djzlady96

:thumbup:2010 is certainly a brand new year, and it is certainly a brand new me. I am so excited about this year. I am now 10 months post op, and WOW, what a journey. I am currently 62 pounds lighter than I was on 3/9/09 and I am so thrilled. It is a new life all aound. Does anyone just sometimes sit there and look at yourself and feel totally amazed? I do all the time. Funny things have been happening that I am totally not used to have happening. I got whistled at by 2 young guys. I'd say 19. Had to laugh. Then I was on a business trip this past week, and three movers (Self Storage Business) were moving a lady into our store and they told my managers I was HOT. I bet I turned 15 shades of red. Totally not used to these things.

In this journey I am learning a lot about myself. Right now I am learning that my mental has to catch up with my physical. It's ok though, I am getting there.

I just wanted to check in and wish you ALL a terrific new year. I hope it is a huge success for all of us. My goal is to lose 17 more pounds by 3/9/10, wish me luck:) :smile2:

Well the holidays are upon on us and I was really nervous about them. I do all the cooking and you know how that goes, you nibble while you cook right? Well, I am proud to say that I did very well, and am pleased to say I didn't gain an ounce during the Thanksgiving Day dinner. YEA!!!! I ate about a tablespoon of different things and managed to please everyone but most importantly myself. I am so happy about not gaining because we all know that there is always a TON of food. Plus, I was the only person who couldn't do the whole pecan pie, and pumpkin pie or chocolate pie, and it was all good. I didn't really crave them too bad.

I am looking foward to Christmas Dinner, but have to admit that will be the harder of the two. My weak spot is peppermint chocolate and those kinds of things. And wouldn't you know it, AFTER I have surgery, Oreo comes out with a peppermint oreo. Damn it. That is the ONE thing I have craved. Oh and ribbon candy. My husbands grandmother always bought me a box, and I guess I don't miss the candy as much as the thought behind it. She was the seewtest lady and loved carrying on that tradition. Oh well I am sure she understands and is cheering me on. Love you Gram!!!!

Well I really hope that the holidays have been good to the rest of you. Take care and keep on keeping on.

Wendy

Don't feel distraught. I didn't feel ANY restriction, except like you right after surgery, until like my 3rd fill. I know that sounds horrible, but just keep thinking about the future and keep going. I kept following the rules and it was a struggle not to get disgusted, but it does get BETTER. Trust me. Some peope feel restriction before I did. We are all different but they do say it is common to not feel restriction the first 2 times. Wish I could say it differently but I wish someone had prepared me. Good luck and contact me anytime if you need to talk.

Wendy :thumbup:

My Friends, I have reached another milestone in my lapband journey. WOW, it has been an amazing trip, and one I would do a 1000 times over.

To date, I have lost 60 pounds. It has been 8 months and I am thrilled beyond belief with my success. I cannot say the entire journey has been totally easy...there are days when I feel like stopping at the nearest DQ and getting the largest banana split they can make. I am sure we all have those days. Despite these little hurdles, it has totally been worth every hard day.

Last month I went to my support group. I have to say that without these support groups it would be really hard to be successful. Anyway, my social worker I see quarterly didn't even recognize me. It had been 2 months since I had seen her. My nutrionist also had to take a double take and was totally shocked at the difference.

Anyway, it has been wonderful, and I wish for all of you the best in your journey. May you be as successful as I have been. My final goal is 18 pounds. You know what they say, 'The last 20 are the hardest'. They ain't kidding.

Good luck everyone,

Wendy

Have just recently hit the mid way point to my one year. The 9th of September was 6 months for me. So much has happened in 6 months that I just cannot believe it all. It all seems so sureal at times.

6 month check up went absolutely the best. The social worker I have seen for 6 months at the docs office passed me in the hall and didn't even know it was me. It had been 2 months since seeing her and she totally didn't recognize me. Great feeling. The nutrionist I usually see was totally amazed how much I had changed in 2 months. It feels good for people to see you so differently right?

I have had to buy more clothes. Found a GREAT thrift store in Denver, man it is awesome, and I now how pants in size 12. I went from 22/24 to size 12. AMAZING. I have shirts that are medium and large. NOT XL, regular large. I am so excited about it.

Even though the smaller clothes are great and people going on about how great you look is wonderful (ALWAYS encourage your loved ones or friends) the thing I love the most is HOW I FEEL. I really like me and I feel fantastic. I have hiked and done things I wouldn't have done 6 months ago. It is the greatest accomplishment in the world. No matter how good you look, how you FEEL is the greatest thing. I love the new me and would do this over a million times.

