TCarroll

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:

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 ladies, I was banded 3 and a half weeks ago. I have a Mirena IUD and had had very light, very minor periods until my surgery. I'm having a really heavy period now and was wondering if that's in any way related to the surgery, anesthesia, drugs....? Did anyone else go through this?

thanks

sara

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:

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l199/laney_bear/pics/120408196stprefill.jpg?t=1258317986

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l199/laney_bear/pics/001.jpg?t=1258317856

1st pic before 286lbs 2nd pic now 176lbs. Could someone please put my pics on as I couldnt figure it out. Thankyou!

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:

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!

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:

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:

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...

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!

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!

Hi Guys

i am on my 5th day post surgery and i have a rash where one of my bandages was would anyone know if this could be an infection.Also i have a lot of dicomfort at night and stomach grumbling all the time not too sure ifd i am eating too less i usually have a sml glass apple juice for Breakfast a sustian shake for lunch and a cup of Soup for dinner. Today im feeling really light headed. Is all this normal sorry new to this feeling...

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.

Thanks Brockbabe-- I appreciate it.....

Just have to "keep my eye on the prize" everyday--- and it will happen!

well I went out and bought a new scale, a Tanita one--- and needless to say - my scale was a pound off... but that's not too bad...

As for weighing everyday. personally it keeps me focusing on my everyday routine... I don't get down if the scale moves up and down.... I look at it like a learning tool-- if it moves up it usually means I didn't get enough Water in OR had too much salt the days before-- and I log that into my food/exercise journal... It helps me evaluate what I could be doing wrong and get to know my body...

I was more upset at the scale bc I thought I was down a pound more than I was - and well, didn't really know the truth on where I stood... felt like all my numbers were wrong...

But today is my "offical" track my weight day-- and I am down 2.5 pounds for the week instead of the 3.5--- but thats still not bad, pretty good actually BUT I would have LOVED to be down that extra pound...

Oh well, more time at the gym.... it will come off eventually!

So I have a digital scale that I have been using at home.... and yes I do weigh each morning--- but only right down my weight to track every tuesday-- that my "offical" weigh in day.... but I do weigh each morning at the same time - right before getting in the shower.

So Saturday, I jump on the scale- and yep - I am down 1 lb... very happy---- that would make me down 2 lbs so far this week...

Sunday morning I jump on the scale- and lookie there.... down another .5 GREAT!!! I was in shock-- thinking -- wow... it's back to like I was-- losing something every morning... so in disbelief I jumped right back on and yep down another.5! So excited again I call my husband in to check it out- get on - and WHAT-- then it was up 3 lbs...

step off- then right back on.... up 1 lb.... step off -- step back on-- back down the .5 of a lb

so I did the best 3 out of 5 readings-- and that would be that I was down .5

Well, this morning- I jump on the scale -- and look there- down another pound... remember the moring before- i step off-- cross my fingers and step back on--- a few more times.... the second time- yep down that pound, the third time--- up 3 pounds, the fourth time-- up .5 of a pound- the 5th time up .5 of a pound....

so needless to say, I am a little heart broken cause I may not have lost the 3 lbs the last couple of days that I thought I had lost..... cause obviously that scale is not correct anymore!!!!

Guess I have to go buy a new scale-- anyone have any suggestions of a good and accurate scale???

:sad:

Hi there.... I can't speak for all the "more experienced" banders... I have been banded for almost 6 weeks. But I will try and help you with any answers that I can

1. Can you feel the device once it's in? Not at all, I mean the first few days or so after surgery you do bc it is new to you - now forget it is there at times.
   
2. Any complications at all? (I know it's different for everyone, but still...) I haven't had any complications from the surgery.... would gladly do it again... the closest thing I have had is my periods are off now- I guess to to the quick weight loss... dunno?
   
3. Ladies: Can you take birth control afterwards? I'm using Yaz right now...will they put me on something different? as far as I know--- yes... but my gyno won't let me take it for other reasons...
   

Sex: When can you start up again, and is it safe...? ( Not quite sure how to ask that without sounding like a complete idiot! lol. I have heard to wait 4 - 6 weeks, but I would say whenever you feel up to it... just dont get pregnant!

Did you experience a lot of vomiting? no not so much- when I have had an issue, it has been bc I didnt chew well or tried bread...(wouldnt advise that) and I just had my first fill - so I have had a few episodes but now I am fine... and by the way its not like stomach flu vomiting... its more like spiting up kinda thing.. hard to explain

Will you ever be able to eat food? yes you will be able to eat food, I have found that I am actually wanting helthier options of things.... but yes I eat and am satified with the amount I get down... even though I thought for sure that I wouldnt be.

