viking_girl

SO today was the day and I have been looking forward to it. When I went in March, I had set a goal for around 8-10 pounds, because then I would have hit the 50 pound mark. I had been working out at the gym every day, had good restriction, and it just seems like there should have been no problem reaching that goal. ANd then, the hormones went nuts, I started retaining water, which makes me really tight. So last month, I lost 6 pounds and missed my goal. I was just mad about it. I mean, two lousy pounds after all that hard work? So, I have been working HARDER. HAd the same water retention issues this time, but was lucky to see that go away a few days before the weigh-in. I got in teh car early this morning, drove more than an hour to get to the clinic, got on the happy little scale, and what do you know...... 11 pounds. I am pleased with that. So today, the grand total is 58.5 pounds lost..... from 311 to 252.5...... BMI is 42 and steadily dropping. I am just thrilled to finally get a good number that is indicative of the effort I have been putting into this. Because let me tell you, even when your brain can rationalize it and say it is just the hormones, just the water, there is still the alter ego that wants that magic number on the scale to be a good one.

SO today was the day and I have been looking forward to it. When I went in March, I had set a goal for around 8-10 pounds, because then I would have hit the 50 pound mark. I had been working out at the gym every day, had good restriction, and it just seems like there should have been no problem reaching that goal. ANd then, the hormones went nuts, I started retaining water, which makes me really tight. So last month, I lost 6 pounds and missed my goal. I was just mad about it. I mean, two lousy pounds after all that hard work? So, I have been working HARDER. HAd the same water retention issues this time, but was lucky to see that go away a few days before the weigh-in. I got in teh car early this morning, drove more than an hour to get to the clinic, got on the happy little scale, and what do you know...... 11 pounds. I am pleased with that. So today, the grand total is 58.5 pounds lost..... from 311 to 252.5...... BMI is 42 and steadily dropping. I am just thrilled to finally get a good number that is indicative of the effort I have been putting into this. Because let me tell you, even when your brain can rationalize it and say it is just the hormones, just the water, there is still the alter ego that wants that magic number on the scale to be a good one.

I was banded 6 months ago, and yes, it is easier, emphasis on the [-er]. But it isn't always easy. Someone once told me it is a passive diet, but that is so far from it. You have to think of every morsel that goes in the mouth, more than before even because now mutrition is more important than ever. As with friends.... it isn't the number you have, but the quality of the friends you have. Even one or two really good supporters are better than a whole group of those who aren't really in it for you. So tell only those you feel comfortable sharing with, and otherwise..... don't sweat it!

Family Medical Leave Act

Wow, Joanne, I would have just died if I quit cold turkey. I did it gradually, starting about a month before my surgery. I got to the point of none for about 2-3 weeks, followed by one when I went out for my "last supper." I have always disliked tea, and I am not a big water fan. When it is good and hot, I can handle water, but only bottled. I can taste the chemicals in tap water and just hate them! These days I drink a lot of the SOBE lifewaters, the ones with 0 calories. My favorite is apple pear, which has a very light flavor. The Black and Blue Berry or Mango Melon are also good. But, they are pricey, so I may have to start drinking water out of financial necessity. I mean, I can buy a gallon of water for every 20 ounce Sobe! The time I miss my Diet Coke the most is when I have to sit my butt down to my desk and write..... I used to drink one can after another while writing, building a nice little pyramid as I went along. Luckily, today is a new day and I am over the craving.... for now!

I would say... the fizz. I have found other flavors that are "acceptable." But the fizz..... well, just can't have it so it is irreplaceable.

It has been SEVEN months, and I am still mourning the loss of my dear friend, DIET COKE. We were instant and loyal friends from the first drink, when I was 12 years old. What I want more than ANYTHING right in this minute: A large, condensation covered glass full of ice cubes and brown, bubbly DIET COKE fizzing on my lip and burning down my throat.Want one SO SO BAD. I miss my friend. I know the relationship was a bad one, I know that I am better off without it. But damn it, a cool glass of chemical- flavored tap water just does not off the same carbonation-filled satisfaction that Diet Coke gave me over the years. I have never been tempted to go back.... just saying.... I still REALLY miss my Diet Coke. :thumbup: :cool2:Have a Twitter account? Follow my rants, raves and successes at http://twitter.com/lifeafterband

