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Blog 68671
 

Easter Challenge - Weigh in Time!!! (2nd)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...tVXcwd0E&hl=en   Hello Everyone, Yay it's Friday!!!! and our second week of weigh in. As usual I didn't log my weight loss at home...alway rushing to get to work, but I did do well. I lost 3lbs. Kept it high protein and very very low carb this week!! Didn't really exercise this week bc TOM was here.(excuse, excuses!) How was ur week?
kdee

kdee

1
Blog 79676
 

banded in november pregnant in december!

Just like the title says, I was banded in November and got pregnant in December. Much to my surprise. I didn't think that I would be able to have children without fertility treatments of some type. I was diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian syndrome about 10 years ago. We were between birth control methods because the pills I was on were raising my blood pressure. So I'm scared and happy. I've only had one fill, lost about 46pounds, and can eat about 2cups at a time of anything I want. I am still loosing weight but slowly. Only about a half pound a week. I'm sure my dr will want to remove all of my fill. Its fine, I trust him. I'm going to work hard to be as healthy as possible for me and my little baby. Crazy what life can give you :smile: So far no vomiting :thumbup:
bandster

bandster

7
LuuLuu's Random Thoughts
 

Friend turned Jerk

Made friend on here that turned out to be a jerk...makes me sad in my heart. I know there are jerks everywhere online but really? A weight loss support site?!?   There is just no reason.
LuuLuu

LuuLuu

5
LuuLuu's Random Thoughts
 

Guess who is down 17lbs pre-surgery?

I have one more appt before I can apply for approval, I am down 17lbs which I am proud of, and now I am getting....   "can't you just keep doing it on your own?"     Uh. No. Or I would have a LONG time ago. I don't know how to make others understand.   L.
LuuLuu

LuuLuu

3
Blog 85448
 

CPAP Crap

Drove 45 minutes through a driving rain/snow mix to my mandatory CPAP fitting/sleep study. Dutifully put on my PJ's at 7pm and had wires attached to my scalp with what looked like balls of lard. Add to this 2 EKG moniters, an elastic sensor belt around my chest and another on my waist, moniters on each leg and a pulse-ox moniter on my finger. Gee - don't I feel snoozy? Then put me in a too warm room(again) where the hospital's over head central heat system sounds like the runway at JFK and hook up a miniature torture device complete with a built in bubbling humidifier - the CPAP. Started out with one that covered my entire nose attached with straps around my head. It felt like an octopus was attached to my face. Not good for a claustrophobic like me. I tossed and turned for a good 2 hours before begging them to take it off. I was feeling stressed out, heart racing and panicky. A trip to the bathroom revealed a big red ring around my nose. The nurse insisted that because I was doing this for surgery I had to put it or an alternative back on. The alternative - what looked like two mini button mushrooms; one in each nostril. Again strapped to my head - this thing was pushing air up my nose to the point it felt like it was breathing for me. Attempt to open your mouth or pull it a bit away from you face to adjust it and it clamped on like an alien life form. Laid awake for another three hours before asking to get up to use the bathroom. Since it was 5am the nurse said I could just go ahead and get up - she'd unwire me. I asked her if she got what she needed and she said that she hadn't since I didn't sleep. I apologized, but I am a serious life-long light sleeper who needs a cool, dark room and quiet. I asked if this would hold up my surgery - she told me I'd have to discuss this with my doctor. Odd thing is - earlier in the evening I asked her if everyone having elective surgery has to go to sleep lab. She told me that it's pretty much standard that all bariactric patients go...Interesting, considering I have no markers for sleep apnea. Does make me question how much of this testing it just wheel spinning and profit driven.:smile:
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

1
Blog 61243
 

Down another 5lbs! Sweet!!!

