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imaluckydog

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by imaluckydog

  1. imaluckydog
    Heaven I tell you, just heavenly! Who ever thought I would enjoy 1 slice of pizza so much in my life?????? I have been cooking a lot lately and needed a break from it.
     
    I woke up this morning feeling thinner than I have ever felt before in my life. Is my head catching up with me? You know the body has lost 60 plus pounds.
     
    Before when I ate pizza I would eat 4 or more slices in less than a half an hour. I knew I was having pizza for dinner I planned it that way. Mind you it took me almost one hour to eat my slice of HEAVEN. It was so worth every single bite. I know you want to know what kind. OK, it was a slice of Spinach, Tomato, Cheese, Garlic, and two little pieces of Pepperoni I picked off my husbands side. I could not eat the Crust I was TOO FULL by the time I got to it or I would have tried that is for sure. I do not usually eat Pepperoni but that was the side my husband likes. I just had to have some. So glad I did. It was worth every single bite.
     
    Pizza is not a food I have eaten a lot of since being banded on June 29. Seems so long ago now really. Probably because it does not have the amount of protein my body needs at a meal. I just really need and wanted pizza.
     
    A funny thing happened to me yesterday when I was at work. A co worker came up and stood next to me and she came into my space, you know the physical space around your body. In the past I would have taken a step backwards but I did not. I just stood there as she kept coming closer and closer. I started not to hear her and I started feeling just how much smaller I was to her. Yikes, I felt half the size of her and half the size of my former self. My arms where hanging down by my side and I could really feel the smaller me. OMG I never ever heard her say "so are you feeling good are you having problems?" I was like what Oh yes very GOOD see you later, and walked away in a daze. As she started to ask if I had any problems, my head was not connected to the conversation. I never remember myself walking away from someone but why should I answer questions that are personal to me? I knew she did not really care about me. She was on her way to buy food. I just went the other direction. I am finding that I am not engaging in talk with people that do not care about me. I went and had lunch and shared my little story with my lunch mates and they said they would have done the same thing and as for feeling half the size They said YES YOU ARE HALF THE SIZE OF HER. Wow I was right.
     
    My head is catching up. I am Happy getting healthier and yes I can eat whatever I want. Oh I had to freeze four slices of PIZZA LOL I will buy a small size pizza next time and save some money. Old habits are hard to change.
    Best wishes and have a great day my LB friends. imaluckydog
  2. imaluckydog

    I love to cook

    By imaluckydog,

    I love to cook now more than I like to eat! Go figure!!!! I never thought I would say that!!!!
    It use to be the other way around. I lived to eat. I wanted to know where the next meal was coming from and how much would I be able to eat at one sitting. I just loved stuffing myself into a coma. This is TRUE.
     
    I also hated the way I felt after...........This is TRUE.
     
    I have made spicy spaghetti sauce, butternut squash soup, onion soup, eggplant parmesan, zucchini parmesan, Wendy’s chili, baked fish, fish soup, lobster stew, seafood chowder, edamame corn chowder, salsa, chicken with couscous, salads, fruit cups, home made puddings, fruit and protein smoothies, ricotta pie, tiny bites of beef stew, BBQ pulled pork, chicken fajitas, just to mention a few recipes I have collected. I never knew I was such a good cook. I get complements all the time from my family.
     
    I cannot eat all that much of what I cook but what I cook sure does have flavor. I freeze a lot of what I make. I make home made salad dressing too. I love to watch the Food Network and I get recipes from certain chefs who do not use a ton of butter. My recipes have little or no oil in them and the fat usually comes from the protein source. I do use some olive oil because I like the taste.
     
    I really enjoy my own cooking over going out to eat now a days. I usually bring my home cooked leftovers to work for lunch with me and almost everyone is curious about what I bring and will I share my weight loss secrets with them? I have chosen not to tell and only my family knows about my band. It is better this way for me. I do share I have cut down on my portions which is the understatement of the year. HELLO people... I was a COW, I could eat a COW!!!! If they only knew how much I can eat without my band. Really a COW!!!! I love meat and I am now unable to really enjoy a rare steak. It is OK.
     
