Mommy0105

Ki Karen De- I have had my band for one year. 07-07-07 was my anniversary actually. Luck 7's I like to think! My only regret about the band is not doing it sooner. That is not to say it hasn't required A LOT of hard work and dedication, I just think it is amazing at how much willpower you can actually implement when you are full sooner and not physically hungry so often. Truth is, I wish I had the willpower before the band, but I'd rather admit the fact that I didn't and find an alternate solution to my weight problem rather than live through one failed diet attempt after another as pounds slowly crept on and on. Who have you chosen to perform your surgery? Are you open with everyone about having it done or are you keeping it a secret? Good luck with your evals on Thursday.

I wish I had a planet fitness closer to me than Middletown. If it were more practical for me I would definitely go there. I hate spending $1,000 + a year on a membership for me and my husband. I don't use the classes as my gym, so Planet Fitness would actually be right up my alley!!!

I began exercising within 1 month of my surgery. For the past year I have been pretty hardcore. Working out 5-7 times a week for about 2 hours. (1 hr weigh training/1 hour cardio). Loose skin was always a fear of mine, and I wanted to do what I could to avoid it at all costs. I hoped that because I had always been a very athletic person (3 sport athlete in HS/college) , because I was at the lower end of the obesity spectrum, and because I was still pretty young, that my skin would be rather resilient. I do have loose skin. I have it in my arms, stomach, buttocks, and upper thighs, but it is not as excessive as others that I have seen. To look at me clothed, you probably wouldn't know. My arms and legs actually appear toned (until I have to move them, lol). So does exercise and toning help with loose skin? I'm sure it does, but only to a certain extent. Who knows how much additional skin I would have right now if I dieted without exercise this past year. Don't get me wrong. I am thrilled to have lost the weight I have. But it has definitely been bittersweet when the idealistic must confront the reality (especially if $$$ prevents you from getting plastic surgery)

Welcome KathyK. Congrats on getting your band recently. How are things going so far? I remember hating the first few weeks after banding. Personally, I was starving during the liquid and mushy stage. I didn't think I would make it through. Hopefully you are doing better than I did. So - Part time worker and stay at home mom, huh? Sounds like you have the best of both worlds. I have one daughter. She is 2 1/2. While I work full time, I am lucky to be a teacher, so I get to see her much more than other full time working moms. So since I have to work, I guess it is pretty ideal. Are you from Middletown? I am from Monroe. Lynn

Glad to hear you still love your band. I see that you have lost 112 lbs. and recently had plastic surgery. What procedure/procedures did you have? While I look fine clothed, I would really love to have a tummy tuck and definitely a breast lift or augmentation, but not sure the pocket book will afford either. I would love to see before and after pics if you have any. 112 lbs is very motivating!!! Congratulations. I am down about 85 lbs. or so, but have been hovering at this point since around April. Like I said in my last post, I have to kick myself into gear again soon. I can't let myself become complacent!!!

I went for my first appointment with Dr. Kurian at the NYU office on 6/26/07. Yes, the NYU office is certainly not as glamorous as her office back with Lenox Hill, but it's the doctor and the care that I am most concerned about. I found the NYU staff to be friendly, but I am a little nervous now. When I had my surgery with Dr. Kurian @ Lenox Hill, I was aware that they were not a participating provider, but was told that a flat rate deal was being worked out between the two and that basically I would not have to worry about the remainder of the 80/20 balance. While visiting at the Lenox Hill office, I never once was asked to pay anything upfront. I simply submitted the insurance check to the office and they accepted whatever it happened to be. Upon leaving NYU I was asked to pay $100 for the visit upfront. While totally understandable, I wasn't expecting it. Because $$$ is extremely tight theses days, I am now nervous about being able to afford follow-up care on a regular basis. I have to travel from Orange County (about 1 1/2 hrs.) and spend $ for gas, tolls, and parking, and don't know if the pocket book will afford me to much else every 4-5 weeks if I have to lay out $100 at the office every time. Perhaps if she will eventually see patients in the Orange/Rockland offices it will be a little more feasible, but untill then, who knows. I hope the office they are sending me to for the esophogram in a few weeks accepts my insurance... I can only imagine what that will cost me!!!!

Hello Ladies and welcome!!! Hopefully more Orange/Rockland/Westchester people will begin posting on this thread. It really would be nice to get to know more people locally. Karen - The best advice that I can probably give would be to join a gym and begin an exercise routine AS SOON AS your doctor recommends. So far, I have been very successful with the band, but truly believe going to the gym has been the biggest reason for my success. Not only does it help the pounds melt off quickly, but when you get in to the routine of it, you will be less likely to sabotage yourself with poor food choices! Pacomomma - Are you from Goshen? I live in Monroe (right on the Tuxedo border) What are your feelings about the band after 2 1/2 years? My 1 year will be on 7/7/07. While my weight loss has hit a lull lately, I am still in love with my band and so happy to have had the surgery. I fully admit part of my recent "lull" has been due to my own slacking. I vow to get back into the swing of things again soon though. Lynn

Though I'd say hello to all the bandsters in my vicinity. I live in Orange, work in Rockland, and travel across the TZ bridge into Westchester often. I thought it might be nice for people within close proximity to chat and get to know one another - offer support, form friendships, and possibly meet someday down the line. So........................ Hello Orange/Rockland/Westchester bandsters!!! Would love to hear from you!

