ljv52

BLK and Barb - Well, it IS a small world. My hubby is from Monterey, and he still has a a brother and sister, neices, nephews in Salinas. And San Francisco is my most favorite city in the world. If I ever get back there, I'll for sure will give a shout out. We love living in our small town here in Iowa but do miss a lot about California (like the weather -- we lived in Long Beach). My hubby would love to come for the garlic festival - maybe some day we will. I had a weird day -- maybe it was the weather -- rainy and cloudy and it was my day off from exercise, but I ate more than I usually do -- nothing bad, but had some extra food that I normally don't -- still stayed at around 1200 calories, but still it was the first time since my surgery that I've really caved in to some extra eating. Hopefully I'll get back on track tomorrow. Have a lovely week everyone. Linda

Hi everyone and happy Friday. Laura, my hubby has lost about 30 lbs. as well -- again, cause I'm not cooking for him and because we no longer have junk in the house. It's amazing how fast these men can lose weight without exercising (and without really trying in my hubby's case - -he eats whatever he wants darn him anyway!). Blklab, I too occasionally get that same kind of pain in my chest -- it's only been since my last fill. If it happens when I first start to eat, I think it's cause I ate too quickly or didn't chew well enough. Once I take a break for a few mins., it usually goes away and I can continue to eat but have to slow down and chew better. Other times I get that toward the end of my meal and I take it as my signal that I'm full, so I stop eating right then. I've been staying full on each meal for 5 to 6 hours, so I do think that I'm at a great restriction right now. It's rainy and cold here today but next week is supposed to be sunny and beautiful all week. Looking forward to that. Have a great weekend everyone. Linda

Congratulations Peanut, it is very exciting!! Is this your first baby? My hubby was born when his mom was 45 so don't worry - everything will be fine. Woman who have babies later in life seem to be much more relaxed with parenting. I think it's great. I only gained 22 lbs. with my pregnancy and had a 9 lb. baby so you don't have to gain a lot - I did water aerobics and walked 5 miles a day during my pg. and that helps to keep the weight off. You can still eat well. As my dietician told me, "white carbs are not a required part of any diet" so you can provide all you need for your baby with protein, milk products, veggies and fruit. Keep us posted on your progress. When are you due? Again, congratulations, such exciting news. Linda

Meredith, sorry you have to wait to get your date! Hopefully that nurse will get to it soon. I know how frustrating can be, but you're on the right road and it won't be long now! Nothing much new to report here. Yesterday was weigh in day and I lost 4 (because the scales didn't budge last week). It's so weird how our bodies act. Did any of you watch the Biggest Loser finale? The 47 year old woman, Helen won in a close contest -- she beat out the 20 something and the 18 year old. She's a great role model for women over 40. Todays food: omelet made with 1 serving of egg beater with 1/2 serving of Morning star sausage crumbles and 1 slice 2% borden American cheese; Yoplait non fat yogurt, one banana, sliced strawberries, steamed brocolli, grilled salmon steak and a McDonald's ice cream cone (my special treat this week). Total around 888. Exercise today was recumbant bike, 30 mins.; circuit training 30 mins.; water aerobics 60 mins. Laura, that Biggest Loser Scale sounds great -- I'm going to look for one -- so far I've been pretty much guessing on my weights of protein (using deck of cards visual), unless I buy things that are packaged according to weight. Bev, welcome and good luck to you on your journey! Charlene I hope your feeling better soon. I have 5 cc's in my band and feel restriction so I think I'll just keep it here for awhile -- I'm due to go in June 3, but don't really think I'm going to need another fill. I have never had anything stuck, but have had a few instances of the golf ball feeling in the chest when I first start to feel full or if I eat too fast. Janet glad you had a nice visit with your family and happy to hear they're home safe and sound. December, welcome - -this is a great site, you'll have lots of friends here to support you. Julie, you sound like you're doing great -- glad you have an appt. for a fill -- cause that means your healthy again. Apples, have fun at the lake! Linda

Hi everyone. Ms. Kelly, you've done great -- so good to hear from you again. Carolina Mom, keep up posted on what's happening. Pen, where are you? I hope you'll come back and let us know how you're doing. Linda

Hello hello hello, I feel like I've been gone forever. Had to catch up tonight on all the news. JoAnn, so glad you are home safe and sound and had a nice visit with your DD and grandkids. I don't think anyone really sleeps on planes - I never can either, and it sounds like the majority of us in here don't either. It would be so nice if we could. For some strange reason, I want to be fully awake in case something happens. That's so dumb. Julie, so happy you are feeling better and able to watch your grandbaby. It sounds like you are getting stronger and stronger every day. Just remember to not overdo it. Recovery takes a lot more time than we realize. Meredith, I do water aerobics 5 times a week. My surgeon cleared me to start up again at my one week after surgery check up. I also ride a recumbant bike and do weight machines at the gym. Walking is such good exercise that I recently got a Leslie Sansome walking tape which is also good and my son bought me a Wii and Wii fit for my birthday/mother's day gift. Exercise is truly the key to successful weight loss. Not only do you burn fat with aerobic exercise, but you increase your metabolism and increase muscle mass with exercise which helps us to become fat burning machines! It's funny how quickly my body became adjusted to exercise again. I think our muscles have excellent memories. Janet, your visit with DS, DIL and grandkids sounds ilke it went well. I had to work all day yesterday, but that doesn't bother me. I still had a nice Mother's Day. All the kids called so that was lovely. Meredith, as far as pureed food went, I had a tough time with that. I had a bad gag reflex from it for some reason and so my doctor advised me to eat very very soft foods, like salmon patties, tuna, soft scrambled egg beaters, refried beans, etc. soupy oatmeal, soupy soup, non fat yogurt, non fat cottage cheese, sugar free pudding and jello. I made and ate a lot of homemade split pea soup and some bean soup that I was able to eat pureed. I also supplemented with some protein shakes during that time. Even though the food was soft I still ate very slowly and chewed it very very well. I know egg drop soup is another favorite in the lap band world. If you go to the food section here there are lots of suggestions for recipes for pureed foods and mushies, etc. Hope that helps. Just remember, to always follow your surgeon's guidelines and to always talk to your surgeon (or dietician at your clinic) before eating anything that is not on your recommended food list for each stage. Each patient is so different and your surgeon or dietician needs to be aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Apples you are so cute with your blackberry addiction -- I love all fruit, always have. For some reason though, when I was eating badly (fattening foods), I tended to not eat much fruit -- now that I'm back to eating healthy again, fruit is again just a natural part of my diet. Laura, so glad your Mom's okay -- that was a great Mother's Day gift for both you and your mom. Barb, thanks for joining our group. Us newbies need as many of you experienced banders to help us along our journeys. Congratulations on doing so well with your band and for maintaining it. I think coming here and sharing is all a big part of the whole experience that will help us all stay accountable. MeMe, it sounds like you're struggling with food choices but trust that everyone here is here for YOU and wants you to succeed. I know it's hard to give up some favorite foods, but I can honestly say that I feel so much better now that I don't eat fried foods (they gave me terrible heart burn EVERY day) and foods full of fat. I have found that planning my meals and always having my food stocked in my fridge and house is very important. If you would log your food intake on a website like thedailyplate.com you would be able to compare the difference in calories and fat grams between a baked chicken leg and a fried chicken leg which would probably help you make better decisions. I wish you all the best and hope you'll continue to stay with us on your journey. Well, I didn't mean to write a book here, but just wanted to check in. Today's food: Brunch was 1 Morning Star Sausage Patty with 2 servings of Egg Beaters Original scrambled with 1 slice of 2% Amer. Cheese, a few strawberries and 1/2 banana mixed with non fat Yoplait yogurt. Dinner was grilled chicken breast and soured green beans and snack was sugar free pudding and sugar frree jello. Around 1100 calories. I rode recumbant bike for 40 mins. did weight machines for 30, and did 60 mins. of water aerobics. My weigh in day is tomorrow and I hope the scale moves (it didn't budge last week). Have a good Tuesday everyone! Linda

Hi everyone, Julie, happy belated anniversary -- sounds like you had a lovely time and sounds like you're doing better. Meredith, sorry about your having to wait til next Wed. for your date. I know how exciting it is and I hope you can be scheduled soon. I gave my ddil a Pandora bracelet last year for her b-day, sounds like a great idea, may buy one for myself. They are really neat bracelets. Phyll sorry about your knee. If it's not one thing, it's another. I have a bad left hip and all my docs told me that if I lost 50 lbs. they thought it would be much better. Well, it's still the same after 60 lbs. I keep hoping it will improve, but so far, no such luck. No one ever x-rayed it or anything, they just looked at me and said, "well, your too heavy, that's why it hurts." Another good reason to get the band and lose the weight -- then maybe a doctor will DO something besides telling me "it's cause you're fat." Oh, well, sorry for the rant, just got off the subject, I do hope you can get your knee fixed or at least stay as pain free as possible. Everyone have a lovely Mother's Day and enjoy your families!! I didn't lose any weight this week, but all my new clothes are just too big. I realized that today when I was getting ready to go to a parade -- everything I bought for my trip to Vegas last month is already too big. It's great!!! I'm losing inches faster than pounds I think. I was complaining to my DH who said, "oh well, just go buy some new ones" -- that's a great perk about this weight loss. Janet, it sounds like you're doing great on getting rid of your 2 pounds -- I hope when I'm done losing and trying to maintain that I'm as good as you are. We went to a parade today (tulip time in Pella, Iowa) and I had no carnival food at all -- I was so proud of myself -- I took some grapes and snacked on them instead of partaking of all the goodies like corn dogs, dutch letters and funnel cake! My DH had my share and then some! Welcome to the newbies -- you've come to the right place for support and advice. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Linda

Kawasaki, so sorry to hear of your troubles, but so glad you took action and got it taken care of. Hopefully after you heal, you can go back and start over with your fills. I've only had 2 fills and don't go for my third until June 3. I currently have 5 ccs in a 10 cc band and have little to no restriction now (it's been about 2 weeks after my fill and I did feel great restriction at first). Did they put you liquids for a week or so? I know I've heard that it's important to heal your stomach after that kind of trauma. Hope you are feeling better. Thanks for sharing your story, as it's something we may all face in the future. Congratulations with your weight loss! You've done fantastic!! Linda

TxSue, I was cleared for water aerobics the week after surgery (really surprised me). I did that for the first month and then started riding a recumbant bike (started at about 15 mins. per session - you have to start slow, remember) and now have slowly worked up to 40 to 45 mins. each session). By 6 weeks after surgery, I was cleared to do anything I wanted, including using circuit training machines. However, brisk walking is one of the very best things you can do for yourself - it's aerobic and builds muscle which is why I bought a good walking tape and am doing that 3 times a week. Whatever you do it's important to work different muscles -- to get good results and to keep from getting bored, mix up your exercise. I do bike, water aerobics and circuit training on M, W & Fri. Walking and step aerobics on Tues, Thursday and Sat and I take at least one day completely off each week, sometimes I take both Sat. and Sun off. If you do strength/circuit training, be sure to give your muscles rest time -- many people work upper body one day and lower body the next. Good luck to you on your journey. Linda

