beabenitez1978

Pick me!! I had RNY last September, but have hit a WALL... so I am definitely in need of some help. I don't know if you have fitbit.. but we could connect there, as well as email.. I don't come on here as often as I should.. but yes.. lets keep one another accountable. If distance isn't an issue.. I'm in California!!

Good Morning All!! So I am hoping to find a group of September Surgery Buddies here!! I was originally scheduled for August 4th, and then due to the surgeon's conflicting scheduling (a scheduling error I'm sure) and my already standing Labor Day Weekend plans, we postponed until September 28, 2016... Currently, I am not on any "diet" per se, but I am doing my best to eat "clean", and I have started to workout as well.. I figured I might as well get into the habit before the surgery. Hope to hear from you all soon!! Take care!!

Congrats on your new date! So yes, I am actually doing a "single-stage" revision - so both surgeries will be done at the same time. I'm a bit nervous to tell you the truth, but less about the surgery and more about just making it to the day of surgery.. This pre op diet has me doubting my abilities....

So, perhaps I should have written sooner, but life happens... its been about a month since I found out that I was approved for lap band to gastric bypass revision. And today? I started my pre op diet, and I am hopeful this goes well. Is it weird that I am more nervous about this pre op diet than I am about the surgery?!

Bostonbritt ....me too! I am scheduled for the 4th of August, and needless to say I'm pretty nervous, not to mention kinda scared too.... Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App We are surgery buddies!! August 5th, 8am!!! Congrats to us both!! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hello all! Well..just got my surgery date...August 4th...and needless to say I am actually nervous. This will be a band to bypass revision, and it seems no matter how much research I have done, I find myself very much scared and nervous... it'd be nice to find some that are going through the same journey!! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hi Sumatra,Dr. Lamar is my surgeon. So far a great doc and office to work with. My surgery is scheduled for August 4th.... Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App Ha....stupid auto correct...Sumaire!! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hi Sumatra,Dr. Lamar is my surgeon. So far a great doc and office to work with. My surgery is scheduled for August 4th.... Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I am in Covina, CA. Surgery scheduled for August 4th... Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hello my! Well..just got my surgery date...August 4th...and needless to say I am actually nervous. This will be a band to bypass revision, and it seems no matter how much research I have done, I find myself very much scared and nervous... it'd be nice to find some that are going through the same journey!! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Stay strong my friend!! The fact is we all have to be okay with other people eating in front of us. But I totally know what you mean... I feel the same way when my husband is eating whatever and whenever he wants, and here I am practically STARVING myself.. (ok, not exactly starving - but you know what I mean!) Just remember what you're doing this for, to be a better you.

So this week has been a not so great week.. and its only Tuesday!! Anywho the scale is back up.. which annoys me.. but I know, I know - we fluctuate.. so I will take it with a grain of salt. In meantime, cravings for all the bad foods has hit me hard this week.. so I'm trying to behave myself. With that being said, I decided that since its been nice out, (as long as there is no rain) I will begin to ride my bike. Yes, this big girl actually has a bike. Of course there are two things that worry me a bit, one - I abhor these crazy California drivers.. I mean how can they miss me going down the road? Seriously though, though there are plenty of bike paths near my home, i still worry. Secondly, I hate the idea of being the fat lady on the bike. But I need to vary my workouts right? So who gives a hoot what people think! Right? And well the next thing? I had a consult with Dr. Troy Lamar about the possibility of having a revision. The upside is that because I have the band, the insurance may not require the 6 month waiting period, the downside is I could get denied. So cross your fingers, toes and eyes for me, and keep me in your prayers because this girl needs the surgery. Until next time my peeps! Keep strong!!

Meh.. I was at 322 this morning.. what the heck!!

So today was a pretty good day, no let me rephrase that this weekend was a great weekend! Not only did I get on the scale today and see that number go down (at 320!) but I happened to have the task of cleaning out my closet, something I had been avoiding for a while, and what do I find? Some of the clothes that I had deemed too snug to wear - FIT!!! I haven't felt this kind of victory in a long time. I forgot what it was like, how emotional realizing that progress is being made. I was almost in tears. (silly right? yeah.. I'm a big baby) Anywho, I was running around the house giving my hubby a fashion show!! And there were even some clothes that were too big!! So needless to say it was a motivating experience. Of course I know that not every week will go like this, and I'm ready for that. But this week? Yes, I have renewed motivation and validation that what I am doing is working!

Good Morning Ladies & Gents - 1/25/2016 - 320.5 Whoo Hoo! Make it a great day!!

I'm so excited for you!! Keep us posted on your progress!! And well,though I am not exactly new at this journey, I feel like I'm new (fell off the wagon for a very long time!!) Either way, we are here for one another and I can't wait to see the progress!!

Congrats on your surgery! Its great to hear that you're already up and around! Awesome!! I've been seriously thinking about something other than my lap band, so forgive me if I pop in from time to time to see your progress!! Keep up the good work!!

Congrats on your progress!!

So, its been a while since I've been back on the wagon, and its been a little over a week since my first adjustment in a REALLY long time. Things seem to be going well, however with that being said, I've noticed along with my "forcing" myself to drink my required amounts of water for the day, I've also had the incessant need to drink coffee.. its a bit unnerving. Now I have always loved coffee, but it seems these days I've been drinking it more often. Now mind you I'm a black coffee drinker, so its not like I'm even craving the sweet stuff.. but I'm thinking I probably need to slow it down.. I bought a few boxes of teas to try.. I am just wondering what my obsession is all about?

So for all my life, I' admit, I've always "hated" water. Don't get me wrong, I love water, when its 120 degrees outside and I'm dehydrated. However, this can't possibly be good for me, right? If served both coffee and water? Yep.. I take the coffee.. of course when crystal light came out with their single carry packs, I was the girl that would dump that into a nice tall glass of water. Even when it came down to trying "infused" water, it just wasn't for me. Until this morning. Recently my neighbor had gifted us with an enormous amount of lemons, more than I knew what to do with them. There are only so many I could use, and since I have decided to not eat baked goods of any kind (these are my downfall) No lemon bars, cookies of bread for me. I got online, and realized quickly that there are many people that freeze their lemons, great idea. However I don't have the freezer space for such nonsense. But what do i find? Pure lemon juice ice cubes? WHAT? So this morning, I popped a few cubes out and dropped them into my water bottle. Needless to say this was the first time I found water enjoyable, and could totally drink more!! Sadly, the cubes of that lemony goodness didn't travel with me. I began to wonder what things this lemon water is capable of beside of tempting me to drink more!? Here's what I found! http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html Why lemons? Lemons are packed like a clown car with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!) Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (though lukewarm is recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water, which are listed below. 11 Benefits of Lemon Water 1. Reduces inflammation. If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation. 2. Aids digestion. Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating. 3. Helps you lose weight. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings. 4. Cleanses your system. It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver. 5. Keeps your skin blemish-free. The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance. 6. Gives your immune system a boost. Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days. 7. Excellent source of potassium. As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function. 8. Freshens your breath. It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it. 9. Gives you an energy boost. Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!) 10. Helps to cut out caffeine. I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful. 11. Helps fight viral infections. Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely. How much? For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste. Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.

So I've been wondering if I am the only one, that has finally realized that I have a problem with food. I'm addicted to it. Sure I have the band (which has been doing a great job since my newest adjustment - down 12 lbs!) But it seems as if I just enjoy food waaaay more than I am supposed to. . Why can't I be "normal" and just eat to live, as opposed to live to eat? So many of my waking hours are consumed with what i am going to eat, when i am going to eat, and how much I'm going to eat. Why can't I eat just enough to sustain life, why do I have the craving to go overboard? Why can't just one or two oreos be enough? Why do I think about eating the entire rack or two? I wish there was a way to fix what goes on inside my head.. until I figure that out.. I think I may just rant about it here.. Thanks for listening..

Please add me to your challenge! (I am not a Gastric Sleeve patient - but am giving this band one last go around - have a consultation next month with another surgeon) My "realistic" goal is : 315 Weigh In's: January 4: 335.9 January 11: 331.8 January 15: 324.8

Hello friends! I am not exactly sure that this is in the right section, but in addition to finding new workout ideas, I figured that there are members like myself that are on the search for those that are on the same journey! I currently have an under used membership at LA Fitness, and there are two within my city limits, Temple City and Rosemead. Even if you don't have a gym membership - even having someone to work on our fitness goals together would be great!!

Hello friends!! I am looking for fellow lapbanders that are in and around the SGV area! Would really be nice to have a group of local friends that know the ups and downs of being a bander. Also it'd be nice to find someone to walk with, and to eventually workout with! Hope to hear from you all soon!!