Maranda

Ok I don't know how to get to mine other than clicking on my name. I will be posting a new blog in a few days. Will be checking as many out as I can. What a great thread. Thanks to who started this one. :bored: Maranda

Call your dr. Don't play around. If you have pain with urination or pain in general you may have something going on or nothing significant. Typically there is no bruising as it is a latex/rubber of sorts tubing. You may have some inital discomfort when inserted and removed but otherswise be ok. Call your Dr. There are no embarrassing questions in a Dr. office.

Recently I had to purchase a dress for a wedding I was attending. Shopping with friends they convienced me to step out of my "old ideas" of me and think new. Think bold,colorful and fun. Surprisingly I found a dress at the 2nd store we went to. As you know a new outfit requires new shoes. If there is one thing I know. It's shoes. Fastforward to the day of the wedding. When I put on this dress with the shoes a new me emerged. I felt confident and well sexy. I have curves in areas I never noticed before, or perhaps wanted to notice. I walked into that wedding feeling more confident than I can ever recall. Needless to say I danced my booty off. Some point during the reception some men where flinging wedding favors at guest. They were launched off of a spoon. One struck me in the chest. It hurt and I was pissed off. Out of respect for the bride a dear friend of mine I held back to my anger. Once I saw the men exit the reception area to go outside I confronted them. I would have NEVER done this prior to my surgery. I would of let it go. Was always a doormat. As I approached the 2 men they were laughing it up outside. They took notice I was approaching them. I confronted their inappropriate behavior asking them if either were going to apologize. Both played the who me, wasn't me game. As I left I informed them you don't want to be a man and own up to your action that is on you. I still cannot believe I approached this 2 idiots. I use to shy away from confrontation. Now I stick up for me with my new attitude. And by the way my shoes were fabulous! I posted a pic of me in the dress with the shoes. The pic is dark, but I had to post it.

Recently I had to purchase a dress for a wedding I was attending. Shopping with friends they convienced me to step out of my "old ideas" of me and think new. Think bold,colorful and fun. Surprisingly I found a dress at the 2nd store we went to. As you know a new outfit requires new shoes. If there is one thing I know. It's shoes. Fastforward to the day of the wedding. When I put on this dress with the shoes a new me emerged. I felt confident and well sexy. I have curves in areas I never noticed before, or perhaps wanted to notice. I walked into that wedding feeling more confident than I can ever recall. Needless to say I danced my booty off. Some point during the reception some men where flinging wedding favors at guest. They were launched off of a spoon. One struck me in the chest. It hurt and I was pissed off. Out of respect for the bride a dear friend of mine I held back to my anger. Once I saw the men exit the reception area to go outside I confronted them. I would have NEVER done this prior to my surgery. I would of let it go. Was always a doormat. As I approached the 2 men they were laughing it up outside. They took notice I was approaching them. I confronted their inappropriate behavior asking them if either were going to apologize. Both played the who me, wasn't me game. As I left I informed them you don't want to be a man and own up to your action that is on you. I still cannot believe I approached this 2 idiots. I use to shy away from confrontation. Now I stick up for me with my new attitude. And by the way my shoes were fabulous! I posted a pic of me in the dress with the shoes. The pic is dark, but I had to post it.

Cathy S I think you are right on the money about how the heavier you are the longer the it takes for a change to appear or be noticed.

I guess one of the reasons I posted this was I see so many post about people being disappointed with their weight loss number. How about being joyful for the courage it took to get the surgery. The optimism to know your future is brighter. And to enjoy the ride. I have had my moments of "why is the scale not moving" but you know what. When I see the pictures.. the proof is in the pudding. Its not a number. Its how you feel. I had this surgery to give myself a healthier me. I only hope others who are discouraged know that there are hills to climb but keep climbing. Im climbing too, but man the view along the way is pretty awesome too!

I just uploaded a few photos from a wedding I attended over the weekend. I know I have lost weight since my surgery last Sept but not really noticed. After uploading I was looking at my picture the day before my surgery. I see how unhappy I looked and my size. Now I see a confident woman who looks pretty good. I am not trying to be cocky so please don't take it that way. I have lost almost 50lbs and still have a ways to go. I suddenly see the changes by uploading a few photos. Everyone should have photos every couple of weeks/months. What a difference 10months can make. Wow.

Ashley, I can understand your frustration but you must be patient. I know you have heard this before but the band is tool. I had my surgery Sept 30, 08. I am almost at 50lb loss. Some people have lost that amount in 3 months. Our bodies are different. You just keep doing what your are suppose to do and the wt will come off. Keep your chin up.

At little confused. I am starting to get compliments.. Wow Maranda, your looking good. Today my mom said to me Maranda you are getting skinny. Now I still have a long way to go. But Here is where I am confused. I am still in the same size clothes. So how can people say this to me and I believe them. Someone reading this I know is ready to type : Why would your mom say that to you and you not believe her. I know I ask myself this as well. Then there are people like my neighbor.. He was telling a story about older women playing softball, he is an EMT. He said to me.."Maranda, they make you look skinny." How do people think that is nice, polite or even a compliment. I told him bluntly.. F.U. Tom. I was so p.o. I said it 2x. I dont think he realized it was hurtful because he cont. his story. I have worked hard to get where I am. He and his wife know I had the surgery. So why say that to me. ok Im done ranting.. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh breathe.

Update.. I think this may sound a bit crazy. But I think it was anxiety. I am a supervisor and I had the task today that I had to council someone for insubordination. I think it was just anxiety festering itself. After I did what I had to do although I was weak in the knees (this employee scares me she has a few screws lose) but by dinner time I was starving and I have not felt like that in probably 4 months. But then again it could of just been a bug. Thanks for all the advice. Maranda

2 days now very very little appetite. My stomach is just rolling. No nasuea, vomitting or diarrhea, no cramping. Just constant churning. And before anyone ask.. NO I am NOT PREGNANT. You gotta do something to get that bug! :rolleyes2: So anyone else experience this, is this part of good restriction it is the band or do I perhaps have some bug?

ok so I am just sharing my experience here. I like many others LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND. This is something that I AM EXPERIENCING. I have had some of these slip out. Like when I am talking they just come out with very little to no notice. I had a fill about 6wks ago and noticed it moreso lately. It is a small thing that someone else may be going thru. I tried to add some humor to it. I highly doubt someone would not get the band based on my thread. The philsophy is the more you know the better educated you are. This is something that could happen. For example, I kept reading about the horrendous gas pain in the shoulders and chest. I was terrified of that. Guess what. NO gas pain none. Not even a little after the surgery. Did it make me want to not get the band. No, I was just aware this is something I might I have be prepared for. That is all I was trying to say in my thread.

I too have told 90% of the people in my life.. the one person I have not told out of my dr's is my podiatrist. Its funny. He was a big guy and about 2yrs ago joined a gym got a trainer and lost a ton of weight. I just can't tell him I had the band. His office is laid back. I am very close to his secretary and the 3 of us chat it up while he waits for his next appt. I am embarrassed to tell him. Funny to me that I just can't/won't. So I think the point is everyone has a reason for telling or not telling people. You have to find your own reason why. :smile:

Just had to post this.. Got banded in September. Since then I now can belch/burp whatever you want to call it with the best of them. I am not proud of this at all. Here is the deal. These loud/long/deep suckers just pop up and out with no warning at the most inappropriate time. If you embarrass easy you may want to be aware. I don't mind it too much at home but my goodness anywhere else is not appropriate. Not ladylike at all. Suppose the upside is I am not PB! Gotta find the silver lining somewhere. So if you are a southern belle or a woman of high society.. be prepared to lose the dignity and grace you have always known to have withyourself.. unless of course I am an anomaly? That would figure I would be the leader of the pack for this too in my life! And for the men.. well I am sure this is just a good thing anyway a man looks at it.. Burping is part of obtaining and keeping your mancard.. right? Maranda P.s. if you live in the Hudson Valley and feel a small tremor in the earth.. its not a earthquake, one of the suckers slipped out again! OH MY!

I too am in the same boat. I do have a fear pairs of pants/jeans that were hand me downs. Perhaps your clothes fit you better now. I too think I am shrinking up top and it is all going down to waist and butt. Which is good. I had no butt before. Had more like a frog hiney it a frog stood up and put jeans on. Our day will come. Patience is a virtue.. supposedly!

I got my approval letter in the end of August and had my surgery on Sept 30. It was the start of my new life. I went in very scared not of the procedure but making it thru. I figured after I made it thru the rest I can handle. I have had many hills to climb in my life. Waking from surgery I was so excited. I was alone. Had no support with me. My spouse dropped me off at the hospital and bolted. Not that I wanted him there but if the shoe was on the other foot. I would of been there. I refused pain meds while in post op. My b/p was low so I ended up being in the hospital for 8hrs. Went home and started my life. I am 6months and 2 days out. I have lost almost 40lbs and I am thrilled. I have my days when I have just not been my full potential. But I know this is one journey I am enjoying. I use to be a shopper. Since my surgery I purchased 1 dress and jacket to wear to 3 different occassions. I refuse to buy anything. I am taking handme downs. I have no shame. Why pay good money for clothes I will not get to wear maybe longer than 6months or less. Not worth it. Must be frugal. I do feel the way I eat and what little I eat I should be a bird by now. But I am ok. I actually found my legs to start to look kinda sexy from the knees down. I have athletic legs and always thought even though toned they are big for a lady. Now looking pretty good. I will never be a Heidi Klum, Lloyds of London will not ensure them. But I will ensure I will be rocking the shorts this summer. I have found I enjoy taking my picture now. I am not worried too much about angles and only get me from the neck up shot. I have found I am much more vocal about my feelings. I am not longer the door mat. I can say no to people and not feel guilty or be made to feel guilty. I have found new found strength in me. I have always been extremely independently. I don't rely on anyone for anything. I can do it or will do it on my own. That way I don't owe anyone anything. My marriage has sufferred. Perhaps from my new found confidnece. Perhaps it was in misery alot longer than before this which is true and I had hope then. I know whatever decisions I make reguarding me, my happiness my weight, my life I will be in control. I hold the keys. I am driving my life to where I have wanted to be for a very very long time. This is my confession.

I got my approval letter in the end of August and had my surgery on Sept 30. It was the start of my new life. I went in very scared not of the procedure but making it thru. I figured after I made it thru the rest I can handle. I have had many hills to climb in my life. Waking from surgery I was so excited. I was alone. Had no support with me. My spouse dropped me off at the hospital and bolted. Not that I wanted him there but if the shoe was on the other foot. I would of been there. I refused pain meds while in post op. My b/p was low so I ended up being in the hospital for 8hrs. Went home and started my life. I am 6months and 2 days out. I have lost almost 40lbs and I am thrilled. I have my days when I have just not been my full potential. But I know this is one journey I am enjoying. I use to be a shopper. Since my surgery I purchased 1 dress and jacket to wear to 3 different occassions. I refuse to buy anything. I am taking handme downs. I have no shame. Why pay good money for clothes I will not get to wear maybe longer than 6months or less. Not worth it. Must be frugal. I do feel the way I eat and what little I eat I should be a bird by now. But I am ok. I actually found my legs to start to look kinda sexy from the knees down. I have athletic legs and always thought even though toned they are big for a lady. Now looking pretty good. I will never be a Heidi Klum, Lloyds of London will not ensure them. But I will ensure I will be rocking the shorts this summer. I have found I enjoy taking my picture now. I am not worried too much about angles and only get me from the neck up shot. I have found I am much more vocal about my feelings. I am not longer the door mat. I can say no to people and not feel guilty or be made to feel guilty. I have found new found strength in me. I have always been extremely independently. I don't rely on anyone for anything. I can do it or will do it on my own. That way I don't owe anyone anything. My marriage has sufferred. Perhaps from my new found confidnece. Perhaps it was in misery alot longer than before this which is true and I had hope then. I know whatever decisions I make reguarding me, my happiness my weight, my life I will be in control. I hold the keys. I am driving my life to where I have wanted to be for a very very long time. This is my confession.

