OH Juli

peas are hard to eat. And yes you can be swollen from surgery. Just stick to liquids for a few days. You didn't make a mistake.

I've been seeing my therapist since I started this process back in January 2006. She's been more help for me to get a hold of this process than you can imagine. And if you frame your thinking like you're dealing with an eating disorder you might find going a bit easier. If you were anorexic would you not go get your head looked at eventually? Same coin, different side.

I'm COLD all. the. time.

Just a note about nutritionists and registered dieticians. Jahut was right-o. A nutritionist need not be a RD, anyone can call themself a nutritionist. An RD is licensed and certified. If you want to be a pain the woman's behind, ask her about her professional experience and make her squirm. Just nod when they tell you'll die with out meat and go about your merry way. You'll be fine. I also agree that mega pounding Protein is silly.

awe shucks.

Jennifer, I so know where you are coming from. I've had some crazy moments too, looking in the mirror, seeing the woman I always wanted to be looking back. It's fantastic. You are the same you as you've always been, just happier and healthier. Congratulations on your weight loss. w00t!

Thanks. I'm happier than I thought possible.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/befor...ml#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page. That one is in shorts and a T-shirt. No swim suit.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/befor...ml#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page. I know I'm not a Mt Carmel lapbander, but this site gets all the central Ohio people on it. Thought I'd put that link up here since I can't seem to make it to the monthly meetings. Juli

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-lap-band-surgery-pictures-only-4642/index109.html#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page.

This is now: At my highest I weighed around 350. Now I'm at 160. That was then.

It could be a better picture. My thighs don't look so hot, but I didn't get plastic surgery on them. And sorry it's so large. I'm working on new photo cropping software etc.

Josie, Good to hear you're happy you had the surgery. It took me a full 8 weeks to utter those words. I didn't think I was a baby either...but we are all wired differently. I actually thought about buying a bikini too. But I don't see it happening. My tankinis work just fine. XO J

Hi March people I've been busy as a bee. Sorry that I've not checked in recently. It's nice to see everyone doing well. I'm hanging in there as well. Exercising and trying to avoid ice-cream. Who knew I'd still want to eat the garbage this far out. Alas, it's always something.

Jeni, Take it easy girl. You'll do well. Those drains will be out soon! Thanks for the June thread. You're a rock star. Hey all you Marchies from 07 come on now. Let us know what's going on. Xo. J

Hi kids. It was 8 weeks ago that I had surgery and yes I actually feel 100% now. Yesterday I ran 2 miles and today I completed a full 50 minutes of spin class. I'm back to tracking my food again. My goal is to keep it around 1200 give or take 100 calories. The bigger news is that I interviewed for a new position today that uses my exprience with food service and my MBA. I hope they offer me enough money to jump. I've always got something going on huh? Bless you all for all your encouragement. I really appreciate it. XO.

If I can drag the kiddo away from the pool I'll do my best to be at this one. I'll actually be in town! :crying: Brag all you want about that 5K Bill. That's completely bragworthy! What a great accomplishment!

I know that OSU has taken someone from up Findley...but she had complications with her original band. But check them out for fills. I'm sure each group has a different policy.

I'll get my pictures up at some point. I'm just not in front of cameras very often. Jeni, You'll be fine. You'll heal well. XO everyone!

J I had to say I had a few weeping jags too. I think it's part of the process. Yes, life feels better when you are finished with them, I agree. Love those doggies and rest. I would do a big day then a rest day when I was at your point in the recovery. It wasn't planned like that but it just turned out like that. Maybe that will be your pattern too. XO and love those puppies for me. I heart doggies and don't have one in my life right now. :purplebananna: Soon though, I hope.

I started seeing one when I decided to have the surgery. It took 14 months of waiting to get the surgery (many insurance snafus) then I've continued to see her ever since. All kinds of things pop up with this from how I feel about myself, how other see me, etc. And she's been very helpful. I honestly feel she's done as much for my success as the surgeon who placed my band.

My clothing gets given away the minute it's too big. Always. There's no reason to hang on to them. I HIGHLY recommend people to get involved with counseling when you consider any huge life changing event. I think it's a great idea that you are thinking about it. The words of my therapist ring meaningful and helpful over and over again. And even if you only kind of sort of think therapy is a good idea, it's not going to hurt to give it a shot. Good luck.

Hi gang. I'll say in my pre band days you could find me in the refrigerator in the middle of the night eating cold left overs. After banding before I got to the right restriction I was able to eat at night and have no issues. I had to fight the wars you all are fighting. I found that hot tea (caffiene free) was soothing and special and would keep my mouth from seeking food. But there were times I'd eat before bed time and be fine. It was hard just like you all are describing. However things changed when I got my last fill about a year ago. I would get reflux if I ate after 7pm when I went to bed around 11. I needed 4 hours for the food to go down. I'd still do tea at time. If I ate anyway I'd wake up with reflux or vomiting in my mouth. It took three days of choosing food over reasonable behavior before it sunk in that sleep was the better option. Am I saying that you need to be that filled? No, but maybe if you are still seeking the perfect fill level that's something that consider. My point is that if you have the night eating monkey on your back put into place survivor tactics like chatting or planning a healthy mini meal/snack for your harshest times. I'm amazed that I still struggle with food "issues" this far into the journey, but the reality is that I feel I'll have issues with food until the day I die. It's just a matter of how well controlled I have them. Good luck!

Jeni, I'm a tough cookie when it comes to exercise. But I'm a big ol' baby when it comes to plastic surgery. Spinning is actually really hard. Give it three tries before you give up on it. By the third time you'll be able to stay on the bike (maybe not doing the full intensity) for the full time. Let me say, I just got back to strength training yesterday. My pecs and my biceps are aching! Tomorrow is when I go back to it! I can't wait.