LapBandit

Hellloooo....any one out there??? I'm all alone and scared. (Just kidding, I know it's tough this time of year.) Anyway, today was my birthday and I did a very bad thing...we always order out for people's birthday's so I had a huge lunch and then a super-huge piece of chocolate fudge birthday cake. YIKES! Considering I have a weigh in on Friday and I'm already PMSing so I am carrying a lot of water weight...I guess it will mean a less than stellar weigh in. Urgh...I am enjoying the holiday season but cannot wait until New Year's is here so life can return to normal! I hope you all are hanging in there too!

Jeez, that is brutal--6 weeks?! Each doctor is different but my post-op situation was not that harsh. For mushies I fell in love with vegetarian refried beans, cream of wheat, low-fat/low-sodium cream soups etc. Plus, a lot of people in my support group said they had no problem blending up regular foods like meatballs w/ sauce and chilli (not my thing but some people can handle the look, especially if they're hungry enough!)

I, honestly, was a bit scared that the doctor would be rude and say something like "how did you let this happen?" or "why don't you exercise" but no, they were very professional and wanted to know why I wanted to look into surgery and if I was prepared to fully commit to their program. It was no sweat. However, if you meet with them and don't feel comfortable then I'd say look for the next doc because my only other word of advice is...you'll be seeing these people ALOT and it's going to be important that you can openly discuss stuff with them and feel comfortable. Good luck-it'll go great!

2 to 3 cups of food does not indicate pouch stuffing unless it actually makes you feel stuffed. I can easily eat that quantity and just feel "satisfied" not stuffed and my doctor has no problem with that. With that said, if you continue to eat beyond your limit and make yourself feel gross then yes, that is a problem. But, don't worry so much about quantity, especially if it is good, healthy food.

Congrats on the NSV but no, I probably wouldn't approach someone else about something embarassing like that. She knows the reason she can't fit in the seat and...just like we used to do, she was probably trying to pretend the situation didn't exist. Even though it would have been well-intentioned, a conversation about it would've probably made her feel more embarassed. That's just my opinion. However, if you knew the person and had talked with them about weight issues or were close enough to bring it up then it might be a different thing to mention your band and the success you've had with it. Good question to bring up though, it was something to think about!

Christmas Goals A1ikou...............240...............XX Aza....................299...............XX BPM..................230...............37 candy444...........299.................09 Elisabeth.............275.................16 Ericsmom...........250................7.6 Indianlight...........280.................-1 WOOHOO!! Josette................340.................25 JulieNYC............235...................4 Koala.................275..................24 Ladydi................270 .................33 LapBandit...........250..................0 (Ho Ho Ho-Merry Christmas!) Libra...................270................0 (woohoo!) Mariguita.............290.................XX NatesMommy.....275.................XX Waterlily1072.....275..................23 Well, I tried waiting a few days before I posted just to be sure...but I've been under 250 for a couple days! Can you believe it?? I can't! Honestly, when I even considered surgery I thought...if I can go from pretty much 400 down to 250 within a few years then I'd be satisfied. I cannot believe I have actually hit this goal. I feel like I have a shot at slowly moving toward a weight within the normal or even slightly overweight range. I want to get rid of that "obese" title from my medical records by the end of next year. My next year's Christmas goal is to lose the word "obese"! Thank you to all of my friends here who continue to encourage and support me! Without you guys I know the journey wouldn't be this successful or fun!!

Sorry to hear that Libra. I agree with Indianlight...you'll stay strong and you'll make it through without gaining it all back. You can do it and we're here for ya if you need to vent!!

Congratulations Indianlight! This is wonderful that we have two champions so far and we still have the rest of December to go! Urgh...if I can stop this plateau I still might have a chance to hit my goal. I've been bouncing the same two pounds for about two weeks now. Keep your fingers crossed that I get back on the losing side soon!

Ugh, I can completely relate to this. I have been losing and gaining the same two pounds for about two weeks now. It is really doggone frustrating but I'm trying to shake things up by eating new foods I haven't tried before and I'm staying the course with exercise. Hopefully I snap out of it soon! Congrats on getting back on the losing side again!

For me, the post-fill swelling only lasts about two days. You were filled about a week ago. I'd say it's possible you're too tight. If you can still eat enough to wait it out a few days you may want to see if it gets better but I'd probably go ahead and call the doc for a slight unfill. It happens to many people, the fill is just a little too tight and once a bit is removed they feel better. If it is that your band actually is too tight then you probably don't want to let it go too long. Good luck!

I really am not trying to burst your excitement but you're experiencing something pretty common. I completely lost my appetite for about the first two weeks following surgery, but it comes back. You need to be prepared for this because I thought "Yippee, I'll never be hungry again." and when I started to feel hunger again it was pretty rough because I was still on mushies and I felt like I must've messed up and actually felt bad about getting hungry again. (It was a weird transition for me.) Anyway, enjoy this honeymoon stage but that's all it is for most of us. Like I said, I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer but I just don't want you to go through the same thing I did. As far as Cream of Wheat. It was a no-no for liquids but was OK for mushies. Good luck and Happy Healing!

Yes, check with your doc to be sure. But, this is common in a lot of people. Your port is anchored to your abdominal muscle wall which can result in discomfort for some. Luckily I've not had much trouble with mine, but it probably depends on several factors like, where exactly the port sits and stuff. Considering you are just a few weeks out, your muscles are probably still healing and hopefully that's the only reason you have pain right now. Hang in there and hopefully it gets better soon!

No, I haven't. I'm on a plateau too right now. It's really hard to not give in to that "diet mentality" during times like these. My doctor made me promise I wouldn't try any "diet tactics" to lose weight any faster. It is really hard though. We're in the same boat and what I decided to do was to break my rut. I have a habit of eating a similar menu each day. So, I went to the grocery store and picked out new foods that match my calorie and nutrition guidelines and I'm gonna try giving my body some new foods to work on. My doctor said that your body can get used to the same old same old so he said you need to "shake things up." Hopefully it works and I really feel for you but I'm not sure I'd do straight protein shakes to try to fix it. Good luck!!

Well, my party was tonight. Here is a photo my sister took of me in my new SIZE 18 dress!! PS--No date and no eligible bachelors there either. Urgh...maybe next year.

Welcome to Twoterville! You should join our Road To Twoterville thread! We've been celebrating our journey into Twoterville and we're all working toward moving into Onderland...some day!! Congratulations, you should be very proud of your accomplishment!

Sometimes you'll find people there, but not too often. Sorry!

Wow, you all are doing so darn well! I am really happy with our group for sticking with it and reaching all these milestones. Hey, if I can keep it up then I should hit my Christmas goal soon. This morning it said I had 4 pounds to go!! I've got a lot of parties coming up though...ugh, it's gonna be tough. We gotta stick together to make it through the holidays unscathed!!

sandranoelle...I can't find this darn pudding either!! I have found the sugar-free stuff in the flavors everyone else has listed but it's not fat-free too. The sugar-free is really good. But, if I could find this fat-free sugar-free style, then I'd be all set! Happy searching and wish me luck too! I might see if I can order it from Target because that's where JDru said they sell it. Hopefully, I can order it online!!

Mariquita, I'm so happy for you! It will feel real good to hit that 299! Are you all packed and ready to move into Twoterville? If not, you better start packing! Good job!

Congratulations!! Woo Hoo We Have Our First Christmas Challenge Winner And It's Not Even December Yet!! Excellent Job And Congrats On The 50 Lbs!! You Should Be Very Proud! :bolt:

I haven't even talked to my surgeon about a goal yet. I didn't want to pressure myself. But, I have looked at some of those BMI charts so I have an idea of where I may want to be. Yes, I think I have a shot at getting there if I keep working hard. Good luck with your surgery!

How about shrimp, crab, fish, eggs, turkey? These meats can all be prepared in healthy ways and have great Protein. I am not much of a "meat eater" myself so I struggle for ideas too, A LOT! http://www.eatingforlife.com/recipes/ You sound like you are trying to eat in a similar way as myself. Balanced meals that include complex carbs and veggies. My doc has all of his patients read and follow the "Eating for Life" book. The book comes with tons of recipes but you can get a sneak peek of some of their recipes at this link. It may be a good book for you to have too, lots of ideas in there! Good luck!

First of all, I'm sorry that you're feeling so poorly. Hopefully it passes quickly. Well, you might want to get a call into your band doc's office just because you are throwing up often right now. They might have some suggestions or might want you to come in for an unfill for a few days. Next, they make chewable anti-nausea medicine that you might want to send someone out to get for you. You're right, we should avoid throwing up but in your situation there probably isn't much you can do about it. So, I would suggest going with it and if you must throw up then try to make it as non-violent as possible, don't fight it. That's about all I can think to suggest. Remember to keep hydrated and call that doc ASAP!! Good luck and hope you feel better soon. PS- Here is a link to that medicine I was talking about: http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36515 It's called "Nauzene" and I can find it at my local drugstore.

Hey Libra! Thanksgiving went well. I ate well but I didn't go crazy. I don't think I did any serious damage! But, I'll tell you...I'm a little worried about making it through this next month until after New Years. If I'm in control of what I eat then I am OK but visiting w/ family and friends gets me in a new mindset where old habits start to appear. Social eating, that is my toughest hurdle. Anyone have any good ideas or suggestions they plan to utilize during the holidays?

Claudia, are you asking a general question or do you have something specific you are curious about?