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Happy New Year

I am entering the New Year in the Onederland - 68.5 lbs down and feeling great. The greatest thing I ever did for myself.   I went to the doctor on Wed to get my 2nd fill, and was told I only needed 1/4cc, giving me a total of approximately 5cc in my 14cc band.   I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. May you loose all of the weight you want to lose, not be hungry between meals, stop craving carbs, come into a lot of money for your new wardrobe and be comfortable enough to wear a bathing suit this summer!
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

1-more day

I made it almost an entire week on full liquids. Only 1 more day to go. I never thought it would be as easy as it has been. I am not "enjoying" it, but I have stuck to the rules to the letter. I can't imagine going through all of this and cheating. Who would I be cheating - no one but myself.   Sunday is the clear liquid day. And then, and then, and then, my re-birth day. When I tell people that my surgery is actually on my birthday they think I am nuts. But I couldn't think of a better gift to give myself.   To all of you who have had the surgery and found your "sweet spot", congrats. To those of us getting ready for the surgery I wish us all the best of luck - we have a long, hard road coming. But if I have the will power and strength to carry on and get it right, so do you all.   To all my bandsters out there, I wish you a life of happiness and good health.
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

First Fill Here I Come!

First the really good news. My mammogram and ultrasound last week were perfect! I saw my oncologist on Friday and she said all was well. She was very excited about my weight loss - 25lbs since my last visit. On Saturday my husband and I both had a colonoscopy. All clear at "that end" as well.   If you have ever had a colonoscopy you know the drill. Eat breakfast before 10:00 am the day before your test. The rest of the day is only clear liquids and you will either take the pills, which we did, or you drink some awful drink and spend the night in the bathroom.   So I got home from work on Friday at 3:45 to start the intake of 32 pills, which started at 4:00. You take 4 pills and then every 15 minutes until 20 pills have been swallowed. Then at 7:00 you take 4 pills every 15 minutes until you complete taking the final 12 pills. And of course, no breakfast.   On Sat morning, we got picked up by a car service and taken to the facility for the test and then we got driven home. All in all it was a good experience.   So, I didn't eat anything for an entire day and when I stepped on the scale today at the gym I expected I lost a pound or more. Last week I lost 8/10s of a pound and lost the exact same amount - 8/10s of a lb. -today. Wow, I was kind of surprised, but as I always say a loss is a loss no matter how small.   I think it convninced me that it is time for my first fill, which is scheduled for Thurs. I will speak with my doctor, or his assistant, to get their opinion. But I believe that after 2 weeks of such a small loss either means I need the fill or I am at a plateau. In either case, I need to depend on the lap band for help this time. I was losing 3-4 lbs at a time. 2 weeks ago I lost 5lbs and then 8/10 for the last 2 weeks.   I am still in love with the gym. Even more so now that I have added 3 additional weight training machines. So, I am working out hard, although I didn't go on Friday because of the colonoscopy medication, but went right back today.   I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your weekend. Back to the grind tomorrow!
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

Wow

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

Bklynike

4
 

"Fill?" what do you feel?

Hi, Everyone:   I just got a very interesting question from a fellow bandster regarding my first fill last Thurs. So, I will put the question out to everyone.   I was asked what I was eating since my fill, or more specifically if since my fill was I eating differently.   My answer to this question is yes, I appear to be eating a little less than I was before - probably about as much as when I first got banded. But, I am not feeling "restricted" like other bandsters talk about. I eat very slowly and when I am no longer hungry, I stop eating. I have been consistently losing weight. I wish it was 5lbs a week, but it is always around a lb or more.   I postponed 4 times and then I decided to get my fill because I was a little hungry between meals. I have not been sick, I have not gotten anything stuck, no belching, no sliming, no stuffed feeling. I got 1cc added to my band, and that was it.   I am scheduled for another fill later this month, but I don't know if I need it. But again, I don't have a clue what a "restriction" feels like.   What are you feeling?
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

2nd Fill

Are you losing what you think you should?   I wasn't sure if I was losing enough. 41 lbs in 4 months seemed like a good amount to me, but I read blogs here and some people are losing much more than I am. Some have lost less, but I wasn't sure. I felt that by talking to my doctor's PA, I would learn what was right for me. I wanted to make sure I was still on the right track with the foods I eat and with the 4 trips a week to the gym were enough.   So, I went to get my second fill today. My first fill was a piece of cake, so I didn't expect today's fill to be any different.   So the PA comes in and we start talking. How are you feeling? I am feeling great. Absolutely amazing. Are you losing? About 10 lbs a month, consistently. Are you hungry between meals? No. I am usually satisfied with my 3 meals a day. Have your portion size changed? No, I am still eating about the same amount as usual. Protein first, then veggies and if I have room, salad. I stop eating when I feel satisfied.   We spoke about the fact that people who have let's say 200 or more lbs to lose will lose in larger quantities - 5-10 or more lbs a week, as opposed to me. I have about 60 lbs left to go, so my loss of approximately 10lbs a month is a great accomplishment.   We decided I didn't need a fill today. She said she didn't want to mess with something that was working so I will go back on November 12th, if anything changes. If not, I'll reschedule for some time in December.   What did I learn at my doctor's visit today? I learned that I should not compare my loss or gain to anyone else's. Each of us has our own journey to take and each journey will be different. If I have any doubt, my doctor and his staff will be there to keep me on track.   I also realized that I love myself more and more each day. I am so proud of myself and I am starting to really like the way I look. I now have clothes that fit and it makes me happy to see myself looking so much better. I love hearing friends and coworkers comment on the changes I have made so far.   I took this journey so I would be healthier, get off my medications and to look and feel better and I did it for me. My husband and family will also benefit from my Lap Band because if I am healthier, I will live longer.   Thank you Dr. Bass, thank you Lap-Band. :thumbup:
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

Joining the Gym

I have joined a gym that is attached to the hospital I will be having my lapband surgery. My equipment orientation and nutrition orientation is on the 28th. I have been a couch potato for many years, but am excited about starting this change in my life.
Bklynike

Bklynike

4
 

1st Day of Liquids

My first day of liquids, although not quite over yet, was OK. I started my day with 27grams of protein shake with a cup of decaf coffee. Mid-morning when my stomach started to growl so loudly that other people at work were able to hear it, I had a Jello cup. At lunch I had a 40gram Insopur drink (grape forest), which was very tasty and a cup of chicken broth. I finished my "meal" with another Jello. I drank about 80 oz of water throughout the day and for dinner tonight I had some cream of brocolli soup, a decaf coffee and glass of water with lemon. I will soon be having a sugar free ice pop. Yum. Thank goodness this is only a week long. I am not looking forward to having to do this after my surgery for 2 weeks, but having the lap-band is such a gift that I will do whatever is necessary to make this work. It has to work - it is truly my last hope to get healthy, look and feel better and live longer. 7 Days to go:w00t::tt1:
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Day 3

Cream of chicken soup is really good. Cream of brocolli is OK. Cream of celery, I thought, was awful. Tonight I will try cream of mushroom. I like mushroom gravy, so it can't be that bad, right?   Isopur is not bad. I have tried 3 flavors and my fav so far is grape forest. At least I am getting 40grams of protein from each bottle.   When this liquid diet is over, I don't think I will look at soup again; well not until I have a fill. Then it will be 2 days of liquids again.   Monday can't get here fast enough for me!   Hope you all have a great night.
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

New Photo

For anyone who might be interested, my new green shirt photo has been posted to my album. I am surprised by the difference I see in myself. I hope to get some feedback:smile:. I am pretty darn proud of myself.   I was at the gym tonight and worked with out with my trainer, Albert. What a great guy. We worked out in the weight side of the gym. I used a straight bar with 20 lbs, and 2 new machines that I really liked. Before leaving I weighed myself and I was 222.8. I cannot wait to hit 219! Then I will work on the next 10 lb loss. Everyday is getting better!   Enjoy the pic and have a great evening.
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Horray!

No more soup! I just couldn't take one more spoonful. As much as I trust my doctor and want to follow his instructions, I just had to take the situation into my own hands and last night my husband pureed tuna fish w/lite mayo and I ate about 3 or 4 oz. I felt so good afterwards - didn't run to the bathroom for a change. So, this morning I scrambled 2 eggs and cooked them in Smart Balance and kept that down. Didn't feel hungry until lunch time today. At which time I had chicken salad. I feel so good - not overly stuffed, but not sick to my stomach from the soup.   As of today, I have lost 10.2lbs. I am so excited. I am working out at the gym and loving that.   My visit to the surgeon is on Tues. I am looking forward to seeing him and hearing what he has to say.   To all of my friends here, keep up the good work and let's all get thinner together.
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Great Support

Thank you all for your responses to my blogs. I truly get inspired by all of you.   I made a promise to myself 3 years ago when I decided to look into weight loss surgery that if I was fortunate to have it, I would do ANYTHING I had to do to keep on track. I know too many people who have had gastric bypass or lapband surgery and didn't keep up their end of the bargain by keeping on track and doing what they needed to do, so they gained all their weight back. They thought I'll have the surgery and the rest will take care of itself. Well, that isn't the case. You have to take care of the rest.   Tomorrow I have a 9:00am appointment with a new dietician. My last one was a very nice young lady, but she didn't "get me" and was not giving me the information I needed. She would ask if I liked something like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and I said no. So when she wrote out a suggested diet plan, she put both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt on it. That got me a little bit upset, so I told my doctor I wanted to switch and they gave me an appointment with a new person.   I am curiousn to know if I am doing the right thing eating the way I do. Yes, I am consistently losing weight and the scale is going in the right direction, but I want to make sure my intake is right. Could I lose more faster? I don't know, but I feel great, so I hope I am doing what I am suppose to do. As you all know, I don't want to do protein shakes - but I will if I have to.   I can't believe I am in my 9th week since surgery. The time has gone by so quickly. My first fill is scheduled for 9/1, so we will see how it goes.   Well, I hope you all have a great evening.
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Say Cheese

This Sunday is not only my brother-in-law's birthday, have a happy Dennis, but I am going to take another sent of pictures in the green top I started my journey in. For those of you interested, you will find my photos in my album. I am anxious to see a side-by-side.   I think the only way we can actually view ourselves as we really look is through the eye of a camera. I know they say the camera puts 10lbs on you, but I think that's only a TV camera.   I've always run from the camera when friends want to "remember the time". Or try to find a way to hide part of my body, but I am looking forward to the day that I am the one saying, "Does anyone have a camera to capture this memory?"   I was telling my husband on the way back from the gym tonight that I really believe my stomach is getting a bit flatter. Then I realized it is only 5 or 6 weeks since my surgery and realized I have a heck of a long time to go to reach my goal weight. I know I will eventually get there, but I am only taking 10lbs at a time.   As my friend and fellow bandster I'm a Luckydog said, she has lost 110lbs in a year and it went a lot faster than she thought it would. She is now on maintenance and doing great. How wonderful is that?   Have a wonderful weekend everyone and check out my pics next week.
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Weights

My trip to the gym last night was so much fun. I started off doing my usual cardio workout - I walked a mile in 19 minutes, 3.1 mph at the random mode, meaining the floor of the treadmill goes up and down randomly. It starts at 0 and goes all the way up to 1.5. Then I experimented and put the incline up to 5. That was hard, but I enjoyed it.   After about 30 minutes, I met with my trainer and got my first lesson in weight lifting. I did 5 different machines, 3 sets of 12. I was so excited that I was able to do everything he asked me to do and today I am actually able to lift my arms! I know that by adding new machines and keeping the workout new and exciting, I will not lose the "eye of the tiger".   I have lost about 19 lbs so far and am due to get my first fill on Thurs. I am just not sure I need one yet. As long as I drink my water, I really don't get hungry between meals.I am afraid if I get a fill, I will be too restricted. The doctor said I could postpone another week or two if I needed to, but I'm not sure yet. I'll decide by Tues.   Meeting friends today for an early dinner. they are visiting from Orlando, I'm in North Miami. They have to drive home, which is about 4 hours away hence the early dinner. I am always worried about eating out because you never know how the food is prepared, even though I always ask.   Have a great weekend everyone. :thumbup:
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

I can't wait

I was originally scheduled for my lapband this past December 21, 2010, but then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to undergo a mastectomy on January 5th. I am so fortunate the cancer was found so early and that I don't need chemo or radiation.   My lapband has been rescheduled for my birthday, June 21st, which I am calling my re-birthday. :tongue_smilie:   I am a little nervous but so excited. Anyone have any suggestions?
Bklynike

Bklynike

3
 

Liquid Diet Begins

Well, tomorrow is the day I start with my full liquid diet. I am not all that excited about it, but I know it has to be done, so I will do it. My problem is that although I am a big girl, I don't really like most foods. With that said, my husband & I have been playing around with some protein shakes and found a couple I can tolerate. My favorite is the unflavored protein (2 scoops), 4 oz water and 4 oz low fat milk, a tablespoon Taster's Choice decaf coffee and an ice cube blended for about 30 seconds in the blender. YUMMY. I love coffee, so this is good. The other day we blended the vanilla cream protein (1 scoop), with some left over brewed decaf coffee and a little low fat milk and it was pretty good too.   I know this surgery is going to save my life and give me more years with my husband, family and friends and I couln't be more thankful. It would be nice if my insurance would pay for it, but that is not to be. I hope the insurance companies change the way they do thnigs so those of us with co-morbidities can get this life saving surgery without jumping through so many hoops, or worse yet not having the surgery covered at all. At least they paid for my nutritionist and saved me $250.00.   I hope anyone getting banded this week has an easy time of it. Good luck to all.
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Blogging in general

I have never been a blogger. I only recently joined Facebook because my friends kept bugging me to. I really don't spend too much time at it. But, this site has been different. I don't know if anyone is interested in what I have been up to, but it makes me feel better to have some kind of log of my weight loss journey. My mom just died last year - Thurs will actually be the 1st anniversary of her passing. I am recovering from breast cancer - 4 months in remission - yea me. I am so excited about my lap-band surgery, coming June 21st - my birthday. I come here and read through everyone elses blogs to see what they have been experiencing in hopes that I will learn something. Last week someone wrote that they were cheating before they even had the surgery. I wrote to them in hopes of helping them when I got a very rude message back from the person I accidentally emailed. She could have just told me of my error, but instead was very rude. I hope never to get like that. We are a family here - albeit a family of strangers. We all have the same goals and dreams, to lose weight and get healthier. So to those of you who will be getting the surgery I truly wish you the best of luck. To those of you who have had the surgery, I hope you can keep up the same momentum you first had when you originally got banded.:smile:
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

So many LapBand friends

I am so glad I found this site so I can read and learn about other people's experiences. I know each of us are feeling the same anxiety and excitement about getting banded or being banded. I can't wait for my turn. I just found out I have to take 2 one-hour classes called Journey 1 and Journey 2. Anyone else have these classes?   Since I will be starting the gym next week on the 28th, I had to go out to purchase some gym attire. Thank goodness for WalMart - who wants to spend money on new clothes when, with any luck, I will lose a lot of weight rather quickly and the stuff will be too big. I am so looking forward to my new and improved body and self esteem.   bye for now
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Primary Dr Visit Tomorrow

I am really looking forward to my visit tomorrow with my primary dr. I am excited to see how my blood work turned out. I will find out if I can eliminate or cut back on some of my meds.   Being diabetic, luckily Type 2 and on oral medication, since the surgery I have been able to cut my Metform down from 500mg twice a day to 250mg twice a day. I was also told to cut my high blood pressure from 180 twice a day to 120 twice a day. Nothing was said about cutting out or lowering my cholesterol medication yet. I know my thyroid meds will not be stopped and I will be on the hormone therapy for my breast cancer the next 5-10 years, so I am not really concerned about them.   If I had gastric by-pass I would have stopped the diabetic meds the day of surgery. It doesn't work the same way with lap-band. I just hope my numbers are good enough to cut it out. But I know in my heart, that if this isn't the visit where they say I can stop these medications, it will come one day. I feel good, am losing weight and exercising - hopefully I won't need the meds.   The hubs is now back from his "Horror Convention" in Indi and he had a blast. I am glad he is back - I really missed him. So, I am going to go watch Next Comic Standing and have a good laugh. I hope you all enjoy your evening.   By the way, please keep good thoughts for tomorrow and wish me luck.:rolleyes2:
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Journey Classes

I just got the prescription orders from my surgeon's office for my blood work on June 3rd and my PCP's release for my surgery on June 8th. I will have to take some classes called Journey 1 and 2. Has anyone taken these classes? Since I am self-pay, I do not need a psych eval, but will meet with a nutritionist. I am not a veggie person, so I am a little nervous about what they will say I have to eat post-surgery. Any suggestions from any of you who are veggie-phobes like me?
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Bariatric Eating

My girlfriend had her band done 2 years ago. She took me today to the only store in our area of S. Florida that sells bariatric supplies and lets you taste the product prior to purchasing.   I can tolerate the Isopur waters, which are high in protein, and Inspire melon flavored protein mix. I am not a chocolate person, I always prefer vanilla but I really disliked the vanilla products this store carried. I will have to search around to find the right blend of proteins that I can tolerate.   Any ideas?:smile:
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Terrific

Howdy, all and Happy Monday.   My dinner with my son and his family went really well last night. We turned them on to our healthy "chicken parmesian" dish and they loved it.:thumbup: We even sent leftovers home with them. Their 3 year old even had a small piece, which is amazing because the child doesn't eat many things. You have to try the chicken - it is yummy. Check out my past blog for the recipe. It is fast and easy.   They were so surprised to see how different I look. After only 6 weeks, the change is certainly noticeable. I actually started wearing my smaller sized shirts this weekend and yes, ladies and gentlemen, I bought a belt to hold up my pants. I got the belt at Kmart. It is really cool because it is narrow with a grommeted hole every few inches, so as I get smaller I just have to pull the belt tighter and not have to make any hole in it. And, it is reversable with some kind of leopard design on the underside.   Those of you who read my blogs know my husband, and biggest supporter, escorts me to the gym and works out while I am working out. He needs to lose weight too, but without insurance we couldn't afford for both of us to have the LB, and since it was my dream... Anyway, we enjoy different machines, so we are not together, but we are in the gym at the same time.   Tonight I srpung the fact on him that I wanted to add another night to our/my regiment. We go 3 times a week now. He isn't overly excited about it because he really doesn't like going, but he doesn't have to be. He can pass on going with me, he can sit in the car with his portable DVD player and watch a movie or I'll just take the car and go alone. I really feel I need to and want to go more often. I am so hooked on it - on the way I feel and the way I am starting to look. I feel energized after a good workout. When I leave the gym, red faced and hair wet from sweat, I feel as if I am really working towards my goal and that is so important to me. I believe he will work out too, but I don't want to pressure him. This is my journey and I am doing this for me. No one else, but me.   Take it from me,. I am going to win this battle against the weight. I am going to lose this ugly, disgusting fat that has been suffocating me for too many years to count.   Come along with me and feel as good as I am feeling righ now - we can and will do it. Together we can lose the weight - an ounce or a pound at a time. We will all do it:thumbup:.
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

It's a miracle

I was actually able to get out of bed this morning after my first workout at the gym last night without as much discomfort as I thought I would have. I know if I keep up the hard work, my surgeon will be very happy with me come lab band day. I will go back tomorrow night and perhaps I will be able to walk the treadmill for more than 15 minutes. Keep your fingers crossed.:smile:
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
 

Doctor's Visit

Well, I was at the doctor today for my medical clearance. Everything looked pretty good except my blood pressure, which was 140/100, is too high although I have been on medication. Now I have to up my blood pressure medication over the next 2 weeks or my surgeon may not operate. And my sugar was still high, although I am on diabetic medication twice a day. I thought I was doing well, but I guess not as well as I hoped. I cannot wait until the surgery is done and I will, hopefully, not have to take medication anymore.   Has anyone out there been able to get off their meds after surgery?
Bklynike

Bklynike

2
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