crystal525

I'm in! 15 pounds for me...that'll put me below 220. We can do this!!! :ohmy: Crystal

I have only lost 18.5 pounds since November. Today made 4 months since my surgery. I too was feeling pretty bad about it. But we have got to stop thinking that we will lose 10 pounds a week with the band. If you have lost 31 pounds in 3 months, that is an average of nearly 3 pounds per week. That is FANTASTIC. Think of it in terms of what it means over the next year...next 2 years. Read my post earlier this week about getting ourselves "in check". You need to make sure your expectations are realistic. How much did you think you would lose the first 2 months. You have made tremendous progress....you need to be proud and not ashamed. You made a decision to get healthy. Stick with it. Why give up now? Because you only lost 31 pounds? Say that out loud... :scared2: Did you ever think you'd lose 30 pounds in a few months? Stay on the horse. Trust me...I know it's hard without restriction. I gained 6 pounds at my 2nd visit and 1.5 pounds at my 4th (most recent). I now have 5.2 cc's in my band (4th fill) and I finally feel like I'm eating the amount I should be--usually less than a cup at each meal. And I have just started eating "WHAT" I was supposed to. The restriction helps with that. Talk to your surgeon. Print out your post and take it with you. Give it time. Don't let fear of what others think hold you back. We have all done that for too long. Keep us posted.

I'd call too. But, as an FYI, if you are exercising strenuously it's possible that the muscles are just sore around the port. I shoveled snow last week (we got a foot) and I was sore up until a couple days ago... I mentioned it to my doctor on Friday and he said it was completely normal when exercising and using stomach muscles. Keep us posted!

See I knew there were lots of us feeling this way. I'm glad I could remind everyone to go easy on yourself--we have already done so well. Jenn--you are so correct--we need to stop comparing ourselves to each other. Now that I think about it-that was actually a major thing making me feel so inadequate in this journey. Reading everyones losses and feeling like mine were "nothing". So thanks for adding that! I think I spent so much time prior to surgery reading the PRE-Lap band posts, the Insurance Approval posts, and the complications posts that I didn't think to read the POST-Lap band posts about how people recently banded were dealing...that might be a good post over in the pre-banding area... After my little pep talk I have walked 30 - 35 minutes every night this week and logged all my foods (while eating the right way) and I'm down 2 pounds this week! Stress can add pounds too, well stress can at least make you hold onto them (did you watch TBL last night...OMG! Mandi worked her butt off and she GAINED a pound). So everyone, relax and allow the band to work with us. Crystal

Got my fill last Friday (.7 ccs)--he had .8 in there and had to pull .1 out as he felt it "push back". Bad news, I am up 1.5 pounds--Geez (although they have come back off since then--think I was holding onto water). That was the motivation in my thread "we need to get our heads in check" posted earlier this week--I was very down about my pounds being up. In any case, as of right now I am very much restricted. Most mornings can't even get down a 1/2 cup eggs. In the evenings I get more hungry and can eat more, but I do not even finish a sandwich plate. I am committed to logging all my food intake (good & bad) and have been under 1000 most days since and exercising. I have walked 30-35 minutes all week so far! I was eating a ton (well not a ton...) of oranges and the dr. said I need to cut waaay back on those--berry fruits instead. So according to my scale at the beginning of the week I'm still down 16 pounds... So--again--good luck to us all. On another note--Is there a thread that has everybody log their surgery date/fill amount so we can see how we all progress and how it relates to our fills? If not, maybe we should do that. I'm just now at 5.2 and just had my 3rd fill (my dr. made me wait 2 months before the first one). Hopefully this is my sweet spot. Crystal

I really appreciate everyone's responses. I genuinely JUST realized today that my expectations were not in-line with how I KNOW the band is supposed to work and that I needed to really put forth more effort. That I was looking at the band like I didn't know what I was in for. It's more complicated than I thought (but as with many things in life...experience is the only teacher and you will never know until AFTER banding...I read everything and still expected it to be different for me!). I was expecting too much of myself and of the band. And just like with everything else, our expectations have to be attainable or we will ALWAYS be disappointed. Sometimes it just needs to be "broken down" in a way that makes sense. It makes sense to be realistic...and healthy. We are better than we were. We are on a journey that will last a lifetime and not a year. Remember we chose to be the turtle! :biggrin:

I've been reading alot (and have posted on the very same topic recently as well) about "us" being very upset at "only" having lost 20 pounds in 2 months, or 40 pounds in 6 months. I just had the realization that I need to check my attitude. Did we get the band for a quick weight loss? No--if we did we would have gone the other route. We all know that the weightloss on the band is slower than the bypass. From what I've read, the weightloss with the bypass within the first year usually compares to the loss with the band over TWO+ years. If I'm down 16 pounds since November 13 (which, by the way, I am--very disappointing...but "I" could have done better). That's an average of 4 pounds lost per month (without being at my sweet spot) and a potential loss of 48 pounds in a year and 96 pounds in 2 years...that is 2 pounds MORE THAN my goal. How else can you do that? Okay- other than bypass or being on The Biggest Loser--which by the way me and my best friend, LBT member Shaedie, applied for? My reasoning for getting this was #1--it was not cutting anything out, less invasive, shorter surgery, etc. But #2, and just as important to me, was for the slower weight loss and trying to avoid the plastic surgery that often comes with rapid weight loss. I would have GAINED 16 pounds thru the holidays and spent January and 1/2 of February trying to take off the pounds that I put on. Then--I would have fallen right back into old habits after shedding a few pounds ... and still most likely about 10 pounds heavier than the same time last year. Happens every year. This year is different. I have a little help. I have my friend, the band. I chose him because of the assistance he can give me in conquering my food addiction. This is a lifetime plan, not another diet. I think my problem was that I began to believe in the same false expectations that many of my friends and family who don't know any better believe--that this is a quick fix. That you'll "lose a ton of weight in no time" and think that you'll lose only because "there's no way you can eat that much"--all of which I have heard. They don't know about waiting for restriction, bandster hell, and all the other issues. Until I actually had this surgery and have actually experienced it, I too am guilty of having the belief that I would be able to "eat all my favorite foods, just less of it" and still lose weight. Yep--I have been able to do just that...but my slow loss shows it. I am now working together with my band and hopefully my loss at my next dr. visit shows that as well. We all have lots of reasons for getting the band, but the one thing we all have in common is that we did it for our health. OK--Now that I got myself in check...bring on the weight loss... :biggrin: This was really a pep talk to myself. But -- I thought someone else might benefit from it. Crystal

Are you exercising harder? After shoveling snow this week, mine was sore. I was banded back in November so I thought this was odd. Told the dr. about it at my appointment today and he said it was normal--just like muscles getting sore! It's really the area around it getting sore. Hope this helps!

I'm here in St. Mary's ... grew up in good old chuck county! I work in DC and get my fills during lunch hour! I see Dr. Moazzez (in Dr. Afram's office in Georgetown). I'm in search of a local support group! Welcome all!

This is so what I'm feeling. Sometimes I just want that same old "full" feeling. I was just telling someone that I never get full. I am comfortable (or uncomfortable might be the word sometimes...), but never full. It would be so much easier if I did feel that feeling. I think I was so used to eating until I was full...not just until I was satisfied. It's a learning process. For me, I think it's mostly head hunger. It's sort of like just wanting to eat sometimes ... with no limits, like before (that would be stress eating). That's part of the food addiction that will take time to get rid of. Good luck to us all--I'm hoping my next fill will happen tomorrow and I will get to feel "full".

ddgalarza--CONGRATS...I will be praying for a fill and GREAT restriction on Friday! I'm so happy for you!!! Ebony--my commute and work is my problem. I live in the Maryland Suburbs and work in Washington, DC. My commute EACH WAY is an hour and a half on a good day. I am gone from 7am until 7pm everyday. Yesterday, I went home and got straight on the treadmill for 20 minutes. That's what I have to do. If I sit for even a minute, I'm done for the night. I have an addictive personality...just for all the wrong things. I only quit smoking when I had a breast reduction 2 years ago...never went back though--but gained 20 pounds in the year after--which led me to the beginning of my band process. Again--we'll all get thru this! I find that when I come here and read and post, I feel more motivated and more responsible for the choices I make. I'll be back daily!!! Thanks for getting me thru my "funk". :confused:

Thansk ddgalarza and everyone else! Althought I did apply for The Biggest Loser (with my best friend, Shaedie--she's getting banded in March and a new member of the boards). We decided whichever we got approval for first we would do! Obviously we didn't get accepted to TBL! Most days, I know what my problem is . I don't always make the right choices (although portions are limited) and rarely exercise. I'll get myself pumped up, do it for a week, and fall off schedule again. I have exercised twice this week though--I'll weigh at the end of the week to see if it makes a difference. I just wish exercising was as addicting for me as food is! :confused: Even though I knew the band wasn't magic, the idea of being able to eat whatever I want, in smaller portions, and losing weight is so appealing. That's the food addiction talking. In the beginning I had no restriction so I had to fall back on willpower. If I had willpower, I would not have needed the band in the first place, right? In the last weeks since my 2nd fill I have started to feel restriction. Maybe the scale will be better at my next appointment this Friday. Everyone--Let's keep our heads up! We are each other's support. Good luck to all of us! Crystal

I sometimes get a little discouraged after reading everyone's status and losses. I still go up and down the same 5 pounds over the last couple months and can't seem to get to the 20 pounds lost mark (I was there for a day I think...). I go Friday and will see about another fill (I have had 2...). I can feel the restriction now since my last fill and I know I'm eating MUCH less...I just thought it would be so much more gone.... OK --just a vent. I think I'm officially about 16 pounds down since surgery, which is more than 4 pounds a month (even with gaining 6 over Christmas)...so I have to see that as a success. 4 pounds a month over a year is almost 50 pounds. The dr. said sometimes it takes 3 or 4 fills to get to sweet spot and he know I wasn't there yet because he wasn't getting any "push back" from the fill. He's only doing 1 to 1.5 cc's each time (so far have had 2). I'll get there... I do know I am not alone, so that does help. I wanna be a loser. :tongue2:

I haven't been on in awhile!! Surgery was November 13 and I'm here for some reinforcement. The holidays were not good for me and I'm only down 10 pounds (which I was down at my first appointment. Got my first fill on Friday and am back at this full-force. I had surgery before the holidays thinking it would help me to NOT gain weight. My portions are alot smaller but I don't feel like I have enough restriction. I am one that has problems with bread. It always gets stuck. Oh well. I am human and I have food issues!!! Nothing new there...but back on track for the New Year.

Okay--3rd day from surgery (surgery was Thursday the 13th) and I have to say I felt almost 100% when I woke up this morning. I only have a few gas bubbles after eating --well drinking -- (every meal...but they are moving). It's amazing how good I feel after how bad the gas was the last two days. Now I hope I can travel well. My mom has been hospitalized and I have to make a 4 hour ride to go see her. I packed my protein water, some broth and I'll have to get some fillers from the hospital. I can start mushies on day 6 (Wednesday) so it shouldn't be too hard for me. I have NOT been hungry either. A little rumbling which it purely attributable to gas. I try to eat before I become hungry. Last night I was able to eat a 1/4 cup of broth and a popsicle thought (normally eat half of the 1/4 cup of broth and 1/2 container of jello) so some swelling must be going down. Good luck everyone and keep up the progress. I haven't seen any weight loss yet but I'll give it another couple days since I'm sure the liquids and IV fluids added a couple pounds.

Hi all! Just to update you all. I had my surgery on Thursday (13th). Everything went perfectly. As planned I stayed overnight. Incision sites are not painful at all. But--I have had very bad gas pains since surgery. Other than that I am fine. Been sleeping alot and haven't really felt like doing much--but that's to be expected. My surgery was at 1:30 on Thursday and I was released after my Upper GI yesterday. I'm up and walking and the Tylenol 3 with codeine seems to help with the pain and to let me sleep. I also take the Gas X strips--those are definitely a must. I can say that the gas pains are much worse than I expected. I found a perfect description--remember when we were younger and we had to run the mile in gym class --that sharp pain under your rib when you were totally winded and couldn't do anymore? That's the pain...same place. There as well as in my shoulders. But--lots of walking helps. I finally started moving some "gas"...I won't be any more explicit... :cool: and that seems to be helping most of all! I hope all are doing well and good luck to us all on our new life journey.

51 pounds is great! I'm at about the same starting weight and I can only hope that I'm down 51 pounds by February! That's almost halfway to goal. They say 1 to 3 pounds per week depending on how much you have to lose. That would be 13 to 39 pounds for you over 13 weeks. I don't know about everyone else, but I think you are doing fantastic!!! Crystal

Haven't been on the thread in a while, but all testing done and surgery is next Thursday, November 13. I haven't seen my dr. since approval but at my first appointment he said I should try to lose 5 to 10 lbs before surgery. I haven't gained but I haven't lost. I see him Friday--I'll probably try to do 2 shakes and a protein & salad meal Wednesday and Thursday--that'll help with a pound or 2 (maybe)--tonight I'm having Chinese and watching election coverage. How are you bandsters doing that have been banded already in November? Oh--to the person that asked, I have Aetna and was approved in about 5 days. Good luck and Happy BandDay. Crystal:biggrin:

I know the feeling. I took a withdrawal on my 401(k) and by the time the check was cut the portion I could withdraw shrunk from $1600 to $1300 in just a week (last week of course)! As far as the "deductible"--I'm covered 100% but my drs. office has a program fee of $1500 which covers lifetime office visits (except fills), the nutritionist, excercise consultant, and other follow-up fees just in case my insurance ever changes/lapses. It's one of the Bariatric Centers. I questioned it at first but it's better than paying up to $20,000 and then paying for every visit I have to make. I get it -- the economy is bad --I know you didn't use your savings on fun stuff. Maybe you can make payment arrangements for 6 months to a year. They already know they will get paid thru the insurance company. Maybe they'll let you put 1/4 down and divide the rest over a few months...??? I'm very sorry--but in this day and age, I understand that everyday living always comes first. Let me know how it turns out and good luck. Crystal

Thanks to all of you! I hope my confidence in the procedure carries over to him. He has been with me through a few knee surgeries and a breast reduction so he's aware of the general surgical risks. Maybe the difference is that this is an elective procedure (necessary, but elective). I think the last time when they made me fill out a Power of Attorney and Living Will at the hospital on the morning of admission scared him quite a bit... I can understand that. Again--I am comfortable with my doctor's abilities and I'm hopeful that he can feel that. Thanks again! This site is a God-send.

My husband is very supportive of what I am choosing to do and has never questioned my decision. For the first time last night he asked about the complications. I've read up and know that the biggest complication is from the surgery/anesthesia itself. He knows it's always a risk to have surgery. I'm just wondering what you all may have done to calm the fears of family. I just had a breast reduction last year and have never had any surgery problems in the past. Thanks for any suggestions! Crystal

My husband is very supportive of what I am choosing to do and has never questioned my decision. For the first time last night he asked about the complications. I've read up and know that the biggest complication is from the surgery/anesthesia itself. He knows it's always a risk to have surgery. I'm just wondering what you all may have done to calm the fears of family. I just had a breast reduction last year and have never had any surgery problems in the past.

I'm with you! Got approved last week --Surgery is 11/13. Go Us!!!

Submitted September 26. Approved October 2!:tt2:

Got my approval today--calling tomorrow to confirm my date. I think it'll be November 13!!! Good luck to us all. I too am excited, scared and happy! Woo Hoo!!!!!