NYSparklegirl

Hi..come into the "Im here to help" thread...there will be plenty who will give plenty of great support and whom will listen to all your fears, issues and goals...promise!!

Welll....its been six months or slightely more for all of us March Bandsters!! Hope everyone is doing well and keeping up the good Changes made in the first 6 months...its now within the next six months that we will be tested daily......routine is getting a little mundane, food a little boring and reinforcers are slowing down..... Now is the time to beef up the activity level esp now for the winter months of hibernation. lol. Winter foods are comfort foods so start planning now for new healthy recipes. Exercise level should be increasing to keep up with the weight loss and strength and muscle building is essential now more then ever to change that fat loss into muscle. We are also eating less protein shakes and bars....to get us the nutrition we need. We are eating real foods and they should be whole foods.....not processed, less sugar and even less carbs. Crock pot and slow cookers offers an excellent way to make healthy foods that you can put up in the AM and have ready by PM. There are many sites that have recipes that include, meat, chicken and fish. Im down to 147 and am fluctuating ack and forth from 147lb--151lb. from 2x to 10/12 Ive begun to add classes from the gym to take as well as training twice weekly. Spin, Step and weights. Hope I can loose the other ten over the winter and then maintain that weight. Am down to BMI of 25. Surgeon is happy....Im thrilled.....however if I dont tighten this stomach im going to feel still fat all over. lol I might have to have that tummy tuck after all. Good luck to all...... Thats amazing!! So happy for you...isnt it a great feeling to be able to toss out all the old clothes and clothes that fit on hangers? You will get to your lower goal even still....just keep up the good hard work!!! What are you doing besides walking now?? Walking is great. I wish I can walk more but dont have time...did get a foster dog sooo will begin to walk her but when it will get cold....well I dont like cold lol. So you dont have any fill? Laura are you secure with your surgeon? Confident in him is important as well....Im sure this occurs often but I never heard of leaving the incision open to begin with....there must have been a good reason why he doesnt believe in stiching. I just hope you feel better soon and begin to get back to your life and your goals and aspirations arent tainted with this experience. Good JuJus...sending your way. keep us posted. OMG.. thats fabulous!!! Im so happy. Hope you took lots of pictures!!! She sounds like an amazing horse and in no time youl be jumping into that saddle never mind pulling! Well...would love to hear from the others who have been popping in and out since March...... Have a great day all Jodi

Laura, Sure hope the doctor did what was needed. Sending good juju your way.

wow...you sure are a trouper. Hope you feel better soon!!!

Hi everyone.... Hope all is well... Hit 148 this week so..another 15 to 20 to go....so happy and feeling great. I had to get rid of another set of clothes and down to 10-12. I never thought Id fit into anything below a 12 ever again... I was in Vegas last week for vacation to meet some of the woman who are on this site for support...another thread. Had an amazing weekend with them all and it was a wonderful experience. It was a weekend support group. lol Couldnt get better then that....everyone exchanged information all weekend I found it very helpful. Of course I have friends who I stayed with other wise wouldnt have flown that far but sure am glad I did!! Really reafirmed for me the last 6 months and put be back on target. We also went shopping together and interestingly enough....no one really was buying the correct size clothing ...and it took the group to kind of say hey.....wait you should be trying on this size or that size.....that was really interesting as for me personally I would never have tried on anything but a size 14 but as things are getting looser ive started to try on some 12s....but when we started to look at things to try on at this one store....the other woman were like..honey you need to try on 10;s not 12;s and we would like to see you try some skinny jeans....hmmm???what>?? me??? but I tried those 10 and heck they fit like a glove!!! Got me those two pairs of skinny jeans and wouldnt take them off the whole weekend!! Still wearing them! (after washing) Whod have thunk that?? Would never have tried this..until the 12's would have been falling off as I walked as the 14's were starting to but...just was uncomfortable with the idea of something too small? too tight??? Not really sure...but was wondering if anyone had any feelings about the clothes fitting and wearing too big too small etc? Suffice to say..went to thrift store and stocked up on 10s...lol I am down to 147 with another 20 to go....Food wise is going well.....as far as exercise well....that isnt. Plan on getting back to gym and trainer this week on Monday...that is my plan. (Please let me keep to it)! Laura, glad to hear you are in a good state. No....I wouldnt want to be on my feet all day with fifth graders either...so you are good to take take the day off to recoup. Well...hope all is well. Have a great week Jodi

Laura, So sorry to hear about the incision...I guess there are always complications and we know the risks and im sure you are still happy that you did the surgery....this is just a glitch that and this too will pass. Good luck...and will have you in my thoughts come Monday. Let us know how you are.....we are here.

