txgal1961

First let me start by saying this isn't a brag (at all) it's sharing my own story to make a point.
To put it bluntly, I'm coming out of what had to be the worst 3 months of my entire life.
In early April, my gallbladder went suddenly and I had to have that removed. During this time, my Grandma (whom I was extremely close to) was in hospice. I was by her side when she died 3 weeks later. A week after she passed, I was in the hospital again having a tummy tuck/skin removal/hernia repair surgery. A couple weeks into that healing process, I had my first severe MS exacerbation in 3 years. During that time, my uncle also suddenly and unexpectedly died of a Pulmonary Embolism after surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. It was around the time of his funeral I was beginning to realize there was something very wrong with me, too.
At the end of May, it was discovered I had severe blood clots in both legs. They extended from my knees all the way up into my groin. I was airlifted to an ICU 70 miles away where I spent the most painful, terrifying, and emotionally exhausting 8 days of my life. To put it bluntly, I almost died. Thanks to a new (but brutal) treatment for life threatening blood clots- not only did I live but I have no permanent damage to my legs. But..wow...the treatment and ICU stay were like torture.
So...this has been the last 3 months of my life. During all this turmoil, heart break, pain, and fear- I still managed to lose weight. Even when going through 2 surgeries, 2 funerals, and a near death experience I was still mindful of what I ate and tracked my calories. Yes, once I could eat again in the ICU, I even tracked my calories there. (I amused the heck out of the nurses by doing so, too lol) Did I slip up and cheat during all this? Yup I sure did- but when I did I still counted the calories and never let it get out of control.
My point to all this isn't to brag nor is it for pity. We all have stress and turmoil in our lives. We all have sadness and fear at some point, too. But you can NOT let life's obstacles be your excuse to eat poorly and gain weight. My point is if I can lose weight and be accountable for what I eat even during all this hell the last 3 months- there is absolutely no reason anyone else can't too.
Just my thoughts.

I will just say, it hasn't been easy! I have tried REALLY REALLY hard to follow the guidlines given to me from True Results (of Houston- I know everyone is different) and that's really it. Eating and excersise-- 1/2-1 cup of food 3 times a day and I get some type of excersise in 3-4 times a week.
I am like (almost) anyone else on here- I have slipped up from time to time and snacked, or had one too many bites of a brownie, but all in all it has just happened. I know it will slow down- which it already has, but as a I get a fill and countdown to the next fill, 4 weeks and 6-8 lbs later goes by fast.
An example of my day would be:
Breakfast: One piece of toast with a panfried egg (only using PAM) and sometimes one slice of cheese. Sometimes I can't finish that.
Lunch: A small salad with some type of protein- usually chicken.
Dinner: It's whatever I cook the family, I just eat a VERY small portion.
Honestly, I don't track calories. (& there might come a time when I do have to start!) I know what is right and wrong when it comes to high calorie. If Im not sure, I will look it up to. I don't want to DIET the rest of my life, but this is becoming more and more of a lifestyle change, so I'm really happy with my decision.
Ok, I think I am done with this book. LOL!

Wishing you the best results in your new journey!
Remember to walk, walk and then walk some more when you get home!!!

Congrats!!!
I love it when the #'s keep heading SOUTH

I went for my first fill/unfill yesterday.
I had to first have a unfill for measurement. My file said the Doc put in 3.8 cc's at surgery but after unfill yesterday I actually had 4 cc's. I now have 4.5 cc's and go back in 3 weeks for next fill if needed. I was told liquid for 24 hours then soft for 24 hours. I have no appitite at all. I hope this feeling sticks around for a long time.
Good luck!

Ditto to what Steph04 wrote
I also weigh myself first thing in the morning to avoid any added Water weight.

Ditto to what Steph04 wrote
I also weigh myself first thing in the morning to avoid any added Water weight.

Butt naked! lol I don't want anything weighing me down. Also, first thing in the morning. I am trying to break the weighing everyday habit, it just brings me down.

Straight from waking up, to the bathroom, then to the scales in nothing but my unders! Lower the weight means higher self esteem for me.

Ditto to what Steph04 wrote
I also weigh myself first thing in the morning to avoid any added Water weight.

Not a darn thing but a smile!

I was told I could shower, but no baths, hot tubs or swimming for 3 weeks, every doctor is different so I would check with yours..Have a great vacation

im getting my surgery today im kind of nervous but ready for the change glad i joined the forum though! wish me luck

My Doc said if it was irritating to the skin it could be taken of with fingernail polish remover. But that's my Doc I don't know about yours. I think it does ware off after awhile.
~~~Stephanie

Beware, finger nail polish remover will sting on open wounds!

My doctor said the glue will come when it is ready! Every person differs as to when they will peel off I wouldn't peel it off because its there protecting your wounds and will prevent bacteria from going into your scars.

Wait and talk to your doctor before doing anything. That glue is there to help your wounds heal completely with minimal scarring. You don't want to mess with that.

I had glue on my stitches...I left mine alone and it eventually came off by itself..

Wishing you the best results in your new journey!
Remember to walk, walk and then walk some more when you get home!!!

Congrats!!!
I love it when the #'s keep heading SOUTH

If I remember correctly days 2 and 3 were the worst for me. I think it was on one of those days I remember thinking, "Why oh why did I do this to myself?" It gets better, much better. The first 3 or 4 weeks are difficult and pobably the most challenging. After that you start to feel better and begin discovering what you can eat instead of what you can't!
Oops! I was thinking about my post-op days. Sorry! You can get throught the pre-op when you see needle move on the scale and remember - if you don't do this, you can't have the surgery! Hang in there!

Congrats!!!
Huge milestone accomplished

Good Friday morning!!! 87 lb's of nasty fat gone in less than 6 months....I am so happy to see that 1 on my scale this morning! I promise myself I will NEVER see 200 anything ever again...Keep at it lovely people, we all have it in us....
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Thank you all!! Latinamom ~ count calories, stick to the portion, drink lot's of Water, eat mostly healthy foods and believe in yourself...you've got this!

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles. But the band really is just a tool to help curb hunger, were all responsible for what we put into our bodies and also for excersizing. This is a great post for anybody for considering the lap band, because you really have to be in the right state of mind and have a full commitment to have a life style change.
I think people have high expectations that the band is going to do all the work and the weight will fall off, which is not the case. Research is extremely important!
Best wishes!