Short and Chunky

I am Tricare Prime South - no 6 month waiting period for me either. I had to do all the pre-op stuff and provide a bunch of documentation, but was approved on the first submittal. Sounds like "Duke" is requiring the 6 month waiting. Melinda in Florida

Well, it has been a week since my last entry and boy can things change in a week. I went from a happy bandster to an unhappy one. Sure, I have lost 104 pounds and sure, I can wear short skirts and I have turned into an exercise fool but this band is another story. It is messing with my mind. Two months ago my Doctor gave me an adjustment. He said he figured that I needed one and it was time to stop messing around and get serious with this stuff. You see, I had hit a wall and not lost anything in 3 months - really- up one, down two, up three, down one..you guys know the program. One of those plateau things - well, tighten he did. I did well in June - down 9 1/2 pounds for the month. July, not so much. I don't see the doctor for another two weeks, but I have not lost one ounce - in fact I think I may have added a pound or two. I am in constant stuck mode. Good food, bad food, ice water, soda, hot tea...doesn't much matter. I do believe this sucker has gotten tighter (on it's own) and I am miserable. I am too tight and need to have some removed. Last night I made a very good dinner - ground beef, with onions, diced tomatoes, bellpeper and melted low fat cheese on top. (I added macaroni for my husband) - YUMMY the house smelled so good - well, two bites and then over an hour of PB, slime and pain. Well, smart me decided to take a teaspoon of ice cream to calm my throat - HAHA, that came back too - so did the hot tea - I just gave up, sat down and cried - what in the H have I done to myself and what did I do to get this much discomfort. I revisited my entire day - nope, I had done nothing wrong..small bites, chewed forever, drank all my fluids, no fluids with food, worked out at the gym for an hour, took a 2 mile walk,I was nice to the dog, my husband and my employees so what in the world did I do to deserve this???? To top it off, now I am having some pain (minor in nature) near my port. OH Pooh..Probably from throwing up too much. Good thing I had plication too or I might be looking at slippage. I am sure it is just the band being too tight and there is nothing to worry about. I have a call into the doctor to see if I can get some taken out today..the point I am trying to make is...Even after 1 year, you are still learning from the band and how to handle things. Other than this latest issue - I feel great, look better than I have in years but the price I am paying is sometimes a bit high. In private, I am miserable at times - can't eat some of the things I used to love, when things get stuck, I am embarrassed and run and hide until it passes. My friends and family tell me that I am the tower of strenght and that "they could never have done this". Would I have the surgery again - well, YEP, but I will tell anyone thinking about it, to be sure they can handle it mentally. I need to get my head straight and back in the game. This setback has me a bit upside down but this will pass. I will have the tiny unfill, I will once again return to being able to eat my morsals and I will continue to trudge onward to reaching my goal weight. For those of you that I talk to on a regular basis - don't panic, I am not jumping off the bridge and not abandoning the ship. It is just a setback. We all have them and I will be fine. So hang in there my friends and try to keep the spirits up. Have a great week. Melinda in Florida

Congratulations on your 1 yr and your weight loss Kim. You are doing great. It was a year for me in July too. I agree with you..I have not reached my goal weight yet, but I am a bunch thinner than I was a year ago and it has been worth it. Would not go back to the old me..I like me and my band..I don't miss the 104 pounds that I lost along the way. Keep up the good work. Melinda in Florida

Kim - STOP saying that you "only walk 15 minutes"..how long did you walk before - probably NONE. When I started walking, I walked all the way around the block (and it is a small block) and then came home to rest. No one starts out doing 5K or longer or taking 30-60 minute walks. It is part of the process. Be PROUD of your 15 minutes and keep it up. Before you know it, it will be 20-then 30-then 40 etc. Don't shoot yourself down. And if you can't do it one day (too tired, raining, too hot.etc) find something else to do, but do move in some form - I scrub the bathroom floors (on my knees). It really does help. Now about those Protein shakes. Delicious aren't they (NOT). Try this..I mix mine with a cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk and a tsp of Vanilla extract or Almond Extract or Coconut extract. It does help. If you are just chugging it down and gaging your way through this, you are in for 2 terrible unsatisfying weeks. These protein drinks are in your future too, not to this extent, but there will be days when that is your Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Post op you will drink them some too. You need to make them better for YOU. I use