Interesting how different surgeons have different ideas about the amount of fills people should get. I didnt realize that you wouldnt get more then one fill since surgery.....Ive gotten a fill every month till this past month. I lost about ten pounds a month till then....and because I only lost 3 in August I didnt get a fill as really didnt need one as didnt loose weight and therefore would be too tight if I got a fill and might start to have a problem. I now am wondering how we know if we need a fill or not. Lifting chick you seem to be loosing as much as I and Ive had four fills allready. hmm interesting. I feel good and never have felt like I needed an unfil and always felt good after getting a fill.....but as insurance does not cover fills any longer...how do we know we really need one and how often we should be getting one....anyone????

Hi all....just checking in to see how everyones been..... Looking good everyone!!! WOW!!! 85lbs. So Impressive yea yea yea!!! Ive been working really hard too and am down 67lbs. Surgery was March 9th. Kind of took a hiatus from exercising the past month because of vacation, start of school and Jewish Holidays.....no excuse here but still am watching the food intake!! Will get on the wagon of exercise after the Jewish holidays...going to Vegas next week to meet some lap band sisters from this site..cant wait to me them they have been such an inspiration and sorce of support. Its after the summer and vacations are over except mine this week lol its time to start posting again sooooo....lets start posting more regularly. Whats everyone eating daily and doing for excersize? How are clothes fitting? what is everyone doing about obtaining new clothes? lol What have been your experiences with people familiar that havent seen you since surgery? How are you all feeling about the way people are seeing you? Do you feel different? etc. etc. Its been about 6 months so its half a year.....we are olmost there...... is anyone feeling particularly challenged at this point.....food getting boring....snacking more etc? looking forward to discussing these with everyone in the next few weeks! Have a great night.... Jodi

Hi....yes. Long Island Bariatric group...they are located in Manhassat on New Hyde Park Rd. 3003. You can see the add for them on the side if this site...where all the ads are. lol There are two surgeons. Dr. Shawn Garber and Dr. Spencer Holover. They are affiliated with the New York Bariatric group. My surgeon was Dr. Holover but they work together. They also both attend and run their monthly support group at the Demetrius Center on Norhtern Blvd. second Thursday of the month....Tomorrow that is!! Why not stop by and meet them the nutritionist and the PA. You wouldnt be sorry.... Good Luck. Jodi

You are doing great!! Why you dont think so..I dont know. Have you only had one fill so far since surgery??? Perhaps this could be why you arent loosing more rapidly? Ive had a fill each month since the surgery and I believe this really helps! I think we have all lost most in the first few months and we are slowing slightely because we are getting used to eating again real foods..no more liquids or keeping to a protein shakes as meal replacements perhaps. Msybe our bodys are getting used to the exercises weve been doing and need new routines. The body gets used to the same type of exercises that we do..and use that to make us gain weight...as opposed to loosing..we need to shake up the routine and trick the body.....so the type of exercise we do each day needs to vary and never be the same two days in a row....this from my trainer who btw wont even do the same exercise the same way more then twice weekly if I see him more then twice weekly....so jogging everyday might not be the best way to loose as the body gets used to that....and compensates. We need to go back to basics....eat slow...proteins, vegetables and get a variety of different activity to engage in every day. Snacking and eating is good..as long as it is good food we are snacking on.... lets all remember why weve been banded and think about all that weve been through to get banded...and the reasons why....keep that journal....write it all down. what we eat, what activities we are engaging in, the water intake..... 64 oz....a day. Keep going....if youve entered a func....sit back and remember!!!! We have been getting a second chance at living healthy!!! Have a great night all... Jodi

