus adjust back down from the trauma. Hope you feel better!

I'm with you all the way! Thank you all for your nice comments and support. Bring on the 16s! Yeah us!!!