1. How much weight did you lose within the first month? I know it's slow and healthy weight loss, but do you feel like it goes quickly? around 22 lbs-- I am 5 weeks and 3 days out of surgery and this morning I was down 28 lbs.
   

1. Any change in emotions? (Not hormonal, just all around feeling great - confidence?) umm- think that is a personal experience. I find I vary... I will say that for some reason I was more critical of myself than I was before the surgery.... and then sometimes- I am like wow, I feel so much better about myself... to follow by -- wow my stomach is huge... It is an emotional journey I think- for me.... but well worth it so far. I have learned things about myself and get frustrated at times... but overall I am more comfortable in my clothes, feel better, workout everyday (and at times...even enjoy the gym!lol!)
   

I hope that this has answered some questions- and I am sure there are people alot further along in this journey that can help you more, but I am here if you have any other questions.

Good Luck to you in whatever your plans are... Wish you the best! and if you want my vote-- I would jump on that operating table again in a second.... the recover is not bad at all... in fact, probably the best rest I have taken for myself in 3 years! LOL!

and I am gonna say the "classic" thing I saw said so many times-- the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner!

Hi, I am 5 weeks and 3 days out of surgery... so about a month and two weeks... lets just say...

Well, about a week after surgery my period came and it was about 4 days early... was different then normal(hope this isnt TMI) i bled heavily the first few days then lighter then stopped - then started again .... anyways...

I have lost 27 lbs so far been working out alot- sometimes 2 times a day.. cut my eating alot and over all eating healthier

Well here is the problem that I am freaking out about... I am now a few days late on my period... I have taken 3 different pregnancy test and all of them are negative... I do not want to be pregnant seeing I just had the surgery adn my doctor told me to wait at least a year...

Could my late period be due to weight loss??? or did any of you experience this????

I am panicing over here and lost on what to do???

any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Oh I completely agree on the scale... the thing is -- IF i do gain from the previous day - I dont get upset... weight fluctuates... in EVERYONE..

and I do concentrate on my new way of life... I am extremely organized and plan the foods out -(and a back up plan in case I am having trouble getting what I cooked down) I am eating healthier and having no problems getting back into the workout phase....

I guess what I am trying to determine... is I am getting married next May-- and I am gonna HAVE to start looking for a dress in November - december and I am setting goals and I know that there is only so much I can do - ie: eat healthy, follow my diet plan, and work out... other than that - my body might hit a plateau...

BUT in saying that, I do still have lots of mini goals and dates... and am gonna do everything in my power to hit those and if I dont then I have to re-evaluate my goals and see if the timeline was too short or maybe my body is adjusting...

but all in all, I was just wondering the average time line and what people have lost.

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well & LOSING WEIGHT!!!

I was banded on August 25th... and so that puts me as of today 3 weeks and 3 days being banded.

Thank the lord, I have had no real problems and everything has gone smoothly.

I was wondering.... how much weight have/had you lost at the 3 week range. Now I know that everyone is different and I am in no way making it a competition, I just want to see if I am doing about normal or if I am under performing...(can you tell that I am very hard on myself!)

When I weighed this morning I was down 22 lbs.

Now right after surgery the weight was flying off-- now not so much but I am working out 2 times a day. I get up at 5 am and hit the treadmill for an hour, and then in the evenings do a dance aerobics class(that I really hate doing BUT it sure does burn the calories) followed be about 35-45 minutes on the treadmill.

Anyways, I do wish everyone the best and would appreciate any responses!

Happy Losing everyone!:biggrin:

Hello everyone,

I was banded on 8/25/09... very easy surgery for me infact, I was out of the hospital in hours.. walking around and little pain. 4 days before my surgery I did my first initial weigh in at my doctors office and I was at 242(which I swore was wrong...lol!) Had the lapband and followed the instructions, to me the hardest part was getting down all the fluids they wanted me to because I was so full from the swelling.

Well everything is going great, even though I haven't had my first fill I feel restriction and eat a whole lot less than I did before AND really dont want or crave the crappy foods I was eating before. I went for my 2 week check up this past tuesday(2 weeks to the date) and I have lost 16 lbs.

Of course I am still weighing everymorning, keeping a food journal and really being aware of the things I put in my mouth and making the calories count.

For all those that are waiting on the surgery and are nervous, I say... don't be! So far this journey has not been bad, in fact, I am feeling better daily - it's just a way of life adjustment.

Good luck to everyone and stay positive!:w00t: