I'm here to help...

[IndioGirl55 32]

CONGRATULATIONS LORI !!!

:cursing::thumbup::tt1::thumbup::tt2:

WAY TO FRIGGIN GO GIRL !!!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I just so very happy for you and proud of the work that you have done to get to this milestone - and yes it was/is work and you should be very very proud of yourself... Just keep up doing what you are doing and Onderland will be here before you know it.... I promise you - if you do the work you will get to goal - and once you do - you are going to feel so much better about yourself - so much so that you aren't going to want to every go back to be obese -

HUGS HUGS HUGS - I AM JUST SMILING EAR FROM EAR RIGHT NOW CUZ I KNOW YOU ARE ONTOP OF THE WORLD TODAY....

[IndioGirl55 32]

Congratulations Long on your 100 lbs!!!!:cursing:

It is so exciting and encouraging to read all the success stories on this link. I agree with Janet lbt is a great support!

Janet you look great in your picture. It has been 83 days since my surgery and i have lost 47 lbs. It seems since my second fill that the weight loss has slowed down a little. I really appreciate all the advice you give, even the tough stuff. We have to hear the truth and you have already walked the walk. I am glad to hear you and your friend had a great time in Vegas, you deserve it.

Well I am off school today because of inclement weather and am going to get my info together for taxes.:tt2:

Beachlover - You are doing fantastic 47 lbs in just a little over 2.5 months - That's really great - and yes you have been losing quite fast and it's going to slow some - but you know like I said before at the end of 1 yr all those losses average out to one huge loss - don't lose sight of the end goal - forest for the trees thingie...

Ya and I am a big tough love person - but love is the operative word her cuz I really do want all of you to feel as good as I do today... I truly do - words can not really explain how wonderful it is to be free of the fat - we all convince ourselves that we are happy being fat - but you know what as the lbs come off - we turn from the ugly duckling to the beautiful HEALTHY swan ...

thank you Indigo. You are so encouraging. Las Vegas - one of my favorite vacation places (live back East). Last time I was there, we rented scooters and rode them all over the place. Loved it, parking right at the entrance of the casino was great - though I'm not really a gambler...well I do like that crap table.

Without having my instructions in front of me, I was to stay on Clear liquids for 48 hours post surgery, then progress to full liquids for one week and then, mushies for a week before transitioning into solid foods. At this point, I have about 2-3 more days to go on the full liquids and then I can start with the mushies. I'm doing better with the full liquids than I did with the clear. I thought I would gnaw my tongue off by the last day. Actually, the last evening of clear - I broke down and drank about 3 oz's of a store bought Protein shake. Luckily I didn't have any problems, but I couldn't even stay asleep during the night because my stomach was grumbling so much. I was about as happy to get to full liquids as many of you are in losing a lb. Forgive me but I am still so very new.

I have been eating store bought Soup. I'm not much of a cook anymore; recently separated and son is grown with his own family and life. I work and attend school in the evenings - so spending time in the kitchen has not been one of those things I've been proned to do. I suspect this too will change (or need to). One step at a time, one day at a time. A friend of mine occassionally will make dinner for me. He makes a heck of a bean Soup, so this time - he brought me only the broth from the soup. Boy, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Anyway, I'm trying to log my "points" which is simply the WW way of food journaling - even though there is no way I'm exceeding my daily points. It's just another method to keep me on track; as well as keeping plugged in here.

I have a treadmill and before the holidays, I was doing pretty good...at least 3-4X per week for about 30 minutes. No incline, but had started to increase my speed. However, I haven't not been able to get my mind back into it. Really need help with this. When you first started walking how often and long did you walk. Right now I'm looking at it as a chore, another retraining of the brain needed here. Who would believe that I used to work out in the gym 3-4X per week for about 2hrs per day doing some pretty intensive stuff. I did this for 5 years and I felt wonderful - even with the weight. Now, I can barely walk on the treadmill for 5 minutes at the lowest incline and speed before I'm wondering how much longer. Can anyone relate to this? One of my long term goals is to get back to this place again, but I'm having a problem getting started.

