DivaStyleCoach

Good morning Herb, I am two years out with my lap band, and was formerly on two oral medications plus Lantus insulin for my Type II diabetes. I was banded in November 2008 - I did not come off of the medication right away, but by the time I reached my 1 year bandiversary, I was med-free. Now I control my diabetes with eating right and exercising and I am SO much happier because of it. You'll find that what you can and can't eat is very individual - some people can have bread, others cannot (I'm one that cannot eat bread very much at all). I water down sodas because the carbonation gives me problems. I drink a LOT of water - but then, I've always been a big water drinker. I have had no problems at all with my band - and I think it's because I followed my doctor's orders pretty much to a T - I started walking soon after surgery, kept up with a regular exercise program, followed the pre and post-surgery eating plans strictly, and I don't try to push things when I'm eating. Don't let yourself get too hungry between meals - that makes it easier to avoid taking too big a bite the first time around and getting stuck. Certain foods will give you trouble for a while and then you'll be okay. Flexibility is key to living a successfully banded life. Let me know if you have other questions or if I can help further.

Wow...it's been quite a while since I posted here. I'm doing just fine - continuing to work out, working my way through head issues and the occasional setback, but doing really well. I'm hovering at 190 lbs - I'd like to be smaller, I think - perhaps 10 - 15 lbs, but I'm not 'beating myself up' about it. I'm wearing primarily size 12 and 14 clothes, down from a 24 at hy largest. I feel great - I continue to run (weather permitting - I'm still a wimp about winter!) and have created quite the home gym. I have a gym-quality rower, an home-quality elliptical, and a Bowflex Ultimate for strength training. I'm up to 50 min solid on both the rowing and elliptical, and I know the last 10 percent (or 10 pounds) would come off if I dialed in my eating a bit more. I'm at a great fill level - I can eat normally, just in smaller quantities, and I'm not hungry all the time. It's been a little over 2 years since my surgery - actually, April will be my 2 1/2 year bandiversary, and I still LOVE my banded life. I know without the band, I'd either be the exact same size I was before - at 265 lbs - or I'd be regaining the weight I lost. This is my solution for LIFE, and I'm nevery going back to that unhealthy lifestyle I had before. This site was SO helpful to me during my journey - I could not have done it without all the people here who helped me, commented on my posts, or just let me know I wasn't alone. I'm going to be a more regular visitor, because perhaps I can help someone else be successful on THEIR banded journey. So I guess what I'm saying is...I'm BACK...and this time, I'm staying! :-)

Glad to know the thread is still alive and kicking, and that people feel free to express themselves, ask for advice, and offer their opinions. If you are reading this and offended by the title of the thread or the content, DON'T OPEN IT ANYMORE! Simple...problem solved! :party: Bert99 - had to LOL at your post...men say the funniest things at the oddest times...gotta love 'em!:smile2: It's been said many times here, but bears repeating: Go slow Take your time Relax Use plenty of lube (love the organic coconut oil idea, gotta try that) Go slow Relax With a trusted and gentle partner, it can be marvelous...it's a semi-regular part of me and my DH's repertoire...:thumbup::wub::tt1:

Love the Lane Bryant jeans...but now that I wear a size 12, they don't fit me quite the way they used to...I still have a couple pair that I rotate, but for me... Wrangler Q-Baby "Ultimate Riding Jeans" fit the best of any I've ever had. And they come in a 36 inseam, which is perfect for me to wear with my cowboy boots, high heels and whatever else I want to wear on my feet. I get them at a nearby Tractor Supply store, and I've also seen them on EBay and online. I strongly suggest trying them on before buying your usual size, because I wear a size smaller in these than in any other jeans I've bought. They have a wide elastic band inside the waist that helps keep your shirt tucked in...LOVE these jeans!:wub::wub:

Good morning Everyone! Glad to find this thread again...started doing the C25K last summer, and ran my first 5K in October 2009. Planning to do another this fall, and in the meantime, I've done part of the C28K program. I'm at the point now where I can run a 5k just about any time I want...that feels really good! In fact, I ran the distance on Sunday morning and chopped 5 min off my time from the 5K I did last fall. I'm not the fastest runner - my first 5k I completed in about 47 min, this Sunday I did it in 42 min. I hope to get my time down into the low 30's eventually. It fits the amount of time I normally have to run, so it's perfect for me. Don't know if I'll go back to the C28K - I stopped because the workout were taking almost an hour! Nice to see everyone's progress and hard work!:wub:

Please follow YOUR doctor's orders - re-read the information given to you about post-op eating and follow it to the tee. You may have escaped a problem this time, but don't tempt fate. It's important to let your body heal and also to prepare your mind for the change in your eating habits that must now become part of your life. Don't let the stomach upset tempt you into eating off your plan again - call the doc's office and ask them what you should do. maybe an antacid would help, or they might have another suggestion. Please take care of yourself - often, how we start is how we will continue.

Tough call... I would arrange for other child care and let your mom decide what to do about her dog. This may have been a one-off incident, but you don't want to risk a reoccurrence. The dog may indeed have been snappy because of the heat, but that's no excuse. You cannot demand Mom get rid of the dog, as the other posters have said, because its her dog and likely her ties to it are very strong, since your Dad picked it out. I also agree with BetsyB - your mom is not choosing the dog over her grandchildren or you. It's not that cut-and-dried. I wish you and your family well in deciding how to handle this...

Hi Everyone, Yes, the first few days (maybe up to 2 weeks) after surgery you will feel something like 'restriction', but it's partly swelling from the surgery itself. Please follow the post-op diet TO THE TEE! Don't take a chance on ruining your health or your new band by eating solid food too early. This is the time to get your head wrapped around your new eating style and portions, and it's an important practice time. It takes 21 - 28 days to create a new habit - use this time to establish a really good eating habit and stick to it. I am nearly 2 years out and very happy I did this. Be well! :wub:

Justrite...first, thank you for sharing your story - it's important that we hear both sides of the story, and know that because we lost the weight, it doesn't necessarily mean our head issues will be gone as well. I feel ya - I've literally lost half my self (clothing size wise - down from a 24 to a 12) and still have some of the old 'head' issues I was dealing with before. I pray you are able to find a counselor or coach to help you with these issues, and that you find your way to 'middle ground' and a happy, healthy life. Please take good care of yourself and know that you are NOT a bad person - you've just been through a bad time...:wub:

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to come in, say hi, and encourage everyone to keep up the great work. After I was banded nearly two years ago, I started walking with a purpose - I did go to the gym, did some walking, but obviously not nearly enough! :wub: Now I walk a minimum of 2 miles a day, and often more than that. My DDog is my walking partner and never fails to go with me - rain or shine! Last October I ran my first 5K after completing the Couch to 5k program. I repeated some weeks and took my time. Having a race to prepare for really helped with motivation. I've been running a couple of days a week, but increased my running lately because I've been having trouble maintaining my weight after a slight unfill in April - I'm having the fill put back in, but my appt isn't for about 3 more weeks. Best recommendation I can give for new and continuing runners is to get GOOD SHOES! I can tell the difference in my good running shoes and my cross trainers - especially during a 3-mile or more run! Have a great week everyone!

Hi Stacy and Nicole, Hang in there, ladies - it does get better! For gas pains - try short periods of walking - it really helped me when I was banded in Nov 08. I'm coming to my second bandiversary and I still occasionally get gas pains from something I ate (especially if I haven't had it for a while). The gas pain from surgery will eventually go away, and activity helps that. Take your little ones with you - the walk will do them good and you may find yourself with a new walking partner! Follow your doctor's orders regarding lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs - and that means your kiddos too! Don't be afraid to ask for help from your family - and if they resist, then DEMAND help - you just had major surgery - no matter if it was laparascopic! You are in recovery for the first 6 weeks - and the pattern you set now will follow through the rest of your banded experience. Put yourself FIRST for the recovery period - allow your family to step up (and dare I say, grow up) while you are recovering. You may be surprised (and them too) at how capable they can be. Good luck to you both and welcome to Bandland!:wub:

Hey Everyone, When I was first banded, my husband and daughter did my liquid and mushie phase with me - gotta love them! It was a chance for them to re-set their own cravings and eating patterns and they did pretty well. Now that I'm eating more 'regular' food, because I'm well past my surgery (my 2nd anniversary is in Nov) I eat pretty much what they do. We eat more vegetables (salads and such) they eat the low-fat Protein that I prepare, and I eat smaller quantities than they do (at least until my unfill, but that's another story). If you don't tell them it's low-fat, low-sugar and / or high-Fiber, generally they won't be able to tell, and it gives them a chance to try something new without their prior food prejudice getting in the way. Give them a chance to be supportive, but if they can't do that quite yet, then eat what you know you should and tell them you are doing this for you and that's that!:wub:

Morning All!:eek: Update on my progress: I'm holding steady, weight wise - sometimes I bounce up a few pounds but they go away again, so I'm not too unhappy. The exercise / walking / jogging / running is definately making changes in my physique. My legs are shaping up really well - I was even asked if I was a runner a few weeks ago - talk about an ego boost! I am still strength training at least 3 days a week, walking every day, and now running 3 - 4 days a week. It sounds like a lot, but by working it into my daily routine, it doesn't feel like a lot any more. I will definately need plastic surgery on my midsection - the excess skin just hasn't gone away. That will have to wait, unfortunately, until I have the funds. Until then, I'll just keep working at it!

Hi Everyone!:tt2: Updating - still on my journey. I am active 7 days a week - mostly because I have a dog who needs to be walked 3x per day, and at least two of those are my responsibility. We go at least a mile each time. I lift weights 3x per week - basic movements like dumbbell bench presses, squats, db rows, etc. The amount of weight I can handle has increased, which I'm happy about. I also run 3x per week - now doing the Couch to 8K program. My goal is to run a 10k this year. On the subject of excess skin...I too thought I was ready for surgery, even had the first consult, but I'm going to wait. My body continues to reshape and change, so my workouts are having a beneficial effect. I went from a 38K bra to a 36DD (occasionally DDD if I can find them) and while the 'volume' has decreased, my workouts have somewhat limited the 'sag' factor by building the muscle underneath. I've lost a total of 6 sizes, from a 24 to a 12 during my journey. The workouts have had a great effect on my waist measurement. I have found that my workouts are my saving grace - I love working out and have become addicted to running...if I don't get my run in, I feel crappy. Good luck to all those in the process - keep checking in and following doc's orders. Pick a healthy habit (walking, running, elliptical) and just keep doing it. :thumbup:

Hi Danny, Thanks so much for updating us - tell her another LBT sister in Norwich checked in and is sending healing thoughts and congratulations her way! :bored:

You are just too funny I'll be sure to post my review here so the other running babes can see it. I like that we share resources in addition to inspiration on this thread. I know I would not be as successful with my running without the encouragement and inspiration I read here...everyone have a wonderful weekend! Supposed to be sunny and near 60 here in CT - I'm definately going for a run! :bored:

Hi BillOH, Please let me know how they work out for you...I'm checking out their website as I type this and they've got some really good stuff - including a support bra for those of us who were *ahem* genetically blessed. Gotta tell ya - that's rare! Their running pants look good, and if they help me run farther / faster, that will be even better! :confused: Still getting in a few days a week - but nothing the last few days because of a deep cough. It's nearly gone, so I should be back on the road this weekend. Yay! I miss running - I've still been walking, but it's definatley NOT the same!:scared2:

Gentle hugs and best wishes for a great result, Allie!:confused:

PJTP...again! Hi Plain! My office is mostly down with the flu - many people out. I'm ducking and dodging germs like a maniac! :eek: Hi BBK! Nice to see you on LBT...come on back! I heard THAT! Nice to see you here, Kat - and love the updates! I'm hanging in there...work is...work! Glad to have a job, but still looking for a better situation. Got feelers out, so I'm praying for good results. School is going well - I have an "A" in both classes with just over 5 weeks done. Just about halfway through the term - just about a year to go, and I'll have my Bachelors. Definately planning a trip to Chicago for the graduation ceremony. I'm at Kaplan University - all my classes are online - the only way I could do them!:scared2: Everyone have a wonderful day! :wub:

PJTP...again! Came out of the meeting with the brass...so far, I still have a job. The issue revolved around materials I sent out to applicants that I thought they had rights to (they are part of their files) but were not supposed to help write. Turns out they are not supposed to see them at any point. HR Rep #2 agreed with me - or so it seems - I was not told explicitly that they could not see them. I did send out corrective notes to the affected applicants, and it has not happened again since. My union rep thought it went well - I am just happy I still have a job for now. Stepping up the job search - every single day, I will do SOMETHING towards getting a new position. Maybe I'll send my resume out to some temp agencies and look for another temp-to-perm situation. I just do not want to deal with the constant stress any more. Have been sending out applications when I hear of open positions, but I guess its time to take it to another level. If I can get something closer to home, I'll even take a small pay cut to get out of here...my band has been tight all day because of the stress, and I just don't need that right now! On another note - no motorcycle for me right now. The one I wanted was sold, so the hunt continues...I can wait until spring! :redface:

PJTP...again! Hi Everyone! Been wicked busy, but had to stop in and give everyone an update... Haven't bought the motorcycle yet - it was unfortunately sent out to auction before I got to see it, so we won't know until today (sometime this afternoon) whether it sold or not. If it didn't sell, I'll probably take it. DH and I looked at a Kawa Ninja 500 that was also there - but I'm not as enthused about sport bikes as I am about the cruiser style. Since this is a present from DH to me (!) I get the final word...and I've gotta ride as much as I can before putting it away for the winter so we'll know if there's any problems with whichever one I get before the warranty runs out! DD is doing fine - excited about her upcoming Disney internship. She leaves January 11 and I'll be an empty-nester! Tap - I absolutely LOVE to ride...more as a passenger than a driver until I took the motorcycle safety course. I think I told y'all, DH tried to teach me to ride and I had an accident in a neighbor's yard - laid the bike down. Took me 16 years to get on another one...not something I recommend. I wish I hadn't wasted so much time, but I won't let that happen again! Today is my one year Bandiversary! I'm happy, so happy that I was banded...my life is so much better now! :w00t: Got another work related meeting today - I posted about it about a month ago - and the fallout is happening today. I'm almost ready to call it quits myself - the constant what-if my head goes through is a pain in the tuckus. If I am fired, I'll take a few days to rest and recover and get on the stick regarding my other job applications - I continue to put applications in, but no bites yet. May check out the local temp agencies and beat the bushes a bit for local stuff. I'd really rather NOT do this commute again if I don't have to. Course it will suck to be out of a job just before the holidays, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. This meeting is being called an "Investigatory" meeting, but I have very few illusions that I'll be treated fairly. There will be four (4) people from my department and myself and my union rep. Will try to check in and let y'all know what happens...either way, I'm not going to get cranked up - or at least I'll try not to...

PJTP...again! Okay, just to make it worse, Plain, here's a shot of my potential purchase (yeah, I know, I'm bad) :biggrin: Going with DH to check it out on Saturday morning. It's an '86 Kawasaki Vulcan. They are reporting it has less than 3,000 miles on it, and the asking price is just under $2,500. If the mileage is true, I'll probably be putting a deposit on it on Saturday and picking it up the next weekend (gotta transfer funds around, and because of my work schedule). DH may go get it early...he'll probably ride it too while his Harley is down for repairs. I'm excited and can't wait! It'll be a great first bike for me, and then I'll be chomping at the bit for spring so I can ride more! BBL - work calls!