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Blog 97014
 

My Second Holiday Season With "bandolina"

Hi fellow bloggers! It has been a while since I made an entry, but I check in all the time to see how everyone is doing. I thought I would put a positive note out there on how the holidays haven't been ruined for me because I am no longer able to eat 2nds!   I started my journey 75+ pounds ago. Last year I was down about 50 when the holidays hit and I was amazed at how I was able to have an incredible time without all the food that had been associated with the "fun" of the holidays. What I did discover, and continue to discover, is that it's all about the people we spend time with...not the food. We had half my daughter's basketball team for Thanksgiving this year and I was so busy I almost forgot to eat...WHAT? Me? I don't even taste the food to make sure it's good anymore, I just somehow know now! Again, what? 50 years of battling the holidays and I finally figure it out? So how did I get there?   Well, lots of trial & error, but what it finally boiled down to was I saw my sweet Bandolina as the boss of me, and not my magic cure all. Bandolina doesn't like chips...I can sneak some past her, but too many meant my tummy was turned upside down. Bandolina was happy when I ate in moderation and made good choices, which meant the rest of my body was happy and cooperative. Bandolina didn't say a thing when I "drank" my dinner one time, she just let all my other organs know it was time to rebel. Bandolina and I have had some head butting, but in the end, she's there to help guide me through all of the difficult choices, remind me when I make bad ones and all & all, be there for me to help make me successful! It is truly a team effort. I have had some serious health issues this past month that i KNOW I would not have gotten through had I been where I was 3 years ago, Bandolina helped me help my body to get where I am. We are in it for the long run & are in it together! I hope all of you get there too!
Seanamw

Seanamw

1
PhatGurl80's Blog
 

Just About 3 Months Out.

Hey everyone!   I figured I haven't blogged in a little while, so what better time to tell everyone how i'm doing than the 3 month mark. It'll actually be a full 3 weeks on Wednesday, but hey...I got some time right now. So, a lot of things have been going on with me emotionally these past few weeks. I started feeling the stress from wedding planning and budget, I lost some lbs.   Most notably, I've been up and down with just feeling overall sad. I'm not really sure why, but I know I have a history of periods of sadness for no apparent reason. I've always just handled it best I could and wait for the sadness to pass. This time though, my sadness was accompanied by just plain old evil. Been snapping at my honey for this and that. I know he's trying to be patient with me. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and researched a little bit of "natural" supplements I can use to calm me down. And I found St. John's Wort. It says that i'll know whether or not it works in about 6 weeks, so I'll just play the waiting game.   Overall, I am still ecstatic over the weight loss. I can fit into things I haven't fit into in years. Co-workers are commenting on how I look. I just wish I could shake this cloud that's been over me. So that's where I am at 3 months. I know i"ll get over this hurdle! Many blessings to all!
PhatGurl80

PhatGurl80

5
AmberDawn's Blog
 

The Final Countdown

1 week till surgery. O.o   1 week done on the preop diet, 1 more to go. I've done pretty well. I had 1 sort of cheat night for my Brother's birthday on Saturday but it was just Caesar salad and maybe a few more than 3 oz of meat. I didn't have any appetizer or dessert, man was that tough lol   I'm down 12 pounds since the 10th of November. 6 of those pounds have been lost since i started my preop diet last Monday. Hoping to get a few more off before next Monday but wouldn't you know it Aunt Flow has made her unwanted appearance. So that might make things difficult with retaining water. And I'm dying for some Midol right now but I'm not sure if its ok to take so I sent an email to my Dr's office to see what they say.   I am happy that I'm now in my 1 size smaller pants again, LB's 7s instead of 8s.   I've been doing good on my shakes and nighttime meals. I've learned I like 2 scoops of Muscle Milk Light - Chocolate with 8oz of water better than Chike's Chocolate.   Been doing pretty good getting in at least 54oz of water every day with most days hitting the 64oz   We've been making dinner every night and I've been measuring out my 3oz of lean meat. So far it's mainly been chicken and pork.   I still need to take my before photos. For some reason I keep putting it off lol. Think I'll try to do that tonight.   I've been doing awful getting in my walking every night, last week i only walked 2 nights for 30 minutes. I'm determined to get back to it tonight.   I've also started getting all the things i'll need for surgery day. I've got my clothes I'm wearing there, a new pajama set coming in the mail and some nonskid warm socks. Got the gasx I've heard everyone recommend and the rest of the stuff I already have on hand.   Also got most of my post op diet stuff. Got chicken, beef & veggie broth. Sugar free jello and Popsicles.   The nerves are starting to kick in. I've had a few nights that were really hard. My mind is still trying to divorce food. Every where I look there's something that's tempting and the nights where i have hunger pains its really difficult. The real challenge has been between lunch and dinner since thats usually about 6 hours or more apart. I do just fine 4 hours between protein shakes but the 5 and 6 hour mark i start getting pretty physically hungry.   I also have fears of not being able to have large amounts ever again of the foods i love so much, but i know this is awful thinking and i'm trying to put it behind me.   I'm also worried about what my body will look like after all the weight loss. I'm absolutely dreading the saggy skin and wonder if i'm trading one ugly look for something even worse. My hubby has been very supportive and says that we can get the skin removed after but It's expensive, comes with its own risks and then i worry about the scars after. It's like i dont know if i will ever be truly happy with my body. But i know for my health and if we're ever going to be able to have a baby I have to get this weight off.   Well I'll keep y'all posted. Good luck to the others having surgery soon!
AmberDawn

AmberDawn

3
Smaller Sox Girl 4 Next Season
 

Not A Bad Weekend...

I'm at work tonight; working 3p-1130p.   I realized a long time ago, that when I have down time at work or I'm bored, I think about snacking. Even if I'm not hungry. I bring decent healthy food to work 99% of the time. But right now, because its a patient's 18th birthday, there are 2 huge boxes of the biggest damn donuts in the world drenched with chocolate. I'm not even phased. I'm actually looking at them thinking "Why are we feeding this **** to our patients???" Not my idea. But anyway, I digress...   The move is over, completed, and done. My previous landlord lady is a total b***h when it comes to wrapping this up, and is still thinking that I'm paying her a non refundable pet fee. She just can't let it go and leave me alone. All of my posessions are in my parent's garage or house, and some at my sister's house. I've got alot of sorting to do!! I swear I got my excerise with all of this packing, moving, putting it in the truck, taking it out, etc. I also realized how weak I am; I can barely get my self from a kneeling position to a standing position when I'm up on the bed of my dad's truck!! HOW PATHETIC!!! I've got alot of work ahead of me, and there's going to be alot of tears involved   The good thing is my dad is very supportive and is totally my rock right now with everything. The BF is doing well as far as supporting me with this whole new deal; he still eats crappy food though, and I wish he would stop. Not for me, but so that he can keep himself out of trouble. He's not a big guy, he's about 5'7, 165lbs, size M or L, 32" waist. He's incredible hot. But he eats crap and smokes, and he has Chronn's Disease. Yes, I could strangle him.   Hmmm. What else is on my mind....   Xmas is almost here, and seeing all the crap in the grocery stores just makes me that much more aware of how much garbage we put in our mouths. I see alot of overweight kids/teens and it breaks my heart what an injustice their parents are doing to them. I have a very good friend/big sister/mentor type person in my life, Sharon, who is a vegan and so are her 3 kids and husband. They made the switch about 2 years ago from vegetarian to vegan; she makes awesome food. She is also a health and wellness coach now; she always has a great link up on her fb with a new recipe or encouragement towards a healthy lifestyle. I know she shops at MOM's, which is a local organic chain in Maryland where I live. I went into one on Friday, and despite being overpriced, there were tons of good things. I just have no idea what to put together. I got some hummus, couscous with peas and carrots, and some hard pretzels for the BF. There were lots of other yum yum's there, including their homemade bread which is to die for, but obviously I'm bread and pasta free for the most part. I think my favorite store is still Whole Foods. or Wegmans; we're getting a Wegman's next summer in Columbia WAHOO.   I think somewhere in this blog I was going to mention how passionate I am about feeding young children healthy food. Its such an easy thing to do, and it promotes nothing but positive and good. I CRINGE when I see anyone under the age of 10 drinking soda, or eating Cheetoo's...ughhh. My mom didn't let me have that **** at all, unless it was a super special occasion. My obsession came with it when I was a teenager and my home life depressed me. Food made me feel better, and I had control over it. Anyways, I am hoping someday I can incorporate my passion into my career.   Ok back to work, they're yelling at the TV so the Raven's are either winning or getting wallopped.     KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MY FELLOW BANDERS :) <3
SaraRedSoxRN

SaraRedSoxRN

0
crystalmcfatter's Blog
 

Stuck At The Same Wt

My starting wt was 250 lbs on 10-10-11 at which time I stated my pre surgery liquid diet. On the date of my surgery 10-25-11 I weighed 243 lost 7 lbs. At first the weight came off fast. But now I seem to get stuck at the same weight for awhile. Finally this morning I lost another lb. I was 225 for almost 2 weeks and stated to get frustrated but this morning I was 224lbs. I have lost a total of 26lbs. I have not had a band fill yet and am scheduled for that on 12-8-11. Hopefully at that time I'll start to see a little faster wt loss. Does this happen to anyone else?   Crystal M.
crystalmcfatter

crystalmcfatter

8
ashash21's Blog
 

Neeeed Info...plzz

hi , i need info on the first time aptment, like what does the doctor talk to you about and what do they test you for ???? i jus dont knw how it goes so if you can let me knw that would be kooolll thanxx
ashash21

ashash21

4
ashash21's Blog
 

Neeed Info....plz

hi , i need info ,i go in for my first doc aptment dec.16th and i dont knw how it works, here are a few qustions i have, what does the doctor talk to you about ?? do they test you for stuff?? how was your first time? I JUS dont knw how it goes ....
ashash21

ashash21

4
Maddy's Blog
 

4 Pounds To My Third Goal

Well I am one excited camper indeed. I have set certain goals for myself during my journey on the way down from the scale. Five months have passed and I am happy to report I have lost 72 pounds and my third goal is a mere 4 pounds away. I can't thank Dr Misra for all her support and guidance throughout my weight loss thus far. Not only is she an amazing gastric surgeon she is also a doctor who cares. As I reach 199 a goal I set for the end of Dec. I am thrilled to know I will obtain this goal 3 weeks early than expected. As Dr Misra explained to me reaching for obtainable goals are so important. It does indeed make your weight loss easy to handle and it gives you the drive to meet these goals. Have you obtained goals you set for yourself? Are they reasonable to achieve? How did you see your weight loss goals?
Maddy

Maddy

1
Dig It Dog
 

Second Fill, Anxiety And A Shaved Dog.

So, I had my second fill this morning. It was not bad at all, actually very fast! I can still feel the injection site, but at least I didn't cry this time! ha! The only trouble i had was with my anxiety. Since I still remember my first fill and all that drama, I got so worked up that my throat started getting tight. That really makes it hard to drink down the water after a fill. But I plowed through it (Thanks to the liquid Tylenol i took before hand)   After the fill, i get home only to find that my mom's little chihuahua Phoebe has been scratching her back so roughly, that she has a nasty cut! I had to hunt down a dog grooming set to shave down her bum (so the dirt and dander don't stick to the hair, and so the area can breathe and heal) I also had to put this smelly ointment on her bum to disinfect the area.   Basically, I had a procedure and then I gave one! Oh silly medical day!
Tanya_cotto

Tanya_cotto

1
cdwalters65's Blog
 

First Day Of Liquid Diet Before Surgery

Well I thought I was going to be starving, but I am not. My surgery is the 15th and I am VERY excited and nervous . I went shopping yesterday to get the food for my diet, I got the wrong gatoraide. I was suppose to get the one with protein. The puddings are good. Hoping that I have the luck tomorrow. Havent had caffenine all day, so sort of tired. So I drank a diet green tea for some engery. How many of you have had to the liquid diet before hand?
cdwalters65

cdwalters65

7
Becks Blog
 

Day Two At The Gym!

Today is day two at the gym! I feel GREAT! Did 30 mins of cardio and 15 mins of strength training. I don't know why I waited so long to get a membership! Also I have been sticking with my liquid requirements since my fill yesterday! we can all do this!
Beckh86

Beckh86

1
Texasbandit's Blog
 

Still Having A Hard Time Sizing Clothes

Ok as we all know clothing sizes can change per brand, store, designer, style etc. About a month ago I bought some new clothes but I've found it a bit disturbing how somethings are fitting now.   For instance, my ass. My ass is shrinking. Now I didn't have an ass to begin with, but now it's tight and smaller. So my old jeans have saggy butt when I wear them. Not attractive. Looks like I'm wearing a diaper underneath or something. Also shirts that I have hang at odd angles and look too big. I just don't want to look like I'm wearing clown clothes!! Anyhoo, so I bought new ones. Some stuff online and some at clothing stores. I tried most if it on.   Well maybe I'm not sizing myself right or something but I can wear the jeans I bought just fine. They are skinny jeans, but good lord the rest of it is kinda too big. So what should I do? Buy smaller sizes? Or just wait? I tried to predict and get a little smaller but I dunno now. I don't wanna waste money. I don't plan to buy anything soon since money is tight. But I work in an office and I don't want to go to work with my pants dragging the ground and 2 sizes too big!!!!
Texasbandit

Texasbandit

9
ahaliace blog
 

Im Scared, Pre-op

So I have done all of the pre-op requirments and am just waiting on insurance's approval for the surgery. I must admit, there are days that I think, "what am I doing?!" I hear and read horror stories about nausea after the sleeve, leaking suture lines, and bowel obstructions. I just had a co-worker tell me about a friend of his who said they were more miserable after the surgery because of all of the excess skin he now has. I dont even know if I should believe this, knowing how hard it is to walk around in a 300 pound body. Is there anyone out there who regrets their bariatric surgery?
ahaliace

ahaliace

13
I-wanna-be-a-loser's Blog
 

Got'er Done!! Banded On The 30th Of November

So I went through with it! I am with the band!! I've wanted to say that for a while now. LOL. I am post-op day 3 ( I think, I was banded on the 30th and it is the evening of the 2nd now) I blame my confusion on the codine...   I am really gassy, walking helps lots, and my port sight hurts. Other than being stoned I am doing pretty well. I have to sleep on my right side to be comfortable, but normally I am a left side sleeper so that is driving me nuts... Oh well... In a few days I should be back to normal right!?!?!   Since the 30th I have only drank water, cranberry juice, one protien shake, and some chicken broth, I am not hungry but I am light headed. I think that is more from the drugs though... I think I am drinking water too fast, I get some mild pain when I swallow in my left side... Must Drink Slower!!   How long did it take you to feel "normal" again?   When did you get back to playing sports??   When I can think clearly I will post again!!   Stacey
I-wanna-be-a-loser

I-wanna-be-a-loser

3
LilMissDiva's Corner
 

From: The End Of My Weight Loss Journey. New Goal: To Stay Here And Stay Fit.

Hello everyone,   I bring to you tidings of joy for the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!! :smile1:   I'm writing you today because I have recently had a revealing moment... or two. A few days ago I was walking around our house and I walked into an area where the kitchen light shines against our dining room wall. As I walked by I noticed a shadow appear on the wall, and one I could not for the life of me recognize. I was SO surprised that I had to walk by again, because in all reality I couldn't believe that was me I was looking at. This figure on the wall was tall, slender and super curvy. I was impressed to say the least. I felt satisfied by what I saw.   Let me define for you the word satisfied because this is one I've NEVER used in my entire life when it came to how I viewed myself physically. Not once.   Synonyms: content - contented - pleased - happy - glad   Yes, this was me at that very moment. I'm going to admit something here and now. I've not one time in my life felt this way regarding ME. My reflection would always throw me back an image I couldn't accept. There was always something more I could do, to improve upon. There was even a time in my life where I was even underweight for my frame and I STILL could not accept ME. I always wanted to lose more, a pound here or an inch there. It was a little insane truthfully.   Here I am right now, feeling high from adrenaline and satisfaction - that I am really and truly done with this journey. I put on my first pair of jeans since my final liposuction and they were easy to put on. They slid right up over my thighs without effort. I didn't have to fight them, and I didn't have to wear pants today that were too small in the thigh and too big in the waist. My thighs... oh so lovely thighs... are normal.   Normal synonyms: regular - standard - ordinary - common - usual   Another word I've never used to define myself.   I am me, and I am content, pleased, happy, glad, regular, standard, ordinary, common and I am usual.   I am also a finished product. Now only need to keep up with remaining healthy and staying right here where I am. So, EFF YOU SIZE ZERO!! You do not define me, just as much as my scale does not. My health, both physical and mental - and my happiness does.       Source: The End Of My Weight Loss Journey. New Goal: To Stay Here And Stay Fit.
LilMissDiva Irene

LilMissDiva Irene

6
Becks Blog
 

6lb Gain!!!! Eeeekkkkk

The verdict is in.... Since my last dr visit I have GAINED 6lbs! I have not been making the right food choices and I knew there would be no loss for this visit. I did a lot of sitting around and feeling bad for myself up until wednesday.... Then I decided the only person I'm hurting by not doing the right thing is ME! I have been meticulously counting my calories and I took the plunge and purchased a 1YEAR gym membership.... I am looking forward to what's to come including the holidays, wedding planning and DRESS shopping!
Beckh86

Beckh86

1
laphila76's Blog
 

Nov 22 Sleeved And Now I'm Miserable Help

I felt so great after surgery, I couldn't believe I had gone through it and felt so good. Day 2 I was able to walk around and I was so ready to get moving. I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle my business, I was given my 30 cc of water and that went down pretty good then move on to the 60cc and that was horrible, I threw up some blood which I was told was from the surgery sitting in my stomach. Okay, that's fine, I guess I can wait another day.. Day 3 drank my water and all was well.. got to have some dinner and boy was I excited!! Day 4 I was released from the hospital and I was so ready to start my new life.   So why my first few days at home went pretty well with the liquids, I was just happy to have WATER!! But day 7 I was so ready to have some tomato soup and it was everything I could've wanted.. Then day 8 was horrible, I tried some scrambled eggs and that was the start of the vomiting!! (TMI sorry) When I went for my follow up appt. I was told that some things will be difficult to process in the beginning so I figured okay take eggs off the list of food, but now it seems like everything is coming up and then it's an all day process and water and juice can't be had either. I throw up the whole day and even after everything has come out I still throw up siliva?? What is up with that. I am so afraid to have anything now, cause I can't live without water or kool-aid.   Has anyone had this happen or could anyone please shed some light.. The hospital where I had this done is in our neighboring state and it's difficult to get an appt with the doctor, so if this continues I guess I will have to go to the urgent care near my home and hopefully they will be able to help me out.. I don't even know if they can handle anything like this??   Anyone out there.. please help!
laphila76

laphila76

11
My Journey
 

2.5 Mo Post Banding

I have not been good at staying on top of this blogging thing! I was hoping to document my every day but then life got busier and busier....so I will put an update out here.   It's been over 2 months since surgery, I feel great. I'm getting comments often now as people are really noticing a difference, which is so encouraging. I'm down 35 lbs and almost 2 sizes in pants. I'm wearing a pair of pants and sweater that I haven't fit into since 2004! Now that is an incredible boost!   I did 20 min on the treadmill the other night and it was like nothing, my knees didn't hurt, my legs felt great, I felt great!   I've learned that I have to take Milk of Magnesia still, for some reason I have trouble going to the bathroom since surgery. I'm thinking it is with things digesting so slowly? Not sure but the little elixir works great anyway!   I've also had 2 fills. I'm not at my sweet spot yet as I still feel I can eat more than I should be able to, or more than I expected I would be able to handle. I've had a few rough patches were I ate a sweet and my deisre for sugar was back! I've now gone back to fruits or natural sweets to fulfill that. Otherwise I will not see the results that I want.   I'm loving the new me though. It is a wonderful feeling....I've got a trip planned for the end of January to the Bahamas and then Florida, so I'm really looking forward to being in a swimsuit again! That will be when I hopefully REALLY tell a difference!
BandedAnnie

BandedAnnie

0
Pooh plus size's Blog
 

Stuck At Same Weight

Hello bandsters and Happy Holidays to all. I was banded on 10/7/2011 and is down abt 20 lbs i think it's more inches cause my scale haven't moved. I am so frustrated that my weight isn't moving I don't go overboard at all and I am active. Tell me what to do people i really need help this is driving me crazy I wanted to be 10lbs lighter by my b day which is xmas day. HELP HELP HELP oh I did have 1 fill and i go back next month i do believe I need another one but plz throw me some feed back plz.
Pooh plus size

Pooh plus size

4
Matt Z's Blog
 

Week 2 Blues

Weighed in today, 319. Only 2 pounds since last friday. I know why and I have to change it. I've got zero restriction now that the swelling has gone down, I'm eating around 1200-1500 less than I burn each day, so I'm a little unsure at the lack of weight change. I know 2 pounds a week is a good rate, but it's disappointing. I'm mad and upset. But I know it's ok.   What am I going to do about it? I'm going to get my ass out and walk more. I'm going to ignore the growls creeping out from my belly. I'm going to keep up my protein intake, my water intake and I'm going to keep logging every single piece of food that enters my mouth.   I am not going to be effected by this slow down. I haven't had a fill yet and I know that this is the main reason why my weight loss has slown down. I have my first post-op appt with my doc on Monday and I'm going to push for a fill. I just hope she agrees.   Weight loss issues aside, I feel fantastic. Walking is so much easier, I don't get winded as quickly as I used to, standing for longer periods of time doesn't bother me as much either. My clothes are fitting better and my face is noticably thinner.   I just have to stay strong.
Matt Z

Matt Z

5
zil's Blog
 

It's That Time Of Year

OMG, the holidays are upon us. And with the holidays comes never ending array of holiday treats and temptations.   We, as bandsters, need to be even more vigilant and strong because it is just too easy to fall prey to the excitement, the hustle and bustle, and the celebration of the Holiday season. After all, we all love a good party, right? And, if we tell the truth, many of us are probably social eaters. So much of our previous life has been centered arond food.   So, here is my Chrimas wish and hope for each and every one of you...   I wish you the strength to make wise choices, and if you should have a weak moment, I wish you the courage to forgive yourself and move on.   I hope you are able to surround yourself with others who will support your goal, and not sabotage, or tempt you, at every turn.   I wish you a season full of family, friends, laughter and wonderful times.   I wish you success in your journey.   May the new year bring us an easy time as we travel along, and hopefully the scale will move backwards.   Happy holidays to all Bandsters!!!     Zil
zil

zil

1
tlatimo4's Blog
 

Not Losing

Guess its really time for me to start doing something more than depending on my band. I haven’t lost any weight this month. I’m going in tomorrow for my second fill. I hope this Tech don’t start no stuff with me. Cause she wanted me to lose about 10 pounds this month. I feel like I can eat just about anything i want I mean I have had a couple things get stuck. But the feeling didn’t last long. I really would like to be a little more restricted. I know my band alone will not do all the work. But it is really hard for me to participate in my weight lost journey. Some days I’m so stressed so tired that i just eat whatever I can find. Please pray that I can beat myself it a routine that is healthy and productive to my life. If i didn’t see the scars on my stomach I wouldn’t never be reminded that I had the surgery,
tlatimo4

tlatimo4

5

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