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LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Time again to hit the reset button!

According to my scale, I gained 2.5 lbs this weekend while on vacation. Whoops! Now, much of that (I think) is bloating which happens to me when I travel. Based on history, I feel sure I will be down at least 2 of those in the next day or two. So, while it is an annoyance, I'm not really freaked out.   However, what I am starting to notice is my general lack of discipline. I haven't been acting "out of control" per se, but I have been following more of a maintenance plan than a "losing" plan.   Interestingly, from the day I got Jax at the end of July, I logged information every single day. That is, until the first weekend in October when I went to NOLA. Then there is a gap the next weekend when I went to Indy. Then another gap the next weekend when I WAS HOME! And another gap this weekend while I was in NC. I find it interesting because for the nine weeks I wore Jax and recorded info, I lost weight every week but one.   In the four weeks since, I have lost twice and gained twice. So what does that tell me? It is obvious to me that I need the accountabilitiy.   So, I went back over this weekend and tried to log absolutely everything I ate and it is not a pretty sight. Did you know that Starbucks lemon pound cake has 500 calories?? I don't even like it that much!!   I'm sure it comes to no shock to you at all that I have a plan. :thumbup:   1. For the next 4 weeks prior to Thanksgiving, I'm going to focus on good food choices. I'm not saying it is going to be all chicken breasts and veggies, but I will truly shoot for that 1,000 calorie deficit a day. (My goal is to consume 1800-2000 calories and burn 2800-3000.)   2. But that requires exercise. So I'm adding the morning runs. This is going to be SO HARD for me. But it is time. So, twice per week (and I can choose the days that work best with my schedule), I will run in the mornings before work. This week I plan today and tomorrow.   3. Also, I will not lessen my other workouts because I have added the morning runs. That means 2-3 Jazzercise classes per week and a total of 5-7 work outs per week. This week, I will Jazzercise tonight and Thursday. I will also work out at lunch (bike or walking) Tuesday and Wednesday. Plus I have my 5K on Saturday. So, that will be 7 separate work outs for a total of 4 1/2 hours.   I know I can do it. I don't even question that anymore. I just have to make myself get it done! I need to focus on how it is going to make me feel.   By the way, I had a FABULOUS time with my friend and godson! The Outer Banks area is beautiful and the weather was spectacular. We went on a Wild Horse tour which was a lot of fun. I have included some pictures from the trip.   Happy Monday!
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

2
MU DOG's Blog
 

From: Life After the Sleeve

So I figured I'd post a (hopefully) short note on what my life is like about 5 months after my lap sleeve, for any prospective sleevers.   First, the bad news -- this is forever, and it's not a decision to be made lightly. This WILL affect the food choices you make for the rest of your life. It's probably the safest WLS surgery around (when you total up operative and perioperative risks, long-term success rates, M&M stats, and so on), but that doesn't mean it's risk- or hassle-free.   Now, let me soften the blow: it's really, really easy. Every day, I take some multivitamins -- and I was taking vitamins before the surgery, so this is no biggy. Every day, I drink a protein shake for breakfast -- not because I have to, but because they're tasty and it's quick (I'm usually in a rush in the mornings) and that way I know I'm not getting protein deficient. I have changed my eating habits dramatically -- I've slowed down my eating and drinking, and I don't eat breads any more for the most part, because I find that bread gets "stuck." It seemed like an imposition at first, but now I don't notice because I've sort of been trained. I don't even WANT bready stuff any more, and that's a HUGE change from my pre-op mentality (I was a HUGE fan of doughy, bready stuff).   I exercise, but I haven't been to a gym since my surgery, and I'm not sure I'm going to be. What I've discovered is that my activity level (or lack thereof) has NOTHING to do with my weight loss. Now, don't get me wrong -- I still do a fair amount of exercise, but that's because 1) it helps in so many OTHER ways -- I sleep better, I think better, my sex drive is better, and my occasional spells of anxiety or mild blues are pretty much gone when I'm exercising, and 2) now that I'm 70+ pounds lighter, exercise seems so EASY. I can easily run up three flights of stairs without getting winded! At 330 lbs, that would have (possibly literally) killed me! So, when exercise makes me feel so good and doesn't HURT like it used to -- why WOULDN'T I exercise? But again, my exercise "routine" consists of some push ups in the morning to keep my chest and shoulders from getting flabby, some arm curls while I'm sitting reading the news in the morning to keep my arms strong, and a 30-45 minute fitness walk at lunch every day. Honestly, it doesn't feel like I'm having to "work out" at all -- it's all so EASY -- and yet my stamina keeps going up, my arms and chest are getting very muscular. It almost feels like I'm "cheating" since there's so little work involved, but I wanted to show you that this is not like you're used to! You don't have to sweat for hours and hours in a stinky gym just to "maintain" -- post sleeve, you just have to do enough to be healthy, and honestly your body WILL reward you.   I still eat sweets -- just not very much. I still drink an occasional bottle of beer or (more likely) a mixed drink or two -- just not very much (volume or frequency). I still have days or whole weekends where I just lie around on the couch and do NOTHING at all -- no fitness walk, nothing -- and mostly munch on snack-y foods. It's not like I'm some slave to my sleeve.   And the net result of my hard, hard life? I've lost over 70 pounds with little to no effort. My weight loss shows no signs of slowing. My doctor is amazed how healthy I am at 40 -- my last blood test showed that ALL of my numbers were "within range." My sex drive -- which vanished in my 20's-30's when I was so fat -- has returned with a vengeance. My face looks much more lean and angular. My bones and muscles now show where fat used to bulge and roll out. I can easily walk over 5 miles without getting winded or sore, and could probably walk 10 miles or more -- in the right clothes and shoes, I think I could walk for days. I don't get tired. I'm already out of the "morbidly obese" category; I'm looking to be out of the "obese" category near the beginning of next year, and by the middle to end of next year -- if my weight loss progress holds steady at about 1-2 pounds per week on average -- I should be near or under 200 pounds. I started this at 330, and I haven't been under 250 in my adult life.   And all of this without any real deprivation, any really hard work (aside from meticulously following the doctor's orders), and any real cost aside from the up-front cost for the surgery.   So, I don't want to make you think this surgery is completely cost and risk free. Like everything in life -- especially everything worth having -- it has trade-offs and consequences. But as someone who has literally struggled with his weight his entire life -- 30 years, probably, and I'm only 40! -- I can tell you that this is the best medical decision I've ever made. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, my only real regret is that I didn't get a chance to do this when I was, say, 20, instead of 40. But still, I'm so very glad I made this choice.   Hopefully that will help some folks who are on the fence realize just how "normal" life after sleeve is.   Source: Life After the Sleeve   This is what I am looking forward to   Dennis
MU DOG

MU DOG

3
Blog 86697
 

Still Very Weak

Had lap band Friday. Surgery was a snap. Pure liquids for a week is leaving me feeling like crap. My clear protein drink is not helping me feel very good. Just feel woozy and tiny bit neauseated. Any suggestions for the first clear week. :thumbup:
MMJ

MMJ

3
MU DOG's Blog
 

Who is really ready?

Is any one ever really ready for what the road ahead brings? We can think and tell ourselves we are, but are we?   Many questions have gone through my mind on this journey and I would venture that a lot of those same questions and thoughts have been shared at one point or another.   For me personally, I have been contemplating this surgery since it was suggested by my doctor. Sure, she has always said you are overweight and there are risks and you need to diet etc....   I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Then I have had high cholesterol, then diagnosed recently with diabetes, next would probably have been a heart attack. I know this is about as perfect timing as it gets to get this done!   I would foolish to not be scared for the surgery, and I would be more foolish for not making the most of this tool and becoming a healthy individual for the first time in my life.   I am excited about the possibilities of setting up camp site with my family and not sweating so much that I have to take a cold shower, I am excited about cuddeling with my wife again with out the need of a c-pap in the way, I am excited about riding my bike again and making it up the entire hill. I am excited again to what the future brings!   So to answer my first question, I am as ready as I can be- I have lost 20 pds on liquid diet and I have the Love and support of my family and friends. I look forward to this journey and sharing it with everyone.
MU DOG

MU DOG

2
Blog 103516
 

I'm ready.