I am one of the ones that cannot eat salad anymore. Well, sometimes I get lucky and get a few bites but usually it ends up with a bad sticking episode and lots of slime and PB. I know how you feel about - "I used to eat that and more" WoW, no wonder I was fat. I am amazed at how little I eat and I am still healthy and alive. Down 104 in 1 yr so this thing does work. Congrats on your weight loss and your journey - By the way, chicken Cesear Salad sure sounds good. maybe just the chicken and the dressing for me. hahaha Melinda in Florida

kkccmom - congratulations - only two weeks to go. go for it and hang in there. The liquid Protein diet can be a bummer but it isn't too bad. Try them in your blender, with ice and some extracts. It really does help the flavor. In fact one of the ones I fix tastes like an almond joy and I am a pickey eater. You can do this. 50, 60 whatever age, you are strong and you are doing this for YOU and YOUR HEALTH. Good luck my friend and stay in touch Melinda in Florida (60 yr old)

Hippychick - Yep, I live in Jacksonville and I work at UNF. Good luck with your surgery. Wow, the 20th, it won't be long now. Stay in touch OK. Melinda Knitmom - One week post op. How are you feeling. It was about at this stage I was getting my sealegs back and feeling pretty good.. I hope you are doing well. Everyone - thanks for reading my blog. I plan to do it once a week (If my brain is working) as I know what reading others meant to me and how when I was down, these blogs and words of wisdom really helped me over a hump. Have a great week and weekend guys. Melinda

Bonnie - you crack me up - glad you weren't expecting a hot chick to pop out of this band thing. I will share this. I work at a large State University and today, I am wearing a skort (size 12 proudly said) and it is kind of short. Well, I have received compliments all days about my legs and how skinny I am getting. WOO HOO..skinny and my name in the same sentence - wow, I thought that ship had sailed but I guess not. So I may be too old to hot in in swim suit, but apparently I can still wear a short skirt ! I loved the 60's and min skirts ! hehehehe Have a great weekend. Melinda in Florida

Momo20 - So glad your surgery went well and that you are doing soooo good. Get lots of rest but don't forget to walk as much as you can. The gas will come (trust me !). I am so excited for you and your new journey. Best of luck. The next couple of days can be a bit stange, but work through it and you will be great by Mon or Tues. Mariamaria - Happy for you too. Glad your surgery went well. Take care and follow those directions the doc gave you and you will continue to do great. Have a great weekend both of you.. Melinda in Florida

Carolinagirl - the first one was a bit scarey - not sure what to expect. But I have not had a single problem with my fills. It helps renew your spirit and your dedication a bit. Melinda in Florida

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas. I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch. Melinda in Florida

Kwood - congrats on your surgery tomorrow. Relax and enjoy your evening. Look at it this way. It is the END of the PRE-OP diet . Tomorrow will go by quickly and you won't have time to be nervous. This is a new adventure and a heathier, skinnier you is in your future. Best Wishes and when you feel up to it, let us know how you are doing.. Melinda in Florida

Hi Jennygirl - welcome. I have been here just over a year and this site is so helpful. Good luck on your upcoming surgery - let the journey begin ! Melinda in Florida