Julie, so glad you are hiring a sitter for the baby. You are one heck of a lady and I'm sure everyone appreciates all you do, but right now you need to heal and get your strength back. I'm sure the baby will do just fine and this way you'll be ready to babysit again that much sooner! Sorry to hear about your brother's surgery, and I'm sure you'll be very helpful to him -- you have a lot of knowledge that would help him if he'll let you. I hope he can stop the smoking -- I am a former smoker and can tell you that it was the hardest thing I ever did in my life -- and I did put on lots of weight when I quit. I'm proud to say it's been over 5 years since I quit and I know I will never ever have another cigarette -- it's not something I even think about anymore and they are available to me -- my hubby still smokes (in the garage or on the patio only). It's not easy but I hope your brother will be able to overcome that habit. Keep positive thoughts for him. Laura, your son is so adorable, it makes me miss those years when my son was young (he's 37 this year) and when my step son was young (I raised him from the age of 3 and he's now 20). I adore my granddaughter but there's a special place in my heart for little boys too! Apples, I'm so glad you have your lake place -- you deserve to enjoy a few days of rest -- you work so hard. I was raised on a farm and I know it's constant WORK. My grandma was also cooking and baking bread. When you write about the meals you make it makes me remember my childhood -- it's lovely to have such great memories. Janet, glad you're feeling better. I'm bad about remembering my vitamins too (Flinstones) but think I could benefit from some B complex too with all the exercise I'm doing. I had my interview for that new job today -- it went well, I should know something by end of next week. If that doesn't happen, I think I could switch to days in my own dept. as one of the day girls gave notice today. So, either way, I think I'll be changing schedules. When I had my sleep study last summer, the sleep study doctor told me to quit working nights -- that it's not healthy to change your body's natural rhythm. It's been bugging me ever since she said that. Did I mention I bought one of those Jennie O Turkey tenderloins? I saw it on Biggest Loser a few weeks ago and then bought one at Sam's club. I baked in my convection oven with my probe and it turned out great -- nice and moist and delicious. Has only 1 gram of fat and 110 calories per 4 oz. Just thought I'd pass that info along. Have a great Tuesday everyone! Linda

Hi Carolina Mom, 40 pounds is great, but why no fill? My suggestion is to get a fill. Is there some medical reason why you haven't had one? Other than that, you might step up your exercise or switch it around a bit -- if you've been doing the same thing over and over try something new. Also, if you aren't logging your foods, try to do that and try varying your calories -- one day 900, the next 1300, etc. etc. That seems to help people get off a plateau. But you're already doing great -- with 4 kids you probably don't have time to even eat! Glad to hear from you. Linda

My doctor is much more aggressive than yours. I too have a 10cc band and had surgery 1-27. First fill was 3-11 was 3 ccs and second fill on 4/22 was 2 ccs. I had good restriction for only about a week after each fill. I think it's cause I'm losing quite fast and the fat pad is decreasing quickly. But I've not had any problems with pb'g or being stuck or sliming or anything. Linda

I'd agree and wait until after vacation. That's what I did. I got back from Hawaii on Jan. 12 and started pre op diet Jan. 13 and had surgery Jan. 27. I was more than READY to begin my journey. Enjoy your trip and you'll be even more successful when you do have surgery. Linda

I too have terrible gas since my surgery in January. My surgeon told me to take a metamuscil fiber supplement (I use Walgreens brand, think it's called Walmuscil or something). You mix 1 teaspoon with water (it's orange flavored). It's not great, but I have terrible gag reflex and I can drink it. I just drink it first thing in the morning. You must take it EVERY day -- it helps - my gas is gone and when I do get it I take a few charcoal pills (they are capsules and you could open them up and put them in something) which also help. My problem was really bad and this has helped it amazingly well. Good luck. Linda.

I am happy that I chose to have lap band surgery. As you can see, I'm down 61 lbs. since I started the pre-surgical diet on Jan. 13, 2009. The key is that none of these procedures are a "magic cure all" -- you still have to work hard -- to change your relationship to food (we are addicts) and you must make a conscious decision to add exercise to your life (not just briefly, but for the rest of your life). Otherwise, none of the procedures will keep the weight off forever, only WE can do that by what we eat and how we move our bodies. Good luck to you. Linda

First, I would talk to the hr dept. at your work and find out what is going on with your insurance. Second, if if your insurance coverage has actually changed and you will have to pay the $125 per fill, I would talk to the doctor's office about a payment plan. If you can afford say $50 per month, would they be agreeable to you paying that? I get fills about every 6 weeks right now, so you'd be able to make 2 payments between each fill so you wouldn't get too far behind. And, of course, make sure your doctor is aware of this situation so that he/she can make sure your fills are adequate. I know some doctors are more conservative with fills than others, so make sure your doctor understands that you are paying a lot of money for each fill. Good luck, I wish you the best. Linda

Diva, I would recommend you start reading the thread by Indiogirl and joining in on that discussion thread. Indio (Janet) and all the ladies there are very supportive and helpful and I'm sure you'll find some help with them as well as here in your own thread. I wish you luck. Linda

Everybody must be busy. Did my 5 miles walkng tape today and 40 mins. of step aerobics on my Wii. Feeling good. Have a great week everyone! It's beautiful here today! Linda

Hi I just got Wii and Wii fit for my birthday (4/22). i love the step aerobics on it. I think anything we do to move is good for us. It's fun and addictive as well. Good luck on your band journey! Linda

Wow, Janet, that was quite a workout you had this morning. I sweat a lot too. I think I read somewhere that you sweat more the more in shape you become. I know I'm sweating more now than I did when I first started. Spring must be keeping everyone busy. I watched my neice graduate from college (Univ. of Southern Florida at Tampa) this a.m. They had a live feed which was so neat, I got to see her walk up on stage and get her diploma. So neat. I got no sleep last night (on call with work over night and had no down time) so had to nap when work was over at 2 pm today. So no exercise for me today, which is fine, needed one day off. Will do something tomorrow. Have a great Sunday everyone! Linda

Oh my, I know how to spell license!! LOL. Too funny.

Laura, OMG that poor woman who is having that brain surgery. Head hunger is a terrible thing. Love your story about the bread place - I had a similar experience today. I went to have my driver's license renewed and when I handed the clerk my old liscense she did a double take and said, "My goodness, you look amazing! You've lost a lot of weight, haven't you?" That was fabulous! After having people I know well not even mention my weight loss, it was great that a stranger would comment. Really made my day. My new pic looks great, I won't be so ashamed to show my liscense now. I always hate my pics when I'm fat, but I've lost enough that I look good again in the pics. Apples, I didn't mean to leave you out, you've been a wonderful help to me too! Linda

Laura, I went back to a sticky under fills and read the entire thread started by Wendall Edwards -- "How the Lapband Works, Fills and Unfills" and I feel I got a better understanding from reading that on what to expect on fills. He describes losing the "fat pad" around the stomach which causes the band to loosen up. I felt great restriction the first week after my last fill and still have some but can tell it's already getting looser and I'm sure that by week 6 (time for my next fill) I'll be ready for another small one. Janet, that Oprah show was so timely for us here and I kept the recording of it on my DVR so I can watch it over and over and over again when I need a good reminder. You are such a great mentor, Janet, I wouldn't be where I am today without you and all the other ladies here, Long, Phyl, etc. Thanks for all the help, wisdom and love. Have a good weekend, it's my Monday! Linda

Janet, glad you're feeling a bit better. Gosh, did any of you see Oprah today? Kirsty Ally was on and she's gained back all her weight plus 10 more and then this guy who was once 1100 pounds lost down to 298 and then gained it all back and now is down 500 lbs. and counting. The show was basically about how you have to change your lifestyle including eating healthy and exercising for the rest of your life. It's what all of us here are hoping we are doing. I thought of you Janet and your 1.5 lbs. and thought, "she knows what she's doing to get a grip on it now." It's something we all are going to have to face -- we are going to have to live the rest of our lives this way. It was a show I'm glad I saw -- none of us is going to be immune from this, but we are the lucky ones, because we have a tool to help us. I am again so thankful that I found out about the band, researched it and was brave enough to have the surgery. Have a great weekend everyone! Linda

Hi everyone. Good idea, Apples, support Janet day. Janet, we all love you, you are our rock and our guide in helping us get through our difficult times. You KNOW you're strong you know NOTHING is going to stand in your way! You'll get that 1.5 lbs. off, you will because you KNOW you CAN. Hope this helps. Some time when I feel the lowest and think, oh, why bother, that's when I get up and just do something and that usually puts my frame of mind in a better place. Exercise and eat right and then celebrate your success by doing something nice for you -- a bubble bath or a massage or even a pedicure -- you'll feel better afterwards. We're all here to support you! Holly, thanks for your kind words. I am pushing myself right now a little harder because I'm at a point where I could plateau if I don't step it up. Plus that silly woman on Wii Fit keeps telling me I'm unbalanced and my weight has not changed since last time. So, it keeps me moving forward!! Apples, glad the weather is nice enough for you to go to the lake. I'm jealous. Have a great day everyone! Linda