Diamondgirl81

Hi, I've hit a bit of a stall myself - much self-induced I admit. I haven't gained but I haven't lost in a few weeks either. I work hard for other people but have been slacking on my own needs. Nonetheless, I found this website that does a really nice job at listing all the questions that we should be asking ourselves about whether adjustments or needed or not. Check it out - I found it to be a helpful reference and a much needed wake-up call. http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm Best. Lauren

I hear ya!!! That's always been me. You can't let being "fat" define who you are or how you carry yourself. Big or small beautiful inside and out always!! Best, Lauren

I just posted a picture of my engagement party last week and I was wearing a beautiful black and silver dress from Dress Barn Women. They aren't too pricey and they have a huge selection. Though they tend to stick to a darker color palette, they have really flattering clothes for all occasions. Best to you and have fun!! Thanks, Lauren

I go every month and though I'm not a big "group" person, I like connecting w/ people that have gone through what I have. Our group is a mix of people that have had different weight loss surgeries but we're all really respectful of each others choices. It's also adds a bit of accountability each month. So it also helps me keep on track. Best, Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Amy......................289................228.9..........160........ 68.9 Angie64.................270................270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom.............254................254...........170............ . .84 Babe.....................265................265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie.........172.5..............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB..................226.6..............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma..............209................209...........135............ . .74 Bklynike.................258...............258...........150......... . .108 BobbieND...............224...............207...........150..... .......57 Bree99..................259...............234...........155..... .......83 Brigette................198................198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157................157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217................217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229.............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274..............200....... ....74 DDGALARZ..............185...............183............150............ .35 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5...........150.............6 5 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............270..............225........... . 45 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5...........130.......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............168.............145.......... . ..23 Healthy-me-in-Az...242................183.6..........139.............44.6 HummingBird..........204...............164.............150............ .14 jenibeni.................224...............188.............165........ ....23 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... .......102 Jeni 85..................185..............192..............150............. 35 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... ......90 kyleegirl01.............245................194.............160...... ......34 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... ......95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... .......20! Liz........................193.4............174..............155...... ......19! lotzasunshine..........271..............270.4............225.......... ...46 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... .. 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... .. ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... . ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... .......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... .. ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............162..............150........ ....12 RAYNE913.............234...............210..............160....... ......50 RobinAnn.............232.4.............187.2.............160...... ....27.2 scoutmama...........270...............270...............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............291.2.............233........ ....58.2 skinny31................261...............236..............182..... .......54 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150........... 44.5 sueinne.................220................226.............180.... ........46 swjtlongdrive..........242................217.............179......... ....38 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............259..............225....... .....34 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............174...............150...... . ....24 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... .....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 Tinksmom..............256................213................145....... .....43 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40 wonderwoman2009 175...............175................160..............15

What was the date of your surgery? > December 17, 2009 How healthy did you/do you eat? > I was a grazer. I ate pretty healthy foods, but ate all throughout the day and loved Desserts. Now, I still eat about 5 mini meals a day but they are very low carb and high Protein. So it keeps me full and satisfied. Desserts are now a treat and not a daily "must" How much do you exercise? > This has been the toughest thing for me. I am more active, but not hitting the gym as hard as I'd like. I walk everyday for at least 45 minutes, continuosly. How much have you lost? > 76 lbs since surgery, including a few weeks of a plateau as well. Are you happy with your results? > absolutely. What you put into this, you get out. I am 100% accountable for every pound I gain or lose.

