ready2bthin

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!!

Just happen to pop in here and read this. I'm sorry for those of you who have been refused due to your BMI being too high. On our previous insurance, they did not cover lapband for anyone, but would cover bypass in certain situations. Well, that was not an option for me and I probably wouldn't have been covered anyway. So, as you can see I went to Mexico. The gal who assists my doctor with patients (she was my contact and drove us there from San Antonio) was an over 50 BMI and chose Dr. Rod as she knew he had experience with these patients (as I'm sure many others do as well). So, if you don't get anywhere with your insurance (do all you can), you may want to consider Mexico or self pay in the states. There are many competent docs in Mexico and in the states. Some in the states are now lowering their prices (I would just be sure they are very experienced lapband doctors). Mexico is still less expensive if you are open to that....($7,000-12,000). I wish you the best in the journey of weightloss whatever you decide to do. I am very thankful that I did go ahead and get the lapband. Each one's decision is just that...individual. (lapband vs. bypass.....US vs. Mexico).

Sherri Jo: First of all, you have done FABULOUS!! It was bound to slow down some from the beginning weightloss. And the inches you've lost/sizes you've lost are something to celebrate. So, don't beat yourself up!! CELEBRATE (just not with goodies)!! It sounds like you may be on a plateau here, which I believe is normal. It happened to me in Dec./Jan. then all of a sudden I lost some more. Since then, I can honestly say that I haven't eaten right. But, even though I haven't seen any weightloss, I have continued to shrink some in inches and I think it's due to my skin catching up. I don't know medially if that's what happens, it just seems as though I look smaller (I am smaller), but the weight is the same. I know that I don't have good restriction, but that doesn't seem to be the issue with you. So, I would just be sure to eat that protein (as you stated in an earlier post) and your green vegetable, then anything else if you can eat anymore, which it doesn't sound like you can). You may need to supplement your protein with a shake if you are not getting in enough. Doesn't sound like you are feeding your body enough calories so maybe there is something to that "starving the body" deal. Remember, we don't want to lose muscle when we lose, but fat. Muscle weighs more than fat. All of us have a lot of muscle as we've carried around all that extra weight. These are just some things I'm throwing out there. I know that Barbara (Dr. Rod's assistant) has stressed so much with me NOT to go by weight but how I feel, size, measurement, etc. due to the muscle thing. She also stressed that I may not end up at the same weight that I was in the past due to this. I may be heavier in weight but get to the appropriate size. Does this make sense? Maybe you need to move that scale out to the garage and just quit getting on it. Keep track of your protein and food choices. Make sure you aren't getting in extra liquid or soft calories (as Kari talked about) and just RELAX!! The band was not a mistake. You've done well. It's so easy to try and compare ourselves with others. There are some on here that have lost extremely fast and large amounts. We are not all the same. (I'm reminding myself of this right now too). We are different ages, reached obesity in different ways, different metabolisms, etc. Remember the band is a tool and the typical weightloss promised with the band is something like 1-2 lbs. a week (that would be 4 lbs. a month- 8 lbs. a month). If you've been on pain meds and need them, I think you should take them. I don't know how they affect your weight, but if you can't move due to pain, that certainly isn't going to help you any. You can always talk to your doctor and read up on any side effects of the medicines you're on. But, you were on these previously, I'm thinking, so that shouldn't be hindering anything. I think the "slow down" is normal and we just need to remember that the band is to help us lose the weight and keep it off. I've always thought that it would be 1-2 years for me to get it off (approximately 115 lbs.). I have a goal of being under 200 lbs. by my bandiversary date of 7-28-07. Will this happen? Time will tell. But, I must do my part, too, and be patient. Our bodies are readjusting now, too. I have a feeling that my metabolism is going to get messed up if I don't make sure I'm eating properly and getting in my protein. I refuse to look at this as a "diet". The band is a lifestyle change. Since I've been struggling, I'm seriously thinking about getting some counseling or going through some inner healing ministry through my church. With my dad passing away and some other family issues, I just may need to address these in working with my band. Since I went to Mexico, I didn't need any type of eval for behavioral stuff. Well, I've been on enough boards to see that counseling can be a big help in dealing with stress and reasons for overeating to begin with. I've seen that many have gone to counseling or are going to deal with "life". Whatever it takes for me to be healthy, I need to do. Well, I've written a book here and guess I needed to get some of my own feelings out here, too. Sherri Jo, I hope you've gotten your medication by now and feeling better. I hope and pray that you are encouraged by what I've written. I'm just a fellow bandster that has struggled at times, too, so remember, we are here for one another and this is a journey, not just a trip...!! (Boy, didn't know I was so wise, especially after not knowing who Aunt Flo was)

Okay, I was thinking "Aunt Flo" was a real person until I just read Beach girl's post. ROFL!! I am so CLUELESS at times you guys!! I think I need serious help...LOL!!

I'm so excited to see you "back" Kari!! Will look forward to your weekly posts (I'm holding you accountable girlfriend...lol). I think it would be good for all of us to try and post at least once a week? What do ya'll think? I mean, we can't make you or anything, but I bet it will help us all get "jumpstarted" (that is if you need that). We didn't have any major storm damage here but there was flooding in Denton that was pretty bad last night (I'm sure you saw that Beth). We also had a tornado about 2-3 miles from my house that damaged a restaurant out here (Villa Grande). Edie, I'm getting on my stationary bike today. It's a fancy one with different programs that I've had awhile (due to my knee surgeries). So, I should be able to get my heart rate up. Can't wait till it's warm enough to jump in my pool and really work on my arms, etc. It's a new day today!!! Thank you Lord!!

Hurrah for you Stephanie!! You are doing AWESOME!! I am jealous but in a good way as I know that I'm getting somewhere too, just at a slower pace due to my restriction level (only have 1.0 cc in my band which holds 4-5 cc...it's the 9.75 cm band) and due to what I'm putting in my mouth. I'm excited to get my next fill, which will be with Dr. Stephanie (good name, huh?) in Bryan TX. She was banded by Dr. Sanchez in Mexico and does fills on Saturdays. It's a drive for me, but she helped me out before and I like her and her technique (it's like Dr. Rod's). Anyways, I have a goal of being under 200 by my anniversary date in July!! To all of you who haven't posted but are "lurking" and maybe aren't doing so well, know that there are others in the same position (me for one) and I'm hoping that getting on LBT and some other sites will encourage me to get with it again!! We are here for each other. So, please stop in and share a bit!! Have a great evening ladies and gentleman!!! LOL!!

I wanted to reiterate that Six Flag rides are much smaller than Disney World. When I was at my heaviest and in a size 24 almost 26, I had some difficulty with Six Flag rides. They had a special seat on the Batman Ride for larger people and that helped but still tight. At WDW, I rode everything!!! I remember thinking that they designed their rides to fit larger people. I just went to WDW again in March and now that I'm down to a 16/18 (yayyy!!!), I didn't worry at all, remembering my past experience when I was heavier. I can also sit in an airplane seat much more comfortably now. I did have a slight scare on my last trip, as for some reason, the seat belt just barely fit. I had already gone on one way with no problems and then one leg back with no problems. It was a smaller jet and I don't know why, but the belt barely fit. I really had thought those days were over (stressing over the seat belt not fitting, asking for an extension). Next time, will be a breeze!! I LOVE MY BAND!!!

That is an awesome worship song and it's so encouraging to see this young girl belt out a song of love to the Lord!!

For this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. His mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness O Lord!! The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever! I will sing!! He is wonderful, He is worthy, He is who He says He is...He is the great I AM!! Jesus, you are the lover of our souls, and we so thank you that you have provided us the way to eternal life and life abundantly now. You are the resurrection and the life and he who believes in you will never die. Thank you Lord!! Okay, time to get ready to join with my local church family and the rest of the world (at least those who are awake at this time) to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords!! Have a good one, all!!

NJChick: I just posted that video on my myspace!! I really liked it!! Awesome!! 396Power: Glad your sugery went well!! Welcome to bandland!! Follow your doc's orders and see how you shrink...lol!!!

For anyone wanting facts on life and on abortion, there is a website that has a ton of information. It's www.lifedynamics.com. For anyone who has had an abortion and is experiencing guilt, remorse, sadness, depression, etc., please know that there is forgiveness, hope and healing. You do not have to live with this burden any longer. Feel free to private message me if you want to know more. I care and am willing to help.

Hey everyone!! I am a born again, filled with the Holy Spirit Christian who loves God and wants His love to flow through me to others. I am a work in progress, but I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me and that this work in me will continue on. He promises me this!! As a matter-of fact, we can all bank on these promises!! I hope that I can be an encouragement to all on this link. I went to a women's retreat this weekend and I'm definitely refreshed! I thank God for He is a good God who loves us lavishly!! And He is ALIVE!! He is RISEN!! I struggled for many years with the extra 100+ lbs. I prayed, I tried, I failed. I had some knee surgeries, a hysterectomy and it hit me that if I don't do something about this weight, I will die. Although, I know my eternal destination (Thank you Jesus), why would I want to continue to destroy what God has made? This is His temple. He lives in me through His Spirit. So, through prayer, research, and the leading of the Lord, I went to Mexico (insurance wouldn't pay) and had the band. I thank God for this "tool". It's not magic folks and if I don't cooperate with it, I won't be successful. But, it's a tool and has so far helped me to get off a great deal of weight. I still have some issues of turning to food at times with stress, etc. and eating junk. God wants me/us to turn to HIM!! This is a daily process and I know that "The joy of the Lord is my strength". I have a ways to go but I will be successful. God is who He says He is, I am who God says I am, and God has a plan for my life. I am a daughter of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!! May He be glorified in my life!! God bless all of you! Let's keep encouraging one another in the Lord!!

We meet the first Thursday night, so the next one will be on May 3 at Jason's Deli in Denton!! Please come!! We will have a great time!!