debbieperez55

Thank you all so much for your support. Once I wrote it I was able to let it go. THANK GOODNESS You are all the best! Debbie

Went to Family get together yesterday and I am so PISSED!!! Okay, first, I am so very proud of myself. I have worked HARD to get where I am. I wear a very loose 18 down from a 28. Pretty Good RIGHT????? I got my "good" bra and a tight sweater, yes I wanted to show off. Maybe that is why I am upset. I wore my "thin" jeans, even though they are now too big. My Mother was blown away as was my Daughter and Son and their families. My SISTER IN LAW walked in and announced - I've lost 13 pounds on Weight Watchers. The next several hours was about how much she has lost and how she is down to a 12. She never took a breath, she just kept on talking about her losses. Okay if she doesn't wear an 18 or 20 - I am the EASTER BUNNY!!!!! I never brag about myself, so I sat there and fummed. My Cousin (elderly) brought up to my other Cousin, her brother, the doctor (never thought I would be able to say that), that I had a band and he asked me a few questions. My SISTER IN LAW cut in and hijacked the conversation. Okay, I didn't know the Cousins were going to be there, but I guess I was really proud of how I looked. YES, I WAS INTO MYSELF. I know I am not all that, but damn it, she lost 13 pounds and I have lost a WHOLE lot more. While she is "on stage" she tells me that she just had to make the decission to do something. I mentioned the band and she treats me like a FREAK. She has always been very heavy, and her Mom's weight took years off her life. I don't mind talking about the band, but I guess I have to learn to shut up to her. So I guess I learned a lesson about "gloating" and being all that or thinking you are. :huh2: I guess I should not have expected less from her. She is one of those that when you call, the entire conversation is about her and her illnesses and her job and her everything. I just let her talk, but yesterday it just got to me. Now I am ashamed, I should not have shown off like I did and I guess karma slapped me in the face. I guess I will never learn. Debbie

Funny that you said this, I have problems with chicken breast too. I had some El Pollo Loco chicken and almost died. I can eat chicken salad, but I have found any protien I eat has to be moist. Even eggs. I place them scambled in my oatmeal. Dry for some reason, I can feel it going all the way down and then I get that LUMP. Let me know about thigh meat. I can eat steak, Med Rare of course, but like I said, juicy meat, yes. Even lunch meat has to have mustard on it. I know gross, dipping turkey in mustard, but it works. I had stopped my protien drink and found my weight loss stalled. I started again this week and dropped three pounds. Anyone else have that happen? Maybe I wasn't getting enought protien. And YES my hair is still falling out. Take Care Debbie

You are right! Just do it, one day at a time. Measure, weight, whatever you need. Speak to your Surgeon, maybe you need a fill. But all in all, you HAVE lost weight. EVERYONE is different and they loose at different rates. The weather turned cold and I had put off my walks. Now my butt sags down to my knees. So what do I need to do, JUST DO IT. Today, maybe I will by legwarmers to keep my knees warm and I am going to go out! Thank you for KICKING MY BUTT TOO!!!!!

Teri, so glad to hear you are feeling better. It must be hard to have something like this happen. But you are on the mend and your tummy has had time to rest. So how is everything going? Let me know, I know you have been under a lot of stress lately. Debbie

Teri, sweetie, I am so sorry. I have been so wrapped in my own "crap" that I haven't checked on the board. Stress can cause all kinds of yuck. When I am stressed I feel tight, other times, the rest of the time, I don't feel anything. I was told about your stomach swelling. It will get better. I promise. Hang in there sweetie. As soon as the swelling goes down you will feel much better. Debbie

Angie, you have so much to look forward to, and one will not be the fear. We all understand, we have all been there. I was ashamed when my daughter got married and I tried on "mother of the bride" clothes. You will be radiant, glowing, and beautiful! Congradulations Debbie

Tina, also, check with your Dr, he might want to check your Thyroid. Worth a look. Maybe you are anemic, but Thyroid can mess with your periods and make you tired. Vitamins help too. But with the missed periods, check with your Dr. Take Care Debbie

Hey - I bought a bra today. I have gone down from a 48 to a 38. My bra size has not been in the 30s since I was in my twenties. I spent a lot of money but I got me a good one (my gift to me for hitting one of my goals). I went to one of those specialty stores where they fit you. The girls now are up where they belong. I cannot believe how wonderful it feels and looks. Also makes you waist look smaller when you don't have boobs hanging low over your tummy. I felt so fantastic I told her I would wear it out. Oh and did I mention I flashed my new bra to some grey haired ladies, they wanted to see it. They tried on a bra just like mine. Never in my life would I have done that, It was one of those moment, you had to be there things. Anyway it was all women and you know what, I would do it again. I hope no men read these, but I wanted to tell you guys, I have worked so hard and this was something just for me. I hope you understand. I don't mean to be a pervert or anything, Anyway, thanks for always being there. Debbie

First, I apoligize for the font on my signature. I am not a show off, but today I hit one of my goals. I am under 200 pounds. I cried. I will change the font later, but for now I weigh 199 (okay 199.8) but still 199 and I have lost 69 pounds. I love my band! Debbie:thumbup:

Funny you should mention that, I was told at my last fill that my port is slightly twisted also. It makes fills a little more intersting, they have trouble getting the needle into the correct spot, but he told me it isn't anything to worry about and it happens quite frequently. Glad you are doing so fantastic Take Care Debbie

Teri, that is so fantastic! You have been through so much. I take it the twins are getting over there Winter illnesses, you however, YIKES, that must be awful. Anyway I remember a few weeks back when they were ill and you were so frazzled. And now Matthew is walking. WAY TO GO MATTHEW :scared2: You won't be able to stop him now. And when would you have ever thought you were not eating enough! Isn't life funny. I am going to check it out. I am very courious. Also, just so you don't feel bad, I worked my ass off to loose the weight I gained after my fill. Then the scale was down 3 more. Okay - 201 - almost there, right WRONG - This morning 204, HOW COULD IT BE 204 again, wasn't I just there !!! Anyway, you are not alone, we are all here for you. Especially me. Take Care Debbie

Kiz, funny that you say that. I have always thought - WOW thats how I feel, or that person has the same problems I have. Even now, You all share the same problems, triumps, ups and downs that I experience. We are connected. I started my journey in March. I remember watching that commercial on TV with the Lion and the Kitty. The woman talked about how the band "tamed" her hunger. You know, it was weird, it was the second time I saw the commercial but something that night stuck with me and I called my insurance to ask questions the next day. I never told anyone, kind of like sneak eating, I didn't want to be judged. And then to find all of you and then the September Samuari's. I remember feeling dispare when I tried another site, and that one was Dr recommended and sponsored. But then I found this one using a Google Search - can you believe it? Honestly, I don't think I could have done it without you, all of you. Funny how people from all over the World could come together with one goal and help each other more that those closest to us. What a journey we have been through.

Congradulations Kiz, Way to go! :confused:

Well I seem to be on the move again. Had a little trouble after my second fill, gained - ran into some SF Popsicles, will need to rethink them next time. Anyway, lost all I gained plus three more. I am almost under 200, ALMOST. I think my body knows how badly I want to get under this mark. But, I was able to begin my final phase - the after 5 month diet. I can again eat lettuce. I love lettuce, even just nibbling on it is wonderful. Looking forward to salads. Had corn the other night and all was fine also. I have found that this normal food stays with me a lot longer than what I was eating before. I still stick with tuna and chicken, but I have trouble with "dry". The other day they had a pot luck at work. I figured I would be okay with El Pollo Chicken Breast. It was so dry I almost died - yuck. I had to put some beans on it to get it down. I will stick with my emergency food, thank you very much. Anyway, 2 more pounds to go. Wish me luck. Might take me another month, but I will get there!!!!! Debbie

Hey Teri, so glad you saw your surgeon. They know our bands bet. And .5 fill is a good fine tune. Hopefully this is enough for a while. My cold, gone, but the nose remains. I hate runny noses, but what can you do. Actually, I am not sure it was a cold, it was kind of short. Maybe I am just healthier. I like the restriction. I actually find I look forward to the restriction. I got tired of eating until I was going to burst. And when I think back to the amount I could pack away. Good Grief - Funny, a tiny snack satisfies me. Sometimes I find I just have cottage cheese and fruit for dinner or protien drink. Amazing how little satisfies now. Let me know how you are doing. Take Care. Debbie

I was speaking to someone who has studied nutrition. Seems our bodies are "pissy" little things. You could starve yourself and actually gain weight, for a time. Seems you body can get use to a decrease in calories and then any change causes it havoc. Like carbs, if you don't eat carbs it can mess with your brain and make you depressed. Maybe your body is just "pissed" off and taking a break. Let me know if you want me to give you my Nutritionist's food plan. I would call your Surgeon. I am sure they have come across this before and maybe they can give you a suggestion. Teri, you have done so fantastic. Keep your chin up. Take care - Debbie

Okay - I have to confess. I gained two pounds after my fill. I ate too many sugar free popsicles. They are my weakness. The cold even caused blisters on the roof of my mouth, ouch. And then mushies, I ate too much SF Dark chocolate pudding. MMmm chocolate........ Never ate too much at one time, but obviously there is a point where I should have know better. And you cannot eat nothing but sugar free popsicles and pudding. So here I am trying desperately to get under 200 pounds and I do this to myself. How stupid is that. But I guess it could be worse, could have been Cookies. So anyway, I am back under control and I am now to the final step, 5 month plus post op diet. I finally get to eat ANYTHING I want. So today - a small wedge of lettuce, no dressing. You know what, It Was FANTASTIC. And I have found getting two ounces of protien at a meal sure makes a difference. :tongue: So - Good Bye SF Popsicles, hello salads. I am going to get under 200 if I have to walk from here to the moon! Thanks for being there for me. Debbie

I'm with Slim. You need more protien, go back to drinking your protien drink. If nothing else, try Atkins Drink, but you need to get your protien in. I was told to eat protien first, then fruits and veggies, and then if you have room, carbs. I have an egg every day, lots of milk products and cheese. Also, lots of lean protien, fish and chicken. It take longer for protien to digest, it stays in your pouch and you feel full longer. But if you are feeling that tired you might want to speak to your Dr, perhaps your fill is too tight or your hormones and chemistry are messed up. Call your Dr. Take Care Debbie

Nicey, PBing isn't good. My Dr and Nutritionist have always allowed snacks. They say they would rather you have a snack than overeat at your next meal. I am allowed several small snacks a day, in case I need them. I still drink my protien drink in the mornings, but in the afternoons, an ounce of low fat cheese or some Sugar Free Dark CHOCOLATE :thumbup: Pudding does the trick for me. They feel that if you are TOO hungry, you know, the I AM STARVING feeling, you will eat too fast or too much. But more important, talk to your Dr. He is there for you. This is a work in process and he is there for you! Good Luck.. Debbie

Teri, I know how yhou feel. I average 1 pound a week too and will go for weeks without weight loss. And the first weight came off fast too. I has a horrible weekend after my fill, felt so tight at first and now,,,,,, I wonder if I have a leak. Anyway, talk to your surgeon. He is your best resource. But remember, slow and steady. Also, you have lost inches. Hang in there. I hate this part too, but hang in there. Even if this is all you ever loose, you are still better off than you were before. And, I know how pissed I would be to hear that. Talk to your Dr. Hang in there. Debbie

The fill went great! EXCEPT ----- They only have two Dr who do them, they do them under the foura. My Dr, Dr Hall told me "sorry I am slow I have Carpal Tunel, tomorrow I get surgery. Good Grief, :thumbup: thank goodness I got in when I did. So he had a student Dr who wanted to be PERFECT, good and bad. But she was good all in all. :wink2: Turns out I have a slightly twisted port, thus the problems getting the needle in. But he told me not to worry, just the way the port is stitched to the muscle. Didn't sneeze during the procedure, but when they put the table to the standing position - THE NEEDLE CAME OUT. :mad2: The student told me that "that seems to happen a lot with our THINNER patients" THEY CALLED ME THIN! :w00t: Okay I love this Doctor. Something about the skin and muscle. So they were THRILLED with my weight loss, THIRTY POUNDS since my last fill. :clap:Funny how you forget things like this and how great they make you feel. When I did the first swallow they said I really needed a fill. I felt it just SWISH through. By the time they were finished, I could feel the restriction. The Dr told me he is very conservative with his first fills. He wants you to get use to it before he gives you real restriction. OKAY - COULDN'T YOU HAVE TOLD ME THAT LAST TIME - HELLO! So I had to SWEAR to only liquids for two days, two days mushies, and then guess what - I GET TO EAT EVERYTHING! Or whatever works best with my band. I am looking forward to trying my first salad in months. So for me it was a PERFECT visit. I left on cloud nine Thank you all for your kind words. You know me, I freak out :smile: before this stuff. Now if i can just get under 200.

The cardiologist - HE IS A JERK. :thumbup: My Mom told her Cardiologist, who knows our family and our family history, about my Lap Band. He was very pleased for me. In fact he told my Mom that he is starting to refer his patients for the Lap Band. You need to know that there are Drs who understand. Also, my personal Dr is now a believer and a band supporter. It makes me feel good to know that the next person who talks to him will get a favorable reception and the support they need. You know, if we could do this by ourselves, we would have years ago! No one chooses this! Anyway, Congradulations on doing so fantastic! You are doing great! :thumbup: Debbie

Okay, I am starting to get worried. Saturday I saw my Dr and he was sick. Guess what he gave me! Yes, his cold. I have waited a month for this stupid fill and now I am afraid. I am sneezing and coughing. What if I sneeze when he is trying to stick the needle in? :thumbup: What if I sneeze when the needle is in and my fill is not complete? :thumbup: What if my mouth is full of BARIUM (YUCK) and I start to cough!?! :thumbup: What if he says he is germaphobic! :thumbup: Okay, not germaphobic, but I do have a snotty nose. Has anyone been sick when they did your fill and will everything be okay? Okay, now we can laugh - can you imagine having the needle sticking in you and then sneezing. It might be funny ... better yet sneezing with barium,,,,,, sick I know :sneaky: And I cannot have anything after midnight, there goes cold meds.....