I hope you all are doing well and experiencing the same things. It is a great thing to feel. Best wishes to you all.

Wendy

Well, it has been a month since my last blog, and it is amazing what can happen in that time. i have currently to date lost 50 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel absolutely amazing and am enjoying this new life tremendously. WOW, what a ride. It was so totally worth the whole thing.

I still have a some fleeting moments, but nothing I can't handle.

Just wanted to briefly say hey, and let you know how things have been going.

Take care,

Wendy

OMG!!!! I am so excited and so loving the new me. I know it has been a bit, but things are busy in the summer months for me. What a journey this has been. I have met so many fantastic people since the start of this and have had so many people supporting me. It has been incredible. I think if there was one thing I had to chose that has made all this worth it, it be... I LIKE ME!!!! Before, I couldn't say that, and now I can say I like me. I am so much more relaxed and calm, and I feel so good about myself. That alone has made it all worth it to me. The 42 pounds gone is great, and I fell better than I can ever remember feeling, but the liking myself takes the cake.

Life is funny. We have all put this weight on for many reasons. Some easy to talk about and some not so easy, but for whatever reason we have for putting on the weight, I think many of you will discover that when you lose whatever amount it is that makes you like yourself, that will be worth everything we go through.

I met a couple recently at a support group. Usually we break into lapband or gastric groups but it was so small we all sat together. We discussed items and the man of the couple said regardless what gastric people go through, he said they have it easy compared to lapband. They had a different opinion of what lapband people go through after hearing all the things we deal with it. They had thought of lapband as another "weight watchers diet", and let me tell you, it is NOTHING of the sort. It is a complicated, life changing deal. We have a lot of issues to deal with, and this couple really felt blessed after hearing all our stories.

Whatever procedure you chose for whatever reason you have, make it the right one. I personally would not change a decision I have made. I have made the commitment to this lifestyle change and it was so worth it.

On an ending note, I challenge you all in 4 or 5 or 6 months from your surgery to pick one thing you are most proud of. Really think about that because it is really hard to chose just one, but I know mine. I have known it since 2 months out, but never disclosed it till now.

I am most rpoud that I have done this and stuck to it. I have not cheated or faluted in my journey. Many people probably would have told you that I start things and don't finish it, but I have continued on with this and every day I lose another pound just keeps me more motivated. I am PROUD of myself. I have people tell me how proud of me they are, which is absoluetly wonderful to hear, but to hear myself say that to me and really believe it is a feeling that will stay with me forever.

I love the new me and cannot wait to see me in about 2-3 more months. Stay tuned all!!!!

Best wishes to all banded and soon to be bandsters. It is a roller coaster ride that will bring you lots of fun.

Wendy:thumbup:

Well all my supporters, this has been a ride. I am just 3 months post op, June 9th, and I have lost 33 POUNDS to date, and 15 inches, 6 of which are in the waist. Amazing how great I feel. I have NO REGRETS at all. It is totally worth everything. I have had 3 fills. The 3rd really proved to make a difference in HOW I eat. There wasn't much restriction with 1 & 2, but 3 proved to teach me some lessons. I discovered a lot of things like eating slow, not to fast & not to big of a bite either. I had several days of something not going down right and that was NOT an enjoyable experience. Now I know what it feels like to be buliemic. Yuck!!!! Also, when they say don't DRINK with your meals, the are not kidding. That also causes food to not go well.

Even through these "lessons" I have no regrets. I am fitting into a size 18/20 which I cannot remember the last time I wore that size. I move better, I sleep better and I just feel so great. I hear I look younger too which, hey, is ALWAYS great to hear right?

I hope you all are having some great results. It isn't easy by any means, but totally worth the work.

What I am most proud of:

ME!! I am proud of me for accomplishing this. I have made total lifestyle changes and I have been loyal to myself. I haven't cheated, because really I am only cheating myself if I do. The things I have done, I never thought I could and that is a great feeling. Before, I probably would have said screw this and pass the cheesecake, but I have stuck it through and that is the great feeling for me. I am proud of what I have done. Thank you all for your constant support. It means more to me than I can ever tell you.

Best wishes to all fellow bandsters, and good luck.

Wendy:thumbup:

Well it has been awhile. I have been so busy with work and working out that sometimes I forget where I started.

It has been quite a journey. I had my first fill a couple 3 weeks ago, and to my disappointment, I felt NOTHING!! I thought maybe they didn't hit the band, but when I called, they told me this is quite common for the first fill. THAT SUCKED. I was already hungru since surgery and was so looking forward to having a little restriction. I get my 2nd fill May 5th, and GOD I pray there is some restriction.

I have started working out at the gym. Actually started that March 13th, but it is a normal daily routine now. I actually crave going. I am down 20 pounds as of today. Yea!!!! It is always great to lose another pound.

I will try to keep things posted better. Thanks to everyone for the support.

God Bless!!!!

vayiayia this is an incredible journey. Once you set your mind that this is really right for you, it doesn't seem that hard to give up the "junk" and eat healthy. At least for me it didn't. I was ready. I set my mind to it and that was it. Took me 3 years to get to this point, and I knew I was ready. I did the pre-op diet and didn't sway so then I really knew I was ready. It is amazing that I don't miss a lot of things. The thing I miss the most? A slice of bread with chunky peanut butter. Yep, not the soda, or the coffee or even the fast food. It is that one thing. So for everyone it is different, and you have to just be ready to live differently. Support really helps as well. Good luck, djzlady96

Not sure but why believe that? You can do anything you set your mind to. I am glad my doctor didn't say that or I may have opted not to put myself through this if that was the case. I have talked to people 3-4 years out and they are doing great, and have kept it off. That doctor wasn't being very positive. You decided to do this, so you set your mind to it and you can do it. Think positive.

Best wishes,

djzlady96

Welcome to the other side. I know that pain in the arm business. That was the worse for me. It is the gas, or so my nurse said, and it will go away. It did, thank god!!!! I am just into 3rd week. Hungry all the time, but that is normal. Stick to the small portions no matter what. I find mixing two scoops of protein powder helps relieve the hunger. Once you are on soft, refried beans really stick to the guts and help with the hunger. I get first fill 4-2, and I cannot wait. Welcome!! It is going to be a great journey. djzlady96

MyMy,

Hang tough!! I know what you mean. This is EXACTLY what I was saying at one time. This surgery isn't as easy as most people believe. They think they know but they don't understand the mental part of it. I have had those hungers, and I am getting a fill on 4/2, and I am trying to concentrate on other things till then. Drink the protein shakes. When I am really hungry I mix 2 scoops into a shake and that takes the edge off. DON'T LET YOURSELF GO THERE!!!! Email us all, and rely on people to help you through it. There have been times I wanted to say screw it, but the people on this site have been angels. We are here for you. Go to the chat room and type the hunger away. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

djzlady96

Well I am officially down 12lbs. YEA!!!! It is a small milestone I know, but to me it is HUGE. I am happy to see it coming off. I started at the gym. Oh yea, a lot don't know that story.

My wonderful hubby, while I was recovering, went to Lady Fitness and spoke with Joyce the manager. He explained my surgery and got me a membership, and Joyce is my personal trainer. That was so sweet. Some of you may have experienced the emotional ride with this surgery, and I had it bad. I cried when he told me.

Anyway, I am now working out. Only treadmill till after doctor appointment Thursday. I hope I can do more then.

I have been walking. My gal Caryn, what a treat she is, has been walking with me on days she works. We do two rounds, and it is great to have someone to share this with. My first goal is 20 pounds. I have 3.5 goals to meet. 20 lbs, then the 40 lb mark, and then 68 pound mark and I will be there. It doesn't seem like that much but on this end it is.

This surgery is a very emotional ride. You give up alot, but the reward is sweet to me. To others it may seem like we are giving up our whole life, when in actuallity we are getting something great from this. I miss somethings, don't get me wrong. I might smell coffee and really want that Starbucks, or making hubby a Pepsi and then I really wish I could have one. Those are fleeting thoughts, and then I am okay. All in all, I don't regret my choice to have this done. I know it will be worth it when all said and done.

Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so great to hear people's stories. It makes me have more determination. It is inspiring. Keep up the great job.

I have started at the gym and it is AMAZING. I feel so good when I leave there. It is an accomplishment feeling. And it is great. Keep up the good work....26 POUNDS IS AWESOME.

Hi Tammya5, how are ou feeling? Phase 1 can be a tough one. Just keep looking forward to the better days to come. I am 2 weeks now, and 11 pounds gone. I am really looking forward to the first fill. Still feel hungry now that surgery swelling is down. Just remember not to over do it.

Take care,

djzlady96

Well, I have finally hit Phase 2. I not longer have to puree my meats.(Can't tell you how disgusting that was ) Anyway, I finally have some normal food. The hardest part for me is that I still feel hungry, but now that I am on some soft foods, that will change. Can't wait for the first feel.

I am down 11 pounds!!!!!! I am so excited. I start working out at the gym today with a personal trainer, and I think that will really get me rolling. I am ready.

Take care all my new friends and old friends. I really appreciate ALL your support.

Wendy

Well, one week gone. WOW!!!! It has been an experience. I have had some ups and some downs. All in all, I do not regret my decision whatsoever. I will say it has been an experiencing. It is not something you should do unless you are truly serious about it. It is hard, but it is also the dream I have always had. I was finally at that point in my life where I haven't been before, and I knew I was finally ready to committ. I am very anxious to go to my first post op on the 26th. Since surgery on the 9th, I am 8 pounds down.

I am on my way, and looking forward to my brand new life.

Thanks for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Band_Groupie, I did get stuff while in the hospital for nausea. It really helped during that time. If you take the vicodine, you won't have a full stomach, but try to take it with milk. You will be able to have cream of wheat or malt o meal, so take it with those. I am better now. I am on Tramadol, and am taking less each day. You will be good. Best Wishes!!!!!!

I don't regret my decision. As much as the pain hurts, I wouldn't have changed my mind. I know the end result depends on me and my determination, so I just keep looking ahead, and not back.

I think if they would have given my something I could tolerate better, I would not have been in so much pain. It is hard to eat, and take pills that you need a full stomach for like Vicodine.

Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate the support.

Well, what can I say. I finally made it to surgery day. It was hard. The pre-op seemed bad. I am thankful I didn't have to do more than 3 days, but 3 days or 10 days, it was still hard.

On the 9th I had surgery. I went in at 9:15 or about and was home by 4:00 pm. The first day (not night) wasn't to bad. I had a little morphin and vicodine to assist with that. It was that night that wasn't so pleasant. I didn't sleep and could not find a comfortable position. I stayed on the couch in a sitting position, and let me tell you, that is not comfortable. I was pretty miserable the fist night. I tried to walk around, because they really stress that, and and as the pain meds wore off the pain was substantial. I had taken some pain meds at home, and it made me very nauseas. Let me tell you, getting sick after this surgery is NOT a pleasant experience. It was aweful. So needless to say, I went without pain meds all night.

The next day was the WORST. Be prepared. I called the nurse to explain my meds and they called in a different one. If meds make you sick, ask for Tramadol. It is easier than Vicodine on the stomach. So Tuesday the day after surgery, was the hardest so far. I had let the pain get so far out of control that nothing was good. I couldn't sleep, I wasn't hungry....NOTHING felt good. And let me tell you.... sitting on the couch really put a pain in my butt. Literally.

Today, is the best since surgery. I finally go some sleep last night, and woke up feeling much better. They did say it would get better day by day. I am hoping tomorrow is even better.

All in all, I don't regret my decision. If you asked me that on Tuesday around mid day I may have had a different answer. I know why I cose and I am just trying to look forward.

Good Luck to all future banders, and let me give you a few things of advise:

1.) If you drink caffine or sugar, start getting off it way ahead of the pre-op diet.

2) Make sure you are really ready for this.

3.) Don't let the pain get out of control.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well anyone who thought this part would be easy is sadly mistaken, BUT... I made it. I am a wake up away from this old life and into the new. I am very excited. My suggestion to anyone is get yourself off sugar and caffine way before the pre-op diet. It would have been sooooo much easier.

Tomorrow is my new day!! My new life!! I am very much ready.

Will let you all know,

WEndy

Almost there!!!! I now have 3 days, which are all liquids, and a wake up to go. I went to my nutrician class and learned a whole lot more. Never realized how much to this. I am not going to turn back. It is just a lot of changes. I am really ready to move forward, and am ready to do whatever I need to. This web site has been a great tool. I met a girl online who lives in the same town as me, and hearing her advise has been gold to me. I really think hearing all the people on here has been a great tool. I am really emotional right now, but I know that is all nerves and anxiety. Just need to get through the next 3 days. Never thought I would wish for the weekend to go so fast.

Will update after Monday:wink2:

Good luck. I am 8 days from my surgery and I don't have advise just best wishes.

djzlady96