imaluckydog

We really are all in this together! For better or worse!! I must say mostly better. I had to have 2 cc's taken out today. My own inner stress causes my band to tighten up. Dr. says it is the soft muscles. I can go back in a few weeks and get a fill. This is the beauty of the band we can control it. Un like me being able to control my own eating before the band. I was always out of control not any more. I LOVE MY BAND and getting adjustments are part of my life now. Boy do I LOVE LIVING in my thin body. Thanks for all your support and Best wishes. imaluckydog

What can happen in one Year? This is what happened to me I was banded on June 29, 2009 it was a beautiful sunny Monday. I actually got a call that Friday and my surgery was rescheduled a month early. Go figure how does that happen? Today is one year from that glorious day. I can not believe where the time has gone!!! I am in awe of what my body and I have accomplished together in a year. I can say for sure, I have never been as Happy, as I am today!!!! Or can I remember ever being this healthy and thin. Yes, I said it. I am THIN. I am NORMAL. I am HAPPY.... and I LIKE IT... Living with a Lap band has changed my life. The changes were small in the beginning and with change came many new and exciting experiences and huge weight loss my goal of being able to go skiing again with my family came true as well. I can remember not wanting to let go of my food ways. The OLD HABITS the amounts of food, the types of food, I thought about food and still do all the time. Well, I found other things to do like blogging because I do not eat at my computer. It was a gift to be able to write my feelings and share my thoughts. I even got some responses and made new blogging friends. Nancy, I love you and all of these people even though I do not know who they are. We all had one thing in common. I would not be where I am today if it were not for their wisdom and their support along my life journey with LB. Thanks to everyone out there I appreciate your comments and suggestions, this site is so helpful. My bandversary!! Yes this is it. I so wanted to be able to say I lost 100 pounds. I have actually lost 103 pounds as of this morning. Yes, I waited to see if I could make my personal head set goal. I am OK with this and have been for a few months now weight loss has slowed down. Maintenance is a little tricky I have gone up and down and given this, I still have done quite well. My body has a set weight it wants to be and I just need to listen to my own body now and again and continue to make the best choices. Fifteen days after my surgery I took my daughter to Disney World. We ran around the park for a week. I felt great I had no problems. I had a little pain in the upper most incision but that was it, felt like stretching pains only. I never had so much fun in my life I felt like a little kid again. I had this new rebirth kind of feeling. I could eat anything I wanted, but I didn’t. I followed the rules. I stopped drinking liquids with all meals and never ever had any kind of soda. That was very hard for me. I used to drink soda 24-7. I had a little withdrawal. It passed quickly, took about 5 days. Then I didn’t even think about it. I sometimes miss it a little today. Although I will not drink any. I found my body just did not need the amounts of food I used to eat. I started eating less and less, I just needed less. I also ate vegetables and foods I did not like before like proteins and yogurts. I only ate junk before and this was why I weighed in at over 250 pounds before surgery. My first fill was about one month July 29 exactly four weeks out. I had a little fluid placed in my band it was called a primer during surgery. My fill Nurse was the aggressive type. I could feel restriction about four days after my fill. I am not sure why it took so long to kick in, but it did. My second fill came on August 26, again four weeks from the first. Four days later I felt the restriction again. It feels like if you take another bite you know you will not be able to swallow it. It is a full feeling a push away from the table and call it quits feeling. Now I did not always push away like I was supposed to. Yes, I have a food addiction and the food calls me by name and I love the taste and smells and the chewing I love it all. If the feeling comes STOP EATING and STOP NOW do not pass GO as you will never be able to collect the 200 dollars. Because you will be stuck over a bowl or over a zip baggie in solitary confinement until it passes. By the way I have on hand in my purse even today a LARGE ZIP TOP BAG. I never leave home without one. I was feeling good by my