kkccmom

Lucy! CONGRATS on that smaller shirt!! WOW...what a great feeling!! And what a fun evening to "celebrate" that new milestone...so happy for you!
I feel like it took me about 5 days to really notice that there was any change in my band (after last Tuesday's adjustment)....but I do wonder why it seems you're having trouble?? I hope it works its way out...but at the rate you're going, you WILL lose 18-20 lbs in a month!
THAT, tho, does seem a bit 'out there'...you'll have to really keep your calories on the low end of things, like around 900. Can you do that?? I don't think I've done that yet, esp when I was allowed to start eating.
It has been fun that people are starting to notice a change...went to a "Moms in Prayer" gathering today. Haven't seen these gals since before school was out in the spring...they could see my measley 17 lbs...that was fun. And a top I'm wearing today, while it was never tight, is noticeably looser.
I'm holding off buying anything new, at least for a while. I have several options in my closet as it is...tho I did mention to Melissa that Goodwill can be your best friend in these changing days....lots of decent things to be had for cheap...THEN when we reach our goals, we can (hopefully) indulge in some brand new things. What a great feeling, Lucy, to buy something in the "normal" range!! Love that!!
Got in a 2 mile walk this AM, and hope to do another this evening. Not going to punish myself if I don't, BUT I feel that I've got some momentum and I'd better take adavantage of it!
Have a great Monday!

Hello everyone!!! I'm so glad you all are doing great Melissa I can wait to be where you are now!!! Kim I'm having the same problem, I need to learn to eat slow, I was doing great and haven't had a stuck episode but in the last two days I can only eat yougurt without the stuck feeling, I'm chewing and taking small bites but maybe my band is not having a good couple of days.
Last friday I went to a concert (Chayanne, Marc Anthony) it was greeeaat!! and I bought myself a new blouse for the concert, two sizes smaller!!! and it was from a "regular" store not a "plus size" store I was so happy
About the weight loss, I know that it is normal to lose 1 to 2 lbs per week, I had a dr.'s appt and he told me that he expected me to lose 18-20 lbs more by Oct 8!!! I will be so glad to lose 20 more lbs but, is he being realistic?
Well I hope you have a great week and keep the good work!!!!

All is well in WA. I lost one more pound and now have 56 to go. I know its a lot but I am feeling encouraged today. The second fill has been fabulous for me. I definately feel restricted and have to eat slowly. I am trying to eat healthy and follow all the rules. But the band is helping me feel full. Yesterday I had a couple glasses of wine instead of dinner (not good I know). But I am right back on track today. I went shopping and the loss of this initial weight has me down one size. It was so nice! I just bought a few inexpensive items because I don't want to waste money.
Tonight I am BBQing for my family. I just started walking with friends on M, W, and F so tomorrow morning I have my exercise group! Kim- keep on going! You are so encouraging. Thank you!!

I have been 80 lbs heavier than I was when I married in 1983...have NEVER lost it all. Most was 31 with WW back in 07...put it back on in less than a year. And its been with me ever since.
My goal is to lose 70. I just don't think its reasonable for me to weigh 140 lbs at 50 y/o and after 4 kids....I think that's too much...so I'll be thrilled w/ 70. I've got a LONG way to go. This is really going slow, and honestly, it just feels like a starvation diet. If it weren't for the Protein in the Protein Shake, I'd be in a heap of trouble nutrition-wise.
I am trying to stay on top of the Water, but don't do well every day. Today is better than most.
I think 20 lbs is a reasonable goal for any of us, in 4 mos time. More than that will be pure bliss, but 5 lbs/month should be do'able, don't you think?? I have been walking every day, for about 40 mins, briskly. Don't know the distance for sure, but figure at least 1.5 miles...maybe a bit more. Hope to increase the distance next week!!
The hub and I are thinking of joining some friends for a cruise in Jan...so I'll be tickled to death if I could lose 20-25 more by then. I will have not been that "small" since the birth of my second daughter in 1990. WOW....I might even have the courage to dance in the poolside line-dancing!! We took a cruise in November...I wanted to join the line-dancing SO BAD, but was too embarrassed. Gee....all the fun you miss out on when you're fat!!
SO, we're not staying "here" are we???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....its time to get on with it!!
So, keep your eyes on the prize and know that doing the right things NOW will be so so so worth it when you are on that beach and able to get up w/o that wench!! :>) I'm with ya!!