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Amy.....................289..............234.1...........160........ 74.1 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254................254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265................265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6..............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135............. .74 Bklynike...............258..................258...........150......... . .108 BobbieND..............224.................207...........150..... .......57 Bree99.................259.................234...........155..... .......83 Brigette................198................198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157................157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217................217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229.............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274..............200....... ....74 DDGALARZ..............185...............183............150............ .35 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5...........150.............6 5 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............275..............225........... . 50 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5...........130.......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............168.............145.......... . ..23 Healthy-me-in-Az...242................183.6..........139.............44.6 HummingBird..........204...............169.............150............ .19 jenibeni.................224...............188.............165........ ....23 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... .......102 Jeni 85..................185..............192..............150............. 35 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... ......90 kyleegirl01.............245................194.............160...... ......34 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... ......95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... .......20! Liz........................193.4............174..............155...... ......19! lotzasunshine..........271..............271..............225.......... ...46 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... .. 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... .. ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... . ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... .......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... .. ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............173..............150........ ....23 RAYNE913.............234...............210..............160....... ......50 RobinAnn.............232.4.............195.2.............160...... ....35.2 scoutmama...........270...............270...............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............291.2.............233........ ....58.2 skinny31................261...............240..............182..... .......58 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150........... 44.5 sueinne.................220................226.............180.... ........46 swjtlongdrive..........224................224.............179......... ....45 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............265..............225....... .....40 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... .....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40 wonderwoman2009 175...............175................160..............15 __________________

I just got engaged this weekend, one day before my birthday!!! However, my size 7 ring doesn't fit. We're looking into sizing options, but this is one of those things I NEVER imagined going through. I think for now, I'll just use a ring guard until I'm at goal, then we'll resize it permanently. Though I haven't lost a pound this week, this has been one of the best non-scale victories I've had. Best to all on this journey!! Lauren

My arms by far will be the first thing. Thank God for 3/4 length sleeves :ohmy: If I can afford to buy a car, then I can afford some of my own body work. It's about the same cost. So now my new car fund has become my "new me" fund. Best, Lauren

I live in NY and go to a monthly support group for wls patients at Lenox Hill Hospital (77th, bet. lex & park ave). Our group meets every third Thursday of every month at 6pm. Best, Lauren

LOL Viv... I rent her out on holidays I've tried to duplicate her recipe and it doesn't even come close. However, I do make a version if Giada's from the food network that is quick and yummy too. Brown Butter Risotto with Lobster Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Food Network Best, Lauren

It's funny, I don't notice when I look in the mirror but I do when I look at pictures and see the ongoing transformation. It's such a head game what we see in ourselves. Best, Lauren

Risotto & quinoa haven't given me any issues. My mom makes a phenomenal lobster risotto and I've had that w/o any issues. Those are the only two carbs I've had since surgery. I'm not adventurous enough to try anything else Best, Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Amy.....................289..............239.9...........160........ .. 79.9 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254................254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265................265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6..............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135............. .74 Bklynike...............258..................258...........150......... . .108 BobbieND..............224.................207...........150..... .......57 Bree99.................259.................234...........155..... .......83 Brigette................198................198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157................157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217................217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229.............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274..............200....... ....74 DDGALARZ..............185...............185............150............ .35 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5...........150.............6 5 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............278..............225........... . 53 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5...........130.......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............169.............145.......... . ..24 Healthy-me-in-Az...242................183.6..........139.............44.6 HummingBird..........204...............169.............150............ .19 jenibeni.................224...............208.............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... .......102 Jeni 85..................185..............192..............150............. 35 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... ......90 kyleegirl01.............245................194.............160...... ......34 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... ......95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... .......20! Liz........................193.4............174..............155...... ......19! lotzasunshine..........271..............271..............225.......... ...46 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... .. 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... .. ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... . ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... .......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... .. ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............173..............150........ ....23 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ......65 RobinAnn.............232.4.............195.2.............160...... ....35.2 scoutmama...........270...............270...............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............291.2.............233........ ....58.2 skinny31................261...............240..............182..... .......58 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150........... 44.5 sueinne.................220................226.............180.... ........46 swjtlongdrive..........224................224.............179......... ....45 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............271..............225....... .....46 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... .....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40 wonderwoman2009 175...............175................160..............15

From one Lauren to another :thumbup: yes the weight loss is normal. I was 351 when I went in for surgery and I lost 22 lbs in about a week. I feel that the heavier you are,the quicker you lose in the very BEGINNING. That being said that rate of loss will slow down immediately once that first chunk comes off. But as long as your are raising your activity, following your docs program, and eating right you should be able keep losing at a healthy rate. Remember, you just had surgery, so your body's in a bit of shock and needs to heal. You will get hungry, as the swelling goes down, but focus on following your post-op diet progression very closely. Focus on staying hydrated and definitely sip on your Protein Shakes as much as possible. Since the shakes are a liquid, they should be able to go down as easy as Water or gatorade, provided they are thinned out. Regarding the blood pressure issue, mine was low when I had surgery and my doc didn't seem overly worried about it. However, if you feel uneasy about it, call your doc and ask. You mentioned a leg issue as well, so if it's swelling or hot, I'd mention that too him too. You definitely want to make sure there aren't any blood clot issues. Two weeks post-op I had leg swelling and pain behind my calves. I told my doc and he had me come in for a doppler test to rule out any clotting. Luckily there weren't any clots, but I felt silly and a bit neurotic about being so nervous. He told me to never feel silly and to listen to my body. Early detection of any kind is the best detection. Wish you all the best. Lauren

I've now been banded 6 months and I've lost 73lbs. I went for my 6 month follow-up last week and my doc said that around this time he orders an upper GI for all of his band patients to make sure that everything's in place and looks good. I'm at 4.5 restriction level, so he won't give me any more fills until we make sure everything's ok. Fingers crossed. Regarding recognizing a slip, my doc explained that generally you can't keep anything down when you've had a slip. This includes, liquids or worse case your own saliva. All in all, the only sure fire way to tell is to have an x-ray. So if anyone thinks they might have a slip, don't hesitate to call your doc immediately and have it checked out. Like with anything, early detection is best before any major complications arise. Best, Lauren

I still have a Protein shake for breakfast everyday. I tend to be tighter in the mornings, so it works out perfectly. To avoid them being too high calorie, I make them myself w. skim milk, a piece of frozen unsweetened fruit and whey powder. Besides my shakes, I live of of fish, chicken, or veggie burgers. These are all packed full of protein. All in all, I tend to get 90+ grams a day. Best, Lauren

Well... 6 months ago today, I took control of my life and my weight. I put it all on the table, literally and have loved every minute of it. Through every fill, plateau, & momentary regret, I couldn't be happier. The way I see it, what you get out of this surgery is what you put into it. The weight doesn't magically melt of your body, so you have to be willing to work. I'm 73lbs down since surgery and though the work continues, I've had a GREAT start. Best to all on this journey. Educate yourselves, stay focused and stay positive. Lauren

It's normal and will slow down as you progress. I lost 20 lbs in the first week and a half. Believe me, that rate of loss does not last. A good average is about 1-2 lbs per week w/ the band but definitely prepare yourself for those frustrating weeks of no loss. They happen to us all. Just stay focused on getting healthier and stay positive. Best, Lauren

The way I see it, why would I have surgery if I wasn't serious about following the rules. Personally, I follow the "band rules" to avoid complications. Sometimes complications are unavoidable but we should do everything in our power to control what we can. Like another poster mentioned, please don't blame the band down the road for any of your shortcomings, if the real problem is your commitment level. Regarding "sheep mentality" I don't think that has anything to do with it. To me it's common sense. If you want to avoid getting burned, then don't play with fire. Be kind to your band, take care of it and yourself. Best, Lauren

Hi, There's a thread here for PCOS suffers that you should check out. I suffer from PCOS and Endometreosis. Since I've lost some weight with the band, my period has regulated itself and is no longer gut-wrenchingly painful. Actually, before I had surgery I had my cycle for over 6 months straight and nothing really regulated it, not even 2 d&cs last year. So to me, this has been a blessing. Follow the path below to find the section on PCOS. Best, Lauren Navigation »LAP-BAND Surgery and LAP-BAND Discussion Forum > Lap-band Support Groups > Special Interest Lap-Band Support Groups (NEW!) » PCOS Bandsters

Thanks so much Patsal. I just started on Thursday, so we'll see how it goes. I do have an issue getting in all my fluids. I'll definitely need to up my intake. Best, Lauren

As someone else posted, I avoid breads and other carbs like them because they spike my hunger. However, when I wasn't feeling well a few weeks ago, I did have half of a toasted english muffin and it went down well. Like w/ everything else, take it slow and chew. I like the idea of introducing new things at the end of the day as well. For me, that's when my band is most forgiving. Best, Lauren

Good to know... my boyfriend was actually talking about trying out for it before I had surgery and wanted to do it w/ me. Best, Lauren