NurseLaureli

Good job! What progress!! That dress is so pretty! It is amazing at what looking at a pic will do for you if you are feeling down about the scales moving slowly. Keeps up the motivation! Again, you look great!

I am 11 months out from my surgery. Went to a friend's wedding this past Friday and wore a dress I would have never looked at this time last year. I have lost 75lbs in 11 months. First pic, my daughter's b-day party. Size 24--notice the grass skirt doesn't even fit all the way around me. (Pardon the stupid face....I didn't want my pic taken!!) Second pic, leaving for a friends wedding--size 12 dress! Here is a pic of my husband and I, the first pic of us together in awhile since I tend to hide from the camera at parties!

I just wanted to chime in and say from someone who is banded, I went through the same thing you all are. I researched this band for 2 years before I decided that it was time to stop wasting my life being obese. Then, once I decided that it was the right thing to do, it seemed like an eternity before it even happened. Even though my insurance covered the procedure, they would only cover it at the hospital I worked for at the time and they were in the process of changing lapband doctors so I had to wait another 4-5 months before I could even talk to the doctor to see if I was a candidate for the surgery. Everyday I would come to this website and look at the before & after pics and it would motivate me to keep going. It is a long road, and not one that can be rushed. I am guessing that is for good reason though to ensure that you don't rush into a surgery w/o considering both the pro's and the cons. Also, I would recommend taking the before and after pics. They really are motivating, especially when you plateau b/c it shows how far you have really come. I didn't realize how much I tried to avoid the camera when I was obese, not that I jump to have my pic taken now, but atleast I am included in my family's pics now. You'll be glad you did it.

I can eat almost everything. The only foods that I have had a problem with are french fries and tater tots (which I don't really need anyway...I can usually get by with eating 2 or 3 but more than that causes me pain). I don't really eat tortillas b/c they take too much effort. When we go to a Mexican food resturant, I'll order fajitas, and just eat the steak and chicken and veggies and my husband & daughter will eat the tortillas. eggs....I have only PB'd 2 times since I have had my band and one time was on a fried egg (the other time was a dry piece of chicken). Totally my fault though...chewed it twice, and swallowed it (I was so hungry and reverted to my old habits). It sure came right back up. But, as long as I pay attention and chew well, I can do eggs (fried and scrambled). I acutally usually eat 1 egg for breakfast almost everyday. As far as bread goes, I don't really eat that either. I was just too scared to try it after I got my band so I pretty much stay away from it. I LOVED bread before, but don't really care much about it now that I don't eat it. I can eat pizza w/o problems. Usually only one piece, and it takes forever! Red meat....I eat red meat w/o problems providing I am chewing well. If we go out for steak, I'll usually order a baked potato and salad, then my husband will give me some of the steak he orders. It is just enough to satisfy my craving, but not enough for me to get in trouble with. All in all, as long as you chew well and don't let yourself get to hungry so that you are rushing to eat, I think you will be surprised at what you can still eat. I would stay away from anything too dry though!

I haven't posted an update in awhile. This is a before face pic and some after face pics that I took yesterday. I have been on a plateau for about 3 months now. I am not gaining, but I am not losing either. I was getting somewhat depressed, but the comparison of the before and after does help me get motivated again. (the after pics are taken from my cell phone, thus the fuzzy quality). Me minus 70lbs...

I haven't been on much lately and just wanted to check in and say "hi!". Hope everyone is doing okay. I have kinda stalled on my weight loss...though I am officially down 73lbs since surgery and 90 from my highest weight ever. It is my own fault though...I haven't been to the gym in 2 months (my husband spent 2 months in the hospital and things got a little too crazy...life happens I guess!) and I haven't exactly made the right food choices (I am a starbucks-a-holic and have gradually gone from getting a tall to a venti sized non-fat caramel macchiato---just b/c it says non-fat, doesn't mean you can have a big one). I also started a new job and it has been hard coordinating my home life, starting a new job with a crazy schedule for orientation, and getting to the gym. I am definately going tomorrow though!! I am making it a priority! Manatee...I am so sorry to hear about your band. Like it has been said before, keep up posted. We'll definately be thinking good thoughts for you!

Hi Devera, I haven't blacked out but I will say that if I eat too quickly and start to get stuck, I will get an instant headache, usually on the right side of my head. It has only happened a couple of times, usually when I let myself get too hungry and eat too fast, but my hea really hurts. I thought it was a bit weird, but I always forget to ask about it when I see my doc. I have never blacked out though...that sounds pretty scary. I hope you find some answers!!

Every one looks so good! I am so inspired by everyone on this board. I look at this thread everyday to keep my spirits up and to know I can lose my last 40 lbs. Since I haven't taken body shots in awhile, I thought I would post my progress pics. The first pic was taken 2 years ago at my highest weight ever of 257lbs. I was 239lbs at surgery, which is the inset pic of just the head shot. I am at 167lbs currently, down 90lbs from my highest ever, and down 72lbs since surgery in May.

