wantshealth

Hey Ladies - are we on tomorrow for lunch since it is raining or are we rescheduling to another day?

Reggie, Mo, Riley and All, Well I got back on the scale Tuesday and it wasn't pretty. Since my big unfill July 1st I have gained 35+ pounds. I decided to update the ticker and be honest. I am really disappointed in myself and want to get this back under control. It is very much a head problem with me - I eat for all the wrong reasons. I still believe in the band as a tool to help maintain. I am thinking of emailing Dr. Park and owning up to what has happened to see if she will consider doing another fill. I am so glad Nicole is organizing us for a walk/lunch in a few weeks. Not that I am happy to see other people struggling, but I feel better knowing I am not alone. cyber hugs to all of you.

Hi Jst, Reggie and Riley, Gosh I miss all my girls so much. Where is everyone??? Has anyone heard from Heather - is she doing OK? Jst, I think you need to just research each surgery and listen to what your doctor has to say about your health condition as well. I was banded about 1.5 years ago and I think I would still make the same choice. I totally agree with Riley - if you do what they tell you to do it will work. That being said, you can eat around the band (and I have heard you can do it with the other surgeries as well.) I think a critical part of this process is eventually getting to why you over ate in the first place and doing something to change that reaction / behavior. The band is a tool like Riley said and it can help you lose and maintain weight, but it isn't a magic pill. I was plateauing in the middle of my first year and in October 2010 my surgeon increased me to 7 cc's even though she did not think it was the right thing - she likes to aways back off .5 cc's from full; it was too much but I didn't know it right away. About 6 months after I started having lots of trouble with acid reflux, pain and vomiting. I thought the band had slipped. On 7/1 of this year, my surgeon (Dr. Park) unfilled me to where I was at the time of surgery to 4 cc's (my 2nd fill was to 6.5 cc's where I should have stayed) and ordered an upper GI. Thank goodness the band had not slipped, but my esphogus was showing weakness from having to work too much to push the food down/through the band. She want me to stay unfilled for at least 3 months and then we will see. I was at 171.2 but am now up to 179.6, so I am heading in the wrong direction. That being said, I am not doing what I should be. I am eating sweets and snacking and eating bigger portions. So it is a life long process and journey. On the positive side, I am doing lots more Yoga and feel great about that. And I made a big decision: I started graduate school last night. I am going for a Masters in Counseling so I can get a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. I've wanted to do this for soooo long - so it is really exciting and a little overwhelming. I would love to eventually help women who struggle with the emotional aspects of over eating. I totally believe that individual psychotheraphy should be part of the pre and post surgery after care. Anyway, I hope more of our girls start posting. And we need to plan a fall walk. If anyone wants to drive to Petaluma on a Saturday, I am happy to host the walk and lunch. Love and hugs to all my sistas of surgery (and brother John)! Pat

Kim, I am so glad to hear from you and that all went well. You sound like you are doing great!!! The water will come - after almost a year and a half I struggle some days too! I am so happy that you got to this goal after such a long journey. Hang in - it will get better. Hugs,

Upper Back pain can also be a sign of gallbladder problems. Gallbladders often flare up with rapid weight loss - even if you don't think 50 lbs in a year is not rapid - it is a lot of weight to drop. Mine flared up really badly after I had only lost about 30lbs. Usually gallbladder attacks happen after you have eaten something that has cholesterol - fat. The gallbladder stores the excess bile used by your liver to break down the fat and when the gallbladder develops stones they can cause pain and sometimes serious blockage to the liver. It can be diagnosed with an ultrasound and the removal is usually easy with laproscopic surgery.

Heather - So sorry to hear about the delay, but it will go by fast. You have been so persistent and have not given up after all this time, so 4 weeks more will be OK. We are all rooting for you - you deserve this more than anyone!! Hang In - don't binge and it will be here before you know it. Kim - My thoughts are with you. I know it is scary, but everything will be OK. You are changing your life for the better - your health will be so much improved. Hang in over the next month and things will get better. Maria - so good to here from you again. 68 lbs is nothing to be ashamed of - I am sure it has made you so much healthier. You are so right that it is work and a journey - but worth it. I am down 85 lbs after starting this journey 9/13/2009 - that is 1 year and almost 10 months ago - so yes it has taken me longer than I thought, but I am so grateful for the weight I've shedd (not lost since it ain't coming back if I can help it!!!) I feel so much better and move so much better and know I've added years to my life. Miss all my girls - remember - when I get the next 15 lbs off - we are having a big 100lb party at my house and all my sistas of surgery are invited (and John too!). Hugs to all of you.