Well enough out of me. I'll check in fairly regularly cause I find strength and encouragement from everything that I've read on this forum so far - even when someone's day doesn't go right; reminds me I'm not alone.

Oh yeah, before I go... Long - CONGRATULATIONS ON ACHIEVING THE 100 MARK. You have every right to be proud and I bet you look real good too!

Sharon - Oh I was lucky I was on full liquids as soon as I got home from the hospital - and that was hard - just don't eat food before you are suppose to that's very important - I don't know how well I would have done on just broth - and truly the diff between the 2 IMHO isn't going to hurt you but I will never tell you to go against your doc's orders....

Sorry about your recent separation (except if it was a good thing :tt1:) But as a single person I think you will find it a little easier as you don't have the junk in the house and others eating in front of you - I have my teenage GS and I do cook for him most nights - but since we do eat different and always have (he's picky to a degree) I am use to cooking 2 meals - last night he had carna sada (sp) rice & Beans - I had fish - veggies and white rice..

Your Friend could have taken the Beans and pureed them added them back to the broth and you would have really died and went to heaven - I don't remember if it's Charlene - or Long but one of the 2 love my cream of soup idea... and it's a good source of protein..

I like real food not processed foods so for me I cook - you will find out what works for you - but you can pick one day and cook that way you will always have something healthy in the fridge to eat...

I started ww on the exchange system and that's the one I know best - Have done points but it's not ingrained in my brain like exchanges - but I tracked calories and Protein grms for the 1st yr...

On the treadmill oh ya I can relate - let me tell you it was so hard at first - by the time I was done I was sweating like a pig , exhausted and beat - but it does get easier as the weight comes off

I go to the gym - I have an Ipod loaded with my fav fast moving music - I couldn't do it without the ipod - too boring in fact one day it ran out of battery power after 1 mile well I walked another then quit - I felt really good that evening but without my music to rock out to - I couldn't do my usual 3 miles...

Do you have a t.v. in front of the treadmill - record your fav show and watch it while walking on the treadmill - even if you FF thru the commercials you will have walked 40 minutes. Distraction - I use that word alot..

You got find something you enjoy to do - that's key - do you have an ipod or heck turn on the radio - read a book or listen to a book -

[sharons 0]

I think it is always sad when a marriage ends, but in some cases it is necessary; it just doesn't make sense to me to live with someone day in and day out and be miserable - God knows for a person like me with an addictive personality especially for food, eating became my friend and solace; until it became my enemy like the effect marriage seems to have on me :cursing:. It is a lot easier living alone because your right, there is less temptation. Today was a fairly decent day. I didn't think of it before, but I took your suggestion and found some lentil Soup in the cabinet and blended it up until it was virtually liquid. Though not as good as my friends bean soup would have been, but it served it's purpose.

Talk with you later.

[Charlene K 1]

Janet, I am the bean Soup lover!. Sharon, I know what you mean, I thought I had died and gone to heaven too when I ate Navy bean soup. Now, my DH cooks Beans for me at least twice a month. I am learning to eat new foods and loving it.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Long - you know what - I just looked on the 1st page of this thread and yes you were the 2nd person to post and you are still here :cursing: I think Becky came in June -Charlene and boos- Kathy not sure of their dates But I think you all are my longest newbies and look how well you have all done.....

I have been trying to reach out to some more pple - so that they can see - that this does work - in fact I bragged:wink: about you today to a person in the So Cali thread and hopefully they will join us here.

Sharon - Personally in my marriage my dh was good he didn't hit or cheat - just to friggin controling - and was jealous of my DS and Grandkids - I married late in life (40) so I wasn't use to someone telling me what I could and couldnt do - so we parted ways - we are still friends - but I just couldn't take the drama - he loves drama - things would go along real smoothe and then he would find something to fight about.

