Carly

Well, it finally happened! I entered into ONEDERLAND & and hit the -60 lbs. milestone today, which happens to be my 6-month anniversary! How amazingly fitting! I've been on the cusp for the past 2 weeks, hitting the scale w/great anticipation (if that's possible), thinking, "OK, today may be the day." It wasn't meant to culminate until today, and I think that's pretty cool. I can tell the weight loss is beginning to slow somewhat, and I realize that's to be expected (though it is hard to embrace the idea!). However, I'm extremely excited about just being able to wear blue jeans again (size 13-14 even!). I went for YEARS w/o going outside of the house in jeans b/c they looked so hideous. Not any more! For me, that was an incrdible NSV. And, of course, feeling my confidence grow daily is absolutely an amazing thing. Thank you God! PTL

Well, it finally happened! I entered into ONEDERLAND & and hit the -60 lbs. milestone today, which happens to be my 6-month anniversary! How amazingly fitting! I've been on the cusp for the past 2 weeks, hitting the scale w/great anticipation (if that's possible), thinking, "OK, today may be the day." It wasn't meant to culminate until today, and I think that's pretty cool. I can tell the weight loss is beginning to slow somewhat, and I realize that's to be expected (though it is hard to embrace the idea!). However, I'm extremely excited about just being able to wear blue jeans again (size 13-14 even!). I went for YEARS w/o going outside of the house in jeans b/c they looked so hideous. Not any more! For me, that was an incrdible NSV. And, of course, feeling my confidence grow daily is absolutely an amazing thing. Thank you God! PTL

You should be SOOOO proud of yourself. Your results are not typical. You've done GREAT! Congratulations & keep up the good work!

Hi Judie, remember me? I saw your post and was SO glad to see that you're doing so well. You're doing GREAT. You're doing it right....slow (well, sorta) and steady. You need to post an updated pic. I bet you look gorgeous! Take care, Carla :thumbdown:

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did. With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerate approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful! I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/09, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord! I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did. With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerate approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful! I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/09, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord! I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did. With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerable approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful! I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/08, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord! I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets (obviously!) and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did. With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerable approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful! I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/08, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord! I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets (obviously!) and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...

Well, I hit my first major milestone this week. 40 lbs. in 12 weeks! And I was down an additional 2 lbs. this morning, just from yesterday! I had to pinch myself. (I know weighing daily doesn't work for most people, but it helps me guard against night-time eating. It's working for me but I know it's not for everyone!) My next goal is to lose 8 more (for a total of 50!) by the time I go home for X-mas. The excitement of watching this become a reality is difficult to put into words. I got into a pair of killer jeans this week that I bought about 9 months ago, hoping to someday get into them. I actually felt sexxy when I wore them out Thursday night! Wow, it feels GREAT to feel that again. Has been awhile (over 10 years)! To say I'm overdue is an understatement. I can't wait to wear sexxy, cute clothes. My age is not going to stop me. Heck, I'm still young! (Well, sorta.) Everyone is just going to cut me some slack here (or not!), because it is my time! Thanks be to God! :cool:

Well, I hit my first major milestone this week. 40 lbs. in 12 weeks! And I was down an additional 2 lbs. this morning, just from yesterday! I had to pinch myself. (I know weighing daily doesn't work for most people, but it helps me guard against night-time eating. It's working for me but I know it's not for everyone!) My next goal is to lose 8 more (for a total of 50!) by the time I go home for X-mas. The excitement of watching this become a reality is difficult to put into words. I got into a pair of killer jeans this week that I bought about 9 months ago, hoping to someday get into them. I actually felt sexxy when I wore them out Thursday night! Wow, it feels GREAT to feel that again. Has been awhile (over 10 years)! To say I'm overdue is an understatement. I can't wait to wear sexxy, cute clothes. My age is not going to stop me. Heck, I'm still young! (Well, sorta.) Everyone is just going to cut me some slack here (or not!), because it is my time! Thanks be to God! :confused:

So glad this one was easier on you Judie! I had my 2nd fill last week and can't complain. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. Hang in there! Carla (aka Carly)

Chalk it up to a learning experience. If this is effective in preventing the same thing from happening the next time the monster rears its ugly head, then it was not a waste. It's good that you documented it here to help remind yours (and others!). Don't kick yourself too bad Scarlett (I loved that!). You have a great sense of humor. I'm sure you'll dust yourself off and get right back with the program. (BTW, thank you so much for the very kind comments you left on my blog. I really appreciate it.) Carly

Hard to believe it's been over 10 weeks since surgery. Before surgery, it saddened me how fast time flies by. Now, my whole outlook on life has changed. I have nothing but excitment over what the future holds, and it's an incredibly peaceful feeling to finally have that joy back. I look forward to the coming months and years with great expectation...at long last. Obesity is a true joy stealer. The dispair and embarrassment of being overweight has permeated the last 10+ years of my life, consciously and subconsciously. It affected where I went (and IF I went), what I wore (usually black), my confidence level and social interaction (or lack thereof), and virtually every other aspect of my life. Before I got (really) fat, I was always very confident, optimistic, and happy. I finally feel those traits re-emerging, slowly, but growing stronger daily. God is faithful if we'll just ask and believe! I'm now 73 days post-op and have lost 35 lbs. I had my 2nd fill on 11/3/08 (1.5 ccs). I no longer have the insidious cravings (and haven't since surgery!). I'm actually right on track to lose 50 lbs. by Christmas. I have no doubt that I will reach my goal early in mid-2009...and maintain it. As I was saying above, I now look forward to the future with great expection! Amen to that.

Hard to believe it's been over 10 weeks since surgery. Before surgery, it saddened me how fast time flies by. Now, my whole outlook on life has changed. I have nothing but excitment over what the future holds, and it's an incredibly peaceful feeling to finally have that joy back. I look forward to the coming months and years with great expectation...at long last. Obesity is a true joy stealer. The dispair and embarrassment of being overweight has permeated the last 10+ years of my life, consciously and subconsciously. It affected where I went (and IF I went), what I wore (usually black), my confidence level and social interaction (or lack thereof), and virtually every other aspect of my life. Before I got (really) fat, I was always very confident, optimistic, and happy. I finally feel those traits re-emerging, slowly, but growing stronger daily. God is faithful if we'll just ask and believe! I'm now 73 days post-op and have lost 35 lbs. I had my 2nd fill on 11/3/08 (1.5 ccs). I no longer have the insidious cravings (and haven't since surgery!). I'm actually right on track to lose 50 lbs. by Christmas. I have no doubt that I will reach my goal early in mid-2009...and maintain it. As I was saying above, I now look forward to the future with great expection! Amen to that.

Congratulations and good luck. This site has truly been a blessing to me during this process, as I hope it is for you. I'm 8 weeks post-op and believe this is the best thing I've ever done for myself (with the sole exception of returning to church). Keep us posted!

Hello. I am a CPA/auditor and I had surgery on a Wednesday and went back to work the following Tuesday. (Monday was a holiday, or I may have gone back then.) I was pretty tired by the end of day #1, but was back in full swing by day #2. You'd probably be glad if you made arragements to only work 1/2 day on Monday. Good luck!

Hello, I'm almost 8 weeks post-op and remember very well the emotions you're experiencing. (It's SO worth it!) I really like the Body Fortress Protein powder ($13 at Wal-Mart) mixed with SF Almond Breeze (can get at Trader Joes, Fry's, etc.). Both the protein powder and the almond milk products come in vanilla and chocolate. I mix in a Magic Bullet with ice cubes and it's really delicious. I also bought a powdered peanut-butter product called PB2 from www.bellplantation.com (which I saw recommended on this site) is great in the chocolate version. That has really satisfied my sweet tooth, as I was also a chocoholic (it feels GREAT to say that in past-tense). I only have them once or twice a week max now, however, due to the calories. I'm easily able to get my protein in with lower calorie solid foods. (I did have one protein bullet a week or so post-op and it was just so-so, but it did give me a nice boost when I felt week and couldn't consume much at all.) Just a word of caution, though, it's very easy to over-estimate what you'll need during that 1st month. I still have a cupboard FULL of liquids/mushies. Well, good luck on your journey. I think this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. (BTW, I had NONE of the gas pains that seem to be so prevalent, and attribute that to getting up and walking every hour immediately after surgery.) Keep us posted!

Yes, thanks for taking the time to share your success. It's helpful for all of us. It's just going to keep getting sweeter and sweeter too! Keep us posted.

Well, it's been 5 weeks since my surgery and I'm down 22 lbs. I went in for my 1st adjustment (aka "fill") today. (That means my band was inflated to further restrict the amount I can consume.) It was a breeze. Doc found my port immediately and the entire process took a whopping 45 seconds. Pain was very minimal pain. I was given 1/2 C. of water immediately to ensure that the band wasn't too tight. I could actually feel my hunger dissipate. (I couldn't eat anything prior to the fill, so I was a bit hungry when I arrived.) Pretty amazing that 1/2 C. of anything could fill me up, let alone water! Woo-hoo! This is why I got the band!!! Over the past 2 weeks, I've noticed an increase in my appetite, so I'm relieved that I got a fill today (3 cc's). I'm on all liquids for 24-hours, so I'm hoping this is good for another -2 lb. drop this week. I think this WLS decision could very possibly be the best decision I've EVER made. Hallelejah!!!

Well, it's been 5 weeks since my surgery and I'm down 22 lbs. I went in for my 1st adjustment (aka "fill") today. (That means my band was inflated to further restrict the amount I can consume.) It was a breeze. Doc found my port immediately and the entire process took a whopping 45 seconds. Pain was very minimal pain. I was given 1/2 C. of water immediately to ensure that the band wasn't too tight. I could actually feel my hunger dissipate. (I couldn't eat anything prior to the fill, so I was a bit hungry when I arrived.) Pretty amazing that 1/2 C. of anything could fill me up, let alone water! Woo-hoo! This is why I got the band!!! Over the past 2 weeks, I've noticed an increase in my appetite, so I'm relieved that I got a fill today (3 cc's). I'm on all liquids for 24-hours, so I'm hoping this is good for another -2 lb. drop this week. I think this WLS decision could very possibly be the best decision I've EVER made. Hallelejah!!!

I'm having my 1st fill at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow and forgot to ask if I should refrain from eating/drinking before I go. For those who have had adjustments, would you please tell me what instructions you were given re: eating/drinking prior to a fill? Thanks so much for your help!

Hi Brandie, I had surgery on a Wednesday (8/27/08) and went back to work the following Tuesday. I would have probably gone back on Monday, but that was Labor Day. I am a CPA/auditor and had no problem going back to work 6 days post-op. I was a little wiped out after the first day back, but was back in the full swing of things by day #2. Hardly missed a beat! Good luck to you. I had a VERY good experience with surgery (no pain at all) and I wish you the same.

Thanks everyone! I just talked to someone who the same surgeon as me and she said her port is to the left of her belly button, next to the largest incision (where I can feel mine). So, I'm relieved although I have no idea what I felt initally beneath the incision at my bra line. Oh well, it's gone now! Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond.

I am 4-weeks post-op and am afraid that my port may have slipped. I thought it was right below my bra line right after surgery, but now I can no longer feel it. Instead, I feel a hard lump just to the left of my belly button. Can anyone tell me WHERE the ports should be, or are normally placed? I'm not sure whether or not to contact my doctor. I have no pain and am wondering if I should just wait and see what he says next Thursday. Any advice? Where is your port located? Thanks for taking the time to help!