Thank you, Kim! I am thinking about a good goal for vacation in January. I want to set something challenging and realistic so I can make it. 20 more lbs might be the right number. This is my second time losing weight. I lost about 80 before on weight watchers. I even maintained for five years or so. But I went back to work full time and disrupted my eating and work out schedule and I gained it all back within about a six month period of time. My career has been a great success but my health has suffered. I have had the weight on for the last three years or so. And I remember how good I felt when I was at my goal. I wasn't super skinny but I was a perfectly fine and healthy. I am soooo ready to be back at that place. I am sorry you are hungry. I wonder if you can ask for more of a fill? Or try lots of Water. Or any distraction. It is so difficult. But you can do it.
If you'd like to see pictures I am on Facebook at Melissa McCabe Gombosky. I am just too lazy to upload them here!!

I am so sorry to hear the fills have been such a struggle. I had my second one yesterday and it seems to be okay. But I am feeling like it is pretty tight. I couldn't even eat yogurt this morning. So i am back on the Protein Shakes (yum, I know!). I am trying some that are in the refrigerator section and have more calories. They are more expensive but are much better than what I had before and its only for two days. I lost 3 more lbs since my last fill three weeks ago. So getting close to the 20 lb mark. I also read a very inspirational book called Lapband and Laughter. The author went through all of the ups and downs of her 3 year experince. I would recommend it for anyone needing motivation. Here's the link: http://lapbandsandlaughter.com.au/
All the best,
Melissa
PS I am going to the Bahamas in January and think that is a good goal for a little more weight loss.

About a week post-op, I got so sick I could not eat/drink a thing w/o feeling like I was going to throw it all up. I could not stomach the Protein shakes, so I know I was not getting enough nutrition in any form!! It was a vicious cycle for about a week!
I had about 2cc of Fluid removed on about Day 12...and he told me I could start eating SOFT foods. A by-pass-patient friend recommended Taco Bell refried Beans....= HEAVEN!! lol
BUT, this meant I had virtually NO restriction...so for the past 3 weeks I've been free-lancing!! And like Joann, BOY DID I EAT. Not much during the day (stayed busy) but at supper, when I am fixing for my family - wow.
I got some Fluid put back in yesterday - not as much as was taken out, but we discussed taking this slow to avoid any complications. Today, I'm feeling hungry, but will drink my Water until its time for lunch. Supper I CHOOSE to do what is right.
Its unlikely you have harmed yourself...BUT, like everyone said, TODAY/TOMORROW is a new day. Face your "crime" - and clearly you have done the time (berating and hating yourself = been there/done that!!)...so move forward.
Make a list of your WHYs....why you want/need to lose weight. Here are few of mine - and maybe yours are the same!? -
1. Get off the floor w/o help (or a wench)
2. No shame at the beach - both in my swimsuit AND getting up from sitting
3. Crossing my legs - without havng to hook a foot on something to keep it there!
4. Riding some of the rides at an amusement park (I have not fit into a seat in YEARS - shoulder bar crushes the girls and kills my back - NOT WORTH THE EMBARRASSMENT)
5. Holding my head high at a school function w/ my children
6. Shopping for clothes that do not start w/ a "2" and end with a "W"
7. Making love to my husband w/ the lights ON. (and add shopping at Victoria's and actually BUYING something!)
8. Shopping at CHICOs.
9. Seeing my feet when I look down.
10. Not getting stares in a restaurant, knowing I will no longer be judged because I am EATING.
(these are not necessarily in order of my priorities - just what comes to mind!)
That's the short version...but making a list of my WHYs has been really REALLY helpful. I have not lost a ton of weight (16 to date), but I am noticing some NSVs - rings and watch are looser, pants are looser in the fanny and around the waist (tho not falling off yet by any means)...those COUNT.
I will not give up...and neither should you!! We are all walking the same pathway here...some are a little farther down the road, but there is nothing new under the sun for those of us who've let our stomachs be our god. ITS A NEW DAY.
Now, hop up, look yourself in the mirror and hold your head up and tell yourself "I am worth it"...then go write down your WHYs...and you're off!!
We're rooting for you!!
Kim in IN

