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PJbanster's Blog
 

Another Milestone

OOOOH HAPPY DAY! Another big WOO HOO! Just like anyone who has an excessive amount of weight to lose, I set milestones for myself. Starting weight 346 1 - Get under 300 - CHECK yes 299.9 counts! 2 - Get back in to my wedding ring - CHECK 3 - Get under 250 - CHECK 4 - Get back in to my size 20 jeans that I wore when I got married - YAY I DID IT I DID IT!   I'm so excited I started out wearing size 28s and now I'm in 20s. Let me tell you these aren't the stretchy kinda jeans these are the old school don't breath to make them fit kinda jeans. I almost cried when they zipped.   I laugh at myself every time i dance naked on my bathroom scale when I lose a 10th of a pound, but this morning was ridiculous. I thought OMG I look so SEXY in my pants, but it's hard to pull of sexy when you look like a baboon flailing around in excitement. I was even late for work but I think fitting in to old clothes is worth a little not rhythmical dancing and gloating! .
PJbanster

PJbanster

5
roseyposey's Blog
 

LAPBAND JOURNEY - DAY 5 OF PRE OP DIET

JAN. 7, 2011 FRIDAY - DAY 5 OF PRE OP DIET - WELL I GOT UP THIS AM AROUND 7:30 AM AND FOUND THAT IT HAD SNOWED ABOUT 3 INCHES. SO I WENT OUT AND SHOVELED A LIL. HAVEN'T DONE THAT IN MANY MANY YEARS! I THEN MADE A SHOPPING TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE (ANOTHER THING I DON'T OFTEN DO - MY HUSBAND USUALLY DOES THE SHOPPING). I HAD TO GO BUY SOME LACTOSE FREE MILK FOR MY PROTEIN SHAKES BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN HAVING DIAHREA FOR PAST FEW DAYS AND I SUSPECT I MAY BE LACTOSE INTOLERANT AND WITH HAVING TO DRINK SO MUCH MILK LATELY WITH THE PROTEIN SHAKES - I KINDA FIGURE THAT IS WHAT IS GOING ON. IF NOT THAT - THEN I MUST HAVE PICKED UP A STOMACH VIRUS. GREAT! I HOPE NOT! ANYWAYS - I GOT THE LACTOSE FREE MILK AND MADE MY PROTEIN SHAKE. SO WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. MY STOMACH IS HURTING KINDA RIGHT NOW - SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. I WONDER IF PERHAPS IT IS FROM PROTEIN OVERLOAD??? MY STOMACH IS NOT USED TO IT?? I GUESS I WILL KNOW SOON ENOUGH - IF I HAVE ANY MORE DIAHREA. I ALSO HAD A CUP OF HOT CAFFEINE FREE TEA. IT SEEMS TO RELAX ME A LITTLE. ONE THING I AM FINDING HARD IT SEEMS - IS SEEING ALL THESE "FOOD" COMMERCIALS ON T.V. - GEEZ - THEY TRY TO SABOTAGE YOUR DIET FOR SURE!!! I FOUND THAT SWITCHING THE TV STATION FOR A COUPLE SECONDS TILL THE COMMERCIAL IS OVER - HELPS! LOL WELL I GOT 2 MORE PROTEIN SHAKES AND 2 PROTEIN BARS TO GET DOWN TODAY YET. - I TRULY HATE THEM ALL!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS NIGHTMEAR OF A 2 WEEK PRE OP DIET IS OVER!!!! AMEN - ON A BRIGHTER NOTE, I AM ANTICIPATING MY 5 YR. OLD GRANDSON, AYDAN COMING TODAY FOR THE WEEKEND. HE WILL BE HERE AT 4 PM. I AM DEFINITELY GONNA TAKE HIM FOR A WALK OUTSIDE IN THE SNOW. THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO FOR AT LEAST 2 YRS. MY HUSBAND, HIS STEP GRANDFATHER WAS THE ONE WHO ALWAYS TOOK HIM. I MISSED OUT. DUE TO MY CONDITION OF FIBROMYALGIA - IT IS VERY PAINFUL AND DIFFICULT TO WALK. WELL SINCE I LOST 10 LBS. RECENTLY, AND I AM FEELING A LIL BETTER ABOUT WALKING, I AM DEFINITELY GONNA GO ON THAT WALK WITH THE BOTH OF THEM. YEH!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT MY GRANDSON WILL BE THINKING? WHAT THE HECK - GRANDMA'S FINALLY COMING ON A WALK WITH US????? HA HA - CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
roseyposey