Well, at least you like meat ! That would take care of the Protein requirements but I think you might get a bit crazy only eating that. My doctor says no fruit (so no bananas). I do eat fish (not fried) but I also eat crab and shrimp. chicken, Turkey, Ham, Beef are all ok (on my plan) but I do eat green Beans, cabbage, salad and stuff like that. I do eat corn. My problem now is that my band is so tight leafy vegies now don't do so good and corn can be a problem. You are in for a tough time due to what you like/don't like. Try eating the "diet" prior to surgery for a few days and see if you can deal with it. I am a picky eater, but I have managed. I am 1 yr post op and down 104 pounds. My doctor does allow soda but only diet and only 1 per day. I do drink Protein drinks ever few days in order to stay healthy. Remember, you don't want to have the surgery and then eat the wrong things. That would create a problem that could get nasty and require you to have additional surgery. Just too dangerous to mess with. Good luck and hang in there. Melinda in Florida

Carolinagirl..I am Tricare Prime (South) and I have had four floroscope fills and a few regular fills. Tricare has paid for them all (I paid the co-pay). I see the doctor monthly and have for over a year and every one has been covered. As for getting a referral - my surgeon does that out of his office so I don't have to worry about it. In fact, my appointments are set for the rest of this calendar year. Melinda in Florida

HelloDolly - I get the head hungry ! I wish they made a "lapband for the brain" too. Can you imagine the $$ you would make if you invented that? Melinda in Florida

Well my friends, it has been a year since I was banded and plicated (is that a word?) I can truly say that my life has changed. At the tender of age of 60 - I am now a JOCK...I walk 2-3 miles per day and work out at the gym (yes, I said G-Y-M) for an hour 3-4 days a week. I have competed in 4 - 5K walk/runs and have registered for 2 more. Who would have thought? I have lost 104 pounds of me and I don't miss one ounce. Gone from a size 22W to a lean/mean size 12. WOW..I don't remember being a 12 in my past - but I am sure I was sometime in my past. Has this been easy - Shoot NO. anyone who thinks it is hasn't walked in our shoes. If someone says oh, lapband, that will make your weight loss so much easier. HAHA, LMAO, What is easy about weighing your food, chewing until your jaws ache and eating bites that are too small for an infant? And lets not forget - No drinking while eating - that is a real good one to learn. I have gone to so many family gatherings where I actually leave the room just to avoid eating too fast or eating the wrong thing and that is OK. At least I will be around longer to enjoy those family gatherings. As I look back over the past year I reflect on tears when I could not eat something I thought I really wanted. I remember not being able to eat my dinner as a restaurant (that's why they make takeout containers). I remember rushing to the bathroom because something was stuck - I thought I was having a heart attack- and then there is the slime ! But with all that "bad stuff" I remember crossing over into onederland and then down, down, down..I am now looking to drop even more (hopefully another 40). Celebrate ! But even if I don't loose anymore weight - 104 pounds of ME is GONE and GONE FOREVER. My BP meds - GONE, the borderline diabetes - GONE, the high trigylcerides -GONE. My 80 yr old Mother says that I have my "glow back". I guess she is right. I get up everyday looking forward to a new day in a healthier body. All that stuff being said - Thank you Lap band, thank you plication and thank you lapband talk family because without you and your support I would not have been so successful. So, like it is said in the south - "If the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise" I will post again. I have never written on a blog before so this is another 1st in my new life. Thanks for reading and best wishes for your success. Melinda in Florida

Proverbdoll - you sound down. Girl, pick yourself up..You have lost weight, you have had a life changing surgerical proceedure and YOU WILL SUCCEED. I have been banded a 1 yr and I hit the wall so many times -m y head hurts, Keep your monthly appointments with the doctor, get your fills and follow the directions (as closely as possible). Your children sound precious - take them for a walk or to the park. Or just take yourself for a walk. It will make you feel better, it will help you loose weight and it will clear you head. This band thing is no magic bullet - it is just a tool fastened around the top of your stomach - you have to use the tool, you have to figure out how to make the most of it. You can and you will. It does take some time - some trial and error - some sticking and PBing - even some "oops - should not have eaten that"..but you will get this and you will succeed. You made a big decision and you went through a bunch of stuff to qualify for the surgery so hang in there..you are tougher than you think and those stubborn pounds will go away - One-derland is close and I look forward to hearing you celebrate when you get there. Have a great week. Melinda in Florida

