julie.ann

You have been through so much. I can't imagine. We are here for you! Come back to us. Talk to us. Vent, Cry, Laugh....because it is still okay to laugh and now you need to more than ever before. I think that this is the easiest place to make friends!

11-30-08 I went shopping yesterday. My jeans are getting big. I went to Lane Bryant and I tried on a 5P. They were loose....very comfortable if this was the weight I was staying at. I tried on a 4P and they fit! Then I thought I was trying on a size 22 coat. (I usually would look for a 24 or 26.) I thought it was okay.....just a little tiny bit small, but something I could definitely wear and I could grow into it through the winter. I looked at the tag again and realized that I couldn't afford it...then I realized it was actually a size 18-20! I couldn't believe it! :confused: Then I went to JC Penny's and the 2x was too small...:glare:...Oh well I think I'll focus on my NSV at Lane Bryant. I used to love that store and now I can't wait until I can't shop there anymore!!! I only lost a pound for the last week. I shouldn’t complain about only losing 1 pound because I couldn’t go to the gym since last Tuesday and I had Thanksgiving and a trip with “the girls” to the dinner theatre last night. I also can eat anything I want. What I am doing now I am doing almost on my own. I can tell if eat really big bites really fast, but I can eat SO MUCH! I know I shouldn’t. I am eating healthy food and sticking to my calories and such. I am still getting too much protein. I don’t understand why when I called the office and said that I was getting hungry about 3 hours after meals they asked if I was drinking protein shakes. They recommend to drink shakes between meals. I really don’t understand that. I’ll have to ask about in 4 days when I go in for my first fill. I am hoping for restriction just like everyone does, but I know the odds are against that I will get much with the first fill. I’ll let you know how it goes. :thumbup:

11-30-08 I went shopping yesterday. My jeans are getting big. I went to Lane Bryant and I tried on a 5P. They were loose....very comfortable if this was the weight I was staying at. I tried on a 4P and they fit! Then I thought I was trying on a size 22 coat. (I usually would look for a 24 or 26.) I thought it was okay.....just a little tiny bit small, but something I could definitely wear and I could grow into it through the winter. I looked at the tag again and realized that I couldn't afford it...then I realized it was actually a size 18-20! I couldn't believe it! :biggrin3: Then I went to JC Penny's and the 2x was too small...:biggrin:...Oh well I think I'll focus on my NSV at Lane Bryant. I used to love that store and now I can't wait until I can't shop there anymore!!! I only lost a pound for the last week. I shouldn’t complain about only losing 1 pound because I couldn’t go to the gym since last Tuesday and I had Thanksgiving and a trip with “the girls” to the dinner theatre last night. I also can eat anything I want. What I am doing now I am doing almost on my own. I can tell if eat really big bites really fast, but I can eat SO MUCH! I know I shouldn’t. I am eating healthy food and sticking to my calories and such. I am still getting too much protein. I don’t understand why when I called the office and said that I was getting hungry about 3 hours after meals they asked if I was drinking protein shakes. They recommend to drink shakes between meals. I really don’t understand that. I’ll have to ask about in 4 days when I go in for my first fill. I am hoping for restriction just like everyone does, but I know the odds are against that I will get much with the first fill. I’ll let you know how it goes. :thumbup:

I would be happy to take them off your hands. I'm not there yet, but I hope to be by Jan-Feb. If someone else can use them now I understand. I am coming to Denver Friday for a fill.

Jamie, If your stitches popped from your muscle I think you would definately feel it. I can understand you stress. I won't be satisfied that my port is ok until my first fill. Remeber you will see Dr. K on Friday. It isn't too far away and I bet there isn't anything you can do until then anyway. I think that you don't have any pain is a great sign! :cursing:

I would like to post a NSV. I went shopping yesterday. My jeans are getting big. I went to Lane Bryant and I tried on a 5P. They were loose....very comfortable if this was the weight I was staying at. I tried on a 4P and they fit! Then I thought I was trying on a size 22 coat. (I usually would look for a 24 or 26.) I thought it was okay.....just a little tiny bit small, but something I could definately wear and I could grow into it through the winter. I looked at the tag again and realized that I couldn't afford it...then I realized it was actually a size 18-20! I couldn't believe it!:blushing: Then I went to JC Penny's and the 2x was too small...:cursing:...Oh well I think I'll focus on my NSV at Lane Bryant. I used to love that store and now I can't wait until I can't shop there any more!!!

-How does he handle your medical history? Does he do any tests prior to the surgery? IF you are an obese but otherwise health person he doesn't require any test prior to surgery. -How does he go about identifying who is or is not a good candidate for surgery? Is it only based on what we tell him? Or does he request information from your physician? The nutritionist has a phone interview with you and they go by that and your BMI. -How far out should I try to schedule my surgery? I will be able to have all the money together by March, so when would be a good time to try and get the ball rolling? Is there a long waiting period? They want the payment 2 weeks prior to surgery. -If by some chance I had serious complications and would ever need to have the band removed, does he do that or would I be on my own? I think he will do that, but you should ask him to be sure. I think it is a great idea to have all those test done. Your PCP can oversee those. He knows your history best.

Thank you! I really enjoyed your post and it is so true!

I've talked to someone that has had their 10 years.

TracyK...do you need a fill? I know I will get to that plateu and want to screem. You are so great to keep a good attitude for while you are stuck. Good luck and happy thanksgiving!

I have a question for all of you. How many calories are you getting daily (average) and how many calories are you working off weekly. I find that I average maybe 1000 calories and I work off 300 calories for 30 minutes of eliptial work (appox. according tothe machine) 3-5 days weekly and starting to do some weights. I watch my nutrients and I need to work on my fiber and water intake. I need to increase both of those. So for a week I take in about 7000 calories and burn off at least 900-1500 on purpose. :wub: What about all of you? I think I have cut my calories by about 10,000/week.

I saw them in April. It was the best and Jon is hotter now than every before. Daughtry was great too. It won't be the last Bon Jovi concert I ever go to!

11/24/08 Almost 1 month post-op and my wonderful, fabulous, miraculous resistance is all gone. I was supposed to have a fill tomorrow but it will be a week from Friday instead. I kind of kick myself for changing it, but it will be better traveling on Thanksgiving not to be getting used to my first adjustment. I thought I was cheating…okay I got all ticked off at the kids tonight and I dealt with it the way I used to deal with stress. I went out and bought a deep dish supreme single pizza from Red Baron. (Okay before it would not have been a mini pizza) I shouldn’t have been able to suck that thing down the way I did. Well I had no problem at all. On a positive note I put it in my Journal on www.sparkpeople.com and I didn’t blow it today like I thought I did. I ate so well before that I can forgive myself. I’m still less than 1000 calories for the day and I went to the gym tonight. I really wish we had a free journal on lapbandtalk.com It would be great to see what other bandsters are eating and their nutrients. I think I am the first patient that my primary care physician has had that has been banded. He said that other patients have been starting to ask about it. He asked me to keep him posted so I did when I had surgery and I figure after each fill. We work together….kind of... so I just drop him an email. It might be interesting to see what he asks as we go along. I pasted my bandster guidelines (from my blog) in my last email. The only thing he really asked about was not drinking while eating. I got a kick out of that just because that has been one of the hardest ones to get used to. Oh…I almost forgot! Someone at work finally noticed I had lost weight. Yesterday I looked at a close up picture from August and from last night. I saw a difference. That is really what I wanted to know….that there is a difference. Another big thing for me is that I finally told my best friend (besides DH) that I was banded. I’m glad I did. It is nice to have someone to share things with. I have every intention of telling my family once I’m in onederland and I fly down to surprise them but I don’t plan to tell anyone around here. Well I better sign off. I didn’t realize this was going to get so long. I want to finish by saying THANK YOU to all of you…my support group. What would I do without you?

11/24/08 Almost 1 month post-op and my wonderful, fabulous, miraculous resistance is all gone. I was supposed to have a fill tomorrow but it will be a week from Friday instead. I kind of kick myself for changing it, but it will be better traveling on Thanksgiving not to be getting used to my first adjustment. I thought I was cheating…okay I got all ticked off at the kids tonight and I dealt with it the way I used to deal with stress. I went out and bought a deep dish supreme single pizza from Red Baron. (Okay before it would not have been a mini pizza) I shouldn’t have been able to suck that thing down the way I did. Well I had no problem at all. On a positive note I put it in my Journal on www.sparkpeople.com and I didn’t blow it today like I thought I did. I ate so well before that I can forgive myself. I’m still less than 1000 calories for the day and I went to the gym tonight. I really wish we had a free journal on lapbandtalk.com It would be great to see what other bandsters are eating and their nutrients. I think I am the first patient that my primary care physician has had that has been banded. He said that other patients have been starting to ask about it. He asked me to keep him posted so I did when I had surgery and I figure after each fill. We work together….kind of... so I just drop him an email. It might be interesting to see what he asks as we go along. I pasted my bandster guidelines (from my blog) in my last email. The only thing he really asked about was not drinking while eating. I got a kick out of that just because that has been one of the hardest ones to get used to. Oh…I almost forgot! Someone at work finally noticed I had lost weight. Yesterday I looked at a close up picture from August and from last night. I saw a difference. That is really what I wanted to know….that there is a difference. Another big thing for me is that I finally told my best friend (besides DH) that I was banded. I’m glad I did. It is nice to have someone to share things with. I have every intention of telling my family once I’m in onederland and I fly down to surprise them but I don’t plan to tell anyone around here. Well I better sign off. I didn’t realize this was going to get so long. I want to finish by saying THANK YOU to all of you…my support group. What would I do without you?

I'm driving in. It is about a 6 1/2 - 7 hour drive.

I'm scheduled for a fill on the 5th too! 11:00 am I will be there for my first fill. I was scheduled for a fill in in two days. I thought maybe I was having enough restriction that I didn't need it. I rescduled. I think I am doing good, but could use a fill. Less than two weeks. I'm glad I'm not doing it two days before Thanksgiving. We are traveling too so if I had problems it would be miserable.

Of course people read you blog! Thanks for the comment on mine. I have been advised to eat NO bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. I eat plenty of solid protein. I started shopping just for protein to eat to keep the variety in my diet. I get some great single serving grean giant veggies. Have you started putting your food in an online journal that will track your nutrients? I use www.sparkpeople.com That is about all I do on there but it is invaluable to me!!! Every time I eat something I put it in. Don't wait until the end of the day. Even better plan the day ahead and put it in for tomorrow. Good luck keep working. We are all here for you!

Welcome to the Smashing Pumpkins! I know what you mean! Great job on losing 25 lbs!!!

11-21-08 Oh what was I thinking? I was afraid that I would drive all the way out to Denver and then not get a fill because I'm doing pretty well. I called and postponed until Dec 16th and then I rethought, but by the time I called back my appt was gone so now I wait another 2 weeks. Maybe it was the right thing. I am losing at a good pace, but I get hungry every 3 hours and I am afraid of eating too much at one time and stretching my pouch. I eat about 1 1/2cups or maybe a little more. I stop when I feel hungry and it takes me about an hour to eat. I do eat while working at my desk, but that helps to distract me so I eat slower...not faster. I have one friend that has noticed that I have lost weight. No one at work has noticed. I think maybe 10 more lbs and people will notice. I stated at 285 and I'm down to 253. I know the bigger you are the harder it is to tell. My goal is to hit 239 by January 1st. That might be a big goal... I am hopeful. I made it to the gym 3 times this week! YEAH!!!!!! That is an accomplishment. Maybe I’ll go tomorrow too. I won’t feel guilty if I don’t, but I will feel even better if I do.

11-21-08 Oh what was I thinking? I was afraid that I would drive all the way out to Denver and then not get a fill because I'm doing pretty well. I called and postponed until Dec 16th and then I rethought, but by the time I called back my appt was gone so now I wait another 2 weeks. Maybe it was the right thing. I am losing at a good pace, but I get hungry every 3 hours and I am afraid of eating too much at one time and stretching my pouch. I eat about 1 1/2cups or maybe a little more. I stop when I feel hungry and it takes me about an hour to eat. I do eat while working at my desk, but that helps to distract me so I eat slower...not faster. I have one friend that has noticed that I have lost weight. No one at work has noticed. I think maybe 10 more lbs and people will notice. I stated at 285 and I'm down to 253. I know the bigger you are the harder it is to tell. My goal is to hit 239 by January 1st. That might be a big goal... I am hopeful. I made it to the gym 3 times this week! YEAH!!!!!! That is an accomplishment. Maybe I’ll go tomorrow too. I won’t feel guilty if I don’t, but I will feel even better if I do.

I think you were talking to me. I have continued to say no to bread, potatoes, rice adn Pasta. I keep my food record on www.sparkpeople.com and I average 1000 - 1100 calories per day. I have started to the gym. i've gone twice and I am getting ready to go now. I watch my carbs. I have been doing pretty good with the bandsters guidelines. I posted the guidelines I have been trying to follow on my blog. You can check it out there. I hope that helps. My first fill in next Tuesday! :smile::Dancing_biggrin:

As long as you can keep that protein down It sounds like you are good. If you start going to soft food (soft calorie syndrome) you may be too tight. If your band is just finiky about what it lets you eat that sounds pretty good. Congrats on the 60 lbs gone! That is amazing!

Let us know how you are doing!!!

If you are hurting take your lortab every 4 hours. If you are alternating be sure to alternate them every 4 hours. Remember lortab has tylenol in it too...I don't want you to get too much. Just something to keep in mind. Take care. You'll start to feel much better very soon!

BootyBee, My understanding is that the goal is to lose 1-2 lbs per week without battling hunger. I'm starting to worry that I won't get a fill next week like scheduled. I am losing although it is really slowing down but I think I'll still hit the 1-2 per week. I get hungry about 3 hours after eating instead of 4 like I've heard it should be. That might get me my fill. :confused:I can eat more than 1/2 - 1 cup of food, but not 2 cups. I am ready to start on regular food and I need to stay away from soft stuff now. I've been keeping the cottage cheese industry alive single-handedly for the past 3 weeks. :blushing:I need to start following my protein with veggies. I have some great veggies from green giant that microwave in their little pouch at work. I just started to the gym. My goal is 3 times a week for 30min of cardio. I hope to make it more, but to begin with I will allow myself no guilt if I get there at least 3 times a week. I will start some weight training after my fill next week. That will put me at 4 weeks out. I have my Wii too. You know what. That Wii is a danger to my health. My hip isn't the same since I found hula-hooping. And I haven't done that in a week. It is still sore. Just to clarify I am not 75 years old. It's not like I've worn out the poor hip.....I'm only 34 for crying out loud! :rolleyes2: I figure if I'm still afraid that I won't get the fill on Tuesday I'll call on Monday. I don't want to drive 7 hours for a "sorry not today" speech. Its great to hear how everyone is going. Keep posting!!!