ElizabethAnne

Congratulations! You look amazing! And you're an inspiration to me! I have not done very well. My band slipped this past April, and I had to have surgery again. During the past four months since, I have gained approximately 25 pounds because I have slipped back into my bad habits, making poor food choices. Every day I struggle to stay on-track, but I am still thankful for my band because I am certain I would have gained back more without it. Keep working hard!

Congratulations, Deb! You have done very well! Your photo is awesome!

It's been almost 8 months since my weight loss surgery, and I've lost 25.5 pounds. Although the months seem to have flown by, losing weight has been a very slow process. And I do continue to faithfully walk at least five miles daily.

I am required to go for monthly visits the first year and have been filled very slowly over the months, with 1/4 cc being typical in recent months. Since last fall, I have been struggling for days at some point each month because my band restriction quickly changes from just right to too tight. I have needed to return to the office to have 1/4 cc of Fluid removed on three separate occasions, which has been discouraging and embarrassing because I feel like a whiner. My own thoughts generate this feeling, not my nurse practitioner.

During my last visit, we decided to change nothing, though on the majority of days of the month, I am still too loose. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to make it through the tight times if we added Fluid again. The NP has been very nice and has tried to encourage me. When I asked if it would always be this way, she explained that a few people are very sensitive and that seldom changes.

On the too tight days, I am miserable and have trouble getting liquids down. During those days, I question whether I would do WLS again if I had known it was going to be like this, and I always come to the same conclusion: Yes!

My surgeon required I wait 12 hours before eating any solid foods.

I had surgery on June 5, 2012, and didn't get my first fill until July 27. I wanted a fill badly at my first appt., but my surgeon felt like I was doing well on my own. At my second appt, which was a month later, I had gained a pound. I received a 1 1/2 cc fill, which has helped a little.

Cool, my posts seem to be working now.

 

I had a problem earlier as well.

 

I'm sorry to hear about the problems you have had with the NP. I think it is important for the surgeon and staff to know how you have been treated.

 

I looked at my appointment card today and noticed the NP's name on the card was not the same as the one I had seen before. I went to the bariatric surgery website, and the NP that I was uncomfortable with is no longer listed as a staff member. I know no other details, but I am very relieved.

 

I see a PA instead of the surgeon. The PA was there when I had surgery although I was already out by the time he arrived in the OR so I didn't meet him until a few weeks ago. My first post op appointment was with the surgeon. Although I like my surgeon, his PA seems more comfortable working with patients in an office setting. I would think that surgeons who have PA's or NP's on staff have them to help provide a more personal touch than the surgeon may be able to provide. (My sister is a PA in an emergency department so maybe my view is a little different from others on this.)

 

I see a PA for my general medical needs. She is absolutely awesome! Hopefully, I will feel the same way about my surgeon's NP.

 

Thanks for sharing!

yay ELIZABETH this is fantastic

Thanks, Deb! I think so, too, provided I don't need those clothes again...lol. At least this time I have hope that I won't gain it all back.

Like both of you, I have been trying to get by with as little new clothing as possible until I reach my goal. I have lots of sizes in my basement closet, so I have been doing most of my "shopping" there. Unfortunately, though, my body proportions have changed since the last time I wore those clothes. What used to fit well at the weight I currently am, now doesn't fit the same: the waist area is now too tight (more spandex stretch, please) while the hip area is way too large. I need to learn to sew because I am not going to waste money getting them altered since I hope to be able to wear a smaller size soon.

I have been shopping at Nordstrom's anniversary sale recently. I stocked up on some basics for fall, which don't fit yet, but I am hopeful that they will soon. And with Nordstrom's generous return policy, I have left the tags on my new purchases and will return them if any of the items don't work out.

And NWgirl, I "test" my clothes, too. Keeps me motivated...

Today I am re-organizing my closet. I do this every summer, but this time the process is different. In the past, I would always take my clothes that didn't fit because they were too small to the basement closet, with the hope that I would someday be able to wear them again. Sometimes I got back into them, but it was usually only for a very short time period because I would always gain the weight back.

This time, I am clearing out the clothing that's too large, and I am NOT taking it to the basement but rather giving it away. It feels very strange to be doing this.

I'm optimistic, yet at the same time, I hope I am not making a mistake.