I love love love nectar latte cappicino. I do it both cold and hot. I highly recommend the shaker container weather you go high end and spend 8-9.00 or go to walmart and buy the fortress bottle for 2.50 it has made all the difference in taste/clotting/clumps. Good luck.

I too like many others was/is in your shoes. I had my surgery on 9/30. I got my 1st fill in Nov. This month was the first month (March) that i finally feel restriction. I can still eat more than 1/2 cup which i think. BUt I get satisfied, and I dont get hungry or cravings. Since my fill which was march ? I have lost over 5lbs in less than 4wks. I canceled my appt today. Don't need a fill want to see how I do. Am I pulling high numbers like some people. No but I know my wieght will come off during my time. I will get MY numbers in my time. I am down almost 40lbs. Its taken awhile.. and you know what.. I am enjoying the ride. Hang in there. I am so often more than not in your frame of mind. Good luck. Maranda

try finding a bariatric wt loss group and donate it or sell them to someone in the group. I go to group when i can we meet on sundays everyone in the group has either been banded or had the bypass going to or family. a great place to network, get recipes .. try that.

I am wondering if anyone else or how typical it is that after you get a fill you don't notice restriction immediately it is more like 2-3 weeks later? I am in this boat. I mentioned this to my dr yesterday and he said that I am a perfect example of why he is so conservative with his fills because if you don't notice restriction immediately and then get another fill and get restrictions week later it can be too much. So anyone else in this boat? Or am I paddling alone? Maranda

Hi all. I am actually in week 2 of training for the MORE marathon in NYC last Sunday of April. Today I did (with a group) a little over 4 miles in 1 hour. That was walking, Outide at 8am in 11-14 degrees. This is a very exciting time for us. This will be my first 1/2 marathon. Good luck to everyone one. :thumbup:.. remember Put one step in front of the other. That way you are always a step ahead of yourself! Go Banders! Good luck & Best Wishes Maranda

I recently found a warehouse outlet nectar Cappiccino for 19.99 (in most stores starting at 35.00) thought what the hell I will try it. OMG I love this. It taste like an international coffee. I do half Water and half fat free milk. I heat it up. It is hot coffee. I LOVE it so much I bought all they had. Finally a Protein drink I love that I cannot taste the protein or whey whatever it is that I can taste that is not appealing to me. This flavor does not have that taste to me. Give it whirl. I could drink this all day long. Likely because it is hot. Who knows. Good luck in your endeavour finding the "one" that works for you. :thumbup: Maranda

bad things.. hmm I now have this amazing ability to have the longest deepest burps I never could do. And they sneak up on you. I also tend to get a runny nose after I eat which seems to be pecular to me. Everyone is right it doesn't stop the other issues that may have lead you to why you ended up having the surgery. Fills: I am incredibly ticklish (beyond normal) and each fill I have had (all 3 of them) I get light headed when the dr finds my port with his finger then inserts the needle in. I don't feel the fill, I barely feel the needle. Afterwards I have not noticed anything until about 2wks out. I have had the vomitting, the spitting.. I have had very little gas pain if any. I have gotten stuck I have resisted the urge to drink I do not eat the things I am not suppose to as I know me and I know I will go right back to doing what I should not be doing. Sorry if my post lacked the gross factor. Good luck. REGRETS:... wish i had done this yrs ago.