kath17268

Good morning everyone! It's been awhile since I have been here and have spent the morning catching up. Laura/peas--hope your dad is on the road to getting better. What a rough road! Janet/indio--it's weird sometimes what sets us off into old patterns, huh? sometimes it's just an accumulation of too many little crappy things. we are all human, after all. Sharon/doodle--thanks so much for your words of encouragement. this has been a tough time (another one ) for me and my family but we are getting by--one day at a time, as they say! it's really true, the only way to go. I hope your DD has hit bottom and really can start a new life for good soon. I know how nervous that mixed blessing of coming home is. my DD finally got to a rehab again this week. She should be there a few weeks then hopefully a halfway house. She's still in the blackout pd so I haven't heard a word yet. Nice break for us since we know she is in a good place and we can breathe easy for now at least. great--congrats on the updated title. you are an inspiration to us all! i have been kinda stalled in the weight loss but have been maintaining pretty well during vacation last week and recent major family and job stress...I am back on track for the most part and know it will come off slooowwly but surely. But that's ok, I think. I don't really look at this as a "diet" but really I am trying to find a lifestyle groove that will be sustainable and keep me moving in the right direction. I know I'm not losing as fast as many of my fellow bunnies...but it is working for me. Believe me, I would have been pigging out and living like a slug normally under the circumstances of the past few weeks in my world. I am dealing with stuff better and keep learning as I go. Speaking of which, I have my first real PB/slime event last week while driving in our truck/5th wheel to the beach. We didn't get to eat before taking off and were starving so we deciced to stop at McD's and I got a burger instead of my usual choice of grilled chicken. (it was vacay, after all...) well that thing tasted so good and I must have wolfed it down way too fast cause next thing I know I am running out of the truck and yakking in some bushes outside a motel next to the McD's. :sad: Ewww! but I did learn a great lesson about respecting the band. Needless to say, I have been trying to make better choices and slowww down and chew since then!

Hi everyone. I really appreciate all the support and kind words from you guys. DD called me today and she sounded better than she has in a while. More realistic about where she is and how bad she needs help. We'll see. I am fighting the urge to binge eat. Been overdoing the past two days but checking in with you all reminds me how important it is to keep working with my band. Today was better than yesterday and I will make sure tomorrow is better than today....it's about the long haul and I am learning to forgive myself for minor slip ups. Janet--Welcome back! Long--CONGRATS!!!!!! Doodle--thanks for being there! Apples--I think I gain weight just thinking about those delicious meals you make! lol Have a good evening everyone!!

Thanks to everyone for all their kind words and prayers. It's amazing how many of us have been through this horror as parents. It's so hard to watch your beautiful babies self destruct. Doodle-thanks for sharing your story and for your wonderful words of support. I wish you and your DD and DGS all the best. It's really hard to do the tough love thing. Actually my DS also has a long history of addiction too. He's been clean about 2 yrs so we have been living this a long time too. Never thought DD would have this problem too but goes to show you never know. She saw what her brother went through and swore she would never do that. Nar-anon and a private counselor have helped me survive this far. DD just got herself kicked out of the rehab she was in for less than a week. Had to tell her she couldn't come home. Really hard. But my brother is trying to help her get into another program. Hopefully being homeless will shock her into getting treatment. But I know it is up to her, I am powerless to control this situation.

Hi everyone. I haven't had much time the last few weeks but decided to check in this morning. It's nice to read everyone's posts. The past few weeks have been very bad. My DD (21 yrs old) relapsed into drug addiction and is a real mess. Hard core stuff this time and DH and I are just exhausted. Stealing, lying, the whole nine yards. My heart is so broken. Luckily I have a couple of fantastic friends without whose support I couldn't have made it the past few years between her antics and my bipolar DS. Good news though is even though I haven't been very diligent with the rules, I am still losing slowly but surely. An someone I don't see everyday noticed for the first time this week. Nice. food used to be my comfort (like all of us I guess) but the band is really helping me control that. I did get my second fill last week, totally painless and I think I got a little more restriction.... So glad to read about how well all you guys are doing and the encouragement to those that are stuggling a bit. This group is good for the soul! :biggrin: God bless you all!

Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 276lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 249lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 19 June --------------------- 259lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 14 June --------------------- 273lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 5 June --------------------- 207lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 19 June --------------------- 261lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 5 June --------------------- 285.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 196.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb ----------------------2031b ------------------ 31 May ---------------195lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------13 Jun ---------------------- 176lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 11 June --------------------- 186lb --------------------175lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 14 June -------------------- 245.0lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 214lb ------------------------ ?b knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb

Yeah, I have pretty much stopped going to the chat room and some of the other threads. One day all the chatters could talk about was some baby mama drama among the banders. Who needs that??? :confused:(can always watch Jerry Springer show) You guys are always there with a word of encouragement and positive attitude and us newbies are soooooo grateful! :blushing: And I love QVC tooo! Love BE, Laura Geller, cooks essentials and too many more!! I would end up paying them more than they paid me if I worked there I think (and DH would agree--lol)! I always hit the QVC outlet store when we go to the beach in Delaware. Great deals :biggrin:

I guess this is what you might call a little NSV that happened this week...Like so many women, I have at least 3 different wardrobes--fat, fatter and fattest(not too mention the few dreaded-"omg even the fattest are tight" tent pieces:cursing:). My DH has always complained that I have too many clothes even though I always felt like I had nothing to wear ...you know the story. Well, a couple of girls at work this week have been commenting on my "new" outfits. Funny thing is I have had these things for a long time but haven't fit into them for at least 2 years!!! Granted these are still "plus sizes" but it's still a great feeling. I can't wait to say goodbye to the plus sizes and have so many more options for clothes shopping! Definitely gonna need some new stuff this fall/winter I predict! (OMG I hope so!)

Hello, everyone! I too am still waiting for my 2nd fill and not having much restriction but the good news is that the fellowship doc's program is over so I will have to see my actual surgeon next time. Thanks for all your fill stories...I'm sure my next time will be less traumatic.... Fox--I get frustrated with the lack of decrease in the waist area too. My DH said the other day that my wrists were getting smaller. Oh yeah, that's what I was hoping would shrink!! :biggrin: LOL The weight always seems to go in other areas and our waist/hips go last! Hopefully we will both be seeing that happen soon! Jen-very interesting about your job, I knew you needed degree to work in the lab but I know what you mean about underappreciated...I'm an RN but not at the bedside. I'm a case manager and nobody really knows what we do either...but it is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Doodle-saw you over at the "here to help" thread...aren't they a nice group of gals? I really enjoy reading their posts. Makes you feel this will work out after all... Hang in there everybody! We are shrinking, shrinking.....lol

Peas-my NUT actually warned up preop about hormone changes post banding. She said with the wt loss periods often get worse. I've only had one so far postop and it was early and heavy. Think there might be something to this.... I always enjoy reading your posts...so positive and cheerful. And your little one is a doll! Love the story about the grocery store. We never know when we might be touching someone's life.

Hey Jen--an Eastern Shore girl, huh! :thumbup:lol I had my surgery at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore but I live in Westminster.and work at Carroll Hospital Center. Are you a clinical staff person? (I'm an RN)

hey Jen--I'm in Maryland too! Where'd you have your surgery? And yes, I am going to ask about lidocaine. But the good news is, the assistant said it gets easier to access the port as you lose weight. Man, I hope so....

I got my first fill this week. I didn't see my surgeon, after I got there they told me one of the fellows would do my fill. Well, lets just say it was VERY UNPLEASANT. I'm not a sissy with medical procedures (I'm a nurse) but that hurt like @#&! He had trouble finding the port and stuck and dug around several times before finally finding it and I got 2 cc. I don't really feel any difference when I eat but I guess that's not too unusual. I have read where sometimes they numb the area...do most of you get some sort of local anesthesia? I think next time I am going to insist on seeing my surgeon and no one else:mad: That sucked.

Thanks for the recipes! I am going to try some this weekend! :confused:

Doodle--those veggie burgers sound delish! Could you share the recipe?? --original, not "dip" version :grouphug: lol

Hi everyone. Once again I am lurking and reading all your posts and they are so helpful. Apples-I love your advice to go back to the time when we decided to make this change in our lives. It is definitely a low point for most of us that makes us take this step after years of losing and gaining and failing. And I never want to feel like that again. :grouphug: Debe-I was just banded 4/30/09 and I can definitely relate to having feelings of "what the heck have I done???":eek:. I am still fighting some of that anxiety but I really do feel like it is getting better. I am almost 20 lbs down and I get my first fill on Wednesday so I hope the weight loss will pick up again! Clothes are starting to feel a little better and I am starting to get rid of some of my fattest clothes. Hang in there, it is one day at a time. It will get better and when you start to see the effects of the positive changes you are making, it will keep you going. These wonderful ladies on this string are all proof of that. They got me through that first month and they will help you too!!

Thanks for the words of encouragement, it really does help to vent to people who understand. I'm still struggling with "being in a funk" but I'm working on it.

