mrwindt

Congratulations! That's wonderful. Keep on going!!! Mary

Thanks for responding, Alexandra. I've been out of town for a few days and not near a computer. I agree with what Alexandra answered. My doctor did request a low fat diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery - and I did lose weight. So I count my weight loss from the start of the dieting. Mary

Hi Everyone Another August Bandster reporting in. Today (2/12) is exactly 6 months since I started the 2 week preband diet, with surgery on 8/26. I am thrilled to report that I have lost 82 pounds! I do feel a little guilty, as this is much, much more than I expected, and I don't want to make others feel they they are not doing well. However, I know we shouldn't compare ourselves to others and all of us should be congratulated for being on-track and working for our own goals. I HAVE worked hard at this process. I just had my 4th fill and so far, seem to be very tight. I don't want to get too tight, as I have been losing well, and have been eating a good amount of food. Since I have a lot more to lose, I don't want to be too restricted yet. Not to sound like a whiner, since I know that I've done very well, but even with 80 plus pounds lost, there are still frustrations. Just yesterday, someone took a candid photo of me at work which was just awful. It made me feel like I hadn't lost anything. I still have a long, long way to go (100 more pounds, hopefully), so of course, I'm going to still look fat. But I have to keep in perspective that I have lost 80 and have a great start! Hoping that all of us will report back with positive results over the next 6 months! Take care. Mary

In answer to your question about my daily eating... Really, it varies greatly. And, just yesterday, had a 4th fill - so I'm sure it will change a lot. But, as of a couple of weeks ago, here's an idea of what I was eating... - Breakfast 1/2 cup cottage cheese or 1/2 cup tuna salad or 2 scrambled eggs with salsa and a little bit of cheese or yogurt with some high Protein Cereal or occassionally a protein shake (Unury with Lactaid fat free milk) and if really hungry I would sometimes have a combination of the above - lunch Generally I'd have about 3/4 - 1 cup of some sort of protein - ground turkey with taco seasoning, left over fish, tuna salad, turkey meatballs, Soup - Mid-afternoon Sometimes I have a yogurt in the afternoon - dinner Sometimes start with soup - homemade, low fat - often vegetable based, but sometimes with Beans Usually mainly protein - lots of fish (6-8 oz); or chicken; or ground turkey; or some kind of stewed 9soft) meat (lamb or veal) Some vegetables Dessert is usually my treat of fat free, sugar free pudding and a fruit juice popsicle If we go out for dinner, I usually get fish and double vegetables. I also snack on hummus Occassionally have some crackers I have to say I'm lucky. I'm at home with my mother, who does all the cooking, so I don't have to prepare anything. It definitely makes it much easier. Lately however, I've been really hungry - eating the entire meal in a restaurant, and even had a steak the other night. So, that's why I just had a 4th fill. Hope this helps. Mary

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Yes, it's me who has lost 80 pounds in just 5 months. Just a few thoughts... I NEVER expected to be doing this well. Kelly, Alexandra, and others who have lost 30 or so pounds in that time - you're really right on track. I was always told to expect 1-2 pounds a week and I truly expected that in 5 months, if I had lost more than 20 pounds, I would be right on target. And that's where you both are. So, don't compare yourself to others. (Yes, I know, easier said than done. I would be doing the same thing.) I won't say this process has been easy. I've actually really worked at making right choices. And I did (and still do) have a lot to lose, so the weight is going to come off faster than if I had much less to lose. (Though it is slowing down.) A few things I'm doing that I think makes this all work... - I'm making the right food choices (most of the time). I am eating lots of Protein (eggs, fish, meat, hummus, Beans, etc.) I have a Protein shake occassionallly. When I'm hungry, I go for some protein first. My daily protein intake is at least 70-80, but often over 100. - I'm really restricting carbs. Not all carbs - but mainly potatoes, bread, Pasta, etc. - I did NOT listen to the dietician who said that I should be eating 700-800 calories a day. I really felt strongly that if I went down to that low amount of calories, my body would go into a starvation mode and my metabolism would slow down - slowing my weight loss. In fact, I am generally eating between 1000-1500 calories a day. (My weight loss is dramatically slowing at this point, and I expect that I will need to have another fill and lower my caloric intake.) - I have been regularly tracking my food intake on a daily basis on fitday.com. It helps. I know what I've been eating. And sometimes I am surprised that it's not more than it is. - So far, I have had 3 fills. I anticipate getting another one soon (perhaps this week, depending on what the scale says.) My theory has been that even though I've been eating much more than I expected to be able to eat, as long as I'm losing, I didn't want to be too restricted. (Again, I know that I will need to drop intake, but I didn't want to slow my metabolism prematurely.) So, when I go to the doctor this week, my feeling is that if I have lost anything, I will not get a fill. But if I'm really at a plateau (or even a possible gain), it's time for another fill. - I stop in at my doctor's office weekly (almost) to get weighed. It helps me know where I am. I guess years of Weight Watchers and other weekly weigh-in programs has me conditioned. However, this is the first time I actually look forward to getting weighed. (And yes, when it's a plateau, or even a gain, I get discouraged.) - I have been exercising. I was doing Water aerobices 2x/week (even before surgery), but the class is on hold now. I have also been going to a personal trainer almost weekly (recommended by my doctor). And now have just joined a gym. (Went yesterday for the 1st time on my own, and am I sore!) - I go to the montly support groups - just to keep in touch. - I read lots and lots of the online groups to see what other people are doing. I look forward to reading all the posts, on this board, as well as a couple of others.) I think that all of these steps have really helped me. And certainly, my good weight loss has been a tremendous motivator. In fact, however, I too get discouraged. I KNOW I have lost much more than I expected to lose. But I'm also feeling those same feelings of ... "will this continue"; "have I lost all I'm going to"; "I have SO much more to lose, I'll never make it"; etc, etc. So, even though I have lost a good amount, I need the same encouragement as all of you to keep on going and take one day (and one pound) at a time. Don't compare yourself. Just relook at what you're doing and try to make some small changes and good choices. And keep up with the protein. Hope this helps. I think it helped me to put it in writing. Good luck. Mary

Just thought I would post a brief update. I'm actually very thrilled and pleased with myself and I guess I wanted to share my good feelings. I was banded 8/26 and am thrilled that as of today, at just 5 months, I have lost 80 pounds! I really can't believe it. Though I have definitely worked hard at this process, it has not been "difficult". Meaning - I don't feel deprived; I'm really eating well; I'm eating much, much more than I expected to be able to eat; and I'm losing much faster than I anticipated. In fact, a week ago, I got back from a 10 day cruise - and I managed to lose 5 pounds while on the cruise! True - I'm eating the right foods (though I didn't deprive myself and did have daily ice cream for a treat), and I am exercising. In fact, I CAN exercise now. Some of the other plusses and changes I have noticed: - I could put the airline tray table down (though I still needed a seat belt extender) - I could walk around the Caribbean shopping without immediately breaking into a sweat - I wasn't tired walking from one end of the ship to the other - I actually wanted to walk around the deck after a meal, to let the food settle - I can cross my legs (though still have some way to go before it's truly comfortable - I went snorkeling - and walked across a bamboo bridge - and climbed down some boulders to go in a waterfall - and, and, and... - One "bad" thing - i lost a very good ring, which got too big and flew off my hand into a snow bank. (Maybe in the spring, if we ever get there, I'll find it!) I still have a long way to go. I haven't really set an end goal yet. Being realistic, I am hoping that this is my half-way mark (though it would be nice to lose even more than another 80). I just have to not get frustrated looking at how much further I have to go - since I know this will slow down and can never keep up the rate I have been losing. So... thank you for all your inspirations. Even though I don't post much, I do read the boards daily. And get inspiration from each one of you. Mary

Happy New Year Alexandra - and all the other bandsters! Good to hear from you. I second your good wishes to everyone. Hope we all have a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2004! Mary

Alexis Wow = Congratulations! You DO have a shape. What a difference! You look great. Mary

Hi Bright and Alexandra Funny. As I signed on tonight I was thinking the same thing - i.e. haven't heard from Alexandra in a while. Glad you're OK - and keeping up with a positive attitude - even if you're a bit at a plateau. Happy Holidays to both of you. Mary

The photos are great. I can't wait to see the next one - at -70 pounds! Keep it up. Mary

Just adding another voice to all the congratulations. You are doing great. And what a great attitude about how you approach your new way of eating. Sounds like you will definately hit -100 by 1 year! Keep it up (or down - Ha!) Mary

Well, I'm experiencing a new feeling the last two days and am wondering if I'm actually properly restricted - or if there's a problem. The real question is... can the restriction just begin to "kick-in" 10 days after a fill? Some background... I was banded 8/26 and have had 2 fills - one on 10/3 and one on 10/31. I had been doing very well with my weight loss - I actually was down 50 pounds as of last week, but then gained 2 back this week! Up until this week, I have not had any problems with eating. Although I was eating much more than the expected amount, I was making the right choices, just eating larger amounts than 1/4 - 1/2 cup at a time. In fact, I was doing about 1200 calories, on average, a day. (and I do track daily on Fitday.com) Prior to my 1st fill, I was really hungry. The fill helped, but not very much. For almost a month, I plateaued at about a 42 pound weight loss. I had my second fill on Friday, 10/31. I felt a little more restriction, but not much. However, I did feel like I lost weight right away and in fact, dropped 8 pounds in 4 days. (Just catching up for the prior month of plateau.) For the week after the 2nd fill, I was a little more restricted, but not too much. Then boom. Monday, I decided to go on liquids for the day since I felt bloated. I had some Soup for lunch which was heavily spiced and very gassy and I really didn't feel well the next day. I had a lot of indigestion (which I hadn't been having), had lots of gas and had pains in my stomach. That night at dinner, I only ate a little fish (maybe 3 oz) and I had the start of a giant pain in my chest. I did take some nexium and by this morning, felt fine. Then today at lunch (at a business conference), I had about 1-2 oz of sliced turkey and started to feel like I was going to vomit. Then I realized that this may be the restriction I've been aiming for. I felt fine after a while. In the meantime, I did drink 3 bottles of Water throughout the day, and didn't have any problems. Dinner tonight was chicken and I was able to eat about 4 oz with a few steamed baby carrots - and then I was stuffed. So.... is this the real restriction we aim for? And if so, is it unusual for it to develop 10 days after a fill? If the stomach pain lasted - I certainly would have called my doctor. But I didn't have any additional stomach pain or indigestion. So... "AHA" - maybe I am "restricted"!!! Any input? Thanks. Mary

Thanks Tami. I appreciate your comments. Good luck to your husband. Mary

I want to again thank you for all your feedback. I'd also like to share my first big 50 pound milestone, which I hit today! I've been fluctuating for the last month at around the 40-42 pound mark. I had my second fill on Friday and I've just dropped 8 pounds! So, today, exactly 10 weeks after surgery (plus 2 weeks pre-op diet), I hit exactly my first 50 pound weight loss. It was a wonderful feeling! It's still a long way to go, but I'm thrilled with the start! Mary:D :D

Hi Alexandra I really feel for you. If you're stalled all this time, they really should be doing a fill. I had my first fill on Friday. I don't think I'm at that sweet spot yet, but it's better than it was. In my case - it is the surgeon who does the fill. And he will do it if you're not losing 2 pounds a week. Though he won't do the first fill for at least 6 weeks. Keep pushing for a fill. It's so frustrating to be ready for one and not be able to get one. Good luck. Mary

Thanks to all of you who responded. I think I felt better just posting my thoughts, and I really appreciate all your positive comments. Yes, I know 40 pounds is a good start, and yes, I can tell that I lost. But there are times when I look at the loooooong road ahead and think that I'll never make it. It's really nice to hear all the positive feedback from my fellow bandsters. I really appreciate your comments. Mary

Hi I was banded on 8/26/03 and had my first fill on 10/3/03. Between the 2 weeks pre-op diet and the 5 1/2 weeks post-op up until my fill, I lost 40 pounds. I'm thrilled with the loss as I was expecting this to be a very slow process. So 40 pounds for me is a great start. And, I know that the loss will surely slow down. I also know it's just the beginning and I have a very long way to go. As many people have commented on this and other boards, it's challenging at times when people who know you've had surgery are asking all the time if you've lost weight, if the surgery is "working", how much weight have you lost, etc. etc. I know I've lost weight. I can tell how my clothes are fitting a little differently - even though I'm still wearing the same clothes. I can tell how much more room is between me and my car's steering wheel. I can also tell when I'm not as out of breath from walking up a flight of stairs. But to most people. they don't see a difference. On one hand, I get a little frustrated and discouraged by the responses. Especially since I know this is a long road ahead, but am pleased with how far I've come already. It would be nice to hear some positive feedback. On the other hand, when I step back and think about it - I never wanted people to really notice how I looked before - so why should this be different. I wanted people to respond to me as a person and not how I looked. And certainly not if I gained weight. In fact, I always did my best to try to hide my weight (or what I could hide). So why should I now want someone to notice that I've lost weight?!? I guess it would be nice to hear some positive feedback. Afterall, this is work. The band may be a tool - but it's all still a lot of work to make it work! But really - I'm doing this all for me. I want to feel better. And along the way, I will hopefully look better. So... I will try not to listen to any of these comments, including the comments from friends who haven't seen me yet, but expect that with a loss of 40 pounds, they "won't recognize me." They certainly will recognize me - 40 pounds is a great start, but it's only a drop in the bucket. And I have a long, long way to go. So I'll keep telling myself I'm on the right path and feel good knowing it for myself! Basically, I'm really not one to share so publically. But I decided to go out on a limb and share my experience... Last night, I had to go to a dressy event and wore the same outfit I wore on a cruise in July, just before I started my pre-op diet. While anyone who saw me for the first time, or hadn't seen me in this outfit previoulsy, would not know I lost any weight, I couldn't help but compare the photos. I can see the difference. So, I decided to share the photos - for all of you to see. They are before and after a 40 pound beginning loss. Thanks for listening. Mary

It's so interesting (and helpful) to see that others are experiencing many of the same things. I am 5 1/2 weeks post-op and had my fill yesterday. I have been doing very well and losing weight, but am very hungry. Since the fill (only 24 hours ago), I have been on liquids (for 2 days) and then 2 days of mush. I am really hungry! I will wait to judge how the fill has worked, once I get onto solid food. But right now, I'm really struggling because I'm "starving". Keep on posting! Mary

Hi. I also had a fill today! I am 5 1/2 weeks post op and have been doing very well, but have been very hungry these last two weeks. In fact, last night, in anticipation of a fill, I had my first meal with steak. It was delicious! Hopefully, this fill (1 cc) will do the trick. The fill went very smoothly. No problems and no pain. I'm on liquid for 2 days and then mush for 2 days. Hope this fill works for all of us! Mary:)

Hi Alexandra Haven't "spoken" to you in a while. You and I really are following the same paths. I'm glad you're ahead of me so I know someone else is experiencing similar things. I need a fill too. I really feel like I have no restriction. This weekend, I ate more than ever - with the band that is. It's still way less than pre-band, but much more than I should - or expected to be able to. This was a Jewish Holiday weekend, and I've been eating all weekend. We were out for dinner at friends on Friday night - I had some beef for the 1st time. Yesterday, guests at our house and I ate bits of everything. Today, we went out for dinner and again, I had a fairly large portion, and even had some cake for desert. And... I really wasn't full from it all. Again, I've eaten way less than pre-band, but really feel guilty with all the eating. I haven't had any problems eating any types of food. The only tentative part was when I couldn't resist some of the crispy turkey skin. Mmmmm. But I only had a little and did start burping right away, so stopped before I ended up with a problem. I'm seeing my doctor on Friday, 10/3 and am hoping for a fill. I have been losing up until now, but I won't be surprised if I have gained over this weekend. It's really hard when you have the food around. And I can imagine that with your kids birthday party, there was lots of "good" things to eat. When are you seeing your doctor? I believt you're just at 6 weeks post-op - so do you expect ot get a fill soon. I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. The weekends are so much harder for me. Take care. Mary