I had a new NSV yesterday. I went shopping for a pair of pants and actually bought size 12's!!! Starting at a tight 24, I was SO very happy.

Thought I would post some updated head shots...will post some better shots soon. The second one was taken with my cell phone, hence the yellowish hue. Sorry about that! I have lost 70lbs so far and met my Christmas goal. I wanted to be @ 175lbs by Christmas day and was 169lbs that morning! This is the lowest I have been at in 9 years!

I actually had a new nsv yesterday. My husband had surgery yesterday and while he was in surgery, I ran down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. I took my food to go and was sitting in the waiting room eating. About half-way through my meal I realized that I had the styrofoam container sitting in my lap while I was eating. Ummm...OMG!! I have a lap...an actual lap that I can sit stuff on now and use. It didn't hit me until that point. I have never been able to hold something on my lap b/c my belly has always been too big. I must have looked like a dork b/c I sat there staring at my styrofoam box in my lap like it was an alien. Someone walked by and asked me if I was okay...I just smile and said yes. Crazy!! I also went to Old Navy the other day and bought a new pair of pants...in the normal size section...size 14!!! Coming from a 22/24 size pants, I was thrilled. It has been 9 years since I could wear a 14. LOVE my band!

My 6-month bandiversary is in two days so I thought I would post my 6-month progress pics. I plan on getting a new pair of jeans (hopefully in a size 14!!) on my bandiversary and I'll take pics of me in regular clothes and post them then....I am just so excited to see the difference I couldn't wait to post these. I LOVE my band!

I tried editing my previous post but it wouldn't let me for some reason. I actually forgot a NSV: I got my wedding rings resized. I've got from a 9.5 to a size 7 in ring sizes. I was able to try on a ring right out of the case and it fit me...I have never had that happen. I've always had "sausage fingers".

1. Being able to cross my legs without leaning way to the side. 2. Going from a size 22/24 to size 16. 3. Shoes fitting better (yes...I am losing weight in my feet). 4. My daughter can put her arms all the way around me and touch her hands when she hugs me...I cried when she did this b/c she was so happy too! She thinks it's fun to show this to everyone now too! 5. I can run and play with my daughter. 6. People at work are noticing my weightloss. 7. Putting on a size 14 pair of shorts that I wore when I was pregnant with my daughter...little tight but I got 'em on. First time in 9 years! 8. I got into my PROM DRESS!!! OMG!! This happened last week...just on a whim I put it on and it fit! I thought I was going to die. 9. Taking a picture of myself where I actually think I am sorta pretty. This is a great thread and until now, I hadn't actually written down my nsv's. Very motivating!!

I would have never imagined how much of a workout it is playing like a kid. Yesterday my my brother, sister-in-law, my husband and I took my daughter and two nephews to this place called Bouncing Bonanza. Basically it is a building that has been cleared out, carpeted and is now full of those big huge blow up bouncing houses and blow up slides. Well they charge kids to play, but the adults get to play for free. We ran around playing with the kids, bouncing around in the mazes, and sliding down the slides. I got more of a workout jumping around in there than I think I have had in awhile...and the best part was that it was so fun! I did end up with two skinned elbows and two skinned knees. And, this morning when I woke up, my back is a little stiff (which I contribute to me sliding face first down the biggest slide b/c I over shot the top when I climbed up the rope thing and didn't get a chance to sit down and slide....my sister-in-law almost pee'd on herself laughing at me). I have learned that I don't have to just go to a gym to workout. Playing and running around with the kids is IMHO just as much of a workout, and SO much more fun. We will definately be back to Bouncing Bonanza again.

Hi everyone...I haven't posted in awhile but thought I would post this NSV. My wedding ring hasn't fit in awhile and I miss wearing it so I took it to have it sized. I have always had sausage fingers so I was happy when the clerk told me the size 7 sizer fit.....I used to be a 9.5! The sizer that fit looked so small. Even more exciting was while I was waiting for the clerk to do the paperwork on my wedding ring, I was looking at another ring and she asked if I wanted to look at it. She then took it out of the case and told me to try it on. Well...every ring I have ever gotten had to be sized so I was doubtful but the ring slid right on!! I almost died! Never have I been able to wear a ring out of the case. It was beautiful, but even more beautiful was that I now realize that I am shrinking all over...even when the scale is a little slow to move.

Okay...finally brave enough to post these as they are full body pics and I shy away from the camera when it comes to full body shots. Quality of pics are not great...my husband hasn't quite figured it out, but he tries! Still have a way to go but I can finally see the change.

Here are some progress pics for me. I am 3 days shy of 3 months post op. I have lost 40lbs since my surgery.