    I have enjoyed playing with my band. I have just had my third fill and the music has been kicked up a notch to say the least. I still have to take my time eating and I am chew, chew, chewing to beat the band. I love how food tastes now. I can only eat about a half a cup of anything. You name it, I sometimes have four meals and I have been known to drink a glass of milk before bed. Just for that bite extra protein. I am always making sure I get that PROTEIN if you know what I mean jelly bean! I miss CANDY, FRASCA, DONUTS, COOKIES and cheese curls. I have not had them since June 29, and it is a good thing.
     
    I have lost 60 plus pounds since June and have found a perpetual smile on my FACE. I am in the wonder of oneunderland today. I wish everyone reading this all the best on your journey.
     
    All I can say is thank you to all my band site buddies and friends you know who you are You have helped me become the person I want to be today. I am HAPPY to be in my own skin and in your company. My family likes it too. I could not have done this without your support and personal suggestions. I remember the trip to the hospital not knowing if I would get the surgery that day and I remember B_G telling me, you are creating your own destiny so take charge. I am raising my GLASS high to all of us who are taking charge. Only we can make the change if we want too. imaluckydog Kathy
  3. imaluckydog

    Let's Play MONOPOLY

    By imaluckydog,

    Do YOU know how to play Monopoly????
    It has been so hard for me these past few weeks since my last fill, lets face it. I have been having a hard time with that, "One BITE too many syndrome". I just PB'd because I ate to fast. It was the Good food the protein kind. But when I eat too darn fast there is a learning curve. You know what I am talking about don't you????
     
    Unfortunately I AM a very SLOW LEARNER :-(
    It was my 4th bite and I had to run not walk to the rest room!!! I did not pass GO or collect 200 dollars either!! My fourth bite. I am hungry now.
     
    This Band has a MONOPOLY on my stomach.. I need to learn how to play well with my band. May be I need to make flash cards and study them so I will remember how to do what I am allowed to do. I will not win if I keep playing this way. I know I am not alone either....
    I feel the restriction but I am hungry and want to eat good food. I forget to chew and it makes matters unfavorable.
    My next Dr. appointment is not until October 5th. I pushed the appointment back because I am feeling tight enough right now.
    I am trying to stay positive but I need to learn how play Monopoly quickly. I want to buy PARK PLACE!! Not sure if this has helped anyone but it has helped me to refocus on what it is I need to do. I do not want to gain and I will not get weighed until Oct 5. I am going to make a ricotta pie for dinner tonight Thanks for the recipe my friend. Thanks for playing with me. imaluckydog Kathy
     
    Love, Life, Lilly, and the Pursuit of Happiness
  4. imaluckydog
    Oh It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    I had lunch with a LB sister this afternoon I met her in my psych class. She made for me some wonderful African Chicken with Couscous. I had no idea Couscous had so much protein? Go figure, the things I learn in a day. It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    I had my second fill today and it gets easier to have a fill. YES, it does get easier trust me!!!!
    It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    My first fill took almost 20 minutes, she could not find my port and I dislike long needles poking into me and causing me pain, unless they are for sewing. It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    The LB helps me to make excellent food choices today. I am on a 48 hour liquid and soft food stage after my fill today. That is a bummer because my husband caught a 200 pound Tuna and we were going to have tuna steaks for dinner opps!! Change of plan for me. Oh well it will keep, it is that fresh. I just love a good liquid drink. LOL
    It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    My son had his Twenty First birthday today so it is a special day for me too. I am starting to lose all the baby FAT remember he is 21. I have lost and gained his fat for 21 years.
    It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    I am now working on losing the baby fat from my daughter. It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    It’s a Wonderful Life!!! I have taken off 50 pounds.
     
