DynamoMini

Jen - I know that stuck feeling. I with ya sista. However, we can't wallow in the negative stuff. I just got through doing the "poor me" on another site. So I think I have to go back to the basic questions that brought me here. 1) Do I want to be healthy and thin? 2) Am I willing to do what it takes? 3) Am I exercising five days a week? 4) Am I eating a high protein/ low carb diet? Why not? I can do this and I know I deserve a healthy life. There is fear for the unknown sexy us, but how much of that is an excuse? I am in control of my body and what I put inside it is my choice. I love my band because it helps me get the information I need about how I am dealing with food. Best wishes, Michelle

:update: :update: :update: I want to invite you all to Red Robin at 7 pm on Thursday, August 9th. We sit and talk. We eat (healthily mostly) and sometimes drink. It is our support group away from hospitals and clinics. Come join us. We are informal and fun. :hungry:The Red Robin is located on the west side of I25 and Arapahoe Road. We tried for an easy location that is midway between northern Denver and the Springs. Let us know if you are coming. Mal, Woofay and Dynamo have there twice. Marcy (Alaska) and Lap Dancer (Florida) were there each once. Dear Sunnysea (is it Wisconsin?) sent some very appreciated drinks our way on our first night. It is so cool to meet the fabulous people who we converse with online. So come one and all - See you August 9th! That done - I seem to have lost my focus and I hope when we get together I can remember why I did this. I am at the three month mark, which is where on every other diet I fail. I am not failing, just floundering. Help? I am exercising, eating around 1200 - 1400 cal/day altho' some aren't the greatest choices - so it isn't bad, but it is my head that is struggling. :violin: Any quick head fix ideas? :hurt Hugs and best wishes, Michelle

Wow - I am so impressed with some of the weight losses recorded, and a bit green with envy. If you can do it, so can I. I do seem to have to follow an eating plan, otherwise I get "tricky" with it. It is part of the disease for me. Glad I am in therapy. Exercise seems to counter some of that for me. I am still trying to "cheat" the system tho' - how old am I? As soon as stress or boredom trigger my "need" to eat, I am off and running, thinking up everything I can put in my mouth. Help! Well, at least I am not in denial any more. I did lose 5 pounds in July, which is ok by me, but I am cutting it too close to the borderline of where I can eat and still lose. Best wishes everyone - any insight will be appreciated.

Indio - best wishes on the biopsy. Now, as for the exercise. I have been working with a trainer for two years. Thirty pounds more, I started out at one minute of cardio and now can easily do 45 minutes. The one often over looked factor that we need to purchase good shoes, and replace them every 3 months. If you don't have good shoes, you will hurt your knees, hips and ankles. Any time I try to "get by" on old shoes, I pay for it. Make sure you are on low impact machines or walking on softer surfaces. Otherwise jarring occurs every time you step. Also, five times a week is optimal for weight loss. Don't replace food obsession with a hyper-exercise one, because it isn't sustainable and will hurt you psychologically. Be gentle with you. You are precious. Hope this helps keep you exercising and moving towards a healthy lifestyle. Hugs, Michelle

biggest Loser - you might try liquid tylenol. I was surprised that it didn't gag me. Best wishes, I agree Denver isn't that hard to figure out. Best wishes Shelbi! Michelle

Indio - best wishes. I know that whatever, they caught it early and can take care of it. The band will make you stronger and healthier. You would have thought if it is something serious they would have found it pre-op band bloodwork or in a yearly exam. My hugs are stretched out to you. BJean - how are you doing? Are you keeping the faith? I am just hearing the little engine that could in my head a lot, "I think I can" but the pounds are slowly coming off, SLOWLY! lessofme - I keep telling myself this isn't a contest. I am losing slowly too. On good days I look at it as LIFESTYLE changes that will take two years at least, so it helps remove me from the daily scale measurement. The pep talks do help, the scale dropping helps even more. My mental health seems to coincide with my weight loss. Weird! Best to you all, Michelle

Hey Lap Dancer - you need to update your photos. I know, I don't really see the difference on myself, but when people haven't seen us for a while they are amazed, even if the pounds don't say it, the shape of our bodies is a'changin'. Bless restiction!

Paula - the nutritionist was vague with me on this. She said an Atkins, South Beach type diet will do the trick. I just cut out all "white" foods, and concentrated on eating proteins veggies and fruits. No bread, pasta or potatoes. It worked for me. Way to go for it!

Hello Violets! I have been very busy running in circles, my life. All is good here. My weight loss has slowed, but still is happening. I had my third fill and I think I'm at my sweet spot. I am getting the feedback I needed. I went to New York City and had a week in Breckenridge. I sat on the bandstand of the 4th of July parade (my sister was and MC) and had a great time. Through all of this I didn't gain, but have lost another 4 pounds. My body is changing. My trainer said the fat is looser and will come off more easily, while the muscle tone is getting stronger underneath. I do feel like a Pygmalion. Life is good. I am starting a little business, making art pieces, called Just Whimsy. If we sell a lot, we'll probably do a website and hope for online sales. Our debute is at a Wine Festival in Breckenridge in August. When I paint, I don't seem to eat as much. I am exercising about 4 - 5 hours per week. I write my food down on calorieking.com which keeps me honest. My band is a wonderful tool for my weight loss. Best wishes everyone, Michelle

Indio - I am so happy for your success. It is wonderful to be losing so quickly. For me it has gotten slower, but I know I lose at the correct rate, because I have headwork I want to go through to really release the weight I have held all these years. Glad that all is well.

I also had a wonderful anesthesia experience, compared to the other times I've been under. My surgery with Dr. K was the easiest I've ever had and I've had some major surgery. You will sail through as long as you do the pre-op diet of high protein/low carb to make your liver smaller. I also built myself up with healthy food, vitamins and I use acupuncture. Seems to work for me. Welcome to all you "just scheduled." This is a great way to get the support you will need to feel comfortable with your surgery. Best wishes, Michelle

Shelbi - The struggle is in the lifestyle and food consumption changes. I am in therapy too, where I am dealing with the emotional end of things. I am finding that I have to address parts of myself from way back that did the consumptive eating thing to cope with emotional deprivation. Right now I am having conversations with a three year old inside who is pouting over not being able to overconsume in order not to feel. Thing is - before the band i couldn't even identify that part of me before numbing out with food. So, the healing process isn't overnight, expect to work hard for several years to lose the weight if you want to hold it off without beating yourself up. The band doesn't FIX it, but gives me vital feedback that I never heard before. Good luck. This is a journey. Best wishes to everyone! Michelle, the remodeling queen!

Lap Dancer - so you are experiencing the same types of feedback that I am. Some of it isn't very gentle. Funny how the intention to break the habits is there, but the struggle to "beat" the feedback fights back. I have to remember to watch myself and record what I do. Hugs, Michelle

Shelbi - It is doable because you are at home and can take meds if you need them. The air travel is pushing it, but many people do it without problems. I didn't have the gas pains, but was nauseous from anethesia, even with the suppositories I would have need to wait for 12 hours before flying. Now, Marcy did great and hopped right on a plane. Others have done this too. So it depends on how you react, hard to predict. I always have that reaction to the anesthesia, hardly anything they do helps. mare - I couldn't sleep before surgery too. You'll catch up. Think about building your body for surgery with lots of protein. It helps the recovery time and assists Dr. K with the liver. Enough advice to you all. I went out for Mexican food at lunch and LEFT half of it on the plate. I didn't want to PB, so when I got the gurgling feeling - I stopped. I was fine. I think I have been shoveling food into my mouth like it was my last supper for most of my years. I love this band. it is helping me to finally get the eating right. hugs, Michelle

Dakota - Isn't it interesting? I am at the 3 month mark since banding and I am just now confronting the desire to eat irresponsibly (poor planning and choice) and binging (getting what I want rather than need in great quantities) because of the PB'ing. It lets you know that the band is really there and I think of it as my internal hug. It will remind me when I go back to old habits - with a vengance. Take care - Another Michelle

Margi - I can somewhat relate, however, I am not "quite" as restricted. You are doing so well losing weight, that you probably don't want to rock the boat, but you might want to get just a .10 cc taken out and see if you can then eat chicken and salad. It is a lot of trial and error. I feel so grateful that I can't stuff my face now that I am finally restricted, I think I'll play along. But can you get your nutrients from real food, or only liquids, because that isn't really a "normal" eating pattern. Which is what my doc keeps saying is the goal. Best wishes on your decision. What have you authored?

Okay - I guess I am in my sweet spot, because any time I eat too fast, don't chew enough, etc. I am PB'ing. :sick I am going to soft foods for a day I think. I guess the band didn't like the ribs and cauliflower I made for dinner. Yet I could eat filet mignon last week, the band is fickle, but mindful. :attention::attention: So, dear friends, I guess there really IS a band in there. And I will have to pay attention to it. I think at first I was more careful about the "feeling" and would stop eating, but this is a disease and I am a willful child about food. I WILL eat this. Well, I can eat it, but it comes back to haunt me. Tee...hee... Welcome to new band friends. :clap2: Don't let my confession upset you. I have been a semi-perfect bandster for three months and this is why I chose it. The band is teaching me the restraint and good sense that I have never applied to food choices, portions, or even what my body signals were telling me. I'm right with ya Lap Dancer :kiss - it is teaching me HARD! So Anita (Woofay) - I guess your fill isn't quite like mine. I am so happy that you can enjoy your time with your brother. Don't beat yourself up, just get back on track when he leaves and the extra weight will come off. Maybe go hiking at Garden of the Gods instead of hitting Ruby's, sorry to your husband. I also think that it might be instructive to really talk about your relationship with him. Is food essential? Could it be healthy food? Why is food like that with him? I analyze the shit outta everything, you know best. Mal - So glad your heart feels full again. You are a dog lady and have to nurture. Marcy - so glad you are doing well. Once you get a fill or two, you will get the feedback the band provides. (see the above personal experience) tee....hee... Mark - long time no see, glad to have you back :ranger: Shesha - glad your port is right side up or whatever, and I think you are remarkably commited - asking Dr. K to fill in your surgical wound. You are my hero! :wow2: Anyone else out there - hugs:grouphug: and listen to your band (my lesson of the week):violin: Michelle