Hi everyone, seems really quiet in here....where is everyone. I know...vacations. Well, hope everyone is enjoying there summmer....and feeling great. I just got my third..or fourth fill, not sure. lol. 4th month. maybe three. Have lost 50 llbs. Another 20 to go. This summer has been really amazing.....firstly for the first time...Im wearing bathing suits at the beach and not covering up even walking for miles just in that bathing suit...and im looking hot! lol Well, not as hot as the 20 yr olds but for 45 not bad at all. Im happy!! Eating right, feeling good. Exercising daily. Still have my trainer twice weekly. Have been going at least 2x more to gym for cardio. Last night bowled for first time since weight training started...and now am using a 12 ball. lol I like you Cynthia have been going through clothing like crazy! I clean out my closet twice monthly. Ive given away all the clothes that are too big every damn stich of them...as they will never have a place in my closet again. I have replaced them with the most amazing clothing that my step mother has given me....she was a CEO of a major company and had just retired before my surgery....and now is not wearing any of her work clothes,...and she is a size `14-16...and hello.....here I am at 12-14. For the past two months have been dressed to kill...lol Olmost a good incentive to stay at this size but not enough!!!! Will be taking all these clothes at the end of the month and having them altered they are so worth it...and I cant afford to buy anything new at all....so must do that. Eventually wont be able to do that anymore but for the next 6 months ill be okay. Then hopefully ill win the lottery. lol Had my three month blood tests done two weeks ago...and i seem to have a vitamin D defficiency. So, now am taking 5,000 a day. Cant understand that one....If I went to my dermatologist today shed kick my butt if she saw how tan I was....lol but, guess im not absorbing the "D". Well....theres my update for the week. Cynthia, sounds like you had a great vacation all in all! Thats great. When I went to Fire Island for the week I gained three pounds. Since lost it and another 5 pounds but was so dissapointed. It happens I hear...so be proud very very proud!! Keep up the great work. Laura, Welcome....and its never to late to join any thread.... Your reason is a great one!!! Shes adorable. Mine was my 11 yr old. Children seem to be some of most driving forces for getting healthy. Good luck and keep up the good work. Exercise and eating right....changing the lifestyle that weve had before surgery will keep off the weight.....thats the only way. So....we will always have to do the above..forever. Our driving force..... our children!!! Welcome, Welcome, Welcome. Bob, Hi Sounds like you are doing great!! Thanks for the post....keep in bragging, youve earned the right too!!! I seem to be loosing about 10 a month as well however this past three weeks only lost 5 pds. Not to worry....they will come off shortly. lol Hope all is well with everyone else. Would love to hear some updates....at least once monthly would be great. Have a great week all. Jodi

Hi all. Yes, its been a while for me as to posting.....Its been a busy summer and while on vacation there was no online connection. Thank god for Blackberrys to keep in touch with everyone...but was not able to post. Heres an update: Doing really well. Its been 4 months and ive lost so far 50lbs, as of last week. Down to 165, another 20 to go till goal. Of course I can go to 140....maybe 135?? to far too even think about!! I should be between 135-145. Im happpy now!! More Important then the actually weight loss...no more pills, (blood pressure, prevacid, cholesterol) no sleep apnea so no more CPAP. Im a happy camper...and doing the happy dance. Ive read all the posts since my last post and see that everyone seems to be doing great!!!! All those who updated..it was nice to hear how you are all doing. Ive had three fills so far....I go back next Thursday to discuss blood tests done this past week. We will know then what vitamins and nutrients have diminished or needed. I seem to have developed some marks on legs arms and back and they look like little black and blue marks.....the PA suspects an iron deficiency. But who knows. I feel great. Been taking all vitamins and calcium etc etc. Ive been exercizing daily at gym for cardio 45 to an hour. and have trainer twice weekly for strenght training. I hate both. lol but do it anyways. Been out to Fire Island for vacation for two weeks...before that was busy with getting my daughter to camp. Ive been home for a week now..and just getting back into a routine. While in F.I. I exercized differently then the gym and well...cycling. swimming and walking was not nearly enough exercize but...it was what it was. I didnt loose or gain so cant complain I was warned that on vacation....well you can gain...but I was happy I didnt. well.....thats my update. have a great day. Its all about the spirituality more then anything else. I enjoy all music but theres a special place in my soul for Jewish music. Not Israeli persay.... Jodi

