ready2bthin

Hey everyone, I'm here!! Well, Kari, I have to admit, I did NOT exericise...I'm so lame!! But, I did contact a friend who is a trainer and asked her if she would consider training me and kicking me in the *** to get going. She is a fanatic and I admitted to her that I am lazy about exercise....I am...I'm admitting it. I called her and am waiting for her reply so we can meet and work on a schedule. It will cost me some money, but if I can get in a routine, I think it will help, plus my pool will be wonderful while my mom is here. Kari: You look great!!! You are beautiful in both pictures, but definitely a difference with the weightloss. Isn't it fun to see the change? Susan: Congratulations!! You are doing fantastic!!! I agree with Edie's take on that, too, as far as lifting that bag of dog food. If you take measurements, you'll notice that as well as the inches disappear!! Okay, it's late/early really. I am FINALLY able to eat a little better after going back and forth with being able to, having difficulties and pbing/sliming, doing mostly liquids. Tonight, I actually was able to eat some pizza (thin crust). All is well!!! I was starting to consider getting some fill taken out again, but since all went well tonight, I will hold off and just be very careful about my chewing/bite size, etc. Okay, TTFN!! Love ya'll!!!

Well, everyone, after weeks of liquids, and still having some problems with food, I haven't lost ANYTHING!!! I could be happy with liquids and limited food, but for me to be at a standstill...makes me crazy. Okay, I know what to do....Make sure the protein is enough, calories are enough and EXERCISE!! I wrote a friend of mine who is a trainer to see if she would work with me to get my *** in gear. Haven't heard from her. So, today I will get on my exercise bike and do at least 30 minutes. I will check back later and let you know that I did it!!

Beth: Glad you got the calorie thing figured out with the dietician. I was pretty concerned. Time2live: You are doing AWESOME!! Welcome back!! Glad to have you checking in again!! Kari: I'm doing better. Can actually eat again!! I've been taking a clariton type pill that dissolves to help with these allergy symptoms, which has helped my irritation!! Have a great week everyone!! Notice my new pic (hard to see but yes, it's there!!)

I have 4 scars, the port scar being about 3-4 inches above my belly button and the longest (just a hair under an inch in the front) and the next one over on my left (almost to my side) under my ribs and measures just under 1/2 inch and one under my braline in the center which is probably under 1/4 inch and then last but not least towards my right side and measures also under 1/4 inch. Those last two are so small that it's difficult to tell that they are even there. I was very pleased with how small my incisions/scars were. It seems that many of the mexican banded patients like me have the port in the front. I think there was a study on here about that. So far, so good and I've been banded almost 10 months.

I'm in chat now!!!

Beth: 40 grams of protein in NOT enough protein and 500 calories is not enough calories, either. Sounds like your doctor needs the help of a dietician to me. I'm not a dietician, but I have read information that tells me to get at least 60 grams of protein daily. I have not used protein bars much as many of them have too many carbohydrates in them. You can find some with a lower carb/sugar count, but nutrionally, lean protein like chicken and fish will fill you up more, along with a green veggie. I get in my protein in the morning with a shake. I don't like a lot of protein shakes (actually most of them) but I have found that "On" brand powdered protein in the vanilla ice cream flavor, along with some sugarfree/fatfree chocolate fudge jello pudding mix (just a little sprinkled in) with skim milk makes a yummy shake. So, right off, I'm starting my day with at least 25-30 grams of protein (including the milk). The protein itself has 24 grams of protein in it and only 3 or 4 grams of carbs. I always watch the carbs in the protein shakes too, as some are higher. It's not that I abstain from carbs, but I have really cut out breads, potatoes, etc. I will eat a little (part of a bun with hamburger) and a few bites of potatoes, rice or pasta (but that's it). I eat the protein first (about 3-4 oz), then a green veggie. I have to watch "snack foods" like chips, nuts, etc. as they are not really filling but go down easy and add in calories, etc. I think there are places on the internet to determine the calorie count one needs according to their weight. You may also want to make an appointment with a dietician who can make sure you are getting in the protein and other stuff you need and still get weightloss. Remember, we want our bodies to burn off that FAT and not lose muscle. That's why in my case, the inches are coming off better than the pounds. Fat weighs LESS than muscle. We don't want to lose our muscle and if our body doesn't get in enough protein, that's what will happen. So, make sure your muscles and vital organs are getting the nutrition they need so your body is functioning correctly. Hope this makes sense. I am taking something for the allergies now and hoping to get off liquids soon. I am making sure though that I'm getting in 60 grams (at least) of protein in my liquids. Barbara seems to think that the allergies are causing extra phlem which is going into my pouch and irritating me. She suggested thin liquids (so no protein shake with milk for me tomorrow) and taking something to get the allergies under control. I bought that tonight (Clariton) and took one. I hope to get relief in a few days. I want to EAT!!! LOL!!! Okay, this is long. I'm sure someone else may have more to add!! Hang in there Beth!!

