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Let's Play MONOPOLY

Do YOU know how to play Monopoly???? It has been so hard for me these past few weeks since my last fill, lets face it. I have been having a hard time with that, "One BITE too many syndrome". I just PB'd because I ate to fast. It was the Good food the protein kind. But when I eat too darn fast there is a learning curve. You know what I am talking about don't you????   Unfortunately I AM a very SLOW LEARNER :-( It was my 4th bite and I had to run not walk to the rest room!!! I did not pass GO or collect 200 dollars either!! My fourth bite. I am hungry now.   This Band has a MONOPOLY on my stomach.. I need to learn how to play well with my band. May be I need to make flash cards and study them so I will remember how to do what I am allowed to do. I will not win if I keep playing this way. I know I am not alone either.... I feel the restriction but I am hungry and want to eat good food. I forget to chew and it makes matters unfavorable. My next Dr. appointment is not until October 5th. I pushed the appointment back because I am feeling tight enough right now. I am trying to stay positive but I need to learn how play Monopoly quickly. I want to buy PARK PLACE!! Not sure if this has helped anyone but it has helped me to refocus on what it is I need to do. I do not want to gain and I will not get weighed until Oct 5. I am going to make a ricotta pie for dinner tonight Thanks for the recipe my friend. Thanks for playing with me. imaluckydog Kathy   Love, Life, Lilly, and the Pursuit of Happiness
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

3
 

Giving Back

Giving Back   I was asked to speak to a newbie “introduction to surgery weight loss” group Monday evening. There where people from teenagers up to 70 years in age who attended. I would say about 50 people or more interested in surgery and some who have been interested for some time now. It was the first of many series to introduce people to GBP and the Lap Band Process and other forms not covered yet by some insurance companies. This is for many the first step they take.   The night started with one of the surgeons showing and talking about his slide show and explaining to the audience what they will learn from having one of these procedures. He spoke about the many complications and there are so many. SO Many I was even thinking wow I had this done and there are THIS many things that could go wrong! Yikes   OK, so I took the chance and I am SO GLAD I did. The Doctors spoke for about a half an hour and the Nurse Practitioner spoke for about a half an hour. Then it was my turn. I was invited to the stage with another gentlemen who had a GBP surgery. We were introduce and he motioned for me to go first. I said my name and proceeded to say I had my Lap band surgery a little over one year ago and have lost 109 pounds. I had a BMI of over 40, I weighed in at over 250 pounds and I am only five two, I was on medicine for High Blood Pressure and a machine for Sleep Apnea for about 7 years. It is all gone now that I have lost weight with my new tool. I worked well with playing with my Lap band.   No more High blood pressure and no more medicine! No more Sleep Apnea or machines hooked up at night! I do not huff and puff walking up stairs and I feel great now.   I pulled out a pair of pants the only ones I did not give away. I said and when I wore these pants I thought I looked like the cats meow!! I held them up to me and I can step into one leg. Although, I did not do that but it was clear I am a TINY person now. I said Yes, I thought I looked good but I did not FEEL GOOD about myself when I wore them. They are a size 24 plus and I was bulging out of them on a good day.   All of a sudden the audience started to clap. Well OK, I clapped too. I was in shock I had no idea they were clapping for me. It made me feel good. I have done well!!   The nurse said Between the two of them they (we) had lost over 300 pounds.   I let him speak and he was excellent. I think it may be harder to have the GBP surgery. I can eat anything I want in small amounts, but the GBP patients are limited and cannot eat certain foods ever again as their bodies do not tolerate the same foods.   One man in the audience ask 3 times if he really had to give up soda!! It is funny that people do not want to make little changes even when it comes to the smallest things that can make BIG difference to their health for the rest of there lives. It seems they only want to hear what they want to hear. It is not like they have to give it up forever. I some times have a soda for a treat. But not that often. I need to stir out the bubbles.   I am so grateful I had an open mind and open heart to receive all the gifts this band has offered to me. The audience asked us questions and we answered them to be best of our ability. I felt good I was able to share in an honest and meaningful way with people who where generally and for the most part interested in these surgeries and wanting to be healthier.   I heard them clapping for me!! I have done well! I thank myself and my LB for this everyday   I eat Real Food, Not too much, mostly plants, with Proteins first. I do Not snack in between meals or drink liquids with my meals. Very little if any sugar because it always makes me want to have more. I also do NOT drink soda. I did explain I had a brief withdrawal period from it and I do not even miss it today. Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