roseyposey

0
Formerly LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Rules

I have been thinking about rules. I am an accountant and typically a rule follower. I like structure.   When I was Banded, I was told to not drink carbonated beverages, don't drink with meals, take small bites, don't eat bread, etc. I considered them RULES and I followed them with great success! I lost 75 pounds in about 9 months.   But then I started to stretch the rules. I tested some toast or a biscuit and it didn't hurt, so I stopped following that rule. I started sipping more at meals until I was drinking normally again. My bites started growing to whatever my body would allow instead of making them all small. There are many more of these than I'm listing now.   The last three months, I started stretching all of my rules so much that I stopped losing weight at the same rate. I became frustrated at my lack of success. Instead of admitting my weaknesses and making changes, I kept going...stretching the rules even more.   I'm very fortunate that this behavior only stopped my weightloss. But I learned that very easily, old habits come back quickly and old paths can be revisited. I'm glad to have restriction again and I'm back to the basics.   Watch out Onederland...I'm gonna get you!!   Beth
Formerly LoseIt!

Formerly LoseIt!

3
subpoptart's Blog
 

Another Reason to Hate My Boobs (Day 32: -13 pounds)

Meet the Boobs   These are my breasts, at least these are them in 2003 when I went on an amazing trip with my husband to Spain. They have always been a source of issue with me. When I was young they never seemed big enough and when they finally got "big" enough I didn't like the attention that they garnered.   I like them when I need them, like to fill out a provocative gown or on the beaches of Ibiza. But, I don't like the way that they make my clothes fit or the stares that they get when I give them a little bit of freedom. Men are often very inappropriate when they see them, as if they are are not connected to me....like they are a billboard on the side of the road that deserves notice and comment.   But, I was looking forward to losing some weight and shopping at the Gilly Hicks at the mall in my neighborhood. In fact for my birthday on December 26th, my husband got me a gift certificate for $150.00 to spend with a note that said "when you feel ready". I had great visions of shopping at this store. I would be thin and fit and after a bit of sushi at Katsuya my husband and I would walk into together and pick the perfect pieces for a Vegas trip, a night on the town, whatever the situation I would feel comfortable shopping for beautiful lingerie, something I couldn't do now.   But yesterday my dreams were put on hold. My boobs, breasts, tits, milk jugs, knockers, etc. turned against me. I received a letter from my doctor that my mammogram showed something that wasn't there last time. Something in my left breast. I opened that letter honestly thinking it would be nothing, I almost didn't open it and when I read that they needed to do further studies, I wasn't sure how to respond. I pulled my car over and cried and then I called my husband and cried some more.   My Great Grandmother Gram died from breast cancer, but she was 90. My Grandmother died of cancer, but she also had lung cancer so what came first? My mother was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago, but she's been clean for the last to years, she's the first survivor. All I keep thinking is which will I be? The youngest to die in our family or another survivor? Or will it be nothing?   Everyone keeps telling me not to worry. They Doctor didn't schedule an ultrasound for a week, so people assume that that means they are not worried. But, I'm worried! I keep thinking about all the things I haven't done. All the things I haven't taught my daughter. Who will tell her to brush her teeth, take a shower? Who will teach her to cook? Who will be there when she has a question that only a mother could answer?   For now I'll keep my fingers crossed and I'll hold back the tears until I have the ultrasound next Friday. They let me know that because it is a call back the doctor and radiologist will be there to immediately examine the results and let me know. This time I had to wait two weeks, next time I'll be to nervous to wait.   I almost considered having a mastectomy when I was thirty, just to prevent the cancer from having a place to call home, but I was talked out of it. Now I wish I would have just done it.
no one

no one

3
Blog 90317
 

What is going on ?!?!

Happy Friday ! To get a fill or not to get a fill ??? It seems I cant eat muchless keep anything down due to the fact I have gallons of drainage. It only gets worse if I try and eat, the food gets stuck and well it starts working it way upward and BAM I spew. I do sip hot tea and my beloved coffee but it doesnt solve it..yes I ve done the Mucinex all chopped up before bedtime, Zyrtec, Clartin anything to rid the snot so I can eat. PLUS I am getting a fill tomorrow...Any Suggestions Good People Of The LapBand World ?
IndoorVoice

IndoorVoice

1
sylvia's Blog
 

Day of my surgery

Hi Everyon I'm actually in hospital in my own private room just seen my surgeon and signed my consent form, had nothing to eat or drink since yesterday and have a headache but I will be going down in a moment or two. just had blood taken and an injection in my stomach the nurse said it was a blood thinner and I would have to inject myself when I get home OMG never done anything like that to myself but she said they will show me how to do it. Looking all positive now wish me luck. Will blog as soon as I get back when I'm able.
sylvia

sylvia

0
Rachel Banded...
 

Shopping day for pre op diet

So despite my miserable cold today I have to go shopping. Normally this stresses me out enough trying to grocery shop. Today I have to prepare for my preop diet. This is stressful because I will have to buy stuff for two life styles. I can not deprive my husband and just by stuff for myself. How is that going to work and stay on a budget. I know most of you out there are just like me take bills month to month and try to get by. Not to mention if we are undertaking this financially stressing surgery or at least mine has been with the co pays and requirements and not to mention my doctor is an hour away. I am going to try my best to stay within my budget of my normal shopping with the exception that I have to buy my vitamins and host a party this weekend. My preop diet is the Robard diet. It is a modified atkins diet with meal replacements. I am allowed four meal replacements a day things such as soup cold shakes a hot cocoa and granola bars that you buy at my docs office. Then with this for one meal a day I will be able to eat a meal of my choosing low fat of course mostly meats no sauce dry spices and a green salad with lettuce cucumber broccoli green onions and wishbone salad spray. I think I will be okay with the wishbone salad spray but it will be hard to do without meat sauce. I have a hard time swallowing dry meats due to a surgery I had last year on my throat removing a growth that blocked 75% of my throat. So... I will do a lot of price checking on protein shakes. I have already tried several and they about made me sick. I am going to try the protein shots or Special K protein shake. Plenty of crystal lights LOTS of bottled water. May get several diet cokes since this will be the last time I will be able to drink soda. I am looking at the Viactiv Vitamin Chocolate chews and calcium chews. I have taken the calcium ones before and they taste just like heresy so I believe that will be my drug of choice. I have already invested in a blender from walmart made by GE that is much like the magic bullet but instead only cost 15 dollars and not 60. Will need something to wear after surgery plenty of chapsticks and some gas x!!! I have read the gas pains are awful. I believe I will wait to buy my post op foods until the friday before my surgery. Hopefully I will get everything I need and make some good choices for this stuff is expensive. Just wish I could find a protein shake I could tolerate. Oh well happy shopping with a miserable cold for me!
~*~Rachel~*~

~*~Rachel~*~

4
How I lost 100lbs
 

Ohhhhh now I get it! lol

So year out... couple weeks over.. this time last year I was on liquids only so the spiritual fast I do every January was very easy...protein shakes and more protein smoothies.. I had been doing it for weeks prior to my surgery and just kept on it while I healed. So here we are this year... January and this year's spiritual fast is here.. no meat, no bread, no sweets. Just all natural fruits, veggies, etc... essentially vegan for a month.. NO animal products. This means alot of gluten free, wheat free and organic eating.. Oh look that was in the aftercare diet..     So now here I am eating veggies and "whole" foods, all organic and gluten free and in the 3 days (started on the 3rd) I've been doing it, I haven't had one single issue with my band, getting stuck or getting that overly full feeling sneaking up on me. Wouldn't you know that in 3 days I've lost 10lbs?!?!?!? PRAISE THE LORD.. last year I lost 42lbs on the fast but I did it for 6 or 7 weeks if you include the pre-op diet.   If I keep up at this rate for the month... Hmmmmm I'll be ALOT closer to goal...   In my prayer time, I heard to stop eating wheat, it's the gluten that keeps me fat because of my blood type. Then I went online and researched and sure enough... there it was clear as day, O blood types shouldn't eat wheat products because the gluten reacts with our bodies and we pack on pounds...   As someone who has lived most of their years on the planet eating sandwiches, hamburgers and pasta.... it ALL makes sense... either way the point to this post is.. I totally get it now and will be making these changes, and adhering to the true aftercare diet...this time next year, I'll be on a billboard... Watch!
Yvette1026

Yvette1026

1
justplaintired's Blog
 

Another day...another CPAP mask.