Joan: WABB is giving you very sound advice, which I totally agree with. The protein intake was KEY with me during the healing phase, which was 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks mushies/well chopped and then easing into solids. I made sure that with all my liquids, I added unflavored protein or had a protein shake. I found a brand called "On" at the Vitamin Shoppe, which is Vanilla Ice Cream flavor with 120 calories, 24 grams protein, and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. I then add a little fatfree/sugarfree chocolate pudding mix to flavor it. I tried their chocolate flavor and rocky road and didn't like it (I'm very picky), so this is my morning shake usually even now. I also bought unflavored protein powder from Welcome to the UNJURY Homepage and added that to my soups, made jello with it (they have recipes) and got in protein that way. Recently I bought Nectar brand protein which is mixed with water for a refreshing drink that has protein, too. So, you can get in protein with liquids and in doing that, it will help with the healing and with weightloss. I continued this during the mushy stage, too. But, generally, I tried to make tuna salad, chicken salad, seafood salad, etc. to get in the protein. So, everyone out there....follow the bandster rules and you will heal well and be on your way to the weightloss you need/want. I know that I'm happy with my band and with the loss I've expereinced so far!!!

Kari: So glad all is well with you!! I also see that you are so close to getting into the 170's!! You can do it!! Make sure that with the liquids that you are still getting in the protein. This is my goal today as I'm still having problems. I was able to eat some crackers and a slice of cheese yesterday without pbing. But, a diet of a protein shake, that and some icecream is not good nutrition. (I'm confessing here). So, today will be the protein shakes/drink (Nectar) and a mushy for dinner to see if I can eat. If not, I will call the doc and set up an unfill for Monday. At least I have had a few days of no pbing. But, I'm not really eating food. This is so frustrating. It's not like I'm dropping a bunch of weight either. (Maybe the icecream???....LOL) Okay, enough of me whining. I'll check back with ya'll later or tomorrow and fill you in.

There are some yahoo groups with fill doctor information. There is also a very active dfwbandster group on yahoo. There are several dinners/lunches throughout the month where you can meet bandsters. I would suggest you go to yahoo and join the dfwbandsters. Here is a list of some other fill doctors in the area: Dr. Jayasleen (Dr. Jay) 972-566-2263 $250.00 which includes fluro or you can check to see if he accepts your insurance if you have it. Dr. Dobson: 972-360-9188 $250.00 with fluro Dr. Maese: Isn't a band doctor but one of the first doctors trained in giving fills as his uncle was a well known lapband doctor in Mexico (Dr. Sanchez). He charges $200.00 with fluro LIke the other person stated, there is AIGB. I called them and since I was self pay, they wanted me to pay quite a hefty fee before beginning my fills. I went to Dr. Jay's office last week for a slight unfill and didn't meet him, but he had an article on his wall from a Dallas Magazine where he was one of the top doctors in Dallas. One of the gals from the dfwbandster group works for him, so you can talk to her through the dfwbandster group, too. The folks on that group have a lot of band experience since Cynthia (the one who works for Dr. Jay) was in the FDA trials around 7-8 years ago before the band was approved here. Trust me, they have a wealth of information on that group and are very supportive. I've met them at the local bandster dinners in Dallas, Plano (near Richardson) and in Arlington. We started a Denton group too, recently. All of the meetings are listed on the dfwbandster group on the calendar. Welcome to Texas!! I'm from Michigan originally, but really like it here!!