Hi Alexandra I don't think I can be of any help, but I sure do know what you're saying. As you know, I'm about 6 days behind you. And, I feel very much the same way you describe. I've actually been very good and not "cheating" at all - and have been losing. But, I am getting more and more hungry. I can eat way more than I thought I would be able to (which is still much less than pre-band). And I stuggle since I don't want to screw things up. I have also heard that if you don't really need a fill, don't rush it. I still have a few weeks to see. i don't go back to the doctor until 10/10. But I think I'm losing weight because I've been really, really good. The band helps somewhat, but I am definately not feeling the restriction I expected. I'll be interested to see how you do - and when you do have a fill. Take care. Mary

Hi Alexandra I'm doing really well. I'm almost through with the "mushy" phase and can't wait to get to the "soft" stage. Today I had a scrambled egg for breakfast and it was wonderful. I am feeling much less restricted than I did the 1st 2 weeks. Today I was really hungry. I guess this well get even more evident over the next few weeks - and then I assume I'll need a fill. I don't go back to my doctor until 10/10. Today I went to a Personal Trainer/Physical Therapist my doctor recommended. I had my first private session - 1/2 hour of some exercises. It was "OK" I'm going back on Tuesday for a 2nd session. I'll also be restarting Water aerobics on Monday. I'm looking forward to that - it's been a few weeks since I've been in the water. Hopefully all the exercise will help with the weight loss. I think I'm reallyh addicted to these board. I am checking them several times a day! I also notice that the weekends have been harder for me. I'm so busy at work during the week that I don't think about eating as much. I also don't drink as much water on the weekends. I've got to get more disciplined with that. Congratulations again on your milestone. "Talk" to you again. Mary

Alexandra Congratulations. I know that is really a big milestone. I'm looking forward to reaching it too (hopefully in another month-2months!) I know that I can't wait for that milestone - so I can really relate to your excitement. You are always so positive. It's really a pleasure. How are you doing with food? What stage are you at now? Mary

Hi Nancy I'm also 2 weeks out and started mush yesterday. I had the same feelings as you. I was really hungry and looking forward to some mush, but was afraid to eat too much. I also stopped eating with very little food - and felt OK. I'm also a little hesitant to add food since it will be some many more calories than I had the last 2 weeks. I don't want to stop the weight loss. But I also know I don't want to go into a starvation mode. I'm going to try a little more today. Good luck. Mary

Alexandra - Thanks for your comments. I went to another luncheon today. I was a guest and had called ahead to ask for some clear broth. Long story, but... the waitress said the only thing they could give me was clam chowder. I passed and finally discreetly took out my yogurt. Just then, the head waiter comes to the table and loudly proclaimed that someone had ordered broth and did it come. Well, I was trying to be discreet, but now all 10 people at the table were smiling at my embarrassment. Oh well, I did get the broth! Luckily, I don't have any more business lunches for quite a while. I did go straight from the luncheon to my doctors appointment. I lost another 4.5 pounds! So, counting the 2 weeks preop and the 2 weeks post op, I'm down 29.5 pounds! Now I really have to get used to the loss slowing down. But, this was a really nice boost. And tonight, I had some "mush" for the 1st time! Alexandra - it sounds like the person at work is really dealing with her own issues. Just try to ignore her. I know that it's easier said than done, but it sounds like she's jealous of you - and she'll find some way to criticize. Just don't deal with it. JC_GODOLPHINS - don't get discouraged. It's really too new. And don't knock yourself for not walking yet. It's only 1 1/2 weeks. You've got time. I had been doing really well with not feeling hungry and the last few days, I seemed like I was starving by dinner. Today wasn't so bad. I think you have to take it slowly and let your body adjust. Mary