    People who have not seen me in a while run up and say “wow you look like a different person”. I still see the fat dog in the mirror GO Figure. I put on a classy party dress last night I saved to wear one day. It cost me a small fortune, I am glad I got to wear it again. What a treat it was even a little roomy. It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    I got my band a month early and that was so exciting, June 29, 2009. I have been banded now for two months. I wake up with a smile on my face and I go to bed with a smile on my face. I eat what I like to eat. I eat slow and plan ahead. Do not drink with meals and I stay full for a long time. I eat little if any sugar. I have not had a Fresca in two months. I do not miss it any more. It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
     
    I even saw my Doctor today and I called across the hall how much I love him. He was on his way to another patient and smiled at me and I said all I do is smile now. I was only seeing the fill nurse. But I felt I had to let him know how much he means to me. I have a happy, healthy, interesting, and exciting new life.
     
    It’s a Wonderful Life!!! and imaluckydog Kathy
    I can’t wait for tomorrow. I love playing with the band.
  5. imaluckydog
    Life is but a Dream!!!
     
    Row, Row, Row, your boat gently down the stream... Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, life is but a DREAM......
     
    I am happily seven weeks post op. I have had some very, very, very good days and only two days I care to forget!!! I went to the Nutritionist today and the first thing she did was weigh me. Yippee DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. She even had the nerve to ask me if I was eating. I told her I was and that it takes me about 45 minutes to eat.
     
    Yes, I do belong to SWA. (Scale Whore Anonymous) You must know that club??? Well I am the member that weighs her shoes at home on a fish scale, so I know how much to take off when I get there. I am on the better than average weight loss track she said to me. That must mean I am doing well!!! I feel WELL!!!!!
     
    I guess that means I’m DOWN my stream just a little more than everyone else!!!!! I am DOWN but not enough for my head. I wanted MORE.. I tell you MORE.....
     
    Going Down my stream has been a DREAM, yes I am singing Merrily along.
     
    I get my next fill August 26, so I will Row, Row, Row my boat a little faster now. I am so close to wonderland/onederland but not DOWN enough. My goal is to be DOWN there by August 26. Going to the GYM in the AM to get the old body moving. I am going everyday now to the gym. Switching up the time of day may help me move faster down my stream.
     
    I must admit I feel so much better today and I am enjoying the gifts of Happiness.
    I am allowing myself to feel the breeze in my face as I Merrily roll down my STREAM. imaluckydog who is not afraid to swim.
  6. imaluckydog
    Anyone remember Mary Poppins? OK I'm Old..
    I was Banded 6.29.09 and my First Fill 7.29.09
     
    I feel a little like Mary Poppins right about now as I float into my Doctors office today for my four week HAPPY VISIT. I know I feel lighter but I did not know how much lighter. I do not own a scale. I was not even sure I would get a fill? I thought it was to be 6 weeks out and I am only 4 weeks post surgery.
     
    I look in the mirror and I see a fat person. I have had to buy new bras and new clothes. I have gone down two sizes. Yikes!! My family has paid me a lot of complements and I do take them well. It does make me feel good. I still feel like a fat person. I see my fat self in the mirror. I hope this will change! I will need to make that happen. I am working on it......
     
    Although I was light on my toes when I walked in, I flew out as HIGH as a KITE when I left.
     
    My nurse said "are you here for a Fill?" I said you tell me? I had to fill out a one page questionnaire, took about 20 minutes. It was almost like a test. How much this do you eat? How much that? Does this happen when? and are you allergic to anything OMG!! How many times have I had to tell them this stuff. I think they do this because it buys them time in between patients.
     
    Today before I left home I weighed my shoes so I would know how many ounces to subtract from my weight. My sneakers weighed 3.3 ounces I am a nut case, who in their right mind weighs their shoes??? I have an old food scale my husband uses when he catches fish. LOL
     
    Ok the Fill. DO NOT READ if you get squeamish OK...Lay down on the bed and push your stomach out as the nurse pushes the needle in. She said it's a 2 inch needle that goes into my port area. No, I could not look!! I get squeamish too!!! Put your arms over your head and she said breathe normally. YA OH RIGHT!!! Oh that's if she can find my port!!! She was trying to be nice. I have a lot of adipose tissue (you know FAT) and she has the needle in and it takes almost 10 minutes (no kidding) to find the correct angle. I keep breathing. She is being nice and I am saying I'm just Fat!!! I am not sure I enjoy this experience AT all. The nurse was so patient. I am sure if I had said "oh forget it" she probably would have!!! I am glad she hung in there and gave me a Fill I will NEVER EVER FORGET!!!!
     
