debbieperez55

I am so glad you are all hanging in there. If I had to give anyone advice it would be that this is NOT the easy way. You have to work, hard, to keep everything under control. Stress can undermine all your hard work.

My husband HATED me thinner. Just found out he thought I was having an affair because I wore make up. He liked me at 300 pounds!

Well, I just dropped another 135 pounds, my husband. Discovered he was the cause of my stress and stress eating. Have not been happy for a very long time but I didn't want to be a failure.

Well I am not a failure, I have one success at a time. My weight is falling off again and my Daughter supports my efforts. What a difference. If your partner does not support your efforts you will not succeed. Let me know how you are doing

Anyone out there??? I gained and fell off the wagon. My drug of choice, Cereal. I was embarrassed to go back to my surgeon because the insurance fought for two years to pay for my last fill, after the approved it. My regular GP talked me into going back.

Well, things changed, they do fills in the office now and have a nutritionist. I talked to her forever. I walked in crying and depressed and left a new person. No judging. I just got a fill and have the restriction again. What a wonderful feeling.

I have lost almost 20 pounds -- again! I am taking it 10 pounds at a time.

So if anyone is out there, how are you doing?

I am no longer banded. I lost my band on 1-11-11 but gained an RNY. I have already lost 25 pounds in two weeks. So I'm pleased. And I've already lost high blood pressure, and my diabetes. I have developed sleep apnea since getting my lapband. the thought is, within the next three months I'll be cured of my sleep apnea, which is mild, and not requiring a cpap or anything.

Teri

Teri, I am SO HAPPY for you. You have been through hell and finally you found your "sweet spot". I am just sorry that you had to go through so much. It should have been easier for you in the beginning. Everything that could go wrong did. It was just a bad thing.

This is a whole lot harder than I had expected. When I see the billboards for 1800getthin, I want to wipe the smile off the skinny girl's face. This is hard work. I am now a Vegan, and still I have problems. I do not eat a lot of things because they still trigger, Cereal is a big one. And to boot I have worse reflex than before. I just have to be careful, nothing and I mean nothing 2 hours before bed and no chocolate after 5. I drink a Vegan protien drink, chocolate, to make sure I get enough protien, but I don't mind. But on the good side, no problems with the band, only the Insurance Co, they still have not paid for the fill last year and I am getting bills (I have an HMO and got a referral)

Anyway, I am just so happy for you. This was right for you and it is working. Even your post is happy. Let me know how you are doing.

Take Care Debbie

Hi all! I have not been on in awhile. I too have been a slow loser. I'm ok w/ that. I could have done better if I followed my plan better. Like someone said earlier...if I did not have my band I would have gained all of my 50 lbs back by now! I have not had a fill since about spring and I can eat anything at this point. I have gained about 5 lbs so I need a fill! This is the 1st i have gained in 2 yrs. Gotta get back on the horse!

Get back on the horse??? I think I shot mine dead!!! Maybe they have CPR :smile: Reincarnation .....

I continue to wish you all well. My two year bandiversary was last thursday, and at this point I've gained two pounds. Some being Fluid.

My loosing the band, doesn't mean that i do not believe in it. It means I'm tired of slipping. My band has slipped twice in 2010. Which means I'm more likely to continue to slip. I've always had a pressure in my chest eating, first bite, or even a sip. I have had a nasty return of my reflux, and that fix was a hope of mine.

Teri

Teri -- I wish you the best. You have gone through so much. You know, this isn't exactly like they said it would be. It is much MUCH more difficult. I know that the RNY will work for you and I pray that this will fix everything. Keep your Chin up. We all love you!! You have always been our cheerleader..... Take Care and continue to let us know how you are doing. Deb

Hi everyone. I have been fighting with my insurance and IPA since September. I finally won and have an appointment to see my surgeon on the 10th. I have NO restriction and have gained some weight, I was up to 192 and I was 190 today at my Dr.

I have a mental block against meat so I have been eating only whole grain cereal and vegetables. I drink vegitarian protien drinks to make sure I get enough protien. My biggest problem is nuts and whole grain crackers. I still do not eat rice, potatoes, bread, sugar, fried anything and of course fats. I know that the nuts are a downfall and have cut them out. I was doing good only drinking shakes, but stress caused some eating and damn if those crackers don't add up.

So it is still a stuggle. My Dr is still proud of my progress, but we are all afraid of any weight gain. We both just want me to stay at 180.

I have had chest pains which only make me more "meat" phobic. I now have nitro pills and heart meds. Funny, loose all this weight and now this popps up. But I know that the damage I did to my body will last the rest of my life.....

Hang in there everyone. I hope you are all having more success than me. :smile2:

Ankpta, so glad you got your fill and you are back on the road.

Terri, looks like you are on the right road. I am thrilled that things are finally going your way. You deserve this, you have worked hard and not given up.

Me, I am close to tears. I am starving all the time. I have become Vegetarian, mostly, and now drink a Vegetarian Protien drink. I still get gas, but not like I get when I eat animal protien. I don't know what is up with my body. It would be nice to see my surgeon, but I am still fighting.

I have begun getting pressure in my chest and at least this time I told my Dr. I am now on an asprin a day, low dose. I don't know what the pressure is but I know I am stressed over my weight staying the same for a very long time and now it is going in the wrong direction. I am discourage, extremely, all this and now a fight. I knew it was too good to be true. I always waited for the other shoe to fall and I guess it did

I am in hell. My company changed insurance companies. Had to change IPA's. They denied my referral to see my surgeon. Appealed to the insurance company. The new insurance company, Aetna, denied my appeal. They will not allow me to see my Surgeon. "It is not a medical necessity" and the appeal actually said that I did the band for cosmetic reasons and my own personal comfort. Give me a friggin break. I have gained - I am up to 186. I need a fill. I am upset and find myself stress eating. I feel like telling them that since they will not allow me to maintain the band I want it removed. Then I will gain back 100 pounds or more, much more. Then I will become a diabetic again. And in a year or so they can pay for my tripple bypass and my care after my stroke. What is wrong with them. AND - I cannot find a place to get my fills. The Drs I have called tell me that they will not fill bands they didn't put in. I am screwed......:cursing:

I'm giving the thought of switching from LAP-BAND® to RNY some serious thought... in fact so much so I've contacted my surgeon to go over my options.

Teri

Teri,

I know you have had more than your share of problems. At times it has seemed so unfair that you were given even more challanges in your life. But you are a fighter and I know that everything is going to work out for you. I pray that you and your surgeon make the choice that is right for you. Whatever that is, please remember, you will always be a September Samurai. We all love and care for you. You may have an RNY, but we all share the same lives and experiences. We all understand and support you 150%.

Hey - maybe they can use your existing band scars or even make a happy face design for you :redface: :cursing: :wink2:

Take Care and let us know how things go.

My year has royally sucked. I'm on the verge of firing my surgeon's too. I still am not at my "sweet spot" can't seem to find it. Either I'm always getting stuck, or it goes right thru. So ok, I'm a failure at yet another thing. I went into surgery at 242. Today i sit here at 232. Wooo hooo 10 pounds lost. In a year? I could have done that before. I'm at the point I'm thinking about looking into revision surgery. My surgeon's started doing it, but the PA and I are not seeing eye to eye.

Teri

Teri, I understand the Dr sucking, for me it was after the surgery they treat you different. And after this last farce, he was there and just stared at me. Why would I just show up, and on my 1 year anniv yet? Good Greif give me a break, he keeps you waiting hours, you think I am going to take off work for nothing! Enough of that, it just pisses me off again.

So what is the revision? Are you going to have it removed? Let me know, I think of you a lot and do hope that things start working your way.

Take care

Debie

I feel normal again. As always, you all write and I find my thought, my fears, my problems. It is nice to be with those who know, really know, what I am feeling and experiencing. Maybe we NEED to stay in touch to KEEP in touch, with our bodies and our minds.

I have been on the longest plateau. I have been within 4 pounds for months. I just lost a pound and was so glad. But, I have to admit, even though the number is still large, 178, I am not unhappy with me. So I think in a way my "brain" has affected my body too. I have always said it was my health so the number doesn't bother me that much. Actually, not having to buy new clothes again has been a blessing.

I still have trouble. Afternoons and/or "mindless eating", can cause pain which is always followed by sliming. I remember when I first started I needed someone to graphicly explaine Sliming and PBing. Don't need those graphics anymore. Anyway it is the "mindless" that gets me into trouble. Before I know it, too fast, too large, too much. I am learning, they are less frequent, but it still pisses me off that I was stupid for that one moment.

I too miss bread. I am back to very low carbs, only oatmeal that one that has extra Fiber. As I have discussed before, I have developed food alergies so I have given up most everything. My stomach distress (gas):scared2: keeps me on the straight and narrow. I had subsituted Cereal for some things I miss, but found I could not control my portions and I found I was eating Cereal every meal. So, no cereal for me. Loved that chocolate shreaded wheat. I miss Dairy, no pudding, cottage cheese, or chocolate. Even tried Almond Milk, but that gives me problems too. So, Rice Milk for me, and I have yet to find rice milk pudding - sounds gross anyway.

My insurance changed so I have no idea what I will do for follow up and fills. I called a Dr in my Medical IPA and was told they only do fills on bands they install. I am so distressed. I went for my last visit, my insurance let me have one. Made my appointment, faxed copies of my card. Show up on the day I was told, early of course, THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHY I WAS THERE. THEY DIDN'T SHOW I HAD AN APPOINTMENT. So no one year visit for me. I guess if something happens I get to go to the emergency room and pray they know what a lap band is. :thumbup:

But I miss all of you and after reading all your posts I know that I need, I have to stay in touch. I need you. I can't do this alone.

Take care - thanks for being there. Debbie

Hi Everyone - so nice to hear from you all and to see that I am not the only one STUCK at the same weight loss. I think I shall stay at 179 - 182 forever. Actually, it is not a bad weight.

Most times I do real good and then sometimes I 'munch" Cereal. Healthy whole grain, but still carbs. I had tried to do just protien, no carbs at all, but the carb craves over came me. And I think it wasnt healthy for my body as a whole.

Because of food alergies, I eat a lot of egg white, tuna and other fish, moist chicken. I have to drink Rice Milk or Almond Milk. No dairy, soy or whey at all so all protien drinks are out the window. Has nothing to do with the band, just my stupid body thinking that 50 ment that I needed more excitement or it was my body getting pissed because I quit giving it french fries and burritos so it decided to get even.

:biggrin:

Sometimes I have trouble and I know I have taken in more than 3/4 cup. I sometimes fear I have stretched my pouch, but then the next meal, 3/4 cup is all it takes. I think it might have something to do with liquid. I like a thinner consistancy but that doesn't stay in your pouch.

I have started mixing egg white in my oatmeal so I get a high protien, high Fiber "custard like" constancy. Stays with me longer and I know I am getting my protien

All in all, I would do it again in a heart beat. It was the perfect choice for me. And the scale, I step on it and if it moves slightly, I cut back and exercise more.

Oh - MY hair IS GROWING BACK A LITTLE. I don't loose my hair like I use to. The Surgeon was right, hanging skin and loosing your hair, you needed to be prepared.

I know I am early when I say this, put we should all be proud of our successes,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTEMBER SAMURAIS, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

I just got approved and am having mine Sept 16th. Exitited :biggrin:and really really nervous :thumbup: at the same time. Let me know how you do. Im also worried about the 2 week liquid diet but I know I have to do it maybe we can encourage each other when we are having trouble it would be nice to talk to someone who understands how im feeling.

EVERYONE IS NERVOUS AND EXCITED. That is what makes doing the liquid diet so easy. You are getting down to the wire. Your excitement will carry you through. It is only a little longer. Plan ahead, make sure you have enough protien drink, popsicles - sugar free, and other liquids for immediately after. YOU are going to be surprised how wonderful you feel right after. But right now, continue getting as much information as you can. As my mentor told me, you need to read the good the bad and the ugly. Sept 16, makes me smile and kind of sad. I was still jumping through hoops days before my surgery. I thought for sure that it was going to be cancelled. So do you have a support group you can attend? It is hard to find bandsters and it's funny, at my surgeon, everyone had the gastric bypass. One day I met another bandster. It was like heaven.

Don't stress about the little things, just make sure you have all your insurance issues taken care of.

So how are you feeling, are you ready for the change?

Teri, how are you doing?

That is fantastic that you Dr gave you the heads up. You should do liquid for a while after a fill anyway. Wow, you had another fill. I think I am at my max, lot less than you have. Do you have problem with sliming or PB. I never thought I would have a problem, but I had to go on a liquid after my last "sliming" incident. After all this time, I still mess up. Mindless, emotion eating.

Good Luck on your "jump start". Sometimes it is just enough to get our bodies going again.

Take care :smile2:

Debbie

Thank you all so much

Yesterday I tried on a pair of capri's from Walmart. Not the best quality and of course they were the stretch material. I picked up a 12/14 but then on impulse I picked up the 8/10. I know I don't fit into an 8/10 but I thought what the hell.

I decied to try the smaller size first. The waist was snug going up my hips, but it was not an impossible journey either. I got them up. They were snug on my thighs (I had no idea they were so slim, giggly by slim). The down side, the waist cut in. But they fit in the tush.

OH MY GOD --- they were on. A snug fit, would leave a mark on my waist, but they fit. If not for the hanging skin they would have fit.

Of course I bought the larger 12/14, they were comfortable. But I have decided. I am going back. I am going to get those 8-10 and I am going to wear them in Vegas.

Hubby said they made the tush look good, first pants that didn't bag in the bum.

I will just wear a looser top to cover the little "muffin top" that was created.

I know, vain, but OH MY GOD I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. Hubby told me it doesn't matter the hanging skin, look where how far I have come. He loves me, all of me, hanging skin and all.

Teri, has it been 9 months already. You look MARVELOUS! And taking the pics in front of the same door was a GREAT idea. It really shows your progress, and it helps that the door has lines.

I am so happy for you. It seems like everything is coming together for you. You have worked so hard, harder than most, and over come so many obsticles. Don't let the scale run your life. We all have small ups and downs, we are women after all. Hormones, thank god we get to blame those damn hormones.

But, you are doing fantastic and you should be so proud of yourself. Our one year anniversary will be here before we know it.

Feel good about the accomplishment you have made. You deserve a huge pat on the back!

Take care

Debbie

Amazing how can fill can change everything.

And yes it is easy to get off track with eating and exercise. During the winter I just couldn't do it. My body ached and I was tired all the time. Found I was suffering from LOW blood pressure, needed to quit all BP meds, but exercise was not coming back. I even quit my walks, which I use to love. Now I am the proud owner of an elliptical and I am working my up to sweat. 16 minutes, but I could barely do two minutes a few weeks ago. Don't beat yourself up, look where you have come.

Once you get back on track you will do fine.

Hey Slim, glad to see your shinning face:wink2:

Take care.

Nizee

I understand. Getting the exercise is hard. But you may not realize you are already getting some. Walking up and down those stairs. So instead of stressing over not getting "exercise", increase what you are doing. Make extra trips up and down the stairs. Deliver that paper yourself. Power walk down that hall.

I have heard that breaking up your exercise is fine. Take a walk during lunch. That is how I started. Now, I purchased something for me. I bought an elliptical. I am up to 16 minutes, it is a lot harder than you think. But I was smart, I am a couch potato. I put the damn thing in front of the TV. Now I get to watch TV and get my exercise at the same time.

Now about the fill. You are going to another country. Finding a Dr in case you have a problem could be a problem. You might want to go along with Hubby this time. Maybe if you had a couple months before you were scheduled to leave. Be smart, stay prepared. If getting enough protien will be a problem, take some protien powder with you. But try to be prepared. I take it you are from Pakistan. That means comfort food. MMMmmmm comfort food, what ever country you are from that means trouble. Do the best you can and remember to chew chew chew. You dont want to get stuck.

Take care and enjoy your time. And don't sweat, you are already exercising, just not the Gym type!

I'm at around 5 ccs (my surgeon only gives a round about number because he feels people focus to much on that). i have a 10 cc. Anyway, I'm feeling better restriction. Last time I was at a 5 I so totally got stuck. I have finally learned to chew chew and chew some more. Funny thing is it messes with the brain. I used to be able to eat more (amount wise), but not now. I get fuller on less chewing more. Strange. Anyway my scales not moving, but my measurements are. I started this journey with a waist measurement of... 48.5 inches. I'm down to a 38.75 inch waist. I'm also down in the hips, not as dramatic starting... 53 inches, now 49.5. Yes I'm quite hippy. But my bf is enjoying the shape that I'm becoming. I havent lost in the girls area. That's good. I have lost a 1/4 of an inch in my fore arms, and half in my wrists. Never measured my thighs in the beginning. But I'll take it. Truthfully, i've lost 2 1/4 inches from my waist in the last month. I've really bumped up activity levels. And just this week Brandon and I have started racing and riding bikes. I get awfully sweaty. So I know I'm doing some good. :sad: I have a bike seat for Matthew, and a trailer on order, but am a bit nervous to put the seat on, as IF I crash he'll get hurt. I'm not that steady on it yet. Prior to this week, it was 7 yrs ago that I rode bike last. I wiped out so bad I had stones inbedded in my knee and hand. So I'm a bit nervous, but I weigh less than I did 7 yrs ago. And I have a nice mountain bike, which I think will work out better in the surroundings I have here.

Deb, you've been such a wonderful supportive friend, as has slimntrim, and the others. :frown:

I took a break, because I too was discouraged. But thru my dr's support (god I love my surgeon/team) and thru the Lindora program that is tied in with the allergan bands, I have gotten back on track.

teri

Teri, I am so glad everything is going better for you. You deserve the best. Don't worry about that stupid scale. I hate that thing. It will move, I promise.

And you are right, you have to CHEW CHEW CHEW. Sometimes I feel like I don't have restriction, then I forget and YIKES, man does that hurt.

I'm glad you are working with your Dr. They know everyone is different and some people just need more TLC. Remember, eveyone is different, thank goodness. Your journey is uniquely yours, but now that everything is back on track you will loose. So glad your problems are in the past, you had such a hard winter.

But think about it. Look what you have accomplished! Look how far you have come. It is FANTASTIC. Also, remember how you might have delt with some of those obsticles, food - right? But you didn't and kept at it and you are a success!

So here is a big HUG - I am so proud of you. We will do it together.

Take care sweetie. We all care so much about you.

Debbie

(and keep on biking):cursing:

ya know I had a thought last night.... How much would we weight had we not had our surgeries? The way I was gaining I'd be in the 290's by now. Means I'm down 70 pounds + from where I'd be now without wls. Thats a wonderful thought!

I'm stuck, not from eating, on the scale. My body loves the high 220's and low 230's. Plus I'm fighting horrible Constipation issues.

I have picked up a few "sport" related interests. I'm really enjoying riding bike with my oldest son. Can't go far, as the twins can't be with me until I'm a little more secure on the bike It's been seriously 7 yrs since I sat on one, and I'm a bit shaky yet. I do have a seat for Matthew, and a cart for them both. Not sure yet which will work out best.

Teri

Teri, I hear you with the scale being stuck. I am loosing 1 pound a month, so I bought an elipitical. I had heard how wonderful it was and it was easy on the knees. In the store I was a little champ. Now at home - OMG :eek: I did 5 minutes the first day three times. Now two days later, my thighs are burning and my arms are dead. WHAT WAS I THINKING. But then again, I died when I started walking too. The bike, a good thing. And just think, your tushie will now fit on the seat :wink: Also, doing the family thing is perfect exercise. Makes it more fun for all! Keep it up, you are doing fantastic.

Okay, constipation, what are you doing? I have been this way since surgery. Surgeon said one or two bms a week is normal. :eek: I hate this part but I guess when you don't eat very much.......

AND - Not only do I have that, but I started getting gas - very bad, bloating and lets just say you can now call me "stinky". :cursing: It is soooooo embarrassing. I even went to my Dr, I was so humilated. Turns out I am now sensative to animal protien! :sad: GIVE ME A BREAK, I was barely eating animal protien as it was! I am now on SOY milk :frown: , YUCK, no more milk, whey or animal protien. What is up with that? So now I am a vegetarian and I have to take acidoliphis to get my digestive system back in sinc. I do however get to eat lots of tuna and other fish. BTW, chocolate soy milk, light with less sugar and fat, is GOOD! So I am breaking in slowly. Gotta have my chocolate fix, even if it is soy. :wink:

Okay, I will give up meat, just get me regular, please.

Take care Teri, just hang in there. Oh, and I agree, without the surgery we all would have been a lot more than where we started. I believe I would have topped you, I know I would have been over 300 easy.

and yes, you are right, I cannot spell today//// it has been a long long day and i am tired......

I am there with you too.

My insurance changed so I got a fill on the last day of the old insurance. I talked the Dr into going for broke. I have to be SO CAREFUL. I had never slimmed before and I thought, OH YEAH, right, that happens to only fools. Welcome to the fools club Debbie! Slimming is just what it is called. YUCK

Anyway, I can get stuck at the drop of a hat, but it always clears. I am TIGHT in the am and have to have loose hot Cereal. I am okay with tuna and steak, but no chicken. Has to be moist.

I still drink a lot of protien drink because I was not getting enough protien. Then I quit carbs and had to add them back in. It messes with your body. You need everything, Protien, Veggies, and Carbs (but good carbs)

So I hear your pain and I understand. Perhaps 7 was too much, maybe halfway in between.

I got approved to go to three follow up visits with my old Dr and then I have to go to someone completely new. That is going to suck. And fills, mine have all been floura, now I don't know.

So hang in there. You are doing TERREFIC.

Slim, you are the best! You have always been there for me and I think of you often.

Gus-Gus, let us know how it goes. Good luck

Deb

I thought I was the only one who didn't post as often as I use to. But when I look at our list it looks barren and I feel bad. So I guess this is guilt guiding me. But still I want to say this:

When I first began I could not make it through the day if I didn't spend hours on the computer. I remember when I started on lapbandtalk.com, it was right after being ridiculed by another group. I was so upset and everyone here was so supportative. And that was before the September Samurai's. I remember when we tried to come up with our name, and then some very talented people created the banner. And then the surgeries were scheduled. We were all so frightened. And then our fear of our livers came to the surface. EVERYONE was frightened that their liver had not shrunk enough and their surgeon would stop in the middle of our surgeries. We were all so excited, frightened, but still ready to start this new chapter in our lives.

And now here we are, 8 months later. Do you realize, that is almost a full term pregnancy? 8 months of ups and downs, a virtual emotional roller coaster, but what a ride!

For me, I think I took more than I gave. You ALL helped me more than I you can imagine. Your support helped me make it through some very tough times.

For me, it was the best thing I have ever done. I hope you are all doing well. Remember, as long as you have lost, you are a winner!

Even though I have not written, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am eternally gratefull for all you have given.

Huggs to all.......

Take Care

Love

Debbie

:tt1:hi,i was banded 3rd Sept 2008 i was at that time 213lb ,now i am 184lb,i did lost 2 stone but i want to lost one more stone ?i did start to day herbal life ,did any body tired?

I tried it years ago, it did not work, obviously.

I am the most satisfied when I eat solid food. I still use a protien drink as a snack. But, eating turkey and tuna works best for me. Of course I love that steak.

With the band they say it is best to eat solid food. It stays in the pouch longer, thus the reason for not drinking liquid for 60 min after you eat.

Let the band work with you. Perhaps you need a fill?

Take care

Debbie