SpecialK

Thin2bme - yep ice cream has been a weakness for me too - hoping with it getting cooler that it will be less tempting for me than in the summer. Loving my new job and that emotional eating stress has abated but to be honest, there is always something emotional pulling on us and tugging us back toward old eating habits. I have plenty of restriction now - 1/2 of an apple and I have to stop, small bowl of Cereal and I'm full, etc. I can still eat a big salad - I guess the lettuce and things lose alot of volume when you chew well. I am still hoping to get the scale moving down so I can finally see the 199 number on my scale by the new year or maybe by my birthday January 29. I will just keep working it because I am not going back to where I was. I had to renew my passport this month and it was shocking to see the difference between my passport photo from 1999 versus now!

Are there any Mt. Carmel folks out there on this board anymore? I keep bouncing up and down at the same 3 lbs or so and I have plenty of restriction. Need to get moving more. Loving my new job so at least that stress factor is gone since I am an emotional eater -- always was -- and lapband helps but doesn't eliminate those temptations to soothe emotions with foods that go down easy.

Everything went great. I had really pretty minimal pain and all my incisions were healed pretty nicely in 6 weeks. I am going for a follow up with my surgeon in October (6 months out) to ask her about a possible lump I have in one breast near the vertical incision line where it intersects with the horizontal incision line. I think she will tell me it is just scar tissue and I'm hoping it will soften or resolve on its own. If not, then I feel confident she'll handle it. It is wonderful now buying a size L T-shirt when I go out somewhere instead of the 3XL I used to buy before lapband and even the XL or 1X I was buying before my BR.

Welcome to the lapband journey. I went to my first orientation meeting in October and by the end of December had finished jumping through all the hoops of clearances that both the bariatric program and/or my insurance required from me. I had a documented history of the weight with my doctor and weight watcher books showing I had been doing that for 6 months faithfully. Once they got the insurance submission in, it was back in about 2 weeks. Then it took 6 weeks to get on the surgery schedule. I had my surgery on March 17 and I've never regretted it. Still need to lose about another 60 lbs but its going slowly now. Mostly due to my own stubborness at wanting to eat 'easy' foods when I want comfort - even though I know better. The key for me is to keep trying and remember I never want to go back to where I was 140 lbs ago! Best wishes.

Jack sure has some good wisdom things here but I also know that it took me 50 years to get all my bad habits down pat and now with 2.5 yrs post banding practice, I do good alot of the time and still seek food comfort other times. Its a commitment to work it one day at a time for me. And ask for help, seek out support groups you can attend, get couseling for what is "eating" at you, and stay committed.

Congratulations. I should do something like this as its been 2.5 yrs now for me and -140 lbs and with another 60 lbs to go, I tend to pick at my flaws and lack of fast progress now as compared to remembering the original me picture!

I don't know where Rootstown Ohio is from Columbus but the Ohio State University and Mt. Carmel West Hospitals both have excellent bariatric programs and would treat you in an emergency. Closer to Cincinnati is Dr. Curry so those are two options I can help offer. Best wishes.

I am planning to go to the next Mt Carmel Support Group meeting. It is a commitment to drive there and back but I do feel positive energy from the get together with those who understand what I am going through as I keep trying on this weight loss journey. September 14 at 6:00 pm. at Mt Carmel West - Auditorium which is in the basement off from the cafeteria.

Next get together is this Saturday, same location, same time but September 11. I hope to see some friends there.

I got my job! I start Monday September 13. Looking forward to this new chapter in life. I had lost 4 lbs in the 6 weeks since my first fill appt in forever and he wanted me to have lost more than that but understood with emotional eating with being out of a job, that losing anything was a victory. I'm sitting tight at this level of restriction now and going to give it a 6 week test with less personal stress and see if I need a further tweak. Happy Fall!

Last week's two interviews with the CIO's (Sr. VPs) of the same company I am hoping for getting a job went really well and the one guy from the parent company ended the phone interview with saying outright he was going to recommend I be hired. I relaxed and enjoyed last week after that feeling it is going to happen. This Monday the HR manager called for my references and I think that only takes a day at worst to contact a couple people via cell phone or email so I'm hoping today will be the day I get my job offer! I'll be doing some traveling to NY and Minnesota for this job (flying into LaGuardia airport) so I'll give a shout out if I get to your cities! I also tried something new yesterday that I saw in Women's World magazine while on vacation. It is called the Duke University Rice Diet. - Just tried it for 1 day - very boring and restrictive and not something you can live with for long I can assure you. The first day is a total detox day - meals of 2/3 cup brown rice (I did Jasmine rice) and 2 pieces of fruit for each of the three meals for the day. Allowed decaf coffee and skim milk as needed. Drink Water of course. So here is my results, the dang scale was down 2 lbs or more this a.m. -- what gives! Its a virtually Sodium Free diet except for what was in the skim milk! But my WLS doc would be not happy - way too low on Protein. I realize I need to supplement with Protein shakes to get at least 60g of protein in. The rice is incredibly filling plus the fruit is also filling. I could only do 1/3 c rice for Breakfast and 1/4 apple - I'm tighter in the morning. and then I did 2/3c rice with skim milk, cinnamon, and 1 tsp sugar for a sweet version, then did the 2/3 c rice and orange for dinner. I can't get the 6 pieces of fruit in they recommend so I probably should be spreading the fruit out as morning, afternoon and evening Snacks. I'll give the other days meals a try and see how it goes. It is really just a pretty strict vegetarian low sodium diet. Turns out the article said that they have found Salt kicks our hunger in gear as does Sugar. Anyway, its an interesting experiment just to get me really disciplined again to measuring food, tracking carefully, etc. Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. I know I will if this job offer comes thru. Another interview at 2pm -4pm today with another company as my backup plan!

Hi there. Welcome and let me offer to be a support buddy - send me a Private Message when you want any specific advice. I'm 54, live in a more rural area and am a quilter also but I do have access to a major city and support and it makes a difference. Stay in touch with your surgeon and keep working it a day at a time. One statement someone made to me is "just because you can eat still a certain food or quantity, doesn't mean its right. Are you committed to what you did?" boy that hit home and I realized self discipline was still going to be a part of my life for the rest of my life but the tool in my lapband helps big time. Hang in there! You will be successful if you stay committed. I've lost 140 lbs and the last 60 lbs is coming off very slowly but I am not going back - EVER!

Hi there to my supportive lapband buddies! Yes, the phone interviews this week while I have been in Arizona visiting family have gone great. I am very hopeful that I am going to get a job offer shortly after getting home Sept 1. I am finding my restriction level is still in place but when I see my lapband surgeon on Tues after Labor Day I am thinking I will ask for a tiny fill increase to help me with what I eat staying with me longer. It seems like my pouch size is obvious to me by the volume I can eat at one sitting, but then if I eat a very small portion then I am hungry maybe 2 or 3 hours later looking for something to eat. In my early lapband restriction days, I literally almost would have to remind myself to eat as I could go for hours without being hungry. I'll see what he says but I plan to keep in touch with my surgeon and also with my counselor for food eating for stress help and guidance until I get this last 60 lbs off. Not giving up! Never going back to where I was 140 lbs ago! Also, it was wonderful flying on the airplane on a very long flight from Atlanta to Phoenix sitting in the Middle Seat and being comfortable and having easily 4-5 inches of seat belt to spare! Praise God and thank God for my lapband! Take it a day at a time folks cause that is the only way I find to make it work.

Hi everyone. I'm in Arizona with my sister who sorry to say lost her election to be the county's constable but she came in a very respectable 2nd place and beat the other 2 men candidates handily. She's hurting alot emotionally and I am being her support just as she has been mine over the years. I feel so blessed to have my sisters and brothers since I am single. Sillypuddy -- I am at the Pataskala area lots of times and I'd be willing to set up something off line to meet you occasionally for support. I will send you a Private Message with contact info. I will be back in OH after Aug 31. My last fill adjustment of .4 cc to take me up to a total of 10.4 cc has fluctuated on definitely giving me more restriction at times but then I still find myself getting hungry and wanting more food if I do stop and limit my initial portion. I have my next follow up on Sept 7 Tuesday and will see what he says/does. Maybe a tiny fill will help. I have had a little acid reflux but I have to tell you I think its more due to stress than lapband and eating and hoping if I get back on a job and working schedule, that it will be fine. Nothing really to complain about.

