notateechanow

I just ordered 2 containers of the unflavored Unjury to add to my food. I also started playing with my blender more---I'll do a packet of the sugar free carnation with a few icecubes and 8 oz of fat free milk, then dump in a scoop of my vanilla designer whey protein for a whopping total of 33 grams of protein. Unfortunately, it tastes kinda gross. I'll be getting the Unjury by Saturday and will keep you posted. It's a nuisance to buy via mail and it's only 15 servings per container---so if I'm using 2 a day then it's only 7 days!!! We'll see how that goes.....if it helps, I'm all for it. Had the best run of my life today. I finished my 3.2 miles in 35 minutes. I'm sore now, but felt great at the time. Now, if I can do that well on the roads I'll be very happy. I still have a few weeks before the "race"! :smile2:

Mel, One of the best suggestions my friends gave me was to slow down when you're trying to jog for longer. After a few times at a certain speed, I can typically speed up a little, even if for only a few minutes. I think I have to be more vigilant about what I'm eating, not just calories and protein. I haven't had any issues with getting food down lately, so it's kinda been "open season" if you know what I mean......because I haven't had any problems with tolerating food, I've been good about eating salads and eating more veggies, but it makes it easier to eat brownies, french fries, and crap I wouldn't normally eat. I bought 2 containers of Unjury and they should be here tomorrow. I've also decided to start walking on my "days off" from running. In a huge NSV for me, I walked 2.5 miles yesterday at a 4.0 WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT!!! Ok, I typically look like I've gone swimming in my clothes when I workout. It felt really good to know my body is finally in good condition. Now I just need to go shopping for some headphones. I accidentally left mine in the gym the other night and someone kept them. Jerk. So it's been quiet for me, but a good time to think.... Keep up the great work!

Thanks!! I am in Week 7 of a 10 week training program for the 5K. I'm currently doing 9 minutes of jogging with 1 minute walking for 30 minutes with a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down. I'm a little stressed because it steps up to 13 minutes of jogging with 2 minutes of walking for 2 intervals next week. I'm just not sure I can handle 13 minutes of jogging at one time....I may have to slow way down to do it. (I'm asthmatic and trying to slowly work through that....) I'm a little frustrated because I haven't lost anything since I started running. I do at least 16-20 miles a week. I park at the opposite end of the parking lot when I go to stores...I take the stairs. I have good restriction, get enough sleep and try to get in enough protein. I think it's time I kick up the protein though and start doing some of that unflavored stuff to make sure I get more....Truth be told, I can't wait til this is over (Mother's Day weekend) because I'm downright exhausted!! I keep waiting for that runner's high to kick in, but it hasn't, and I really don't expect it to! I hate running, I'm sore, and I'm not losing weight, BUT I can really see the difference in my body.......UGH! One workout at a time....

Jay, so happy to hear from you---first you miss the meeting, then you don't keep us posted. Thought maybe you wanted US to think you were dying, too! :cool2: Hope tomorrow makes a difference for you. The thing to remember if you want a fill is #1 YES, you're still hungry after eating the amount we're supposed to eat. #2 No, I haven't lost much weight AND I've been active and #3 No, I'm not feeling much restriction.....that will help you get the fill. :mad2: Will tomorrow be #2 or #3? We all went through what you're going through. We ALL gained or didn't lose weight in that first 2-3 month period. Keep us posted and stay in touch. The other bandsters will be the most sympathetic and helpful to you now......:biggrin:

Congrats!! I'm excited for you!!

