Lori_K

My surgeon (Dr. Krause) works in Royal Oak, Beaumont Hospital. I have no idea if he'll accept a patient banded in Mexico, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask, and it will give you somewhere to start. Try calling his office: 248-551-8180 Best of luck to you, I hope you find something soon and are feeling better!

Awwww . . . I agree with you SHM! This is the only forum I post in too, with the rare exception in the Michigan forums, but it's usually dead there. I may check out the plastic surgery forums like Tap suggested, but this will always be my home . . . and I agree again, all the ladies here are very inspirational! ((((Warm Hugs all ))))

Hello, exercise girlfriends :hurray: I'm really sorry I fell out of touch with this thread, my bad, no real excuse for me, except that I've just been busy, and not on the computer as much. Now that the weather is warming up, I have the Spring cleaning bug, and I've been busy doing that (indoors and out), plus just keeping up with my regular treadmill power walks/jog, and walking my dog of course. So I'm trying to keep up the work! Nothing more exciting with exercise, 'cept I do want to get into some more upper body workouts. Tap, I was REALLY impressed with yours! I read through this thread, and everyone seems to be doing good. I have those days that I just don't feel like exercising too, even though I've been doing it for so long, it's so hard some days! This thread is such good motivation. My weight has been moving though, and I'm so happy with that! According to my BMI, I'm now NO LONGER OBESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woot! :crazy: I've wanted to say that for so long. I'm just "overweight" now, lol. I've changed my ticker up to a goal weight of 152 - that wll be an even 100 pounds for me. It may not be in the perfect weight BMI range, but my body scan says that I am now 34%, which is down from 60% when I started this journey. I can't believe I that my body was once more than half fat! Anyway, 34% is considered healthy for a woman of 44, so I'm happy with that. My surgeon would like to see me get into the 150's (which is what I want anyway) then I might think about a tummy tuck. This is probably all a bit off topic, but I now have an awful lot of skin on my stomach - a "pannus" I believe it is called. When I look sideways in a mirror, my body looks good, except for my stomach. There's enough skin there to make it bulge out . . . I look pregnant. :thumbup: I can only image this is going to be uncomfortable in the Summer. Anyone else having to deal with this???? Keep up the good work everyone! Just keep swimming! :thumbup: Warm hugs, Lori

Hi Tapp, glad to have you back! I'm still around, just not much time to post, been a lot going on the past week. I'm back on my treadmill, going faster than before, still doing about 5K. I can't seem to get past that yet. I have maintained my weight loss that the flu gave me, lol. I definitely need to do something different - I was thinking about adding some weight training. I read somewhere to burn fat, you need to mix up aerobic exercise with some weight training, maybe do each 3 days a week (6 days of exercise). I wanna try that, because a stroll/walk (even the dog walks) really doesn't do anything for me anymore. At least not in terms of weight loss. Tapp, can you describe (maybe just a little?) what upper body work out that you do at the Y? SHM, I love your new picture at the bottom too! You're really looking great.

Glad to hear the chiropractor said everything was ok SHM. But sorry to hear your hip is still troubling you! I think your plan sounds like a good one, take it easy and build back up to what you were doing. As for me, I'm gonna have to build back up too . . . I haven't exercised in over a week. Not because I didn't want to, I have been ill with a very bad flu bug. I finally saw my general practitioner yesterday, and she gave me some good meds to help me feel better. I think I'm on the mend now, but oy, that was a mean flu! The body aches were awful, it hurt just to get up and go to the bathroom, let alone look at the treadmill, or think about going for a walk. It's been freezing outside. On the plus side, apparently a fever increases metabolism - I broke my plateau again, and lost a few pounds. I'm close to getting out of obesity and just being "overweight". Just a few more pounds! But now that the fever is gone, I'll probably plateau again. :wink: Hopefully I won't gain it back, I'm really watching what I eat, and I've another fill appointment coming up in a week. Last day of February! I just can't wait for Spring. :smile:

You're welcome RSG! That's too bad your first dietitian didn't work for you. Maybe your doctor could suggest another? I believe trying to go it alone is never a good idea. Seeking help is strength & smart thinking - you first sought help with your weight loss by getting a lap-band, now continue with someone who can help you eat smart. It's like alcoholics that seek help with AA - they are the ones most likely to succeed in conquering their disorder. I couldn't have come this far without my dietitian - she's a great fountain of information. I wish you the very best, and stay with us here and let us know how you are doing! :cool2: I agree too Jodi & Christasha - everyone is welcome here. :wink: And I hope I didn't sound like I was hatin' on the Protein shakes LilMissDiva! :smile: If it works and you like it, perfect! They just don't work for me, I'm hungry like 10 minutes later.:cursing: I really hate the day after a fill - drinking liquids for 24 hours drives me nuts. I do like StLouisGal's idea though, she made a very good point - those shakes would be perfect in the morning for people who have that tight band problem! just keep swimming! :thumbup:

A protein shake or drink for breakfast does sound like a good idea - I haven't used them, but it sounds good if you're on the go. My band is very tight in the morning too. :smile: StLouisGal, Have you tried the GNC chewable Calcium pills? The one I use is cherry-flavored, and I actually look forward to chewing it up, it's like a piece of candy, lol. They also make chocolate chews, and those are like candy. I loved them, until I read the first four ingredients - Corn Syrup, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, palm kernel oil. No wonder they tasted good, lol. I gave them to my husband, and stick to the cherry ones now. Just a suggestion! :cursing:

I haven't drank a Protein shake since a few weeks post-op. I do drink a bottle of Isopure after fills when I have to be on liquids for a day (I do liquids for one day, then soft foods the next). Other than that, I get my protein from solid foods. chicken, tuna, fish, turkey. 4oz. of chicken breast (without the skin) gives you 34 grams of protein right there. My humble opinion, if you drink too much of your protein, it slides right through and leaves you hungry. I do eat a Protein Bar once a day: R-Kane Tiny Meal Bars Expensive but worth it, and it helps with my sweet/chocolate cravings. It's one of the Protein Bars with the highest amount of protein and lowest amount of carbs/sugars/fat. My hospital (weight loss center) actually sells them, so I don't pay the shipping. I easily get 80 to 100 grams of protein a day. Try eating healthy carbs. I eat about 100 gms of those a day. Fruits and veggies, whole grains. I eat a piece of toast with breakfast every morning, it's whole grain light (I top it with sugar free fruit preserves.) Both my dietitian and exercise physiologist have told me that I need carbs to burn weight, plus the brain uses them (I need that help, lol). To add some calorie free flavor to your meals, try Walden Farms products. I don't like all of them, but the ranch dressing and the chocolate syrup are great. I put the chocolate syrup in my coffee, lol . . . it's just a great way to keep the diet going without being boring. Walden Farms Calorie Free Foods are calorie free, fat free, sugar free, carbohydrate free and gluten free. Enjoy over 50 delicious calorie free foods Try eating low-starch vegetables - baby carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, pea pods, there's lots more - maybe do a Google search for them. These are "free" foods, I can nibble on them when I get hungry. Yeah, you get tired of feeling like a rabbit, lol . . . but then there are lots good foods you can eat with them too. At lunch, I eat a small salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. It helps fill me up. I sometimes add tuna to the salad, 4 oz. of tuna will give me 28 grams of protein (I use a tablespoon of Miracle Whip Light to top it off). Of course, make sure you're not a bandster where lettuce gets stuck! :smile: Do you work with a dietitian RSG? One who's experienced with Lap-band patients? It might really help get your metabolism going again if you change up your diet. I hope some of this has helped . . . I wish you the very best of luck! Cheers and applause to you for hanging in there, and not giving up! That's hard work, give yourself a big pat on the back for that:thumbup: (((warm hugs)))

Mornings are a bad time for me to eat too, I usually don't eat until after 10am or so. When I first get up, I drink my first glass of Water (16 fl oz - I *try* and drink 4 of those a day) and that's about it. If I get careless, and drink too fast, it actually will feel "stuck" (or at least uncomfortable) for a few seconds. Hot tea or coffee sounds like a good idea too - I may try that, it may help relax the tightness a bit. I hear you on the slow weight loss too, SHM . . . It'd be nice to reach my goal weight before Spring, but I'm not counting on it. Like you say, losing slowly is better than not losing at all! Jack, what is "Holy" Shredded Wheat?

Hi NewYearNewMe, I took oral steroids twice last summer - first for a "sun rash", then for a bad case of poison ivy (I highly recommend everyone stop right now and look up poison ivy, and poison oak, and memorize what they look like - that was one of the WORST experiences I've ever had. The itching was so intense I couldn't sleep. Seriously . . . go look it up! ) Anyway, the steroids did not bother my stomach (although they did increase my appetite, ack). I didn't even think to ask my surgeon, my General Practitioner prescribed them, and she knows about my band and the need to watch medications. HOWEVER . . . that was MY experience. I know you're probably just looking for someone to share experiences, but PLEASE contact your surgeon and get his/her professional advice before you start the treatment. As always in these forums, they are not a substitute for any medical advice! Best of luck to you

Awwww, Thanks Amy for your very sweet words! :wink2: I am crying here too, please share those tissues! Your post was beautiful too, I am also proud to call you my special soul sister! Thanks for remembering the "Just Keep Swimming" . . . my gosh, I wrote a one year post, and forgot to add that, LOL :eek: But if I've helped you reconnect with your faith in God, then I've truly helped someone! Don't ever give up on the One who loves you the most. I believe tough times in our lives are a part of His plan. Sometimes I have to tell Him, "I've had enough already!" lol :wink: :smile: ((((Big warm hugs)))) to you and all our Victorious Valentines! JUST KEEP SWIMMING!

Well, today is my one year bandiversary. Having this surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my health. I've currently lost over 80 pounds, and I feel terrific. My blood pressure is normal, no more blood pressure medications! I had problems with anxiety (just getting out of the house was a big anxiety problem for me - I think I was becoming agoraphobic). No longer! I love to travel and get around again. I go more more places than I ever have before. The aching in my joints are gone. I definitely feel 10 years younger, and due to all the exercise, I have tons of energy. This allows me to spend more time being active with my son. The increased energy & activity has also encouraged me to revive my nursing career - I am currently doing nursing refresher studies. I am out of plus sized clothes for the first time since I was in my twenties! I love shopping for clothes now. I feel like people look at me differently - they are seeing me, as a person, and not just "a fat lady". food is no longer an obsession for me - yes, I still get cravings (see my "chocolate rant" thread, lol) but I have learned to eat things in moderation. I still enjoy the foods I love, just in smaller portions. I have control over food, it does not have control over me. I am totally loving this new life. I almost started this journey with a different bariatric surgeon, but she left for another state, right when I was finished with all of my pre-surgery testing! I was so devastated at that point, I almost gave up. I didn't want to start again, researching for another surgeon. I was worried about finding another good bariatric surgeon, and having to repeat more testing at that point. I was so tired of doctors and office visits! But I wasn't going to give up - I really needed this surgery to change my life. However, I think this change in doctors was meant to be - I believe God guided me to best lap-band surgeon I could have found in Michigan. Dr. Krause has been patient, kind and understanding throughout the past year, he is one of the best doctors I've met. I couldn't have asked for someone more supportive and with such top-notch surgical skill. The staff at Beaumont Hospital's Weight Loss Center has also been superb, I got plenty of help with changes in my diet, advice for exercise, support for the tough times, and help though those difficult plateaus. I really can't write a one year summary without giving heart felt thanks to the awesome professionals who have helped me though this surgery. I attribute a lot of my success to them. I must also give praise and MANY thanks to all of the wonderful friends I have found here in this forum! Victorious Valentines, you are the ones who have helped me be victorious in this weight loss struggle. The tough times we have shared together - plateaus, getting food stuck, pbs, you all know the trouble we face as lap-banders. We've shared our success and good times too! Thank-you for all that you have shared with me, thank-you for the support and encouragement you have given me. I am actually a bit teary eyed as I write this, I have come to think of the people in this forum as another family. It is my hope that I have been of some help to all of you. I love the exercise thread - is has truly kept me going! And Amy, I love you girlfriend - you truly are a soul sister to me. God Bless you all, Victorious Valentines! However much weight we have lost, remember we are all truly successful! I've reached a one-year milestone, and I'm not far away from my goal weight, but my journey is long from over. I know I will have to fight obesity for the rest of my life. I see it as a disease that I have to live with. But I'm not going to let it depress me any longer. I have a wonderful tool that will be with me to help me. If I were to lose it, at least I have learned healthy eating habits, a healthier life style, and most of all, strength and a more positive view of myself. I came through this, I can rise up and fight any other struggles in my life. Last, but definitely not least - I give my love and thanks to my two greatest supporters - my loving husband, who has always been by my side throughout this journey. And to God, my Lord and Savior - He has lead me this far, and I know He has laid a path and a plan before me. Lori

Amen to that! The truth very well said :wink: Love back atcha! :mad2:

Ack . . . the above post was just for fun, lol! Been dealing with winter blahs, just trying to lighten up a bit. I hope I didn't kill this thread! Tapshoes will come after me when she returns! :wink: Today I did give my dog a very short (and soggy, dang rain) walk around the block - only about 15 or 20 minutes. Not enough for her or me. She was rambunctious around the house. I thought we had a break in the rain, but it caught us when we were out. I also did some early Spring cleaning, that wore me out a bit. I did a power snooze, then did 2.5 miles on my treadmill. I forced myself back up there, because I've been off of it for a few days. But I'll never give up! :thumbup: SHM, I'm glad to hear you can still do your exercise/running, without a problem! Maybe you just needed a break. I hope your x-ray shows good information. Let us know, ok? And thanks for sharing that Chi website - I haven't checked it out yet, but I am interested. Something different in my exercise routine is needed! Let me know how you like the book. And just a little fun post script . . . since my dog wasn't able to get much exercise today (and I know there are going to be lots of rainy days to come!), I tried getting her up on my treadmill. I read about this in one of "The Dog Whisperer" books. She was nervous at first, but she did pick it up! She stayed on for about 20 minutes - much faster than me of course, and she was bouncy after, lol. I need that kind of energy. When I was doing my treadmill jog later, she came over and stayed by me. When I finished, I got her up there for my husband to see. She seems to like it now! It's so funny. Too bad there's not enough room for both of us together - that would be so fun, and really motivate me! :mad2:

StLouisGal, I just wanted to say I really liked your one year bandiversary post. Sorry to hear you were sick! And for the awful thing the nurse said - if you are only 10 pounds less than what a gastric bypass patient looses, then you have done phenomenal! :mad2: Way to go! (and hey - it's ok to have those pity party days. The main thing is you got back up on your horse and kept on going!). I liked the positive tone to your post - how you are just going to keep on keepin' on, taking responsibility, and making new ways to achieve success. Good for you! Your post inspired me - I've been feeling a little blah myself lately. Maybe just winter blues, but I needed to read a post like yours. I'm gonna adopt those attitudes . . . there's no race to this, I'm gonna keep trying and let the weight come off when it will. Good post, your positive enthusiasm has inspired me. Just Keep Swimming! :thumbup: And . . . Kristi, you look stunning. Congratulations, you've done some awesome work this past year! :wink:

Ok, I've been ready bad the past few days. The treadmill is so lonely it's sending me flowers. The most I've been doing is stuff around the house ~ Sit around it ~ walk around it ~ lie around it ~ :rose:

chocolate and Peanut Butter . . . major ouch, both double whammys for me as well! Cheers to you for passing them by! :cursing: Unfortunately, I saw a chocolate advertisement as I was reading your post Kiz. Hopefully after Valentine's Day is gone, we will be free of them . . . they seem to be all Valentine's Day adds. If any Easter candy adds show up, I'm first gonna protest, then boycott the forums until Easter is over! :frown:

:tt2: (warning, this post contains ranting and whining, proceed reading it with caution, sprinkle with a dash of humor to get through it.) :thumbup: Ok. I admit it, I'm a huge chocoholic. I got through Christmas without too much problem, but as far as chocolate goes, I HATE this time of the year. :crying: Valentine's Day and Easter! Argh! Is it any wonder diet resolutions made back in January fail? The chocolate craving bug of hell is getting to me. Most places I shop, you see Valentine chocolate everywhere. And as soon as we get past this holiday, you know the stores will be stocking shelves with Easter candy. Cadbury eggs are the work of the devil. Aghhhh! Yeah, I know, no one is shoving any of this down my throat, and I've got a very good hubby that knows chocolate is off limits, 'cus even a small bite will lead to wanting more. I should be able to get through Valentine's day without a bite of chocolate (my hubby doesn't care one way or the other for it, why don't men crave these things?!:crying: Life is unfair!) . . . we are going on a date to dinner and a movie, but chocolate is not going to be a part of that date. Easter is more difficult. I do make my son an Easter basket. In the past, I have tried more healthy treats & small toys (he doesn't need all that sugar either) but usually his basket contains at least a chocolate bunny. And those evil Cadbury eggs . . . they just follow me around, resistance is futile. Anyone share similar feelings, and how do you tame your chocolate craving beast? Other than duct taping my mouth shut (I bet no one has ever had a lap-band stuck with chocolate! ), I really have a hard time getting through this tempting time of the year. Yes I do have some will power. It does whimper when confronted with chocolate however. help!

The very truth there Coolcrystal. I don't think I've ever hit a "sweet spot". It has been back and forth with fills. I just thank God for a caring doctor & dietitian that has been helping me deal with this. LilMissDiva, I am very sorry that your bandiversary was not what you wanted it to be. I hope the following year your relationship with your band will be a more positive one. I'm with you on being hardheaded - I still eat way too fast, and get stuck too often. It's probably very little comfort, but try and enjoy what you have lost. I hope a slight unfill will help you too. God bless you and please always keep in touch here in these forums, and let us know how you are doing. I agree again with Coolcrystal - we all should be able to share our feelings, the good times and the bad, without any fear of ridicule. The Victorious Valentines of 2008 have felt like a special family to me. I often feel like I'm not communicating what is truly in my heart, but please know my thoughts and heart are with you. (((warmest hugs)))

Not a silly NSV at all StLouisGal! It's the little things like this that let us know how far we've come, and how hard we've worked. I've felt this NSV recently myself when I had my yearly mammogram. It was a nice feeling when that regular sized gown fit! :frown: Glad to hear you are feeling better too!

Jamie, I am truly sorry for your loss, I was just heartsick when I read your post. Like everyone else I wish I could find the right words to make you feel even a little bit better. Please know that you will be in my prayers - May God bless you and bring you and your family all the peace and comfort you need. With my warmest hugs and deepest sympathy, Lori

Warm hugs Taps, you will be missed while you are away! Enjoy your holidays and have a terrific time. Happy Valentine's Day, friendly love and warm hugs to you & everyone! :frown: :smile: :wub: :cursing: :rose::wub: :frown: :rose: :wub:

Thanks all for the great ideas and tips, I really appreciate it! I'm truly sorry if this caused any craving in anyone. :frown: Taps, you're really lucky that you do not have this craving! Count that as a big blessing sweetie :smile: Amy - you always make me smile! :frown: This thread was just meant to be light-hearted and fun, I really didn't want to do a major rant. I am gonna treat myself to a small portion of some kind of chocolate this Valentine's Day! (For Easter - one Cadbury Cream Egg is gonna die!) lol. I do agree with Kiz though . . . advertisements for food of any kind in these forums I think is just inappropriate, imho. :cursing: I understand the need to make money and keep the forums going, but hopefully the powers that be (yes that's you Alex, Mr. LapBandTalk!) would have a little more kindness towards those of us dealing with food issues. That's how we all got here!

LOL! I can feel that pain, TV is the worst with all those commercials! This is some good advice SHM, thanks! I'll have to look into the Lindt chocolate, I do love dark chocolate. And it works for me if it's actually beneficial for my health! I also agree on small amounts of food we crave - everything in moderation. You are right, it can backfire. I have been bad with chocolate though, I gotta work on that. :tt2: Small amounts just make me want more, lol. And now something funny SHM :thumbup: (or maybe cruel, lol) as I was reading your post, next to it on the right side of the forum, there was an add for some kind of Valentine's day chocolate. OUCH! :crying: What's that add doing in weight loss forums? Evil I say!

I'm so very sorry to hear this LilMiss, :crying: you are right, one never does think of these things when we are young. I hope your surgeries go smoothly for you, and bring you some relief. Are you able to do any swimming exercises (if there's a place near you that offers it)? I've heard that's good for people with arthritis. You sound like you have a very positive attitude about this, you are still trying to find ways to burn those calories off - good for you! I think I'd fall apart for a bit, lol. Hang in there and all my best to you. ShinyHappyMommy - I'm so sorry to hear about your hip. Of course you are doing the right thing by resting it, but I honestly miss your posts about running! You still amaze and inspire me. I still can't do anything close to that. My knees hurt sometimes, I'm beginning to wonder if I should have them checked out. :tt2: Still exercising here, getting my dog walks in, but I have to admit my treadmill time is down. Only doing 2 to 2.5 miles on it right now. I've just been feeling tired. Maybe it's the extra walking, or the weather . . . (yeah I know, I'm making excuses ) . . . Michigan weather is rather gloomy this time of the year. I am soooooo done with winter, and we've a few months to go yet. Argh! My weight has plateaued again :thumbup:, and just after a few pounds lost. I guess I should be more patient, but I just got used to the pounds coming off last summer so fast. Has anyone ever used ankle/wrist weights? I'm wondering if I actually put some weight back on (so to speak) it might give my metabolism a boost. Right now my metabolism seems content with the 1000 calories I'm eating and the amount of exercise I'm doing. Gotta try something different. (((((warm hugs))))) LilMiss and SHM, I wish you both the best, please hang in there with us. SHM, I'm curious about the Chi Running book . . . did you have the name/author of the book? Let us know how you like it!