Hello again! Well today it is 4 weeks since my band and I just went back to work yesterday. (the holiday weekend extended my FMLA which was nice!) It's a bit weird but I feel like a nervous wreck now that I'm back to my old routine. I am not sure what's wrong with me but sometimes I just feel like crying. I think part of it is because my job is pretty demanding and I am a bit overwhelmed with trying to make sure I am following the program with gms of Protein and getting in Water, etc while trying to deal with work stress. I was in a pretty good rhythm while I was off work but now I am around people and food all the time and it is feeling so weird. My NUT told us that hormones can get whacky after this kind of surgery, maybe that is part of it. But I think mostly it is that I used to love to eat and looked forward to it but now it makes me feel nervous. I am so afraid of failing again with this weight thing, not to mention not chewing well enough and PB'ing or having pain that I think it is a major mental change and it is freaking me out. On the other hand, I am losing well and very happy about that so I know it will all be worth it. I told you I am just not making any sense...I could sure use some of your words of wisdom, ladies! And TV--hang in there...life is sure hard sometimes but Indio is sooo right, try to stay focused on the positive and remember--when God closes a door, He opens a window--things will get better.

Hello everyone! Just thought I'd say hi. Just got back from a camping trip for 4 days with 3 other couples and they love to cook so there was tons of food around. But I did ok, broke the rules a little but still managed to lose 1/2 pound while I was gone so I'm happy! I still haven't had my first fill but I definitely can't eat anywhere near what I used to so I know I have some restriction. We went to southern Maryland for a Blue Angels air show. Our friends' son is part of the team so we got to take pics with the pilots and go right up to the planes. We had a great time! Indio-I see you are able to eat corn--my NUT told some horror stories about corn getting stuck and warned against it. Is it better after you have been banded awhile? I hate to give up corn entirely. But so be it if need be...Just like everything else, I guess the key is chewing really well.

I too hate the artificial sweeteners. They give me headache and upset stomach. I was reading on some websites about homemade fruit H2O and it's really good! Just plop some frozen mixed berries or strawberries, peaches, orange slices, whatever you like in a pitcher of water and leave it in the fridge. Sometimes I add a lemon slice to my water bottle when filling with the fruit water too. Very refreshing, healthy and delish!:rolleyes2:

I like water with a wedge of lemon or lime but for a change of pace I have been making homemade fruit waters. Just plop a handful of frozen mixed berries, cherries, peaches, etc into a pitcher of water and let it sit in the fridge. :thumbup: You can also add orange slices or whatever else suits your fancy. Nice change of pace and healthy as I hate artificial sweeteners, they give me headaches.:rolleyes2:

I had one similar to MB that worked ok but the blade broke on frozen fruit and finally the motor burned up. Just before my surgery I got the Back to Basics brand with the more powerful 350 watt motor and it is awesome! No problem with ice or frozen fruit! Love it!

I'm doing pretty well. So far I seem to be satisfied with the much smaller portions that I used to eat and I'm not hungry all the time. I'm still on mushies and am only about 2 1/2 post banding. I hope these hungries you are describing stay away!:rolleyes2: My first fill is not til 6/10!

:rolleyes2: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 7 May --------------------- 269lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 15 May --------------------- 287lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 7 May --------------------- 216lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 275lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 292lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 288lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 209lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 1 May ---------------------- 203lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 7 May --------------------- 195lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 259lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 249lb ------------------- 229lb

Hello everyone! Well today I am 2 weeks post banding and doing really well. I saw the surgeon yesterday and he ok'd mushies :tt2: He just said to go slow to avoid nausea. Here's a bit of irony-I couldn't eat anything solid if I wanted to...yesterday I woke up with severe pain in one of my teeth and now my jaw is swollen :thumbup:...seems I have an tooth infection and need a root canal! Man, it is always something. Anyhow, my mashed potatoes with protein powder for dinner were delicious! :w00t: Yeah, I was really hoping Helen would win BL, she is the same age as me and it's easy to believe it can't be done at "our age". It was awesome to see her and the "at home winner" beat out all those young 'uns!

Hi everyone, just thought I'd check in. Glad to see everyone is well. It's hard to stay positive sometimes in bandster hell... Well, I'm 12 days postop and have only had protein shakes and creamed soups and I just couldn't take it anymore. Last night I ate 1 bite of rotisserie chicken by DH was having for dinner. I chewed it to death and OMG was it delicious! Followed by a couple bite of mashed potatoes and it was heaven. I was really busy yesterday and I've come to learn I eat when I'm tired so I think that's why the cravings were so bad last night. I definitely have to work on that. Anyway, I had no problems with it going down and I don't think any harm done. Back to full liquids today. I'll be good. See the surgeon tomorrow and I hope he gives the go ahead for mushies. How's everyone dealing with "munchies"? Head hunger, I guess is the term--it's a bugger!