Oh, Linda...bless your heart...how frustrating and confusing, to be sure!! Oh wow...
Here's where I am on this experience: I was in on Tuesday for a fill. I am certain my appt was missed in their books - I was called last week to see if I could move my 8:45am to 2pm. Sure.
I show up before 2 and the receptionist was clearly scattered about me being there. She asked my name a couple times (new girl - not the usual gal who knows me)...but she assured me it was all fine.
Forty minutes later, I went to the desk and said, "Do I need to reschedule?" No, someone would be right now.
The nurse came and got me, asked me a check-list of questions, then the surgeon came in.
He was CLEARLY in a hurry, but asked me the routine things and proceeded to agree that I needed to get some Fluid back in there, since he'd removed 2cc a few weeks ago. So, he gave me the numbing shot, then DID NOT WAIT for it to take effect, but began prodding around, stuck the needle in and sort of dug around, and I could tell he was injecting the Fluid.< /p>
And in under 3 minutes (i'm guessing) he was out the door.
Yesterday and today, I feel NO different than I did before I went. I wonder if he didn't get the saline into the band at all??? I, too, was sore and slightly bruised...but it sounds like NOTHING like you've experienced.
I'm guessing that because I carry lots of my weight right in the middle, that finding the head of the port IS challenging, but it sure seems it should not be impossible...
Oh, Linda, I hope they get things sorted out for you, dear. Hopefully the 'attaching' part of the procedure was done correctly during the surgery and that the thing isn't just rattling around in there!! We'll pray its not so -- just that it has shifted slightly and that the fluoroscope settles it once and for all.
Hang in there...stay focused on good things (not food!!) and keep looking up! You are in my prayers!
--Kim

About a week post-op, I got so sick I could not eat/drink a thing w/o feeling like I was going to throw it all up. I could not stomach the Protein shakes, so I know I was not getting enough nutrition in any form!! It was a vicious cycle for about a week!
I had about 2cc of Fluid removed on about Day 12...and he told me I could start eating SOFT foods. A by-pass-patient friend recommended Taco Bell refried Beans....= HEAVEN!! lol
BUT, this meant I had virtually NO restriction...so for the past 3 weeks I've been free-lancing!! And like Joann, BOY DID I EAT. Not much during the day (stayed busy) but at supper, when I am fixing for my family - wow.
I got some Fluid put back in yesterday - not as much as was taken out, but we discussed taking this slow to avoid any complications. Today, I'm feeling hungry, but will drink my Water until its time for lunch. Supper I CHOOSE to do what is right.
Its unlikely you have harmed yourself...BUT, like everyone said, TODAY/TOMORROW is a new day. Face your "crime" - and clearly you have done the time (berating and hating yourself = been there/done that!!)...so move forward.
Make a list of your WHYs....why you want/need to lose weight. Here are few of mine - and maybe yours are the same!? -
1. Get off the floor w/o help (or a wench)
2. No shame at the beach - both in my swimsuit AND getting up from sitting
3. Crossing my legs - without havng to hook a foot on something to keep it there!
4. Riding some of the rides at an amusement park (I have not fit into a seat in YEARS - shoulder bar crushes the girls and kills my back - NOT WORTH THE EMBARRASSMENT)
5. Holding my head high at a school function w/ my children
6. Shopping for clothes that do not start w/ a "2" and end with a "W"
7. Making love to my husband w/ the lights ON. (and add shopping at Victoria's and actually BUYING something!)
8. Shopping at CHICOs.
9. Seeing my feet when I look down.
10. Not getting stares in a restaurant, knowing I will no longer be judged because I am EATING.
(these are not necessarily in order of my priorities - just what comes to mind!)
That's the short version...but making a list of my WHYs has been really REALLY helpful. I have not lost a ton of weight (16 to date), but I am noticing some NSVs - rings and watch are looser, pants are looser in the fanny and around the waist (tho not falling off yet by any means)...those COUNT.
I will not give up...and neither should you!! We are all walking the same pathway here...some are a little farther down the road, but there is nothing new under the sun for those of us who've let our stomachs be our god. ITS A NEW DAY.
Now, hop up, look yourself in the mirror and hold your head up and tell yourself "I am worth it"...then go write down your WHYs...and you're off!!
We're rooting for you!!
Kim in IN

I just bought one for $7.00 woohoo!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to Amazon now and looking her up, thanks I'm excited about that and yea Water I'm not getting enough.