    Here is the deal.. I have a 10-cc Allergen Band. At surgery time I got a 2-cc primer Fill. Today, She gave me 2-cc's I now have 4-cc's. Only liquids for 24 hours. Soft foods for 2 to 3 days after or how ever I feel on the third day. It is recommended I continue to eat slow and to chew, chew, chew to Beat the Band. The nurse said I may not feel any restriction for about a week. She said just take it easy and go by how you feel. I am very excited with a loss of 10 pounds. Add that to the 37 I lost / or misplaced before because that is what I lost first post op happy visit. I am down a total of 47 pounds. Where did it GO? NO I DO NOT MISS IT :smilielol5:
     
    Excersize is not my favorite thing I walk and that is all I do, I WALK. I am making good food choices and I feel full most of the time. My head does get hungry but I do NOT FEED IT!! THAT IS MY MONSTER WITHIN. I want to be small so I eat small. I am what I eat.
    FRIENDS Thank you to everyone who has given me tips and helpful remarks. I am finding this journey to be more manageable than I had envisioned. I am creating my destiny.
     
    All I can say is:
    supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
    imaluckydog
  7. imaluckydog
    "Do not question yourself!!!" I said this morning as I was telling someone my story about "My first surgery date that was to be July 20 and how very excited I was. Then it was moved up to June 29 my surgery date, because I had met all the requirements!!! OMG
     
    Holy COW have a cow!!!!" I was shocked, I did not think I was ready, I was worried about the insurance, the surgery, I was worried about the pain, about not eating and only fluids, worried about drugs, you know yata, yata yata, everything you read about was going thru my mind non stop in a loop, Over and over again.
     
    Well, let me tell you I hugged my DR. Yesterday! I never thought I would do that!! But I DID.... I just jumped up and said "can I hug you." He gave me a HUGE hug back, I felt so GOOD!!
     
    I said to him I have the power to change my life now. This tool is helping me change, and I have found confidence as well.
     
    I find support here on this web site, I have not told many of my family, they do not get it. That is OK for me.
     
    It is for me to figure this journey out, it is MINE. I am two weeks Post Op and have never felt better in my life. It is eleven days from surgery exactly!! What a load lifted.......
     
    I have not really suffered. I was uncomfortable for two days after surgery. Drugs helped. Drinking water has never been my thing, I drink lots of water now. The liquid post op is hard, I must say, and/but worth it. Eating slow is even harder, putting the fork down and not picking it up is starting to be funny. I just stare at it. The amount of food is so small. I want to be small. The saying is you are what you eat.
     
    Thanks to everyone who has shared with me their secrets especially Band Groupie. I want to play in your BAND!!
     
    imaluckydog who is helping to create my own destiny. Yipppeeeee I am down 37 pounds in four weeks, wonderland/onederland is just around the corner. Oh happy day
  8. imaluckydog
    I have never been so HAPPY!!!!!!
    imaluckydog week one is over. I have survived Lap Band to talk about it. I do not think of myself as a blogger I hope this is not boring. June 29 Th., 2009 one week ago today I was banded at Lahey Clinic in Burlington Ma. my Dr. was Dimitry Nepomnayshy MD. My surgery took 3 hours because I also had a hiatial hernia he needed to repair while he was in there. Lucky me!!! Dr. Nepomnayshy is a confidante, kind and gentle man with a huge heart of GOLD. The Clinic is a teaching hospital utilizing Tufts University medical students and other area medical students 24-7. It seems like a party every time I am there. I am always asking what I think are the dumbest questions, only to get a very educated answer with a smile back. I am so blessed to have had such a happy and healthful experience. My two week post op meal plan consists of liquid protein drinks 3 to 4 a day with plenty of water or other clear liquid to equal 64 ounces. I do not have a desire to eat any food.
    I do enjoy watching the Food Network http://www.foodnetwork.com/ I seem to be addicted to it now. My mouth starts watering but I do not get hungry. I am starting to think about my next phase the mushy stage. I am entertaining recipes from other LB patient bloggers and I have started a file for all of them. The food network has a lot of recipes I can use it seems to be a wonderful resource. I found a web site that list all High Protein Foods that is easy to
    use http://www.highproteinfoods.net/ Maybe you might find it interesting as well. I have made home made broth and have enjoyed them. I have been walking everyday for brief distances. Yesterday I went to the Gym with my daughter and walked on the treadmill at a really good clip for 30 minutes. I have had no gas pains at all. I will see the Dr. on Friday July 10 for my first Happy visit. I just want to say thank you to all my blogger buddies your notes, well wishes, recipes and thoughts have all been appreciated so much. I have enjoyed the love and respect I have received on this web site. I have never been so HAPPY...........
     