Hey there, all! I have been posting, but I find myself posting more to the local groups--people who actually go to my monthly support group. I'm now down 100 pounds--give or take those 2 pounds that seem to show up every so often. My surgeon mentioned a consultation with a plastic surgeon back in January and I've been so fixated on it ever since.....According to the BMI charts, I have another 40 pounds to go. Why would he mention it so prematurely? I have been running 4-5 days a week and haven't lost another ounce since starting 7 weeks ago. I KNOW I should be looking at my food diary more closely and making sure I'm eating enough Protein and Water.....but I'm just so frustrated. I'm at a good restriction--not feeling like I can't eat, but knowing I have specific limits, too. I haven't lost weight since January. (I did drop a quick 40 in 2 months when I moved in the fall....) Any suggestions other than the usual--diet, water, sleep, etc?? I know I'm working out enough for my body. I feel great and I notice the physical difference from running..... Hope you're all well! :thumbup: Paige

I'm so glad you asked!! THIS is why I don't have a "ticker"!!! I haven't set a goal with my surgeon or my nutritionist. In fact, I rarely see either one of them any more. I know that I am supposed to weigh about 167 for a healthy BMI, but also recognize how unrealistic that is. I'm currently about 210 and run at least 20 miles a week with good restriction. I haven't lost weight since January, but see my body transforming. I'm hoping it's just a phase and that my body will finally relent. BUT, back on topic, I'd be curious to know more about how goal weights are set...for the one day I expect to be there! :thumbup:

Ladies, All I can say is that I've been there. I'm about 15 months post-op. and it gets better. It doesn't get better overnight and with every life stress that increases, it does resurface, but I'm free. Finally free. When you arrive in the place where I finally am, you will understand. For the very first time in my 36 years, my life is not dominated by food and it is the lightest I have felt ever---not because of the weight I've lost, but because of the pressure I've relieved. It gets better. I promise. :crying:

I, too, have to hold on when I walk. I think of the trainers from the Biggest Loser yelling at her team to let go of the handles, but I just can't. I hoped my balance would improve after losing weight, but it hasn't. I've now lost 100 pounds since surgery and still need to hold on when I walk. However, running is not an issue for me. Granted, I typically only run at a 5.0 to 5.5 pace, but if my arms are pumping forward and backward, they help me move my legs in the same direction. Give it a try by slowly moving up from your walking pace until you're comfortable. I jogged for 30 second intervals at first and had my hands right above the handles. All it takes is one wipeout for you to be nervous. I've been there. I know exactly how that feels! Give it a try for just a moment. The faster I move, the easier it is for my legs to keep moving and not tangle! Good luck. Keep us posted!!! :smile2:

I can completely relate! I didn't realize how preoccupied I was with food before surgery....I even watched the Food Network constantly after surgery. My now ex-boyfriend called it food porn for me....I started going to the all women's gym and socializing more. It once again re-surfaced for me about a year after surgery when I left my boyfriend and moved out on my own. The best thing I did for myself was to start going to counseling. I had already been going to a support group on a monthly basis and was going to the gym regularly, but for the first time in my life I had this ache that wouldn't go away and I simply couldn't eat it away.....being banded forced me to feel everything that I avoided for so many years. You're definitely NOT alone with this. Lean on your friends. Join a support group. Get counseling if that's an option. Find a healthy replacement behavior. Figure out who you are and where you want to be.....then pursue your new dreams. The most important thing for you to know is that it doesn't go away unless you address it. HOWEVER, it does get better!! I've been living alone now for almost 5 months and now love it. I had 2 rough months, but I'm ok now--actually far better than ok. Good luck. You'll get there, but it takes a while to undo years of a bad habit. :smile2:

You're definitely eating too little! Have you talked to a nutritionist? I found that after tracking what I eat for a week or so, the nutritionist could get an accurate picture of how many calories a day, along with grams of protein I was consuming. You should be consuming at least 6-8 glasses of water a day (around 48-64 oz) without excuse. This will help keep your body hydrated AND regular. It sounds like you can't possibly be getting the right amount of protein, either. I'm surprised that you can eat a croissant and have difficulty with meat. You should be focusing on eating protein first, then veggies, and after that, carbs. It's time you review the information your surgeon should have given you when releasing you from the hospital after surgery. You're not following any of the guidelines intended to help you lose weight in a healthy, consistent manner....if you don't remember what those guidelines are, then you should make an appointment with your dietician/nutritionist. The guidelines were created to help you lose weight in a healthy way. Good luck!

Thanks! Ok...so I haven't lost a single pound since January, but I know I've lost inches. To that Jillian chick on Biggest Loser who says muscle doesn't weigh more than fat....FU! I totally disagree. I can see the difference since my New Year's pics, but the scale doesn't reflect it. You'll all be happy to hear I finally gave in and told my best friend, and my parents that I had surgery. I heard through the grapevine that my mom is worried about me and thinks I'm sick....so I didn't want her to worry any more. My mom was inquisitive, but my dad didn't say much of anything, except to tell my mother NOT to tell one of her really catty friends. He told her that this was a very personal decision and he though she should respect that. I figured I had both of my parents together with me at dinner---rare, because they've been divorced for nearly 10 years. SO, I just did it. My mom did exactly as I worried she would do---"Can you EAT THAT?" to just about everything on my plate. I have to remind myself that she's just curious, not being critical. So....there you have it. My best friend's close friend from high school wrote to me and asked me all about my weight loss and I told her that I had surgery. (I still lie the thin people, but she's heavy) She's now thinking about it. That's another reason I wanted to tell my family. People who I know would benefit from my experience have been asking and I want to share my "secret" with them.....I have a few friends who I think would be good candidates. We'll see. Heidi, I'm so jealous. It's sunny here and supposed to be close to 50 today, but I'm not buying it. Have a fantastic trip! :tt1:

Heidi, Have a fantastic trip! Enjoy every minute of it and have a fruity drink with an umbrella for each of us! :huh2:

Be sure to park underground! I made the mistake for my first 6 months of parking across the street--it's farther away AND more expensive. Just be sure to take your ticket with you and pay inside. It's not like the Faulkner with the manned booth to pay. I thought you had to switch from the parking garage elevator to the one on the other side of the foyer!! If you take the elevator up to the 2nd floor (The PIKE) then there's an info booth directly on your right as you get off. They can direct you! :frown:

Down 100 pounds....with 40 or so to go! The running is finally paying off! :ohmy: I started at a size 22 or 24 pant, bought a misses 14 today! I have NO idea how to put photos in, so let's hope this works.

Ms Dollaz, The reason they give you the Upper GI is to check for a hiatial hernia. If you have one, they still go ahead with the surgery, but they take the extra 20 or so minutes to repair it while giving you the lap band. No worries. It won't change when you have things done---just what they do while they're in there! Coral, You left your water bottle behind last night. I think Jamie took it with her.... Tova, We've missed you! Hope things are going well. Glad to hear you're losing again!!!! Jay, You were missed, as was Yvonne!! It was kinda quiet without you there, and definitely fewer laughs..... Heidi, What's up girl? How many days til you leave?! Hope you feel better. Tanya, So glad you made the effort to be there less than 2 weeks after surgery! Hope your first day back to work was a good one. Get some rest. You're probably going to be very tired!! Many of us can't go to the next meeting--it's during school vacation week. So....a handful of us intend to go visit Phyllis over at the Faulkner instead. If you're interested, come join us!

Jay, you should be a writer or a comedian. I love how you describe things!! I am going to the meeting and bringing along my friend, Jamie, too. I am going to have to bolt as soon as it's over because I have a friend in from out of state......promised him we'd do St. Patty's partying. I'm in. See you all tomorrow! :scared2:

Jay, I have to warn you that it took me at least 3 months of doing as directed before I lost weight. I strongly urge you to take measurements. I worked out over an hour and a half a day for my first 2 months. I finally met with the nutritionist--and she looked at my diet. She recommended that I increase my protein and CUT BACK on the exercise. I think you should see her, too....keep track of what you eat in a journal to share with her. Track your water, sleep and exercise, too. It's all a balancing act. Once you find the right balance for YOUR body, it'll all start working. I also wanted to tell you that it took me at least 2-3 fills before I noticed restriction.......You didn't gain this weight overnight. This isn't GB surgery. It takes time for your body to adjust. Stick with it, Jay.....it WILL happen. It just takes time.....I know it seems like it takes forever and it does. But it DOES come off.

The surgeons from the Brigham and the Faulkner are the same. you can go to one info session or the other--no need to do both. You will need to stay over night for one night, and the advantage of the Faulkner is the private rooms....no roommate! My experience has been great with this program. The follow up has definitely been adequate for me. Good luck. Definitely go to an info session, but also consider attending a support group meeting, too!

Hey there...Jesse from Jersey is coming up on St. Patty's Day. Trying to talk him into joining me for the meeting, but not sure that's gonna happen. :thumbup: So....he's pushing me to go out for the night, so it's unlikely I'll be joining you after the meeting after all....gotta be a good hostess. :w00t: Will let you know what happens. :tt2:

ABSOLUTELY! I went through a few months of buyer's remorse. I had a lot going on and things to work through---from re-establishing all of my relationships (who knew how much we relied on food to be our connector....) to working on losing weight and not having the desired results. This isn't a sprint--it's a marathon. Along that route you'll encounter some hills, valleys, and definitely some straightaways.....but in the end, your sacrifices NOW will lead to a better life. I promise. It's hard now, no doubt. There are still very hard days for me. It won't go away. You've established your routines and life around eating for so many years. It's such a huge part of our identity! It gets easier. Think about counseling if it's covered by insurance. It was truly one of the best things I did for myself. The band is just one of the tools you'll need for your new life. When the food is taken away, you'll realize it was often something we did to avoid other things in our lives....and now you have no other option but to face those things. You'll get through this and feel like yourself sooner or later. I won't promise you that it's going to get easier right away. It took me a while..but it does get better. Again, the benefits far outweigh a few months of struggle, remorse, and frustration. You'll get there soon enough, Jay. We're here to help you. :thumbup:

Puking is different for everyone. The surgeons will tell you it should never happen. I realize now that I'm not vomiting as much as I thought I was---because I'm not really vomiting. I get nervous that something might feel funky and spit it back up, before it's had the chance to reach my stomach. I've had mornings where oatmeal comes right back at me, but evening when burritos--rice, tortilla, chicken and all---goes down without issue. I never know how my day or night is going to go.....I have never had the wretching vomiting that you'd get if you had the flu. However, I often regurgitate food that I know isn't going to go down or just feels wrong. I've had weeks when I do that several times a day and some weeks when it never happens. You never know....but again, the surgeons say that it shouldn't be happening. Has anyone ever talked with a surgeon who has been banded, though?? I'd be curious to see how different the ideas are.....

Heidi, Focus on the rules and you'll be fine. Be sure that if you're drinking, you drink. No munching. No nibbling. Is it possible you're tight because of your cycle or stress? I find my band to be tremendously sensitive to both. No reason to act like a "responsible adult" on vacation. Heck, it's Jamaica. No one wants that.....especially if you don't have kids with you! So to respond to everything posted prior---there are a few things I learned pre-op: don't admit to snoring or any other health issues for which you're not already medicated. Say you have a wonderful support system during the psych eval---never admitting that anyone in your family has either pysch issues or any kind of addiction. (THEY have no way of knowing!) Smile and just keep smiling. Appointments never run on time, so schedule extra, and most importantly, KEEP ALL OF YOUR RECEIPTS for the co-pays. I have received several bills from the Brigham for appointment for which I PAID. I have no proof, but I've never entered an appointment and NOT paid...Above all, attend support group meetings as these are people who have experienced most of what you will encounter. They will understand everything you're going through in a way that no one else can or will. Use this website as much as you can, too. People are tremendously helpful if you give them the chance to be. It isn't easy and there are a lot of sacrifices. But in the end it is absolutely worth every sacrifice I've made. I'm about 14-15 months post-op and nearly 100 pounds down. I would have given my left leg to lose this much weight but now I don't have to make that sacrifice. :tt2: In the end, the pain, frustration and even vomiting are worth not having to shop at the Avenue or Lane Bryant ever again....... oh, the possibilities!!

Coral, It was great to finally have someone who was banded before all of us to be part of the group. We'd love to have you talk more next time---maybe we'll try not to talk quite so much and give you a chance. It's great to have your experience and knowledge! Thanks for coming. Looking forward to seeing you again!

I'm bringing a friend who had surgery at the Faulkner. She hasn't been to a meeting, so I'm excited to get her to join us......I'm up for going out after.