So Hugs - It will all work out - usually does - and look you got a guy freind bringing you Soup :tt1:

Charlene - I thought it was you but you know my old brain - I sometimes get you and Long mixed up - I don't know why - I was just thinking that you and her knew each other from Dr Phil - but it was her and Ellen - who we haven't heard from in AGES - I am going to email her...

Well, gang I am hitting the treadmill after work - can't skip tonite - cuz I ate some treats in Vegas and a couple of drinks along with some not the best food choices - so since I did the crime - I gotta pay my time to the treadmill :tt2:

So will check back in around 5:30 ish Cali time...

[HOWLUCKYAMI 0]

Hi Janet,

Just curious...what does the "January 9/12" in your signature represent???

Inquiring minds want to know!!!

[inch by inch 0]

Hi! I am new to this board. I had lap band surgery on November 12th 2008. On my first visit about 3 weeks after surgery I lost 28 lbs. Second visit about 7 weeks after surgery another 12 llbs.. I had my first fill at the second visit, but I did not feel any different. I am scheduled next week my third visit since surgery and I want to feel fuller. When I drink my beverages all day I feel very comfortable, but its when I go to eat a meal I could eat more than the 1 1/2 cup they want. I don't want to be tempted, I want to be full to the point that I could not swallow another bite. Is this unrealistic on my part. Should I feel this way? I suppose I should get another fill. What do you suggest. Thank you so much!!

[inch by inch 0]

Hi! I am new to this board. I had lap band surgery on November 12th 2008. On my first visit about 3 weeks after surgery I lost 28 lbs. Second visit about 7 weeks after surgery another 12 llbs.. I had my first fill at the second visit, but I did not feel any different. I am scheduled next week my third visit since surgery and I want to feel fuller. When I drink my beverages all day I feel very comfortable, but its when I go to eat a meal I could eat more than the 1 1/2 cup they want. I don't want to be tempted, I want to be full to the point that I could not swallow another bite. Is this unrealistic on my part. Should I feel this way? I suppose I should get another fill. What do you suggest. Thank you so much!!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hi Janet,

Just curious...what does the "January 9/12" in your signature represent???

Inquiring minds want to know!!!:ohmy:

Lucky - it's my Exercise for the month - My goal is to exercise at least 3 x a week for maintenance - some weeks I go 4 (this week for sure since my Vegas trip due to what I ate and drank)

My Lucky #7 gang had an exercises challenge last year - so we would all log our exercise in - we just have kept it up since - it's another way to keep tract and be accountable.

In my weight lost phase - my goal was 25 days and I usually made those if not more - But since I am at goal - I go minimum 3 x a week - 2 days weights 1 day treadmill and if I have extra treats from going to a party or whatever - I go to the gym more to burn off those excess calories I ate..

IMHO exercise is key in losing and maintaining my weight - I was a total slug bug prior to banding - and HATED EXERCISE but as the weight came off it got easier - I liked what I saw in the mirror - If it wasnt for my bat wings - I'd have Kelly Ripa arms - when I were a tight sleeve - you can see my muscle definition. You can see it in my legs too - and most importantly - the more muscle you have the more calories your burn just being - it take more engery to feed your muscles that it does your fat.. So another incentive to get out there and build muscles...

Hi! I am new to this board. I had lap band surgery on November 12th 2008. On my first visit about 3 weeks after surgery I lost 28 lbs. Second visit about 7 weeks after surgery another 12 llbs.. I had my first fill at the second visit, but I did not feel any different. I am scheduled next week my third visit since surgery and I want to feel fuller. When I drink my beverages all day I feel very comfortable, but its when I go to eat a meal I could eat more than the 1 1/2 cup they want. I don't want to be tempted, I want to be full to the point that I could not swallow another bite. Is this unrealistic on my part. Should I feel this way? I suppose I should get another fill. What do you suggest. Thank you so much!!

Inch by inch - Congrats on your weight loss you are doing great !!!