3
 

My Three Year Bandversary Today

Hello Three Year Bandversary.   I was banded June 29, 2009 it was three weeks earlier then my original set date. I was ready, you know how ready we get, right! Someone who did not follow all the pre-op diet and all those rules before surgery allowed me to be moved up. Lucky Me!!!   Keep in mind, just remember to follow all those rules no matter how lame you think they are. I honestly felt bad for this person because all I knew was they were scheduled, had the date and did not meet the guidelines. Made my day that’s for sure.   My first suggestion Follow all the rules, no matter what!   As I reflect over my last three years, I can honestly say I have never been HAPPIER with my life.   I would choose this procedure again. It has not made dealing with the everyday life and it’s many traumas really any easier. Yet, it has helped me make better food choices and the issues for me related to the food a whole lot easier.   On my second Bandversary - June 21, 2011 I was able to have the full body nip and tuck and as I remember that was way harder and a much longer recovery than the Lap Band. I thought two weeks and I’d be up and around. It took almost the entire summer to feel better. Two months, so if you are thinking in terms of nip and tuck prepare yourself. It is a much longer recovery and way more painful. I do not regret one minute that I had it done. I love my flat stomach and small breasts now and my arms and legs with exercise don’t look bad. I like swimming and water activities. I can say I am normal, looking and feeling all around now. I love how my clothes fit. I love that I can buy anything I want in any store and I am a normal size. I even see myself in the mirror as normal. I love what I see these days. I never liked the mirror, as a matter of fact I hated it! Looking in the mirror and having a good cry can be a catalyst to change. When you see the results before your very eyes it makes a huge impression. I kept wanting more change. I followed the rules and I did make mistakes. I kept getting back on track. The mirror helps you stay focused on your goal. The scale just validated the number loss. It took a year to lose over 100 pounds. I have kept it off now and am excited to write about it.   My weight has gone up and down 10 pounds and it is always a struggle to lose again. Keeping a positive attitude and blogging made it so much easier for me.   I have had fills and un-fills and more fills do to the surgery, that was my choice. This is what is so wonderful about the Lap Band it all becomes our choices to use the controls inside. Before my nip and tuck I had almost all the fluid taken out. I knew it was risky and yes I did gain weight. Because I gave in to old high calorie habits and choices. I have always said, I want to be small so I should eat small! But if those small choices are HIGH CALORIES there will be problems. I can’t tell you how fast 10 pounds can come back if you make wrong choices. I am getting back to eating real food, not processed, protein first, not too much and mostly plants. They don’t have a lot of calories and are way better for me.   My life has never been happier, my journey has been unique to me and I wish everyone out there all the best on your journey. Keep in touch Blogging helps. Best Wishes Love, imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

3
 

I May Be PLAYING with the BAND on MONDAY!!!!!

I am not sure about much lately!! :cursing:   I got a call from my nurse to have my surgery moved up to this Monday!!! Yikes, :thumbup: My dated was to be July 20 th. Hard to believe RIGHT? Who really ever has it done early? We are to wait for ever for the LB!!   I was told I may get moved up because I have met all the requirements. But I never believed them. There is a twist, the insurance has not sent back the paper work GO FIGURE??? They think my surgery is July 20. Monday I will be on the phone first thing in the morning making sure they fax the paper work over ASAP. I have been given approval over the phone. So just being phone covered my not get you surgery.   The PAPER WORK must be signed and in order first or NO surgery. Just my LUCK the Nurse who planned all this left Friday for vacation after our visit. Before she left she gave me her phone number. :cursing: I pray I do not have to call her. She was so mad on Friday at her hospital for not having the paper work done.:rolleyes2: Insurance office is closed for the week end and there is no one to talk to until Monday. So I wait Mind you I am not going to worry about it. Thanks to friends on this site:tt1: If it was ment to be it will be!!!!! I will make sure something happens.   Wish me LUCK for imaluckydog and MAY BE PLAYING with the BAND SOON.:rolleyes2:
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Psychology 101 for Bandlandia beginners