Ok - couldn't figure out how to copy / attach picture in my post, so I created an album with 2 pictures from the walk. Anyone that is my friend can see.

Heather I have been thinking of you - I am so happy for you. You deserve an award for perserverance!!! I know you will be successful - just be patient - it sure is a journey!! Do you have the cd to listen to to prepare for surgery? They really helped me to calm down - I put them on my iPod and listened to them when I went to bed. All Sorry I didn't get the pics posted until now of our 5/14 walk. It was a small group but so good to reconnect with Analyn, Jess and her cousin, Kim, who I had never met. (Kim is having surgery the same day as Heather I think.!) I've been busy as Nate graduated from High School on 5/27 and we had a huge party on 5/29 - all of my sisters and brother came from out of state so it was really special. Family all left on Monday so I am trying to get back to business. I am applying to graduate school. Not sure how the money is going to work out given no job and Nate also going to college, but maybe the angels will smile down on me I am really excited about it - definately ready for a change. When you shedd a lot of weight and work on the emotional stuff that it represents, amazing things happen in your life! Hugs to everone!

I'll be there - can't wait to see everyone.

Hi Everyone Sorry I've been out of touch - life is crazy. The separation from my hubby has been hard - really hard to love someone but have serious issues with them. Pray for us. I had my first job interview since I was laid off 11/1. It went OK - I hope I make it to the second round. It was weird - not sure what they were looking for. It was a group interview with 3 guys - one never made any eye contact - so weird. It would be great if I got it since it is in Santa Rosa - most IT jobs are in the city, south or east bay which is a killer commute from Petaluma. Anyway, I got a new interview suit - a size 12 ! (And of course shape wear too! - shape wear and panty hose are cruel inventions but they work!) I haven't had panty hose on in years! I am also really seriously thinking of going back to school for a Masters in Counseling Psychology. I have wanted to do this for a long time and I'm not getting any younger. It is a big decision / big financial committment, but I know it is right for me. Say some prayers for me in this area too, as I am really struggling trying to figure out how to make this happen financially since son #2 is heading off to college also. I caught up on all the posts and agree with all that has been said. The band works when we follow the program, but it is hard to follow the program sometimes! I too have trouble with dense protein and dense veggies - really have to chew and wait, which I don't do well when I am really hungry. For my emotional eating, I tend to go for the carbs - comfort food. When I don't snack I do so much better - 3 meals works. Anyway, I am 1 lb away from shedding 80 lbs! I wouldn't trade my band for anything - even with the discomfort and PBing that happens. 80 lbs I could not have done on my own. And I am so much healthier for it. It was the right decision for me. My new goal is 100 lbs instead of 116. Since I am about 20 lbs from it I think it is doable. So listen up ladies (and John) - when I get to 100 we are having a party!! (A walk here in Petaluma and a healthy lunch - I am hoping it will be in late summer / September!) Anyway, it is a really positive fun goal to focus on. OK - Jess suggested 9:30 on Sat 5/14 I assume at the Vallejo Marina. I am in big time! Can't wait to give everyone a big hug! Love you all