If I lived in San Antonio, I would drive to Acuna (3 hours) or go on one of the "fill trips" with my doc's assistant Barbara, and have Dr. Jose Rodriguez fill me. I've returned one time to him and was very pleased with the price (I think it's 100 including the fluro) and his method. I live too far away or would have gone back to him for my other fills, as well. Some from my area (Dallas/Fort Worth) are going to him in June on one of the "fill trips". You can also shop in Mexico while you are there. You can contact Barbara at JoseBand

Olive and Paula: Great to see you back and doing so well!! Kari: Sorry you are having trouble. I am as well. I tried to eat on Sunday and ended up having it come up. Well, then yesterday, tried to eat tuna salad and the same thing happened, so I'm back to liquids again today for a couple days to try and see if I'm still too tight or I just irritated my tummy again, causing this. I know that I'm experiencing allergies, as my eyes are itchy, and I have a slightly runny nose, so maybe I've tightened up some due to that. I have a week left where I can go get an unfill again without paying anything, so I'll give it a couple days and see what happens. I don't like this at all!!! I'm grump dealing with this, cuz I like food, not drinking my meals...LOL!! I don't have the period thing going on anymore, but still have the hormone changes, so maybe that's contributed, don't know. Well, have a good day. I'm going to try and exercise (maybe in my pool if the water's warm enough).

Kari: Are you experiencing any allergies right now? I have heard that allergies, along with other physical changes (menstrual cycle) and stress can cause more restriction. I know it must be spring up there so if you are sneezing, coughing, wheezing or having allergy problems, this could be it. I don't know about exercise. I think it's wise to go ahead and go on a few days of liquids and then gently ease into a softer/chopped up texture for dinner on the 4th day, then try it for lunch and dinner the 5th and on then regular dinner on 6th. (This is my doc's after fill instructions). Please let us know!! Happy Mom's Day to you, too!!! Susan: I thought you knew I was over here near Denton. We have a bandster dinner in Denton on the first Thursday of every month at Jason's Deli, if you are over our way. I'd love to meet you!! Of course, we could meet up another time for lunch or an iced tea or something. I would be willing to meet you between Irving and here if you are visiting your kids sometime. Just pm me if you want to do this sometime. Okay, everyone!! Gotta run to church now!! To all the moms on here, Have a blessed Mother's Day!!

Chris: Love that smile!! We were always bugging you about smiling for pictures and there it is!! You look great and continue to inspire me on this journey. Susan: Wow, you had a lot of "stuff" happening lately. We didn't get hail near Denton, just terrible storms and a "mini tornado". Glad you did spend some time with your kids. Leona: I am in a 16, too, but I'm not that unhappy as I was pushing a 26 before I started. I wore 22/24 for sure, but was close. Today, I measured and I'm down some more inches, so my total inches lost is now 61....neck to feet. I will exercise today. This extra skin will have to go and I'm hoping will tighten up a bit. Beth: Sounds like you had a great day with your dd!! That's the kind of day I want, but time is not on my side lately with the end of school stuff, work, more work and all our other activities. Okay, well, gotta go vote and get some stuff done. I hadn't measured since February, so definitely things slowed down for me with weight/inches, but I'm still shrinking and that's the most important thing, right?? That's what helps me to keep myself encouraged and focused!!!

Leona, We are about in the same place. I'm 5'2 and 213.5-214!! Maybe we'll hit onederland around the same time. You do have age going for you though, as you are 1/2 my age. But, maybe if I "kick my rear in gear" and actually exercise again, I can make it down there by my bandiversary!!!

Welcome losethechains!! Liked the post. I have recognized that I need to "lose my chains" in regards to using food when I'm stressed, etc. Our Heavenly Father wants us to run to Him when we are tempted to overeat or eat something just to "medicate" our pain. I'm reminded of the verse, "No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (I Cor. 10:13 NIV) As you say, the band is a tool and I believe one that the Lord directed me to in helping me get a grip on the obesity. But, I must cooperate with it and there are still battles to face. I thank the Lord every day for saving me and for loving me. I am growing in the knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Okay, well, gotta run!! Have a blessed night everyone!!

Hey gang! I did go for a slight unfill today. After spending over a week trying to "work with the fill", I woke up today, tried to drink water and spit it up. So, I went to a doc here in the dfw area, Dr. Jay (shortened version of his real name). He wasn't in, but his assistant was and gave me a slight unfill. I could actually drink some water after I took my shower (strange how that opened me up some...lol), but still decided to go for the slight unfill to relieve any irritation. Barbara always says it's better not to let it turn into chronic irritation as that can cause bigger issues. I've hit the 50 lb. mark, too. I really want to lose another 15 lbs. by my bandiversary. I also will measure Sat. and see how many inches I've lost, too. Jane, good to see you back on and Kari, I do think you can hit the 170's. Sherri Jo, sorry for the loss of your grandchild. I am praying for all of you. Gotta go to bed now. I'm working tomorrow and last week, I felt like a train ran over me after lifting several patients and walking all over the place. Guess that's like I'm exercising, right?? LOL!!!

I'm glad you could come!! It will be fun to see all of us "shrink" to our goals!! Keep in touch!!

Hey everyone, I've been on liquids mainly for about a week!! Not because I want to, but trying to calm things down with this new fill. Today at dinner I will try the soft food, but if it doesn't go well, I will go for the unfill. I'm a bear to live with and I don't want to survive on liquids...lol. I'm also concerned as I haven't gotten in enough protein shakes and I didn't have any unjury unflavored protein. I need to order that and keep it around. Don't worry everyone, I will not let this go any longer. If I can ease back into eating over the next few days and it goes fine, then I will not get an unfill, but if I can't, I will be making an appointment locally. I spoke with a gal in Dallas who works for a doc and he will give me a slight unfill for a mere 250 bucks!!! UGH!! But, we on here that were self pay know this is part of the "deal" if our insurance company will not pay. Kari, you're doing great!! Although it's hard not to "compare" we just have to QUIT THAT....ALL OF US!! Each one on here is unique with a unique metabolism, body build, fat content, muscle content, etc. We are not the same, so we are not going to lose the same. I have to keep telling myself...This is a JOURNEY...and it's for LIFE....not just "get to the goal as quick as possible"...Isn't there a saying, "Slow and steady wins the race"? Okay, I'll get off my "soapbox" now. But, I am speaking to myself, too. I think it's great that there are people coming back on again and sharing from the heart and how they are coping and getting help. This encourages me to take the next step of talking with someone. I am going to look into that next week. I have been so grumpy that I think I'm in "food withdrawal". So, food still has a psychological hold on me it seems. I mean, it's not like I haven't eaten in weeks, just a week...lol!! Okay, enough for now. Have a great Sunday everyone!!!

Glad things worked out for you after all, but what a HASSLE!! I have never really liked LB, as I'm short and at my heaviest a 22/24 pushing a 26/28. Well, it seemed that everything I tried on in LB, was for women that were at least 6 feet tall. I actually stopped going there after I found Avenue. Avenue seemed to have clothes for my height and they are cute, too. I also have found things at Wally World, Target, CATO (my now favorite store), Catherines, Dillards, Penneys, etc. Recently, I've bought all my "smaller" clothes in CATO, who have plus sizes and regular sizes and many times in the same outfits!! So, I can go to both sides of the store, depending on tops, bottoms, and cut of clothing. I like the prices, too, as I'm not staying at this size and really don't want to spend tons of money when next summer I'll need new clothes!!

396power: Shouldn't you be on a soft textured stage right now? I guess I'm not understanding how you can be "eating what ever I want". What were your doctor's instructions for this stage? During the healing phase it's so important to follow instructions. I think some people refer to this time as "bandster hell" as your band doesn't have fluid in it and you are not getting good restriction. Find out when your doctor will allow you to get a fill. You may just have to "bite the bullet" (lol) and keep yourself busy away from food. Also, be sure that you are getting the proper amount of protein in, which means you may need to supplement with protein shakes that are low carb and have at least 20-25 grams of protein. I also added unflavored protein to my soups and made a jello recipe out of it (www.unjury.com) to make sure that during my mushy/soft food stage that I was getting proper nutrition. I would also suggest using a smaller plate and dishing out your "bandster" portions and not having the food right in front of you. At our bandster dinner last night, we were talking about the "habits" we had developed and needing to change those. It will help when you can start getting your fills, but remember that the band is a tool that one must work with in order to be successful. Just get throught this "bandster hell" time trying to follow the bandster rules and your doc's orders and then start getting your fills for restriction. You can do this! Keep getting support, too. If there is a local group for you to attend, do so. We started a dinner in our area and it's at a place that everyone can eat, even those on liquids.

Neal, I'm glad you could come, too!! I was thinking that you missed the tour of Richard's hippie bus, Furthermore. We all agreed that you are an inspiration to us on our way down to our goals. Congratulations!!

I'm still coming!! Hope to see some of you others there. It's tonight at 6:30 (Thursday).

I'm here at the library waiting to go to the bandster dinner here at 6:30, so I thought I'd check and see if anyone posted. Sharri Jo, thanks for the encouragement and I did talk to Barbara (Dr. Rod's gal) and I am staying on liquids for 3 days and easing into mushies, then solids. Starting over. She thinks I just had some irritation. If by next Wed. I'm not better, she can get me down to go on the fill trip and get a slight unfill (she thought it would be very slight, as I can drink) Leona, sounds like you've had a rough time. Glad you are on the mend and just sip as much as possible to get the fluid in, so you are all better for finals. I will probably have broth tonight at Jason's. I want the tomato basil, but that may irritate things more, so I'll go for something "plain". Okay, see ya'll (or your posts at least) later!!!

Well, I'm almost to 50 lbs. now, but I'm a little concerned and so hoping that my fill isn't too tight. I keep saying to myself "be careful what you wish for..." I had told Dr. Stephanie about my January fill not being enough and the doc not "tweeking", and so I was pretty wide open and she gave me a good fill. It was under fluro and all seemed well (the barium drink went through okay), but I am having some problems. So, today, I am going to go on liquids again cuz I'm sure I've irritated things. I notice that in the morning I've very restricted, so I'm drinking hot tea (not a coffee drinker) and then my protein shake. I know that yesterday I didn't get proper nutrition, so I will just go ahead today and drink 3 shakes along with other soups and liquids. I will do this for a couple days and then gradually try and go to mushies, then solids again. If after the weekend, I'm stilling having trouble, I will bite the bullet and go to a local doc to have some taken out. I want to lose, but not like this. I may actually have more in my band than I initially thought. Looks like you've lost some more Kari...yayyy!! Steph, being that I'm a phys. ther. asst., I've worked with a lot of orthopedic patients with new knees, and I'm so happy for you. The extra time at the rehab will help, too and get you going more for going home. So sorry to hear about your dad. You know that I just went through stuff with my dad and he fought for over 3 years, with most of that time living and doing what he wanted. My prayers are with you and your family. Sherri Jo: you're a trooper...hang in there and hopefully that sorness is diminishing by now. Donna Marie: glad you are doing better and we all want to see a wedding pic when you get back. Edie: you are going to fade away girl....I see you are under goal....are you making a new goal? Nate's mom: the exercise you are doing should really help...I did my bike for 30 minutes last week...but that's it...besides working with patients and nearly collapsing with knee pain the next day (lifting, etc.). Keep it up!!

Hey Kari!! I'm so glad you're back!! I missed ya girlfriend!! And Congratulations on the inches, exercising and staying OP!! I will check out your journal later. Paula: You go girl!! And I'm right there with you...(a bit slower) but I'm coming up behind you!! LOL!! Leona: Good to see you checking in and Congrats on your weightloss and the attention. Even though I'm an "old married" gal, I get more looks now, too (shhhhh....don't tell now...lol) Actually, my husband is digging my changing body and I'm happy about that, too!! Nate's mom: You give it to us now...we do need to get ourselves in gear again!! We can do this gals. We have the band and we have each other!! Beth and Sherri: Hang in there and I also think 500 calories a day is way too little. I know I harp on this a lot, but be sure and get in that 60-70 grams of protein a day. If you are doing this and also eating veggies, drinking water and living according to bandster rules, could you need a fill? Sherri: If Dr. Curry is recommending an unfill, and you have confidence in him (which it appears you do), then I would listen. I don't know if you remember, but in October, I was having some irritation and I went 4 hours and got a slight unfill even though the barium drink actually went through. I was having shoulder pain with water and very uncomfortable. Well, it did help and the irritation cleared up. It may have cleared up anyways if I had just continued on the liquids and let my tummy "rest" some, but I was glad that I at least saw the band was okay and got some taken out. We can't be too careful with taking care of this "tool/friend" that is in us. Let us know what happens. Finally, I just got home from my 3rd fill, which was a doozey (sp?). In January when I went I didn't feel the local doc (in Dallas) had put enough in (no tweeking), so I went to Dr. Stephanie in Bryan, TX today (4 hours each way) and she started putting it in, having me drink, etc. I ended up with 1.3 cc more in my 4-5 cc band. So, I now have a total of 2.3 cc in there!! I can definitely tell I'm restricted more than I've ever been. Of course, I stay on liquids for 3 days, so that's all I've had, but it "feels" differently than before. Maybe this will help get me going again, too. I was very "open" when we watched the barium go down through my band!! Take care all and have a great weekend!! Blessings!!