I had my surgery in October (wow! 6 months, really??) From the sounds of things, you probably have some swelling inside.... once that goes down, you will find that things go down much easier. Immediately post-op, I lost quite a bit also, but that slowed WAY down after I healed. Then, it is a slow process to find just the right amount of fluid to put in your band. For me, this allowed me to get used to the changes a little bit at a time. It is different for every person, but what you said sounds very normal to me. Just take your time, stick to the instructions your doc gave you for this healing period, and you will be fine. :thumbup:

I do have to say.... the process of reaching this point has been slow and gradual. My surgery was Oct 2009. At first, there is the process of healing, and then the slow and gradual process of finding the sweet spot. So, it is a lifestyle change, but not so sudden that I couldn't handle it. Even though I havent had a diet coke since last September, I still sulk about it on occasion. Even though I am doing well with my lapband, I do still miss the satisfaction of a really good meal. I am sure it will just take more time to adjust.... sigh. But, YES, it is worth it. :thumbup:

I have ALWAYS loved food. Eating the food, smelling the food, tasting the food.... especially tasting. I often ate just because it tasted good. And if a little tastes good, then a lot tastes better. And I love cooking the food, too. And then Lap-band happened. DOnt get me wrong -- I love it -- best decision I ever made. I am doing less with it, more or less..... with the exception of the water retention thing. But this is the thing..... I decided to make BBQ ribs for dinner tonight. I was so excited.... I love the smell of the ribs cooking... was going to call my boyfriend and invite him over...... but then I remembered the Lap-band issues I have been having this week. And then all of the joy in preparing a nice Sunday meal for my family were just DASHED. I mean, why get all excited about it when I will be able to eat next to none of it? Lately is just a giant build-up to a great big let-down. And the sad thing is -- I HAVE To cook. I can't just not feed my family. I still need to get my calories in because that does me no good either. Even my favorite restaurant is no good anymore. I went a couple nights with my brother and our families.... spending time with him while he is home from Afghanistan for a bit. I ate 3-4 chips, 1 french fry, and maybe three bites of my chile verde. And then spent the rest of the night in the backroom throwing up. And here is the kicker. My SIL just called... the fam wants to go back to same restaurant today. I dont even dare try to eat. Not even a little bit. Probably shouldnt even go. But it is so rare that I get to do anything with ALL of my family, that I Will go. Even if I don't order. And really, WHY does every thing we do have to revolve around food? I mean, couldnt wee go mini golfing or something?? Guess that means I dont have to cook ribs today, huh?

I have ALWAYS loved food. Eating the food, smelling the food, tasting the food.... especially tasting. I often ate just because it tasted good. And if a little tastes good, then a lot tastes better. And I love cooking the food, too. And then Lap-band happened. DOnt get me wrong -- I love it -- best decision I ever made. I am doing less with it, more or less..... with the exception of the water retention thing. But this is the thing..... I decided to make BBQ ribs for dinner tonight. I was so excited.... I love the smell of the ribs cooking... was going to call my boyfriend and invite him over...... but then I remembered the Lap-band issues I have been having this week. And then all of the joy in preparing a nice Sunday meal for my family were just DASHED. I mean, why get all excited about it when I will be able to eat next to none of it? Lately is just a giant build-up to a great big let-down. And the sad thing is -- I HAVE To cook. I can't just not feed my family. I still need to get my calories in because that does me no good either. Even my favorite restaurant is no good anymore. I went a couple nights with my brother and our families.... spending time with him while he is home from Afghanistan for a bit. I ate 3-4 chips, 1 french fry, and maybe three bites of my chile verde. And then spent the rest of the night in the backroom throwing up. And here is the kicker. My SIL just called... the fam wants to go back to same restaurant today. I dont even dare try to eat. Not even a little bit. Probably shouldnt even go. But it is so rare that I get to do anything with ALL of my family, that I Will go. Even if I don't order. And really, WHY does every thing we do have to revolve around food? I mean, couldnt wee go mini golfing or something?? Guess that means I dont have to cook ribs today, huh?