It is so good to hear from everyone and what everyone is up to. Candra and Jess - I love you girls. Jess, I started walking again this past week after you wrote about your bridge walks - you were always an inspiration for me. Candra so sorry things are rough - I too believe in the meds if you can find a way to get them cheaper - I take Zoloft for anxiety and have for a while and don't want to mess with it - its not a perfect fix - like now with all the stress in my life, but I know I would be worse with out it. Tam - your car accident story sent chills up my spin! I am so so glad you and your daughter were OK. You must have a really good guardian angel! Maybe she can help with the eating too! Protein is good. I can't wait to give you a hug on 5/14. Tina - my nieces have done the juice shakes and they swear by them for how they feel (one of them has Celiac disease and it really helped her.) Monique - your pic is awesome - you go girl! Pam - good to hear you back too and that you are back at things. One of the things I've learned with my therapist is the right mix of protein and healthy fat is important for sustaining us - keeping the hunger away - Atkins can do that. I do think it goes too light on the veggies. But it could be a good kick starter again. CoCo - I am so glad you are nearby (sort of). And thinking of trying for a baby - OMG he/she is going to have so many mama / aunties! I agree get the weight off now - I always found it harder after each of my boys - that was when I really started to pack it on! It felt like a license to eat (you know - the baby needs some!!!). Riley - where are you!!!??? I have been busy and up and down. I just did a quick trip to LA with my son to look at the college he was accepted at - The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood. It was a great trip and I am really excited for him. I just hope we can figure out how we will pay for it. I realy want to try to help do this for him, but I am also really torn about maybe going back to school myself, as I really don't want to go back to the high pressure job/work I had before. For all you ladies, I mentioned that I have been in therapy the last year with the Dr. who specialize in people with eating issues. As I read everyone's posts, I know that everyone is dealing with something. It is painful to dig into the issues of why we use food for other than nurishment, but I really believe that is the answer to this puzzle. Figuring it out and then figuring out a different way to deal with whatever emotion/ feeling, etc. is the key. Its very hard work. In the spirit of sharing, one of my insights has been the I use food to numb out and not feel or express my feeling and my needs. Not sure if this resonates with anyone else, but it has been powerful insight for me. I can actually start to feel me 'leave' my body when I do it. Anyway, I love you lots! Hope you have a good week. (I plan on having an awesome one - tomorrow is my birthday - I will be mumble mumble!! I had 2 gift certificates saved and I am having a massage and a facial tomorrow! I can't wait!) Hugs to you all!

Just remember it took us all years of bad eating habits and emotional eating to gain this weight. We all want it all off yesterday. But if it takes a few years so be it. We have all lost weight, so we need to focus on that and know we can do it. We all love each other and want each other to be successful. Love to all my banded (and sleeved) sistas and bro John

Oh this is so great to hear from everyone. I can do 5/14 (I filled in the poll). It would be so great to get the whole gang back together and to start posting again. Riley - what are you up to - I need a hug big time! Candra, Jess and Tamra - I have missed you so much! Remember - this is about how much we love each other and support each other - not about being ashamed. Canolie - yeah you are back - I can't wait to see you! Pam, Heather, April, Ash - tell me what's going on. Bella - I won't be at the Santa Rosa meeting in April cause I have to take my son to LA to look at the college he is going to go to (which we didn't visit when we went to LA in the summer - go figure!) OK ladies here's a summary of what's been going on with me: After about April / May I didn't really lose much more and didn't feel alot of restriction. I also wasn't staying on program since I could eat most things. I have to say though, at least I didn't gain - but plateauing for 5-6 months is no fun. I also went back into therapy with the Dr. who specialized in weight / eating issues. Been doing a lot of hard work. I finally went back to see Dr. Park in October and though she didn't think I should get another fill (thought I would be too tight) she gave me another .5 cc so I am at 7 cc. It really did make me tight. I wish I had gone back sooner before I was so discouraged. I lost another 7 lbs after that. And I have to be really careful with what I eat, how much and how much I chew. In other words, the band is working like it is suppose to work. And everything they say is true: I can only eat a little of dense protein/ dense veggies, but can eat tons of sliders (had 2 pieces of chocolate cake today!!!) I lost my job November 1st, which really, in the long run, is a good thing since I was so miserable there. I went into a bad depression in January and February, but continued to go to therapy and have finally had some break throughs this last month. At the end of February I separated from my husband and began to start losing weight again (5 lbs in the last month). We've been together 26 years and married for 20 years. We are going to try counseling and I am hopeful it will work. We both know it can't continue as it has - there have to be changes. My focus now is on putting me first. Taking care of myself and getting the rest of the weight off (although I am not sure I am still headed for 140 lbs. I think if I can lose an even 100 lbs and get to 156 it might be fine. Right now I am a size 12/ medium in good clothese / 14 in cheaper clothes and my goal was always to be a size 10. So I think if I lose another 26 lbs I will be there no problem. I am also trying to figure out what I am going to do for work. I'm not sure I want to go back to the same high stress work in IT, so I am giving myself the month of April without any pressure. (That being said I spent the whole day working on a job application for an IT Director job up here in So. County - so obviously the guilt sometimes wins out over doing what is best for me.) Anyway, please post updates and let me know what has been going on with everyone and how you are doing.

