stI24nger

Whosya...You Run A LOT!! Good lord--you're an inspiration to us all! My update is this: -I skipped week 2, day 3 for logistical reasons. -Since I'm running OUTSIDE with a coworker, and not at the gym, I'm starting week 3 today and it's gonna be 95 degrees! -I got new shoes! I'm super-excited about them and am pretty pumped about runnning today!

Hmmm...that could be it...the doctor's office hasn't called me back -- the swelling hasn't gone down -- ARG! I don't feel like I'm eating an extreme amount of Protein either...and I haven't necessarily "cut down" on carbs.... I'm swollen and clueless!

protein is protein, honey!

This is definitely a question for the nutritionist. Is there one at your surgeon's office, or one that he/she uses? How about this--every morning, I drink a Protein shake and have a yogurt. Between the two, it's 23g protein and 0g carbs. It's yummy, lasts me till lunch, and is a great way to start the day. That's lots of protein, and very little carbs (only what's in the yogurt). NO MEAT!!! There are lots of other ways to get your protein in. There's this other stuff that some of my hippie vegetarian friends use called Texturized Vegetable Protein. You can add it to ANYTHING (either by cooking it in or sprinkling it on top) and it doesn't taste. But, there's protein, and again, NO MEAT! Like I said, you have to GET CREATIVE!!!!!

There are a LOT of vegetarians out there...so don't think you're alone when you say you don't like meat. One of the most important things to concentrate on after banding is Protein intake. If you don't like meat, you will just have to find other means of getting your protein in. You can get creative! Think of it as a challenge!!! :cry_smile:)

Has anyone experienced joint pain or swelling? I can think of absolutely no reason for it, but twice in past week, my ankles have been swollen, and for 4 or 5 days now, I've had some minor soreness in my joints. Most notably, the ankles, elbows, and wrists. I have not really been taking Vitamins like I should, and I'm hoping that's a proper explanation, but I'm pretty clueless. Have you experienced this? Do you know the possible causes? I do have a call in to my surgeon, so I'm assuming I'll hear back from him or the nurse some time today.

It's going to be a whole new experience. Like I said...you won't run and think about stopping. You'll teach yourself to think about other things besides stopping--then just stop when he says. I mean, really, it helps physically and mentally!

oh, btw....congrats on starting week 2!!! I knew you could do it!

Hmmm...yeah, it's definitely free. You know what? I think the best way to do it is to search for it through your iTunes. Get in iTunes, then go the iStore, then do an iSearch for "couch to 5k" or "running podcast" or "ullreys" (that's the name of the guy who did it) or "coolrunnings" (that's the name of the website where the program is). One of those SHOULD work...you'll see it, all 9 weeks. Hope that helps.

I say push yourself too, Franji. I just REstarted the whole program after already completing it once, and week one was hard for me as well. Especially because it's really getting HOT in Texas! I was nervous about week 2, but really it's only 30 more seconds. It's not going to get easier until you MAKE it get easier and you can't make it get easier without pushing your body to extend your limits. I'm not saying to do anything drastic or hurt yourself, but this program is GOOD and ATTAINABLE. If you're anything like me, you might actually be shocked and amazed at how much you are capable of. I've said this several times throughout this thread, but I will say it again: I'm a big proponent of the podcasts, because with that guy's voice on there, you can take the "choice" out of it. You just follow the program and do what the man on the headphones tells you to do. You walk when he says walk and run when he says run. If you don't quit unless you ABSOLUTELY can't go on, you will find that as the weeks go by, the longer run is not a frightening brick wall, but an exciting new challenge. Just tell yourself you can stop whenever you want, but just DO WHAT THE MAN TELLS YOU and you'll be FINE!!!!!

Scrambled eggs???? Whoa, baby! They are STILL on my no-no list! I get stuck on them every time! Anyway...didn't your doc give you a list? Here are some good mushies: -boxed mashed potatoes (add cheese for protein) -canned refried Beans (I like to melt cheese and put guacamole and sour cream on mine--but then again, I am a Texan!) -"cream of" whatever soups--run them through the blender to get any chunks out -Protein shakes (I like the EAS Carb Control in chocolate Fudge and Rich Dark Chocolate) That's all I can think of...I would call the doc if I were you though--all docs have their own post-op restrictions....

Well....I hate to be harsh, but get over it!!!! He's right...if you're losing weight doing what you're doing right now, obviously your body is still burning more calories than you're taking in. So, even if your head is saying that you're eating too much, 20 lbs in 6 weeks is your body saying you're not. Another thing, WHO CARES how long it takes you to lose 65 lbs???? Did you lose 65 lbs in the last 3 yrs??? I don't think so....or even if you did, and thought you could sustain that, you probably wouldn't be here in the first place. Another thing.....the faster you lose weight, the less time your skin has to shrink with you....take your time, and you might find that you don't need that PS..... I've only ost 35 lbs in 6 months since my band--and I'm frustrated--often. I've been averaging only 3 lbs a month since the initial weight loss right before/after surgery. So, I'm definitely not some lap-band hot shot telling you to chill your jets. It's taken me A LOT to get to a place where I can accept all the advise I'm given to you--and there are still some days when I get frustrated. But, if your doc doesn't think you need a fill for another 4 weeks, that's the least of your worries! Buck up and be thankful for your awesome success so far!!!!! FOR REAL!!!!!!

Wowee...I stumbled upon this from the home page, and wish to know more!! What in the world happened?

Yep, Mindy, I DID start again! I did that whole thing, totally quit, and exactly 2 months later, I'm starting again. Except this time, it's hot as PI$$ outside and VERY hard! I'm running with a friend of mine at work on Austin's Town Lake Trail...it's way hillier than when I run in my neighborhood! But, just like last time, I'm going to do what the man on the podcast tells me to and not quit!!!

Crap...I really don't think it was Westlake Dermatology...why the heck would they do a breast augmentation...I think I just typed that because it was familiar to me--I can't remember what the actual surgeon's office is called, but I do know it's in Westlake. Regardless, I think you MAY just be the lady in the bikini someday soon!

Thanks everyone for your kind words! So much encouragement since less than 24 hours ago!!!! Well, today is my 6 month bandiversary. And reading all of your kinds words has definitely helped me to realize and appreciate were I am now. You're all right---I could NOT lose this weight before, I definitely could not have kept going to 6 months, and no matter how long it takes, it's worth it. Even if it take 6 - 12 more months. The thing that gets me most about the clothes thing is not necessarily the actual SIZE of the clothes, but really what STORE I can shop at. My delemma now is that I can't fit into "Women's" and I can't fit into "Misses." So, the only stores where I actually CAN shop are the ones that go up to 16 or 18 in "regular" sizes (not W). Unfortunately, it limits me quite a bit....like the Banana Republic suit--Banana only goes to 14, so I dont' really have a choice. It's weird! As far as fills, I guess I"m probably good so far. The 4 - hour thing is such a PROBLEM though! I mean, I eat breakfast at 8, lunch at 12, then I'm hungry again during the 3-4 hour, but unfortunately, I'm still at work and dinner isn't until 6 or 7 at home. My doc really likes me to stick to 3 meals a day and doesn't really want me snacking, so I'm really going to have to work it out and discuss it with him....

Thanks everyone for your kind words! So much encouragement since less than 24 hours ago!!!! Well, today is my 6 month bandiversary. And reading all of your kinds words has definitely helped me to realize and appreciate were I am now. You're all right---I could NOT lose this weight before, I definitely could not have kept going to 6 months, and no matter how long it takes, it's worth it. Even if it take 6 - 12 more months. The thing that gets me most about the clothes thing is not necessarily the actual SIZE of the clothes, but really what STORE I can shop at. My delemma now is that I can't fit into "Women's" and I can't fit into "Misses." So, the only stores where I actually CAN shop are the ones that go up to 16 or 18 in "regular" sizes (not W). Unfortunately, it limits me quite a bit....like the Banana Republic suit--Banana only goes to 14, so I dont' really have a choice. It's weird! As far as fills, I guess I"m probably good so far. The 4 - hour thing is such a PROBLEM though! I mean, I eat Breakfast at 8, lunch at 12, then I'm hungry again during the 3-4 hour, but unfortunately, I'm still at work and dinner isn't until 6 or 7 at home. My doc really likes me to stick to 3 meals a day and doesn't really want me snacking, so I'm really going to have to work it out and discuss it with him....

