Road Queen

I just bought a RAV4 and am learning to drive on the left side of the road and shift with my left hand. On sunday, a monkey came flying across the road in front of my car - man, did I have a major heart attack. I am trying to post a picture of it.

The decision is yours. When I first started consultations, I was 218. I was 203 at pre-surgery and I am 151 now. I don't have the restriction that you talk about. The biggest issues for me are 1) if I overeat, I throw it up - pb or whatever - but its not a big deal, its like a productive burp - the last bite comes out. 2) i am supersensitive to heat - when I first moved to Africa and it was hot, the most I could eat was 1/2 cup. Now that its winter, I eat like I did in the US - 1/2 to 1 cup of food. I also loved food. I planned vacations, traveling, everything around food. I still enjoy it. The difference is that it doesn't control me anymore. I don't lose the way others do here. I don't know if its my system or what. I lose 15-20 pounds and then stay the same for about 3-4 months. I lost the first batch around surgery, the second batch at about 5 months, the third batch at about 10 months. But I am okay with it. I don't have bunches of excess skin - during the time when I'm not losing weight, I lose inches, gain some muscle, and my skin catches up. I won't say that it is painless. When its hot, I have more restriction and need to watch what I eat closer. I also struggle when I'm stressed. Right now, I can eat bread, rice, etc. But I'm on the other side of the equator and its winter here now. Would I do it again - lets see, go from size 18 plus to size 8s. Yes. Have more energy, feel better about myself, etc Yes. Would I have had the confidence in myself to quit my job, become a contractor and move to Africa if I hadn't lost the weight and see myself adjusting to a new slimmer life - I can't say. But I think the whole decision making process, post-surgery life, and life style changes helped make me a person who adapts to change better. Good luck on your decision. Celeste

Lisa, JoLynn and everyone, Okay, life stinks for me lately. The ministry of finance is not happy that I am leaving here at all so I can only get 2 weeks and can't leave until the 23rd. I would fly into LV but I have some health issues that have to be dealt with ASAP so I need to go to Bismarck. I am so bummed out. I won't get back to the US at all until 2008 unless I am major sick so I don't think I'm ever going to have fun again. Okay, wah, I will suck it up. The good news is that Im trying to get signed up for a ride from S Africa in March that goes to 5 countries. I am so upset to miss the party. keep me in mind while you have a blast. Celeste

I have been struggling with clothes being too big. Before I moved, I bought some size that were too small and shipped them. By the time they arrived, they fit. I just got an order from WalMart - and I now wear size 8s. Do you know how little they look? And they fit? What happened? where did my body go? How did I not notice this? I can't wait to post a picture....but how do you approach a stranger and ask them to take a picture of you? It is so strange to try and remember to eat when my life used to revolve around food. Just rambling in Africa. Celeste

I am not a good person to ask either but last year I did get alot of recipes of this site and used them. If you do some queries on recipes in the food category, you should be able to find those threads. I haven't had an appetite so here's a typical menu breakfast - south beach meal replacement bar lunch - tomato, cucumber, sprouts with balsamic vinegar and spices dinner - green beans, small potato, fake crab usually fried in a little olive oil with onions, garlic, peppers, etc The large lower fat avacados are readily available here so sometimes I mix one with tuna, add some sprouts and I'm set for a few meals. Last night, I cooked up black beans, some ground steak, added tomatoes, onions, spices, etc for a soup. I will probably throw some black beans in a salad at lunch in the next couple of days. I supplement with protein shakes, etc. Sorry I don't have better suggestions but I am finding that simple things work best.

Heather, Protein shakes, bars, Meal Replacement bars, breakfast bars all work for me. I take a bar to work in the morning and eat it throughout the morning. I can't get them here in Malawi so I use drugstore.com to have them shipped to me. Some mornings it takes too long to get a Protein shake down. Good luck.

Beef Jerky, south beach Meal Replacement and Breakfast bars, Protein shakes (did you try blending in the fruit) I never was much for sugar - including fruits - but they don't bother my band - I just don't like the sweet taste.

Fills are always difficult. My first was 1.0 - no restriction. My second brought me to 1.5, too much restriction, and an unfill to 1.2. I lost 20 pounds then stalled. My 3rd was 1.5 - still stalled My 4th was 1.7 and just right. Then, I came for my final interview in Africa, I am very sensitive to altitude, heat, etc. I was sick every day. Then I moved to Africa. I now have 1.5 and it seems okay for here. I do have to watch what I eat - no rice, bread, little Pasta. Last week, I was in Vienna and could eat anything - just not alot of it. I even ate rice on the airplane!! So, just keep plugging away with the fills. Get the right restriction for where you are at - physically and weight wise. Good luck. Celeste

Sorry if I gross anyone out - but I want my shoes on at home. I am living in Africa - I don't know what is going to come across the floor that I want to kill quickly. Right now, its the season for the 2-3 inch long flying grasshoppers....I know the natives eat them but I don't. I want my shoe on my foot to kill them ASAP. Oh, how my priorities have changed. Celeste

Jojo, I am celebrating my one year bandiversary and have loved almost every minute. The first few months, I did restrict my social life but still ate out at least twice a week. Last winter, I ate out most evenings. (I had put my dog to rest and couldn't stand to be home alone) I have traveled extensively in the last year - I have spent at least a week in 5 countries - Monrovia, Liberia (Africa); France; Yucatan peninsula of Mexico; Lilongwe, Malawi (Africa), and Vienna, Austria. Right now, I live in Lilongwe. Eating is a trial and error. I just returned from Vienna and was able to eat rice, sausages, bread, dessert,etc. I can't eat any of those in Lilongwe. I think God just gave me a weeks reprieve to eat. The difference with the band is that I only gained .5 pounds. (probably Water weight). Good luck on your journey. Eat out and enjoy. Celeste

I haven't got internet access at home yet so I haven't been able to access lapbandtalk. I've certainly been missing everyone. I got my shipment yesterday so this morning I unpacked my scale. I am down to 161 pounds and 34% body fat. That means I lost 6 pounds in the last few weeks and 2% body fat. Eating here is challenging. Its a struggle to find band friendly foods. Also, I just got a working microwave on Monday and my stove yesterday. So many dinners have been yogurt with Protein powder. Or processed meat and cheese. I know my calories have been low. The last few days I've been working 11 hours without a lunch break. The meetings I'm in don't even take bathroom breaks!! As soon as I get internet at home, I will post pictures. Its very beautiful here and lush. Last week I went to a conference at the lake and the monkeys were playful and hanging around alot. The resort was great so it was disappointing to spend all day in meetings. This is winter so its dark by a little after 5. I bought some size 10 pants before I shipped my stuff and they fit fine today. I sent my last pair of skinny jeans and they slid right on. I have been walking every day in the morning and alot of weekends. I don't have tv, radio, or anything so its either read books, do puzzles, or exercise. I plan to start yoga classes as soon as I get a car. The strangest thing happened in the last couple of weeks - I have a waist. My weight is also shifting around so my hips and abdoment got smaller but my legs didn't so now I have saddlebags. I'm still planning to return to ND in August and ride down to Las Vegas to the Sangria bash. Since I don't have time to read anything today, I hope everyone is doing well. Later. Celeste

Thessi, hi! Where did you have your surgery? I'm going to be in Vienna next month for a conference. Bummer that I didn't plan to stay longer and get together. Celeste

Okay, here's the story I have been promising. On Feb 24, I boarded the big plane(s) and flew to Minneapolis, Amsterdan, Nairobi, and finally to Lilongwe, Malawi (40 hours later - landed Sunday afternoon). Monday I met with people from USAID, Malawi Accountant General and staff. Tuesday I met with the Secretary of the Treasury and Budget Director. Wednesday I met with South African and British representatives that are working there too. Thursday was the Auditor General, Speaker of the Parliment, and the US Ambassador to Malawi. Of course, in between I had to meet with security personnel, scope out my house, try and find out about a car, etc. I am waiting for a contract from the US Treasury to be a consultant to the Malawi Minister of Finance. I will work with the budget division but will be available to asist in the other divisions (auditor general, internal audit, accountant general, information technology, etc). I returned home Sunday, March 5. Since I returned home, my house sale is pending, my furniture is gone, my car is sold, etc. Everything is in a whirlwind. The movers at moving my stuff March 27, house sale finalizes March 28, April 2 I fly to DC, April 7 I fly to Lilongwe, and April 10 I start work. I'm excited, terrified, thrilled, scared, etc. In addition, I caught a bug last week. I'm trying to figure out how to deal with life, security, etc and my band. Right now it is hot and rainy season in Malawi. The pictures are too big to load here so I will try and get them in later. The pictures show beautiful green foliage. When I get there, winter will be starting - cool and dry. Cool as in 70 degree days and 40 degree nights. My computer is dying on me so I"m off to buy a new laptop today so I figured I better get these in before the pc funeral. For those looking for Malawi on the globe, it is a little country to the west of Mozambique - there is a big lake between Mozambique and Malawi. It was a British colony so they speak english and drive on the left side. There are less than 30 American families in the capital city. The country has been experiencing droughts and famines so until the next crop is harvested in May, breakins and thefts are rising. I have 24 security on my property (2 acres yard). Hoping to get dogs asap. I have attached a picture of my dining and living rooms. More later.

Okay, I'm going to try again...here's a few photos I took last month. 1st picture - a call center in the country (come to the central location to make cell phone calls) 2nd picture some mushrooms for sale along the road 3rd picture living room in my house 4th picture - modern gas station with convenience store.

I don't know how to show more than one picture per thread so I'm going to do a whole bunch of pics in multiple replies.

It all depends. My sister had gbp 3 years ago. I was banded 10 months ago. I have a pretty close to perfect fill (I think) right now. She eats alot more than I do. GBP people eat small quanitity at first but that changes over time and they stretch out their new stomach. We can always get fills, tighten out band. I don't even put the two in the same category. They are both tools, etc. But the gbp is a fast method of malnutrition to (in my mind) save the lives of those who need to lose as quick as possible - for what ever reason. The band is a tool for those who want to lose but are willing to adjust slowly, lose slower, and have a tool to use for the rest of their lives - keeping them more in control. Hope this helps. Celeste

Lisa, I think if I get there (which I plan to) I will get the longest distance award. I have ordered a 2007 Road King Custom and have asked for the end of August off. I will fly from Malawi Africa to Bismarck, ND. Pick up a new bike, ride to Vegas, bash, ride back to ND, sell or store the bike, and return to Africa. The motorcycle and this bash are my last US connections left. I sold my house, car, furniture, etc. I shipped about 1200 pounds to Africa. I will post more later this week about my move but I will try and help any way I can. Have you ever tried the South African version of Baileys that has fruit in it? Maybe I should try and bring some..... More later...Celeste

I have a big mouth and told many. And have told alot more since. I have also met with many people who are/did get the band. I want to help others make the decision. My band has helped change my life. There are many things I am doing that I couldn't do when I was heavier. I want everyone to feel free to achieve their dreams. I have other family members that have had GB and one with the band. I don't feel like I have to justify my slow loss. I like it. I get to buy some cute clothes and wear them for awhile. And the end of the seasons, I have been buying skirts for $1 and $2, blazers for $7, etc. Then all of the sudden, I drop another size or so and look different and skinnier. I am old enough that I need to lose slow to reduce wrinkles. Have I ever wished I hadn't share - yes - but then I think, what if telling helps others get the band and improves their life. Isn't that worth it? I want to say getting the band is all about me but now I think its a process that helped me and makes me want to help others. Do the questions ever but me - yes but so would dying young. When people think I"m losing slow, I also explain that I am losing slower, its healthier for me, I will have less wrinkles, I am absorbing my food and the nutritients, I have a life time tool to help me (instead of a short window to lose), and psychologically, the slower loss, is easier for me to adjust to - I still don't always recognize me in a mirror. Yes, telling has a price but its like giving a gift or volunteering, the rewards can be better than the price. Good luck in your efforts. Celeste

I have prevacid solutab that were awesome when I was healing from surgery. In fact, I still use them once in awhile. Good luck

I will remember Emily in my prayers and you and the rest of the family also.

Diana, I sometimes think I am the queen of PBs, slimes, etc. I am super sensitive to heat, fills, etc. But to answer your question - was it worth it? Definately. Would I do it again - in a heartbeat. My life no longer revolves around 'what am I going to make for supper' 'what am I going to eat for ...'. food is still important to me. I still love food just differently. My vacations center around having awesome food but I don't eat to the point where I am ill. My health is much better. Even though I am not at goal, I have to say I am looking pretty good for an old bag. This is just my perspective but I hope it helps you. Do your research and make the decision that's right for you.

Lots of people have flown with variable experiences so I will just comment on the long flights. Since being banded, I have flown from ND to Liberia (Africa), France, and Malawi (Africa). Overall, I have not noticed any difference after flying multiple 8 or more hours flights in one trip. I will be having a 17 hour flight in a couple of weeks and I can update you then. I did swell in Malawi from the heat and now, 10 days later, I got an unfill to relieve my restriction. My theory on all of this boils down to the band is fickle and we need to expect the unexpected.

Lisa, thanks. I have an aunt and a cousin living in Henderson so we can either figure something out at my aunts (the cousin has 3 kids) or grab a room. I ordered a 2007 Road King Custom to ride out yesterday. I'll need to stop around Salt Lake City for the 1000 mile check but I've been there before and they are awesome (even though traffic is a bitch). Watch for my Africa post in the lounge later today. Celeste

I just want to share this story so others will know how fickle the band is and how fickle fills are. Last summer I was at 1.25 and lost some but then halted. In late August, I went to 1.5 and began losing until Oct. Then I halted. In November, I was filled to 1.65 and still no change. In January I was going on vacation without hospital access so I went down to 1.2 for two weeks. Feb 14, I had a fill to 1.5. I started losing again. But on Feb 24 I went to Africa for a job interview and returned March 5. I had a couple of minor pbs (more like productive hiccup). Probably caused by the heat and stress. I was unable to go to fluids only due to the inability to get them. Okay, now here is the really weird part of this. I have no appetite since returning home. When I eat, I am full with 1/2 cup of less. For lunch today, I had 1/2 of the filet from a fish sandwich. For snack, I had 1/3 of a S beach bar. I don't know if i'm getting enough food in but I'm not pb-ing and have lost 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks. I think I found my sweet spot....even though I've been there before. Now is the twister. I believe I am moving to Africa April 2nd. Since I am so sensitive to heat, I think I need to get a little reduction but I don't want to go back to 1.2 since that gives me no restriction. I don't expect any answers I just wanted to vent. Its like I am going through so much right now - sold my house, car, furniture, mowers, etc this week. And I have to worry about how much fill. It wouldn't be too much of an issue but Malawi has no US approved drs. You have to fly to S Africa for any medical assistance. Thanks for letting me vent. I will post more on my trip and move in the lounge later. PS I just want to Celebrate because on Tuesday I will be 49 years old and I weigh 49 pounds less than the day I turned 48!!

I think you have alot more nsv than you realize...your size difference is amazing. Keep up the good work.