I am 6 weeks post op and (Linda) you seem to be right on track with where you "should be" considering that everyone is different even you are still right in the same range as most. Try not to get discouraged.
Are you drinking enough? I notice several people say if they don't they feel hungrier than they should. Also, yesterday I went for my 6 week checkup and first fill (I have lost 23 lbs post surgery on 7/25). They asked about my exercise. I said well, I had been walking except the past week it has been raining, etc. (justifying it in my mind). The nurse followed up with well, is there somewhere nearby you can walk indoors with winter coming, etc. I said, I know, I know.. I am only 2 miles from the mall and can walk there. She said she was just planting a seed for me to think about but it was a little "aha" moment for me that I was making excuses as I really could have been walking if I wanted. You are doing well and there are ways you can help aid the process too (ie. cleaning off the treadmill, or walking at a local mall or gym, etc). Try not to put so much pressure about your trip though and take each day as they come. You are not a failure. There are things you can do to help aid your weight loss but certainly are doing well.
As for your portion sizes, I would suggest measuring out your cup of food, putting that on your plate and that is what you eat. When you freely serve yourself you will overserve/overeat much easier. If you measure it, eat what you measured/served and that is what you can have. If you are really physically hungry (not head hungry) between meals, try upping your liquid intake or have a small healthy snack in between (hard boiled egg, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc) so you don't get to the point of "starving" and wanting to gorge at your next meal.
Good luck ~ look forward to the trip in excitement, not angst.

About a week post-op, I got so sick I could not eat/drink a thing w/o feeling like I was going to throw it all up. I could not stomach the Protein shakes, so I know I was not getting enough nutrition in any form!! It was a vicious cycle for about a week!
I had about 2cc of Fluid removed on about Day 12...and he told me I could start eating SOFT foods. A by-pass-patient friend recommended Taco Bell refried Beans....= HEAVEN!! lol
BUT, this meant I had virtually NO restriction...so for the past 3 weeks I've been free-lancing!! And like Joann, BOY DID I EAT. Not much during the day (stayed busy) but at supper, when I am fixing for my family - wow.
I got some Fluid put back in yesterday - not as much as was taken out, but we discussed taking this slow to avoid any complications. Today, I'm feeling hungry, but will drink my Water until its time for lunch. Supper I CHOOSE to do what is right.
Its unlikely you have harmed yourself...BUT, like everyone said, TODAY/TOMORROW is a new day. Face your "crime" - and clearly you have done the time (berating and hating yourself = been there/done that!!)...so move forward.
Make a list of your WHYs....why you want/need to lose weight. Here are few of mine - and maybe yours are the same!? -
1. Get off the floor w/o help (or a wench)
2. No shame at the beach - both in my swimsuit AND getting up from sitting
3. Crossing my legs - without havng to hook a foot on something to keep it there!
4. Riding some of the rides at an amusement park (I have not fit into a seat in YEARS - shoulder bar crushes the girls and kills my back - NOT WORTH THE EMBARRASSMENT)
5. Holding my head high at a school function w/ my children
6. Shopping for clothes that do not start w/ a "2" and end with a "W"
7. Making love to my husband w/ the lights ON. (and add shopping at Victoria's and actually BUYING something!)
8. Shopping at CHICOs.
9. Seeing my feet when I look down.
10. Not getting stares in a restaurant, knowing I will no longer be judged because I am EATING.
(these are not necessarily in order of my priorities - just what comes to mind!)
That's the short version...but making a list of my WHYs has been really REALLY helpful. I have not lost a ton of weight (16 to date), but I am noticing some NSVs - rings and watch are looser, pants are looser in the fanny and around the waist (tho not falling off yet by any means)...those COUNT.
I will not give up...and neither should you!! We are all walking the same pathway here...some are a little farther down the road, but there is nothing new under the sun for those of us who've let our stomachs be our god. ITS A NEW DAY.
Now, hop up, look yourself in the mirror and hold your head up and tell yourself "I am worth it"...then go write down your WHYs...and you're off!!
We're rooting for you!!
Kim in IN

Thank you for all the replies. I know I'll get myself back on track. I'm just concerned that I didn't allow myself to heal properly after the surgery and will have caused problems for myself. It's kind of nice to know I'm not the only one who lost her sensibility. I'm usually a model patient, so I don't know what got into me. I'm following the rules today, but I still don't know what I am supposed to be eating right now. I don't know what comes after the 4th week of pureed foods.
2muchfun: I am a foodie. I don't eat many processed foods. I make almost everything from scratch. I'm overweight because I eat great food, not junk!

I did exactly the same thing almost 3 yrs ago. I ate just like preband for almost 5 mths (after my 4 weeks liquids) after being banded. I could still eat a large Quiznos sandwich, a bowl of broccoli cheese Soup and still have room for Cookies. After my 3rd fill, the magic started happening. I could barely eat 1/4 of s small Quiznos sandwich! The lbs started melting off. I really didn't even try all that hard. I ate the same things - just much less.
Good luck to you!
Marci

Agree with all of the above posters, however, it sounds like you need to reset your mind as well. I found that having small goals and rewards has worked well for me. i.e. to get down from a size 24/26 to size 18 - reward - some new clothes. To look great at my son's wedding - my reward - looking and feeling great and wearing an awesome dress. To get below 100kg - reward - a new gold watch.
I am a bit stalled at the moment but have realised that this is because I don't have a specific goal to work towards. I have signed up for and am training for the Great Victorian Bike Ride at the end of November, but I already have a good level of fitness and all the gear that I will need to complete the ride so it is not helping me to work towards a goal. Time to get serious with myself and set a new goal!

First, you need to stop buying processed foods. And if you can, throw what you have away.
tmf

I was starting to fall off track too and went out yesterday and bought half cup portions for my food. I am on mushies and put it all in the containers. Today at work i made sure to eat only every two hours or so, half cup portion every time- and I stayed under 1100 calories. Yesterday I was feeling horrible about myself but today i started fresh and feel proud again. I still thought about food a lot but two hours was not that long so I could wait and drink Water. It is never too late to start again. You can do it!

Anybody home????
I hope this finds everyone progressing in your journey...I guess I am. I'm finally feeling good!! It seemed I would never be ME again after 10-12 days of feeling absolutely miserable...but once I was able to eat...WOW! Amazing what a little food will do for you! LOL
I have not lost any more weight - at least accd'ing to the scale. However, my pants are looser and my rings are sliding around my fingers. Guess that counts for something. Still, I know the scale is the standard for "success" - at least according to the professionals.
I will see the dietician and surgeon on Tuesday. I expect a lecture on what I'm doing 'wrong' - thing is, I feel no restriction at all since the Fluid was removed on Day 11. I do all right during the day, but fixing dinner for my family - well, that's my RED ZONE. By then I am starving, and find myself munching like I always have. Plus nibbling on whatever I am fixing...which includes french fries (one of my biggest weaknesses).
SO, evening is killer for me.
I fully expect to get my first adjustment on Tuesday...I'm hoping that will help with all this. I'm hungry all day long.
I am getting in my min 50g Protein, so that's a positive, but it does NOT fill me up.
I've learned what NOT to eat if I don't want to be miserable: rising crust pizza (even a SLIVER!), WW Ziti (usually my fave, but recently it did not go well)...those have been the worst, but have been a good 'trial' for me to know what won't work.
I'd love to hear how you all are doing. What has been your biggest struggle? What ARE your struggles (any??)? What are your successes? What do you miss? What do you no longer miss?
I will tell you this....of course I have had NO Diet Coke since the day before surgery (save a SIP and it wasn't tasty at all!)...my b-i-l/s-i-l are here for the weekend and he mentioned how "clear" my skin looked - not blemish-wise (I'm pretty much past that except for the occasional tiny pimple), but that it was really just more "radiant" - I don't notice it, but he did! So, maybe getting off pop has had more than one positive reaction in my body!!??
LET'S HEAR YOU!! I need to know where you are (be sure to mention how long post-op), and your thoughts on all the changes in your body!!
PLEASE SHARE!
Best,
Kim

I am just learning all this...such a great question to ask!
I am just now on mushy - and surgeon told me to eat a little (2-3 oz), then see how I "feel"...if I feel "comfortable" - I'm done.
If I start feeling gurgly again in a couple hours, eat a little more.
Struggle right now is gas...so sick to death of GasX...ugh. Still, it does help, as does walking. Guess I'd better get up and move a bit!!
**off topic...did anyone have any allergic reaction to the surgical tape?? I left mine on until it started coming off on its own, but my skin is SO itchy...any suggestions about what to use to relieve that???
--Kim in IN

Oh, meant to add that I tried on my 18W jeans this morning -- COMFORTABLY loose!! Last time I put them on, I could barely button them, and we all know how miserable that is!!
also, an 18W skort I've worn several times this summer (uncomfortably, I should add!) fit nicely, too.
I asked my husband for a new COLTS t-shirt for the new season...normally I would wear a XXL, and thats a little snugger than I am comfortable...we got an XL, I brought it home, tried it on and it fits!! It'll be even better in a few more weeks! I'm sending my boys (12 and 8) with my husband for the pre-season games, then I will go when the regular season begins in Sept...and by then, I'll have the stamina to make the walk from the car to the stadium, and up to our birds-eye-view seats!!
Those are NON-scale VICTORIES all of us should be watching for and celebrating!!
--Kim

I have an allergic sensitivity to surgical/medical adhesives, and get red, angry and itchy welts from contact with them.
Aveeno has an anti itch lotion which helped me...and my surgeon allowed me to use 1% cortisone cream after the incisions were closed to sooth the welts.
I hope you feel better fast...

Yes I was allergic to the tape my dr took it all of and he had me use neosporin ...it was so itchy

Any news out there, gals??
I am feeling kinda nauseated today...and trying to figure out if the 'pangs' I'm feeling are HUNGER or just discomfort?
What are you drinking for your FULL liquids? So far I've had Tomato Soup, about 1/4 of a Protein Shake (I just cannot get them down!), a Carnation Instant B'fast drink (about 6 oz), a low-cal fudge bar (about 2/3 of one; the rest went in the trash - too sweet). None of this is satisfying in the least. But I want to be so careful not to rush it...and with this lump still stuck in the middle, I don't dare.
Yesterday I blew it and at an entire WARM sugar cookie...a friend brought supper for my family and it included a pan of warm cookies....I ate one, SLOWLY, but felt like cra* right after. And today, I cringe to even think about putting a cookie in my mouth. Lesson learned.
I was VERY disappointed to step on my scale yesterday and see that it was down "0".... that is very discouraging. You know how you think that after all your hard work, sticking to THE PLAN, doing all the right things, and then to get "0" - what a blow that is? In the past, its been a major culprit to giving up. I think "what's the use?"... then proceed to eating everything in sight.
Well, lucky for me, this time that is not an option....so I just had to suck it up, believe that this will TAKE TIME and know that the lbs WILL come off, slow but sure.
Anyway, hoping each of you are feeling more and more like yourselves with each passing day...feeling empowered to keep pressing on, doing the right things for your body, and to keep your eyes on the prize - whatever that looks like for you. For me, I have a "little black dress" hanging in my closet...I likely won't get in to it until next summer, but I feel more confident than ever that I WILL get in it again!!! And won't that be somthing!!??
Blessings!

I have had some refried beans- I added salsa and some chicken broth, blended it, and then heated it in the microwave. Sounds a little yuck but it was good! And I am swearing by the Soups you can find in a box in the organic section of the grocery store. Or even better, the deli of our local safeway has fabulous "crab bisque" which is 170 calories for a cup. Greek yogurt has 14 grams of Protein and I find MUCH better than the Protein Shakes. I think I will never drink another Protein Shake as long as I live. Ick.
i feel pretty good today. Trying to keep my calories under 1200 but I am pretty hungry. At any rate- have a nice weekend. I'm headed to kid's baseball games and then to do a little shopping.
Best to everyone! Melissa