    Love. Life.Lilly. and the Pursuit of Happiness for I’m a luckydog
  9. imaluckydog
    Now I have a date and it just seems so far far far away to me. But just how far far far away is the NEW BIRTHDAY date? 7.20.09
    Well July 20, 2009 is 55 days exactly away from today. I'm 8 weeks until LB. I am too lazy to figure out the hours and minutes. LOL
     
    I have so enjoyed reading everyones blog. I just figure if I start one then maybe my time will go by faster. At least it will keep my paws out of the cookie jar!:thumbup: I need something to help me control all those urges to consume mass quantities of food when I am alone and that is a lot of the time, amazing I am alone that much.....
     
    I find myself cooking when I am alone. I am roasting plum tomatoes as I write this...I am following a recipe from the food network. I love to cook but I have never made BROTH or STOCK so I know I am going to need help.
     
    I have made a few nice friends on this site and I hope that I can stay connected. The power of the computer is so interesting to me. I have this one favorite Blog I read everyday. She was banded a few months ago and has such funny stories I just look forward to reading everyday, I relate to her so well. We have offspring around the same age. Same almost everything it is scary.
    Keeping my mind open and mouth shut for today. I'm going to have a real weight loss day. imaluckydog
  10. imaluckydog
    I am not sure about much lately!! :cursing:
     
    I got a call from my nurse to have my surgery moved up to this Monday!!! Yikes, :thumbup: My dated was to be July 20 th. Hard to believe RIGHT? Who really ever has it done early? We are to wait for ever for the LB!!
     
    I was told I may get moved up because I have met all the requirements. But I never believed them. There is a twist, the insurance has not sent back the paper work GO FIGURE???
    They think my surgery is July 20. Monday I will be on the phone first thing in the morning making sure they fax the paper work over ASAP. I have been given approval over the phone. So just being phone covered my not get you surgery.
     
    The PAPER WORK must be signed and in order first or NO surgery. Just my LUCK the Nurse who planned all this left Friday for vacation after our visit. Before she left she gave me her phone number. :cursing: I pray I do not have to call her. She was so mad on Friday at her hospital for not having the paper work done.:rolleyes2: Insurance office is closed for the week end and there is no one to talk to until Monday. So I wait Mind you I am not going to worry about it. Thanks to friends on this site:tt1: If it was ment to be it will be!!!!! I will make sure something happens.
     
    Wish me LUCK for imaluckydog and MAY BE PLAYING with the BAND SOON.:rolleyes2:
  11. imaluckydog
    Well today June 20 marks 28 years of marriage to the most wonderful person I know. My husband, he has been there for me through all my ups and downs and there have been MANY. Over 200 plus pounds lost and gained again, again and again. He loves me and says “I keep exciting him.” How sweet!!! He is a good man no question about that.
     
    What would be exciting for me will be to loose the extra pounds once and for all. I know it will be hard and I am ready to work for it. I worked hard for it every other time. I followed Diet Work Shop, WW, Cambridge, Weight Loss clinic, Alli, the SEA Food Diet, You know the one where you SEE FOOD and EAT it. LOL I followed all these to the letter and they did all work for me, maybe they worked for you too? This is what I want...
     