I have been toying with the idea of lap band surgery for over a year. A year ago, I went so far as to meet with a surgeon then chickened out. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't ready and this is such a bid deal I better be REALLY ready before I pull the trigger. So...a year later...I'm ready. I've met with another surgeon - one I liked much better than the last guy I met. I've got my calendar together so I know when what needs to happen. I've got my family onboard. I'm ready to put down all of the baggage associated with being extremely over weight. By the grace of God, I do not suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or really any ailment associated with being morbidly obese. I've spent 25 years on diet and exercise programs. I've had temporary success only to pay for it later by gaining what was lost ++. I'm exhausted with all of it and looking for the perminate solution. I know with a little help I can be the person buried under all of this. I forgot what she's like and I'm very excited to get reacquainted.:thumbup:
mebutbetter

mebutbetter

2
Blog 104238
 

I'm really nervous

I went to my first seminar appt. last month (Sept. 30). I am scheduled for my second visit on November 2nd. Since then, people have been trying to discourage me from getting the procedure. One co-worker kept saying how the body works to reject foreign objects and a family friend has had the gastric-bypass (with at least 5 trips back to the ER) advised me to consider the Gastric Sleeve for best results with a long lasting effect....which seems way too evasive for me. Anyone know of success stories of 5 yrs. plus?
mynrcircle

mynrcircle

0
Blog 99331
 

Diet Coke and Rice... not my friends anymore...

Last nite was Banster Hell.. I was in such agony for about 2hours... I had made dinner for the family ( as usual ) served myself a VERY small portion of beef stew over rice... while preparing dinner I drank a glass of Diet Coke.. I think my first one since surgery ( 9/1/10.. we never have soda in the house ) anyway.. I am sitting with the family and start to eat dinner.. immediately I feel full!!! Chest pains, tightness, burbing... all the lovely side effects.. I excuse myself ( my kids are small and I do not want tot freak them out) and I go to my bedroom where I start getting sick... but still no relief..I eat the papaya tablets.. all they do is make me foam up... terrible pain.. keep getting sick for two hours.. hubby tells me to call the doc.. 8pm on a Sunday.. really?? I am now determined to get this thing unstuck ( thinking I took too big of a bite, but I know I had not had any meat... so what is the problem!!) I will save you the gory details however... finally I realized it was the rice and soda combo that destroyed me.. of course everytime I get sick I am terrified of slippage.. but the more I read, and the more I learn in my support group.. this is pretty common.. I am obvioulsly still learning.. only just at my two month anniversary.. it is a long journey...
BandedNellie

BandedNellie

4
Blog 35207
 

3 years and counting

Well, In the past 3 years with my band, I've managed to lose 90 pounds, gain 60 pounds, and re-lose 18 pounds. I still love my band, and I am grateful that I've been able to keep it. (Knock on wood)   Even with three years of up's and down's, I'm still pulling myself up daily and trying hard to remind myself of good foods, bad foods, TRYING to exercise, and over all just be healthier for myself. Yes I struggle, yes I have weak days, yes sometimes I give in to temptation. Guess what? I'm human!   I have advise to those that are newly banded. Don't let anyone, including yourself, try and convince you that being banded is "An easy way out" or a "short cut to being healthy". It's quite the contrary.
LaurenKauf

LaurenKauf

0
Cleosan 52- Sandy
 

And Go

Ready, set...   Well, the time has finally came. This is the day that God has decreed in my life, and I am walking in it. Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.   I'm off with hubby, we have to be at the hospital at 5am and surgery is schedule for 7am. When I wake up, I will be headed to the losers bench for once and for all. Oct 25th is a new day for me, it's the first day of my new life. I weighed myself this morning and too my measurements. I'm 286, that's 38 lbs lost pre-op!   I am not naive to think that magically I will lose all my weight and life will be all hunky-dory. What I know is, I am given a new chance, a new "tool" that can "help" me keep my weight off. Ultimately, I am in control of what I put in my mouth and how I use this tool in the future. I just thank God that I have the opportunity to do so.
Cleosan52

Cleosan52

0
Blog 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! Easy Cooking Cheese Ravioli With Pumpkin Sauce

Think “out of the box” with this recipe…pumpkin isn’t just for pies anymore! Used in any dish, soups, stews and more, canned pumpkin adds beta carotene (vitamin A) and fiber. As the perfect thickening ingredient in creamy sauces, canned pumpkin can take the place of most higher fat ingredients (butter or cream) for a dish with less total fat, saturated fat and calories. My husband and family could not believe that the sauce was a pumpkin sauce they loved this dish and so do I. This dish will have your mouth doing a dance of happiness ENJOY!!   Makes Servings: 6 Per Serving 240 calories: Cheese Ravioli with Pumpkin Sauce   Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes Cook Time: Approximately 25 minutes   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
Blog 79584
 

Way Too Long..............

It has been way too long since I have posted anything. There have been so many things going on in my life that I forgot about this wonderful sight. I want to say that I have had good weeks and bad weeks but don't we all? Is having this lap band a challenge? YES!! But it is a challenge I will face head on every day! I have to constantly remind myself that this is a life journey. I took many years to put this weight on and I have to realize that it WILL take a while to take it off. I will celebrate my one year Band-aversary on Nov 12, 2010 and so far I have lost almost 80 pounds. I want to encourage everyone here to take this journey with your eyes wide open. There is a beginning, a very long, but rewarding middle, and though we may reach our weight goal.....the journey never ends, and that's NOT a bad thing because WE ARE WORTH every tear shed, every ounce of sweat at the gym, and every pound lost!   Take Care my Lap-Band friends May we all celebrate our successes together.   Salty1986:thumbup:
salty1986

salty1986

2
Blog 98300
 

Surgery

Hi all,   I had my surgery on Oct 19, & things went well. I AM WALKING EVERY DAY & today made it 2 miles, is this good or should ido more? also I have drainage from my insion so i am a little concerned. any input would be appreciated:smile2:
fall1962

fall1962

2
Blog 102447
 

Feeling blah.......

Day 5 post-op....I'm feeling a little blah. I'm tired of the same liquids....YUCK....Thank goodness I'm not really feeling hungry. I cooked last night for the 1st time and I was very proud that I didn't want to eat what I had cooked. My family has been great through all this. I'm ready for the SOFT phases.....:smile2:
dooney

dooney

4
Blog 100399
 

Almost One Week Post-Op!

So I have survived my surgery. When they went in I had a hiatal hernia & they repaired it. So my side is a little bit more sore than usual.   I promised I would be honest. The gas pains really sucked!:w00t: Today I am 7 days post-op & the gas pains have finally subsided. The constipation isn't too great either:cursing: All I can say is WALK WALK WALK!   I have been off my pain meds since Friday by choice because I have to start driving on Monday & wanted my system to be totally clean and because they don't help with the constipation.   I havent been very hungry....I drink 4oz. every hour & I do two protein shakes a day. I have been using the Chocolate UNJURY & I mix it with Skim Plus Milk with Fiber & Ice & put it in my new Ninja smoothie maker. Definitely does not taste as bad as it smells & it only has 200 calories with 31 grams of protein. So I meet my protein quota everyday.   I got on the scale this morning and ALL together I have lost 19 pounds. :smile2:   The recovery has been longer than I expected BUT I also had the hernia:frown:. For the people who say they went to work three day post-op I say Kudos to them.   My family has been very supportive and I really would have been lost without them:wub:   My next doctor appointment is November 2nd & hopefully I move onto the mushie phase:w00t::smile2:.   I will keep updating..............
BRINA913

BRINA913

1
Blog 90427
 

Wow

I hope you are all having a great Sunday.   I am so excited. I weighed in today at the gym and I was 210.2. I lost over 2 lbs this week giving me a total weight loss of 41.2 lbs since my Lap Band surgery on June 21!   Prior to my LP, I was on Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutra System, etc, etc, etc. Each time I reached a 25lb loss, I would stall. That was it, all she wrote, the game was over. Then I would gain it all back, plus more.   I am so close to the onederland that I can almost touch it. So, what do you call when you are 210-219? My trainer says you are in the countdown. OK, so I am in the countdown.   I have my 2nd fill scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'll see if the doctor feels that I need it. I got 1cc in my 14cc band at about 9 weeks, so we will see what they do tomorrow, which starts my 18 week.   Well, enjoy the rest of your Sunday. :smile2:
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
Blog 80125
 

First goal met!!!

