JosieK

I use My Fitness Pal now. But when I was losing the weight I used SparkPeople. Both were really helpful. I guess anyone that we would consistently use would be helpful. Good luck

Love it! NSV's keep us going.... It's the little things we gave up and are getting back.....

8 years ago I was miserable, hating myself. 270 lbs and growing. I decided to have the lapband and never looked back. My earlier posts tells the story of my journey. This year I'd like to talk about.... This year. After losing the weight..... The next big hurdle and probably the biggest in my book.... Is dealing with headhunger. It has been the most difficult part of the journey. I have everything I want in my life... So why do I eat sugar (mainly) or sometimes eat obsessively. I've been working with a therapist and I have to say, I'm learning to "sit with my feelings" and not eat over them. I've had periods of great success and periods of not-so -much success. I'm in a good routine now, working out, still using Protein shakes in the morning and eating healthy meals for lunch and dinner. I'm trying to keep this routine which allows me to stop thinking about food 24/7. I am truly happy with my decision to get the lapband and the road my life has taken ever since. Surgery is not a magic pill. I worked very hard to lose the weight and maintain. People that don't know about weight loss surgery think it's the easy way. IT IS NOT! It's a tool to help us. This year I went to to get full checkup on my band and all is working well. I hope to keep this going as I feel like I need one of these tools for life. Anybody thinking of any weight loss surgery, gather info and make your OWN decision with your doctor. Not one surgery is perfect. Nor are any all bad (saw lots of band bashing going on when the sleeve came out). For me it's been great. But I understand if some had problems, the best thing is to take another route. Anyway I hope some of the other March 2007 Bandsters check in

@@LipstickLady My thoughts exactly...

Hi meggs353, Good question. The physical basics I followed were: -eat slow (7 years down the road I still have trouble with it) -chew chew chew -don't drink with meals - stay off carbonation (I can drink soda but way after my meal) The "other" basics I did -tracked my food (my fitness pal) -I stopped weighing myself (it messed up my head too much) Once a month was all I'd do. - I also measured myself once a month because I was working out a lot and while weight didn't shift a lot some weeks, the inches would fly off. -increased my exercise 4 fold from what I was doing pre-band. Like you I had my band too tight at some points when I was losing weight and my weight loss stopped. My body was trying to hold onto any calories I gave it. I still follow the basics. However sometimes I slip up... And have to jump on this site to remind myself what the basics are. Good luck on your journey.... It's well worth it....

Hi, I had 2 surgeries/5 procedures done with Dr Adam in Webster. He was great. He's so talented and I have to say you can barely see my scars. (I had TT, Brest lift, lipo in thigh on my first surgery. brachioplasty and fraczel on my face.) for the second surgery. I researched 3 doctors. Dr Lomanoco, another dr referred by my lapband dr (can't remember that plastics dr. name). And dr Adam. I actually had surgery set with Dr Lomonaco but switched to dr Adam after seeing a girl from this website's results. He has his own surgery center and staff to assist him. Everything went like clockwork. My step daughter had Brest reduction with dr Lomanoco and she was pleased. Dr lomonaco's prices were double compared to Dr Adam for me. But he was on TV at the time. Not sure what it would be now. Hope this helps....Josie

Hi Tampa, I had my TT, Brest Lift and lipo on my thighs (lipo hurt the most) in 1 operation. My second operation was brachioplasty (arms) and a face/skin fraczel (spelling?). My first operation was 8 hrs. I went home same day. My sister in law is an RN, so the doctor said she could handle the drains, meds, etc. I was up and walking around bent over day 2 after catheter was out.. Then slowly straightened up and I could do light duty (about week 2). 1 month and I was almost back to semi-normal. To be fully, fully functioning it was 4 mos (weight training, etc) The removed skin did not translate into a big weight loss (4lbs). Also I suggest getting to whatever your final goal weight is for the best results. I was at my goal and the results were excellent. Afterwards I gained and lost 15 lbs after the surgery (not related to the surgery) and I think it made the results a little less than perfect. Second to the band.... The cosmetic surgery was my favorite. Good luck

Hi, good luck with your surgery. It's the best decision I ever made. I got my life back. My doctor had a different approach. He felt if I could go on a major pre-op fast or diet.... I probably wouldn't need the band. I was self pay so I didn't have the insurance company requirements. Having said that.... It's important to listen and follow your own doctor's direction and that of his staff. Post op my doctor's staff became more important than he did at times. I didn't have any problems with my band other than of my own making (making my band too tight thinking I could lose weight faster. It actually slowed my weight loss down and almost put me in the hospital). I was banded March 30, 2007. The band is one "tool" of many (like exercise, journaling, etc) It isn't a magic cure. But I definitely think I needed it. Before the band, I was physically hungry 24/7. Now I deal with head hunger but I'm not giving into it. I have to work on it daily. Best of luck on your journey. Josie

I like this... Naming my feelings. This makes them more real. I will try that... Thanks for the tip Bandista

Hi barbie, I'm happy that your new company realizes that there are people that need this kind of assistance. I was banded 8 years ago (self-pay) lost 120 lbs. My insurance didn't cover WLS. I got married and stopped working and couldn't get insurance. I had insurance when I was working and 270lbs but couldn't get it at a normal weight. Crazy right? I'm lucky texas has a pool that everyone is guaranteed insurance however the premiums are crazy. Anyway... I know what you're saying about people knocking the band. I don't knock any WLS since what's good for one may not be good for another. I've had good luck with the band. If I had issues I would most certainly look at other options. Before I was banded, I found this website. And it offered so much information. I noticed there were 2 camps. One's that complained the band didn't work. And the other that said it did (this was before the sleeve). It scared me to the point I almost didn't get WLS. But I noticed the ones that said it didn't work...talked about Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, no exercise, etc. The other where it did work, talked about eating healthy, journaling, exercising. And when they fell off the wagon, they worked to get back on track. I decided to follow them. The journey hasn't been easy but I agree with you.... It's well worth the journey. Any WLS is just a tool.... Not a magic pill. Head hunger is the hardest part of this.... But I'm working to get that monkey in the cage ???? Good luck in your new job and with your upcoming. WLS

Hey sharpie, thanks.... I think we have to keep the attitude "we've got this licked (sugar)" not literally of course ha! I also use the 12 step concept of spiritual healing. I found a book called "made to crave" which has been helpful. One thing about websites like this.... I am ever so grateful to have had it. Alex is one of the most patient, caring and hard working people. The website was fairly new when I started. But I chose to stick with people that were positive and really kept "getting up" when they fell down. I found my lap band surgeon, my cosmetic surgeon and many great solutions to problems along the way. I also chose not to get into it when people attacked (I think the boards are more positive now). Sometimes I felt like lashing back but held my tongue because I wanted it to be positive. My mom always said "you reap what you sew". When I jumped in on a thread, I always talked about my experience and my feelings.... How can anyone refute that? They're our own feelings (Altho some tried) Anyway... Glad your experience has been good.... Stick with the winners.... Best regards

MARCH 2007 (not 2008) 8 years ago I was miserable, hating myself. 270 lbs and growing. I decided to have the lapband and never looked back. My earlier posts tells the story of my journey. This year I'd like to talk about.... This year. After losing the weight..... The next big hurdle and probably the biggest in my book.... Is dealing with headhunger. It has been the most difficult part of the journey. I have everything I want in my life... So why do I eat sugar (mainly) or sometimes eat obsessively. I've been working with a therapist and I have to say, I'm learning to "sit with my feelings" and not eat over them. I've had periods of great success and periods of not-so -much success. I'm in a good routine now, working out, still using protein shakes in the morning and eating healthy meals for lunch and dinner. I'm trying to keep this routine which allows me to stop thinking about food 24/7. I am truly happy with my decision to get the lapband and the road my life has taken ever since. Surgery is not a magic pill. I worked very hard to lose the weight and maintain. People that don't know about weight loss surgery think it's the easy way. IT IS NOT! It's a tool to help us. This year I went to to get full checkup on my band and all is working well. I hope to keep this going as I feel like I need one of these tools for life. Anybody thinking of any weight loss surgery, gather info and make your OWN decision with your doctor. Not one surgery is perfect. Nor are any all bad (saw lots of band bashing going on when the sleeve came out). For me it's been great. But I understand if some had problems, the best thing is to take another route. Anyway I hope some of the other March 2007 Bandsters check in

Hi, I was banded by him March '07 and lost 120 lbs. I also love the guy and his staff. I wish he was still here. He recommended dr Scarborough. I've gone to him once just for annual check up to make sure everything is ok. He's fine. But there's nothing like your original surgeon (in my opinion). I heard he went to head up the bariatric surgery in a hospital in Israel as well. I hope he comes back.....

I lost hair when I didn't eat enough protein.... I also supplemented with Biotin which is supposed to help hair growth.

Name, real or screen~ JosieK Goal weight for April 30th~ 160 Weight on April 1st~170 Age~56 City/State~Eagle Lake, TX Dietary goal for April~ 3 meals/1 snack....no sugar Exercise goal for April~ 5x week (combination of weights and cardio) Personal goal for April~ Date banded~ 3-30-07 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~120 lbs What do you like about Springtime? Longer days

Hi everyone, thought I'd check in and see if anyone is still coming onto the site from March 07. Today is my 7 year anniversary with my band. I am super happy I did this.... My life looks so different than it did 7 years ago.... I did gain 10 lbs this year so I am working at getting it off. I don't want to go back where I came from... The head hunger really is difficult but I am not going to let it get me. I stopped eating sugar on Ash Wednesday and I must say the cravings are gone. But it's one day at a time. Sugar was killing me this year. Last year I investigated switching to the sleeve. Mainly due to normal band behaviors we need to follow like having to chew slow, small pieces and some reflux issues I was having. My doctor recommended against it... I'm glad I didn't go that route because I'm hearing from some people that reflux is worse with sleeve. So I've disciplined myself to follow the directions I got on day 1 of getting my lapband Mainly eating slowly, small bites, etc. Anyway just wanted to jump on and check in.... Would love to hear how you guys are and how's it going? JosieK

Have fun on your trip

For me, that would've been enough time. I would feel the difference within 3 days. The issue I made for myself was I intentionally let them fill it tight. Then went on a plane. In 2007, we didn't have as much medical info on how we could harm ourselves although I knew being too tight was not good.

I'm similar to "HealthyNewMe" .... I found the scale messed my head up. So I only weighed once a month. I had to get the scale out of my house in order to do this.....

Hey justwatchme. My first year I think I had 3 or 4 adjustments. I made a BIG mistake my first year. I made one adjustment too tight and I almost landed in the hospital. I couldn't drink Water or anything. It was stupid because I had it tightened and got on an airplane which made it even tighter. I thought I'd be able to lose faster when in fact I was putting my life in jeopardy. I could've dehydrated.... I never did that again. I actually don't have fill now but I still have restriction. And it's actually a correct amount. But the key to any of this is to eat the right foods. For a long time after I reached goal... I started saying "it's to hard to eat good food.... Easier to eat junk". Well when I started putting on weight.... I panicked. I made myself eat good food again. And as I'm doing this it has gotten easier to eat good food. Plus I feel so much better (energy), my skin looks better due to this and drinking lots of water, etc. I still use Protein shakes for Breakfast because I am tight in the morning.... Plus I make sure I get in a good amount of protein. Sets my day out correctly. Good luck... You can do it....

Thanks everyone, Before I was banded I was also afraid. I saw people that were on here for a few years and they hadn't lost anything and sometimes were bigger. I noticed they talked a lot about Dairy Queen, margaritas etc. and they approached the band like it was magic. I notice another set of people that reached goal and/or were on the way to goal.... They talked about journaling their food, exercising, drinking lots of Water and when they fell off the wagon.... Jumping back on following the "band-rules" So I made a decision I would follow the latter group. I will say it has gotten easier because I love seeing my collar bones, and the fact I no longer need an extension for the plane. So I still use myfitnesspal.com when I see myself going off track. I don't weight myself because I find it triggers my body/food obsession and instead of losing weight.... I start gaining. I belong to a 12 step program for another issue so I apply those principles to the food/body issues. I wish all of you lots of good luck. One day at a time you can do it! One other thing this site helped me tremendously with information both during my weightless surgery and afterwards when I had cosmetic surgery. I did not get involved in nasty comments, or negativity.... Actually it seems like the site is much more positive then years past. Anyway, if anyone needs help, I'm happy to share my experience. All the best Josie

I did from the anesthesia ... But only days 1&2. I was on my hands and knees so sick... But it passed. Maybe call your doctor just to check in and see if it's normal 5 days out? Hope you get to feeling better real soon....

Oops... Thanks! . It was late when I posted ha!

People that aren't loving and kind.... I delete them. We bash ourselves enough... We don't need that from others. I'm not saying I don't need to know the truth because I do.... If someone asks my opinion...I'll give it in a non-judgemental way. Otherwise I try to share my experience on a topic and not tell anyone what their life should be like.. I would've gotten to 270 lbs if I knew all the answers..,, Keep on keepin' on girl... The best thing about myfitnesspal. It allows me to see what I'm actually doing.... With my "lick, bites and tastes". But I don't put a lot of people on my friends.... Just people that have been where I have and also are genuine in their sharing.