Hi All - I also saw Hairspray, what a fun movie. I was so impressed with the new young star. It has an interesting plot line, fat girl gets dreamy guy. Not bad for Broadway. The music is foot tappingly good. BJean - I totally agree with you. and I don't know what those wooden nickels were either, but they must have been an item, way back then.... karey - have a blast in Vegas, it should be like a blast furnace there, but it'll have great air conditioning. ARe you seeing any shows? I want to see the "O" which is done by the Cirque de Sole folks. Feel better Indio - the best is yet to come. Be patient, because the band takes time and a few fills to really do it's job. I am finally 3 fills and 3 momths out, I feel great and restricted. Hugs and best wishes - stay cool. Michelle

Hi Everyone, Sorry I've been incommunicado, been busy painting and getting stuff together for the remodel. Now I am home without any Water. Such are life's inconvieniences - and the swamp cooler can't work without water either, so it's going to be Hot AS Hell! Enough, so what am I going to do? Shopping for a fan. Anyway - nothing really new here. My band is working and my weight loss is pretty slow, not sure why. So I am tracking my food again. Hope all is well in your worlds. Anyone read the new Harry Potter? I just listened to it. My son downloaded it onto my computer. So I listened while I painted, but i am not going to tell you the ending. It is really long. Hugs, Michelle

IndigoGirl - you had a bad experience. I never had the bad gas pains, and I don't know what the percentage is of people who have them. I'm so sorry it was a rough recovery. You will feel much better soon. I know it doesn't seem to. Best wishes!

shelbi = selbi - I cvan't type for beans!

mal - Best wishes and prayers to your son! Is it the young, quiet man we met at Red Robin? I hate drama too! But my life was full of it for years. I am now a surviving Drama Queen, and just know that you won't given anything you can't handle, ad nauseum..... I used to respond when people told me that, "but please make my life boring for a little while?" Are you an emotional eater? Get some Protein shakes and bars to take with you. Hospital waiting rooms are so stressful. Woofay - don't we love company. I'm sure the weather will do it's best for you. If not, there will be an adventure to tell. Selbi - welcome! Dr. K is a great doc. He did my surgery with less problems than I had ever had in a surgical situation, plus his rates are reasonable. A $15 fill is a buy in this inflated market. Hugs to all my special women out there. We never hear any chatter from men, so I think I'm safe. My painted ladies are coming along, along with small fun whimsical paintings and plaster whimsy hands holding bowls. August 18th in Breckenridge at the Wine Festival - you are all invited! I'll get my sis to send me the flyer and put it on here, if I can figure out the computer stuff.

watchdog - I second the protein shake ideas. It is so important for hunger issues. mentally we all have to work on carb and sugar addictions. Each time I think i've got it, I slip. The eating with a band isn't a whole lot different than without, although once you are tight it will feel a little different. I think the challenge is the head thing, at least for me. I've had to decide that the food choice I make isn't wrong, but if it is a "goodie" for me I may have to confront a chain reaction within my body. Am I up for it? is the bite of cookie or ice cream really going to hurt? Not really, but if my mental framework isn't right on center it will trigger a binge. Now, my band is really tight, so a binge isn't what I want to do. THAT is the band difference for me! I am not going to totally lose the ground I have covered, like I have time and time again. So this is the long winded approach to - The band works! Work with it! Drink protein! Best wishes all, Michelle

Biggest Loser - you will be the Biggest Winner with the band and a lot of work. Best wishes on an easy surgery. Dr. K is great! Woofay - glad you are keeping cool. It is odd how emotional I got when we spread my husband's ashes, just last fall. He'd been dead for six years, but there was always one of the boys that didn't want to deal with it. We went to Pagosa Springs for a long weekend. The hot springs are really special and the San Juan river is spiritual. I know my husband thought about the ocean, but the rivers all go to the sea and we could coordinate this. We each wrote special memories of Ira and read them by the water, of course it started hailing and I worried about a flash flood as we were in a canyon along the road of Wolf Creek pass, but Ira would have loved the adventure of it all. A big hug! Mal - you must be very busy with the daycare and a new puppy. What fun! A stimulating home, chuckle. Hugs to you all, yes, I am busy with my painted ladies and painting in general. Michelle

Denise - Wow! Good for you. I have been downsizing a little, buying a few things rather tight, so I can "grow into them" it really is a different way of thinking. Best wishes!