Hi everyone.....wow its been a while. Ive been on vacation for the last two weeks on and off that is. Weve been going out to Fire Island and even though there is internet connection...I dont feel like sitting in and getting stuck using computer instead of outside...at the beach or in town. So far ive gotten two fills since surgery on March 9th. I have lost 45 lbs. and have been eating healthy. Ive got restriction...I think lol. Not hungry during the day. Eating a protein bar for breakfast, a piece of fish or chicken cutlet for lunch and then dinner is whatever lunch wasnt if im home....if out then ill have fish or some seafood something...mostly grilled something. lol I have been keeping to the motto....less then 6g of sugar, and not more then 10-15% of daily recommended amts...on the labels. Have not eaten any "whites" as in bread, pastas etc. Started eating some vegetables...broccoli, zuchini and salads. I have been trying out new and different products that Ive never had before...canned beans, chumus, pickels, qunoia, bulgur, millet..and a few other things like using sauces with no sugars....not worried about fat so much as sugar. Foods are going well....its the exercise that is a challenge to me!! I hate hate hate to exercize....Have I made that clear?? Well, doing it anyways!! Twice with trainer and once alone now...im trying to do more but have a hard time getting to the damn gym. lol well....things are just great!!! Down to a size 12 from 2x. What a great feeling. I look and feel great. No more BP meds or Prevacid. Just the cholesterol and the pill that we need to take after surgery for six months so we dont get gall stones. well.....I must be getting to sleep. Have a great night all. Glad to see so many are doing so well!! Keep up the good work fellow bandsters. Jodi

Hi all. Hope you all had a great weekend. Well...ive been sick as a dog. My allergies asperated my asthma and im still feeling so bad...I keep thinking that im going to slip my band with all the caughing and such! Its deep caughing and it hurts!!! I called the surgeon several times to ask about it....as I am so neurotic about it. He says not to worry. hmm Im still worrying. lol Weighed in on Wednesday and have lost 40 lbs, so far....yea me. This week is going to be really busy and am going away for the holiday shavuot. We are going to Fire Island. Cant wait. Tomorrow going shopping for all the food and preperation stuff. We are going for a week so..have to plan Someone posted a quote that I thought very appropriate..... "when you fail to plan you plan to fail" This is my new mantra...esp. for the upcoming vacation that I need to take all the food with as their is no groceries that I can buy from. A. too expensive and B. no kosher meats and stuff. It will be fun but.....If I fail to plan then I will surely fail!! oh this is not good. You must be freaking out. Have you spoken to your surgeon?? Some people are suggesting Biotin. They sell these vitamins at CVS or other pharmacies. im so sorry youve had this experience. my hair is getting thinner as well trying the biotin now. Well all must go to sleep...have a great week. Keep up the good work all!!! Jodi

Well.....hello all. You know how they tell you....that if you push yourself its gonna come back and bite you?? well it did...suffered an asthma attack this week like never before. Who was it who posted...you gotta slow down and take care of you?? well thanks but I didnt listen but next time I will.....wish I listened. So, spent the last two days in bed. Today finially went to Pulmonary doct and I have bronchial asthma.....so im now on steroids, antiobiotics, and upped dossages of proventil and long acting steroid. Feeling slightely better. While I was at the doctor..he weighed me and woo hoo...lost another 7 pds since last Monday. Down 40 llbs. Half the weight. Yea. I feel great about that. Even after eating out every night....I still was able to loose the weight by choosing the right foods and sticking to the plan. Yea. Now I feel even better about all that hemming and hawing at each meal. Hi. Mish Welcome! Tell us about you....and your band journey. Post, respond , ask....thats what we are here for. Good for you!!! Yes. one day at a time. no soda. lol So what are you eating?? let us know....so we can help. That sounds great.....glad you are doing so well. Thanks for sharing. I would love to try sushi. Its low cal and healthy. Im so afraid Ill get stuck. Tuna sounds good as well...are you putting mayo in it?? on bread?? what kind? I havent tried bread yet either....lol Salad either. Need to try these things.....the bread I can do without but sushi and salad cannot live without! Welcome Mikissa, yes. walk walk and walk more.. it really does help. Sip, Sip and Sip some more. Gas x and the pain killers help as well. Take them as often as needed. It really does help. Promise in two weeks youl be happy you did this....lol keep us posted with progress. ask questions, post comments etc. tell us about yourself and your band journey. Thats great!!! Glad to hear. Let us know how its going. well must go to sleep now....have a great rest of the week. Jodi