Checking in here but not with the best eating habits. Ice Cream has turned into my comfort food and I gotta kick the habit. The job interviews are happening this week and I'm having trouble handling the stress of wanting to find work so bad. I had the best interview yesterday and really want that job with all my heart. I have another interview today and I have one scheduled for when I return from my vacation on September 2 so hopefully I can get a job nailed down and get this stress under some better control. I am not going crazy on weight as I am getting walks and activity in every day. I guess its a day at a time thing for now. Sorry this isn't more positive but its where I am for now.

Congrats Kathy from another Kathy -- aka SpecialK. I've been stuck around -140 lbs down and want desperately to see 199 on my scale and its been elusive so I did get a small fill a few weeks ago and its helping some but I think I still need even more restriction to get past this plateau I've been at. Still, with the stress of losing my job, maintaining at this point is a victory.

HopeinApril -- welcome back. We never stray too far but we always have lots of second chances with our band. Stay in touch. I had a phone interview with McGraw-Hill for a contractor Project Manager "PM" position and I have a phone interview today with Tween Brands Justice today for a PM job and I have an in-person interview tomorrow for a PM job with a big local bank. At least getting interviews gives me some hope something is going to break open and pour out blessings on me big time! Pretty much the market is paying less than what I was earning but I'd be glad to just get back to work and enjoy what I do professionally again. Doing okay with eating - keeping my hands out of things I shouldn't is a challenge when you are bored, lonely, depressed, etc. so I'm doing what I can to stay busy, reading, working some puzzles, doing yard work, anything other than sit around and have a food pity party!

This is a great thread! So glad I took the time to read every one tonight for inspiration. I haven't had a major backslide but I have let old habits creep in and keep me at plateaus. I just went and had a .4 cc fill this week when I hadn't seen my surgeon since last October and he said why did you stay away so long.... it was clear he wanted good things for me. I'm going to get active in my support groups my hospital has. Also, I've started logging my eats in DailyPlate and he wants me to increase Protein much more and he said that will help get my carb cravings back under control. Just hoping to get this last 60 lbs off and then maintain. I have one contribution because I have a problem with depression and I was actually glad that they made me do the psych clearance before surgery to be sure I knew what I was getting into as a lifetime commitment. When I feel down and worry I could be slipping, I definitely go see my counselor. She has helped me get through crazy family stuff, insane work things, and just now I'm working with her due to losing my job I had for 14 years! So, in effect, losing weight and eating healthy is one of those things I can be in control of if I want to. Jobs and family -- not so much. Consider counseling if you haven't tried that to get back on track. Best wishes to all.

I say a hearty Amen and a prayer to you to have success in your restarted journey! The past is gone, leave it and look to your future blessings -- Go Band!

Congrats Indigo! I am taking it looks like 3 years to complete my journey if I keep staying on track to lose a total of 200 lbs but I know with my little band friend I will get there. Can't wait until my 3rd bandiversary, the 2nd one slipped by in a flurry of crazy times at my job and I didn't really take time to celebrate. Now I had another .4 cc fill this week and restriction is back and I now realize I needed something months ago. So, I keep on plugging away. It is a lifetime commitment!

My surgeon went with the 14cc Large AP band based on the size of the stomach structure he had to work with. I am glad he did because I'm at 10.4 cc fill level now and still working on losing and if I had a 10cc band I would have maxed out by now. Definitely go with what your surgeon recommends since he will be the one to see the size of stomach to band.

Don't know what part of the country you are from, but here in Ohio there is a very good lapband surgeon in Cincinnati area, Dr. Curry, and several people in Columbus went to Cincy due to being self-pay and their total cost was in the $12,000-$15,000 range and then they can get fills done locally at his Columbus office. I'd definitely try to stay in the U.S. given your BMI and the definite long term relationship you will need to have with your lapband surgeon's office. I had 200 lbs to lose when I started and I have lost 140 of it so far and I'm still chipping away at this last 60 lbs but I've changed my life tremendously with what I have lost. Best wishes.

Okay, this fill thing may be starting to kick in. I tried to eat salad with chopped chicken breast for lunch and that wasn't going down too easy so I switched over and had a yogurt (like 100 calories) and before I knew it, dinner time was here and I was thinking, what the heck did I eat for lunch? I had to go to the refrigerator and look at what was in there before I hit the realization I had gone from 2 eggs at breakfast, 1 yogurt for lunch and it was 6pm and I was allowed to be hungry. I was able to eat the salad with chopped chicken breast as my dinner. Then followed up with a nice long walk. I am hoping this keeps going strong in terms of me not looking for food for snacking and meals. I think I will even have some Unjury protein drink to get more protein in and maybe that is what is kicking in too, upping my protein like the doc said.

I got a .4 cc fill and was on the liquids thing for Tuesday and boy, was I ever hungry - protein shakes and the Unjury chicken soup to get my protein in liquid form. Yesterday I went up to soft foods and did fine. By dinner I thought I'd try some grapes and that was evidently too much fiber with the skins. Two eggs went down (over medium with some yolk to help moisten the whites) for breakfast today and now I'm trying to do a simple lettuce salad with finely chopped chicken and that is taking some time and I'm probably not going to get much of this down. Interesting that chicken nuggets from Wendy's went down with the ranch dipping sauce as my lunch yesterday okay. I don't recommend a repeat of that as the dipping sauce was as many calories as the chicken nuggets were! Not sure I could have got the chicken nuggets down now without the dipping sauce. Anyway, I still could use some good thoughts aimed my way on the job front. I've applied for so many now and was so hopeful early on but I've barely had any nibbles now in a few weeks. One recruiter is interested and tried to call me today and I missed the call because I didn't have my cell phone back in the computer room with me. That was dumb on my part. Anyway, I called him back and then he wasn't available so I'm hoping he'll call again this afternoon. Financially things are getting pretty tight and I am trying my best to keep my spirits up and not let eating be my stress outlet. I will take a walk later today if he hasn't called by 5pm. After I get through this, I am going to be even more sensitive and caring to others in this same position in terms of a job loss that was no fault of their own, just corporate America doing its thing. I feel the same about being continued kind and respectful of people regardless of their size no matter what size I am.

I got a .4 cc fill and was on the liquids thing for that day and boy, was I ever hungry - Protein shakes and the unjury chicken Soup to get my Protein in liquid form. Yesterday I went up to soft foods and did fine. By dinner I thought I'd try some grapes and that was evidently too much Fiber with the skins. Two eggs went down (over medium with some yolk to help moisten the whites) for Breakfast today and now I'm trying to do a simple lettuce salad with finely chopped chicken and that is taking some time and I'm probably not going to get much of this down. Interesting that chicken nuggets from Wendy's went down with the ranch dipping sauce as my lunch yesterday okay. I don't recommend a repeat of that as the dipping sauce was as many calories as the chicken nuggets were! Not sure I could have got the chicken nuggets down now without the dipping sauce. Anyway, I still could use some good thoughts aimed my way on the job front. I've applied for so many now and was so hopeful early on but I've barely had any nibbles now in a few weeks. One recruiter is interested and tried to call me today and I missed the call because I didn't have my cell phone back in the computer room with me. That was dumb on my part. Anyway, I called him back and then he wasn't available so I'm hoping he'll call again this afternoon. Financially things are getting pretty tight and I am trying my best to keep my spirits up and not let eating be my stress outlet. I will take a walk later today if he hasn't called by 5pm. After I get through this, I am going to be even more sensitive and caring to others in this same position in terms of a job loss that was no fault of their own, just corporate America doing its thing. I feel the same about being continued kind and respectful of people regardless of their size no matter what size I am.