LessLee

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since my band surgery. So I have been reflecting on the past year and some of the ups and downs. I just wanted to post a few thoughts as my first anniversary passes for those of you maybe thinking about getting the surgery or just those who are starting your journey post surgery.
Ups
- Lost 130 lbs- started my journey at 338 and this morning weighted 208... I am so close to ONEderland I can smell it!
- Down from a size 26/28 to a size 14/16
- I have walked several 5 Ks
- I have ran (not walked by actually ran which I haven't done in a LONG time) 20 mins straight and working on my first 5k
- I work out atleast 3-5 times a week and have tried lots of new things skiing, biking, running (per above), gymnastics
- I bought my first pair of pants in a non plus size store since middle school
- I actually kind of like shopping
- I can buckel my seat belt on an airplane with easy and have plenty of extra space
- I can fit comfortably in 1 seat and not take over half of the people's next to me at movie theatres, sporting events, etc.
- I don't have to judge a space to see if I can fit threw it
- I have more confidence than I have had in years which has shown in my personal life and career
- I am happy again- truely happy
- I love healthy food and working out (never thought I would say that one)
- People who I have not seen in a long time do not even recognize that it is me
- I no longer let my weight hold me back from things I want to do or achieve
- I could go on with this list for a long time....
Downs
- Sometimes I miss overeating- it is an addiction like anything else and sometimes I miss it
- I get frustrated when I go out to eat and everyone asks me if I did not like my meal because I only ate a small portion (this is only frustrating because I have told only a hand full of people I had the surgery)
- I get frustrated when I get something stuck and it swells and I have to do liquids for a few days - but it is usually my own fault for eating something I shouldn't or eating too fast
- I miss the social aspect of eating and drinking (wine mainly)- now I can only do 1 at a time and have to be very aware
- I have had some hair loss related to loosing weight so fast
This has been one of the fastest years of my life! To think of how many years went by that I kept telling myself I was going to do something to change my weight and then another year would go by and I was either the same weight or most years heavier than the year before. I am so glad I did not put this off any longer! To think that I could still weight 338 at this moment (or more) if I had not gone through with this... honestly disgusts me.
Have there been some ups and downs, yes, do I miss some of the foods I can't eat, yes, do I get frustrated with my band when I have "issues", yes, do I ever regret having the surgery, never, not for one second, not in a million years. This has been the best tool I could have ever given myself to finally conquor my weight. I still sruggle from time to time and it is definatly still a journey I am working on but I could not be more greatful and happy that I made this decision.

I hope you weren't reading my blog and I scared you.
If you were, let me explain. I got stuck on a hamburger and that scared me into thinking I could of done damage. Totally my fault though for eating too big, too fast. I ate soft yesterday just in case I irritated something.
#2 I am not yet at my "sweet spot" and am able to eat more if want too. 90% of the time, I stop myself at an appropriate band sized portion. I also count calories right now. Once I am properly adjusted I will hopefully not have to count calories, but just make good choices. The band also wont help me make good choices, that's up to me.
#3, I have always struggled with emotional eating, this is a battle the band cannot help me with unfortunately, and yes I had a weak moment the other day where emotional eating took over. BUT, because I have the band and fear doing damage, I am more mindful and instead of spiraling downhill for days/weeks, I get back on track right away. I didn't go though surgery to fail, so I have even more fight in me now to win this battle.

Hi mom2dle, congrats on your loss!
Great Allyson! Same as me in the hips!

One of the rules given to me by my clinic is to stop eating 3 hours before bed.

I hope you weren't reading my blog and I scared you.
If you were, let me explain. I got stuck on a hamburger and that scared me into thinking I could of done damage. Totally my fault though for eating too big, too fast. I ate soft yesterday just in case I irritated something.
#2 I am not yet at my "sweet spot" and am able to eat more if want too. 90% of the time, I stop myself at an appropriate band sized portion. I also count calories right now. Once I am properly adjusted I will hopefully not have to count calories, but just make good choices. The band also wont help me make good choices, that's up to me.
#3, I have always struggled with emotional eating, this is a battle the band cannot help me with unfortunately, and yes I had a weak moment the other day where emotional eating took over. BUT, because I have the band and fear doing damage, I am more mindful and instead of spiraling downhill for days/weeks, I get back on track right away. I didn't go though surgery to fail, so I have even more fight in me now to win this battle.

One of the rules given to me by my clinic is to stop eating 3 hours before bed.

My cc's escalated a lot quicker than some I read in the forums. There was about 3cc's put in my band during surgery, then about 4 weeks later, I had an additional 3.2 added. About 6-7 weeks after that, I got another .8, bringing me to an even 7. Now I'm at 7.25, and have a strong feeling that this will be it for a few months.
es1120 - hang in there. As Mis said above, you will know it when it happens

Congrats everyone on your excellent progress. U had my surgery on 6/25 and one full a week ago. I've lost 28 lbs. I did get sick on two occasions and for the same reason, eating too quickly and not being mindful. The band has been an incredible tool.

I did take my measurements and do once a month. I lost 3 inches in my hips and 2 in my waist. Feeling great!

My Fitness Pal ..app --- it is GRAND! In my phone and goes everywhere with me.
(Banded 6.21.13-first fill next Monday) I have found it very easy to order and eat GRILLED or BLACKENED FISH or chicken, sweet potatoes; generally split the meal or take 1/2 back with you. Also, I haev recently started ordering A GRILLED chicken BREAST ONLY from Wendy's - funny how the cost depends on which one I got to and who is working that day. prices have ranged from $.99 - $4.89 for ONE breast. LOL!!!!!!
On occassion I aheva baked potato but make sure I count the calories for butter and sour cream. GOOD LUCK!!

It is at first until you get more comfortable with your band. I tend to eat a lot of appetizers because meals are just so large. I've also learned to go ahead and order a Water and just let it sit there as opposed to going through the whole, I don't drink with meals ordeal. I don't drink it...but letting it just sit there assures others that I am okay. Lol. I also do a lot of take home boxes because most meals are big enough for two people. Early on I would order stuff that I knew I could eat fine in front of others likes Soups. I rarely if eve order anything with a bun or in sandwich form and I never get pizza. If I do get stuck with pizza then I either just scrape the toppings off and eat them and explain that I'm doing an Atkins like diet or if it's someone I know I just tell them it's easier for me to eat like that with the lapband.

Doing well! Had a great week last week with a 3.5 lb loss. This week slower. My pants are falling off me which is great but frustrting because I am not buying any new summer clothes. At some point I may start looking like the teenage boys with their pants hanging off their butt. Lol

Hi Everyone. Well I survived my daughter's birthday. I had once slice of thin multigrain crust pizza and a small piece of cake (I made it). That was all I needed and I counted the calories. I am happy to say I have lost another 1.4lbs this week.
Since my first fill last wed, I am much hungrier this week! I have also upped my activity level though. I do think I could use another small fill in 3 weeks.
Hi DianaW! You sure did have some hurdles to get through. I pretty much didn't leave my house for 2-3 weeks post-op, glad you were able to get through them. Welcome!
So you didn't get a fill Gary? How do you feel? I had 5.5 at surgery and got 1cc last week.

Hi, just keep the receipt and there is a line item for medical expenses on the tax form. My doctor told me I might see about $3,000 (out of the $16,000) back at tax time. Every little bit helps! I live in Ontario and am self paying too.

I'm going great, with a little luck and a lot of exercise will pass the magic 50 number in the coming 10 days. I'm supposed to go back in a month which will also be the day I meet with my PCP to review labs and consider another drop in the meds.

It's not a measurable thing and is different for everyone (in terms of what it feels like and how long it takes to get there and stay there). I had my doubts also, but then at one point was like OOOOOhhhhh. I get it now! LOL You just know it when you're there. It definitely doesn't last forever, and my best suggestion is to take advantage of it while it lasts. Now that I'm basically at goal, I know I'm no longer in a green zone and am doing this mostly on my own with no restriction. As long as I can keep that up, no more fills for me. It's good to know I have the option to get back in the zone if I need to though.

Hi Everyone. Well I survived my daughter's birthday. I had once slice of thin multigrain crust pizza and a small piece of cake (I made it). That was all I needed and I counted the calories. I am happy to say I have lost another 1.4lbs this week.
Since my first fill last wed, I am much hungrier this week! I have also upped my activity level though. I do think I could use another small fill in 3 weeks.
Hi DianaW! You sure did have some hurdles to get through. I pretty much didn't leave my house for 2-3 weeks post-op, glad you were able to get through them. Welcome!
So you didn't get a fill Gary? How do you feel? I had 5.5 at surgery and got 1cc last week.

Had my first fill and it was super easy! Took all of 5 minutes. I have a little over 3cc's in my band. I was hungry when I got to the appointment, I'm not hungry at all now. Yay!

I finally broke out of the 300 pound world! I had my surgery April 1st, and have lost 58.5 pounds..... I haven't been out of the 300's in a long time. I almost couldn't believe my ears when the scale spoke today!!!!
Now on to break out of the 200's which will take some time, but every pound lost is a pound closer to onderland!

I made it to "ONEderland"! It has been a loooong time since I've seen a one at the beginning of my weight. I'm so happy and excited I want to cry!
I'm pretty sure I have a permagrin!

Face for sure, hands - but that could be less swelling and boobs which I din't need to lose there..lol

Never in a billion years thought I would ever be "normal" weight... But I did it! I am 5'11" and weigh 150 and wear a size 8/10 now (from a size 24). I lost 123 pounds in 2.5 years, been maintaining for the last 6-8 months. Just wanted to share so others know that it can be done. No more insulin or other medications, no worry about fitting in air plane seats or roller coasters. There have been ups and downs and I still don't always recognize the person in the mirror but I would do it again in a heartbeat! Good luck to everyone in their journey...

Very good job. I don't tell anyone how much I have lost or how much I want to lose. My business. My husband and this site knows, only and it will stay that way.
Just stop sharing the numbers and that way no one can say anything.

Hi LesLee - No they did not add anything at surgery. I thing the fact that I am much more active now - (working out) may have something to do with the extra hunger.... but it is nothing that is going to going to get me off track.

Was in Kroger yesterday picking up some meds and was really hungry. Tried to find a snack and found an Oscar Mayer lunch meat single package. It was 2 oz serving of lean ham (and turkey and chicken as well). 50 calories 1 fat 9 Protein. Only cost a buck. Held me over till supper. Definitely going back to stock up.