SO I went to my 2 week check up and expressed my concerns of moving too fast. He was not concerned since I was doind what I was told...working thru the stages.   my incisions were good, and I had no issues other than my worrries which he said not to worry about. So I wait 4 more weeks and see what I lose.   I got up this am...and I was at 245!!! It has been 2 yrs at least since I have been under 250. And the thought that late last year I was at 280+ amazes me that it is gone so quickly.   I feel great great great. I have had NO food problems. I chew, chew and chew. I have to sip a little liquid now and then but dont full on gulp it. I actually had filet mignon a 1/4 of a baked potato, and some squash, Obviously not the whole peice of meat. It was great, and NO problem getting it in, and keeping it in. CHEW. I ate with my family like a normal person :smile:     Only excersize he said was walk 5 minutes a day---I thought Dude I do that 10 times over in a day!   I worry I will drop 50 and just stop...but I guess negative 50 is better than gaining any. So just gonna go with the flow.   Anyone have an excersize program they like? Curves? or something you do at home??
Hotenuf2

Hotenuf2

2
Blog 1175
 

clothes!!

okay tonight after work i went to cato's to try on some clothes. we are going on a trip to gatlinberg, tn with family in march, so i wanted to find some shirts that fit better and was not falling off of the shoulders. this is what i found. walked in the store and looked on the women's size clearance rack. tried on 2 pair of jeans that were an 18W and realized they were too big. so then i went on the regular side of the store and started trying on large and x-large tops. i bought 3 large tops. yes i said large. i have gone from a 3xl to a large!! i also fit into an 18 regular pair of jeans!!! couldn't believe it. that is amazing... good luck to all of you guys. i am still in amazement..:w00t:
lauramomof3

lauramomof3

5
Blog 1502
 

My Journey

I am writing this with a heavy heart and just need to get somethings off my mind. I meet with my surgeon on Monday 3/1/10, the day after my 29th birthday. I am in no way concerned about the surgery, at this point it's a must in order to be around for my son. What's been on my mind the most is seeing myself THIN, I have been overweight my entire life. No I have not been the 337 lbs I am now but even at 12 I was 180 lbs. Nobody I know really understands being overweight, for them weight is something that hinders them from getting that new dress or fitting into some slacks. I or no one I know has HAD to have WLS. Currently when I tell family/friends they ask me are you sure? When I get asked that I want to tell them WLS is not elective surgery for overweight people its a way for us to live!!! Oh well wish me luck on Monday I have UHC insurance and I'm told they move pretty fast with their approvals.
stlvoy02

stlvoy02

6
Bird's Nest
 

I'm overweight !

As of yesterday, I am officially OVERWEIGHT ! My BMI fell below 30 to 29.9 and I didn't notice until today. I thought I still had a few pounds to go to get out of the obese category. This is another big milestone for me. I think I feel about right for this too. I do feel overweight and no longer feel obese. Whooo! Hooo! MORE HAPPY DANCING!!!! (does all the happy dancing count as exercise? lol) :smile:
Humming Bird

Humming Bird

5
Blog 49252
 

Alice in One-der-land, Episode One

Once there was a woman named Alice who fell down a spiraling hole of guilt and shame while following an elusive White Rabbit of Beauty. She discovered a magical place called One-der-land, though at first it seemed a place of madness and horror. I'll occasionally recount (not in chronological order because this is a place of madness, after all, at least to Alice) some of her adventures.     Alice landed at the bottom of the Shame Spiral in tears, her body shattered by so many years of abuse, both from within Alice herself and from others, who felt she didn't deserve anything. She wondered if she'd ever be able to get up, but she managed to heave herself erect and walk, still hoping for another glimpse of the beautiful White Rabbit. Alice had to rest often, and had trouble breathing, but the path seemed familiar somehow, as if she'd traveled upon it or at least seen it many times. Her feet swelled, her knees hurt, and upon occasion she considered just lying down at the side of the path and becoming another one of the many grave markers just visible through the thorny bushes. Still, something inside her refused to allow her to give up. She had to keep fighting.     Finally, an angel in a white coat smiled at her. "You've been approved. Step forward. Your new journey can begin. At the end of your time here, you will see the White Rabbit if you are patient and work hard."     In a clearing sat a man wearing another white coat, but this man was unlike any other she'd ever seen. In his own charming way, he was handsome, and his eyes were kind. He invited her to sit and rest at his table, where a fascinating array of things were laid out. Some were gruesome body parts in frames or on pedestals. Some were the familiar diet protein shakes she'd starved herself with many times. Other things were not easy to describe and made no sense.     Her handsome new friend tried desperately to make himself understood. Alice leaned forward, for he seemed so earnestly trying to explain something important, but though he spoke English soon his words were gibberish, and Alice knew in her heart it was her fault she couldn't understand him anymore.     What she had understood was that he would help her, if she would obey the rules of One-der-land. He'd given her a few, and told her she must discover the rest for herself. All would be revealed to her slowly, allowing her to adjust to this new and frightening world. Then the man vanished, and Alice was left alone wondering what to do next.     A cheerful fairy peeked in. Her bright eyes and sleek figure made Alice very envious, but she was so sweet and charming, Alice couldn't stay angry with her for long. The fairy danced up to Alice. "Hi! My name is Locarb! I just know we're going to be friends!"     Now Alice was very suspicious. She'd heard of Locarb fairies, and they could be very vicious, even expensive, to keep as friends. Alice narrowed her eyes. "Are you going to make me buy ridiculously expensive things I don't know how to use, limit me, and put me in a very narrow box?"     Locarb's laugh was the tinkle of bells! "No, no! That's what happens when YOU limit ME!" The fairy reached into her basket and pulled out a white mound of something creamy, covered in a brightly colored sauce, served in a small bowl. "Here, I'll prove myself. This treat is for you. This magical treat will keep you from being naughty and disobeying the Lord and Master, whom you just met. You may only have this once a day, so choose wisely when you have it."     Alice looked longingly at the white creamy stuff, served so very prettily. It looked like the evil poisons that had made her addicted and ill. Her body craved those poisons like an alcoholic craved liquor, and so she feared them all. She sniffed it cautiously. "I smell raspberries...and cream."     Locarb nodded, her cute blonde curls bobbing. "Yes. I assure you, you can have this. I'll allow you to have this early today, just to show my good intentions."     Her fingers shook, but Alice licked her lips and took a tiny taste. Raspberry and something like cheesecake exploded on her tongue and slid down her throat like ambrosia from the gods. Alice's eyes filled with tears. She put the spoon back in the bowl and pushed it all aside. She sobbed. "I can't have things like this! They're poisoning me. Please, take it away before I gulp it all down! I'm already sick from things like this. It's too delicious and wonderful for evil creatures like me."     The fairy picked up the spoon and put it back in Alice's hand. "Yes, you can have it. Trust me. It's expensive in calories, but there are only 8 carbs in this treat, and it will keep you from wanting the poisons you have been eating. Now, enjoy your treat. I will help you, if you let me."     "Okay, but it's your fault if I get fatter." Alice sniffled, and ate all the contents of the bowl slowly, savoring every drop. When she went too fast, the fairy tugged at her hand until she slowed down. Finally, the bowl was empty. Alice waited for the horrible sugar rush that temporarily gave her energy, then sent her crashing to the earth with less than she'd had before. The rush never came. In fact, she felt...good. "Oh my! What was that?"     Locarb leaned close. "The legend of no desserts in One-der-land is false, and always has been. However, like all treasures, it must be sought and enjoyed wisely. This is your first weapon in the war against the addiction that has poisoned you all your life." She pressed a small piece of paper in Alice's hand. "Use it wisely and well, or it will do you no good!"     Locarb's Creamy Treat 2 servings 400 calories/ 8 carbs     1 block of cream cheese 2 T. Splenda 2 T. milk, cream, or half-n-half 2 T. any sugar-free syrup such as Torani or daVinci (see links) per serving     Open the cream cheese package and drop the cream cheese into the bowl of your food processor. Add the Splenda and cream. Whirl, using a spatula at least once to get the creamy mix off the sides of the bowl if necessary, until the substance is light and fluffy. Place in a small sherbet bowl. Pour sugar-free syrup over each serving, as desired. Eat slowly.     Copyright: Lena Austin 2010 Do not distribute without direct written permission from the author.     ::NOTE-- the opinions and ideas expressed in this blog are my own, and opinions are like anuses. We all have them and they all stink. Except mine, which smells like roses.
voiceomt2002

voiceomt2002

1
Blog 85448
 

Insurance and the Psycho PsyD

Still no adjustment to my claims re; the PsyD I had to pay out-of-pocket, so I called BCBS for a status report. Oops - It was "bumped back" for lack of a service date. "That's odd?", I said - "It's right there in the invoice...". After sending me an email telling me their going to give me full credit toward my deductible for this out-of-pocket payment, now they're telling me that since claims have already been posted and attributed toward my deductible, the PsyD has to submit the claim, reimburse me and wait for the EOB to see what if anything she can bill me. Apparently BCBS left a lengthy message for the PsyD today...a week after I call in the incident. Want to guess how long this is going to take?:smile:
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

1
Blog 85448
 

Thoughts on Insurance

There was a forum question re; doctors "scamming" patients which got me thinking. I have a commercial insurance background and stay on top of my medical insurance claims as I've had a number of denials over the years which were actually mistakes on the part of the carrier's claims adjustor.   Sadly, turnover in insurance companies is high. Burnout especially in the claims area is understandable due to the stress. Often the people hired have minimal experience in the field and no medical background. It really is in your best interest to know your policy and ask questions.   I don't think the United States needs universal health care, but we sure do need reform and oversight. Here are some great example from my own claims generating from the pre-surgical process:   *Basic Bloodwork $832(Billed to BCBS); $104 (BCBS - Allowed) - Required although I'd just had bi-annual labs with my primary two months prior.   *Medifast Nurse (15mins) $82.22(Billed to BCBS); $22.93 (BCBS - Allowed) - Didn't even include the Medifast product   *Pulmonologist (30 mins) $263 (Billed to BCBS); $134(BCBS - Allowed) - Wow; he asked the same questions already asked by another dept at the same facility and available online. Listened to my heart and lungs and told me that despite no flags for sleep apnea I had to go to sleep lab and have another "pre-surgical" appt with him.   This is why I love the Mayo Clinic. Their doctors are salaried and while their services are not cheap, they test because it's necessary not to gin up charges.
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

1
Blog 1380
 

The stall is over!!!

I think I broke the record for the longest stall ever. I lost count, but we were almost 23 days and counting. But the scale moved... finally!!! One thing I did differently was cut back on my carbs and increasing my protein. I don't know if it was because of this, or if my body just quit holding on to the weight, but either way, I am just happy the scale finally moved.   I have also started dancing classes and really enjoy it. Makes working out a lot less stressful.
filodough

filodough

2
Blog 82709
 

Giby97, 3rd "FILL" on Saturday 27 Feb 10

It's time for a my third Fill. :thumbup: Traveling to Seoul Korea again early Sat.:smile: This "Fill" will mean I have 6 cc's in a 11 cc band. And liquids for a few days.:smile2: Can't Wait as I am sure the weight loss will occur. Weight has decreased to 243#s from 270, 4 Jan 10.:smile: Not bad with some exercise thrown in.:thumbup: Feeling more energetic everyday, wearing old clothes stored away during the past few years and feeling great about myself is the positive results of having lap band surgery.:thumbup: Glad I did it.:thumbup:
Giby97

Giby97

4
Blog 86711
 

Waiting for the insurance ok...

I am going crazy waiting to hear form my insurance company. I think they are trying to get me to give up and not have this done. We have been denied now more times than I can count. The funny part is that they have everything they are looking for. :thumbup: I have gone thru the sleep study and wow that was the weirdest thing I have ever done! All my pre testing is done and I am jsut waiting fo rthe insurance. I must admit i am a little nervous. I mean I know this is what I want to do! I know I can be successful at it. I am trying to ease myself in tothe pre surgury diet now before I have to do it. I LOVE UNJURY Protein!!! I tis so good. I mix it with the 1/2 skim and 1/2 skim milk cubes that I have frozen. It is totally like a milkshake!!!! My son even tested it one day and thought mom should you have this? :smile: I am a workout girl, so I am worried as to how long before I will be able to get back into that after surgury? I will keep you posted thru my progress and let you know how I do. Right now I am at 227 and hope to go to 135 by the end of this...that was my before babies weight...
debG239

debG239

3
Blog 1118
 

Week 13 Update

I usually post my 'weigh day' on Fridays, but I always weigh Thursday to 'prepare' myself for my post on Fridays (in case its not too good..lol) But decided to post today cause when I weighed this a.m. I lost 6...yes...six pounds! A total of 52 pounds!! (doin the happy dance around my livin' room) yay!!! I was really surprised because the past few weeks I'd lost only a pound or 2...We celebrated the saints winning the Super Bowl, and Mardi Gras almost back to back, so contributed all my adult beverages to my slow down. I've been more active but still haven't really done any organized exercise (bad me) I'm going to take my measurements later and post the inches lost. I am still never hungry and am reminding myself to eat constantly. My current favorite snacks are peppered beef jerky & string cheese. I'm doing better with my water intake in spite of the head cold that my fiance' so graciously gave me. Other than that, life is great...LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!:w00t:
Shontel

Shontel

2
Blog 52574
 

Bad Habits, Goals, and Commitment

The past 10 days have been kinda rough for me. I stopped losing and had a bunch of water weight come on w/TOM. The truth is I wasn't sure if it was JUST water weight because I haven't been perfect. Still having issues of slacking off on exercise and letting empty calories creep back in. And, yes, I do not have great restriction right now. I already have my 3rd fill scheduled for Monday. But, if I want to keep losing (regardless of where I am w/fills), I need to dig deep and do what I can to facilitate the weightloss.   With the very limited experience I have w/the band so far, I would say that the band is giving me 1 pound of weightloss per week if I just minimally work it. But, if I want 2+ pounds per week, I need to minimize those pesky empty calories and maximize my exercise.   So, then comes the challenge of what goals to make for myself for changing my behavior. My favorite empty calories come in the form of wine and martinis! :smile: I've been good about cutting way back, but its so easy to let one night/week turn into two nights if a friend calls and invites me out. And, when I've made goals for exercise like three times per week, its easy to not exercise on Monday cause you have the rest of the week to get those three times in. And, then its Thursday and you haven't exercised yet, but you never really decided when the week STARTS so do you just start over or exercise three days straight?   Well, I finally had an epiphany of sorts. I really really want to lose 10 pounds per month. This is the pace that gets me excited because I can picture what weight I will be in March, April, etc... onto July for my birthday, and August when we go to Hawaii. I just think it would be a perfect amount to lose per month and a challenge, but not unattainable if I put the work in.   So, I've made a new goal for myself and that is that I simply do not drink any alcohol until I've lost my 10 pounds for the month and I exercise EVERY day so there is no debate over whether this is an exercise day or not. I need to stop the mind games! So total abstinence and total adherence until I meet my goal for the month is the best I think.   And, once I reach goal, I can use the same technique, but make it that I do not drink or skip a day of exercise unless I am at or below my goal weight on that day. Do you think this will finally keep me in line??? :smile:   Well, so far I haven't had any drinks since my friend's birthday party last Friday and I've exercised every day since Monday. And, yesterday I got so busy during the day that I realized at 9:30pm that I had not exercised yet. And, guess what I did??? Yes, I actually hopped on the treadmill and walked for 30 minutes while watching TV instead of just laying on the couch. Oh yeah, I am proud of myself! I am gonna stick to this!!! :thumbup:
adagray

adagray

5
Blog 76159
 

Adjusting @ three weeks out!

Boy...there are a lot of adjustments to make after having this surgery! I mean -I knew all about the small bites, chewing well and stuff. I guess the head hunger vs. real hunger is a biggy. I must say that I am only just now starting to feel hungry in between meals. At first it was more that I wanted flavor and texture, not that I was hungry. I am FINALLY on normal foods but I have noticed that I have been getting a little bit of an upset stomach after I eat, especially in the morning. Also, I have added back two protein shakes a day since they seem to keep me full longer and I don't mind the taste. I guess for me it is safe until I start eating with my stomach and NOT my eyes. I also have to- have to -have to -have a small snack between lunch and dinner otherwise I feel like I could eat everything in sight including the pets! And do it without taking small bites or chewing well. Good thing I go for my first fill in five days. Hope I will feel some sort of restriction.
outside*looking*in

outside*looking*in

3
Blog 1645
 

8 Days Out

I have to admit that each day I feel better and better. I have managed to stay off caffeine for the last week, and I wonder how much of my pookey feelings are a matter of carb and caffeine withdrawal. I bought some of the Greek nonfat yogurt and YUM! I am enjoying that and a half can of tuna fish today for lunch and I am in HEAVEN! :w00t: I forgot how yummy tuna fish tasted. I am trying to stick to a low carb diet, because from what I have read on several blogs, that seems to aid a lot in the pounds coming off. I'm going to bring my tennis shoes & I-Pod to work tomorrow so that I can start walking on my lunch hour. I used to spend half my morning dreaming of where I was going to stuff my face for lunch, it's kind of cool to have freed up an entire half an hour of my day to spend on myself instead of driving around town "food hunting". I am still having some pain on my lower left side, but at least my spirits are up.
shellshell

shellshell

3
Blog 85448
 

On the diet, sleep lab and other updates

Was hoping to avoid that second trip to the sleep lab tonight - using my unplowed 90' driveway of snow as an excuse...sadly, must go or the surgeon will cancel the surgery. Guess the hubs better get home early and get to work shoveling:laugh:   Was so hungry yesterday I ate a couple of whole grain waffles and a bagel. Was prepared for the worst when I stepped on the scale. DOWN - to within a pound and a half of my pre-surgery goal weight. My nutritionist said that when you're on an extremely low calorie fasting diet, your metabolism slows down to accommedate less fuel coming in. By eating a little more I "tricked" my body into feeling like everything's status quo.   Added one packet of nutrasweet to the Jillian Michaels shake - cuts that horrid stevia bittersweet aftertaste. Managed to choke it down...
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

3
Blog 1110
 

Two NSV's this week.

I have felt like I'm losing very slowly since surgery, but I have to realize that my age, and the fact that I haven't been exercising much has a lot to do with it. I know it's a journey that takes time, but it's in my nature to be impatient. lol   I had two NSV's (None Scale Victories) this week. The first was being able to scoot the seat up in our jeep and actually reach the pedals. Normally my belly prevented me from being ablet to scoot up far enough to push the clutch down to the floor. Now I can!! woohooo. The second was that I tried a pair of 18 jeans on today and they fit!!! I haven't worn a size 18 in a long time. I've dropped 2 - 3 sizes since surgery. Makes me feel wonderful.   To anyone questioning whether this will work or not...I does!!! Trust me.   Happy Thursday all! :w00t:
Barbara278

Barbara278

6
Blog 397
 

Monday weigh day

Been off of the scale...I know I have gained weight..:crying: getting my unfill Monday. :ack2: I'll be sleeved before I know it! Reading other posts about folks at goal and eating normal foods will get me thru this. Love this board. Going to make Monday my weigh day.:w00t:
Dee

Dee

0

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