Today I swapped out the nose mask for nasal pillows. LOL IDK why I find the term nasal pillows so darned funny. I think it will help me sleep better now. I don't feel like Darth Vader as my face is less covered. Thank GOD because I haven't slept normally in about a week.   No insurance news yet. I am not even 100% sure that my paperwork was submitted today so I'm not nervous...YET.   There is a possibility of being banded sooner than my 2/11/1 scheduled date but I'm not counting on it. The sooner the better as I am going on a cruise at the end of March and I'd like to be farther along on my journey.   Well, my schnoz pillows are calling me...that's all for tonight.   Luke, I am your father...
justplaintired

justplaintired

0
Jen11's Blog
 

Telling you kids

Does anyone have good advice on how to tell your kids about your surgery? My date is Jan 18th and I start my 10 day liquid protein on Saturday and still haven't told my 12 year old daughter. I'm not sure what I'm afraid of but I'm nervous.
Jen11

Jen11

3
carolp5167's Blog
 

Got My Approval

Got my approval for the surgery but don't have a date yet- still going thru the tests- I have quit caffeine and wow the headaches suck- I started walking just trying to get into a little shape before surgery- This is a long process-but I know that it will be worth it - I have seen alot of blogs regarding smoking and I to am a smoker but my Dr knows and says that it is my decision and doesn't want me to give up everything all at once-I am trying to cut down though-    
carolp5167

carolp5167

4
TracyKwe's Blog
 

First words...

New here and just thought I would leave a word or two. Today I am well on my way in the process of getting my VSG. I have completed all nutrition and Phyc. and Dr. visits and have had all the pre-op tests save for the EGD and Colonoscopy that are happening tomorrow and an abdominal ultrasound that's being done on the 11th.(gonna get another look at this umbilical hernia I have. Already had an Cat-Scan.) Final Surgical consult is on for the 14th and then I guess I'm on the list after that. Was told that they are trying to work me in for sometime around the end of January or the First part of Feb. YAY! Excited,scared,anxious,happy.... Yeah,Got alot of emotions with it all, but for the most part I am well and pleased with all that's gone on so far and hopeful for all the rest that's coming. The plan is to come here on a regular basis and gather more info and support.So far everything I have seen has been encouraging.I'm thinkin' I'm gonna be glad I found this place.Best wishes to all that stop by here. May your journies bring you peace. :heart:
TracyKwe

TracyKwe

3
It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day
 

My date is fast approaching

hey everyone, i am one of those ppl who have always been heavy. i began gaining at the tender age of 12-13. in high school i was only a few lbs lighter than i am today. deep down i was never happy, but of course on the surface i was always "fine" with it. never had a problem meeting men, going out in public, etc. between 1999-2001 i lost about 60 lbs, but i did it with the help of diet pills. of course, once i stop'd the weight crept back (and then some). in 2003 a really close friend had gastric bypass surgery. this was the 1st time i considered it, but didn't explore it. 2007 was when i seriously looked into having lap-band, but my career moved me out of state. now that i'm back in michigan, i figure i'm not gettng any young but i am definitely getter BIGGER so ...i've done the leg work and on monday i was called with "my date"...I AM SO EXCITED... wednesday, january 19 2011 is when it all will go down. so thought it would be nice to use this enrivonment to share my story and get inspiration from others ~ i thank you in advance    
NikkiRose

NikkiRose

4
roseyposey's Blog
 

LAPBAND JOURNEY - DAY 4 OF PRE OP DIET

JAN. 6, 2011- THURSDAY - WELL I GOT UP THIS AM NOT WANTING TO DRINK MY CHOCOLATE BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE PROTEIN SHAKE. YUK - I EVEN ADDED A WHOLE SMALL BANANA AND SOME ICE AND PUT IT IN THE BLENDER. STILL YUK! BUT I GOT IT DOWN. OH MAN - I HAVE TO DO 3 OF THESE A DAY PLUS 2 OF THE PROTEIN BARS WHICH ARE JUST AS BAD. I WANT MY LEAN CUISINE 200 CAL DINNERS BACK. THEY WERE SO TASTY AND MUCH MORE SATISFYING. BUT NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE THEM. NEED TO SHRINK THE LIVER FOR THE BAND OPERATION ON 1/17. SO I HAVE TO SUCK IT UP! LOL TOOK 1 WALK TODAY WITH MY HUSBAND OUTSIDE - WALKED 2 BLOCKS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. GONNA GO TAKE ANOTHER WALK I THINK THIS EVENING BY MYSELF. IT WILL GET MY MIND OFF OF THE CRAPPY SHAKES I HAVE TO DRINK! CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS ALL TO BE OVER AND BE ABLE TO EAT REAL FOOD AGAIN ONLY BETTER CHOICES OF COURSE. LOW CALORIES HIGH PROTEIN LOW FAT MEALS. I LEARNED MY LESSON HOPEFULLY!!! IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE - IF IT TASTE GOOD - IT'S NO GOOD FOR YOU! LOL
roseyposey

roseyposey

7
Blog 4214
 

3.5 week update

Well where to start? Overall I have been doing good. Super tired and not getting in enough water which is giving me leg cramps and lightheadedness. I know its an adjustment for my body but being tired all the time sucks! I had a mini breakdown yesterday. I went to my pcp for an afternoon appt. I am suposed to check in with her after surgery and I had some questions on dehydration and incision pain. She basically said to me you did this to yourself. I was like I know I did this to myself thank you. Then she proceeded to tell me that my body is not dehydrated, even though I am drinking about 20 oz a day. Then told me for any other questions to ask my surgeon. So I left. I guess I knew she wouldn't have too much advice as this is not her specialty, but as my surgeon is in a different city I can not just easily go see him. I prefer face to face appt rather then email. Then my boyfriend was mad that I got off an hour early for basically no reason. I was sitting in the parking lot of kaiser bawling my eyes out. I knew I was just frustrated, in pain, thirsty and tired but still. I felt better after my cry. Each day is a new day. I have lost 25 pounds since surgery for a total of 61! I am trying not to nap as much when I get off work so that I can have more time to drink water. Its all a work in progress.
hugsamber

hugsamber

0
shifflett00's Blog
 

Day 4 of Pre diet YUK..

Day 4 of the Boost 4 times a day and light dinner. Day 1 and 2 weren't as bad as 3 and 4 and I have 4 more days to go till surgery. My doctor didn't make it mandatory but I didn't want to wake up and not have been banded due to fatty liver. Any suggestions on how to get thru 4 more days? I find that something is making me nauseous, all the protein or lack of food. I have had to nibble on a cracker to get over the nausea. I'm doing this banding with my husband so he is on the same boost and light dinner and he is fine (I could smack him sometimes) and has lost 7 pounds and me NOTHING . He does weigh alot more than me so maybe that is it. Any little tips would be helpfull..
shifflett00

shifflett00

2
Formerly LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Today Marks the Beginning of Project Weightloss - Take #2

Yesterday was another busy day from start to finish and I was unable to check in. I have to start making that a priority each day to get myself back in the correct frame of mind. After work, my friend and I went out for pizza and then went to the musical Young Frankenstein. It was A LOT of fun! When I got home at 11pm, like a crazy person, I finished my book (The Mockingjay, the 3rd book of the Hunger Games). What an amazing trilogy! If you like to read, I highly recommend them.   Today I go for my refill which means a couple of things. First, I can't eat today. After not censoring my food choices for several weeks, this is going to be my first challenge. My tummy is already protesting. After my coffee, I will have my smoothie. It is my first one in a LONG time so I'm looking forward to it. I have some chicken broth for lunch and pudding and applesauce for snacks. I just have to get to 2pm so I can head to the doc. Post fill, I shouldn't be so hungry!   Today's refill also means that it is time to refocus. I spoke about that the other day, but it has really been on my mind. Throughout my life, the holidays have been a time for gluttony and the new year a time for self punishment. This year is quite different. Although I allowed myself leeway during the holidays, I didn't feel gluttonous. And now that it is time to get back on track, I feel invigorated, not guilty or aprehensive.   I have decided that when I reach my next big goal of ONEDERLAND, I am going to reward myself with a running watch. I have made a goal of running a 10K next Spring. That gives me one year to better my 5K and get to the point where I can double it. I'm not a natural runner, so I'm not sure if I will even be able to run a reasonable 10K. But if I don't make the goal and give it a shot, I will never know. I have found that I do fine on a flat course, but hills are killers for me. Yesterday in my lunch workout, I walked at 3mph on the treadmill varying the incline between 5 and 15. It was amazing how easy a 5 incline was after spending a few minutes above 10!   So, short term goals: 1. Onederland (85 pounds lost) by 01/31/11. 2. Six workouts a week for 8 weeks. 3. Cut 30 seconds off my next 5K on 2/26/11.   Mid-term goals: 1. 100 pounds lost by 04/07/11 which happens to be the next Nascar race here. Kind of arbitrary, I know. 2. Run 2 additional 5K's by 05/31/11.   Long-term goals: 1. 120-160 pounds loss overall. I've never been that small, so I don't know what the realistic goal is yet and will have to wait to officially set it. But I would like to reach my goal by Summer 2012 when I plan to reward myself with a trip to the London Olympics. 2. Run 10K in Spring 2012.   My friend just stopped by as I was typing this and I told that I feel like I did this time last year EXCEPT I'm so much happier because I'm starting from such a better place. I apologized to her because I told her she is going to get the obsessive me all over again. She is thrilled because she is fascinated by my journey. I guess I am too!   Happy Thursday All!    
Formerly LoseIt!

Formerly LoseIt!

2
Rachel Banded...
 

Free Falling

As this two year hike up mount Everest comes to a end, I look back and it seems like yesterday I was battling with this decision to have WLS. Questions like If I can't do it or don't have the will power to do it on my own how is this magic little tool going to help me succeed? I pray that I have prepared myself in order to under stand this is not a cure all surgery and it IS going to take effort on my part more then I probably realize. I can say it a hundred times over and over "This band is not going to cure me! I have to cure myself" sounds like I have it worked out in my mind but saying and doing are two WAY different things. I am doing everything possible research getting involved hear learning everything I can. Making meal plans for my pre op diet which I feel lucky compared to some out there getting to actually eat on my diet just sort of a atkins diet with meal replacements its called the Robard diet. Not to mention I get to skip a few days since there are technically only 12 days before my surgery and the time I started my diet. Anywhoo... With everything you have to learn and knowledge you must take in and lifestyle changes and doctors visits all these bells and whistles you must silence until you hear those sweet little words... your approved I feel as if I am twirling around in a dark room hearing voices all around me. I can not see those standing in the shadows. I often feel alone. There words of wisdom seems to over whelm me at times. And then I feel as if I am falling. Falling toward a date Jan 25th down the other side of the mountain I just climbed. What will happen when I hit the bottom I have no clue but I will fall. Anyone else feel like they are Free Falling with me?
~*~Rachel~*~

~*~Rachel~*~

3
PJbanster's Blog
 

Shock

It's funny the way things change... perception, idea, desire. Simple fact, life changes and we adjust. When I first heard about this crazy lapband I thought it was insane that people could survive off of so litte and not be starving all the time. I saw results and read endless forums on the subject before I decided it was worth looking in to. I was terrified to tell my family, because most have the whole just eat less and exercise speech even though they don't know how to do that themselves. If you've never had a weight problem, you're skinny, eat what you want, and lazy...well it's not because you did the right thing you were just lucky! I know how to eat I know how to exercise. I just can't keep the weight off once I get it off. A normal person can have a bad day and not regain every thing they've lost. You give up after a while and before you know it you weigh 346 lbs. I was at the end of the rope and freaking out. I finally decided that this is my life and I wanted it for myself. In fact my brother and one of my closest friends decided to get it done at the same time. With the support of my husband, I started the process to get banded in July '09 and did not get banded until June '10. It was a long and ridiculous wait to get it done and I just didn't think I could get through it. The time FINALLY came and things went smoothly. I lost 21 lbs the first month after surgery and still I felt like the process would take SO LONG. I started out with a goal of wanting to lose 186 pounds. Seemed unreachable. I made a spreadsheet and I count every little fraction of a pound I lose. Some people say that's not good, but what I've found is that over the last 7 months I can see those periods where I felt like the weight was coming off slow and see that all those 10ths of a pound added up and 7 months down the road I am 99 lbs lighter. It gives me motivation. Reading that I make it sound like BAM miracle cure I was banded and YAY I'm skinny! Not even close! I'm not skinny... yet, but I'm sure as heck trying! I have a calorie counter on my phone and I wear that sucker out! I know what I'm eating and what affects my weight loss now. I exercise 4-6 hours a week. I'm not talking a casual walk around the neighborhood here, I'm talking arms swinging, sweat pouring, breathing increased cardio. Just like everyone else when I started this trip I was too tired from work and too tired from my 2 yr old to get a work out in. Things have changed! If I skip out on my exercise I'm miserable and feel guilty! My moto is what sucks to day is a memory tomorrow! I'll get on that treadmill and suck it up today! I remember before I got my band adjusted right that there was no way I could eat as little as they say. Well, here I am again going wow I can't believe that just filled me up. I can't believe I used to eat that ENTIRE burrito plate, chips, and nibble on my hubby's plate. Now if we go out to eat I get a cup of beans and like 6 chips and don't even finish the beans. The waiters are always like did you want something else with that cup of beans and look at me like I'm crazy. This is where SHOCK comes in! My brain goes in to skip mode and I get stuck on a thought. Today it has been wow I'm 99 lbs down. Wow I'm 99 lbs down. OH MY GOD WOW I'm 99 lbs down! I keep rechecking my spreadsheet just to make sure I've got the number right in my head! I keep looking at my weight loss ticker and am amazed that the weight to lose is less than the weight lost! I keep looking at my pictures and going WOW what a difference. I'm proud of my effort and it makes me want to push hard! I wish I had started a blog from the beginning so that I could see those days where I had lows and highs. Oh well woulda shoulda coulda... this is what I have. For anyone out there that thinks the band is the "easy way out" YOU ARE WRONG! A girl told me that once. My thoughts are, well keep your pride and keep your fat, I'll take the lap band
PJbanster

PJbanster

3
Ellen's Band Journey
 

Second Fill

My second fill wasn't as bad as my first but it still sucked. I got .5 CCs put in. My doctor said that I have a hard port to find but it will get easier as the weight comes off. All I can say is thank God I am not as bruised this time as I was last time. Good news is that I lost 10 pounds between fills. Things are really looking up in 2011. I hope the weight keeps coming off at a steady rate and that I don't have many major issues.
ellenmarie

ellenmarie

3
justplaintired's Blog
 

Cleared by everyone!

Well, today I had my follow up with the GI and he has cleared me for surgery.   This is a list of all specialists I have seen and been cleared by: PCP-letter of support Psychologist-cleared Cardiologist-EKG/ECHO/STRESS TEST-Cleared Pulmonolgist: Sleep Study showed Severe Apnea, CPAP-Cleared Gastro(GI)-Endoscopy showed small uclers, gastritis, esophaghitis. Meds for 2wks.-Cleared   Now it is a waiting game. I sure hope I didn't go through all of that for nothing...being declined by insurance would be awful! I switched to this pricey insurance plan because they do support bariatric surgery. If it doesn't get approved, I will then assume it wasn't meant to be and the reason for this journey was that I needed to find out that I have the apnea and the GI problems. If these things didn't get discovered, I'd have a lot more medical problems than I presently do!
justplaintired

justplaintired

0
DaleJR88's Blog
 

Working Out

I am working evening shift right now, getting ready to be off work and hit the gym. I am fortunate to have a top notch gym to use right here at work. We have everything you see in most big gyms. Go to Dr Friday and may recieve my first fill. Hope everyone has a great day!    
DaleJR88

DaleJR88

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