Hello Everyone on this “Bandlandia Journey” Might I just say Love.Life.Lilly and the Pursuit of Happiness! Would be nice... The Journey is now about me.   I sat through the third of four Group Psychology sessions today at my hospital The Lahey Clinic in Burlington Massachusetts. The first class was on Mindful vs. Mindless eating, the second was on Mindfulness and Triggers for Eating: Reacting vs. Responding; and today the third class was on Physiological vs. Psychological Hunger. The one and a half hour classes go by real fast. This week there were fewer people than last week. Some of us have surgery dates, others do not, some are just trying to figure this all out and are not even sure they want surgery. Some have to loose 30 to 40 pounds and others do not. One man got his date canceled because he failed to loose the weight he had to. That would bum me out.   For me my date is July 20,2009 and counting. It is Just a little over one month away. I spoke with my sister and she is very supportive she had GBP surgery 7 years ago and it changed her life. I am so ready for change. I am taking small sips, small bites and mindful eating has begun. I have started to PRACTICE the steps that have been suggested to me, smaller portions and but I have not cut back on the caffeine yet and I still drink with a straw. I will need to work on both of these and more. Thanks for all the help and encouragement along the way. I am for sure one extremely lucky dog!!!!!:thumbup:
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Successful Two Year Bandversary and Nip and Tuck

It is my two year Bandversary. I was banded June 29, 2009 and I was running around Disney World in Florida with my daughter less than two weeks after being banded. I have as much if not more energy today as I did back then. Being banded was so exciting.   This past Monday was my full body "Nip and Tuck". Yup, I went for it!! It was considered a medical necessity and my insurance paid for three fourths of it and I paid the rest because it was deemed cosmetic. I probably would have paid for it all because I wanted it that bad. It is better to have the insurance pay for it. I can buy new clothes with the money I saved.   I will need new bras for sure. I have gone from a DD to a B/C I am looking pretty perky!   My waist is no longer a double muffin top if you know what I mean. It will take a few weeks for all the swelling to go down. I am sore but the pain medicine is working just fine. I was so scared to have this done and now that it is I am trying to figure out why I was worried sick about it. I can get up and walk around and I can do stairs and sit up for a spell. I am tired and need to rest but that goes hand in hand with any surgery. I have to lay low for at least 2 weeks. I can do that.   All is well and if you have any questions I'd be glad to help you out for imaluckydog just playing with my BAND. Best wishes
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Staying Mindful a Traveling Day

One women trying to get from one place to another today. It will take more than one taxi, two planes, and 3 meals to get me there. My thoughts for the day are....   I am almost at my one year mark lost over 100 pounds. What I have found is I have "disordered eating" I can only speak for myself. I have food problems, major issues with food, and food plays head games with me 24-7 day and night.   AA does have a workable philosophy so does OA and I do use it mindfully, although I do not go to any meetings. For some it becomes a way of life.   My band tool is my way of life now and forever!! If I cheat the only one I hurt is yourself. I gave this tool to myself as a last ditch effort to save my life from my own self destruction. A year ago I was 250 plus and a size 24 plus on a good day.   I try everyday to make the best possible choices with food. I sure can eat anything I want even after many fills and un-fills. Today, I make better and more healthier food choices. I have Forgiven myself and I have moved to the next level of this game of life. Living   I last weighed 148 and wear a size 10. I am just trying to get from point A to point B today. Traveling can be so stressful and I will try my best today with all the tools I have in place to guide me. I will believe in the power of positive thoughts today. Best wishes imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Happiness is Playing with the Band