I hope you had a wonderful 50th birthday, Julie! You've reached a milestone birthday and are working hard every day to make yourself healthier, and that's commendable! The bonus is that while you're working to become healthier, you are likely also looking younger. And since one person commented on your weight loss, I would imagine that others are noticing as well.

Yesterday was my second follow-up visit. I was embarrassed when the nurse weighed me, and I saw that I had gained a pound. (I had anticipated there would be no change.)

As soon as she left the room, I was overcome with emotion because I felt like such a failure and tears welled up in my eyes. I had the first appointment of the day and was early, so I fully expected to have time to regain my composure before my surgeon arrived. However, he arrived early and walked in during my emotional moment. I am normally do not display my emotions, so I was even more embarrassed that I did not have it together when he and his understudy (I referred to him as this because I don't know his title...he is already a doctor and is learning from my surgeon) walked in.

Though he is a man of few words, he was very understanding (but not comfortable) as I explained through my tears that I was frustrated with myself because I was working so hard (walking 10 miles daily and following my "rules") yet I knew I was eating way too much. I told him the only reason I hadn't taken my diet pills was because I knew he would not be pleased. He said "diet pills are an ineffective treatment for obesity over the long-term, and research has shown the band is an effective treatment." He then asked me several questions and said I needed a fill.

I got 1 1/2 cc's. I felt the prick of the needle but nothing else.

I asked if I had perhaps stretched my pouch because I was eating too much. He said it was "very unlikely."

I also asked again about how many fills he thought I would need, and this time, he said 6-8 over the two year period. I didn't ask why the number had increased to possibly 8.

I asked why I had become full at the beginning of the 4th week when I first ate regular food, yet I hadn't experienced that since. He said the swelling tightened my band.

I then asked what happens if he puts in the maximum amount of fill over the next two years, and I'm still physically hungry. He said that will not happen. He said if he puts in the maiximum amount I wouldn't even be able to physically drink liquids. He said he doesn't want to make patients too tight because if they are, they won't be able to eat the type of foods he wants them to because they will be physically unable to. He said then if they don't tell him them are having difficulty, they end up eating the wrong kinds of food, which compromises their weight loss.

He said my port is easy to locate so the next time he would have me see his nurse practitioner (NP). Does anyone else see an NP for their fills?

I am quite nervous about seeing the NP. Although she is very confident, she gave me incorrect information three times in the past when I asked simple procedural questions before my surgery. (Maybe she is new, but in my profession, if I don't know the answer to a question, I state that and say I will seek an answer then report back; I expect the same from other professionals.)

Then also, on the day of my surgery, I was experiencing severe nausea in the parking lot after I left the hospital. (I had planned to stay overnight but there was a mix-up in Recovery and I was dismissed) Questions were to be directed to her, so I called her and left a detailed message, explaining the situation and asking for anti-nausea medicine for the drive home.

By the time she called back, we had started home and my nausea had worsened. I explained how sick I was, and she asked me if I had "insisted" on going home; I told her no and explained they had said in Recovery that I was doing well and that the surgeon had said there was no need for me to stay. She told me I would have to "tough it out" then. I told her I had a long drive home, thinking she might have forgotten this, and asked again if there was any way I could get some medicine, explaining I was afraid I would throw up and cause my band to slip; she said no.

On the drive home, I had become even more nauseated. We stopped at a pharmacy to get my pain pill prescription filled, thinking that might help me sleep and hoping the anit-nausea medicine could be called in to that destination. I hadn't yet received a call back from the NP at this time, so my husband called the hospital. He ended up talking with the doctor who had assisted my surgeon. He was the doctor who was training at the time with my surgeon and he had written the pain pill prescription. After my husband explained the situation, the doctor called in the medicine I needed.

I know all of that doesn't mean she can't do a fill properly, but for these reasons, I am concerned. (She was also not nice to two of the women in my small group pre-surgery session.) I am thinking about calling the surgeon's office Monday and tell them that I am more comfortable seeing him again. However, if I do, I may be told I have to see her (I understand my surgeon wants to save his time for the more difficult fills), and what if she learns from the office staff that I called asking to change my appointment with her? (She sees patients on the same day that my surgeon does, so changing the day wouldn't help.) I know I should be open-minded and give her a chance, but it's hard for me to be comfortable with the thought of seeing her, based on my past experiences. Any ideas?