second fill. I felt comfortable with how much and what I was eating. I was following all the Bandster rules like there was no tomorrow. l was going to be the best Bandster out there. I was afraid to make a mistake and I stayed way away from all those foods everyone has trouble with. I must admit at first I missed bread the most. I choose not to eat white bread or anything white for that matter. The Lack of nutrients in white, I like nutrient dense foods today and lots of color and textures. I eat Real Food, Not too much, Mostly plants with Proteins first. It sure does work for me. I wanted to be small so I eat small and it has worked for me. Yes, I did and do have HEAD HUNGER all the time. It needs to be controlled. Mind over matter helps. I practice mindful eating and I go real slow my fork goes down to rest while I rest, talk, and participate in the dinner conversation. I also listen a lot more at meal times. My third fill came on the 4th of October. I put off an earlier appointment I just was enjoying life and felt good doing what I was doing. My nurse was aggressive again and I was as tight as I ever wanted to be. I have learned the new meaning of tight I MEAN TIGHT. My stress also had a way of tightening my band as well. I am not sure how I lasted as long as I did being so TIGHT. I was a little depressed when I could not eat the foods I wanted to eat. I had food withdrawal and I was sad at the lost of my comfort in food. There was NO MORE COMFORT in food any more, those days are now gone. I had to eat to keep myself alive. I counted calories and had to make sure I was keeping to 1,200 calories a day. If I did not I felt lazy and slow and had no energy. I wrote everything down I was eating. I prepared all my own foods I hardly ever ate out. I found a blog with amazing recipes “Thanks Lena” and I tried almost all of them. My food became interesting and I enjoyed eating my own cooking because I knew what was in it. I created a goal back in Psych 101 that I wanted to go skiing when I lost enough weight to be able to do it again. Last time I skied was 21 years ago. My family loves to ski and I was bound and determined to do it this winter. I went skiing 10 times it felt GREAT!! November came and went no fill needed, friends and family started to notice I was losing weight. I found it hard to take the complements at first I was sensitive and then I got real used to hearing people tell me how good I looked and to be careful not to gain it back. LOL I never told anyone. They have no idea. I pray I never gain it back. December I started skiing and passed on the fills I was doing just fine. Losing and feeling great with every bite of exercise, I just loved the new found energy and fresh outdoors. The exercise was fun once again. February busy winter skiing and traveling, March kept busy as it flew by. April came in like a lion and I was hit with mega amounts of work and stress like no other. I had not had a fill for 5 months and my band began to tighten all on it’s own. Stress can cause the band to tighten. I got myself all worked up and was unable to relax. The muscles got the best of me. I started to have acid reflux at night time and while prone, it was a scary feeling. The food was coming back more often and I was uncomfortable so that I got a slight un fill in the end of April. I figured I was fine and one week later I was asking for another un fill. I had about four weeks where I was much more relaxed. It was a nice break. I was normal and just kept doing what I had been doing all along. I am glad I did not gain and all stayed the same. The band is a fabulous tool. I felt like I was on vacation and then I said enough of this and lets go get a slight fill in May. I am now at what I am feeling is my sweet spot. It took a while to get here but when you are here all is well. It is all about the proper adjustment and feeling your best. I can go out to eat today and feel just fine. I make healthy choices I have had lots of practice. I know I can live the rest of my life in happiness now. May has been a good month to look back at how far I have come on this Happiness Journey. I have never been happier in my life. I can buy clothes from any store and all the clothes fit. I wear color and lots of it. I used to only wear black and have only one outfit to wear. Now I have ten or more to choose from. I love my new wardrobe. I am so Happy to be me today. I trust this tool I know I can work with it. It does keep me honest, and most importantly I must be honest with myself I am the only one that matters. I am wishing myself a Happy Bandversary with many more to come. Best wishes on your Happiness Journey imaluckydog

Best wishes to both of you. I am at my 1 year Bandversary today. It has been an amazing journey. I am Down 103 pounds and a size 10 today. A year ago I was busting out of a size 24 plus. Dreams do come true. imaluckydog

Best wishes love the Quote. Hang in there. imaluckydog

Good Luck, I know you can do it. imaluckydog

Hi, I just read your blog. I love how positive you are. I have alway tried to be happy and share my experience with others. It helps me keep my paws out of the cookie jar. It works for me. I am coming up to my one year mark tomorrow. I cannot believe how fast one year goes by. You have a wonderful support system now and that is so important for me as well. Wishing you all the best on your continued success. imaluckydog

I love venting!!! This is the BEST way to vent. I am so like Dory and I just keep on swimming, swimming, swimming. I think some days I am totally lost. I can't imagine my world without being able to BLOG! Coming up on my one year tomorrow and excited to share I have lost more than 100 pounds and I am wearing a 10/12 Feel great too. Best wishes and Best on your journey too. imaluckydog

Hi, Yes, you said it yourself you will "TRY" now that the first step. Keep trying and don't stop..... I would recommend getting off the SUGAR so no more sweet tea. Drink Water! You will have a day or two of withdrawal but you will not die. You will feel better for it and it is BETTER FOR YOU. Sugar creates food cravings. I would recommend following a weight loss food program or count your calorie intake if you really want to lose weight. The lap band is only a tool and will NOT work if you do not work well with your band. I recommend keep the focus on yourself, I know that may sound selfish but if you want to feel better about yourself and look better??? Cutting back on amount of food intake is what you need to do to lose. I hear you and you have an excellent attitude for this journey. By the way I will be on my one year end tomorrow June 29. I have lost 100 plus pounds and I will have my 30th high school reunion and I will weight exactly what I weighed in high school same size too 10/12. I am speaking from experience I have had many fills and many un fills and keeping in touch with your Dr. is very important even if he is 4 hours away. Follow the program rules and you will have huge success. Best wishes and if you need help I will gladly share what I have learned or can put you in touch with someone. Sounds like you want to start a plan. Blogging was so good for me and it still helps me keep my paws out of the cookie jar. Again Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog

I hear you!!!! I have not seen it but I will that is for sure. Have you seen Food Inc.??? it is another excellent food story we need to keep each other up to date on all these documentaries. Thanks imaluckydog

My stomach swelling did not go down for some time. You are still healing on the inside. You wait the pounds melt away. No kidding. I am less than one year and have lost 100 pounds. I am a very different looking person today. Take time to heal. Best wishes imaluckydog

Thanks for helping out. Best wishes imaluckydog

Thanks for the recipe I will give it a try. I may used boneless skinless thighs. Best wishes imaluckydog

Wow, This is great!! Keep blogging it helps others too. Your story others will learn from. Thanks for sharing and Best wishes imaluckydog

I am a year out and I just had me some Papaya enzyme Great stuff it aids in digestion of proteins and stuck foods. I have it on me always. I have them in the car, in drawers, at work and next to my bed. Chew them slowly and let them melt in your mouth, they work with your saliva. As you swallow you will feel so much better. Everyone makes mistakes this is how we learn. Best wishes imaluckydog

Happy Birthday and Congrats GF, I am sure you will smile as I have everyday now!! We have so much to smile about. Take the time to heal and pamper yourself in the beginning. Sleep is GOOD and it helps heal your insides. I always said I lost weight while I was sleeping you wait and see if it is true for you too? Take the first few weeks slow and wait and see how much energy you have. You will be amazed! Remember small sips and small everything from now on. Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog

HI YES I have and only told my husband, son 21 and daughter 20 and sister 45 who had gastric by pass 7 years ago only 4 people know. I have been banded almost a year I also work in a school setting around food. I had my band done June 29, 2009, end of last school year. The BEST gift I ever gave myself along with not telling everyone. I just did not want to answer a million questions. My choice and it has been a Good one. When people ask me what I do I tell them the truth No lies..... I eat healthy, small portions, mostly plants with protein first. I sort of follow a weight watchers program I just go to my nutritionist once a month and we check in I do not have time for meetings, I exercise and because I blog a lot ALL IS TRUE. It is true and people are happy hearing the truth. It is the best kept secret and it is all mine. Go slow and take it easy the first few weeks. Your insides are healing and for me it took a while. I have lost over 100 pounds this past year and I can't wait to check in at the Dr.'s office next week. The year will fly by for you. Best wishes imaluckydog

