A New New Dawn

That is awesome!!! It is always great to hear from people that have had the band for an extended period of time. Congrats on your success!! You must be in the Chicago area w/ Dr. Rantis. He did my mom's bypass. Thanks for sharing your story.

I'm watching it right now, honestly it's awesome. Lisa is saying how it's a tool, and how if she doesn't deal with her emotional stuff she'll gain it back. Dr. Oz even said he thought bariatric surgeries were the most under-used out there. They're both actually very informative. I'm rather impressed!

Kime-lou, I can relate to what you are feeling. However, as much as we want that reassurance, I think there are a couple things that may hinder it. First, sometimes whilst we are in transition we are wearing the same clothes (that are just baggier). Until I bought a few new more fitted items, no one said much. Another thing is that some people are afraid of drawing attention to it as they may feel it is very personal and trying to respect your privacy.
The people I work with everyday have said a few things and said it is very noticeable (I have lost 44lbs); however, my former day-to-day coworkers didn't say anything when I saw them recently. I was a little bummed but also know in my own mind and heart that I am doing well and only I can make myself feel good about it.
Keep up the good work and reward yourself from time to time with a new top or outfit to embrace your new size as able. The confidence you exude will draw attention as well.

Dear Stuck, This happens! You will have multiple "stuck" episodes over the next few years. I expected to be close to goal by the end of 1 year. Well guess what it did not happen. I had lost I had dropped from 252 to 170-180's which was good but to me it was not good enough. I sometimes thought I would never reach onederland in the band world and once I got there I got stuck again with 30 lbs left to lose. So I did what you are thinking about, I hired a personal trainer about 7 months ago and he has helped me reach my goals and basically I know have "body by Justin" It has been hard work but it has been so worth it, he has me eating better than I did my first year and ahalf of being banded. He has helped my self esteem and has helped me hold my self accountable. I get what he calls one cheat day a week, I can do what I want but guess what I don't If I want something say like a glass a wine, I plan it into my daily meal intake. I am one of those crazy OCD banders who log their food and yes I count my calories and measure my food. The one thing the trainer told me it I was malnourished, I was no way eating enough protein. I now eat between 90 -120 gms of protein perday. It is amazing how well I feel with exercise and eating right. If I can lose 120 lbs you can do this. Also remember to take your measurments, I have scale victories and meaure victories and they are never in the same month. Good luck to you!

Have you tried using "myfitnesspal" to log your food intake? Many times people feel like they are eating healthy or within a certain calorie range and don't realize just how much they are taking in. Salads can be very unhealthy if adding cheese, dressing, etc. Also, many people don't realize how many liquid calories they are taking in. I think a food journal would be a good first start. Also, salads are ok but you should be eating protein first, salad next. The protein is going to fill you up and keep you satiated. Good luck to you!

Good for you for doing your research and sticking to your convictions.
My family doctor has been very supportive too; however, over the years if she found out I went to a specialist (be it an ENT dr. or other) she was a little put out that I did it on my own and not including her in the decision or getting her recommendation for a specialist. I think sometimes it's an ego thing if you make decisions or see other specialists of your own choosing. I am guessing over time your doctor will get over it. If not, nothing says you have to stick with the same doctor. Kudos to you!

I am sure your turkey stuffing is delish but I don't think it would be a great idea. For one, bread can get stuck easily and 2, you really need to focus on foods that provide nutrition and protein (stuffing has minimal, if any). Sure the turkey itself does but you need to fill up on the protein first, then veggies and leave the bread/stuffing for last.

What a wonderful read.... I also agree with the above that you will do great. Going in with a great frame of mind and good expectation will be of great benefit. Sounds like you did your research and are ready for your life change. It is a LIFE change you will from now own have to watch how you eat everything... that is the most important thing. Everyone's LB experience is different, so don't compare your self to any other. If you have a low BMI you probably will be a slow loser like i was. But, slow or fast... it's the journey. If you don't already, you may want to start looking for a good all-a-round gym. I stayed away from the weight at first. It was just too intimidating for me. So i joined the YMCA and started with Zumba classes and walking.
I would continue the support group... and I would get rid of all the summer clothes as you won't fit them by next summer anyway. I would keep one outfit that you can take progress pictures in and keep one pair of each size jeans so you can really see your changes. I know for me the mirror didn't change. I still saw and continue to see the fat person in the mirror.
My BMI was 40.8 when i started and weight was 223lb at 5'2". I had my LB 11/09 and it took me two years to get to where i am now which is a healthy size 7. This past Feb i had a Tummy tuck and i have to say i am so pleased.... but i will also admit i have gotten lazy and gained 5lbs.... but i have made my mind up that i'm not going to let it get me down. I embrace all my good changes and except me for who i am.
Good luck with everything and i wish you all the very best. happy Losing...!!

Can you sit while working? That will help alleviate it. Or if you did the surgery late in the week so you have your few days plus the weekend? It is really a personal challenge whether you can do it. People react very differently after the surgery. I felt really good a few days out but I also know I have a very high pain tolerance.
Good luck to you and congrats!

I read a forum topic about feeling sick during the fill part (vasovagel nerve, something like that!) so I just concentrate on my breathing. I like your thought about 10lbs between visits. I know its just one day out, but the longer time Ive felt in being satisfied for meals makes me very happy and hopeful.

It is very difficult to readjust to new portion sizes, etc when we have had these behaviors for so long. One thing that is helping me is to measure out 3/4-1 c of food, put it on my plate (ideal to use a salad plate so it looks full or a bowl) and I eat what I serve. I find if I just randomly serve myself I, too, was eating too big of a portion. This keeps me "honest" with myself.
Good luck!!

How exciting. I am almost 3 weeks post-op and reveling in finding my clothes are getting very loose on me! I am noticing it more in my clothes than the scale so I'll take it!
I have a magic bullet knockoff that I bought at a garage sale. I was going to send it with my daughter for college but kept it and it works well. Of course, the pureed food leaves a lot to be desired but the blender is doing it's job and is much easier to clean and use than my standard blender. Just make sure you add plenty of liquids to the meat/protein and cut the meat into small pieces first or it won't work.
Good luck on your journey.

I suggest you try not to harbor the anger and sit down and have an open and honest discussion about how you need his support and the things he is doing to sabbotage it. Perhaps some reassurance that you love him, etc. and your love will grow stronger by him being supportive and encouraging. If you aren't able to have that conversation, perhaps some couples' counseling? Not to sound extreme but you deserve that.
When I was married, my husband did similar things. He would want me to lose weight but sabbotage my efforts by foods he would buy or prepare, etc. If he was serving my plate, he would pile it high. It eventually became evident to me that, yah, he would love to have a "thin" me but was very insecure in himself and felt I would become more attractive to others. It was actually very subtle and controlling behavior in my situation.
When I went for my pre-op appts, this also came up with the pyschologist. He said some men will get jealous as the woman loses weight (or vice versa) and as the other gets more attention, feels better about themself, etc. It sounds like your husband's comments, food purchases, etc. now are a subtle way of him trying to sabbotage this new lifestyle again.
I hope you are able to stay strong, stay focused and not let his insecurities get the best of you. This isn't just for appearance, it is your health at stake. I hope you have a strong support system around you if he cannot be that for you, such as close family, friends, local support group, etc. Sorry you are going through this and perhaps you continuing to persevere and avoid those "muffins and icecream" too will help you feel good inside about what a strong person you have become!
You deserve this - and yes, 2 lbs. a week is a great goal! Best of luck to you.

I suggest you try not to harbor the anger and sit down and have an open and honest discussion about how you need his support and the things he is doing to sabbotage it. Perhaps some reassurance that you love him, etc. and your love will grow stronger by him being supportive and encouraging. If you aren't able to have that conversation, perhaps some couples' counseling? Not to sound extreme but you deserve that.
When I was married, my husband did similar things. He would want me to lose weight but sabbotage my efforts by foods he would buy or prepare, etc. If he was serving my plate, he would pile it high. It eventually became evident to me that, yah, he would love to have a "thin" me but was very insecure in himself and felt I would become more attractive to others. It was actually very subtle and controlling behavior in my situation.
When I went for my pre-op appts, this also came up with the pyschologist. He said some men will get jealous as the woman loses weight (or vice versa) and as the other gets more attention, feels better about themself, etc. It sounds like your husband's comments, food purchases, etc. now are a subtle way of him trying to sabbotage this new lifestyle again.
I hope you are able to stay strong, stay focused and not let his insecurities get the best of you. This isn't just for appearance, it is your health at stake. I hope you have a strong support system around you if he cannot be that for you, such as close family, friends, local support group, etc. Sorry you are going through this and perhaps you continuing to persevere and avoid those "muffins and icecream" too will help you feel good inside about what a strong person you have become!
You deserve this - and yes, 2 lbs. a week is a great goal! Best of luck to you.

I suggest you try not to harbor the anger and sit down and have an open and honest discussion about how you need his support and the things he is doing to sabbotage it. Perhaps some reassurance that you love him, etc. and your love will grow stronger by him being supportive and encouraging. If you aren't able to have that conversation, perhaps some couples' counseling? Not to sound extreme but you deserve that.
When I was married, my husband did similar things. He would want me to lose weight but sabbotage my efforts by foods he would buy or prepare, etc. If he was serving my plate, he would pile it high. It eventually became evident to me that, yah, he would love to have a "thin" me but was very insecure in himself and felt I would become more attractive to others. It was actually very subtle and controlling behavior in my situation.
When I went for my pre-op appts, this also came up with the pyschologist. He said some men will get jealous as the woman loses weight (or vice versa) and as the other gets more attention, feels better about themself, etc. It sounds like your husband's comments, food purchases, etc. now are a subtle way of him trying to sabbotage this new lifestyle again.
I hope you are able to stay strong, stay focused and not let his insecurities get the best of you. This isn't just for appearance, it is your health at stake. I hope you have a strong support system around you if he cannot be that for you, such as close family, friends, local support group, etc. Sorry you are going through this and perhaps you continuing to persevere and avoid those "muffins and icecream" too will help you feel good inside about what a strong person you have become!
You deserve this - and yes, 2 lbs. a week is a great goal! Best of luck to you.