Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot

[2bthinagn 3]

FINALLY, my first big milestone! I went and weighed yesterday, and have hit the 50lb mark. This has been a LONG time coming. I knew that being in my 50's it would be harder than if I was in my 30's. But this has been a real battle. Frankly, I am discouraged that at almost 1 year out I have only lost 50lbs. I have sooooo far to go. At this rate it will be 5yrs before I have this off. And to top it all off, I have had back problems. The spine specialist says spinal shots, my Primary Care Doctor says get the weight off sooner than later before my discs burst! I have only been able to do negligible exercise due to a stress fracture in my foot. I have been stuck since December, but now with summer have been able to walk in our backyard pool. That is probably what got me over this hump. I seem to only have restriction in the morning first thing. In the mornings scrambled eggs even get stuck. I have went back to trying Protein Shakes mostly for Breakfast. Cant eat bread, rice anything starchy. I am thinking I will go for another fill. I was happy for the 50lbs but still in a funk that this is taking SOOOOOOOO long. Give me some tips and encouragement!!

[peaches9 3]

I went to a gathering of old friends last night and now I'm flooded with thoughts;

My friends are approximately my age - mid to late 50s.

I see them less than once a year as most of them are spread out over the country.

All of the women are overweight - altho not extreme - but definitely close to the 200 lb. range.

:smile:

I didn't tell them about my plans - it just didn't seem appropriate for the casual gathering. My BMI is 36, I have Diabetes 2 (unmedicated as yet) Hi blood pressure, hi chol. and more "stuff".

My first thought -

Am I being vain about wanting to lose weight with this surgical procedure?

Second -

Am I really able to cope with something foreign placed inside my body and undergo injections into a doohickey just under my skin?

On the 20 minute or so trip home I considered the enormity of my plan

(I know - night time thoughts tend to have more drama!)

:scared2:

This morning I looked at my left foot and an injury healing but still apparent from one of my MANY falls up the stairs.

After nearly 2 months it's still sore-ish and not my usual rate of healing.

My little toe looks bigger and rounder (I stubbed it painfully about a year ago)

:ohmy:

I had absolutely no doubts last week - and I still think this is the right thing to do -

But how do you deal with negative thoughts and serious considerations that creep in occasionally?

:smile:

First of all, all your doubts are well founded and NORMAL.

One year ago, I was having a lot of the same doubts and concerns.

I was banded July 11/2007 and I have had ups and downs. I'll explain... surgery was great very much less pain than I had anticipated... so that was fear #1 dispelled.

Fear#2 would this REALLY work for me? as I've tried every other scheme out there for weight loss. I honestly didn't have the strength to FAIL at something again.

Now my fill process was coming along nicely, oh to learn patience was hard! Then in Nov. I got 'pricked' my the fill nurse and my tubing had a hole in it. So I lost my sense of restriction. and stopped losing weight.

I even gained back a few pounds, but never did I go back to my Pre-banding weight. WHEW.

In March 08 I had my BAND tubing/port replaced and everything has been forward moving since then.

I am down from 240 - 179.4 lbs. and I just climbed a 1500 meter mountain last weekend!!! I can't beleive how far I have come.

I exercise more regularily because I "CAN" and I am even starting to enjoy it. Bike riding with my hubby is fun and we "DO" more together besides just EAT, sleep. yada, yada... :wink2:

I just had my Annual physical and my B/P was 120/70 perfect my Doctor said. as last year pre-banding she had wanted to start me on medication... so another bonus.

I hope this information helps you to make a decision.

Lapband life is not perfect, but I sure feel healthier and able to reach my goal weight now.

[pj_txlady 0]

I went to a gathering of old friends last night and now I'm flooded with thoughts;

My friends are approximately my age - mid to late 50s.

I see them less than once a year as most of them are spread out over the country.

All of the women are overweight - altho not extreme - but definitely close to the 200 lb. range.

:smile:

I didn't tell them about my plans - it just didn't seem appropriate for the casual gathering. My BMI is 36, I have Diabetes 2 (unmedicated as yet) Hi blood pressure, hi chol. and more "stuff".

My first thought -

Am I being vain about wanting to lose weight with this surgical procedure?

Second -

Am I really able to cope with something foreign placed inside my body and undergo injections into a doohickey just under my skin?

On the 20 minute or so trip home I considered the enormity of my plan

(I know - night time thoughts tend to have more drama!)

:scared2:

This morning I looked at my left foot and an injury healing but still apparent from one of my MANY falls up the stairs.

After nearly 2 months it's still sore-ish and not my usual rate of healing.

My little toe looks bigger and rounder (I stubbed it painfully about a year ago)

:ohmy:

I had absolutely no doubts last week - and I still think this is the right thing to do -

But how do you deal with negative thoughts and serious considerations that creep in occasionally?

:wink2:

I think we all have these thoughts before surgery. My surgery date is Aug. 4th. I know I HAVE TO DO THIS. if not I will not live to see my grandbaby grow up. My bp is so high, I am on 3 different bp pills a day. I want off of them. I can't walk very far, if I do, I am out of breath. I am so tired of feeling like this. I want to feel good. No flowers were planted this year, simply because I have no energy. I have gained alot of this extra weight since I quit smoking 19 months ago. I thought I was suppose to feel better after quitting...lol Its the weight, not the no smoking that is making me feel this way. Have you read what Janet has said? She feels sooooooooo good now. We will too !!! :smile:

[phyllser 3]

My BMI is 36, I have Diabetes 2 (unmedicated as yet) Hi blood pressure, hi chol. and more "stuff".:smile:

My first thought - Am I being vain about wanting to lose weight with this surgical procedure?

Second - Am I really able to cope with something foreign placed inside my body and undergo injections into a doohickey just under my skin?:scared2:

I had absolutely no doubts last week - and I still think this is the right thing to do - But how do you deal with negative thoughts and serious considerations that creep in occasionally?:smile:

Being vain?? No... sounds like your main motivation is improving your health!! We've all had those doubts, reservations and fears, but after one year, I still firmly believe I did the right thing for me. I feel better than I have in years, the weight is coming off and I'm physically in a much better place. My primary care doc has eliminated one of my cholesterol meds and cut the strength of one of my BP pills in half!

Frankly, I am discouraged that at almost 1 year out I have only lost 50lbs. I have sooooo far to go. At this rate it will be 5yrs before I have this off. And to top it all off, I have had back problems. The spine specialist says spinal shots, my Primary Care Doctor says get the weight off sooner than later before my discs burst! I have only been able to do negligible exercise due to a stress fracture in my foot. I have been stuck since December, but now with summer have been able to walk in our backyard pool. That is probably what got me over this hump. I seem to only have restriction in the morning first thing. In the mornings scrambled eggs even get stuck. I have went back to trying Protein shakes mostly for breakfast. Cant eat bread, rice anything starchy. I am thinking I will go for another fill. I was happy for the 50lbs but still in a funk that this is taking SOOOOOOOO long. Give me some tips and encouragement!!

Hey!! FIFTY POUNDS is a lot. You just have to keep plugging along! You'll get it off. I'm not sure if you need a fill though if starches get stuck. Do you know where you are at calorie intake? Pool exercise is great. Sounds like you're doing everything right. May have to adjust your calorie intake. I just did that five day pouch test and it gave me a boost psychologically and seemed like it gave me a renewed committment and fresh insight in to my hunger level, my calorie intake, etc. You might consider doing that. You can google it to read more.

First of all, all your doubts are well founded and NORMAL.

One year ago, I was having a lot of the same doubts and concerns.

I was banded July 11/2007 and I have had ups and downs. I'll explain... surgery was great very much less pain than I had anticipated... so that was fear #1 dispelled.

Fear#2 would this REALLY work for me? as I've tried every other scheme out there for weight loss. I honestly didn't have the strength to FAIL at something again.

Now my fill process was coming along nicely, oh to learn patience was hard! Then in Nov. I got 'pricked' my the fill nurse and my tubing had a hole in it. So I lost my sense of restriction. and stopped losing weight.

I even gained back a few pounds, but never did I go back to my Pre-banding weight. WHEW.

In March 08 I had my BAND tubing/port replaced and everything has been forward moving since then.

I am down from 240 - 179.4 lbs. and I just climbed a 1500 meter mountain last weekend!!! I can't beleive how far I have come.

I exercise more regularily because I "CAN" and I am even starting to enjoy it. Bike riding with my hubby is fun and we "DO" more together besides just EAT, sleep. yada, yada... :wink2:

I just had my Annual physical and my B/P was 120/70 perfect my Doctor said. as last year pre-banding she had wanted to start me on medication... so another bonus.

I hope this information helps you to make a decision.

Lapband life is not perfect, but I sure feel healthier and able to reach my goal weight now.

I second that!! Bravo!!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hi Everyone,

I really appreciate everyone who weighed in on my situation with changing doctors while I'm living away from home for a year. I really just panicked when I realized how different this doctor handled things and should have discussed it with him a little more. I have been losing, slowly but surely, but I do also feel the need for more restriction. I will probably consider going back to him if my own doctor sticks to his 5 lb or more loss a month rule. He will not consider an adjustment of the band if you lose 5 lbs or more in a month. Thanks for all the input.Alice

Banded April 8, 2008

271/236.5/150

Alice - 5 lbs a month and he won't fill you - that's a little low imho - I lost 17 in 2 months and my doc wouldn't fill - but that's understandable - but 5 lbs - well that's 1.25 lbs a week which is good loss - and that's going to teach to better eating habits - sound's like he is making his patients work for the weight loss and not to just rely on their bands - some docs do let their patient have their bands really tight - which isn't good either - it's so hard to find the happy medium..

You go Girl! A night of dancing sounds like fun and such good exercise. I have thought about taking a line dancing class when I can move around a bit better. (When some of these pounds are gone) Have great time!:smile:

Jb- Have fun !!!

Booklady - Line dance is fun - did it back in the early 90's "achie breaky heart - boot scoot boggie"

Good evening! thought I'd check in tonight since I will be gone most of the day tomorrow. We are going for a leisurely drive in the mountains, having a picnic and just enjoy God's creation.

Today was a first for me.....I worked out twice!! I can't believe it myself. My neighbor came to the door this morning and we walked 3 times around the block and I found out tonight on the odometer that is a mile. Keep in mind I've not walked in a long time due to my knee, so felt good with doing a mile in just under 20 min. Then tonight DH and I went bike riding. we went 'his' way and I have to admit it is easier and a more enjoyable ride as I can ride longer w/o that steep hill. With all my exercise, according to www.mydailyplate.com I took in only 150 more calories today than I burnt in exercise. a first for me.

Tomorrow is a challenge, am trying to decide what food to have for my mini meals, etc. The other challenge will be how much gas will we burn? LOL But we rarely go out, so will consider this our entertainment.

Long you are doing great on the exercise and you gotta watch out for that knee - I am a firm believer in starting out slow and working into it - if you make it so hard (exercise) where it's not enjoyable you are going to quit - so do make it enjoyable and don't hurt yourself..

off for a week in Ocean City Maryland. so ,looking forward to it. just me, the sand, the quiet, and many many books to read. I plan on lots of walking on the each and reading and enjoying the sun.

Not sure I'l have any internet connection, so I may not be back on the thread until next Saturday. So everyone have a great week and be safe

Lynn I am jealous - beach - sand - Water - books - My kind of vacation..

I went to a gathering of old friends last night and now I'm flooded with thoughts;

My friends are approximately my age - mid to late 50s.

I see them less than once a year as most of them are spread out over the country.

All of the women are overweight - altho not extreme - but definitely close to the 200 lb. range.

:ohmy:

I didn't tell them about my plans - it just didn't seem appropriate for the casual gathering. My BMI is 36, I have Diabetes 2 (unmedicated as yet) Hi blood pressure, hi chol. and more "stuff".

:frown:

My first thought -

Am I being vain about wanting to lose weight with this surgical procedure?

Second -

Am I really able to cope with something foreign placed inside my body and undergo injections into a doohickey just under my skin?

On the 20 minute or so trip home I considered the enormity of my plan

(I know - night time thoughts tend to have more drama!)

:scared2:

This morning I looked at my left foot and an injury healing but still apparent from one of my MANY falls up the stairs.

After nearly 2 months it's still sore-ish and not my usual rate of healing.

My little toe looks bigger and rounder (I stubbed it painfully about a year ago)

:ohmy:

I had absolutely no doubts last week - and I still think this is the right thing to do -

But how do you deal with negative thoughts and serious considerations that creep in occasionally?

:wink2:

Elaine - it's normal to have the doubts - but this is for you - this is the tool that you feel you need - I had pple tell me I didn't need surgery - I wasn't fat (250 @5'4 - ya I was fat) I did this cuz I wanted to - and this is a great part of being in your 50's you don't need approval of others - you can do what you want... This is your life - your health - it's about you and not them - so don't worry - tell them if you choose - or don't and if they give you a rash of crap - tell them that you feel you need the help of this tool to make yourself healthier. Hugs - I guess I was lucky no one really tried to talk me out of it - but they couldn't anyway - once my mind is made up it's made up..

FINALLY, my first big milestone! I went and weighed yesterday, and have hit the 50lb mark. This has been a LONG time coming. I knew that being in my 50's it would be harder than if I was in my 30's. But this has been a real battle. Frankly, I am discouraged that at almost 1 year out I have only lost 50lbs. I have sooooo far to go. At this rate it will be 5yrs before I have this off. And to top it all off, I have had back problems. The spine specialist says spinal shots, my Primary Care Doctor says get the weight off sooner than later before my discs burst! I have only been able to do negligible exercise due to a stress fracture in my foot. I have been stuck since December, but now with summer have been able to walk in our backyard pool. That is probably what got me over this hump. I seem to only have restriction in the morning first thing. In the mornings scrambled eggs even get stuck. I have went back to trying Protein shakes mostly for breakfast. Cant eat bread, rice anything starchy. I am thinking I will go for another fill. I was happy for the 50lbs but still in a funk that this is taking SOOOOOOOO long. Give me some tips and encouragement!!

2bthinagain - Congrats on your 50 lbs LOST - that's whay you have to concentrate on

If you aren't able to exercise this is going to slow your weight lost down -Keep up the pool walking That great form of exercise... - get yourself some dumbells & or/bands and you can work your arms while watching t.v. - You may need a fill - when was your last one - how many calories are you eating a day - are you logging your food intake - I think that this is a good learning tool - dailyplate.com or fitday.com. What is your typical daily menu .. Are you eating real eggs or eggbeaters (just as good but 1/2 the calories)

Most of all you have to be happy that you are 50 lbs lighter than you were - that is a fantastic thing - this is not a race - we all lose weight at different rates and we can't compare ourselfs to each other - this isn't a competition - (even though friendly competition can be a good motivator)

Just keep up the good work - you are succeeding - and you will be able to do more (exercise) as the weight comes of - just be like the little train... I Know I can I know I can = and you will :smile:

I think we all have these thoughts before surgery. My surgery date is Aug. 4th. I know I HAVE TO DO THIS. if not I will not live to see my grandbaby grow up. My bp is so high, I am on 3 different bp pills a day. I want off of them. I can't walk very far, if I do, I am out of breath. I am so tired of feeling like this. I want to feel good. No flowers were planted this year, simply because I have no energy. I have gained alot of this extra weight since I quit smoking 19 months ago. I thought I was suppose to feel better after quitting...lol Its the weight, not the no smoking that is making me feel this way. Have you read what Janet has said? She feels sooooooooo good now. We will too !!!

PJ - You all are taking the word hope out of your vocabularies and replacing it with WILL!!!! I LOVE IT!

--------------------

I am attaching proof that the band works as long as you do the work....

Yesterday - I was able to shop on El Paseo (it's like Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive here in the Desert) And this was my reward to myself for reaching goal weight - Walked in to a shop called Black/White - at first felt like an imposter - went to a rack with white jeans - pulled out a 6 and had the lady start a dressing room - Well you know what - those 6 fit.. I still am astounded by this - I know I am thinner than a year ago - but I just don't see myself as small as I am.. But if I can fit size six I am small - so that was some validation and hopefully my brain will catch up with my body..

[notmzperfect 0]

hi guys...Janet you look amazing in your recent pictures. If that's not a testimony to what we can do for ourselves then I don't know what is. Thanks to you for being an inspiration to us all.

Alice....I was banded Oct 2008, to date I have lost 47 pounds, my dr's goal for me is a 50 pound loss, my goal is 65 pounds. I have not had 1 fill yet. Even though my loss has slowed down to about 1 pound a week, my dr's beliefs are that we have to work with the "tool" and he feels I am right on target with losing. I am just happy to have lost these 47 pounds and I trust in him so I'll work with the band and continue to lose slowly. The amazing thing is that because the weight is slow in coming off, it looks natural and people comment to me that I look like I am getting smaller, they have no idea I'm dieting, it's a great feeling.

Phyllis....I am so tired of running around trying to get my wii fit (it's sold out everywhere here in NY)...that I just got one on ebay, I can't wait to get it and use it.

have a great day and keep cool.

[pj_txlady 0]

hi guys...Janet you look amazing in your recent pictures. If that's not a testimony to what we can do for ourselves then I don't know what is. Thanks to you for being an inspiration to us all.

Alice....I was banded Oct 2008, to date I have lost 47 pounds, my dr's goal for me is a 50 pound loss, my goal is 65 pounds. I have not had 1 fill yet. Even though my loss has slowed down to about 1 pound a week, my dr's beliefs are that we have to work with the "tool" and he feels I am right on target with losing. I am just happy to have lost these 47 pounds and I trust in him so I'll work with the band and continue to lose slowly. The amazing thing is that because the weight is slow in coming off, it looks natural and people comment to me that I look like I am getting smaller, they have no idea I'm dieting, it's a great feeling.

Phyllis....I am so tired of running around trying to get my wii fit (it's sold out everywhere here in NY)...that I just got one on ebay, I can't wait to get it and use it.

have a great day and keep cool.

Have you tried ordering it online?

[pj_txlady 0]

Janet, you look Fabulous !! Size 6 is greattttt. I will be there someday, can't wait. I have set my goal at 135. Monday the strict diet starts. My pre op was yesterday. No liquid diet...woo hoo !! Aug 4th is surgery and I will be ready. Will be hard, but I am going to stay so busy.

You're such an inspiration for all of us. So many of you are. I look forward every evening coming here and visiting with all of you.

Have a great weekend everyone. :scared2:

[pj_txlady 0]

Congratulations on your 86 lb. loss. That is terrific !! You look great !! I love reading everything you have to say, it helps me alot. I hope someday I will be like alot of you, able to help and inspire others.

Would you mind explaining the pouch test again and what it is for? I will print it out.

Thanks, and Keep Up The GOOD WORK!!!:scared2:

[BeverlyDiane 0]

Good Afternoon Nifty Fifties, I am at 9 days and counting. Monday I start my all liquid pre-op diet. This week I was allowed one regular meal and two meals of Protein Shakes. My DS and family are coming home tonight from Atlanta where they live. We are all going to Branson for 4 days tomorrow. Of course, I will be the only one not eating :scared2:. But it is all GOOD! My dr. and I are shooting for a 100 lb loss by next yr. I am dreaming big.

Everyone seems to be doing so well. I am especially envious of the ones walking on beautiful beaches and enjoying wonderous mountains! Enjoy the weekend and keep taking it one day at a time.

[phyllser 3]

Congratulations on your 86 lb. loss. That is terrific !! You look great !! I love reading everything you have to say, it helps me alot. I hope someday I will be like alot of you, able to help and inspire others. Would you mind explaining the pouch test again and what it is for? I will print it out. Thanks, and Keep Up The GOOD WORK!!!:scared2:

Thanks so much for the compliments!! For the pouch test, start here:

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

But, all those reasons they give for doing it are really not why I decided to do it. For me it was more of a desire to renew my committment, reinforce my determination, etc. That's the intro page.

Then go to this page for the complete instructions, etc.:

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

[Elayne 0]

I appreciate all of your responses of positive reinforcement.

You are all RIGHT!

The clincher was seeing the before and after photographs.

Every time I see a "before" photo

or a photo of an overweight woman (or man)

or even SEE an overweight person

They all have something in common

They all look so SAD and many even look mad or defensive.:smile: :smile:

I don't look in the mirror but if I do catch my reflection I'm in a deep blue funk for days.

(not to mention the reaction to find something to eat and then feel doubly sorry and disgusted with myself) :wink2:

So -

With each doubtful thought I will envision those sad and angry faces.

:scared2:

[JoannMarie 0]

Dianne,

What is your surgery date again? I hope you'll keep us posted as you go along.

Meanwhile, have a great time at Branson with your family. There's enough going on there to keep you busy, with or without food!

Good luck,

[Charlene K 1]

FINALLY, my first big milestone! I went and weighed yesterday, and have hit the 50lb mark. This has been a LONG time coming. I knew that being in my 50's it would be harder than if I was in my 30's. But this has been a real battle. Frankly, I am discouraged that at almost 1 year out I have only lost 50lbs. I have sooooo far to go. At this rate it will be 5yrs before I have this off. And to top it all off, I have had back problems. The spine specialist says spinal shots, my Primary Care Doctor says get the weight off sooner than later before my discs burst! I have only been able to do negligible exercise due to a stress fracture in my foot. I have been stuck since December, but now with summer have been able to walk in our backyard pool. That is probably what got me over this hump. I seem to only have restriction in the morning first thing. In the mornings scrambled eggs even get stuck. I have went back to trying Protein Shakes mostly for breakfast. Cant eat bread, rice anything starchy. I am thinking I will go for another fill. I was happy for the 50lbs but still in a funk that this is taking SOOOOOOOO long. Give me some tips and encouragement!!

I don't have any tips because I am a newbie with back issues too. Props to you for sticking to the plan. Alot of people give up when the results aren't fast. It took us a long time to get here and it won't go away in a year. Hang in there! You are doing great!:scared2:

[BeverlyDiane 0]

July 28 at 9:30 am. Thank you for inquiring and I solicit all prayers for that day.