I feel like CRYING!!!! I feel like my mind is totally out of the game lately....I just can't concentrate on the goal. I feel like I just want to not worry about things for a while. Like, I want ice cream and chocolate and Mexican food every single solitary day!!!! I want queso and chips and cheese enchiladas ALL DAY LONG!!! pLUS, I'm super duper, like, CRAZY unhappy with only losing 35 lbs so far. And, for the record, last time I weighed I was 198--I'm trying to pretend like I haven't actually GAINED three pounds!!!! And, the thing is, since right after surgery, I've been averaging 3 lbs per month lost, so seeing the scale at 198 is REALLy freaking me out. I bought a size 14 business suit at banana Republic last weekend, but it's tight...and I'm SWIMMING in all the suits I already own and I just don't know what to do! 16's are too big and 14's are too tight...and I don't have any money to just go shopping like crazy for work clothes! I have NO CLUE whether I need a fill, am good, or WHAT! My doc said he wanted me to come back in three months....which is 2 months from NOW. Plus, I DO sometimes get stuck and can't eat things I think I should, but other times I'm a bottomless pit. I think I'm having a Lab Band Break Down!!!!! HELP!!!!!!

coltonwade, Westlake Dermatology is having a breast enlargement special right now-- $4900!!! I thought of you when I saw the commercial--and the hottie running down the beach in her bikini.

WOW!!!!! I wanna be in sweet spot!!! And I don't want to be in the "slow losers" club either!!!!!!! Congrats on your awesome weight loss, and your unfill!

I was just re-reading my post and noticed that I invented a new word--empathisizing! Wow, it's a mouth-full, but I think I like it!!! LOL!!!

You and I are in very similar boats....weight-wise, food-wise, surgery-date-wise. I don't really feel that I'm at my sweet spot yet--but my doctor thinks I'm "just about there." Last time I saw him (April 3), he said he wanted me to sit on this fill for three months before I go in again. So, this Friday, it will be one month down, 2 to go. I don't know how much help I can be for you, besides empathisizing, but I felt compelled to respond. I DEFINITELY have restriction--and haven't been too much of a stranger to getting stuck--but it seems like I'm hungry ALL THE TIME! And talking about bad choices, I feel like I've been on a "bender" for the last 5 days; although I guess it would NEVER compare to how I used to eat! I think I've gained 2 pounds this last week, and even just finished a snack-size bag of Gardetto's from the vending machine! As far as your running goes, I don't think you're "building muscle" from running. I finished the C25K program myself a couple of months ago, and I don't really think I built muscle, I definitely was experiencing a slow-down in weight loss. I think your "not eating enough" theory is more like it. From your typical day you listed up there, it doesn't seem like you're getting enough calories. I would try adding a proten shake in there to get some good fuel in your body...it will be easy to injest, good nutrition, and probably be a nice calorie-boost. I know people drink all sorts of protein drinks on here, but I personally prefer the EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Shakes in Chocolate Fudge or Dark Chocolate. The Cafe Caramel is NOT good, and I haven't had the courage to try the vanilla or strawberry. These shakes taste good, have 17 g of protein, no sugar, and are all-around a smart choice. Although I've been messing up A LOT the past few days, I DO start every one of them with one of these shakes and a yogurt. It's a good "mushy" way to start the day on a "orning-tight" band, and keeps me satisfied till lunch. It's after lunch that I start having the problems!!!! Good luck...hopefully I've been some help...or at least you'll get some comfort in knowing that you're not alone!!!!!

I haven't checked in with the November Nymphs in MONTHS! I'm really relieved to find that I'm pretty much in the same boat as many of you! I have had one unfill--we went from 5 to 7 on my third fill and I had to go straight back in the very next morning to get 1.5 taken out. I couldn't keep down water either. Now, I'm at 6.0 (I think--need to double-check my signature!) and, unlike some of the others, am definitey feeling restriction. I'm really happy with the portions I'm eating--not abnormally small, but "impressive" to other people! LOL. They always ask, "Is that all you're going to eat?" And I say, "Yeah, probably so. I don't eat very much." HAHAHAHA!!!! I love saying that!!!! Another similarity I have with some of my fellow nymphs is the slow weight loss. I lost 15 lbs on the pre-op diet, and have averaged 3 lbs a month since surgery. It kind of sucks because after 30 lbs of weight loss, I'm still wearing the same size clothes, but I know if I keep it up the weight will continue to come off. Like Dianne said, it took me a Loooooong time to get where I was before surgery, so I don't mind investing the full 18-24 months to get to where I WANT to be for the REST of my life!

Oh, man....I feel like a total loser. Wombat, don't quit like I did! Just because you finished the Couch to 5k doesn't mean stop running!!!! Do exactly what whosya says!!!! P.S. Had pablano corn chowder for lunch again today. Had some super-mushy potatoes in it too. close enough to liquid! Hopefully, I'll be back to normal tomorrow!

Thanks for your praise! I'm super-excited!!! HOWEVER....I've been feeling baaaaaad lately! I got a fill Thursday, then went to a party Saturday night. Indulged a bit too much, then vomited on Sunday. My tummy's been unhappy since. I've been on liquids since then, how long til ya'll think I will be better?????