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3rd Band Fill Today

:thumbup:Well, I had my 3rd band fill today. I told the doctor that it was time to tighten things up, that I haven't had that much restriction yet. He withdrew the liquid to see how much was in...4.5 ccs as we thought. He added it back plus almost 2 more. He said that I am almost at 6 and that my band would hold 9 and be closed at that. So, he also said liquids only for awhile. Let's see how it goes. I had surgery on October 7th and have lost 40.5 pounds since. I have lost a total from 309 to 257.5 in total since being my largest. I have joined Curves and really enjoy it. I like that I don't have to adjust machines and weights. I have so much more energy already. I hope my husband can keep up!

hiltoncats

hiltoncats

 

Bleh

I've got a cold.   I've got a cold and a fairly tight band.   Food is not my friend (well, unless it's junk food, which is just not fair, junk food should stick, not real food!!!).   So I'm sitting her nursing my hot tea and whining to anyone who will listen (or read), just had to share my misery.   Done whining now.

SoccerMomma73

SoccerMomma73

 

First vacation after surgery

I love to fly...I really do. I did not like having to put my seatbelt on while flying, though, since it barely fit and when I managed to get the belt buckled, it was so uncomfortable. I was ashamed to ask for a belt extender - I would rather be uncomfortable than call attention to my largeness. However - last Thursday, I boarded a plane to Dallas, and as I buckled the belt, and tightened it in, and had about four inches of slack. I literally sat in my seat with tears of joy rolling down my face. My daughter managed to snap a photo of the seatbelt for me, and every time I look at it, I am in awe of this transformation of me.(I attached the photo below) I still look like me, at least I think so when I see myself in the mirror, but the me I see on the scale is most certainly a lighter me. I think my brain forgot how well the belt fit on the way down to Dallas, since on the way home, I stretched it out to the point where it is all folded over (right at the very end) and then had to pull it tighter....ahhhh. I cannot even put into words the joy in my heart. My flight was four months after my surgery - 52 pounds lighter, and so much happier.

1019Joanne

1019Joanne

 

First fill "again"!

Sorry guys for the incorrect link to my "blogspot" blog. The real link for it is below. Thanks to BG. Please forgive me I'm as technically challenged as a 2 year old sometimes. :rolleyes2:   I am scheduled for my first fill tomorrow at 10:30am. I will be blogging to tell all about it as soon as I get home... so look for me (and please follow. And if you have a blog let me know the link. I will return the following of course) Thanks!   Here's my real blog link: 2010's New Life 4 Me!!!

sdh5463

sdh5463

 

On the final leg of my journey to bandom

Had my pre-op appointment at my surgeon's office yesterday. It was just another lecture on what to expect. I didn't get much out of it because you people already told me everything.   Then went to the hospital today where I will have surgery next Tuesday for a pre-op there. Once again, pretty uneventful. Gave blood and peed in a cup.   I should be excited and/or nervous but I am not. I just want to get it over with.   I haven't eaten real food in over 2 weeks and it is going to be at least another 5 weeks. I am not hungry but I miss food.

btrieger

btrieger

 

The Psycho PsyD

Here's a laugh...a gal from my baratric support group and a family friend both saw the same PsyD as I did and we all came to the conclusion that this woman was nuts or just doing it for the money.   In my case she asked me over the phone for my insurance info so she could confirm my coverage. At the consult she told me since I hadn't met my deductible I'd have to pay her out of pocket then and there. When I told her this wasn't the way my plan worked she had a mini-meltdown and I ponied up rather than to reschedule what turned out to be pointless.   She wasn't able to finish the survey and had to call me one night the following week to finish up!?! Then she emailed me my invoice and told me she'd also file it with my insurance company. When she didn't, I sent her a reminder note and she told me that since she'd sent me the invoice it was my job to handle reimbursement!?!?   I called my insurance company to find out how to do this and they told me it was her job and that she'd overcharged me - i.e., not the negotiated rate for my carrier. They're planning to review her contract and advise her that she's in the wrong!:rolleyes2:

RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

 

Real People In My Life

The people in my life are so great! I am so fortunate to have very supportive family, friends and co-workers. They all have lifted my spirits during this journey.   Last week a Dr. (who I have worked with for over 10 years and consider family) told me I was looking like a stick woman. He struggles with weight himself and said it as a compliment. Of course I don't look like a stick woman, as I am still a couple pounds into the obese category, but his compliment made me feel good. Today one of my co-workers told me how great I was looking and that she could tell I was feeling better. She said "you look like a different person." She has been so supportive from day one and has considered LAP-BAND® in the past. Now, after seeing my results, she is going for it! She has a consult next week. My spirits are lifted :rolleyes2:

Humming Bird

Humming Bird

 

Depressed

My husband and I go Saturday (2-27) for the LAP-BAND® seminar. Why should I be depressed you ask? Simple. In order for my insurance to pay for the surgery, I have to be morbidly obese (no surprise there) or, obese with other major heath issues.   I'm five pounds under the magic fat zone. I've always been healthy, no high blood pressure, no diabetes. What I do have is asthma and this makes exercise very difficult. The amount of weight my frame is carrying around makes my asthma even worse! Unfortunately, asthma is NOT one of the issues that will qualify me without those extra five pounds.   I'm going and praying that I somehow qualify. I'm tired of being fat. I'm tired of dieting and starving myself to lose weight, only to gain it all back and more. I'm tired of my self esteem being in the toilet (a dirty toilet at that!).   I'll be back after I get the word. Wish me luck!

lamurphy2009

lamurphy2009

 

Sleep Lab Part Deux

What a surprise - despite no hallmarks for sleep apnea I was forced to go to the sleep lab and attempt to sleep in a hot room with two loud fans and wires all over my head and face plus two tight elastic bands across my chest. Now I have to go back to be fitted for a CPAP(cha-ching$$$). I keep hearing this scenario from other patients - that it's almost pre-decided you have sleep apnea...:rolleyes2:

RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

 

Missing blog entry...

I have been having trouble with my internet connection and accessing this site the last few days. I just noticed that my blog entry from yesterday didn't actually make it to posting. It was brilliant too, I tell you. Brilliant! :rolleyes2: Anyway, I lost another 1.5 lbs this week which was really good because I had GAINED 3 lbs early in the week preceding my fill. 3 lbs! That is nuts. I got my fill on Friday though and all is well. Being on liquid for two days really jumpstarts the weight loss. YAY! My first fill was great. My surgeon has all the newbies have the first fill together. It was a little mini support group and I got to hear a lot of different experiences. The fill itself did not hurt at all. Plus, I got a Scooby Doo bandaid. Excellent! Tonight is my first night back to Jazzercise. That should be interesting! I had excellent intentions of walking or working out on my Wii prior to getting back to Jazzercise. Didn't happen. Not even remotely. I just need structure to exercise. I hate that, but at least I have found something that works. I'm sure I will whine for the next few weeks, but in the end I will feel great! I want to lose this weight and I think for me, exercise along with the healthier diet is the key. I want this, so I am committing myself. I hope everyone is having a great week!

LoseIt!

LoseIt!

 

6 months!

I can't believe it's been six months since my surgery! Things are going great. I've lost over 55 lbs and am still working. Only a few more lbs and I'll be under 200!   The holidays were difficult for me and I ate a lot of high carbs food, but got back on track pretty quickly and am starting to put more effort into my workouts. I just bought a game for the Wii called My Fitness Coach and it's really a lot of fun and provides great exercise.   My birthday is at the end of April and I hope to be 190 lbs by then...   I hope everyone else is having the success they wish for and that you are enjoying 2010!

BikeCincy

BikeCincy

 

Hoping for Improvement

I've been a member of this community for almost 6 months now and I haven't posted or written anything at all. I'm hoping that I can turn here for encouragement and support.   I was banded May 19th, 2009 and so far I've only lost 30 pounds. I'm disappointed in the amount I've lost, especially considering I am a full 9 months post-op. The really terrible thing is I know that my lack of extreme or significant weight loss is mostly my fault. I'm a chronic over-eater and have been my entire life. I eat for any and every reason and I knew that having this surgery would'nt solve all of my problems. I have cut down significantly on my consumption but not enough to lose more than 30 pounds in 9 months which is slightly less than 1 pound/week. I feel like I have failed miserably at this. But I'm hoping deep down that this isn't the case. I want to get better, I want to improve. I want to control my intake and not compulsively eat just because the food is there....   Now for my motivation: I'm getting married in 15 months. I have 15 months to get down to a "comfortable" weight.... no pressure. A comfortable weight for me would mean I need to lose around 75 more pounds before my wedding, technically before I buy my dress.... man oh man. I want to be successful. I want to show people and myself that I can do this. I can do this.

Alyce24

Alyce24

 

I need a FILL NOW!!!

I can eat way too much and my appetite is back in full swing. Noooo. I am still trying to watch what i eat, but i can feel those bad overeating habits coming back. Not good. I reallly need to get in to see Dr Smith this week pronto!!! I wish appointment setter would call me back so I know when he is going to be here. I am not super stoked on having to drive 3 hours to get a fill. Totally not cool. Wish there was someplace closer like Durango, where i live.. That would be great. Even still it is worth the long drive to get a fill and feel the restriction again... Not liking bandster hell :rolleyes2:

Jadeite

Jadeite

 

Follow up appointment results

Today, I had my follow up with Dr. R.   He's elated with my progress, and told me that I am doing fabulous. He's asked me to come in and give a testimonial, and "set an example" as I am their most successful sleeve patient. Boy, that was pretty awesome.   I have excellent news. Before losing weight, my resting heart rate stayed between 115-125. But, my cardiac work up was normal. So, they just attributed it to my smoking and obesity. Today, my resting heart rate was 80 which is considered NORMAL. Unfortunately, I am having low blood pressure episodes, and he isn't sure what is causing this issue. He recommend that I return to my PCP for weekly blood pressure monitoring if it continues. I noticed the last 3 days when I would walk around the house, I would get dizzy, and even though my eyes were fully open, my eyesight would go black except for just little slits of light shining through. It was definitely un-nerving, and I'm not sure what is going on. I've never had blood pressure issues, high or low so this is an entirely new problem for me.   Other than that, my appointment went great. I broke down and went shopping again today, BUT I got a pair of leopard print flats, SUPER ADORABLE for 75% off at the military mall. I'm such a clearance whore, it's pathetic. I had put myself on a shopping ban for at least 2 weeks, but how can I pass up a pair of leopard print flats to wear with my skinny jeans for $8.50 ! ! !   Have a great week everyone. . .

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Easter 2010 Challenge- HOORAY 51LBS IN ONE WK.

Hello Everyone,   Just want to report that we at the Easter Challenge have lost a little over 51lbs in our 1st week. WE ROCK!!! On a side note, there are 2 weigh in for this Friday already, you may want to fix this other then that I'm proud to say "WE'RE SUCH LOSER... IN A GOOD WAY!!!"   http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtJHinfw3ya3dFFUVUd5NVhreklrV3p1RlItVXcwd0E&hl=en

kdee

kdee

 

No Fill for me today... UGH!

I was supposed to get my first fill today however it didn't happen... I posted the whole story on my blog at http://2010snewlife4me.blogspot.com/ Please go check it out and follow me for future escapades on my new life!!!

sdh5463

sdh5463

 

Just Banded

I was banded five days ago on Feb. 18, 2010. Today, was the first day where I could actually move around without wanting to cry. The pain in my chest and shoulder was rough. Feeling good about my decision. :rolleyes2:

roni32

roni32

 

Spoke to soon...Too make matters worse..

Well I enjoyed the moments pain free while they lasted. The pain in my shoulder is back in full force. I've been doing a lot of reading on this blog and the I-net and I don't know what to make of it - could be gas, could be the way my body says its full or it could be my port is laying on a nerve. Called my doctor and spoke to the PA she says is gas, but for this long?   Even worse is my daughter might be have complications she has a tiny bit of pus where a port is. It's under the "glue" so its really hard to tell if its old or new. She has no fever, no swelling, or pain, but I am still a bit concerned. Our doctor is only in one day a week and his hours conflict with my daughter's college school hours. She cannot afford one more absence. At this point I am ready to bring her to the e.r. just to get her checked. Any advice???

Lynn2988

Lynn2988

 

Slippery slope

Sugar back on the scene. Had that brownie yesterday. Had a mini 3 musketeers today, plus 1 cookies.   Also had: 1 protein shake 160 large tomato basil soup 200 small bag chips 120 16oz Lifewater 0 3oz. Tilapia 100 1/3 c. mashed potatoes 100 1tbs chicken gravy 30 1/2 c. spinach/white beans 51 fun size 3 musketeers 60 rugelach 100 kisses 130 m&m's 100 popcorn 150 = 1302   Back at work. Not loving the protein shake. Need a new one. Got super hungry by the end of the day. Will have air popped pop corn later.

Gildy

Gildy

 

Banded yesterday....

I was banded yesterday and when someone said they felt like a semi had run them over I now know what you meant. I only feel like the semi hit me and drug me along for awhile. Does anyone know when the pain will stop? Any helpful hints? I can't find a comfortable way to sit/lay anything, any suggestions? :rolleyes2:

outdoorgirl

outdoorgirl

 

Wondering who else had/has Dr Stephan Myers

HI! I am April from Ohio. I am still in pre-op phase. I have finished my blood work, EKG, and Pulse Ox tests. I have been to the seminar and the all day evaluation. I am just awaiting approval. I was just wondering who else on here is having surgery or had surgery with Dr. Stephan Myers at Riverside Methadist Hospital? I was just curious and wondered if you had any stories about your experience.:w00t:

shyone

shyone

 

Diet Fatigue

I'm within three pounds of my goal weight for surgery and not really hungry. But I am so tired I can hardly muster the energy to do the laundry. As a rather fanatical housekeeper, this ain't good. Big snow storm coming and my husband is going out of town on business. Since he's refused to buy a snowblower(he prefers to shovel our 90' driveway by hand?!!) he's suggested I just get an early start tomorrow shoveling. Had to so say no to that one - like I could shovel this monster on under 500 calories??:rolleyes2:

RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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