Rockin' Robyn

Thanks Devana! I have not been perfect, or even good at all times. I didn't exercise until the last month, mainly because I just couldn't. Even now, my focus of exercise is to become more healthy...not to use it to sweat away the pounds. To be completely honest, the last 5 months of this have been extremely hard for me......I lost the majority (about 100 pounds) in the first 6 months....and the majority of the rest by 9 months. I have been through soooo many surgeries in the past 6 months, but I am still here. I guess if I had to pinpoint what was the key for me....it was living every day AT THE BEGINNING OF MY BAND JOURNEY, as if it were going to be the last day with my band. I knew I had a port infection from the start....and was scared to death my band would have to be taken out all together. Therefore, I used every moment early on to its fullest. Even without restriction for the first 3 months, I still pretended as if I did and tried to the best of my abilities to follow the "bandster rules". My doctor was also very good about getting me filled repeatedly until I got to my sweet spot...(had fills every 3 weeks or so....for a total of 7 fills before I even started to feel any restriction whatsoever). I have never been a big water drinker. But I did used to drink 12+ cans of reg coke each day. I no longer do that of course, and am a big unsweetened tea junkie. To be completely honest, I am struggling now more than ever.....at first it was relatively simple. But as the weight loss slows, and your body requires less and less calories, and more and more activity....it becomes more difficult to keep your chin up. However, I am now finally coming to acceptance that this is not a race, but it is a way of life. Even though I have heard that over and over....I never embraced it until now. I no longer will beat myself up, and fall into sadness because I had a 1/2 cup of ice cream after a fantastic healthy day. I am trying to start focusing on being healthy....something I have never been. I am enjoying not getting looked at funny in public anymore, and actually "blending in" with the crowd. Just do the best you can for you, and make the most of every single day with the band. Good Luck to you!

Love ya Girl! Those are cool to see...thanks for doing that!

Thanks Angela...I'm seriously considering it:speechles Thanks so much for the pics.....you did a great job :nervous Here is the link to where the rest of you can look at them....I won't post them here and take up so much space..... http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=272544 I can't even believe the side by side. My brain is playing such optical tricks on me;) I still don't see myself as looking that way. I'm so glad I took the before pics. It is such a measuring stick for progress along this bumpy road. The weird thing is that I tried to do that thing where you can edit a picture by "painting" over it a long time ago I think when I was 6 months post-op. I shaded out some of my stomach back then to see what I "could" possibly someday look like (just wishing, but not being serious).....the pics I took the other day are very similiar if not identical to what I wanted to someday look like. Very weird....just hard to fathom.

Okay guys, here are my official pics!! (Also posted in the before and after thread).

Angela- I'm at work until 7:15.....I'll make sure and check my e-mail as soon as I get home and post them:rolleyes: .......Just kidding....can't wait to see how they look side by side and whatever neat effects you put on em'. Thanks again soooo much. I don't know why, I'm usually pretty good with computers...but when it comes to resizing pics, I just can't figure it out--no matter how hard I try. I'll post again later....by the way, have an appt on Friday. Thanks for thinking of me;)

Hi Diane-We missed you tonight. Hope you still had fun with your hubby:biggrin1: ....We kind of touched on it tonight. I didn't realize it was this week. We have a good friend (also our lawyer) who is running for Senate, and his big election party (which I'm helping with) is Tues night, so I won't be able to make it this month. Do you know if ANYONE can go to this one, even those (like Holli/Angela/Jenn) that didn't get banded at HSSH? If so, maybe we can all plan on trying it out next month, and will have more time to plan and put it on our calendars. I know Holli said she won't be able to make it to Hoehns support group this month again. I'm going to take some time to think about still going, and choose to sit out at least this month. We talked briefly about possibly all getting together again for dinner somewhere in the meantime. We can solidify plans via the board as far as that goes. Does anyone have any suggestions for dates/places. How about we do the super supper thing and lunch or dinner the very first of Sept??? Would that be an idea???

:note2::note2:Happy Bandiversary to me (whoo!)......:note2::note2:Happy Bandiversary to me (sing with me now!!):note2::note2:........ Okay people...official one year totals are.....drum roll please................. :cheer2:146 pounds lost!!!!:cheer2: Hubby and I are going out to Celebrate, so I'll post pics and NSV's later. Thanks to EVERYONE of you out there who have been so incredibly supportive and have sent so many words of encouragement my way, especially throughout the numerous surgerious over the past 6 months. Love you all!!! :kiss2: Robyn

:note2::note2:Happy Bandiversary to me (whoo!)......:note2::note2:Happy Bandiversary to me (sing with me now!!):note2::note2:........ Okay girls....official one year totals are.....drum roll please................. :cheer2:146 pounds lost!!!!:cheer2: Yah....I wanted to make it to 150, but I certainly am not going to get disappointed about not losing the last 4 pounds, when I have lost 146. This is afterall an ongoing journey right....it's not after once you hit your one year mark......in fact for me, I feel like the fun is just beginning!! Love you all.....thanks for the incredible amount of encouragement and support you have sent my way, :hug:especially over the past 6 months. Love you all :huggie:and see (some of you) tomorrow. :kiss2: Robyn

Thanks Angela- I never really thought of that before....I guess I had heard of that somewhere, but never really associated it with the humidity/pressure levels in the atmosphere. Makes sense to me though. I am at 9 cc in my VG band. I only want a .25 cc fill....gets scary to me when I get "up there" at my fill levels, because of the time I was too tight. Don't want to ever experience the acid reflux ever again:mad: ... I have about a 3/4 cc window between where I am too loose and too tight. On the lower end of the 3/4 cc I have practically nothing....on the upper end I am miserably tight. Anybody ever been to someplace in Parkville named Pieroppos (sp?)???? My hubby wants to take me there tomorrow for my bandiversary. He said "We can celebrate with a bottle of wine". He is such a goober....so sweet, but I have no desire to consume liquid calories at this point. We'll see....Anybody else doing anything fun this weekend (besides spending time with me of course:p )!!!

:bandit :bandit :bandit Lurking in the midst :confused: .....having a rough week leading up to my bandiversary. Really thought I could do better than I am this week. Weird thing is I'm PMSing....so I'm totally craving carbs and chocolate...but I'm a weird one in that usually when I am PMSing I actually LOSE weight during that week because I am so tight and can't eat much, albeit the bad stuff. Weird, but not the case this month. This morning they had DOZENS of assorted yummy cookies laying out all over the breakroom table. I won't even tell you how many I ate (normally I wouldn't have been able to handle the soft cookies, but I did just fine) For dinner, just ate 2 whole fish tacos (Hello!!! tortillas which I can't usually handle) and about a 1/2 cup of cheesy rice...yumyum:hungry: . Not to mention drinking tea with my meal which would normally push me over the edge. I hope nothing's up, because something is definitely weird. I haven't lost enough weight to have lost my previous restriction due to loss of fat around the band or something, like Billie has mentioned before. But I have definitely had a noticeable difference in my restriction over the past couple of weeks. Definitely need a fill, but didn't want to call for an "extra" appointment set aside from my bandiversary appt. Although, now, I"m not sure I'm going to be able to make it in tomorrow. I HAVE to work tomorrow, only way I can make my appt tomorrow is if they (the hospital) cancel me. We'll wait and see!! Anything else happen at your appt??? Huh Huh????:heh:

That would be soooo much fun!!

Hi Pat- It will be at 6 on the Plaza...just go to meltingpot.com and click on locations and the state of Missouri. It will give you the exact address. It's not too hard to find. I'm glad you can go! Angela...check into the pottery thing....those who want to can go play before dinner if they are open that day:p

Diane-I think that was one of the nicest things I have ever heard anyone say I used to think I was going to support group for that very reason....now it just seems that I/we have become an incredible irritation to certain someones. I used to really get a lot out of support groups and be remotivated when I left. Now, I am finding it too just be a big bummer when I leave there. Just sad...because I know Billie will probably be the only one who is saddened if we are not there anymore....and she wasn't even responsible for what happened last week.

Reservations made....the party is on for 6:00 on Sunday for 5 people. Sorry you can't make it Diane and Cynthia. If you for whatever reason change your minds just let me know

Hi Guys- As far as the 6th goes....let's try to solidify things a bit (there's my type A personality showing its ugly head:help: ) Let's shoot for melting pot at 6:00. I'll call tomorrow to try to make reservations....I have been putting it off, but I'm not too worried about a Sunday night being booked up. Angela, if you wanted to do the pottery thing before sometime that afternoon, I would be up for that too....but I'll leave that up to you:kiss2: . Need a head count for the reservations....I know Cynthia said she couldn't make it.....Holli is a yes, Jenn is a yes, and Angela. That's 4 so far...anyone else in?? The more the merrier! Speaking of....where is Holli, isn't she back by now?? I'm missing her;)

I have not exercised one bit until about 2 weeks ago (I'll be one year out this week). The weight loss over the last couple of months has come to a standstill, so now I am doing something to jumpstart it. I have to say though, this was my long-term plan all along. I just could not exercise due to the incredible pain on my joints. Even Water aerobics was too tough. Now I can exercise and enjoy it, plus it is giving me a boost in my weight loss/plateau...since my body hasn't been used to exercising all along. Sure I wish I could have maybe done it over the last year maybe for health reasons...but I'm not sorry or regretful in any way for NOT doing it while I was physically unable. Now I am enjoying it and becoming sort of addicted to it. Just my 2 cents:biggrin1:

Maybe for next month we could all attend the HL or the KC bandsters one all together?? Angela-I'm so happy your baby is home safe and sound;) We are actually going on vacation to Branson for a week with my in-laws in two weeks. I'm actually looking forward to it as I enjoy spending time with my father-in-law and his wife. We are paying for our own though. Diane...I like the out-law thing....I might have to steal that for my side of the family as well:biggrin1: Lost two more pounds....yay!!

Diane-Man...I wish I had in-laws that took me/us on trips....no such luck! Your DH is 40??? Are you a lot younger than him because there is no way you are even close to that;) Pat-That's interesting about the HSSH support group....I might try it too. Also thinking about the KC bandster one as Diane recommended. Cynthia-too bad I don't have cath lab experience...I would be your boss anyday I really miss management to an extent. Its so much nicer to have so much more free time now, but I do miss the people/problem solving aspects of it as well as the day to day challenges. My stress levels are WAY down though:biggrin1:

Pat-Nice to meet you last night! Diane-thanks for the pudding sample....it was actually pretty tasty. I'll have to eat my words on the cottage cheese thing;) Jenn-Good to see you again. Hope you have fun at the family reunion. Don't eat as many chocolate chips cookies as I did at mine!!! They were yummy, but not at all worth the weight I gained while I was there. Angela-So glad to hear your dog is making progress. Hopefully he will get to come home soon. I wanna hear all the details about the surgeon who contacted you....that is very bizarre, yet very cool at the same time. Did he find out about you from this web site? I'm jealous!! You know what, after last night and the "looks" we received.....I'm feeling a little rebelious this morning. Don't really care anymore....Life is too short. If others want to be unprofessional/immature about something so miniscule, then let them. I am going to choose to be happy and not worry about it anymore. So what?? They are entitled to their opinions, just as we are entitled to ours....right? By letting it affect what we post, we are allowing them to control us....it's way past the time in our lives for US to take control and stop allowing others to control what we say, think, or do:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Angela- I am sooo sorry to hear about your dog. Hopefully you will get some good news quickly and you will be able to make it. Dogs are the same as family members, and when they are ill, it is just like when you have child. Praying he will recover very quickly from whatever is causing the problem. See you guys later tonight

Holli- Definitely....although remember we're still getting together on the 6th too (that reminds me, I need to make reservations at Melting Pot). But I'm all for coffee/socializing. Only thing is I think my appointment is at 1....so I 'should' be out fairly early I would think since I am the first appt after lunch break. But if it takes a while, we could still do it.

The Astros game was a blast tonight, even though we lost.....How great it was to be able to fit in the seats. I think the greatest thing about this vacation is ALL of the NSV's I have realized that I never would have taken the time to savor, had we not been on vacation... I'll go through them sometime later...but it has been a true picker-upper! Cynthia- Sweetie.....I am SOOO sorry that you are having to go through this. All the more reason for you to hang out with us girl! You need hugs more than ever right now....but it is up to you;) . That totally stinks about the insurance companies. Any chance you would ever think about working for HCA, as their insurance covers lap-band procedures.....just a thought:cry Katt- Make sure and introduce yourself Thurs noc....I am so sorry to hear about the breast issues. I will pray that everything gets resolved and comes out okay with that. Can't wait to meet you on Thursday:biggrin1: To those of you that want to come on vacation with me....I know there are some plans on here for cruises etc .... maybe someday we can all go on a Hoehn Cruise :tea: Gotta sign off for now.... driving home tomorrow and need to get a good night sleep. Nighty Night:notagree

Sea-Wondering who you are?? :confused: Yep...I think the plan for now is that we are meeting at Panera as early as you can get there...4:45 to 5 ish BEFORE the meeting. Since that won't give us much time to chat, for those that want to we are then going to go somewhere after...possibly the Mexican restaurant right next door to Panera (depending on how late it is open). If not open late, we can make other plans.

Hi Guys- Can I just say I'm worn out!!!! Went to Galveston Beach yesterday...the kids had a blast swimming, squishing their toes in the sand. Then went to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Rated the #3 best waterpark in the world. Had a blast! Today we slept in until noon! I just finished working out for an hour. More family stuff this pm, with a Houston Astros game tonight. I'm kinda getting to the point now where I'm ready to come home. Holli-YIKES!! Quadruple booking???? That can't be true!! But it would make a lot of sense on the wait times. It's just too bad because like I have said before, even though we know and love him, I think it kinda makes for a bad first impression and I have even seen people get angry and walk out after waiting over an hour. I'll just bring something to do again for the wait...that seemed to help me a lot last time :confused: I haven't really brought this up before because it hasn't been an issue....but I think I have lost maybe a tiny bit more weight (don't know cause can't weigh;) ) I have noticed just in the last week that my abdominal skin is REALLY sagging and becoming much more pliable. Then the past two days, I have noticed I have started having some pretty severe lower back pain. Holli, I don't know how much tummy skin you have, but have you noticed anything like this yet?

Yah...it keeps the mounds of fat on my stomach 'real' too!! Yep...August 4th....just can't believe it!!! I am going to need a small fill at that time also. I'm kinda bumbed because for whatever reason I didn't get an official "before" picture taken pre-op. Thought maybe I would take one of my own to put in my chart for the comparison (hehe:heh: ). Can I just say that I feel like what I would think an alcoholic feels when they go through massive withdrawls..... I NEED A SCALE AND I NEED IT NOW!!! Angela, I don't see how you travel so much and don't get to weigh. I thought about finding a Bed Bath and Beyond around here just so I could go stand on their scales and see how I'm doing.....I'm sick and I need help!!!!:sick I weigh every morning to keep myself accountable...sometimes more than once per day!! HELP!!! I'm obsessing...I think I'm at least holding my own so far which is a huge accomplishment in comparison to the last vacation. Worked out again this am..30 mins on bike and 75 sit-ups. Just had a 100 cal pack for breakfast, 1 stick of cheese, 1 stick of beef jerky. Weird breakfast, I know. We are going out to this supposedly great mexican restaurant for lunch...where all of my uncles/cousins that I haven't seen in 10 years will be meeting us for a little gathering. Should be fun. I'll check in again later....not much planned for today (thankfully, getting worn out). In case your wondering why I am on the computer during vacation, it gets me away from the kids for about 10 mins, or right now I"m just passing time doing some laundry ...plus I miss you guys. Holli, I hope you are feeling much better....Be good though without that fill or I'm going to come slap you over the head with a wet noodle!! Talk to you guys later! Love, Robyn