    I want to dance.
    I want to eat normal.
    I want to think normal.
    I want to look normal.
    I want to FEEL normal.
    I want to see myself as NORMAL.
    I want to feel sexy again.
    I want to look sexy again.
    I want to buy clothes off the rack.
    I want those clothes to FIT me.
    I want to be looked at, not look through.
    I want to be successful.
    I want off blood pressure medicine.
    I want off my sleep apnea machine.
    I want my normal body back, the one I had when I met my husband.
    I was NORMAL I DO remember how it feels.
    I HAVE FORGIVEN MYSELF.
     
    Do I want MUCH? I think not!!
     
    I have made the decision to have Lap Band Surgery. I found a wonderful doctor and he has done other surgery for me. I trust him and he is the best surgeon at this hospital. I am ready. It was suggested to me over a year ago and I still was not ready for it. I am now. The count down begins, My Birthday is July 18 and I will be 53. My New BIRTHDAY band date is July 20, 2009. If all goes as planned.
     
    I have chosen not to tell everyone, only my husband, son almost 21, daughter 19 and sister who had GBPS 7 years ago that changed her life, that I am having surgery. I have 100 percent support on this. I do not want to answer all the questions. I have thought long and hard on this. There is a RIGHT time for everything.
     
    I have enjoyed reading and learning from everyone on this site. This site is amazing!
    I find myself not eating because I am at my new computer. That is a plus.
    Best wishes to all the BANDSTERS out there. Thanks for all the support.
    imaluckydog Kathy
  12. imaluckydog
    Hello Everyone on this
    “Bandlandia Journey”
    Might I just say Love.Life.Lilly and the Pursuit of Happiness! Would be nice...
    The Journey is now about me.
     
    I sat through the third of four Group Psychology sessions today at my hospital The Lahey Clinic in Burlington Massachusetts. The first class was on Mindful vs. Mindless eating, the second was on Mindfulness and Triggers for Eating: Reacting vs. Responding; and today the third class was on Physiological vs. Psychological Hunger. The one and a half hour classes go by real fast. This week there were fewer people than last week. Some of us have surgery dates, others do not, some are just trying to figure this all out and are not even sure they want surgery. Some have to loose 30 to 40 pounds and others do not. One man got his date canceled because he failed to loose the weight he had to. That would bum me out.
     
    For me my date is July 20,2009 and counting. It is Just a little over one month away. I spoke with my sister and she is very supportive she had GBP surgery 7 years ago and it changed her life. I am so ready for change. I am taking small sips, small bites and mindful eating has begun. I have started to PRACTICE the steps that have been suggested to me, smaller portions and but I have not cut back on the caffeine yet and I still drink with a straw. I will need to work on both of these and more. Thanks for all the help and encouragement along the way. I am for sure one extremely lucky dog!!!!!:thumbup:
  13. imaluckydog
    Just a sec to talk about my journey to "Bandlandia" as some a coined it. I am so looking forward to underland or onederland soon. I think that means under 200 lbs. I need to take off over 100.
    Our hospital has us (LB and GBP patients) take these classes for 4 weeks in a row to prepare us. I feel they have been very helpful so far. Last week we discussed mindful and mindless eating which is what I do every day. I am now changing to be more MINDFUL.
    I have to drive about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic to the hospital for the hour and a half class. I hope the traffic will be light today.
     
    Ok, so I am up early today to send my son and honey off on a 5 day fishing trip. They drove away with boat en-tow. I am going to miss them. Daughter is still sleeping not waking her yet! It is early did I mention that!! I got up at 5:30 with the boys. They have been packed for days I did not have to do much for them. Now they are off and I find myself with way too much time and no laundry to fold.:crying:
    I am telling myself everything is going to alright. I have a hard time being alone with myself, I never thought much about it until now. I have used food as a friend and comfort. Now that I am thinking about MINDFUL eating... I am keeping my paw out of the cooking jar. As a matter of fact that cookie jar is GONE. LOL:rolleyes:
    I do not miss it much. I am now filling my time reading blogs and taking notes from people who write them. I am doing OK (great) on the 10 pounds they asked me to loose and have taken off 17. But not much has come off for about 3 weeks.
    Hope everyone has a GREAT day. I am going to keep blogging it helps. imaluckydog for sure

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