MollyBrown

I have an older set of Mikasa Garden Harvest plates. The plates and bowls are HUGE. I have read that getting a smaller dining plate set is essential to change our nation's portion distortion. And, as a bander, we really need smaller plates so our limited food does not look so barren on the plate. Anyway, I have looked and looked.... No wonder obesity is the fastest growing medical condition. I thought my stuff was big. At costco they have this set of dishes and the bowl is as round as my current bowls but twice as deep. Has anyone looked into smaller dishes or have any recommendations of where to find smaller dishes?

I have never posted on any forum ever so I apologize in advance for any mis-steps.<br /> <br /> I have received insurance approval, and I am waiting for my pysch eval as it is required from the doctor's office. After that I can get my surgery scheduled.<br /> <br /> I have attended several of the informational meetings and support groups at St. Agnes Hospital, and a lot of people really like Dr. Singh but I am not feeling really confident. <br /> <br /> Has anyone out there used Dr. Singh and can provide me with some insight?<br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" />

Yes, Ted. I did get banded back in November of 2007. The band has been marginally successful for me. Throughout the process (decision to get the band, pre-surgery diet, and then life after the band) I had lost 58 pounds. I still have 60 to 70 pounds to lose, and many of my peers on this site have lost most if not all of their weight, so I feel like a complete slacker.... I am still glad that I got the band because it keeps me mindful of what I am eating. I probably should have selected gastric bypass given my eating behaviors, but my husband did not like the mortality risk of bypass surgery. Also, I do love to cook, entertain, and drink wine occassionally, so the band allows a more "normal" life. As the New Year rings in, me, my husband, and daughter have a renewed commitment so we will be incorporationg some major lifestyle changes now. Did you want to know anything about Dr. Singh?

jbflorida, How much have you lost, and how long did it take? Sorry to be nosey... Size 12 sounds fabulous.... You know, if I am able to get to a size 12 again and hold it, and my skin is sagging, I will not hesitate to get surgery. And bravo, might as well get a two-fer or three-fer while you are under....

Fills do help some curb their hunger... But not me. The head hunger gets me often. The band reminds me not to over-ate, therefore I am maintaining nicely. But maintaining is not what I want since I have 70 more pounds to lose. Get another fill, keep getting them until you can determine if you are one of the lucky ones that realize a cessation from hunger...

It has not been the best tool for me either. Overall I am glad I did something because at least I feel the damn thing there everyday and it reminds me to stop, eventually.... I have only lost 34ish since being banded 11/08. I want to hit 50lbs at my one year mark. I know I can do it if I just put my mind to it. So, what the hell is wrong with my mind???? Everyday I start and do well and then at 2-3pm I hit the chocolate bowl at work (you are right, it slides right through). And I am a good cook, we like to entertain and be entertained, and that includes lots of good food.... Somehow, some way, I need to get on track.... As much as I would like to think I would be doing better with a bypass, it is likely that my skin would be sagging to my knees, I would test the dumping syndrome thing, and my hair, my nice full hair would be thin and chemo-like.... The band was the right thing, I am just fighting it, afraid of success, letting my head hunger rule my physical need for wellness... So, how are we going to fight this thing and make it work? Is it one day at a time, change one thing at a time.... I made the decision today that I am going to Overeaters Anonymous next week; and take at least three walks next week. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is a start...

My God, Boo Kitty you look friggin fabulous. I love that you are the girl at the top of the page too... That is you isn't it. Anyway, I am 45. Banded 11/07. Losing weight since 11/06 (VERY SLOWLY, BUT NOT INTENTIONALLY). I am still big, I have another 70ish to go, but no sagging yet, which isn't bad for 45. My face has few wrinkles, and has slimmed down a lot. The excessive Protein has let more inches come off even though I have not lost a lot. If I could get a regular exercise routine going, and get back on track (to much chocolate and wine-but not together-yuke) I would be doing VERY good and I am confident my skin would be okay for an old girl like me.

I was mildly diabetic. A1C of about 7.5, average morning glucose 130-150. I went on one Metformin tablet per day in the morning. The A1C went to 7.0, morning glucose to 110-120. Then because I was diabetic, my Triglycerides doubled, and the cholesterol started eeking up, had to start on cholesterol medicine. I was banded in 11/2007. I have only lost about 34ish pounds since being banded, but have lost about 54ish since 11/2006. I no longer take Metformin or Cholesterol medicine. My A1C is 6.4, average morning glucose is between 100-110, I am always higher in the morning for some reason. My over-all cholesterol is 164, triglycerides are normal. Now, that is only losing 54 of the 110-120 I have to lose. Right now I am going through a bad patch and sticking chocolate in my face everytime I turn around so hopefully it is not making my numbers climb but I am not gaining weight. If you want my opinion about the lap-band, I am glad I did something since I was not able to do it entirely on my own, but it has not been the cure-all for me. I have head-hunger, and an attachment to sweet stuff that I really need to deal with. I sort of wish I had gone with gastric bypass or the sleeving. My doctor lets me know it too every time I come in (he can be a little ass sometimes). Hope this helps...

Pam, That would be grueling for me to watch too... I do love my husband, and I know I am blessed everyday that I have him. He struggles with his weight too, but he only has to put half a mind to losing weight and it falls off him. His struggle (other than keeping it off) is exercise. That is where I kind of wish he could step up and mandate for the both of us a healthier way. Years ago, before I met my husband, I was engaged to this strapping, athletic, eat like a horse, thin guy... Of course I struggled with my weight back then too. He would eat enormous amounts of food every day and it would run through him. He would get on my case, alot as a matter of fact, and then I was 70 pounds lighter than I am now. So you are right, I should praise my hubby every chance I get... How are you doing with your weight loss journey?

Raysbabe, Here here on the good husband.... Mine has been wonderful our entire marriage. He is faithful, doesn't criticize me or my weight, or our lack of sex, and was totally willing for me to have the surgery (lap-band, but he was against the bypass because of the mortality rate). I do thank God for him every day. He will clean, participate in anything I ask, but I usually have to ask...... I do kind of wish he would get on my ass a little bit about what I eat (not the cost of the surgery). I would like him to set some boundaries for the both of us, I would like him to help and take charge of our healthful eating/exercise, kind of like how I have to take charge of everything else. I hate taking charge all of the time. Sometimes I think that I control everything in the world except my weight. Like I use all of my control everywhere else that there is nothing left over. I juggle a career, church youth group, church fundraising, all household matters, finances, etc... I know it sounds like I am complaining about him. I really shouldn't, he has a good job, is a great father and husband, and lord knows me and our daughter can be, shall we say, complicated.... Anyway enough rambling... What are we going to do about this? Obviously sitting here and complaining about it isn't working... Short of sewing my mouth closed, advice, anyone?????

One other thing too... I am telecommuting today so I will eat healthy (there is nothing bad in the house)... Anyway, my friend, who went to the band informational seminar with me, chose not to be banded and started on Optifast in April. She has lost 51 lbs so far. I gotta say, I am a little pissed... Now granted, I eat like a normal person, where she is in the diet now, she eats one normal meal a day and drinks the rest, and she had a much higher BMI then I had, but still.... I really am happy for her, just sad for me......

I always feel good about life, just not my weight, and sometimes I let the weight creep into the other parts of my life. That stinks.... Anyway, I am not doing any better with my diet. I have eaten healthfully, but just to much, so I am not losing any weight. The thing that gets me is I work so hard to have lots of good Protein (meat and other), good and Vitamin rich fruits and veggies. But every day something throws me just off track enough that my calories go up to 1700-1900 and I don't lose weight (but I am happy I am not gaining either). I just wish I could stop undermining myself. I have started talking in my head a little when I get the urge for a couple pieces of chocolate, stuff like, you don't need that crap, that stuff is really bad for you, it is poison.... It has worked a little bit, but last night I totally blew a great day by binging on chocolate when I was trapped at work until 9:30pm with no decent food, after a 12.5 hour day. Anyway, it is a new day....

Being Honest... At first I did not journal the bad stuff I ate. Then I said, be honest, write it all down and then maybe I will make myself accountable. Alas.... no.... that did not help. My journal is only longer now. What the heck is wrong with my head????? I actually feel like I am in that movie "Groundhog Day", every day I wake up with resolve, eat right until about 2-3pm, and then I would chew my own arm off if it were made of chocolate... Geez, could my current life and future health be worth a little bit of chocolate everyday (okay, maybe more then a little bit of chocolate)... HELP!!!!

Mizpeppy, I am 10 months out too.... 34 pounds is not the amazing amount of weight I thought I would lose. I haven't gained though, and other then being really disappointed in my performance, I am feeling good health wise. Sweets are my crack... God I wish I could hate them 97% of the time... Anyway, I did recently get a fill and it is making a difference although they suspect a possible leak in my band. How much weight have you lost, what was your beginning weight? I send you good wishes on staying on track!

I am struggling too. Banded 11/09/2007. Have lost about 34 pounds and then nothing... I still eat lots of Protein and good stuff, its just the 14 miniatures (chocolates) throughout the day that screw me up. That and a total failure to incorporate consistent exercise. I am really pissed at myself, and no one asks how much I have lost anymore. But damn it, I am going to make this thing work. Some how, some way.... (Sorry, I read this, I cuss a lot)... Protein is key, you need to be able to get some in. I might have only lost 34 pounds but I am down to about a 20 from a 26. Folks think I have lost a lot more. Anyway, hang in there... Let's figure this thing out and change our lives.....

Nortone, I am struggling too... 10 months out and have only lost 34ish pounds. I am not exactly depressed, but more disappointed in myself. I try to stay positive though and continue to try and figure this thing out. I have had some problems (no restriction, potential leak, hard to find port, sucky job). All excuses though, keeping me from being 100% accountable for what I am sticking in my mouth. Keep the faith. Start each day with new resolve, and pray that you can stick with it longer or better then the day before. Good luck and my prayers are with you, me and all those who are struggling....

I was banded 11/09/2007. I haven't been on this site in some time, probably from shear embarrassment about my sub-standard performance with the band. I have gone through my "job stress-blah-blah" phase. Now what is my excuse? Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the band, because I have lost 34 pounds with it, and 24 before that. So 58 pounds since November 2006 is definitely a positive move, right? I eat so many healthy things every day, but around 2pm every day at work, I loose my mind. I raid the chocolate bowl. Sometimes as many as 14 chocolate bites (you know the miniature kinds). I feel stressed because I have to write the majority of the day, feel side-tracked, distracted, stressed, whatever, and then boom-don't get in my way during the five trips back and forth to the bowl. Embarrassing.... I am not sure how to lick this horrible habit I have. If I could only stay away from the chocolate and incorporate 30 minutes of walking every day, I think I would start loosing again.... So why can't I do these simple things???

Whoopsie, Hollyberries raised the money for the cancer walk... Great job... How embarrassing to screw that up... Shortgal, A fellow gardner! I love gardening too. The flowers are great for raising spirits of myself, my family and my friends... I planted a bunch of annual seeds for sunflowers, zinnias, and various perennial wildflowers. I pray they come up! I will take a picture and send once they get going...

So, as many of you know, I have been going through my own version of hell lately. Anyway, to the good stuff... Since losing weight, I have more stamina. I have been walking at least 4 times a week and swim-jogging twice a week. Now that it is spring, my DH and I have a lot of yard work to get our place looking good. The last several years have been tough going to get our place whipped into shape. Well, it still ain't easy, but it is now doable and I must say, I am really digging it (no pun intended). We built a fence for our garden, planted our garden, mowed, weed wacked, etc... Still have more to do next weekend, but getting out there and sweating was great. Now, I am really in to birds. Today we saw a rare bird on one of our feeders, and while doing it, we saw a red-tailed hawk swoop down and try to get another bird. All in our backyard! Thankfully no birds were killed in the making of this moment, but it was spectacular. Anyway, what amazing things have you all experienced lately?

Shortgal, Great job on raising the $500 for your friends cancer walk! Fund raisers like that are so fulfilling and make you feel so great at the end-even if the work is really hard. Bandpal, What a beautiful bird... Is that an original photo taken by you? If so, I am REALLY jealous (but in a good way) because it is really amazing. The rare bird was a rose-breasted grosbeak. I submitted it to your local birder society who confirmed it is really rare for our area. The hawk was not going for the grosbeak, he was going for one of our fat morning doves. I do feel a little guilty about having all of the feeders out because I feel like I might have created an all you can eat country buffet for the hawks. Every now and then I see a poof of feathers on the ground and I know a hawk had a good dinner from my backyard.... How is your trip home going so far? Sincerely,

kuchiegirl, I am right there with you. Almost six months out, only 36 pounds off and feeling like a big fat non-loser.... Because of my poor performance I stayed away from this site, and am still not really consistent with stopping in to share. But worse, I have distanced from friends and family too because I am tired of the questions. This and a bunch of other stuff (hostile working environment, my adopted daughters family have looked her up through the internet-damn it, and I am having problems with my knees and feet). I could whine all day. Anyway, I have sought out some counseling help to sort out all of my conflicted feelings of worthlessness. It is helping and directing me to try to be more positive, less critical of myself, and set some attainable goals for me. Bottom line, I could have done better, but I haven't, but it is not to late to turn it around. I hope things get better for you, and for me.... Sincerely,

Hollyberries, You are doing an amazing job with the band! What is your exercise routine and frequency? What do you eat? How are you doing this? Pardon me if you have answered these questions elsewhere. But you are doing so well, I want to know your method.... Amazing Girl, keep on going....:thumbup:

Hey November Nymphs.... Not sure if you all were in on some of my previous posts, but for the last several months I have REALLY stalled. I have excuses, which I know are like A$$holes, but I have been subject to a hostile working environment at work, and some other stuff that I don't need to mention because it is uncomfortable for me to ride the "poor-pitiful-me" train. Anyway, I asked to be removed from my work environment and although I still support the group, I have been put into a new office environment for now until they can permanently replace me. So that is good. I have begun a little counseling for emotional eating, AND, I have exercised at least 6 times a week the past three weeks. All of these things combined, the scale is moving downward (except for an unfortunately blip up the scale that was really in-explainable but it came right back off). Taking part in the Cynco deMayo challenge has helped. A few other things that I intend to do for me in the coming month, go to an orthopedist about my knees, re-gain my commitment to journeling my food, not eating after 7:30pm (even though I REALLY REALLY want to right now), and start trying to work out in the morning to get my metabolism kicked up early. A down side happened today though, I went for my second fill and the doctor could not find the port. I do think it has moved. He poked for about 4 minutes, then it really starting hurting. He finally asked for me to come back next week and if he cannot get it, he will need to do it under x-ray. I've been down, but I'm not out yet. Thanks for being here you wonderful bunch of people!

Name............Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost.......BMI Foofy..............37.5..................14%.................38 Sades.............31.5..................14%.................36 Shalee04.........61.....................24%.................31.1 Bandpal...........66.8..................24%................36 Skinny_Jill.......48....................22%..................32.7 Stephanie.......60....................26%..................27.1 Hollyberries.....95....................27%.................38 linda..............42.5..................19%.................31.6 Abbisgood.......53....................23%.................?? want2lose.......76.4.................26%..................33.5 kandiceb.........63...................26%...................27.6 Momto1plus1...56.6.................21%...................33.3 MollyBrown......36...................12.5%................36.5

Name..............Start...........Current..............Goal........ To Go Lizzie_07.........233...............228.....................220 .........8 Osangriared.....252...............247.3.....................232 .....15.3 Skinny_Jill.......180...............175.....................168....... ....7 Sades.............197...............197.....................185....... ..12 kandiceb..........187...............176.....................175....... ...1 shortgal............183..............175....................175....... ....1 TxArcher..........328..............315......................308....... ...7 Peaches11........217..............208.....................199......... 10 Momto1plus1.....223..............212.6..................210......... 2.6 zippykat...........173..............167.....................160....... ...7 Trixie...............219.5...........209.....................199...... ..10 wnt2lose..........219..............213.6.....................209...... ..4.6 plump_princess....215.............208.....................199.......9 Mariegabrieleee....250............250......................239...... 11 Foofy..............239.5............236.....................230....... ...6 Shalee04..........196..............189......................185....... ..4 Hollyberries......267...............260......................254...... ...6 CindyG............215...............211......................199...... .12 MollyBrown......258...............251.......................245....... .8 lindata............189?.............185.......................180..... ...5 Every day is a struggle. Last weekend I went up 3.5 pounds but then I wen back down 4.5 lbs. It isn't likely that I will hit 245 by May 5th, but I will be over the moon if I can hit 24 by then.