Lapband LaLa

Everyone is different, but I dropped that. I was doing everything my doc asked me to and that was the result. I was banded May 21, 2009 and I am now almost to goal. 98lbs lost so far.

Girl...I love your posts! So colorful and honest!

Your band will help you in regards to self control. I am speaking from my own experience. It only takes once to have an unplesant feeling then you remember it and are not apt to repeat it. (giggle) You can do this. Your fear is a normal one. I was banded May 21, 2009 and I am 98lbs down. I have about 10-15 to go. Have not decided if I should stop at 170 or 165 so that's why the indecision on how much more. My band is a tool. Yes, you hear it all the time but it's true. It tells me when to stop, it tells me when she does not like something and she assists me daily. I have named her Lilith (giggle) I have faith in you. Just take it slow, it's a learning process and enjoy your journey.

You almost never feel any restriction on the first fill. It started with my 2nd fill. It sounds like you are right on track. I know you hear this all the time and it can get frustrating sometimes but everyone is different. There are lots of people who have over 6cc's in their band and me. I am perfect at 5.4cc's and anything over that I get stuck and sick, so take it slow. When I had no restriction I still ate like I did and I managed to be just fine and so far I have lost 95lbs since my surgery on May 21, 2009. I exercise and do everything my doc tells me too! I take my vitamins and drink all the water I can. It helps to adjust. I wish you much love and success!

I am down some more pounds. I started this journey at 280 and in just five more pounds I will have lost 100lbs. It just hit me today how powerful that is. My life has changed so much.:tongue2: I just returned from a 10 day Hawaii vacation and I still managed to lose three pounds since my last post! I did not exercise a whole lot but I did go to the gym at least three times a week. They have this new eliptical machine that is not in Denver yet and it KICKED MY BUTT!:ohmy: Our trip was one of the most wonderful trips I have ever taken. It was a family trip, so my husband, son and mother-in-law all were with me. (And yes it's really no joke that I LOVE my mother-in-law, I am blessed, she's a DOLL!) We enjoyed the sunshine and created wonderful memories together. And get this......I was in a bathing suit! A size 12 and letting my hubby take photos of me! Yes....life has changed for the best. I never knew I could feel so good! (see photo, the young man is my 22 year old son) Thanksgiving was wonderful. I was able to take one bite of everything and feel totally satisfied! I have 15 to 20 pounds to go. I have not decided if I want to be 165 or 170. I will decide when I get to 170. I need more toning so I ordered the 10 Minute Training DVD's from Tony Horton. I will report on my progress once I get it. Exercise is not something I dread anymore! In fact, I miss it when I don't do it. It's like my body expects and craves it. While on vacation my hubby and I celebrated being together for 20 years. We started out real young, did things backwards sometimes but got really serious when we were 19, then married at 23. So...while at a special 20 year dinner me makes me laugh so hard my eyes close and I open them there is a one carat "past, present, future" diamond ring in my pasta. How romantic and touching. I cried right there in the booth. I have a wonderful husband. One who has been by my side actually since we were 14, then at 16 when we had our son, stayed there the whole time. NEVER made me feel unloved or unsexy at any weight. (I am crying again :crying:) He supports me in everything I do! And is very proud of me for getting healthy! I am LOVED ya'll LOVED!:wub: I could not have asked for a better Christmas this year. And as always....I am blessed!

I am down some more pounds. I started this journey at 280 and in just five more pounds I will have lost 100lbs. It just hit me today how powerful that is. My life has changed so much. I just returned from a 10 day Hawaii vacation and I still managed to lose three pounds since my last post! I did not exercise a whole lot but I did go to the gym at least three times a week. They have this new eliptical machine that is not in Denver yet and it KICKED MY BUTT!:ohmy: Our trip was one of the most wonderful trips I have ever taken. It was a family trip, so my husband, son and mother-in-law all were with me. (And yes it's really no joke that I LOVE my mother-in-law, I am blessed, she's a DOLL!) We enjoyed the sunshine and created wonderful memories together. And get this......I was in a bathing suit! A size 12 and letting my hubby take photos of me! Yes....life has changed for the best. I never knew I could feel so good! (see photo, the young man is my 22 year old son) Thanksgiving was wonderful. I was able to take one bite of everything and feel totally satisfied! I have 15 to 20 pounds to go. I have not decided if I want to be 165 or 170. I will decide when I get to 170. I need more toning so I ordered the 10 Minute Training DVD's from Tony Horton. I will report on my progress once I get it. Exercise is not something I dread anymore! In fact, I miss it when I don't do it. It's like my body expects and craves it. While on vacation my hubby and I celebrated being together for 20 years. We started out real young, did things backwards sometimes but got really serious when we were 19, then married at 23. So...while at a special 20 year dinner me makes me laugh so hard my eyes close and I open them there is a one carat "past, present, future" diamond ring in my pasta. How romantic and touching. I cried right there in the booth. I have a wonderful husband. One who has been by my side actually since we were 14, then at 16 when we had our son, stayed there the whole time. NEVER made me feel unloved or unsexy at any weight. (I am crying again :crying:) He supports me in everything I do! And is very proud of me for getting healthy! I am LOVED ya'll LOVED!:wub: I could not have asked for a better Christmas this year. And as always....I am blessed!