Thanks everyone for the congrats and b-day wishes. I am so happy!! Twinmommy--I think posting pics showing our progress would be great. It is a great motivator. I have a pair of pants that were 22's that were too tight right before my surgery that I took a pic in yesterday. I hadn't realized how big they were until I tried to put them on yesterday. I can pull them off and on without unbuttoning them now. Actually, when I put them on and they fell right back down. I had planned to post it in the before & after thread as soon as I get a chance to figure it out.

Hi everyone...I haven't posted in awhile but wanted to pop in to say that I met my birthday goal. When I had surgery on 5/14 I had a goal to get under 200lbs by my birthday. For the last 2-3 weeks I haven't lost much, and thought I wouldn't make it, but when I got up this morning and got on the scale, it said 199!!!!:whoo: I did it! I am SO very happy. I haven't been in the 100's in about 9 years. I turned 30 today so I am so happy to start my 30's back in Onederland. Seeing that number on the scale is the best birthday present I could have given myself. I had been kinda bummed about the slow loss over the last 2-3 weeks but now I am so motivated to keep following the rules and to keep exercising. I love my band!

Well...I guess I am an official bandster. I had my first PB yesterday and I thought I was going to die. Evil chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-A! I had eaten half of it earlier in the day for breakfast without problems (I was very cautious and ate very small bites and chewed very well. Well at lunch decided I was going to have some of the half that was left. I decided right away that the biscuit part was too dry to eat so I took the chicken off and took a bite. Without thinking about it, I chewed only a couple of times, and I involuntarily swallowed. Felt like a flaming golf ball was stuck in my chest. I felt like I was on fire, and had pain between my shoulder blades. I tried everything--walking around, holding my arms up, bending over. Then, I started slimming and after about 10 mins finally PB'd. Let me tell you...lesson learned!! I haven't had any problems since I was banded and wasn't paying attention so I guess that was my band's way of saying "hey...remember me...you can't eat that fast!" Good gravy...I will definitely be more careful in the future!

Hi everyone...haven't posted in awhile but I am glad to see that everyone seems to be doing okay. Well...I had my first fill today. Wasn't bad at all. My doctor does the first fill under fluro so once we registered at the hospital, we headed off toward radiology. I changed into a gown and went back to the room where they had me lay on a table (which was VERY cold). Then, the doctor took x-rays to make sure everything was okay with my band (which it was--thank God!). Then, he numbed up my skin and inserted the fill needle. I didn't feel a thing. Then, he had me drink barium and you could see it on the screen flowing through my band. He would fill a little, then I would drink a little until he was happy with the restriction. I got 2.2ml in my 4ml band. I'm on liquids for tonight and if everything goes okay, I'll get to go back on regular food tomorrow. Yeah!!! I also signed up at the YMCA last week. I am no longer under restrictions so I am happy to be able to start exercising. So far, we have pretty much just hung out at the outdoor waterpark for my daughter. But, I am ready to get moving...my goal is to be under 200lbs by my birthday in August. I only have 12 more pounds to go (I need to update my ticker) so hopefully I'll make it!

Thanks so much for the information on the Vitamins everyone takes...it really helps!! I think I'll get some different kind. Mine were great pre-surgery but now I can't get them all in. Hi Jessica...I acutally work in Mansfield...small world!!!

Hi everyone. Today I am three weeks post-op. So far I have lost 21 lbs and I feel pretty good. I went back to work on Thursday and worked three 12 hour days in a row. I am still a little tired as yesterday was my first day off (and I work nights) but I handled it better than I thought I would. I am doing some yard work today and b/c it is a little hot and muggy from all the rain lately (I'm in the Fort Worth, TX area), I am taking a break. Quick question...what vitamins are y'all taking? I am taking some from GNC but I have to take 4 a day and I am either too full to get them in, or I forget to take them all. I usually only get 2-3 in during the day. If you are taking some that you like, please let me know... Well...off to figure out how to update this stinkin' ticker thing again. Hope everyone is feeling okay and getting back to normal!!

Well, finally the day came and I got to meet with my doctor for the very first time. I absolutely love him...he has such a great bedside manner. He took time to answer all of my questions (all 20 something of them) and spent more than an hour with me explaining the lapband process and was actually happy to see me pull out a whole list of questions! :faint: So, now I have a class that I have to attend on 3/22 that covers nutrition and exercise. It is a requirement and cost $300, which is not covered by my insurance. The class is from 8:30am-1:30pm and apparently we are supposed to cover pre- and post-op nutrition information. There is also information regarding exercise...has anyone else had to attend something like this? Also, my insurance requires a psych eval. I have called the office of the doctor I have been referred to and left two messages as we seem to be playing phone tag. Can anyone who has had to have a psych eval tell me what I might expect? Seems like the ball is finally rolling...:clap2: