joyful me

I participate in Dr. Robert's monthly meeting but would love to become involved in a regular gathering. Please keep me posted.

I was banded in June at YNHH by Dr. Roberts. He has a support group at Temple Medical the 1st Weds of each month from 6-8pm. It is usually a small group but I find it very worthwhile.

I used to have that too. You just wait - you will too! I will tell you the key for me. I do not weigh myelf at home. I only get on the scale at the Dr's office. I do not focus on how much I weigh- how much I have lost- or what size I wear. I have committed - to myself- that I will take good care of myself everyday. I eat right, I work out, I get enough Water and I sleep at least seven hours. That is my focus. I know that if I am true to myself in my committment- the rest will come. And it does! I have the picture to prove it!!!!!!

I know exeacly what you are saying. It takes a long time for the brain to catch up. It is pictures that finally did it for me. Somehow I see it in a picture where I can not in a mirror.

A new group has just sarted in New Haven. They meet the first Weds of the month in the LL of The Temple Medical Buildinf from 6-8pm.

I had my surgery on June 24th and I have lost 66 pounds as of yesterday. I am down two whole sizes and I understood that in my mind but it is just recently that I see it with my eyes AND my heart. It is a wonderful feeling. I do still have a long way to go and it is still hard to imagine what I will look and feel like when I get there. So, for now, I am just enjoying it! Good luck to you.

I understand what you mean. How about DH? I never can figure out what that one is exactly.

I was also not an average loser. I lost 24 pounds during the first two weeks on the liquid diet and have lost a total of 51 pounds since I was banded nine weeks ago. I began at 273 with a BMI of 39. I can tell you what I think has been the biggest factor in my success. I DO NOT WEIGH MYSELF. I recognized that the scale is not my friend and that if the scale says something other than what I think it should it is terribly undermining. I only get weighed at the Drs. I also decided that I do not want this whole journey to be about weight. It is also about my health and overall well being. My motto has become--- It does not matter how much I weigh, or how much I have lost, or what size I wear. What matters is at the end of every day I can honestly say to myself that I took good care of myself today.

yes- it is pronounced the same and symbolizes reaching 199 pounds and under. Or no longer over 200 pounds. See ya in onederland!!!!!!

You are already doing the right thing. It all starts with the thought. Then a conversation with your Dr. He/she will the direct you. I was just your same size and BMI and I qualified due to sleep apnea and borderline diabetes. My surgery was June 26th and I have lost 40 pounds! I have never felt better physically or emotionaly. Good Luck!

no- I have not and I would really like to. Canyou help me?

I wish I knew . . .

.. . . I didn't realize that plateaus can be easily broken if you know what to do, so I suffered a little more in the beginning than necessary.

I have not heard this. And as I am sitting atop a terrible plateau I would love to hear more!

I am also from Ct. I had my band done on June 26th by Dr. Kurt Roberts at Yale New Haven Hospital. He is part of the bariatric surgical group at Temple Medical. I have been very happy with him and his nurse/nutrtionist is wonderful too.

When I lost the 1st 25 I treated myself for a really good pair of sneakers. When I reach 50 I am going to buy myslef and IPOD. I think it is important to reward yourself. I just try to pick things that will support my weight loss. Or at least aid me in taking care of myself. (Like a facial or manicure). When I hit my goal of 125 I am going to go hang gliding! Good luck!

be patient- other factors can be at work- like your cycle. Is this usually a bloated time? Give it a few days and I bet you will see a difference.

Oh by the way, Have you added yourself to the June bandsters? They are a great bunch of people. There is also someone keeping a log of everyone's progress.

I was banded in June also. I do not know how to join the group. Can you tell me?

I was banded on 6/26 and I also wonder about the normalcy of my progress. I take a moment every afternoon to browse through these threads. It dosn't take long to see that we are really all the same. Hope LBT helps you too.

I think that to some extend we all go through this beforehand. It is a HUGE life change. For what it is worth I just kept reminding myself that the knot in my stomach was fear and I would not allow myself to be denied this wonderful opportunity only for fear. I have not been sorry for one moment. I was banded on 6/26 and I have lost 40 lbs. I already feel such a change and I have no regret. Good luck to you- whatever you decide.

Thank you both. I am sipping juice and hoping for the best!

I am hoping that someone can can help me. I was rushing to get out of the house this morning and gulped down a bite of chicken. I ate it too fast and did not chew well and was rewarded with a sharp pain in my chest/stomach. Well that was about two hours ago and I just tried to have some eggs. Uh oh! Same pain, also radiating out to my back and I really thought I was going to be sick. I wonder if the chicken is stuck? Is it something else? What do I do? :biggrin:

I have felt such support on LBT and certainly learned a lot but I think that I would also benefit from live - in person support group meetings. Can anyone tell me if you know of ones(s) in Ct.

I understand how you feel. To me the bottom line was that I could not go ahead with my band until I was 100% sure that it was the right thing for me. The option will not go away. When you are in a better position financially and emotionally you can go. This is a wonderful opportunity BUT it is not always easy. Sounds like you have enough going on right now. When you have your surgery you should be able to just focus on yourself. I will hold you in my thoughts. good luck!

I appreciate your reply but don't beat yourself up over a few pieces of pizza. Not every day will be our best days! We are all learning and doing the best that we can.

I really eat differently than you - at my surgeon's request. I had two weeks on the liquid diet and really felt that I was suffering the last few days. But now I am able to have fat free yogurt and cottage cheese, low fat cheese, chicken and fish. I eat 6 small meals a day - about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours totalling 60 grams of protien and no more than 1000 calories a day. I have to say that I am satisfied and feeling good.

After months of prep I FINALLY had my surgery on June 24th. I have lost 24 pounds and I feel great. My only concern is that my belief was that I would only be able to consume a VERY SMALL portion of food at one time but I can eat much more than that. I am careful to keep within the dietary guidlines but I wonder if this is normal?