Keep creeping this is how we learn and I also keep my paws out of the cookie jar. I spend my time reading and commenting on blogs. It is all good. It is scary at first, and there can be some scary moments after banding. Mostly everything has a way of working out. This has been the best gift I could have given myself a year ago. I am LIVING today! Your family will love you no matter what and you will be getting healthy!! Best wishes and keep in touch with us so we can hear about your successes. Best wishes imaluckydog

One women trying to get from one place to another today. It will take more than one taxi, two planes, and 3 meals to get me there. My thoughts for the day are.... I am almost at my one year mark lost over 100 pounds. What I have found is I have "disordered eating" I can only speak for myself. I have food problems, major issues with food, and food plays head games with me 24-7 day and night. AA does have a workable philosophy so does OA and I do use it mindfully, although I do not go to any meetings. For some it becomes a way of life. My band tool is my way of life now and forever!! If I cheat the only one I hurt is yourself. I gave this tool to myself as a last ditch effort to save my life from my own self destruction. A year ago I was 250 plus and a size 24 plus on a good day. I try everyday to make the best possible choices with food. I sure can eat anything I want even after many fills and un-fills. Today, I make better and more healthier food choices. I have Forgiven myself and I have moved to the next level of this game of life. Living I last weighed 148 and wear a size 10. I am just trying to get from point A to point B today. Traveling can be so stressful and I will try my best today with all the tools I have in place to guide me. I will believe in the power of positive thoughts today. Best wishes imaluckydog

Ok, I am almost at my one year mark lost over 100 pounds. What I have found is I have "disordered eating" I can only speak for myself. I have food problems, issues with food, and food plays head games with me 24-7. AA does have a workable philosophy so does OA and I do use the philosophy although I do not go to any meetings. For some it becomes a way of life. My band tool is my way of life now. Oh and if you cheat the only one you hurt is yourself. I gave this tool to myself as a last ditch effort to save my life from my own self destruction. I try everyday to make the best possible choices with food. I sure can eat anything I want even after many fills and un-fills. Today I make better and more healthier food choices. Try to Forgive yourself and move to the next level of this game of life. Best wishes imaluckydog

All will go as planned. Get a good nights sleep. I will be thinking about you all day. Best wishes imaluckydog

You have a great attitude for the LB Journey you will need it. Do NOT let someone in your way of SUCCESS. NO ONE!!! You will do this for yourself and no other. It is a huge decision and when I made it, it changed my life. Your life will be forever changed. I have lost 100 pounds in less than a year and I look different people who know me do not recognize me. Best wishes imaluckydog

One year ago I was in tears cuz I had soooo much weight to lose and I just could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there all you almost and new banded people. This is an adventure of a lifetime. I am living proof LB works. Today, I am on vacation in Kansas City. Best BBQ I have ever had. I want to have BBQ for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner it is that good out here OMG!!! LOL Lost 100 pounds in less than a year. Very happy being a smaller person. Eat small be small and follow all the bandster rules. Best wishes imaluckydog

First three days were bad for me too. Rest heal and stay put for a few days. Heating pad I also used. Small, small sips I ached all over it sucked. IT DOES GET BETTER just believe it will. Everyone is different and my healing time took about two weeks before I was feeling myself again. It is less than a year for me and I have lost over 100 pounds. I feel great today. I am in Kansas City on vacation enjoying the best BBQ ever. Who would have thought!!! My year will be June 29. Oh and about three weeks after my banding I was running around Disney World and had more energy than some children there. It will get better Best wishes imaluckydog

Love the Calculator I will use this again for sure. Great Link. Yup I have lost the 40% my Dr. said I would lose when I started my LB journey 40% of 250 is 100 and I was at 150 as of a week ago and still losing. Life is Good. Best wishes to all imaluckydog

Hi, you can do anything you put your mind to do. I was Banded on a Monday almost a year ago and in 3 weeks less than my one year I have lost 100 pounds. You can be just as successful as your GBPass friend. I am off blood pressure meds and no more sleep apnea machine. It is great. Follow the rules and it is so amazing how fast this year has gone by. Best wishes to you. imaluckydog