I agree with 2muchfun. The green zone is different for all of us. I am 1 yr post op and I think I am almost there. I have experienced the sticking issue and the PB issue. 1 cup of food satisfies me (sometimes less) but I still can't go 4-5 hours without eating. Some of that is ME and MY Head and some is just being hungry. I'm hanging in there and not giving up. So just be patient and enjoy the ride. Melinda in Florida

Relax proverbdoll and snielsen..it will happpen. I am 1 yr post op. You loose a bunch then nothing and then it repeats itself. Just keep on doing the right things - eating right, drinking lots of Water and walking (or whatever exercise is your thing). My last "dry spell" lasted almost 4 months with NOTHING. then poof - down 9.5 in 3 weeks- without changing a thing. You didn't gain it all overnight and it is doing to leave overnight. Stay patient and positive (that really does help). I am down 104 with 40+ to go so I am still in the working hard stage. Hope you both are feeling great. Melinda in Florida

Mariamaria and Momo - wishing you both good luck today and we all look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. I'm excited for you both. Melinda in Florida

I agree with Carolinagirl..I too get those cravings and hunger issues. That is a battle. They put the band around your stomach - not your brain! The cravings are still there. I eat a cheese stick, a couple of slices of apple (with Peanut Butter on them), drink flavored sparkling Water (solves my sweet tooth) or a bite or two of deli turkey (rolled like a cigar). The band is just a tool and you still have to work with it. Somedays will be harder than others but I for one would not go back to the old me for anything. I am 1 yr post op and loving the new me - down 104 and counting. You can do this. Just hang in there kiddo ! Melinda in Florida

Missmobaby - congratulations I am so happy for you. Yep, we all had second (and third) thoughts. Not so much for me prior to surgery, But after - What the H___LL have I done? Well, that was 1 yr and 104 pounds ago. I only had second thoughts ( and some discomfort) for a few days. I would not go back to the old me for anything. Even on my bad days when my band feels really tight or I would really like to have a banana split with a pizza chaser..It was a decision that has probably saved my life or at least made it longer. I love this website and the support from everyone so when feeling down (or alone in this battle) sign-on..it really does help. Good luck and best wishes on that healthier you.... Melinda in Florida

Bandarama - no harm in asking. As said before all docs are different. I was no carb for 2 weeks - Clear liquids for 2 days - then surgery and then after surgery - clear liquids, then full liquids, then mushies, then food. The liquid diet is rough - I will not lie - But my doc said the liver has to rest or he won't do the surgery (too much chance of bleeding liver). I have zero will power and I just knew I would cheat - but I hung in there and I am glad I did. I knew that when I went for surgery there was no way I wasn't having my band ! I am one yr post op and down 104 lbs. As bad as the liquid thing can get - it is so much better than carrying around that 104 extra lbs. FYI, start looking now for a Protein shake that you like and are willing to drink. This can be hard (I am picky). I spent a ton of $$ until I found the one for me. Hang in there and keep up with this site - it has been a lifesaver for me. Melinda in Florida

Jeani81 - I feel your pain (no pun intended). I got semi stuck this AM on hot tea and stuck at lunch on Chinese chicken with boiled cabbage/carrotts. All was small, soft and I chewed the stuffin' out of it - today is just a tight band day and boy is it the pits. I have PB's and slimed and so now I am trying to enjoy a tall glass of Vitamin Water (oh, yummy). I was banded 1 yr ago and have lost a bunch of weight (104 lbs) but one day I think my band is too tight and the next - "what band". I am one confused puppy. Anyway, hope you are feeling better and hang in there. This happens to all of us - even those who are careful, eat small and chew. I still wouldn't go back to the way I was..FAT and Miserable Melinda in Florida