Yesterday my workout buddy, who is following a diet MOST of the time told me she lost 9 lbs in two weeks. (She weighs about 40 lbs less than me and isn't banded). OK, I'm eating 1/2 what she is, working my butt off (I guess not!), and today I put on jeans that are no looser than they were the week before my surgery.
Unhappy describes it. I won't get on the scale anymore because its not moving like I want it to.
I can't even eat this week (ref previous blogs) and I'm still not moving in the right direction. I don't eat outside the program, and probably intake between 800 - 1000 calories most days and up to 1200 max. I work out SEVEN days a week. I am 5 1/2 weeks post surgery and I actually lost more weight the two weeks before surgery than I have since.
I'm missing a piece of this puzzle somewhere. I'm kind of tired of self-talking myself into doing the right things when I'm seeing no results!
FRUSTRATION REIGNS.
It doesn't seem like it was four months ago today I got banded. I don't really think about my band all that much and have grown to just making good choices and eating well the majority of the time.
The biggest changes in me are in my emotional and physical health. I work out HARD 5-6 days a week. My blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal ranges. My knees and back don't hurt. Feet don't swell. Emotionally I feel like I'm 40 (30?) again and have no qualms about going places, meeting people and getting involved.
I'm a little short of halfway to goal. When I get there I will have lost more weight than I will weigh. Nice!!
I don't have many clothes to wear but I work with the outfits I have to look nice at work. I've lost 6 sizes on bottom and 3 on top so far and I have a ways to go so I'm not investing in that yet!
I am happy. I no longer sit around waiting for things to happen for me; I make them happen. I think the mental and emotional changes are as noticeable to me (if not more) than the physical changes.
On to the next month! Thank you all for being there for me. This is a great mechanism for talking, venting and finding some good recommendations. I am running (ok jogging) to the next month!
- Sandy -
I can't wait! I'm traveling for business and I'm not eating well or exercising, but I just want to get this done! There are little bumps in the road -- wierd insurance and a different reaction from my friend who I thought was taking me and picking me up from surgery. But these are just bumps.
Read someone's blog today about being 11 days post op and losing 20 lbs. I need to do that. I'm so sluggish.
Tomorrow I'm flying home so that should go by pretty fast. Monday and Tuesday I'm working so that should help too?! I can only hope!!!
It is very hard to believe that five months have FLOWN by since my surgery. I have had many changes in my life, health and overall self-confidence since then.
First, I don't know how much weight I've lost. I don't weigh myself anymore and I haven't been to the surgeon in 2 months. I did have to go see my PCP for cataract surgery clearance, and I lost 50+ lbs since I saw her. I really measure myself against my clothes fitting, or my energy, or my ability to do something I haven't done in a long time.
Many many changes: where I shop for clothes. How many things I participate in that I never had the courage for before. My energy level.
I don't really get hungry or tempted to eat more or something I shouldn't. I looked back at the diet plan, and after 3 months post-surgery I don't really have any restrictions. I can't eat more than 3/4 - 1c of food 3 times a day but I try to have a protein bar if I'm working out. I drink a lot more water, very little soda or coffee, and very very little alcohol. I focus on lean protein and veggies.
People I haven't seen since Christmas last year are shocked. I guess I enjoy that. I can't wait to see my mom at Thanksgiving -- I haven't seen her since before the surgery in May.
Its so different than five months ago. I'm so glad I did this surgery and am so appreciative of all the support! I'm a little more than halfway there -- and enjoying every day...........
Today I fly to San Francisco; back tomorrow afternoon. I have a meeting in the morning in Union Square. My hotel is there, and for the first time I'm taking BART (train) from the airport to my hotel. I'm also planning on taking the trolley from the hotel down to the pier which has great food, beautiful views and some walking opportunities. The sun will start to set around 9, and I don't want to be out there myself so I'll head back at sunset. I'm excited to be confident enough to plan this (execution? I'm pretty sure).
I'm home this morning packing, working and getting in some cardio.
I had an appointment with my new trainer at 5am and I slept through it. I NEVER do that. I called at 5:20 and he answered and I tried to get in at 6 but he couldn't so that is wasted time/money and motivation. I meet with him again on Sunday morning. Instead of being mad I stayed up and started doing stuff around the house. I have plenty of time to work out before I go to the airport.
Two concerns are fitting easier in the seats and no belt extender. I really only used a belt extender on commuter flights, and this is one of those so I'll be excited to see how that goes.
Get home tomorrow at 4:30 and support group starts at 6. That may not sound bad, but its rush hour and traffic that way will mean 90 minutes to go the 20 miles will be a stretch.
Funny. I'm not stressing on the trip at all! Thank you all for your fantastic support, and listening to me throughout the last 11 weeks (wow! today!). I sincerely appreciate your recommendations, support and courage throughout the way!
I need it.
I'm having an issue with eating too often and too much and its affecting weight loss. Not a lot more, but a lot more often most definitely. I think I under-journal as I show about 1000 - 1200 cals/day but I'm eating a lot and I think I'm on the low side of journaling.
I had it in my head I should have lost about 40 lbs in the first month. Ridiculous I know. 10 was just fine.
I do need to drink more water. I get about 50 oz a day and I need to be better about that..........
I work out a lot, and hard, and I'm waiting for those muscles to build up and kick in my metabolism! Since I can't do anything but upper body, I do that three times a week right now and cardio 6 times a week. I added water aerobics on Saturday morning as well.
I feel a lot better. I just want to have to take my clothes to the tailor~!
I'm ready for liquid diet the next couple days. I also have some questions for the doctor during my fill today.
Happy Monday everybody! Have a great day!
First plane ride - check
First full week away from home - check
Had a moment of tears filling eyes when I got in my very own seat with its very own armrest down and FIT. Snapped the belt shut with about 6 inches remaining. Tray table went down with room to spare!
Stood at a trade show 8 hours a day. So not tired we walked from the hotel to the Exhibition Hall each way each day in the 95 degree Phoenix heat. Worked out twice on top of all that (still on C25K program), carried boxes, cleaned booths, went to events and still not tired and no swollen ankles.
Thank you Dr. Oliak. Thank you Blue Cross, Thank you friends and family, Thank you me for doing this. Thank God for the blessing of health recovery and peace of mind.
I am a different person than I was 6 months ago. Could NEVER have done it without the surgery, the support, the information and the motivation. Love you all!!!
:thumbup:
I did the unthinkable -- fell asleep during the Lakers game lol. I was so tired I really needed the rest. Slept for almost 8 hours and I got up feeling a lot more energetic and chipper.
I didn't eat well yesterday and certainly didn't do well on the water, but it taught me again how much I need to make sure I get some kind of unwinding in during the day or the drive home. I didn't work out at all yesterday and I also want to try next week to push myself for even a short walk on that day when I'm "exhausted". After next week I can swim and that would certainly be a good option for me.
I typically spend the weekend running errands, church etc. This will be the first week I go to the gym both days, meet with my trainer one, and of course weigh in for the week. I'm actually looking forward to all of that!
I love the feeling after working out! (OK, I've only been doing it for two weeks but.....). Big smile! Tonight I'm working out after work with one of my work friends. It will make the commute half the time after 7pm.
I am also going to get a new picture of my face this weekend. I think I've lost all my weight there lol -- one of the chins is gone!
Have a great Friday everybody!
Had a big fill again yesterday and felt restriction from the start. I had a protein shake in the afternoon and drank as much water as I could. When I got home from Support Group I was starving. I made some canned chicken up with a little may, shredded it fine and took ONE bite. Never went down and took about an hour to get over it.
Today is a new day. Drank about 1/2 of a protein shake on the way to the gym, drank as much water as I can. Nothing solid gonna even pass these lips today. I need to let this swelling go down before I even try to eat.
Support group was fun. There were about 35 people there. First we did taste tests on chocolate and vanilla meal replacement shakes and then 5 different kinds of bars. I was very interested to find out my favorite bar wasn't even in the running for lowest calories, fat and carbs and highest protein. The ones we tried and liked were:
Muscle Milke Light Vanilla Toffee Crunch
South Beach Cinnamon Reaisin
Special K Strawberry
Zone (Graham Cracker Chocolate?)
I've been eating Kind Protein Bars, and they have way more calories for the amount of protein I get. I'll be giving those to a friend as a present :-).
Slim Fast Low Carb won both for chocolate and vanilla. We tried Bariatric Advantage, Premier and Optifast.
We also talked about hunger triggers, more on that tomorrow. Have a good day everybody!
:rolleyes2:
Have I said I love my surgeon's office? The PA is WONDERFUL. My appointment was this afternoon for fill #3. Wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not, so I kept the appointment and had about 30 minutes of conversation and training. Yep, training.
My weight loss is good. Blood pressure was ok, not great. What we do every time is fill out a questionnaire -- what we are eating, how often, how we feel, issues etc. Then the PA comes in.