Yes if you are eating hard Protein in that meal and not totally slider foods then yes I would say you need a fill - I would eat my 4 oz of meat then 1/2 cup rice and 2 cups veggies - I needed a fill.

That and the amount of weight that you lose between visits dictates (with my doc) if you need a fill or not - my 2nd fill was in October 07 went back 12/07 lost 17 lbs and he wouldn't give me a fill when I wanted one (cuz that's all we talk about on here is fill this and fills that and we really don't know if we need one but we think we do - I wrote about being physicologically addicted to fills at one time - but I can't find that post for the life of me - it was pretty good)

so when I went back in January 07 he gave me one - well you know what I was back in his office within the week getting all but .01 of that fill taken out and I NEVER want to be that tight again and I haven't had another one since...

You should be able to drink Water comfortably - not guzzle but comfortable and I love your doc - cuz his mindset is like mine 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal - I think that's a healthy normal about of food - and even with that amount of food for dinner - I will be physically full but still hunger (head hunger - saitey) I still want to eat even though I can't - It's why we are fat in the first place - it's not that we weren't full physically - it's the mental part and the taste of food - it's our addiction..

How has your weigh loss been since your fill?? Like I said with my doc that's what dictates getting a fill or not...

and girll you don't want to ever be super tight - it's awful..

[sharons 0]

Good Morning everyone - Up early this morning, so not like me. When I have to get up, I don't want to, but when I don't have to, I do. Go figure. I haven't been sleeping as well since surgery. I usually have to have something filling and that I like before I go to sleep e.g.chocolate soy milk for me 3oz. I generally wake up in the middle of the night with a little gas, but hungry again and drink a little more of something...the other night it was a couple of ozs of a Protein Drink. I know eating late at night is a bad habit, but this is the only way I know to keep my stomach from growling and keeping me up all night. Anyone else had this problem. If so, what did you do?

[BensonRN 0]

I have a question for you guys you seem to be seasoned lapbanders. I have had my band about a year now. I am down 60 lbs. I am very happy about that. I have had problems with my fills. I need an opinion. I have a 10 cc. band. The fullest I have been is 3.0. I got really sick. gagged spit couldnt swallow for 9 hours. I had to take all the fill out because of sweelling. This has happened numerous times. I am at 2.7 now. I spit and gag and get sick at least once a day. I am not eating anything. This has happened because of hot tea, slim fast etc. The pain is horrible when it happnes. I have lost 10 lbs in a week. I have an appt today. I was going to have some taken out. Last time at 2.6 I had no restriction. Should I wait this out? Should I have some removed. Is it just from the swelling? Should I remove some fill let my stomach take a break then try a little mre? I am so confused. Please, HELP....:cursing:

[Apples2 19]

Benson....sounds to me like your tummy might need a rest. Talk to your doc to see what he thinks. Maybe you DO need more of an unfill and liquids or soft food for awhile to heal things up. Bring this up to your doc and see what he says. I have never had trouble in this dept. but have read posts from others who have. I hate to see anyone suffer and am a true believer in being proactive to prevent further trouble down the road.

Another thing...can't always pay attention to the size of your band and how much fill you have. You need to pay attention to how your body reacts to those fills....not how much fill is in your band. Know what I'm saying?

Hope you can get this issue resolved b/4 it creates further problems for you. Stay on top of it and stay in contact with your doc. Lots of luck.

[Apples2 19]

Hey Kids! Good morning from Covington, GA. Still with the kids. DH and DS are out in garage finishing a dog house DS started a couple of weeks ago. DS's GF works out of the home (event planner) and is busy right now so I have time to post a bit.

Janet.....great photo...you and Peaches are two hotties out on the town! Good to hear that you had a great time. Ann Taylor...one of may favorites. DKNY slacks and jeans, Nine West jeans, etc. I have been very lucky to get some nice peices at outlet prices or less.

