findingme2

Hi Dezadoo....I did the exact same thing and it was making me mental!!! I decided to stay away from scale-obsession. Lo and behold when I went for my 7-week check-up I had lost 7 more pounds. Surgeon said muscle weight weighs more than fat and when your body is adjusting to weight loss you are shifting weight. He said throw the scales out and rely on clothes, movement and hunger. When you feel hungry after eating you need a fill. May not help but thought I'd share. School this week??? Good luck. Ruthie

Hi all: Answers to questions: 1. Yep, hubby knows and always has. He married me big and I will always be his Big Beautiful Wonder Woman because I am 6'2" and will NEVER be stretch model thin. I have put on a lot of weight since we married and as a matter of fact one of my first goals is my marrying weight. Goal #2 is meeting him weight...lol. 2. This past January my classes and I were preparing for a program so we were walking back and to the auditorium several times a day. By the show date at the end of the week my heel spur was so inflamed the custodian had to push me (he didn't HAVE to- he's a sweetie) in the wheelchair. Pushing me through the crowded halls and everyone asking me what happened. I am a big fat cow that's what happened honey!!!!!! Hopefully- no mo' Here's to the last few days of summer......boo hooooo....they're here!!! Ruthie

Hi NJChick and Seppi: Yes Dr. Bertha also works out of Morristown NJChick and no, St. Clare's Dover just opened their bariatric surgery unit in January Seppi. I chose St. Clare's because I had out-patient knee surgery at Morristown and woke up to about 50 people recovering and the grumbling horrified me. Call me odd but I have that in my head so decided to try St. Clare's. My primary insisted I go with Bertha because he has done so many surgeries. I personally thought Dr. Abkin was a bit more friendly at the seminar but anyway. I trust our primary. And Seppi- that's cool we share the same band-date though different year. I hope to do as well as you have!!!! Hey, it's GREAT to hear from "youse Jersey girls"!!! We go out to eat usually once a week and I have found Quiet Man Pub in Dover is so nice about accomodating my needs as well as two chains Lone Star in Whippany (they actually drained their Soup for me while I was still on liquids) and Red Lobster in Roxbury. I contacted Morris Co Parks (we live in Morris co) and they have about 5 parks with paved trails if you are interested in walking. Also in Rockaway, there is paved path around Parks Lake which is just lovely, again if you are in to walking. I have my first fill on Tuesday....am so ready for it. My port can be easily felt so I am hoping for a non-nightmare. How have you guys done with fills??? Again, thanks for responding. Any ideas about stuff us northern NJ folk can do please share. Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 Dr. Bertha/St. Clare's Dover Bariatric Center

MBPRN... I look forward to your posts because they are frocked with humor. Kinda like Erma Bombeck (remember her?) ending up on Survivor. Keep 'em coming. I say thank goodness for humor. I also say without sacrasm I'd have nothing to say!!!! Anyone who knows/gave birth to and/or teaches a 13-16 year old female knows this age group was created to be psycho, evil to other girls and self-absorbed. Hang tough Mom and in the end she'll love you for it. Good luck. That's why I enjoy teaching Seniors in HS- they are almost human. When you talk to them about a serious subject they don't look at you like "well yeah, that's the way it was in 1901 when you were 15". They look at you like "well yeah, but I'm going to college and I'll be grown then like a teacher never went to college but was hatched from a test-tube in the Chemistry lab". Hmmmm....maybe I WAS 15 in 1901. :embarassed: Have fun this weekend everyone who is still reading this. Have a nice 3 ounce medium rare hamburger and 2 ounces of tomato. Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane" thanks Jimmy

KIM. you've lost 23 pounds!!! Lap band patients only lose 1-2 pounds a week so you are doing good and don't listen to the negatives even if it is your Mom and doctor. I can't believe your surgeon told you were not doing well....that's odd. My surgeon told me to stay away from the scales because it will make you crazed. Pay attention to your body, clothes, what you can do now that you couldn't before, etc. HANG IN THERE!!! Ruthie

Hi Marie and congrats on your weight loss and #1 fill. I am 7 week post-op and have my first fill next Tuesday. I am SO happy to finally be getting one!!! My doctor says liquids for 48 hours after fill but every doctor is different!!! So just go by what he/she says and take it slow like you did your first week post-surgery. Good luck! Ruthie

Hi: WOW Tonya....you've lost almost 60 in a month??? Go girl times ten!!! I had a 7-week check-up with my surgeon yesterday and am down 38 and am happy. Last 3 weeks I felt like I had lost nothing but I felt the clothes were getting a little roomier so I was hopeful. I also am most excited that I have my first fill next week!!!! Can't wait to feel that full feeling again!!!!!! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 38 down, seemingly zillions to go

:clap2: Yea for everyone and their good days, NSVs, veiled compliments (I agree with Kari on that one Dezadoo.....you look good and people notice it....so if they miss the mark so be it....you are shining through sistah and that is what matters) and Arcael you are doing just great!!! Congrats to you for getting ownership of your health!!! You are young and will probably be able to avoid a whole host of health issues later in life!!! We July 2006 folks are rocking!!!!! :biggrin1: Chat room was fun last night...it was so busy!!!! Let's do it again!!!! It's pouring here but my spirits are up. This rain is getting oldddddd.....and probably we will get some Ernesto residuals....great!!!! Anyway- it's a good day to be alive and maybe, just maybe tomorrow when I see my cute little short surgeon (I am major tall so everyone is short to me..lol) he will ok a fill. I had hoped to be down 50 by tomorrow and it ain't gonna happen but I have decided NO MORE games. No starving the day before for a good weigh-in the next day. No water pills so my weight will go down. I am what I am. I weigh what I weigh. Good, bad or ugly. That in itself is a big thing for me. I feel my entire life I have been playing the game for the scale in the doctor's office. No more. Hugs to all .....Ruthie

Hi Everyone: I had a good day. I am making normal tacos for DH tonight and I am going to use lettuce leaves to wrap a taco for me or just go salad style. I am excited. Pitiful isn't it......excited over food. Guess that was one reason I got to the point of needing a band!!!! For anyone who have read my posts about my DH and replacing his caregiver just a note that we interviewed an agency today that I think will work. Yea. For the person who was asked if they had lost weight I laughed to myself. Yesterday at the pool party in the pouring raining that we attended someone overheard me talking about my surgery. She asked is it working??? Thanks. LOL. People are odd. Today in the grocery store (buying healthy fresh salmon and scallops of course!!!!) a friend came up behind me to say hi and "boy you've lost weight". Now that's more like it...lol. I am a super-sized loser so I know it will take a lot more weight off to see a difference. But I appreciated the compliment. All you school folks who are starting school or have started...have a great healthy year!!!! I start next week....NOT ready mentally!!!!! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 Dr. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover, NJ "My life is but a weaving....."

Thanks Beth for the advice regarding not asking but telling doctor about a fill. I will do just that. Having an "eeh" weekend. School starts soon and my dh's caregiver (dh had a stroke and is disabled) quit after four and a half years. Finding a replacement that is affordable, reliable, good, dh likes and I feel I can trust has been tough. It has rained (more like poured) all weekend and just kinda symbolizes the way I feel. No weight loss and worries. Blah. NSV though if I MUST be positive (lol)- we went to a pool party today (yes, in the pouring rain!!!!) and I did not allow myself to indulge in all the good party appetizer stuff. I stuck to proteins, a little bit of bean salad, a little fruit and drank my liquids. I was so proud of me!!!! That is why I told a lot of people about my banding. I know they are watching and I am so pitiful about will power so it works for me. So yea for me. My first party and I did not die from leaving off those dips, spreads, and other lucious appetizers!!!. Hope all of you had a good weekend....it's nice to have this forum back!!!! Ruthie

Hi all: I was without the website for almost 24 hours (once on home page could not access threads) and talk about withdrawal!!!!! I know I really don't know you guys personally but I missed reading your posts. I unfortunately can't do support groups so THIS IS IT!!!! Glad to be back!!!! Beth...how long did you go without losing. It is 3 weeks for me and I am so discouraged. I am almost convinced something must be wrong!!!! I see the surgeon this week.....hoping for a fill appointment!!! Have a good week. Ruthie

Goal to measure portions- thumbs down Goal to spread drinking liquids out through day- thumbs up So I'm 50/50. Tomorrow- no Weight Watchers Sherbert and Ice Cream bars (I can't stop at one) and measure portions! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 New Jersey (but Georgian by birth)

ok...i'm there ruthie

What time is chat room??? Ruthie

Hi guys; What time did you do chat room?? I was on at 10 EST and stayed for about 15 minutes but no one came on. I would love to join you!! Ruthie

I will measure my portions and not wait until 2 hours before bed to finish my liquids (usually half of them!!!!!....bad!!!!) Ruthie

To Heel spur people: I have a history of them too. I use the heel donuts (I buy mine at Harmon Discounts) and it makes all the difference. I buy enough for every pair of shoes. I found these $3/4 jewels after investing in a stupid $125 pair of custom made insert-thingies that did squat. To recently filled folks: Man, oh man. I cannot wait!!! I am ready to eat everything and anything!!!! I am so frustrated how the hungries (head or real) have come back!!!! Yikes!!!!! I even called the surgeon's office today to see if they would let me go ahead and schedule a fill since the surgeon has been out of town. Patience is NOT one of strengths!!!! JMO: congrats to your hubby coming on board. What a beautiful gift of life you are both giving to your children!!! Stephanie: Have a good start of school. Every teacher knows the secretaries run the school!!!!! To anyone and everyone: Let's fish or cut bait and set a time for chat room. 9 o'clock CST??? Would that work??? Hope to see you in the chat room!! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 Impatiently waiting for a fill:speechles