Lord, I have been there. Yet....YOU ARE STRONG. I have faith in you!

And what a cutie patootie you are! Congrats!

Well sometimes you can even do it with foods you did not have issues with before, so no way to really tell. Mahi Mahi did it for me and I use to eat it before I hit my sweet spot! *sigh* I sure hope you feel better!

Hello Loved Ones! This week I have had some joys and some tiny pains. I am now down to 190 and have only 25lbs to go! Feeling like a pretty little butterfly. I have been adding new foods back into my diet slowly. Last week I tried a few bites of rice. OH BOY....THAT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN! I was sick, sick, sick! So I had to go back to liquids for a few days, then pureed for a few days and I was back on track. I have support group tonight and I can't wait to go. I really love spending time with others who have been through this experience. Today we are all suppose to bring in a recipe then next month we will all get a fun little recipe book to take home for a Christmas present. Good idea! So since I am going to share my recipe for Atkins Chili with my support group I will share it with all of you as well! (see bottom) This week, I had a hair makeover! I am very happy with how my hair turned out. We layered it, lightened it and straightened it! It's quite the change! New hair for a new me!:biggrin: I really trip people out now! HA, love it! One more trip to the Colonic Hydrotherapist! I am telling you people it makes a difference! I feel lighter and I feel more energy. May sound icky but it's worth a try!:drool: You know...I want to thank all of you for being such a wonderful support tool. I have really made some wonderful friends on here and it has made this process one of personal growth. I really do love you all!:thumbup: So I got all mushy on you, didn't I? Sorry. Now....off to the store to find cute little items for my Hawaii trip. OH I CAN'T WAIT. (I wish we had a sexy little happy face to use here!) Blessings! Atkins Chili Recipe • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 large chopped onion • 6 large garlic cloves, minced • 2 medium jalapenos, minced • 2 lbs ground sirloin • 2-4 Tablespoons chili powder (adjust according to personal taste) • 1/2 teaspoon salt • pepper to taste • 1 16oz can diced tomatoes (make sure no sugar added) • 2 cups chicken broth (again no sugar added) Atkins Chili Recipe Directions Heat oil in heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Saute about 8 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add ground sirloin and cook until brown, breaking up meat with a spatula as it cooks. Add chili powder, salt, pepper, and jalapenos to the meat and onions. Stir in died tomatoes and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 and a half hours. Note: Wear gloves to mince the jalapenos. If you want your Atkin's chili a bit spicy, then mince the seeds and membranes with your jalapenos. If you want your chili milder, then remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. Note: Be sure to check that your spices, tomatoes, and broth don't contain added sugar. If they do, you will have to count them as part of your total carbohydrate intake for the day.

Hello Loved Ones! This week I have had some joys and some tiny pains. I am now down to 190 and have only 25lbs to go! Feeling like a pretty little butterfly. I have been adding new foods back into my diet slowly. Last week I tried a few bites of rice. OH BOY....THAT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN! I was sick, sick, sick! So I had to go back to liquids for a few days, then pureed for a few days and I was back on track. I have support group tonight and I can't wait to go. I really love spending time with others who have been through this experience. Today we are all suppose to bring in a recipe then next month we will all get a fun little recipe book to take home for a Christmas present. Good idea! So since I am going to share my recipe for Atkins Chili with my support group I will share it with all of you as well! (see bottom) This week, I had a hair makeover! I am very happy with how my hair turned out. We layered it, lightened it and straightened it! It's quite the change! New hair for a new me!:thumbup: I really trip people out now! HA, love it! One more trip to the Colonic Hydrotherapist! I am telling you people it makes a difference! I feel lighter and I feel more energy. May sound icky but it's worth a try! You know...I want to thank all of you for being such a wonderful support tool. I have really made some wonderful friends on here and it has made this process one of personal growth. I really do love you all! So I got all mushy on you, didn't I? Sorry. Now....off to the store to find cute little items for my Hawaii trip. OH I CAN'T WAIT. (I wish we had a sexy little happy face to use here!) Blessings! Atkins Chili Recipe • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 large chopped onion • 6 large garlic cloves, minced • 2 medium jalapenos, minced • 2 lbs ground sirloin • 2-4 Tablespoons chili powder (adjust according to personal taste) • 1/2 teaspoon salt • pepper to taste • 1 16oz can diced tomatoes (make sure no sugar added) • 2 cups chicken broth (again no sugar added) Atkins Chili Recipe Directions Heat oil in heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Saute about 8 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add ground sirloin and cook until brown, breaking up meat with a spatula as it cooks. Add chili powder, salt, pepper, and jalapenos to the meat and onions. Stir in died tomatoes and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 and a half hours. Note: Wear gloves to mince the jalapenos. If you want your Atkin's chili a bit spicy, then mince the seeds and membranes with your jalapenos. If you want your chili milder, then remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. Note: Be sure to check that your spices, tomatoes, and broth don't contain added sugar. If they do, you will have to count them as part of your total carbohydrate intake for the day.

You can do it! I know you can...know how???? Because I've done it and I am only 25lbs from goal! I did it in May 2009 and so can you! Stock your fridge with sugar free popcycles, lots of broth, lots of tea!

Wow, how did you get to be on tv like that! Awesome

Hello Beloveds! Today I went in for my six months check up. My doctor said I am a superstar! I am above average for weight loss and all my bloodwork is right on target. I am healthy and most of all happy!:confused: Today I went to get gas from a station I visit weekly. When I got to the window the lady looked real hard at me and said...you are Laura, Right? I said yes, you know me. She said NO I DID NOT! You look fantastic. For the last couple of weeks it's been cold here so I was wearing one of my older (too big) coats when pumping. Today was warm so she got to see me in regular clothes! I felt fantastic! How wonderful is that progress? I promised I would report to you how my Colonic went last week. I know it sounds gross but it's really not. After my colonic I felt lighter and less bogged down. What I learned is it is best to have them in 3. So I go in for my 2nd one this Friday and then my last one for the season before thanksgiving. It was worth it for me. For the first time in YEARS I shopped on the normal side of the clothing store. Need I say more? I am wearing heels now! I would not touch them when I was 280lbs! Now I can wear them and wear them all day with no issues! My surgery was May 21st, 2009 and I am proud of myself for using this tool to it's fullest advantage! I am now 195lbs and have lost 85lbs! My goal 165-170lbs LOVING LIFE AND MYSELF!:wub:

Hello Beloveds! Today I went in for my six months check up. My doctor said I am a superstar! I am above average for weight loss and all my bloodwork is right on target. I am healthy and most of all happy!:confused: Today I went to get gas from a station I visit weekly. When I got to the window the lady looked real hard at me and said...you are Laura, Right? I said yes, you know me. She said NO I DID NOT! You look fantastic. For the last couple of weeks it's been cold here so I was wearing one of my older (too big) coats when pumping. Today was warm so she got to see me in regular clothes! I felt fantastic! How wonderful is that progress?:confused: I promised I would report to you how my Colonic went last week. I know it sounds gross but it's really not. After my colonic I felt lighter and less bogged down. What I learned is it is best to have them in 3. So I go in for my 2nd one this Friday and then my last one for the season before thanksgiving. It was worth it for me. For the first time in YEARS I shopped on the normal side of the clothing store. Need I say more?:redface: I am wearing heels now! I would not touch them when I was 280lbs! Now I can wear them and wear them all day with no issues! My surgery was May 21st, 2009 and I am proud of myself for using this tool to it's fullest advantage! I am now 195lbs and have lost 85lbs! My goal 165-170lbs LOVING LIFE AND MYSELF!:thumbup:

Whee...SHOPPING! Not as bad as it use to be. I look forward to it now. I have to say, jeans are the toughest, because there are so many styles and so many of the brands vary in size. I tried on five this past week and did not like how they felt, so I will have to continue the search. I try to have at least one dark pair and one light pair until I reach the new size.

Oh JOY JOY JOY! Today you are reading a blog of a woman who is finally under 200lbs! I have lost 3 more pounds for a grand total of 83lbs in less than six months. I feel so much better! Happier, lighter, THINNER! This week I took all of my old clothes to consignment! It was about 50 items! I took two full bags to Goodwill and two other bags to a friend who needed some new clothes in my old size! My closet is BARE! OH JOY...guys....no joke, there are tears in my eyes right now. I am so very very blessed!:smile2: So...since I have lost so much weight, my winter coats are WAY too big, so I purchased a new one this week. It is not a size XXXL, XXL or even a XL....It is a size "L" (see photo):wub: Yesterday I had to have my blood drawn for my six months check up. So next week I will have a report for you on how all that works out. Ok...so some of you may cringe at this and some may crack up but I am going to have my first colonic this weekend. I feel like since my body has changed so much I'd like to clean the inside out as well. My sister calls it getting my chitterlings cleaned. (HA!) I have heard good things about having a colonic, in fact I starting thinking about it two years ago but just never acted on it. I'll give a crazy update on that next week too! :frown: I did have something interestng happen this week. People I work with and see pretty much everyday, looked at me and said...OMG...it looks like you shrank overnight, we can really tell now. It's so strange how the body works sometimes. My collarbones stand out and I have a waist. Some days I wake up and I can swear I've lost a pound overnight. I always feel it in my hips. My pj's feel loose. Weird but I LOVE IT!:ohmy: So now that I am getting close to goal, I've finally starting adding pasta, bread and rice SLOWLY back into my diet. And by slowly I mean only one day a week. This week I added bread, so on Sunday I had a slice of pizza for the football game. It was yummy and it did not give me any troubles. I have to say that one piece was about all I could handle and it took me 20 minutes to eat that but I was satisfied. In the older days before my band, I'd taste that pizza and want to eat the whole thing, but not this time ladies and gentleman, I was very satisified! So my Lapband Family that is my journey for this week. I'll check in soon!

Oh JOY JOY JOY! Today you are reading a blog of a woman who is finally under 200lbs! I have lost 3 more pounds for a grand total of 83lbs in less than six months. I feel so much better! Happier, lighter, THINNER! This week I took all of my old clothes to consignment! It was about 50 items! I took two full bags to Goodwill and two other bags to a friend who needed some new clothes in my old size! My closet is BARE! OH JOY...guys....no joke, there are tears in my eyes right now. I am so very very blessed! So...since I have lost so much weight, my winter coats are WAY too big, so I purchased a new one this week. It is not a size XXXL, XXL or even a XL....It is a size "L" (see photo) Yesterday I had to have my blood drawn for my six months check up. So next week I will have a report for you on how all that works out. Ok...so some of you may cringe at this and some may crack up but I am going to have my first colonic this weekend. I feel like since my body has changed so much I'd like to clean the inside out as well. My sister calls it getting my chitterlings cleaned. (HA!) I have heard good things about having a colonic, in fact I starting thinking about it two years ago but just never acted on it. I'll give a crazy update on that next week too! :drool: I did have something interestng happen this week. People I work with and see pretty much everyday, looked at me and said...OMG...it looks like you shrank overnight, we can really tell now. It's so strange how the body works sometimes. My collarbones stand out and I have a waist. Some days I wake up and I can swear I've lost a pound overnight. I always feel it in my hips. My pj's feel loose. Weird but I LOVE IT!:drool: So now that I am getting close to goal, I've finally starting adding pasta, bread and rice SLOWLY back into my diet. And by slowly I mean only one day a week. This week I added bread, so on Sunday I had a slice of pizza for the football game. It was yummy and it did not give me any troubles. I have to say that one piece was about all I could handle and it took me 20 minutes to eat that but I was satisfied. In the older days before my band, I'd taste that pizza and want to eat the whole thing, but not this time ladies and gentleman, I was very satisified! So my Lapband Family that is my journey for this week. I'll check in soon!

Cottage cheese never tasted so good to me! You are getting further in your journey! Congrats....

Today I reached 200lbs! It's quite a thrill for me! I have not been this weight for YEARS! I am within reach of my goals. My goal weight is 165-170, just 30-35 more! I feel fantastic and fill like another person. This butterfly is ripping that cocoon apart and showing her pretty wings! As for being too tight, I went through that, don't wait too long. Even if you are not stuck now, it can build up and you will be running to the doctor. I was at 5.9 and I thought that was my sweet spot, but I was PBing a lot and could not get my water down. Then I got stuck and believe me, it was a nightware. I am now at 5.6cc's and I am just fine. I eat the right amount, get my water down and I am not hungry between meals. I wish you luck...keep up the good work!

I can't tell you how great your blog reads. It's so true that you have to be ready for this. If you are not prepared in the head...it just spells trouble. I too did my research, and when I was ready, proceeded. I was banded May 21st, 2009. It's now the end of October and I have lost 80 lbs. But it's because I put the work into the band. I workout, I do what I am told and I follow the rules. The rules are so simple that it's not like having any at all. Now I am hooked on exercise, feel better than I have in years and I am looking forward to reaching my ultimate goals. My band is a tool, I choose to use it wisely. Congrats!

People, people, people.....TODAY IS A FANTASTIC DAY! Even though it's snowing outside and more bad weather is coming to Denver, I feel like the sun is shining directly on me! Today when I stepped on the scale the number 200 was looking right at me! :w00t:What is it about that number? When you are going up the scale it's a number of doom and gloom, however when you are coming down on the scale it looks like a gold coin! I could not have done this without my band. I have not been 200 in over nine years, and when I hit it the last time it was my stale point. I never got below it and then I went right back up. Before that I was not 200 in YEARS! I have 35lbs to goal. I would like to be 165-170. For the first time in my life I really and truly feel like that goal can be reached. I think I was in High School the last time I weighed that and I am now 39!:thumbup: We are going to Hawaii for Christmas Vacation and I think this calls for a new bathing suit. Even with the bumps in the road for the past couple of weeks, I now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I cleaned out my closets this weekend of everything that did not fit anymore. Check out how my closet looks now, I've attached a photo for you! HEE HEE! It may not be the best photo but you get the point! I actually called my husband into the room with me to make him look at the scale! I wanted to make sure I was not dreaming! Life is good!!!!! I am happy!!!! I am no longer the fat girl with the pretty face! I can't tell you how much I hated hearing that! I AM BLESSED!:crying:

People, people, people.....TODAY IS A FANTASTIC DAY! Even though it's snowing outside and more bad weather is coming to Denver, I feel like the sun is shining directly on me! Today when I stepped on the scale the number 200 was looking right at me! :w00t:What is it about that number? When you are going up the scale it's a number of doom and gloom, however when you are coming down on the scale it looks like a gold coin! I could not have done this without my band. I have not been 200 in over nine years, and when I hit it the last time it was my stale point. I never got below it and then I went right back up. Before that I was not 200 in YEARS! I have 35lbs to goal. I would like to be 165-170. For the first time in my life I really and truly feel like that goal can be reached. I think I was in High School the last time I weighed that and I am now 39!:scared2: We are going to Hawaii for Christmas Vacation and I think this calls for a new bathing suit. Even with the bumps in the road for the past couple of weeks, I now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I cleaned out my closets this weekend of everything that did not fit anymore. Check out how my closet looks now, I've attached a photo for you! HEE HEE! It may not be the best photo but you get the point! I actually called my husband into the room with me to make him look at the scale! I wanted to make sure I was not dreaming! Life is good!!!!! I am happy!!!! I am no longer the fat girl with the pretty face! I can't tell you how much I hated hearing that! I AM BLESSED!

So happy for you! It's so true what we spend money on...material things...but not on us. I wish you the best!

Here are a few...you can get them on amazon: Recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery: Delicious Dishes for Nourishing the New You (Healthy Living Cookbooks) by Margaret Furtado and Lynette Schultz Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: Over 140 Delicious Low-Fat High-Protein Recipes to Enjoy in the Weeks, Months and Years After Surgery by Patt Levine, Michele Bontmpo-Saray, William B. Inabnet, and Meredith Urban-Skuros Cooking For Weight Loss Surgery Patients by Dick Stucki;