I'm baaaaack!!!!

Sure glad that you're back!

I have a story to share along these lines... Last fall many of my co-workers knew I was working with Dean Comprehensive Weight Mgmt Program. A few were very supportive, most said nothing (didn't bother me at all) and another told me one day when I had lost about 20 lbs that she had not noticed any difference. I know her personality and it was not meant to be mean and I didn't take it that way but I was still like "WTF??? Why would you say that to someone? If you don't notice you don't need to say anything at all!" After I had lost about 30 she did mention she could tell I was losing weight.

She doesn't sound like a very positive person. Maybe she's envious of your success.

For me most people did not start to say things until I had lost about 50 lbs. I started at (5'4") 270 lbs. so I'm guessing the heavier you are the longer it takes for people to notice. It seems like after you hit a certain point more and more people start commenting on your weight loss. I think sometimes they are just not really sure what is different about you and afraid to say something just in case the accidentally insult you.

I agree. I myself do not comment on someone's weight loss unless I am FOR SURE they have lost weight. In the past, when people asked if I had lost weight and I hadn't, I didn't take offense but I was embarrassed that I hadn't. I would never want to make someone feel uncomfortable.

I think most of you know I have shared my journey/surgery with just about everyone who will listen. For me I have decided this is a good way for me to stay accountable. I understand this is not an approach that will work for everyone. I am sure to tell people it is only a tool and I can still gain all the weight back if I do not use it correctly.

I admire your courage.

I have been married 22 years...I think we could use some counseling. We get along fine but some things are greatly lacking, even with the weight loss...That's all I will say.

If I were you, I would seek counseling and try to get your husband to go as well. I write "try" because sometimes men are wary of counselors and are reluctant to go for a variety of reasons. Most will stick with it if you can get them through the door.

I am also on somewhat of a spiritual journey with this WLS journey so I can relate to transforming mentally as well as physically.

Good for you!

A great post to come back to after my hiatus!

Thanks for posting! Since I live in the boonies, I rely on this forum as my support group, so it's helpful to read your thoughts.

I've enjoyed reading your update. Congratulations on meeting your 50 pound milestone! That is great!

Best wishes to you and your husband as you continue your journeys. Please continue to update us along the way.

Yes others in the group seem to have gone silent. I do hope they are all doing well and just lurking in the shadows. Seems like ppl are viewing the posts and just choose not to share. That's ok too. Maybe our posts help them as well.

I hope so, too.

There was a time when I would weigh myself everyday and then I just decided to stop. Wasn't easy but my mood for the day was based on a number. Ended up more often depressed because it didn't seem to matter how hard I tried, the scale wouldn't budge. Now I swing between daily weigh ins and waiting a few days before I step on. Seems to help and I try very hard to Celebrate even the smallest loss.

I wish I didn't feel compelled to weigh every day. The humidity is back up this morning, and so is my weight. I can tell I am losing, though, by the fit of my clothes. Or at least that is what I am telling myself. There is no possible way that I could be gaining when I am limiting my calorie intake and walking 10 miles daily.

Since my surgery I've had a lot of time to think about my own self image. I've lost almost 30 lbs and not one person other than my sisters (who are aware I had WLS) have noticed.

I do understand and am experiencing the same thing. Only one person outside of my immediate family has commented on my weight loss.

I've had to question why this bothers me. Am I more concerned with how others see me, or is my own self image more important. Have I not lost enough for it to even be noticeable?

I have wondered exactly the same thing.

The questions and self doubt can consume me if I let them. I did this for me, not for others and how they see me. I want to feel good in my own skin. Move around without the burden of 50 extra pounds dragging me down. No one but me felt that. They may have seen it, but they didn't feel it. I haven't shared my surgery with hardly anyone, thank goodness.

I have shared my surgery with very few people. Mainly because I feared yet another failure. I, too, did it for myself...for my health primarily but my self-esteem has also improved.

As you know I'm a hair stylist so I work with people everyday. I may only see my clients once every 6 weeks but many times during the year. We share and over time bond with our clients. I found it amazing how the over weight clients seemed to bond with me. We had something in common. On the other hand, my skinny minnies would avoid taking to me about things like their diet or exercise programs feeling like I couldn't relate. Sadly, I can relate to both sides as I wasn't always this heavy. It will be funny to see how this shifts as my body changes. I'll be the same person I am now, but I know I will be treated differently by both groups.

I understand exactly what you are saying. I am already treated differently and have wondered if it has to do with my improved self-confidence. Maybe people treat me differently now because I am somewhat less reserved and give them more of an opportunity to interact with me and be nice to me. As an adult, I wasn't treated badly when I was obese (given two exceptions) but rather it was more like I was invisible.

I won't even start about the whole dating scene. That's a whole layer cake of dysfunction. Sadly, our society sees heavier people as being weak which is anything but true.

You are definitely right about our society. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to navigate the dating scene today.

We are each determined in our own ways, far stronger than we give ourselves credit for and should be proud of our smallest accomplishment. Yep, I'm proud of my loss but perhaps I need to focus not on what the numbers are but on who I am becoming in this process. I think we will all grow differently on this journey but I feel each of us with transform not only physically but mentally as well. It will be enlightening to watch and share.

You've summed up well how I feel. I've lost weight before, lots of weight each time, only to gain it back. This time will hopefully be different from the standpoint that we now have the tool that will help us do our part so that we can stay on-track and consequently not get caught up in a vicious failure cycle.

Ok, maybe too much coffee this morning and too much alone time to reflect and ramble. Time for Julz to shut down her mind and move into her day.

I enjoyed your reflections. Have a terrific evening!

Back to your regularly scheduled program

cheerio my friends,

j~

Number 1 - I don't believe it's a bad idea to share not only our victories but our frustrations. Nothing wrong with whining if that's what your feeling. Isn't this a support site? A site for others to learn about what to expect?

Thank you for your reply and for your support and encouragement, Julie! You are a GREAT cheerleader! And you're right---Others do need to learn to be realistic about their expectations.

I feel entirely motivated now that the scale FINALLY showed a weight loss today of 3 pounds. I realize I shouldn't weigh myself every morning. But I can't help myself. It's been part of who I am for way too many years for me to stop the daily weigh-ins now.

I wish I had known before surgery that is was going to be a slow process and the weight didn't just fall off for some of us. Yes, I read it was a tool but I too expected the scale to move a little quicker than it is. I may only lose a half a lb. a week while I see others are losing 3 to 5 lbs. Frustrating to say the least. I really thought I would be done like 40 lbs by now.

I feel the same way. When I dieted in the past, my mode was all-or-nothing. Therefore, I could always lose weight quickly when I watched my calorie intake carefully and did a lot of exercise. I expected my weight loss after being banded to be the same, as long as I did my part. Oddly, it hasn't been, even though like in the past, I have been exercising off far more calories than I have been consuming.

I was banded in Mexico so things are a little different for me. I can't get a fill as often as others for various reasons. One of which is my Doc isn't around the corner. Secondly, my doc does things a little differently than most. He only wants to do 3 or 4 fills in a life time. My first fill was May 21st and they want me to wait at least 2 months before they will see me again. My first fill was only like 3 cc's and I feel very little restrictions. If I take my time, I can eat just as much as I did before surgery in one setting. This isn't what I was hoping for. I know the band is only a tool, but shouldn't I feel sick if I eat that much? Sometimes I too wonder if what I did was worth it. My next fill better be a bit more aggressive as it's not an easy trip to make.

I was told to take a 1/2 hour to eat. I chew my food slowly now, and it never takes me 30 minutes to finish. I don't know if I could eat as much as I used to in one setting, but from what I have read on LBT, I can sure eat more than others do, with no ill effects. I wish I would get some type of signal from my body to let me know when it is satisfied. All I get are growling sounds between meals.

On the positive side, I am losing. SLOWLY, but it is happening. I've gone up and down on the scale with a pound or two but overall the bottom line is I'm down each week. Not what I had hoped for but I'll take it. It shows when I fudge on my diet which usually gets me back on track. Have to stay away from the Cookies and candy.< /p>

I am a Cookies and candy girl, too. I am particular and only like homemade cookies, though, so I haven't made any recently and have not been challenged in that way. Nor have I bought any chocolate candy. However, this week, although my Protein Bars met the diet guidelines I'd been given, I found myself yearning for more than one. I went back to Wal-mart yesterday for more sugar-free, cinnamon Werthers, which seem to provide the "fix" I need and was disappointed to learn they no longer carry them. Guess I'll add them to my list of things to look for when I visit the city.

I know in my heart that I have to stick with it and in the long run it will pay off. I got myself fat and I WILL get this weight off. I just need to be patient.

You are right, and hopefully, once we reach our goals, maintenance won't be as much of a challenge as it has been in the past.

Hope my sharing helps you as much as your sharing helps me.

Your sharing and positive focus helps me immensely! Thank you so much!

I miss hearing from the other Springers who used to post regularly and hope that they are doing well.

Thank you for your reply and for your support and encouragement, momab50!

We had a slight break in the heat and humidity yesterday, and when I got up this morning, the scale showed a 3 pound loss, and I am feeling super motivated again! The heat and humidity are supposed to return today, so I am just hoping that an increase in weight doesn't. Water retention or not, it disturbs me when there's an increase on the scale, especially when I am working so hard to lose weight. (My friend wanted to walk last night, so I had walked over 12 miles yesterday.)

How much food are you eating at a meal? Initially, I was measuring and weighing every morsel that I ate, but I got away from that during vacation. Yesterday, I started weighing and measuring again. I worry now that I have been eating too much as well because I have been eating until I am full. I fear that I have stretched my pouch and am going to talk to my surgeon about this on Friday. I haven't had any physical symptoms from eating too much, but I am going to be very conscientious in the future about portions.

The dietitian told me to eat one cup of food per meal. I am estimating that my food intake has likely increased to 1 1/2 cups per meal. She didn't say how many ounces, so I need to get clarification since volume and weight aren't the same measures. Most days, I have been eating 3-4 ounces of turkey or chicken on a Hungry Girl flatbread for lunch, as well as about a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables or cottage cheese. If I am still hungry (and I am most of the time), I usually eat several grape tomatoes.

I read this topic about fills a long time ago and thought it was very useful information. I hope it helps you, too.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/40496-how-the-lap-band-actually-works-fills-and-refills/page__hl__why%20need%20fills

Very odd with my last two fills I had restriction early on and then it seems to go away. This 3rd fill lasted longer then the second but now I am questioning whether or not I need more. I am a little confused. I see Nutrtionist tomorrow and I will discuss it. My fill appointment is Monday.

Your fills may not seem to be lasting because you're losing weight, and as we lose weight, we need more fill to tighten our bands.

Welcome and best wishes!

I'd recommend Bandwagon as well. I have read it through twice and have referred to it many times since.

I'm sorry you're unhappy with your decision to be banded. Unfortunately, a perfect weight loss method does not yet exist, and each one possesses pro's and con's. You've received a lot of thoughtful responses, and Jean is right---you now have three choices. Best wishes to you and congratulations on your weight loss.

Like others, I've always been able to lose weight, but the only time I was successful at keeping it off was when I was taking Phen-Fen. For over 20 years, I have faithfully walked at least 5 miles daily. Realistically, I knew I physically wouldn't be able to be as active as I aged, witnessing my mother's increased struggles with weight as her ability to exercise as much has diminished. I knew I needed something to help reduce my hunger, and that's when I began researching weight loss surgery.

I would encourage you to do a lot of research.

Best wishes.

I walked at least five miles daily before surgery, and at my group pre-op meeting, we were encouraged to resume walking the day of surgery to help alleviate gas pains. I didn't walk five miles the day of surgery, but I did walk a lot and had no problems. The day of my surgery, I specifically asked about how quickly I could resume my regular walking schedule, and I was told as soon as I felt like it. The first couple of days, I didn't walk the five miles all at once but rather divided that distance up into a couple of less lengthy walks. The only difference I noticed was an increase in swelling which my surgeon said was to be expected.

This past April, I had an appendectomy after my appendix ruptured, and the first week after that surgery, I was exhausted. I had expected my recovery from lap band surgery to be about same, but it was much easier.

Congratulations on your tentative date! I didn't have to consult with the specialists you have to, so I am sorry I can't help you.

Congratulations and best wishes!

At the beginning of my 4th week, I started a low-calorie, portion-controlled diet.