Cindy C

My doctor is pretty strict in the beginning. He won't do first fill until 8 weeks. As time went by and I became more familiar with the band and lifestyle changes he said "you know your body better than I do" and will do a fill whenever I want. I'm at the point now that I tell him how much to put in (or take out).

That's a really hard thing to get past, especially since we were made to eat everything on our plates growing up. My new theory is "better to go to waste than to go to waist!"

There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to. I started out about 40 pounds more than you and averaged 11.5 pounds a month for the first year. I hit onederland in 14 months. Good luck.

Heck no you aren't wrong. She's an adult tell her if she wants a family bbq she should have one at HER house! She needs to be supportive of her mother.

Congrats and welcome. Love your picture, looks like a very happy family. Before you know it, you'll be pushing your girls out of the way so the camera can see your hot new bod!!

You're only 4 days out. The most important thing at this point is that you get enough Water to not become dehydrated. Just do Protein Shakes and broth as tolerated.

I wasn't on them.

It's a slider for me too!!

Just because you CAN eat buns, breadsticks and bread doesn't mean you SHOULD! You need to have a little self control. There's no magic number as to how many cc's will put you where you need to be. If there was, they would just put that much in the first time and call it a day. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. They put in a small amount the first time (in your case it was 3cc). The next month they will put in 1 or 2 more...then another 1 or .5 and keep doing that every month until you reach restriction. This way if you get too tight they have a pretty good idea how much to take out. If they just stuck 6 or 7 in the first time there would be no indicator as too how much needed to come out. It's a process and you need to be patient and gradually learn to live with your band. I understand that you are anxious and excited to succeed in your journey but you need to relax and follow the process.

I have no idea but would guess that 200% would be double your ideal weight!

I buy the powder at Kroger.

You're still healing. That's probably why you were aware of it.

It's caused from protein deficiency. Rapid weight lose can also be a factor. It usually starts between 4 - 8 months after surgery. The good news is that it's NOT falling out, it's breaking. It will grow back. Be patient, get your protein and take your vitamins.

Name, real or screen~ Cindy Age~ 51 Weight on July1st~ 181.2 Goal Weight for July 29th~ 175 Exercise Goal for July~ Be able to continue exercising with this toe I broke Tuesday Dietary Goal for July~ Keep the chocolate cravings at bay Personal Goal for July~ Clean the attic (how many years have I been saying that? lol) Date Banded~ 6/10/08 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~ 143

Was it worth it? absoFREAKINGlutely!!!!! I was 48 when I had my surgery a week after my youngest graduated from high school. I was as active in their lives as I could be but missed out on so much with them. I plan on making up for it by being one active granny!! They just need to start giving me some grandbabies! Aside from having my kids, having my lapband was the best thing I ever did for myself. I went from 324 - size 4X to my current 180 - size 12. I was on the verge of so many health problems and am convinced that I wouldn't lived any longer than my father did (he died at 63). Now I'm healthy, active and happy in my own skin. My kids are thrilled with the changes in me. There is no better sound than when your child says "Mom, I'm so proud of you!"

The only part of "fat me" that I miss is the DD's. But when I think of all the other fat that went along with them, its not so bad. I guess if I get to the point that I really want them back its only about $5000!!

Its no biggie. If they were concerned about it they would have cathed you!

Feels good to get things off your chest!

LOL!! Feel free!

Dementia is a strange creature. I work in geriatrics. Sometimes there's no rhyme nor reason what they can and cannot remember. You have provided her with something that she can hang on to. Good for you and good for her. Continue to encourage her and answer her questions. Enjoy it. There may come a day when she forgets that too. Congrats on you success!!

In no particular order: I don't keep "crap" in the house! (Although there's more now while my son is home from college for the summer but I'm doing pretty good at staying away from it.) When I think I'm hungry, I wait 15-20 minutes to see if its physical hunger or just head hunger. I never eat just because the clock says it's time. I use small plates and silverware. This makes me eat less and take smaller bites. If the TV is on, the fridge is off limits. I keep my before picture on the front of the fridge. It makes me stop and think before opening the door. I NEVER drink calories!! (With the exception of protein shakes and maybe the occasional cocktail.) Regular exercise. It doesn't always have to be a rigorous gym workout. Yard work, walk, clean the house, play with the dogs etc. Just keep the body moving. Stay well hydrated. I usually have a glass of something handy..water, iced tea, s/f whatever. I try to stay focused on things that are not food related. Pick a sports team and follow them...get involved in politics...volunteer at your child's school or a senior center...throw yourself into your career....it doesn't matter what it is just keep the mind focused. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Track food and exercise. I keep a spreadsheet on my computer of my weight every week along with any other medical information...doctor's appointments, fills/unfills, menstrual cycle, mammogram, pap etc. GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!! Whether I think I need a fill or not, I always keep my lapband appointments. For the first 2+ years, I went every single month. Now I go every 2-3 months. Mix it up. The body has a mind of its own. If you do the same thing everyday, your body will know what to expect and you won't lose as well. Once every week or two, kick the calories up. Change your activities. Cardio one day, weights the next. Have fun!! Get the gang together and find somewhere that's having "Ladies Night" and go dance your a** off. Camaraderie and its good exercise. Keep a positive mental attitude! I always look at the bright side, no matter how hard it is to find. Don't linger in bed. When I wake up I get up, even if it's 6am and I have nowhere to be. (Like today!) I find that regular chiropractic adjustments keep my body and mind working at optimal levels. I realize that some people don't "believe in" chiropractics but then again some people don't "believe in" lapband either. We all know that they are wrong! I could probably come up with a few more but I'm still on my first cup of coffee. Besides, I think I've babbled long enough. Hope some of this helps!

Another example of "different doctor, different rules". My doctor says it's ok to eat before a fill. I never do though but that's because I don't want to eat before I get on the scale!

Don't be too disappointed if some or all of that 4 pounds comes back. Sounds like you dehydrated yourself.

Set your fork down between bites. Sometimes I use a pickle fork so I take smaller bites.

How about an exercise class or join a gym together.