My first goal of having lost more then I need to lose, has been met! I am so happy! Go check out my signature and you will see. :smile2: My second goal of being under 200 is getting close...I can not wait for this one!!! It's the one that means the most to me. :smile2: Hope to be posting on here soon...
Theresa'sMom415

Theresa'sMom415

4
Blog 102470
 

In limbo in bandster hell

I've survived a cheating husband, losing my house and then getting it back, LAP-BAND® surgery.... So, why does bandster hell feel so awful? I think I've been ranting and raving about how I wanted to get the LAP-BAND® and now that I have it people are all looking at me thinking, "what's the big deal? She hasn't lost much weight!" Which is true. I've actually lost only 11 of the many many pounds I need to lose. I'm 3 and a half weeks out and the only weight I've lost is the weight I lost during the liquid diet. At least I haven't gained any weight. I can actually get into the pants I've been squeezing myself into for the last 6 months. That's good too.   But, this waiting thing for the first fill is so frustrating. My physician's assistant said, "think of this as a practice time. Practice taking small bites and eating small quantities." I have absolutely no restriction. And worse, no will power. This really sucks! Can't wait for the first fill on November 10th.   :smile2:
cnewstine

cnewstine

8
Blog 102690
 

Beginning this process

I have made the decision to have Lap Band surgery and have just begun the process of preliminary tests. I am going to meet with pcp next week and have a nutrition appt. the 2nd of Nov. and a psych appt. the 12th. I did not come to the decision to do this surgery quickly. My life has been filled with diets. I've tried everything from Weight Watchers (lifetime member since jr. high) to phentramine. I have a wonderfully supportive husband who loves me as I am. However, I don't love me as I am. I have no energy to play with my kids. I want to be able to cross my legs when I sit. I want to be around for awhile and have a good quality of life. I was filling out the paperwork for the surgeon and it asked the question how long have you been obese? It hit me then I have been categorically obese since I was 25 years old(I'm 41 now)...how did I get here? I am praying that all of this turns out as I wish it. That the tests go quickly and smoothly and that insurance does not become an issue. I want to begin anew. I am so looking forward to this next chapter of my life and can't wait to get started!!:smile2:
sophinator

sophinator

3
Share my world....
 

Exciting

My best friend and I decided to shop at Khol's, the old me would sit around watching my friends shop and I just help them pick out clothes. But this time my friend was making try on different things, and at first I wouldn't because I was afraid that it wouldn't fit. But the XL fits great. I never owned a Mudd shirt and I love their clothes its just that I was never able to wear them. I did buy this Mudd sweater and I'm happy. I can finally shop for shirts and I don't have to go to a special store to get them. Now my pants however is still a plus size at this time. But I am sliming in my legs now that i see pictures that I've taken of me. I didn't notice it before though, but everybody notices. Men at my job been hitting on me lately, but I rather not talk to men I work with. Anyway, everythings been good. :smile2:
HoneyBrown

HoneyBrown

8
Blog 40423
 

I've Changed for the better

Hey, it's been a while, almost a year actually and I have had several setbacks. Despite starting this journey to weight loss with my husband, I am now divorced. If you remember we had the surgery done together and he was at a high weight of 312, well now he is down to 212 now and we are divorced. He lost the weight and lost his damn mind and cheated. Needless to say, it really took a toll on me and I literally ate myself back up to 213 lbs :w00t:. After all of the crying and yelling and then finally the divorce in June 2010, I am starting to get back to me.   While my recent pics show that I am doing great, that scale isn't giving me the number that I need. I actually got down to 176, but through this painful experience I literally had to have an ECG done where the doctor had to take everything out of my band back in August of this year. I had expanded my pouch and it was swollen like crazy. I had my first fill since then just last week and I am headed in the right direction. I am now weighing 206. My biggest turning point was when I had some extra cash and wanted to go shopping and realized that I had to SQUEEZE into my size 16's and actually had to go shopping for some size 18's:cursing:. I actually broke down in Lane Bryant. I just knew that I was finished with them.   Needless to say, I am refocused and determined to get to 170 :smile2:. WHile I know it will take me until around January to do that, it will be fine with me. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.   I have also decided to have a photo shoot of myself every 4 months, so I can see the progress and continue to celebrate myself in pictures. :smile2:
jlg

jlg

10

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