josephine

HOW MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE YOU HAD WITHOUT MAKING A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION? How many of us have made New Years Resolutions and have failed? If you look at your past history also, I am sure this isn't the first time you have tried to lose weight, tried to quit smoking or tried to quit drinking, if not just slow down your alcohol consumption but because it was a New Years Resolution it failed. All our life we most probably made false promises to ourselves much less other people in our lives. So what should be the purpose of making a New Years Resolution? Don't be of the common anymore, as we are not........ We are individuals and we shouldn't do what everyone else does. Our only New Years Resolution is just be ourselves. My accomplishments are...... 1. Lapband Surgery Nov. 10, 2005 and I lost 109 lbs. and have maintained it since July 25, 2006. I went from a size 22 to a size 4 -6. 2. Because of the surgery I quit drinking because of the empty calories that I didn't want to take in. I don't miss it so it must not have been a loss to me. 3. I quit smoking Dec. 25, 2006 and I have been smoke free for over a year now and I feel as healthy as a horse. 4. I have become a lover of exercise. It makes me feel so good. Honesty is the best policy so I just want to tell you two things. 1. I still have mental issues with how I look. I still see myself as being obese. I am still obsessed with what I put in my mouth. I will freak if I gain more than two pounds. It is a scary life long struggle. 2. I am still addicted to the smell of my addiction and that is fast food. If I open up a bottle of ketchup, I don't think of ketchup, I think of french fries. If I smell burgers God help me. I haven't eaten those things since 2005 either and I plan on never doing that. Not one drop of deep fried food has entered my mouth and I will never allow it to as long as I have the feelings that I do when I smell it. I don't even crave that food but I become crazed when I smell it. I want to wish everyone all the best in 2008. I hope your new found lives bring you everything you desire. Josephine

Beer is a no no because of the gas. When you pour the beer, you see the gas on top, the foam. That is the part that is not good for you. As far as alcohol is concerned, you are able to drink it or course. In moderation also and that is only because you want to be able to chew your calories and not drink them. Try to remember, alcohol turns into sugar 3 days later and then sugar turns into fat. I haven't had a drink since Nov. 2005 and I don't miss it at all, like I was never really that fond of soda so I didn't have any problems. My doctor says that having a glass of wine is a good thing. Josephine

Irma, For some people it takes 3 adjustments to finally feel that sweet spot that people talk about. Don't get discouraged. Even though we also get this band to help us lose the weight we still need to adjust our way of eating and that is what we ate to help use get the way we are today. I truly believe that the success of my weight loss has everything to do with what I chose to eat once I got banded. I also believe that we, the obese, don't understand the meaning of portion control. That besides what you chose to eat are the tricks of the band and the weight loss that comes with it. You need to believe that you are able to concur your before habits to be successful with the band; not to mention the maintenance of your loss for the rest of your life in which I know for myself has always been the problem. I have now maintained my 109 lb loss since July 25, 2006. I was banded on Nov. 10, 2005 and I have never had a fill. I believe in my 40 years of life, I have finally figured out that I will not allow food to run my life and I want to live a longer, happier and healthier life. You can do it. Trust me. Believe in yourself and change your life today. Josephine

Probably everything that you are experiencing right now are gas pains from the anesthesia still. Sometimes for some it takes over a week to get that all out of your system. Be patient and you should be fine. Drink everything very slowly. Take your time in eating also. This will also help with the air getting in your system. Josephine

It is still inconceivable to me that I have been able to maintain my weight loss since July 25, 2006. I began my journey at 251 lbs, and a size 22 clothing, on Nov. 10, 2005 and I have been maintaining a 109 lb. loss for 1 year and 4 months. I am now 142 lbs a wear a size 6 clothing. Looking back in time prior to being banded losing weight was always a success but for 3 months and back to the weight I began with plus more. When I think about it I believe it has alot to do with age and the older we get the more afraid we are of life and what we have to look forward to. I know for sure with gaining, losing, gaining, losing is so unhealthy for a person but that is how most of have been, wouldn't you say? I am the strange one of the bunch also that never had a fill. My band is empty and why I haven't needed a fill ever I will never understand it. My doctor has his own explanation but it isn't written in the books. Some people are able to acheive their goal even with 1 fill. He believes with some people when the band is placed is goes right onto a sensor that goes straight to your brain to tell you that you are full and that happens to very few people. I know that I still have some kind of eating disorder because I am terrified to put anything unhealthy into my mouth. I have an addiction to fast food and I haven't even put it to my lips since Nov. 2005. I heard that having liquid calories are empty, unhealthy calories so I haven't had a drink since Nov, 2005. I don't miss any of the above and I am still addicted to the smell of the grease from fast food and that is the reason why I stay away from it. I see my doctor every 3 months now because he wants to be sure that I do not lose anymore weight. I asked him since I am 2 years out with having this band what do I need to watch out for and he said Acid Reflux......... I am confused at what that is........ I know it is heart burn but is that only burping up your food and feeling a burning senesation? For the past week I have been experiencing heart burn from coffee, citrus, and even other foods. I don't burp up that feeling it is just there. I started taking Lexapro for depression/anxiety at the same time and this start happening. I don't know if it is from this or can anyone think of anything else. I have never gotten sick from tha band or anything that I have ever eaten. I am not restricted from anything except broccoli . I am such an upbeat type person and I don't want anything to go wrong. I have my obsessions though and that is staying healthy and getting a little more muscular each time I am with my trainer. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on what to do. Josephine

Karri, I thank you for your help. As always, because I am so different from everyone who has been banded, I barely ever get a response from anyone on lapbandtalk.com. When I go to support group meetings I don't get many responses either from anyone. It is hard to relate to them as I am sure it is hard for others here to be able to relate to me also. I wish you much success with your new life and believe me, down the road it feels WONDERFUL. Just don't change who you are inside. Josephine

The word SKINNY to me is like telling me that I am ANOREXIC................. Yes I am THIN........................ As I would rather be called OBESE than FAT................ It is more of a clinical term. It is pure jealousy and the fact that you are probably getting compliments and they aren't. The tables have turned, finally.............. It is a good feeling, isn't it. You are doing this for yourself and as long as you are healthy, you are doing fine. My BMI is 22 and I am getting muscular and it feels GOOD...... I am 5'7", 142 lbs., 42 years old and looking pretty damn good. Be proud and yell loud and tell your mother in law that she is hurting you and she will hush. You have to take care of you. Josephine

I meant to say not eating more than a half a cup.............................. Josephine

Tatia, I can see no on else trying to help you out so I will try. I never had the feeling you were having but maybe it could be the gas from the anestesia still in your system. Just take it very slowing while drinking and eating and do some walking outside if you can to try and get rid of the gas in your system. If you still feel the same way on Monday then call you doctor. It is so new to you that your system is trying to get used to it. I was only able to eat 2 spoonfuls per meal my first couple of weeks. I didn't experience any pain except the port area. Good Luck to you. Josephine

Summer, First of all POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT should come from within. The band is the easy part. It is from within you that needs to change. You have to begin your POSITIVE reinforcement today while you are thinking about it. Also, if you are able to find support groups in your area that would be great too. I am not sure if you have struggled with your weight all your life but you have made the decision to make your life today a better one for tomorrow. I have had my band next month for two years. I have not had one problem what so ever. The only thing that I had to change with this helpful tool was my port. The original was too big and when I lost all my weight it was sticking out too much so they put in a smaller one. Even though that is sticking out also but not as much this is the price I must pay to be healthy and I would do it again in a HEART BEAT! I saw my WLS doctor on Wednesday and since I have maintained my 251/140 111lb. weight loss for over a year now; my surgery was Nov. 2005 and I hit goal in July, 2006, I have graduated to seeing him only every 3 months. I have to keep seeing him as he is my encouragement to maintain my loss. I asked him if I needed to watch out for anything since I am 2 years out and he told me to keep an eye open for reflux but I have NEVER had any problems. With this whole experience, do you know the only thing that I cannot stomach is broccoli? Even though I love it, I will not touch it again otherwise I am pretty damn lucky that is all I have to worry about putting down my throat. I still have not eaten soft bread though. I eat either crackers or croutons. Have the POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING Summer and you should do well. Ask anytime for help, I will be there for you. Josephine

Jachut, Whistling would be inappropriate for me as I am a woman but it sure is a hell of a feeling isn't it? You look amazing and your pictures should be in the new comers area so they can see what they will be looking forward to. You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josephine

I take 1 Multivitamin chewable Centrum,1 2500 mg of B12 (sublingual), 1 500 mg of Vitamin c, and 2 viactiv chews a day Josephine

I didn't start to exercise until I lost my first 60 lbs. and now I know that was dumb. I just thought that it would be too much strain on myself to try to do too many things at one time. Well, it is inevitable that if you have more than 100 lbs. to lose you will have loose skin anyway but maybe if you did start exercising while losing your weight you wouldn't have the bill that I did $13,500.00 for a tummy tuck and breast lift, not to mention the butt and thigh lift I have too have done too. I became addicted to exercising now. I am at the gym 3 days a week with a trainer for weight lifting, 1 day a week at the gym for Water aerobics, and 2 times a day at home on my tread mill. Trust me, while losing weight and lacking the Protein that you will be lacking you don't want to lose muscle mass. In the process of losing weight it is very important for you to do cardio as it will help you lose weight. You are becoming a new person now and you shouldn't care what other people are doing at the gym for themselves. When they are on the tread mill and I have to warm up on one before my weight training I move to another one. I know there are people over there just trying to look pretty but you shouldn't care about that. You have a new lease on life and that is ALL YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. Josephine

Julie, I had my surgery Nov. 10, 2005 and I lost 109-111 lbs. in 8 months with no fill. I weighed 251 lbs. and I go between 140-143 lbs. Everyone thinks that I am absolutely crazy when I say that the band is just a helpful tool and it still has to be up to the individual to lose the weight. We truly have to make it up in our mind first that we will finally succeed this time and not fail our life long, change of life journey. I have become crazed with staying physically fit now. I do cardio 3 times a weeks and I am also with a weight trainer 3 times a week also. I can't believe I am starting to myself tone up. I love seeing the veins in my arms and the somewhat bulge in my thigh from a muscle. I quit smoking December 25, 2006 and I feel SOOOO healthy. I went from a size 22 to a size 4-6. I am almost 5'7" and I am 42 years old and have never felt better. I will say though that I will NEVER trust myself with my food ADDICTION and that is Fast Food. I haven't eaten that since Nov. 2005 but the smell of it still gets to me. It is like someones alcohol or someones chocolate. If I ever start back to my old ways though I know that as long as I have this band I can always go to my doctor and get a fill if needed. I didn't need it during my weight loss journey. I have maintained my weight loss for over a year now and that was July 25, 2006. The opportunity is there for me though if it is needed. You CAN lose the weight without a fill, it is possible. Strive for healthy foods and you will be on the right track. You need to believe in yourself, the power of positive thinking. To be honest with you, I have never even gotten sick and I can eat any kind of Lettuce or spinach and any kind of meat imaginable. I have never PB'd, thrown up, or anything. Good Luck Julie, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josephine

Paulax, I don't know much about fills but are you eating more than the required amount? You should be eating only a half of a cup of food only three times a day. Also, what kind of foods are you eating? I haven't eaten fried food since Nov. 2005. I went the healthy food route and didn't have a problem. Also, are you consistent with your exercising? I know it is hard to believe that a person can LOVE exercising but I am one of those people who became addicted. Josephine Please fill me in, I would love to help if I could. By the way, what size band is yours? It seems as though you already have a lot of restriction.

I had my tummy tuck May 9th. All is doing well but it is awfully tight still. The doctor tells me it will be a full year before all is normal. I was abnormal with that also. I didn't even hurt and I also had a breast lift at the same time. I still can't feel my stomach much though. Did you get the TT done? Rain

I just have a question about your food addiction................. If you know you are a food addict, what is that food, and since being banded, have you abstained from your addiction? My addiction is FAST FOOD and I haven't eaten it since November 2005. Do I miss it? Because of my weight loss results not at all. When I smell the grease, I know that I am still addicted. I want to just lick it but to start this journey all over again and relearn the meaning of food and how important it is to eat healthy to be successful, no thank you. I have a new lease on life and I have finally figured out how important it is to EAT TO LIVE AND NOT LIVE TO EAT................... I only wish that it didn't take me 35+ years to figure that one out. My new ADDICTION? Staying physically fit. Everytime I see a vein popping out of my arm while exercising or my thigh muscle protruding while doing squats or lunges it is such an exhileration for me. I even quit smoking December 25, 2006. Josephine Banded November 10, 2005 251/142 (- 109) No Fills Maintaining since July 25, 2006

Candle, I finally got the right mindset and also refused to allow food to run my life anymore. I was so tired of the roller coaster with my weight. I still though have the ability to go to the doc. and start having fills if I go back to my old ways. There will be no going back to the 251 lbs. that I was. I now have my TOOL that will help me stop before I would ever go over board again. Josephine Thanks for the congrats now because I can finally say I have maintained for over a year and that is what counts to me.

Rain, You certainly are not attacking it the wrong way. I know my doctor was very concerned with the pounds that I was losing monthly but I wasn't able to help it. Once I had the surgery I lost my interest in eating. I have to make myself eat 4 times a day to keep my weight on now and 2 times out of the 4 I am not even hungry. Due to fast weight loss though I ended up having a tummy tuck. I am sure it didn't help that either. Then again, I also have been told if a person is 100lbs. or more over weight for 5 years plus it is inevitable that a person will have excess skin. Josephine

Is there something that we are supposed to do to be sure that all is well with the band and port after a certain amount of time? People still try to tell me, well you have maintained for a year now so why don't you have it taken out but to me it is like asking a person to have a drink after they have been sober for a year. Would you ask them to take a sip, it won't hurt you. I don't think so. I just want to be sure all is well and it is still like new in there to where it is eroding and whatever else. Does anyone know future steps of the band? Josephine

Rain, I don't understand why you should get a fill....... A person should lose up to 10lbs. a month for a healthy weight loss. I never got a fill myself and lost 109 lbs. in 8 months with no fill. If you are not needing restriction but of course not starving yourself in the process then I don't think a fill is necessary. Josephine

I lost 32 lbs. myself and then averaged 12-15 lbs. a month after that. Josephine

Thank you for the info. Josephine