TCarroll

I took communion the first Sunday after I had surgery... wasn't a problem-- and to this day-- still never been a problem. I laughed when I saw this bc I thought the same thing after my surgery!:thumbdown:

I havent done "real" soda in years-- switched to diet coke long ago... but for a while I was craving a diet coke so bad-- so I got an iced cold diet coke out.... and poured it in a glass and let it sit in the refrig until most if not all of the carbination was out of it... then I sipped on it.. to my surprise-- while drinking it-- my "head" thought I wanted that-- I found it WAY TOO sweet and barely drank any of it- and cured the craving real quick... maybe this will help for you.

Congrats Sheri!!! Welcome to your new way of life and the start of the new you!!! I look how far I have come in 5 1/2 months and cant believe it... I am not at my goal(I think these last 35lbs are gonna be the hardest!) but still working hard to get there! Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing or if you have any questions. Enjoy your journey to the skinny you!

Get rid of them ASAP!!! why keep them.. you have started a new way of life and a new you. Are you planning to fail? NO, then get rid of them... don't let yourself think I am gonna fail-- YOU ARE GOING TO SUCCEED! I pack mine up as soon as that size is too big and off they go.... never been so happy to get rid of clothes - even new ones that I have only owned for a month or 2. I have kept a couple of shirts and jeans for when we try to get pregnant... but that's it... the rest is gone-- yoiu should have seen the poor guys face when I had 14 BIG bags of clothes and shoes... he was like-- wow lady, are you getting a divorce and getting rid of your mans stuff... I said no, but I am getting rid of about 70 lbs of a person!

I guess I am really lucky. I have had restriction since day one-- to the point that I am always second guessing if I should have another fill-- when I am scheduled too. My major sign for being full- hiccups! I eat very slow.. (have to or else it wont stay down..) small bites and CHEW! and then hiccups will come.. that is my clue.. I stop, wait a few minutes and then sure enough I am so full that if I were to take another bite-- I would be sick. One of the hardest things for me is if I am really hungry or something taste really good, I want to eat fast... I literally have to take a bite and walk away from it for a minute or two to stop myself from eating fast and not chewing. I have come to realize- this was my major eating flaw pre-band and probably why I comsumed too much food and gained weight. I ate too fast and didnt wait for my body to tell me I am full. I often wonder, if I would have tried and stuck with this pre-band if I would have lost weight. My trick now, I tell myself to eat every meal like I have friends/clients eating with me that don't know about the band and I would be emarrased to PB or slime in front of.... and it works for me. I came about this during Christmas -- when we had a work dinner and my band was tight- and I was having a hard time with keeping things down... I was paranoid that it would happen at the dinner table...so I ate sooooo slow, small bites and honestly was able to not only get down my food... but felt so satisfied after the meal. Good luck to you--- you will do great especially once you get restriction and find out the secrets on how your band works for you.

Honestly, I went into surgery with a positive attitude... I had heard how bad it hurt and then that it was nothing- so I decided... it was going to be an easy recovery for me. As soon as I woke up from surgery-- I was wanting to walk around and use the restroom... the nurse said "are you sure" yep.. lets get to walkin.... I was out of the hospital in no time- and really no pain either. very bloated-- but no pain... I made sure to get up and walk and not be a patient.... start the new me! I did tire pretty bad by that evening and hit the hay early... I had immediate restriction and really-- have never lost it even though I only have 1 cc in my band at this time(5 months after surgery). By the end of day 3 -- no more pain meds... walking around-- and living by the rules.. -- hardest part for me was actually getting in all the liquids and Proteins that they wanted me to drink. Oh and not picking up things- like cleaning and laundry! Day 3- no problems-- went to the movie... sipped on my Protein shot.. still had some gas but nothing gas-x strips didnt handle.. Day 4-- started to get rid of the gas-- and that was a great relief.... ffelt great... started to get weak and dr said I could move ahead to soft foods if I could tolerate. Honestly - I could have been back at work by day 3. This was not a hard surgery for me to recover from. I really think part of it was my state of mind. I went into surgery looking forward to my new way of life and my future and it being a positive experience. I knew there might be some pain-- but nothing I couldnt deal with. It would soon be over but I needed to concentrate on following my diet and rules.. and thats what I did. I am honestly so happy I did this... and would do it again tomorrow morning- if I needed to ! I am now post surgery 5 months and 1 week and down 70 lbs! Best of Luck! You will be fine and so happy you will be telling your story soon! Congrats!

Hi everyone, I am 5 months out of surgery and down 66 lbs... but I am noticing one thing and I am wondering if yall can help. As per my dr-- and well every other health person out there- you need to exercise to be sucessful and health-- and I am doing that... with the exception of a few weeks where I got the crud and had a horrible cough and couldnt make it to the gym... anyways, here is what I have noticed.... On the days/ week I go to the gym and workout-- I am not losing weight. I am maintaing but not losing- yet if I dont go to the gym and work out I am steadily losing weight... I have asked several fitness people and they are saying that I need to get in more calories -- because my body it in self preservation mode... due to so few calories and burning off so many... ugh--- well I am eating my 3 meals- Protein first and have been at my sweet spot for a while so I am not hungry inbetween meals... I am making healthy choices. Of course they also gave me the-- muscle weighs more than fight thing-- and I get that -- however, muscle is also supposed to burn more calories than fat and increase my metabolism... right... well the weight still isnt coming off when I work out.... How are you dealing with this ???? Is this happening to anyone else. I need to workout not only for my health but to help with toning and loose skin... when I am not working out- yes I am losing quick... but I notice that things seem to ...ummm... buldge out in places... Very frustrated-- I want to do the right workout routine and see improvements and have it pay off-- but I am at a total loss... any advise will be very much appreciated. even if some of you have a workout routine and excercises you do that are working I would appreciate that too... :thumbup:

here is a before and after as of today-- I am down 66 lbs... did this for encouragement... sorry the before picture is blurry--- believe it or not-- it wasnt on purpose! lol! [/img]

Hello everyone-- looking for some advise or opinions because I am frustrated. I have been steadlily losing weight since the surgery-- sure there were a few weeks here and there that I didnt lose all that much BUT that is part of it. Well, New Years day I got (for the second time I might add) that cold/cough/sinus thing going around... it's miserable. I have been taking mucinex and an antibiotic and some cold meds... and I do not have much of an appetite- but I am making sure to eat not only for my metabolism but for a coating on my stomach with taking the meds. Anyway, I am gaining weight now... I made a big pot of taco Soup using ground serlion and boiled chicken, pinto and black Beans, etc.... made sure that I put things with Protein in the soup and I eat a small bit of it 3 -4 times a day(about 1.5 - 1 cup a serving)... Soup seems like all I want to eat to warm up plus it stays down when the coughing fits happen. I know I am under my calories... and in fact, twice since I have been sick I have gotten on the treadmill to workout-- ok probably not at the pace I usually go but to do something. I just can't understand how since I have been sick I have gained 2 pounds and feel/look bloated and my stomach is sticking out much more than before.... any clues as to what is going on - or what I can do??? I have been beating my goals on weight loss and am very dedicated ...I am just very frustrated on why I am gaining weight .... appreciate it!:thumbup:

I drink all my water a day - even if I am sick.... infact probably have drank more water to make sure I am hydrated with all the meds I have been taking... so nothing in that area has changed..... I honestly kinda think-- that well, my body when stressed gains weight/ holds on to it.... pretty much has done that my whole life.... hense part of the weight problem... like when other people get stressed and cant eat and lose like- 20 pounds,.... I would get stressed not eat much and gain like 12 pounds.... lucky me!

Just wanted to post a quick update... so yesterday--- I decided that maybe I wasnt getting enough calories--- so I had one meal of my soup... then a atkins Protein bar for a snack-- beef tenderloin for dinner... and carrots wtih ranch for a snack and about 3 little pieces of chocolate kisses for dessert...(i know I know I shouldnt have eaten that,,,) Well got on the scale this morning- and I was down 1.5 lbs... so I am really thinking that not having enough calories and being sick-- my body was holding on to anything I ate .... So lesson learned-- my body wants and needs a certain amount of calories-- especially when sick!

Hi Kim, I was banded on 8/25 and I am currently down 60 lbs.... I agree with the rest of the ladies-- from day 1 I installed an application on my phone (that I have with me at all times) that counted the calories of everything I put in my mouth... like a detailed food diary... I think the most important thing I did also was Protein first.... at every meal I made sure to eat the protein first...I was very strict about meeting the required grams of protein a day that my surgeon told me to. and EXERCISE!!! the way I looked at it was- if I am gonna do this -- I am gonna do it 100% right-- and give it everything I have. Also, just to let you know... I also belive what has helped me is the fact that from day 1 of being banded-- I was one of the lucky ones that immediatly had restriction.... infact-- I have only had 2 fills and very small ones at that-- so in a 10 cc band I have 1.5 cc in it... and I am even wondering if that isnt a tad bit too snug to be honest. I also agree with the other poster-- I vary my calories each day-- which has helped me not plateau-- I also change up my work out routine.... and this is hard because I am very much a "routine" person--- but I have to vary it up at times in order to get results. I am actually thinking of getting the body bugg to really know the amount of calories I am burning everyday.

Hi Sara--- after my surgery I started 5 days early and it was heavy bleeding- and then the next month I was like 9 days late-- from what I read on it- when you go under it can effect your cycle... plus estrogen is stored in our fat cells and as you start losing weight you will notice a few differences in your periods due to the loss of estrogen-- at that is what I was told.... Hope this helps!

Hi Linni-- Welcome.... I have similar stats to you. I am 32 years old 5'3" and weighed 242 at surgery date... I was banded on August 25 2009. I keep a spreadsheet on everything broken down by each weeks weight loss to monthly weight loss. I am currently a few days past 14 weeks post surgery (3 months and 2 weeks) and I am down 51 lbs. First month = 21lb loss 2nd month = 11.6lb loss 3rd month= 10lb loss the rest I have lost this month... If you have any other questions please let me know.

Just a quick question... I have noticed that consistantly after I get a fill I get horrible headaches???? They usually start within 20 minutes of the fill.... does this happen to anyone else??? or know what could cause it?:thumbup:

Laney you look amazing- I thought I would create you a side by side so everyone can really see the difference.... you are an inspiration!:biggrin:

Now I know better... I know... but I forgot my lunch at home so I ran to chick-fa-la and grabed a grilled chicken sandwhich --(i do this a couple of times during the week) and take the bread off and just eat the grilled chicken. well, I took the top bread off and then I looked at the bottom piece and thought... that looks pretty thin-- and I haven't had a true sandwhich in so long maybe I can just get the chicken wtih the bottom piece..... 2 small bites in... I knew I shouldnt have done it!!! LOL! and took the bread off and threw it away!! Now I am overly full feeling and borderline stuck! LOL! I waited a good 20 minutes before finishing the grilled chicken ... and everything seems to be good now-- guess sometimes my brain really wants that bread!:tongue_smilie:

Yeah, I really dont have a problem with no restriction... I was pretty lucky and restricted right after surgery- in fcast, I still only have 1.5cc in my band and I dont eat very much at all- I only had about 4 small bites total of the chicken breast..... Just every once in a while I want a sandwhich..LOL! but to tell ya the truth.. een the few bites of bread that I took... it didn't taste near as good as I remember it too..LOL!