My appointment is for this Tuesday, 6/26. I have to call to make sure her old office forwarded my medical records though. I faxed them on Thursday, asking them to forward my records at their earliest convenience. I called on Friday to verify they received my fax and was not met with the friendliest of office staff. They were always more than pleasant when I was a patient there though... Sad commentary IMO, but perhaps that means the NYU staff will be pleasant now that I am actually a patient , lol.

I was banded almost 1 year ago by Dr. Marina Kurian (LOVE HER) from Lenox Hill Hospital's Bariatric program. Dr. Kurian has just left Lenox Hill to join NYU's practice with Dr. Fielding and Dr. Ren. I have my first appointment at her NYU office at the end of this month. I have heard mixed reviews about the NYU office staff and was looking for feedback. I do know that while I was still researching surgeons, I had an extremely tough time setting up a consult appointment with Dr. Fielding or Dr. Ren. Perhaps it was because I wasn't an actual patient yet? Anyway, what have your experiences with NYU's office staff been like? Also, has anyone else been banded by Dr. Kurian (again, LOVE HER!!!), and will you be folowing her to NYU or staying with the staff at Lenox Hill?

Thanks beachgirl. Perhaps I could use a slight fill. I have noticed I am eating more frequently during the day, but then again, I get stuck a few times a week too. I just hope I haven't strectched my pouch or something!

I can relate to what you are feeling. To date I have lost a little over 80 pounds. While I am relatively happy with the clothed me, I am still horrified at the naked me. In fact, I tell my husband that a big part of me believes I looked better naked when I was 200+ pounds. Part of me says "Who cares what you look like naked. Your husband is the only one who see you that way and he doesn't mind." But I care anyway. I went bathing suit shopping for the first time in a few years and left feeling disgusted. The lack of top support left my chest looking disgustingly flat in 95% of the suits I tried on. And a skirt or short bottomw were a must. While I don't regret the surgery, I do lament on the fact that I now have sagging breasts (need a good push up bra 24/7) and loose skin on my stomach. A great deal of my disappointment over this comes from the fact that I was so worried about it happenning that I seriously hit the gym doing cardio and weight training for 2 hrs a day 5-6 days a week in an effort to minimize the whole loose skin thing. I have my eyes set on a breast job and a tummy tuck after I maintain my weight loss and have baby #2, but the truth is, purse strings are beyond tight, so I doubt I will ever be able to afford or justify spending that kind of money on myself. So yes, I can relate to you on some level...

Help! I need some renewed motivation. I had my LapBand surgery on 7-7-06. To date I have lost over 80 pounds. I am very proud of the progress I have made so far, but lately I have been slacking and the scale has has been yo-yoing for the past month or two. I am fully aware my yo-yoing is the result of my own actions. I have been eating beyond the full point, and making some bad choices from time to time (April is a bad month for me - 5 birthdays in the family... and where there is cake....) and because my daughter is going through a "no gym Mommy!, no gym Mommy!" phase, (she's 2) I feel guily taking her there and leving her in the gym daycare while I work out. So needless to say, my gym time has also been less than optimal. Anyway... I know what I have to do, I just need some kind and harsh words to kick me in the a#@ and get me back on track! My goal was 100 by my bandiversary on 7-7-07 and I'd like to think I can still do it.

I couldn't agree more. Too much "positive reinforcement" can be harmful to children in the long run. They lose all perspective of reality if constantly told everything they do is "wonderful" . American Idol is a prime example of this. During the auditions, a good percentage of the horrible singeres (if you can call them singers) are genuinely surprised to hear that they suck. As a parent, don't you owe it to your kid to be honest, instead of inflate his/her head with ideas of grandeur. The truth is bound to come out sooner or later....

I think it does. Whether it is more physical or mental, I have not gone on one eating binge since surgery. At least twice a month I would come home and shovel food in my mouth - taking large bites and eating quickly untill I was beyond stuffed. Now, I am afraid of getting stuck, so I will not even attempt to shovel. If I start "snacking" on bad foods though, I am much more in control since I have to think about chewing the food well. Because of the time it takes to do that, I am able to stop myself before getting to binge status.

I never experienced the taste you are talking about, but have you tried the listerine pocket spray? I find it is pretty powerful Also Dentyne Ice - I think the Arctic Chill - comes in black packaging... It is pretty intense gum and works for the bad breath/tastes I get after eating some foods.

Most of my cardio is treadmill. I have exercise induced asthma, so running on it for more than 4 minutes at a time is pretty much out, so I set it to the highest incline possible and walk as fast as my little feet will carry me - holding on to the bar of course! I know a lot of people find the treadmill boring, but with the right music on my iPod to motivate me - it is certainly a lot less tedious. I am trying to get back into the elliptical - I really work up a bigger sweat there and it doesn't seem to bother my breathing the way it does if I run on the treadmill.

My husband says I am obsessed with weighing myself. I weigh every moring when I wake up and also every night when I get home from the gym. For me, I went so long without weighing myself that a pound here and a pound there eventually led to carrying around 100 extra pounds. For me - if I don't weigh myself each morning, I can rationalize bad food choices or taking "breaks" to reward myself for a period of hard work. And too much of that, will certainly lead me down the wrong path and I will end up right back where I started. While I know much of it had to do with salt and Water retention, I was able to pack on 5 lbs in 2 days over superbowl weekend - most of it coming from poor choices rather than volume. Had I waited to weigh myself till the end of the week though, I never would have worked my way back down so quickly. It is just too easy for me to forget about something I ate if I wait too long before weighing myself. While a 5 pound gain was depressing, a 10 or 15 lbs gain might have made me want to throw in the towel And since I am not a food journaler - I use my scale as a reminder to stay focused and honest. While being obsessed with the scale might seem like an unhealthy obsession to some, I think being 100 lbs overweight is even unhealthier, so if it works for you, then I say great! I do not fear becoming anorexic over my behavior. Illnesses such as eating disorders generally come form much deeper rooted problems. Scale / exercise obsessions alone will not cause you to go there. There are so many other contributing factors that lead to eating disorders. As far as exercise, I have to go to the gym at least 4 times a week to see continued results. When I took a "break" from Thanksgiving - New Years, I barely lost at all. And getting back into the whole gym routine was sooooooooooooooooooooo difficult. I don't want it to happen again!

How did everyone do with regard to reaching their Valentine's Day weight goal? My goal was to enter into the 150's / Lose 10 lbs starting at 169. After much yo-yoing this past week, I finally woke up to see 159.5 on my scale. In the attempt to stick with the glass 1/2 full mentality - While I didn't lose a total of 10 lbs (9.5), I did finally get to see 159 on my scale. So what if it is followed by a .5, right? If I had more will power on Superbowl Sunday, I might have had better results, but I am happy to have done as well as I did for the month and a half. How did everyone else do?

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My most recent pet peeve is... well... ME !!!! For the past 2 weekends I have gained 5 pounds in 2 days. Last weekend I didn't get to the gym on Friday or Saturday. I made poor food choices due to Superbowl party temptations and woke up on Monday morning 5 lbs heavier than I was on Saturday Morning. I had finally gotten to 160 lbs... Only 1 pound from meeting my Valentine's Day challenge goal of entering the 150's. It took me all week to work my way back down to 160, but I did it. By Saturday afternoon, my scale one again read 160 lbs. But Saturday night I attended my friend's Passion Party. I swore I was going to be good so that I wouldn't end up in the same boat as the week before, but 2-3 glasses of red wine later and, smart food choices went right out the window!!!!! I just weighed myself and I'm back up to 164.5 lbs.... ARRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!! So it looks like I will not be achieving my Valentine's Day goal after all. Hopefully it is a lesson learned though. Why does it take 2 seconds to put on and 2 years to get it off???

Gym Peeves - ~ People who insist on talking on their cell phones while working out - especially when i can hear their conversation over my iPod! ~ Peole who do not spray/wipe down the equipment after using it - GROSS! ~ How my gym advertises its towel service, but I have to wait till after my cardio portion before they are ever out of the damn dryer!!! ~ People who FART on the treadmill repeatedly and refuse to excuse themselves for a bathroom break... If it's just me and you honey, don't you think I know where that God awful stench is coming from??? Stop acting like nothing has happenned. I am about to pass out! ~ People who take extended breaks between their weight sets, get up to walk around, and then get crazed when some unsuspecting person sits down at the machine. - If you're not done - STAY PUT or SHARE!!!

Not to gross you out, but I did have mine the day of surgery. Luckily it was on the lighter side, because I too couldn't wear my panties. I also had to remove all feminine products... Was uncomfortable about it at first, but I wanted to be thin, wasn't gonna let it hold me up if it wasn't gonna stop them!!!!

Me too! In fact, I hate any e-mail asking me to forward it to "X" amount of people. I don't understand how people fall for that nonsense.... "If you don't forward this to 10 people in the next 2 minutes, rats will come out from under your floor boards and nibble your toes off in the middle of the night" Followed by the validation - "This is really true. My sister's friend's father's best friend's babysitter's aunt, only forwarded it to 8 people and she now has to undergo a toe transplant to replace her missing pinky toes, so don't take any chances - forward this immediately!"

I really think this is the key.... EXERCISE... I firmly believe that the major reason I have been successful is that I am at the gym for almost 2 hrs a day 5-7X a week. I HATED it at first, but as time went on, it became somewhat addicting. The mental aspect is a definite plus as well. If I have just been to the gym, I am so much less likely to sabbotage myself with poor choices after kicking my own ass for two hours. When I took a gym hiatus (Thanksgiving - after New Years) my weight loss totally came to a hault. I dreaded getting back into the gym routine nd starting over, but since I forced myself to go regularly, my weight loss has started to pick up once again. It truly has made all the difference. Don't give up, you can do it!!!!