First reason....food is good. It tastes good, it smells good, it feels good to be satisfied, it's fun to have with friends, it's fun to have at parties and tailgates. I love food. I love to taste new things and talk about it. How many countless hours of my life growing up were spent at a full and splendid table of food at my Grandmother's. She loved with her food. The whole family was there and it was laughter, memories and stories. Every where my family ate we would "dissect" the food....what spice do you think they used, did they pan-fry this or broil it. Food glorious good. Second reason....which is actually part of first food is emotional. It was a part of every celebration and good time, funerals and saddness, achievements and when he broke up with you it was pizza and ice cream time out with your pals. Want to see an old friend.....meet at so and so's for margaritas. Our culture is food. Third reason......growing up poor it's the one thing we had. We had food from the field and while we couldn't buy lots of toys and "stuff" we could afford food. Cheap foods included flour and sugar for cakes and Cookies. When I made my own money I started the habit of eating foods I had never had before but more important in quantities I thought would make me happy???? Maybe.... Fourth reason......portions, portions, portions. A buffet was 2 or 3 plates for me. A Breakfast buffet was a breakfast plate first then a lunch plate. I would sometimes think- you know "normal" people don't eat like this. Watch your thin friends. How do they eat??? Not massive amounts. and Fifth reason......was not normal from day one.....taller than others, single parent family, different religious group than others, and on and on. Did I eat to feel normal??? Maybe. Okay, that saved me a $125 therapist fee....lol. Findingme2 is my user name...it means as I find my waist my hope is to find my fat free soul as well. Good luck and good journeys to all of us bandsters.

Hi Everyone....welcome back Kari: You know Kari even when you've had a bummer of an experience you are always so positive.....thanks!!!! Some of us out here in bandsterland need that. Thanks to so many in fact for the positive "props" you give everyone!!!! I am now 6 weeks out and won't see my surgeon until next week. Boy. I must be beyond ready for a fill. I am ready to eat a cow. My weight hasn't moved in what seems like an eternity. My primary weighed me on his scale 5 pounds less than the nutritionist did on the monster bariatric scale yesterday and my reaction was- I wanted to eat, eat and then eat some more. All this is to say I am with you in your pain Kari and Stephanie and everyone else.....boy this food thing is a tough one. BUT....we are on our way and there will definitely be many bumps in the road. I can't tell all of you how much I appreciate your posts and sharing your stories. I apologize for this kinda downer post....I look forward to being up again!!! Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 St. Clare's Hospital/Dr. Bertha Dover, New Jersey

Hi all.....I too would LOVE to chat!!! I am on EST but while I am home for the summer am up all hours!!!!! (Especially when my silly port pinches and wakes me up!!!!) Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 (Oh thank heaven for 7-11) Dr. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover, NJ

I am a teacher. We had a new wing added to our building this summer so we are starting later than usual on 9/11. NJ schools usually start day after Labor Day which was a huge change coming from Georgia starting in August. Wish I could say this has been a great summer what with the banding and my achievements with it but unfortunately my DH's caregiver of many years suddenly quit and I have spent time and effort trying to find a replacement. It's like she waited until I had my surgery and boom.....she quit. Why??? Don't have a clue. Was brokenhearted and DH is still so upset he doesn't even want me to call her. Anyway---sorry for venting--I need to have things set before I go back. :phanvan Aren't you glad I answered your question Baylormom??? LOL Ruthie Banded 7/11/06 (oh thank heaven for 7-11) Dr. N. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover, NJ

Hi all: As I have started the journey of re-gaining my life (and me) I am struck by the little things about losing. Please share your thoughts about the great things about being a loser!!! *I can bend over to put on or take off my disabled husband's shoes without feeling like I will suffocate. *I can roll over in bed with much greater ease (this one's for my band-buddy who said this to me the other day) *I walked by the mirror and swore I saw a waist trying to appear!!!! What are your little things that are great?? Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 (oh thank heaven for 7-11!!!) Dr. N. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover, New Jersey

WAHOO for Stephanie!!!!!! :clap2: :clap2: Congrats on reaching an incredible milestone!!!! I cannot imagine being there again (I don't think I weighed this much at birth!!!). You go girl!!!! Ruthie Banded to go-go 7-11-06 Dr. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover, New Jersey

Kari- thanks for the props!!! I am just doing what "they" told me to do....64 oz liquids, proteins (which I am experimenting with what I like), watching food choices and portions. I also have a LOT of weight to lose so I think you lose faster at first if you are a super-size. Don't know if this is true but it seems logical???? Ruthie Banded 7-11-06/Dr. Bertha St. Clare's Hospital Dover, New Jersey "You can stand me up at the gates of hell but I won't back down"...thanks Tom Petty

Hi Everyone: I just HAD to share this with somebody who would understand so I am posting here. I just got home from my first post-op appointment with my primary care doctor. He was so excited for the first time since my DH and I started with him. His scales show I have lost 41 pounds and I am so happy!!!!!! He could not believe I was really sticking with this thing because trust me, I have tried everything to lose weight like all of you. My blood pressure was too low so he cut that med in half....wahooooooo!!!! :clap2: So, sorry for the bragging but thanks for allowing me a positive vent. So my happy points are: -41 pounds, insulin cut in half, one diabetic med gone, gone and gone and now blood pressure med cut in half. Yea. Ruthie Banded 7-11-06 Dr. Bertha/St. Clare's Hospital Dover/New Jersey "Live your life with exclamation instead of explanations"