OMG - I thought we had lost everyone! I was amazed to see the emails from my old dear friends, Candra, Heather, Tamra, Reggie and Pam. I hope we can start posting again - I miss you all a bunch. I agree with Heather that a walk is in order once this rain stops. I just got back from Sunny Florida - it was amazing and I am freezing here! Lots to update everyone on. Hugs Pat

Monique, Congratulations! I am so happy for you. I hope to be following you now that I have finally broken my @!X&8 5 month plateau. I can't tell you how good it is psychologically to be out of the 190's! You are doing so great - it must feel so good to be so close to goal. I too am reevaluating my end goal. When people hear that I have 50 more pounds to lose they are shocked and don't think it is right. I am going to see what I feel like and look like when I get into the 150's. Hugs,

Tamra, triplet sista! Thank you so much. I miss you too. Let's get together. Your new avatar picture looks great. We are sooo sisters - can't believe we are now both at 7 cc's. (Both Dr. Park and Robin say that is alot - that most don't get that much - Dr. P thought it would be too much1) I guess we are special!!! I think I have your phone number so I will call you. Hugs to you and Brianna

Tina, Thanks for the shout out. I am here, just coming to terms with being unemployeed. Have some good optomistic days and some down days. I have a question for you. I know that you have dealt with GERD - but I think you had it before surgery. I have noticed that I get a sore throat off and on - with no other symptons of flu. It seems like after I have overeaten and/or PB'd. It will usually last for a few days. I tried to research it - esphoagitis is listed as a complication from band surgery. All I can find on it is a reference to GERD which sounds much more like pain/heart burn. Nothing I have found mentions sore throat. Any thoughts?

Hey Jes, I miss you. I just got a fill on 10/6 and am 7 ccs. It is my sweet spot - I can't believe how much difference the 1/2 cc had made! I am actually full when I eat what the binder says I should eat - finally! I finally broke my 190"s plateau that I have been in for 5 months! I weighed in at 189.6 yesterday. I am so excited. Would love to try to get together for a marina walk before the rains come. So glad you are doing well. You have always been great at exercise. I need to get back on my exercise - I hurt my knee 3 weeks ago and have been laying low but it is feeling better so I need to reengage. Hugs

Hi Lady - Happy belated birthday! The Sonoma County Weight Loss group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10 am to 12 noon at the Wells Fargo Center in Santa Rosa. Yes, Dr. Baggs is going to be the speaker for the November 13th meeting. It is a good group. Every other month is a speaker and the non-speaker months are check in meetings where members can talk about their weight loss journey. Dr. Woodbury, a baratric surgeon, usually attends the end of the check in meetings and will answer any general questions. Would love to see you at that meeting - maybe we could do lunch after and walk.

She's baaacccckkk..... After 2 months the wayward girl is back with her tail between her legs! She kind of got lost and strayed up to 201.8 after vacation in August, but has been fluctuateing between 196 and 198 for the last month. What can I say - I haven't been doing all the things that I know work - eating the right food, avoiding sugar foods, measuring, exercise and most of all getting support. So I am back. Would love to hear where everyone is at - I am not sure I can read 2 months of pages! Tamra and Donna - thank you for reaching and out and checking in - I love my band sisters! I got laid off from work 2 weeks ago and am still processing it. On good - glass half full days, I see it as an opportunity. I wasn't happy at the job or company and wasn't doing the kind of work I wanted to do. I wouldn't have left on my own because my family depends on me and it was a good job, good pay and close to home. On bad - glass half empty days, I panic and think that it will take me a year or 18 months to find a comparable pay job and I only have severance for 6 - 7 months and I might lose my house. Luckily so far, there have been more good days than bad days and people have been really supportive and offering help/contacts. I do think this is an opportunity that I don't want to squander. I now can really focus on my diet and exercise. So far this week I have been walking on the treadmill to get a better cardio workout and I have been going to yoga classes. My goal is to go to yoga Mon - Friday. Love to all my banded and sleeved sistas - let me know what everyone is doing. :wub:

Hi All - just checking in quickly to say HI. Been busy with work and family visiting from out of town. Like Jess - too much to catch up on so I am just jumping in. Pam - your ticker #s look great - this new program has really gotten you going. Don't stress about Robin - you are losing weight and trying to get to your goal and work on your food issues. That is what counts. I went back to my liquid diet from the Fresh Start program this week and dropped 5 lbs. I needed to get off the sugar and see the scale drop - it hasn't done so in months. My goal is to stay on it for 1 to 2 weeks with eating protein and veggies for dinner on the weekend. Psychologically I just need to get out of the 190's and feel a little progress. Jess - good to see you back. How is Candra? I am up for a Vallejo walk. What if we were to try for middle of August - like 8/21 or 8/22? Lee - you are amazingly dedicated. I am with Pam that 650 sounds too low and your body may be really slowing down. I bet your son will up the intensity of your workouts not the time. Riley was similiar to you and then realized she couldn't add more time and actually needed to cut back because she wasn't doing other things in her life that were important. She started uping the intensity by working on the treadmill - faster and with steep incline. Her workouts shorten but she got good results. Everyone else - hope you are doing well. Lots of new sleeve gals that I haven't met yet. Wishing everyone a good healthy week - with lots of good energy.

Tina - I am at 6.5cc. I had 4 cc at my surgery on 1/26 and my first fill was on 4/29 and I went to 6.5 - Dr. Park actually put in 7 but backed in off to 6.5. Everyone is different since our anatomy isn't exactly the same. I believe Pam is at 8 cc's and she seems to have very good restriction. I just don't think I am there all the way, but probably closer. I haven't contacted Dr. Park yet since I think I need to get the emotional eating back under control and lose some more. I am only down about 3 lbs since the april fill.

Hi All - Yes, I am inside avoiding the heat outside. I am also procrastinating from taking my on-line driver training class (my punishment from the speeding ticket I got when driving back from our get together at Reggi's back in Feb.!!) Pam and Tina - I agree that everyone needs to make their own choice on which surgery based on what the research and what the doctor's recommend based on their medical situation. You are right there are pluses and minuses with all and no surgery is a magic cure because you can eat around any of them. Cole - keep researching and asking questions. Chrissy - My 2 cents: I think the size of our stomachs isn't what made us get fat. Our stomachs expand (including the pouches from our surgeries) based on how much food we take in. The stomach is a muscle and it can stretch like any muscle. I believe there are other issues at the heart of why we are all over weight. The issues are different for each person, but we eat more food that we need and eat when we aren't physically really hungry/need food. Tamra - glad you are having good results. I think when we see the scale move it can motivate us to make the right choices. Whole grain carbs are healthy, especially if they have no sugar and you have them in small quantities. There is a bread at trader joes that is nothing but whole grains with Water - no sugar - no fat - it is their brand called Daily Bread or sometimes they have a brand called Ezekelial bread. My fav is the cinnamon raisin, but the multi grain and sprouted wheat are good too. Pam - I think Tamra and I can still eat breads and pastas because we still are not at the right restriction levels. (I have no trouble with toast or with torillas; I have avoided un-toasted bread.) I have had some trouble occasionally since my only fill in April, but I think in general it is because we still aren't at our sweet spots yet. Try to stay cool eveyone. Have a good day - I can't put it off any more - gotta do my traffic school program!

Hi Sherri - Just call or email your dr. if you need more. I only used mine for a few days after surgery and then switched to liquid tylenol. If we lived closer I'd give you my left overs since they gave me a huge bottle! It will get better soon! Hang in.