I have never been so HAPPY!!!!!! imaluckydog week one is over. I have survived Lap Band to talk about it. I do not think of myself as a blogger I hope this is not boring. June 29 Th., 2009 one week ago today I was banded at Lahey Clinic in Burlington Ma. my Dr. was Dimitry Nepomnayshy MD. My surgery took 3 hours because I also had a hiatial hernia he needed to repair while he was in there. Lucky me!!! Dr. Nepomnayshy is a confidante, kind and gentle man with a huge heart of GOLD. The Clinic is a teaching hospital utilizing Tufts University medical students and other area medical students 24-7. It seems like a party every time I am there. I am always asking what I think are the dumbest questions, only to get a very educated answer with a smile back. I am so blessed to have had such a happy and healthful experience. My two week post op meal plan consists of liquid protein drinks 3 to 4 a day with plenty of water or other clear liquid to equal 64 ounces. I do not have a desire to eat any food. I do enjoy watching the Food Network http://www.foodnetwork.com/ I seem to be addicted to it now. My mouth starts watering but I do not get hungry. I am starting to think about my next phase the mushy stage. I am entertaining recipes from other LB patient bloggers and I have started a file for all of them. The food network has a lot of recipes I can use it seems to be a wonderful resource. I found a web site that list all High Protein Foods that is easy to use http://www.highproteinfoods.net/ Maybe you might find it interesting as well. I have made home made broth and have enjoyed them. I have been walking everyday for brief distances. Yesterday I went to the Gym with my daughter and walked on the treadmill at a really good clip for 30 minutes. I have had no gas pains at all. I will see the Dr. on Friday July 10 for my first Happy visit. I just want to say thank you to all my blogger buddies your notes, well wishes, recipes and thoughts have all been appreciated so much. I have enjoyed the love and respect I have received on this web site. I have never been so HAPPY...........   Love. Life.Lilly. and the Pursuit of Happiness for I’m a luckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Second Group Psych class today

Just a sec to talk about my journey to "Bandlandia" as some a coined it. I am so looking forward to underland or onederland soon. I think that means under 200 lbs. I need to take off over 100. Our hospital has us (LB and GBP patients) take these classes for 4 weeks in a row to prepare us. I feel they have been very helpful so far. Last week we discussed mindful and mindless eating which is what I do every day. I am now changing to be more MINDFUL. I have to drive about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic to the hospital for the hour and a half class. I hope the traffic will be light today.   Ok, so I am up early today to send my son and honey off on a 5 day fishing trip. They drove away with boat en-tow. I am going to miss them. Daughter is still sleeping not waking her yet! It is early did I mention that!! I got up at 5:30 with the boys. They have been packed for days I did not have to do much for them. Now they are off and I find myself with way too much time and no laundry to fold.:crying: I am telling myself everything is going to alright. I have a hard time being alone with myself, I never thought much about it until now. I have used food as a friend and comfort. Now that I am thinking about MINDFUL eating... I am keeping my paw out of the cooking jar. As a matter of fact that cookie jar is GONE. LOL:rolleyes: I do not miss it much. I am now filling my time reading blogs and taking notes from people who write them. I am doing OK (great) on the 10 pounds they asked me to loose and have taken off 17. But not much has come off for about 3 weeks. Hope everyone has a GREAT day. I am going to keep blogging it helps. imaluckydog for sure
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Succeed!! Be a Winner at Losing :-)

Succeed!!   S = Set a goal. Not necessarily a "number" goal. Can be any goal. Like, I want to bend over and tie my shoes w/o holding my breath! I want to make it up this hill. Whatever.   U = Use the tools available to you. Support groups, the internet, books, blogging and veterans....your band is not your only tool.   C = Create a game plan. Make menus and schedule your workouts, etc into your week.   C = Consider yourself. You know what your weak points and strong points are. You know what you can handle and what you can't. You know when your hungry/full/emotional.....analyze and consider yourself. Write about it.   E = Eliminate excuses. If you're not supposed to eat it (sugars, carbs, chips, cookies, cakes) don't buy it. Do not "negotiate" with yourself (if I work out for an hour, I'll give myself a cookie!) or justify food (I'm on my period/I'm stressed).   E = Excercise!! Working out gives you that little bit of added wiggle room for when you do break down and have sugar or something you're not supposed to. It also tones and firms, helping with excess skin. It is possible to be an unhealthy thin person. Do you want to be healthy or thin?   D = Determine that you will SUCCEED! You're the only one that can make the changes you are making and stick to them. It's nice to have cheerleaders on the sideline, but they're not the ones that play and eventually win the game.   I am two weeks away from my 1 year Bandversary. I have never been so excited in my life. I eat Real Food. Not too much and mostly plants with Proteins FIRST! I am now 2 pounds away from being a member of the 100 Pounder Club. I am psyched.   I want to first Thank myself for being kind to myself and taking care of "me" for the past year when all I ever did was to take care of everyone else. I took care of me and everyone else survived as well.   I want to thank everyone on this site who has helped me. The blogs I read are all so meaningful to me and most of all meaningful to those who write them. I always learn something. I love to write on blogs it keeps my paws out of the cookie jar.   I am on my way out to enjoy this sunny beautiful thinner day. I am a 98 pound Loser in one year, Go me. I feel great! Best wishes to all imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

2
 

Had a Chat on this site was a lot of FUN Try it

Had a nice CHAT this morning on this site and I did figure out how to start an entry. LOL   I have not had a chance to figure out this new site, it seems very confusing to me the DITZ that I am.   I am a creature of habit and I resist change. I also get in the habit of eating the same every day. It is safe because I know what works for me. I like the foods I eat. I can eat almost anything I want even just a taste and I am satisfied.   Breakfast goes slow it always has and I cannot eat too early. I have my lunch at the same time every day. I guess you would say I have a set routine and it works for me.   I know for a fact that blogging has helped me keep this weight off. It also helped get the weight off. I do not eat when I am at my computer. My Dr said that more people are apt to keep more weight off if they blog or write about their experience. I was resistant at first but it is piece of mind I can put something out in cyber space and let it go. I wish everyone well on their band journey. I have had an exceptionally great journey myself almost two years and feeling great. Best wishes imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
 

Blue Bird Day

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.   This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.    If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long.   I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
 

Blue Bird Day

What I did on my winter vacation! It was a cold Blue Bird Day and I did it!! Dreams do come true thanks to LB and all the support from this site.  This is my family and the shadow in front is my husband taking the picture. I am second from the left light blue helmet and black oversized slimming outfit.  If you can see my smile it is bigger than the mountain . I felt young again and have now accomplished my first really BIG GOAL. I better think of another one real quick. It will have to be to go skiing again next weekend. I just loved it and can’t wait to do it again. My husband said I better get a smaller outfit soon. LOL I am just going to wait for the sales. I have to Thank my LB and ALL the determination it took to get to me this point. I still have a long way to go. Maybe not that long.   I have found my head is starting to catch up with the way I am feeling. I am enjoying more physical energy these days, no more food cravings to speak of, and I seem to be satisfied for the most part with my foods. I am enjoying a sense of calm I am not used too. I am still as full as I have ever been. I go back to Dr. Feb 22, 2010. Now that does seem like a long time away. It was my choice, I have had two Dr. visits and have refused two fills. I am hoping that if I wait a good while I may need a fill then and if not I will pass again. I am Happy and Bandlandia is agreeing with me for today. I am just about 40 pounds away from what I think will be a good weight for me. I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing as it seems to work for me. Best wishes to all the newbies I was banded on June 29,2009 lost 77 pounds and for the most part I have followed the rules, be kind to yourself it is an amazing remarkable joyous journey. imaluckydog
imaluckydog

imaluckydog

1
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