I havent updated for a while.... couldn't remember my password!! First..... decided my numbers are skewed because my scale at home isnt close to matching the one at the docs office..... so the 265 from last time is not correct. Well, it is closer now than it was in December at any rate. FInally got to what I would call my sweet spot and life was GOOD. Until I hit that time of the month.... no more periods but the water retention!!!!!!!!!! And right when it is time to weigh in.... so my numbers go up a bit. With the water retention comes TIGHT. HAd 3-4 bites of my dinner last night and just couldnt handle it. I was sliming and puking..... I tried to stop and just couldnt. I will stick to liquids today.... dont want to go through that again. But I am really frustrated...... for the other 2-3 weeks when it is just right, I dont want to do an unfill. But a week to 10 days of uber tight will make me crazy. Weigh-in is next THursday.

I havent updated for a while.... couldn't remember my password!! First..... decided my numbers are skewed because my scale at home isnt close to matching the one at the docs office..... so the 265 from last time is not correct. Well, it is closer now than it was in December at any rate. FInally got to what I would call my sweet spot and life was GOOD. Until I hit that time of the month.... no more periods but the water retention!!!!!!!!!! And right when it is time to weigh in.... so my numbers go up a bit. With the water retention comes TIGHT. HAd 3-4 bites of my dinner last night and just couldnt handle it. I was sliming and puking..... I tried to stop and just couldnt. I will stick to liquids today.... dont want to go through that again. But I am really frustrated...... for the other 2-3 weeks when it is just right, I dont want to do an unfill. But a week to 10 days of uber tight will make me crazy. Weigh-in is next THursday.

It just is amazing - I feel like a normal person for probably the first time ever. I can eat a "normal" amount and I am satisfied with that. I lost my job a week ago, and there has been some stress eating with that, but even so, I have continued to lose weight. On the scale this morning, I hit 265, down from 311 before surgery. I am wearing clothes I haven't worn for a long time and it is so cool. Before I run out of money, I am going to get a pass to the gym so I can burn off the nervous energy there -- may as well take advantage of unemployment while I can. And, I have a new favorite breakfast!!! Someone gave me a giant box of apples, so I made homemade applesauce with them -- a chunky applesauce. I heat up 1/2 cup in the microwave, and top with 1/4 cup granola. This morning was the organic blueberry with flax from Target. YUMMY!!! :thumbup:

It just is amazing - I feel like a normal person for probably the first time ever. I can eat a "normal" amount and I am satisfied with that. I lost my job a week ago, and there has been some stress eating with that, but even so, I have continued to lose weight. On the scale this morning, I hit 265, down from 311 before surgery. I am wearing clothes I haven't worn for a long time and it is so cool. Before I run out of money, I am going to get a pass to the gym so I can burn off the nervous energy there -- may as well take advantage of unemployment while I can. And, I have a new favorite breakfast!!! Someone gave me a giant box of apples, so I made homemade applesauce with them -- a chunky applesauce. I heat up 1/2 cup in the microwave, and top with 1/4 cup granola. This morning was the organic blueberry with flax from Target. YUMMY!!! :sneaky:

So, I think I could have done a bad BAD thing tonight. SO um, what will happen if I have an insanely bad habit of swallowing my gum? Thank goodness it is a small piece, not a giant wad of bubble gum or anything. I would even welcome text response on this one so I dont have to hover over the computer on this one!! 4352250049 --- Thank you!!!

So, I think I could have done a bad BAD thing tonight. SO um, what will happen if I have an insanely bad habit of swallowing my gum? Thank goodness it is a small piece, not a giant wad of bubble gum or anything. I would even welcome text response on this one so I dont have to hover over the computer on this one!! 4352250049 --- Thank you!!!

Thank you SO SO much.... I will be so thrilled if it really isn't sour!!! Hahaha... and I have thought about trying a smoothy, but I have been chicken!!

I hate yogurt. I mean, really hate it. Hate cottage cheese, buttermilk etc.... anything with that sour milk taste. Blech!!!! But I keep hearing about greek yogurt and how high in protein it is. Any ideas on things I can do with the yogurt to reap the benefits without gagging it down??

I hate yogurt. I mean, really hate it. Hate cottage cheese, buttermilk etc.... anything with that sour milk taste. Blech!!!! But I keep hearing about greek yogurt and how high in protein it is. Any ideas on things I can do with the yogurt to reap the benefits without gagging it down??

This is working like a dream for me, and I am thrilled. I had my post-op appot. yesterday, and while I was waiting for my surgeon, I realized I haven't been taking my blood pressure medication. (My bad - I was able to discontinue my blood sugar meds so I just haven't got in a new routine yet) So he made a point to check my BP. I was shocked -- it was 103/52!!!! Its a good thing I haven't been taking meds! I didn't expect to be off my BP meds so quickly - I have only lost 18 pounds, and I hade high blood pressure 40 pounds ago, so I dont really understand it. (Not complaining mind you!) I will continue to monitor my blood pressure with my doctor at home - I don't want to assume I am free and clear just yet! BUt even so, that was fabulous news for a day. I am doing very well with the band. I am not filled yet, but I am very satisfied. I each 1/2 cup portions about 4-5 times a day, and it is enough for me -- I can't tell you how good it feels to not be starving all the time. A lot can change in 3 weeks, but my surgeon said if I am still doing this well in 3 weeks, he may not fill me just yet. And, as a final note -- hiccoups are a bitch now!! :wink2:

This is working like a dream for me, and I am thrilled. I had my post-op appot. yesterday, and while I was waiting for my surgeon, I realized I haven't been taking my blood pressure medication. (My bad - I was able to discontinue my blood sugar meds so I just haven't got in a new routine yet) So he made a point to check my BP. I was shocked -- it was 103/52!!!! Its a good thing I haven't been taking meds! I didn't expect to be off my BP meds so quickly - I have only lost 18 pounds, and I hade high blood pressure 40 pounds ago, so I dont really understand it. (Not complaining mind you!) I will continue to monitor my blood pressure with my doctor at home - I don't want to assume I am free and clear just yet! BUt even so, that was fabulous news for a day. I am doing very well with the band. I am not filled yet, but I am very satisfied. I each 1/2 cup portions about 4-5 times a day, and it is enough for me -- I can't tell you how good it feels to not be starving all the time. A lot can change in 3 weeks, but my surgeon said if I am still doing this well in 3 weeks, he may not fill me just yet. And, as a final note -- hiccoups are a bitch now!!

The Fuji apple is my favorite and I love it BECAUSE it isnt strong at all -- I really like the very lightness of it!

I don't have issues yet, but it is a constant worry. I was banded a week ago Monday, and that same day, one of my daughters tested positive for influenza A, and a day later,another daughter became ill. We thought she also had the dreaded flu but turns out she "just" has a sinus infection and bronchitis. Every day, I have been super diligent about handwashing, samnitizing, running the vaporizer in my bedroom, and taking my airborne. I have asthma, soI feel like it is hanging over my head. The main question I have for you is -- what kind of meds are you taking? I can no longer take OTC cough meds - they are just inefective for me. I also have a good tolerance for RX meds, so my favorite is phenergan with codeine. Given the circumstances, I wouldn't think a doctor would complain about giving it to you, as long as you can handle the codeine.

I am type 2 diabetic, diagnosed 7 years ago. For the first several years, I managed with diet and exercise. Roughly two years ago, I started on meds. Pre-surgery, I was taking 1000 mg metformin twice a day; 45 mg Actos. My BS would be acceptable during the day, but I never could get my fasting BS under control, even when eating NO starchy carbs, and let me tell you, that gets old. My doctor wanted me to add Byetta.... but, it is $230 monthly because my insurance wont cover diabetic meds until 2010 (damn pre-existing conditions!) so I did without the Byetta. Going back a bit, my grandmother died of diabetes 7 years ago. It was painful. My dad can't forget it, and it KILLS him that I have it now. So, he and my mom approached me about the Lapband, and even paid for it. I was banded on October 5. Monday and Tuesday, my BS was high, which is to be expected. Tuesday evening though, it was clear down, less than 120 so I didnt take my meds that night. So surgery was a week ago yesterday, and I have not had meds since. My fasting numbers are great, after meals are great -- I have lost about 25 pounds. It is a fabulous feeling!! I will wait until December for my next HA1C...I can't wait to see the numbers. Who knows...maybe I will put lab results in an envelope in an envelope and give it to my Dad for Christmas. :thumbup: