DebbieGail

After my 2 weeks off of school(teacher) because of hospitalization-kidney stones and 10 days Spring Break I went back to school - decided to wear a t-shirt that actually fit me .... well, my first class,6 children every 1/2 hour - I'm a kindergarten reading teacher, came in. One of my little guys gave me the once over. You could just see his eyes go over me from head to toe and then back to my face...he looked a little perplexed...then he said, "Are you getting skinny are what?" Later, that day a second grade teacher came over and had to tell me a conversation with one of my former students that is now in her class. Her conversation went like this..."This morning when we were waiting for our special class in the hall and you stopped and talked to them, well after you left B---- asked me "Is it just me, or is Mrs. B losing a lot of weight?". I do parent pick up duty everyday and I am having a lot of them ask me about my weight. This has just started happening because I'm pulling out spring clothes from a longgggggg time ago (over 10 years) and wearing clothes that are fitting and showing off my 83 lb. loss. I never throw anything away so I do have a new-old wardrobe. All this sounds great, right? Well, I do have some worries....that I'd like some help on.....My history tells me when I lose weight enough for people to notice...I have always in the past started to slip off the program...I don't know why? Is it I'm being successful so I don't have to try so hard and give myself permission....Am I feeling uncomfortable with the Personal attention (although I'm a pretty outgoing person). This time I am changing my lifestyle - Exercise and not as obsessed with eating...I guess I keep saying this is too good to be true...when is this going to end. I still have 100 lbs to lose ... I have been very true to the lapband rules and measuring my food until just recently have slipped acouple of times... This is scary for me.... This my not be the right thread for this conversation but along with NSV and being motivated because they did bring a smile and good feeling to me...comes my insecurities. Please share thoughts, experiences, or suggestions. Thanks Deb PS I'm having a hard time getting rid of my too big clothes.

Today's my 4 mos anniversary of being banded... Total weight loss 81 3/4 lb. - since surgery 48 3/4 lbs. I am still convinced this has been the best thing I ever did for myself, my life, and my family. Since 1/22/09 my health has taken a nose dive... whooping cough, inflammed brochial tubes, (6 weeks), just feeling better and kidney stones hit with lots of complications including two stays in the hospital 3 day and a 8 day. Infection in my blood, surgery on stones, and pnemonia. A very sick cookie. I know you are wondering where I'm heading with this...NSV - Not being able to exercise but craving, yearning, wanting (in the shape I was I won't use dying) to EXERCISE what a change in my thought process. My LBS has been awesome...visited me in the hospital both times admitted. Dietician has also visited me in hospital. They have given me such support ... I know I am and will continue to be successful in my new lifestyle change. Through all the illnesses my primary concern was my band...it has come through like a trooper. I'm still very protective ... which is good because it helps me make good choices and follow the LB rules! I'm really beginning to realize what all the talk about it being a TOOL is about. I have to make my food decisions and can make good choices. Still measuring all my foods. DH has bought me the Wii/Wii fit and a sport's watch to monitor my heart rate. I did fudge a little (dr. has not released me to do any exercises yet except minor 5 to 10 min. walks.) and tried some of the balancing games and I did try the Basic Step Aerobics(laughed with DH more than anything because I have no rhythm - can't figure out right, left, front,back - out of 85 steps I got 13 and this was on the beginner! Another NSV - realizing my DH is there to be supportive and that I can handle his help. I am nothing but grateful for having my best friend travel by my side on this journey. Have you begun to see a common thread through my rambling.... My most important NSV is my MIND SET. I am beginning to BELIEVE I am changing my LIFESTYLE. In the beginning of my journal I wrote, "I am dedicating this journal to a lifestyle change: From Living to Eat to Eating to Live!" I believe I am on my way to doing that! PS - I could actually buy a top today at the local Walmart store and only pay $8.00 instead of the only store for plus size women I've had to shop at for the past 10 years! What an anniversay present! Keep the faith! Deb

My DH just bought me the Wii and Wii Fit. Okay, after setting it up and putting data in ... we both tried some of the balance games and the Basic Steps Aerobics...The Lapband (I was banded 12/11/09) has definitely changed both our lives... a 55 and 60 year old couple giggling and playing (hopefully soon I'll call it exercise). I have a lot of practice to just get up to being in the ball park or should I say gym. On basic steps ... I only got 13 steps out of 85. See what I mean...no rhythm and left, right, front and back...I don't think I can do more than 1 thing at a time. My DH did much better but we had fun and got off the couch! What was good it did raise my heart rate 11 points. It must have been all that laughing!!!! Well anyway, I think I'm going to love it! I'm axious to hear more about using Wii programs for variety to exercise. Deb Highest lifetime weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery 343 Today 294 Today is my 4 mos. anniversary of being banded...best thing I ever did for myself!!!

Here's an update, my doctor's appointment a week after my lithotripsy was not good...the kidney stone did not break up so I still have two, the stint is still in place sent me home to wait another week because he thought he saw a small fragment in the tube.....today was my 2nd doctor's appointment ... still have 2 stones, one is getting close to opening...he gave me a choice --to go in and try to remove both stones or wait it out....I have been so miserable that I've decided to do the surgery and I hope he'll be able to get both of them out...won't know until Monday when ... have to be sure I have no infection..culture has to come back clean. Monday is also my next LB appointment. 4 weeks ago my LBS and I decided not to do an adjustment with all the things going on but he did set up this appointment 2 weeks earlier.... for the past three weeks my body has been playing with my weight up acouple pounds then down. I've fluctuated around 6 pounds. I noticed when I started this thread I was 301.5 this morning I was 302. I don't know if it's my frame of mind or that I need my second adjustment but I am getting hungry and it's getting harder and harder to stay with my 1/2 cup meals. Sometimes I think it's just my habit of emotional eating causing this. Then at other times I have only been adjusted once and I might need to have another fill. But again until this kidney stone thing is done I am having to drink so much Water and that's so hard for me to do at the present time do I really want to deal with more restriction and my water intake. I just don't know what my feelings are about it... I know no one can make up my mind but maybe some different thoughts might help me out of my funk! Any thoughts? Help? Deb

I have learned to my dismay that my eyes are definitely bigger than my stomach. To solve this every thing I eat is measured BEFORE it goes on my plate which is 1/2 cup. I always cut up everything in very tiny pieces. I then gauge how fast I eat and my wait times between bites so that I finish the same time everyone else is finishing. That way I don't have to watch everyone still eating and I don't have anything. Mentally if I eat the last bite about the same time everyone else does, I don't feel as if I was deprived. Listen and try everything others suggest but you will have to find what little tricks work for you ... At work in our lunch room many times people bring in treats for everyone. I position myself away from and try to keep it out of sight. I am not to proud to ask for help from my co-workers by asking them to move it to the other end of the table...They have been great! I also try and focus on the non scale victories (NSV)! Just think YOU have made a conscious decision to make your life better--healthier! That is a NSV! Just keep trying different ideas and talk to yourself...(POSITIVELY)! Find things that you can side track you mind. I don't think I have ever or I haven't recognized the FULL feeling....but I do know that I don't get hungry between meals. I guess I'm lucky in that respect but there have been times ...like right now .... that I have to find something to do to keep me out of the kitchen. Good Luck and work to find what works for you. Deb Highest lifetime wt. 386 1st visit to doctor 376 Surgery date 342 Today's wt. 302

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience with Olive Garden and your eating out. I know that eating out can be a scary prospect. We are still struggling with fitting in and learning to live with our new choice of lifestyle. I'm thinking out loud here...maybe we need to call ahead to some of our favorite restaurants and sort of have a game plan ahead of time. The main reason we want to eat out is to enjoy those around us...and when the establishment does not want to accommodate our needs, we should not let it ruin our outing. So far, I have only had GOOD experiences and I have even went so far and emailed the headquarters to compliment the restaurants on how they have dealt with my request. Maybe the more vocal we are about our needs ... the easier it will become. Again, if we plan ahead and be prepared for what to expect ... it again gives us control over the situation. Don't stop enjoying going out with friends and family...just don't let situations like this ruin your pleasure. I always go for the doggy bags....and I always have them pack it before they serve it to me...that way I don't have to concentrate on how much I'm eating...I just have to concentrate on chewing and eating slowly. Enjoy eating out! Deb Highest lifetime wt. 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery day 343 Today 303

Feeling a little blue right now...The lithotripsy was okay I guess...but when the dr. came out and let me know that he only blasted the 8mm stone that was moving around ...the stint has to remain in and in about 3 weeks we do this all over again. Not what I really wanted to hear. Also, let me know my secondary problem ...yeast infection would probably continue because of the antibotics I will continue to take. Yuck! I also have the task of drinking 16 oz of Water before going to bed...making sure I get up during the night to urinate and then drinking another 16 oz before going back to bed. Sip, sip, sip means I won't be getting much sleep. My DH is usually very supportive but his teasingly telling me to quit whining isn't what I want. Tomorrow is a new day and I will get up, look in the mirror and tell myself all the things I have to be grateful for like a loss as of today of 75 lbs, 1 lbs to go to get of of the 300's, that's been at least 10 years ago that I saw that. That this is not fatal and it will pass ...just will take a little more time. Patience!!! And that I feel I have someone to talk to and that I can be honest with about my weight and journey. Since I started this I have made a promise to be honest with myself, DH, doctor and my new found friends here at LBT. Gee, I guess I started tonight and mentally I am starting to have an attitude adjustment. Apples2, Thanks for sharing your thoughts about how things are going that for out ... I've been following the LB rules but sometimes I get a little scared that I might fall back into old habits...I agree with you that the benefits I am starting to have high energy levels, more activity, and better health...well except for these temporary set backs is worth the effort of my new lifestyle. Thanks, Doxie...I have pain pills right now helping me through the next couple of days ... and I keep telling myself as I strain my urine ...This to will pass. But it does feel good to know others are thinking of me. DH said time for me to go to bed ....Thanks again. Deb

Apples2, Thanks - I can't wait to start feeling decent again. I had 1/22/09 a case of Whooping Cough/turn into Brochial Inflamation for 6 weeks....then this. The only thing all the doctors are saying it has nothing to do with the lapband...and me losing the weight has probably helped me recover faster. My LB surgeon just keeps telling me to relax...we have to take care of the primary causes and then we will work on the lapband...I am still following the rules and only eating my 1/2 cup mostly Protein and the weight keeps coming off... I have not been able to exercise at all...anytime I breathe a little more than normal I have a coughing fit! I can't believe I'm saying this but I can't wait until I can exercise again ... By the way, Your weight lose is fantastic... Is your lifestyle change ... automatic now ... or do you still have to think about it? Deb

What a way to Celebrate my 3 month anniversary of being banded! Tomorrow I go for outpatient surgery to get 2 large kidney stones blasted. Last week I doubled over in pain at work...I thought it had something to do with the lapband they called my husband and to the Emergency Room I went...past 3 hospitals on the way but I kept telling my husband to take me where I was banded...called my surgeon on the way and he said the ER....After the diagnosis of one BIG kidney stone stuck and 1 in the kidney, I had surgery to get the big one out...I woke up to find out they pushed it back into the kidney ...to big to get out. So tomorrow I get them blasted! Even though my lapband surgeon does not handle kidney stones he visited me in the hospital twice and sent his intern in twice just to see how I was doing. Has anyone had this done since banded...I'm nervous ....worried about it effecting my band. I have been so uncomfortable since leaving the hospital...pain pills, antibiotics, I feel like a walking pharmacy. Any encouraging words about the procedure? Deb Highest lifetime wt. 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Day of Surgery 345 Today 301.5

Again, thanks flowers, I think you're right I need exercise, right now my bike it out ... I can't go 1 minute on it without going into a coughing fit...but maybe a slow walk ... one that doesn't speed up my breathing (which stimulates the cough) might help if nothing else my state of mind and sense of control. I feel so helpless. It also hasn't helped that my DH and grandson have now come down with this same virus and I feel responsible for passing it on to them. Anyway the topic is binging and we all have to deal with it... Exercise, tomorrow during my plan time and the kid's recess I will stroll up and down the halls for at least 10 minutes each time. I go to my first support group meeting tomorrow night and I'm hoping that will also help get me out of this funk...I'm also thinking I'm not going to get on the scale until my 10 days off Prednisone is over ... why torture myself until I can really do something about it. It's 9:49 and I have not snacked at all today and when I'm done here it's right to bed...Thanks for helping me think through a plan. Deb

Hi mlafentres, Thanks for responding ... again you are keeping me here and not wandering toward kitchen...My DH is not quite understanding my obsession with this site. Although a perfect angel and very supportive...I need to talk, share, listen, and learn from those that are walking in my shoes and understand my thoughts and feelings. I'm the first person I personally now that has had this done...so lots of my community are watching my progress and are asking me lots of questions and giving support but it is not the same as talking with those that are living it. Anyway it looks like we are close (December Bandings) to have lots in common! Like why on earth did we chose to do this right before the holidays! Mine was what better present could I give myself and get a head start on the New Year's Lifestyle Change! Deb

Marys, I was just wondering if you ever thought of your situation this way...If I wasn't banded and following the rules where would I be today, you said you would yoyo up and down 50 lbs....Before banded I yoyoed but mine was lose 20 gain 30, lose 30 gain 35...it kept up this way until I now I was headed for immobility and then the grave...so could your situation have been worse if not for your being banded? Can you look for the NSV you have now? I applaud your perserverance! Keep looking for a way to get going again it's out there but you can't give up. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Deb Highest lifetime wt 386 7 mos ago 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery day 343 Today 315 just over 2 mos banded.

I was banded 12/11/08. Up until last week, I have been that extremely LUCKY one that had never felt hunger since banded. On 1/19/09 I had my 1st fill 2.5 cc in a max 4.0 cc band. I know my eyes want more than I need so measuring is a must 1/2 cup per meal is what I eat. Since 1/22/09 I caught a case of whooping cough...turned into bronchial inflamation... 4 trips to GP 2 antibiotics, then Prednisone(10 days) and steroid inhalers... This past week I have been STARVING. My meals aren't doing a thing for me ... thank heaven for work ... I can't get to food and my DH is trying to help by distracting me... when I can't take it anymore I get a prepackaged piece of string cheese or some type of protein. It hasn't helped my mental state that the scale keeps going up ...6 lbs this week. I'm trying hard to stay on the program and I feel I'm not that far off. I did call and talked to my support bariatric nurse today. She said it is the result of the Prednisone and I still have as many days as I was ON Prednisone that I will be feeling the side effects that many days OFF and could continue to gain. Encouraging ...yuck. She encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing...if I have to stick with the solid protein...Once the Prednisone is out of my system my body will turn lose of everything it was hanging on to. All this said I still have the urge to eat everything and the kitchen sink! I want to scream, rant and rave. So thanks for keeping me at the keyboard right now...It is so nice to have all of you that understand and help me out. I keep telling myself this is only a short term situation and it will get better... I guess I kind of got spoiled with the no hunger thing! Anyway thanks for letting me spout off. Deb Highest lifetime wt. 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery 343 Today 315

I find that I can go almost anywhere ... what I do is when I order I ask for only the portion that I can eat be brought to me and the rest put in a take home. Right now I am only eating 1/2 cup total...I have had some awesome waiters...one teased me about that's not enough to fill you...I assured him it is exactly what I could have...my DH then ordered a steak with a loaded bake potato...he told him he was mean (teasingly)...when he brought me my broccoli chicken fettecini - he put it in a small dip bowl made sure their was equal parts of broccoli noodles with 3 strips of chicken very pleasing arranged. At the end of the meal he came back and said he was not being mean but it was part of his job...did we want any dessert. I have found that most restaurants will try and accomodate your wishes. I have also been pleased that the take home portion usually will portion out 3 or 4 lunches for me. My freezer has all sorts of choices for other meals. Highest Lifetime Wt. 386 1st Visit to Dr. 376 Surgery Day Wt. 343 Today 314

As of today I have had four people out of the blue comment on how much faster I walk now. My DH was first, I usually walked several steps behind ... only because I couldn't keep up with him...he has commented that he is having to hoof it to keep up with me now. My grandson, with it's great grandma we don't have to go slow anymore. A co-worker with you sure are walking up and down these halls faster. And last my daughter in law - well look at speedy gonzolis moving. It's been fun hearing there comments but the one I'm most impressed with is ME...I'm noticing how much faster I do everything! Highest Lifetime weight 386 1st visit to dr 376 Surgery 343 Today 314

Okay, I'm determined to do this ... I'm going to try and get my surgery day and 2 mos. on here ... Cali thanks your directions got one on...my computer is as fast as snail mail and keeps freezing up. Listen to me blaming the computer!!! Anyway here goes!

I don't know if I got any pictures on...but I'm trying....

Let's see if I can get a picture in here:

Okay I feel like such a dinosaur!!!!I'd love to post my pictures but have not figured out how...also the signature and tickers...I've tried a direction but it's not broken down enough and it has abbreviations I don't get. Anyone patient enough to give me a remedial tutoring session? Dinosaur Deb

My doctor suggested Benefiber. When I miss a daily BM the next day I use it... by afternoon if still haven't move try once more...that usually does the trick for me. Deb Highest lifetime weight 386 1st Visit to doctor 376 Surgery Day 343 Today 312.2

This is great nsv: I've been able to walk for 1.5 miles come in and bike for an additional 10 min. Pretty good for someone that couldn't make it from parking lot to my classroom without huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. Also, can bend down and tie my shoes! I used to have to have to finagle all around the couch to get the task done. And the biggest "one my positive attitude" is affecting my DH we actually - playfully wrestled the other night...been a long time since that happened. He's been wonderfully supportive! Highest weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery Date 343 Today 312.2

This is great nsv: I've been able to walk for 1.5 miles come in and bike for an additional 10 min. Pretty good for someone that couldn't make it from parking lot to my classroom without huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf. Also, can bend down and tie my shoes! I used to have to have to finagle all around the couch to get the task done. And the biggest "one my positive attitude" is affecting my DH we actually - playfully wrestled the other night...been a long time since that happened. He's been wonderfully supportive! Highest weight 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery Date 343 Today 312.2

Loving all the suggestions. Thanks will but that in my memory bank. Deb

You may be right...I'm a teacher and there has been a confirmed case of Whooping cough of a brother of one of my students...I let the doctor know and that is when he gave me the z pack. They have never tested me for it though. I think I'm ready to change GP. I will get with a doctor and have them test for this ... it has been going on for way too long. Thanks for listening and helping me figure out what I need to do. Deb

Thanks for the suggestions...will will try them. Had a fairly decent night sleep last night...this morning got up ate Breakfast was up about an hour and then feel asleep until my husband woke me for lunch....this is really good for daily exercise!!!*?:frown: After the nap felt a little better only had two bad coughing fits the others I could handle. Heather, thanks for the encouragement about not hurting the band .... it's making me feel a little better. Hope all stay healthy and/or get feeling better! Deb Highest lifetime wt. 386 1st visit to dr. 376 Surgery day 343 Today 312.5