LONG HIT 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Made dinner for the kids and a friend last night....not posting this to make everyone salivate...made two different pork loin roasts. A saurkraut/brown sugar and honey and a cranberry vidalia onion roast, roasted potatoes, veggie medley, buttermilk bisquits and apple cobbler. My point in posting...it's so nice to be able to eat a little bit of everything and not feel all loaded down and lathargic after a wonderful meal. I did try a bisquit (first bread EVER since banding). A couple of bites...didn't like the feeling I got. Not stuck but a little hurt. Make sense?

Today GF and I are heading to Athens...friend said they have the BEST TJ Maxx ever.. My fav store.

Just want to welcome all the newbies. I have been trying to keep up with this thread but have not been posting like I regularly do. On the go too much on this vacation. Will be heading back to FL either tomorrow or Friday for the last two weeks. Have a lot planned with new friends we have met.

Hope all is good with each of you, my friends. Life is good!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Good Morning everyone - Up early this morning, so not like me. When I have to get up, I don't want to, but when I don't have to, I do. Go figure. I haven't been sleeping as well since surgery. I usually have to have something filling and that I like before I go to sleep e.g.chocolate soy milk for me 3oz. I generally wake up in the middle of the night with a little gas, but hungry again and drink a little more of something...the other night it was a couple of ozs of a Protein drink. I know eating late at night is a bad habit, but this is the only way I know to keep my stomach from growling and keeping me up all night. Anyone else had this problem. If so, what did you do?

Sharon - I am a nite eater too - I think that a lot of us are..

This is how I handle that situation - I usually don't have a morning or afternoon snack - I save those calories for nite when I am the hungriest - even in the beginning in the evening I would have 2 sf pudding and a sf fudgecicle

maybe 2.

I still do this today - I rarely eat a snack in the morning or afternoon (and yes I am hungry but I know that I will have no will power at night so I muster thru the hunger during the day cuz if I ate snack during the day and then at night when it really strikes I would be way over on my calories )- but at nite I will have my sf fudgecicles and snack pack pop

I feed my hunger - I just do it within my calorie budget

I have a question for you guys you seem to be seasoned lapbanders. I have had my band about a year now. I am down 60 lbs. I am very happy about that. I have had problems with my fills. I need an opinion. I have a 10 cc. band. The fullest I have been is 3.0. I got really sick. gagged spit couldnt swallow for 9 hours. I had to take all the fill out because of sweelling. This has happened numerous times. I am at 2.7 now. I spit and gag and get sick at least once a day. I am not eating anything. This has happened because of hot tea, slim fast etc. The pain is horrible when it happnes. I have lost 10 lbs in a week. I have an appt today. I was going to have some taken out. Last time at 2.6 I had no restriction. Should I wait this out? Should I have some removed. Is it just from the swelling? Should I remove some fill let my stomach take a break then try a little mre? I am so confused. Please, HELP....:cursing:

BensonRN

Apple gave great advice... NO don't wait it out...

Here's my 2 cents - being too thight is not good you can damage your stomach eroision slippage etc. This is one of the issue with the band for some pple - finding their sweet spot - I don't concern myself with the cc's in my band or the size - due to the fact that what works for me isn't nessecaryly going to work for you...

Talk to your doc - I think you are going to have to have some taken out - go on liquids for a few days but your doc will advise you on this - let us know how it goes.

[Great2BThin 5]

Couldn't get here for about 24 hours for some reason. Rebooted my computer and am back now but now no email notifications again, GRRR!!

But wanted to say thanks for the kudos on my 100 lbs yesterday, it meant so much. The whole morning at work I kept thinking I can't wait to get home and post it here as I know you'd all truly understand how it felt. Funny thing, I sent an email to my family announcing my milestone. My sisters have not said a word. They haven't comment since I hit about 75 lbs. and what they said then, was my butt looked small and I was pissing them off. DH thinks they are very afraid now that I am thinner than them. I have always been the fat sister. But no more!!

I was going to attach a photo but couldn't figure it out. It wanted the url address of my photo. I don't have any online.