I hit my first mini-goal ..... and a week before I had planned on hitting it!! under 200 in less than 3 months! As of this morning-- I am under 200! Goodbye 200's we were friends/enemies for along time... but I will NEVER see you again!! As great as this feels-- I am also in PANIC mode:cursing:...I am getting married in May 2010... and talking to the bridal shop I have to go in and pick out/order my dress this month.... I have no idea what to do-- what size to order? how much can it be taken up??? not only that, body wise, I really wasn't ready to try on dresses cause I know I will leave there crying about how big I still am!! If anyone has any advise on dealing with this-- please let me know what you did about ordering your wedding dress! Until the 21st...(my appointment at the bridal shop) I am just gonna do a happy dance that I am under 200!!! :tongue2:

Ok, I know that I am in a marathon not a race!! I get that, and I know all the positives that I have from losing the weight I have lost so far... but the last 3 -4 days I have been very depressed! I am 10 weeks and a few days out of surgery (happy cause I thought I was just over 11 weeks out of surgery!) and I am down 39.8 lbs... which is great... almost 40 lbs in under 3 months.... I went from 242 -to 202.2 as of this morning. I have also noticed that I have to buy smaller sizes... so there is another plus.. But here is the thing other than people that know that I have had the surgery or am trying to lose weight have really noticed anything.... and in my mind I still feel like I look like I did before surgery.... I do see some weightloss in my face-- but that's all my mind recognizes..... So I kept trying to think positive thinking it is noticable... well then I get the halloween pictures back and WOW--- I cant see any weightloss and I look like a fat cow!!! I was really hoping that I would be able to see the difference and it would be a postivie thing for me! Guess not! I thought that losing 40 lbs you would be able to see the difference and be proud... So I guess my question is.... did any of you go thru this on your weightloss journey??? At what percentage of weight did you really notice the weightloss?? Did you have some depression while losing weight and if so how did you handle it?? I am really trying to stay positive and look for postive things-- but to realize I still look this bad... ugh kinda broke my heart!

Thanks for the advise ladies... I am sticking to it.... I eat what I am supposed to --follow the rules, and no alcohol even though we live a fairly social life... I am also working out everyday and striving for the goal!!! It is just frustrating when you see pictures and you feel like you haven't changed.... but maybe the next 10 lbs I will see it.... I did do something for a pick-me up during my lunch break-- I went to the store and tried on pants.... and I am down from a 22-20 to a 16.... so I guess that's something... I know that it is working-- I can see it on the scale and in smaller clothes, I guess I just thought that 40 lbs would be more noticable besides in my face!! LOL! My doctor told me that I would really start to notice after I passed 40 lbs... so I will keep up the work...

Hi everyone!! I just want to say I am so inspired by everyone's before and after's!!!! I am 11 weeks post surgery and down as of today 39 lbs. I figured I would post some pictures from Halloween 2008 - 2009. I am actually pretty disappointed I thought there would be more of a difference but oh well, got to stay motivated. and what better way then posting pictures you dont like on the internet!

The rash was normal for me-- it was from the glue on the bandages... funny thing- the rash was more painful than the incision... I finally just took off bandages.. and put medicine on it and it cleared up. As for the stomach grumbling-- I had those for a while too... it is amazing how loud they can be... Now for feeling lightheaded.. Yes, I didnt do well on just the liquid part-- I was run down and really light headed... try and increase the amount of Protein you are getting-- my doctor told me to shoot for 60 - 80 grams a day.... but had a hard time getting all that down -- but I tried to get as close as possible... the minute I was able to get some regular food down (puree) I felt so much better.... Even today- I dont feel good if I just do a shake.... it's like my body needs some kind of substance.... Best of luck to you... stick thru it -- ITS WORTH IT!!! p.s. If you increase your protein and still keep feeling light headed-- call your doctor and see what they suggest... personally mine moved me to the next phase quicker...

Hi Cathy--- this is the first I am hearing about not taking Ibuprofen-- to take Tylenol--- I will ask my Doctor next time I am in- but jsut wondering.... is there a reason why?

so sorry to hear that you are sick.. That must be miserable.. Thank God I haven't gotten sick since I had the band put in almost 2 months ago... I am praying that I don't catch anything. As for your cough..... do you only cough at night?? The reason I ask is that my surgeon told me that if i start to get horrible night coughs it is bc my band is too tight... Just a thought, if the all the other flu symptoms are gone- and meds aren't working..... Anyway, hope you feel better soon.