She started asking me questions about how many times I've thrown up since the last fill, how often I get stuck, motivation levels, hunger..... After about 10 minutes she says I'm not going to fill you today -- you need to do the following:
1. First two bites of every meal should be soft -- applesauce, tea, liquid. This will "wake up" the pouch. I was eating the first couple bites of solids fast (starving) and the pouch rebelled. Throwing those bites up would move me back to starvation, and I wasn't getting a "full signal" after that. (I didn't do this EVERY time I ate, but probably once a day).
2. Then eat the 1c of food within 20 minutes, careful to chew and wait, but within 20 minutes. If I'm not done don't eat the rest.
3. Don't eat anything within 3 hours after the last meal. Water, tea, juice, popsicle. Nothing else.
So I'm going to work on this. I was following what I've been told, but I can follow this and I'm excited about it. Thank you to everyone for your support and advice! Happy Weekend!!!
I think yesterday was kind of depression -- feeling sorry for myself. Why? I'm losing weight, I'm eating well and not feeling deprived. I have no conscious reason for feeling down, but I did. I actually went to bed at 7pm last night.
But today is another day! I got up, drove up here, and worked out for a good hour between weight lifting and the elliptical so I feel pretty good. My fitness buddy called in sick today from work (we work together) so I'm sure she took advantage of my day off to get her own lol. I am drinking a lot of fluids (still can't tolerate anything else after Monday's fill) and I have more energy.
I feel very lucky to have had the procedure, and have support from the surgeon and staff in getting good fills and good information. I'm lucky to have friends and lap band buddies to provide additional support.
I need to just move myself out of the funk. No good reason for it. Its sunny, and warm and I weigh 50 lbs less than I did at Christmas.
Have a great day everybody! Hugs!
Sandy
Doctor's appointment went really well -- he felt part of my issue was two weeks of milk products and told me to go off the shakes and start on soft food. Incisions look good and my first fill is scheduled for 6/28! I got a chance to ask all the questions I had and then some. Dr. Oliak was wonderful.
Also had a great nutrition class on how to eat -- not just the next couple weeks but forever.
I started to look at this less like a weight loss competition and more like a lifelong journey. I need to live my life, eat and exercise to be healthy, and get over the daily drama I create about a scale or a piece of clothing.
I have to go back to work next week. I have much to do before I do that, so the next few days will be busy.
Happy Tuesday :eek:
I had to have some follow up surgery for an IOL and cataract on my right eye last week. The surgery went well, but I got very dizzy by Friday and was violently ill by Saturday morning. It was a reaction to the anesthetic, but by Saturday night I could not even tolerate a drop of water. (Sound familiar?). I slept well, got up Sunday morning to the same thing when I promptly called my bariatric surgeon. The PA told me to let my tummy sit for a couple hours without trying anything and then chew on some ice chips. IT DID THE TRICK. By last night I was much better.
Went in this morning for an exam and scan -- all is FINE. I am so lucky! I could have done some serious damage to the band and it is positioned fine and still has 7.25/10 fluid. The PA felt that even though I had been violently ill several times that my band is pretty secure. I think the next time I have anasthesia I'll get the band un-filled just to be safe. And I'm sticking to liquids for the next couple days just to be careful.
To top it off, I can see WONDERFULLY out of my right eye -- so clear and vibrant colors -- didn't realize how much I had missed out on! I'm doing the right eye in a couple weeks. Until then, its back to working out (I miss my 5am gym sessions!)
Many friends and family members were praying for success and no harm to this wonderful tool I've embraced. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. God is good!
The first emotional eating session held at the surgeon's office by the psychologist on staff starts tonight at 6:00. There are days when I think they are going to be a waste of my time, and more days where I realize most of my eating is emotional and I need to learn how to control it better.
Although I'm at or close to the sweet spot, I still find myself reacting to stress/traffic/boredom by thinking I'm hungry. Even if I eat something it isn't much and its healthy, but I can't eat a lot which is good. I'm still basically running for the refrigerator when I get home from work (after a 90 minute minimum commute).
Yesterday I tried to drink my favorite vitamin water zero on the way home. I wasn't even hungry when I got in the door but I was hot and stressed and went straight for the turkey meat! After about 3 bites I was full for the time being and I could move on to do something else. I'm hoping to learn better coping mechanisms for the ride home and arrival home.
So I'm looking forward to these sessions. They are enrollment only and limited to 12 people so we'll get some great support over the next six (or eight?) sessions.
It will never beat the support we all give each other on this site! Take care everybody and have a wonderful day!!!
---- Sandy ----
I changed my picture -- there have been some pretty noticeable changes in just eight weeks. My face is smaller and I've lost some chins along the way.
I'm tired today, but I haven't really eaten since Sunday -- just shakes -- after the fill Monday. But I exercise a lot and have more energy (usually) than I have in 10 years.
I'm down at least two sizes -- from 22s to 18s -- but I haven't tried on clothes -- I'm going by the stuff in my closet that doesn't feet and needs belts, safety pins or is in the tailor pile.
I've met some fantastic people in the last two months. Caring, compassionate, knowledgeable people who listen, provide advice, support and a shoulder to cry on. Most of those people are from this site and I can't thank you all enough.
Here's to the next eight weeks!
First a disclaimer: I have NEVER run for anybody or anything. I probably had to do a mile test for physical fitness a couple times and although I don't remember I'm sure I walked. Even thin I never was a runner.
Inspired by my buddy LoseIt, I decided to try. Everyone is talking about the Couch 2 5K program, and I went online to download music, coaching and written materials. In my usual anal way I was probably over-prepared. My goal is to run a 5K on or around Christmas, where I will be in South Florida on a vacation.
I started this morning -- Day 1 Week 1 of a 9 week program. Ish. For someone that has been doing pretty good cardio for 3 months I was not too good at this, BUT I MADE IT THROUGH. I jogged when I was supposed to and walked fast when indicated.
The online blogs say this is not a way to lose weight, but 35 minutes of heart pumping cardio felt pretty much like a regular workout. I'm going to do this 3 days a week and have 2-3 days of weight lifting followed by elliptical. I am at a point where I'm not losing weight eating on plan and exercising 3 days a week. I added this program to try to kick it up a little.
If I can walk in the morning I'll update you all on how I feel. If you don't hear from me I'm in bed with a heating pad on my thighs.......... Until then have a great Sunday!!!
Yep, it finally arrived. I got up at 4:30, got ready, packed up all the work I didn't do in the car, and drove 47 miles to work. I had a Slim Fast in the car because I just didn't feel like eating eggs. I actually enjoyed the drive -- kind of relaxing. I still have swelling and some site pain (one of the little lower ones I think it touches desks, seat belts etc). Its workable............
The biggest thing was putting on my favorite pair of grey pinstriped pants. They needed a SAFETY PIN!!! Yeah! That is probably the biggest difference I've personally seen.
I was reminded again how lucky I am to have gotten this procedure and how much I plan to be positive and take advantage of this wonderful tool. I know there will be lots of bumps in the road, but I feel relatively good, I have support, and I can look forward to a healthier life :-).
OK, I had a trainer appointment this morning. I got measured (4 weeks since joining gym and having first measurements), and had a nice chat. At $100 an hour I could find a nice dog to chat with and buy a new pair of pants, but ok. And its not as if I didn't enter into this contract with eyes wide open and wanting the motivation and information.....
First, I have lost 2 inches from my hips, 1.5 from thighs and 1 from my waist. Considering I can't and haven't done any core or lower body weights these results are just from the elliptical. I'm over the moon. Explains why my pants fall off when I walk.
Trainer says I need to start lower body this week which I agree with. I'm going to meet with him again next Sunday and start core. My pain (from who knows what) on my left side is mostly gone and I'm cleared 8 weeks out (next weekend) to start core so that's that.
I need to kick up my elliptical -- not working hard enough. WHAT??? I guess I wasn't pushing hard enough and I need to try to get my heart rate up over 130 (target is 150-170? JEEZ). Its around 100-110 now, but I'm off high blood pressure meds so it should go up fairly well now. But I'm not supposed to be able to easily hold a conversation during the 45 minutes so there you have it.
I went online and recorded almost 100 songs that I can play while I'm on the elliptical that will keep me moving faster. That way when my workout buddy flakes on me or I'm on my own I can listen to some catchy fast tunes to keep my pace up!
Watching the soccer match, cleaning, laundry and packing food for lunches. Fun, relaxing day!
:rolleyes2:
This morning I got up at 4:00 and left at 4:30 to drive up to work and work out at the gym by work with my friend at 5:30. I had my bag packed, my clothes in the car, and was totally looking forward to it!
We worked hard on the elliptical for 45 minutes. It felt really good. I didn't mind the makeup/shower stuff at the gym and got to work by 7:30 which is great.
Tonight is a healthy cooking class at the support group/surgeon's office and that will be fun. I'm always out for new recipes.
A week from today will be my first fill. I'm glad for that only because I'm following the program on sheer willpower alone. This past weekend was hard for me -- ate too often not really too much -- and wasn't able to walk away from the refrigerator as often as I do during the week (at work).
I still have a little swelling above my belly button and any gas is now from eating fruits and veggies (after the protein of course). I wonder if I can go back on align? It really worked for me?
Have a great Monday everybody. :smile2:
Amazing the changes in my hunger and eating.....
I'm having a very stressful time at work. My trip Wednesday to San Francisco got cancelled at the last minute, and I felt bad about not going. In addition, things are really bad at work. A lot of drama, no clear communication, less clear direction and a bunch of rumors and whispering. My job is a big part of my life (I made it that way, ick!)
In the past, when I'm stressed out, I ALWAYS turned to food. Mindlessly eating on the couch, watching TV, thinking "Woe is Me". I am still thinking the woe is me thing, but I'm not hungry and I'm not mindlessly eating like I used to. I made a clear decision tonight to have something healthy, and am sticking to Vitamin Water Zero the rest of the night.
Tomorrow I'll start to deal with what I might need to do with my job. Tonight I'm going to do a little cleaning, give myself a facial and relax.
I've been going to the Emotional Eating support group for three weeks. Its sinking in!!! And thank you to all of you for the wonderful advice and support along the way. I have always felt tremendous support, and I will continue to try to support all of you as best I can.
God's peace.........
Sandy:
Started feeling a little woozy last night. I have been on meal replacement shakes and liquids since Sunday night (Monday fill). And the Slim Fast is not really working well so I haven't gotten in 60 gms of protein for several days.
Cut down on exercise -- only worked out Tuesday morning. None on Monday or Wednesday. But I'm dizzy and weak and I know its from not getting enough energy intake.
Staying home from work today and will drink at least 80 oz of fluids. Made some egg beaters and managed to eat about 1/2 of the serving so I'll just lay low today and get some work done from home and rest.
I remember my dad saying when I was a little girl that he felt as weak as a kitten when he was sick. Yep!
Take care everybody, and have a good day
Two things:
1. I think I've always been pretty opinionated, but it seems like its getting worse the older I get (or more frustrated or busy or something?). I will try to keep my opinions to myself. Nobody needs to hear what I think and I've noticed I'm telling people what I think isn't really a good thing. I'm going to try to (LoseIt's term) Close Thy Mouth a little more whether its in a conversation at work, church, or even on this site.
2. I had my surgery almost 4 months ago. People don't really want to hear about lap band (outside of bandsters). People I haven't seen for more than 4 months don't really want to hear HOW I lost weight they just want me to say "thank you" for the compliment and move on. I've struggled with this one and I'm working on making this better.
I'm just so excited about how my life is going I get a little giddy and talkative. Its my nature and this old dog is working on new tricks. Until then, thank you all for listening and understanding :-).
:thumbup:
My blood pressure was up a little so they put me back on medication daily for awhile. Could be the fact that its 100+ degrees? Oh well I'm good with that. I'm going to watch my salt intake a little as I think I eat a lot of salty fish and turkey bacon.
I lost 9 lbs since the last visit on 6/28! I've lost 31 lbs since surgery 5/26 which is pretty fantastic for an old lady! I'm happy with that, given I didn't really have any full signals and was getting hungry way before the 4 hour time windows.
Spoke with the surgeon at length about the amount I'm working out and eating. I was told to reduce the days I work out to 4-5 max for right now, and have a 2nd meal of protein and carbs within an hour after working out. I might be doing a little too much right now.
I had 5.5 ccs in a 10 cc band before today. I'm up to 7.25, so she added quite a bit. After she was done I drank a sip of water and it came back up so she took out .25 (there was 7.5 in there). I'm still feeling a little tight and she told me to stay on liquids all week if I can as the band tends to tighten in two or three days. I am getting closer though!!!
I have the next fill scheduled on 8/6 (2 1/2 weeks from now), and I've left that open and will see how this goes.
I'm going to a support group meeting tonight on taste testing protein bars. Even if I can't do much testing myself, I'll get a good idea of what tastes good and what's out there so I'll send out some info tomorrow.
I also have to start an emotional eating support group on 7/28. This was part of the contract I signed when I started. It is once a week for six weeks and I'm sure it will help but I just don't like that length of committment lol.
News from the band front here in So Cal. Happy Monday everybody; have a great day!
Sandy
:rolleyes2:
I usually get up at 3 am during the week to drive 50 miles to a gym close to work. Being Saturday I can work out at a home gym!
I got out of bed at 6:30am! I know to some of you that will be a laugh, but it felt so good to be able to roll over and snuggle in for awhile -- kind of like a special treat.
I set up some training appointments this week both here and at the work gym so that I can have some motivation if and when my buddy flakes again. As one of my fellow bandster friends said "I can do it myself". And I can!
The amount of support I get from reading posts and blogs and forums is fantastic. I sincerely appreciate all the help, information and just downright kindness.
Have a wonderful Saturday everyone.
:smile2:
