sawyer77

I went to MyVirtualModel.com and put the information in for my highest weight. I did a screen capture (PrtSc button), and then pasted it in a photo program I use called IrfanView (because it is free, easy to use, and has the "panorama image" feature -- URL is IrfanView.com to download) and saved the file, calling it filename High. Then I went back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my current weight in the model's information. I did another screen capture and pasted it in my photo program and saved the file, calling it Current. Again, back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my goal weight on the model. Screen Capture, paste in photo program, save file, calling it Goal. Then! I went into IrfanView's Create a Panorama Image under the Image menu. I selected all three files (High, Current, Goal) in that order horizontally. Save the file! Then I added it to my LBT album, and took the URL and added the pic in my signature using that URL. How's that?! :-)

Czynth -- you're doing great! Keep it up! :-) Today (I shouldn't have stepped on the scale, I know -- I do that too much, nearly every day) my weight is up 3 pounds. I am hoping it's due to oncoming TOM, but it's still something that I'm inordinately upset about. I know I should just let it roll off my back -- I know! It's only three pounds in the scheme of things, but argh! I am so anxiously awaiting my third fill in three weeks. I have not yet experienced anything (other than what must be swelling) resembling restriction and I'm doing everything here through sheer willpower. I'm struggling, but I know that this, too, shall pass. I keep repeating that to myself. OVER AND OVER. Heh. We can do this!

Oh, ouch! I'm so sorry, Anne! Just know that this, too, shall pass. I started almost a year ago with my appointments -- had to do 7 appts (1 per month) of medical management, so I waited for what felt like forever! The wait's not fun, but now just a memory! Did you have to do months of management also? Another surgeon is joining the practice now, and all his patients are rescheduled as he switches over. I know they're pretty antsy, from the grumbles at the support group meeting two weeks ago. Hang in there! It'll all be worth it, and the best is yet to come!

My surgeon performed SILS (single-incision laparoscopic surgery) on me through my belly button -- but then had to make three small incisions as the surgery went on. I am so happy that the biggest incision is hidden in my belly button. :-)

I went to MyVirtualModel.com and put the information in for my highest weight. I did a screen capture (PrtSc button), and then pasted it in a photo program I use called IrfanView (because it is free, easy to use, and has the "panorama image" feature -- URL is IrfanView.com to download) and saved the file, calling it filename High. Then I went back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my current weight in the model's information. I did another screen capture and pasted it in my photo program and saved the file, calling it Current. Again, back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my goal weight on the model. Screen Capture, paste in photo program, save file, calling it Goal. Then! I went into IrfanView's Create a Panorama Image under the Image menu. I selected all three files (High, Current, Goal) in that order horizontally. Save the file! Then I added it to my LBT album, and took the URL and added the pic in my signature using that URL. How's that?! :-)

WAHOOOO! So exciting -- good on ya! :-) Today, I put on my "progress shirt." It's a shirt I noticed I was wearing in two of my fat pictures, so now I put it on just for comparison. It's not the greatest progress shirt because it's not form-fitting, so I did switch to a second option, but anyway, today I could really see a difference in my face (or maybe it's actually MY NECK that I see! Ha!):

I've learned to listen to my body. When I think I'm done (and I do get that, "Hmmm, am I done?" thought), I set my fork down and say, "I think I'm done." You'll know it, and if you don't know it, you'll learn! Heh.

I wanna be on the Positive Playground! I already have my membership check signed and made payable to Bob. I love all the pet talk! I have 7 dogs, 2 cats, 1 foster dog and 1 foster cat. I'm crazy! Right now, I'm being a brat about exercise, and enjoying a cocooning weekend. I have just ended a 7-year relationship, and while it's a good thing, it's still sad and I feel very sluggish. But my next 5K is in Philly on April 17th and I have to get my banded butt in gear! I've been really childish lately about exercise -- "I don't wanna!" so I'm using that Positive Mental Attitude (after allowing myself some down time to be a baby) to get back in the game. I'm almost 10 weeks post-op, have had two fills and have lost 25 pounds. My next fill is April 22nd. I'm a big fan of slow and steady. Huzzah! :-) P.S. Some of yas got some facebook friend requests from me today (as Sawyer Seventyseven -- my first name is Jacki, for the record -- one of my dogs is Sawyer) -- I'm still "in the closet" in my regular life, with only about 10 folks knowing my surgery secret, so I made a separate account, just to keep my worlds from colliding. :-)

Yes, yes, yes! Betsy is right on! At 9.5 weeks post op, it's like a distant memory for me, but wow, was that beginning rough! I also did not feel hungry for the first week or so, and I did not worry about Protein, because I just COULDN'T do it. I tried to force it, but that was doing no good. Trust us, once you're past this, these first two weeks will be barely a thought. The best things you can do right now are to stay hydrated, walk and rest. Good luck!

I'm in southern New Jersey. My copays/fills are covered under insurance for 90 days after surgery, and after that, I think fills will just cost me the $10 copay. The office charges $200 per fill if you don't have insurance.

Good for you, CherieLynne! I relate to what you have said. I just got my second fill yesterday, and have that swollen restriction (not true restriction), but most days I can eat and eat if I wanted to, since there is no effective restriction yet. It's all a matter of willpower and commitment to MYSELF! My stats: SURGERY: JAN 20, 2010 STARTING WEIGHT: 197 TODAY: MARCH 26 WEIGHT TODAY: 172 LOSS TO DATE: 25 POUNDS :tt1: WEIGHT LOSS TO GOAL: 55

Oh, I'm so excited in my new-found confidence and I just have to share with my bandster folk. I have been with a guy for 7 years, on and off because I love him dearly and thought of him as my best friend and my future, in spite of his problems and the imperfect things in our relationship. We've been through a lot together and I used to think it just made us stronger as a couple. But I still had so many doubts and uncertainties -- though I never followed through with really, fully, FINALLY breaking up with him. Part of it (probably bigger than I realize!) was that I didn't think I could really find someone to love me after him, so I always took him back, even with what I suspected were great betrayals. Tonight I've discovered that the awful things I suspected for years were actually true. I ended it, FOR GOOD. I think the new lap-band confidence I have, the renewed self-esteem, the renewed love I have for myself and my life helped me tremendously. Tonight I type this with my heart full of gratitude that I have had enough of a life change to END it FOR GOOD. Thank you, lap-band! THANK YOU! In addition to my 24 pounds lost, you've helped me to lose 190 pounds in the blink of an eye! I love you!

Thanks so much for the support! :-) I'm sticking to my guns this time.

I'm an addict! :-) I ran my first 5K on March 13, and my next one is April 17th. I definitely recommend it, and I definitely recommend asking for support and guidance as you journey through. I have learned a lot, and changed a lot because of my running. "It doesn't matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop." - Confucius

Yes, I get the same! Some days I'm satisfied, others I can (but DON'T!) eat the world. I don't understand it either.

Where in NJ are you? Coping? I used my belly pillow and my chap-stick constantly after surgery. :-) Walking helped a lot. As for getting kicked into high gear, follow the rules your surgeon gives you. Mine are: Protein (eat it first and get 70 grams/day), Water (64+ oz/day), Vitamins (I like the gummies from Target), Snacking Stops (don't do it!), Exercise (30 min/day), Smoking Stops (I quit in August). I made it into a little mnemonic: People Without Vests Sink Every Summer. I go into a little mental checklist every day. I also take Fiber supplements to keep everything in good order. :-) I use the gummies from Target. I was pretty constipated for a while there! No fun. I find having a lot of supportive folks around me (at work, at home) does WONDERS for staying on track. And beware of the killer -- some days I'm just not hungry and don't make it to 1000 calories. Not good for metabolism, sad to say. I also can't say enough good stuff about Couch to 5K. I ran my first 5K a week ago, and it's just an amazing feeling. I am also doing free weights and taking a yoga class. I am so happy to be making time for myself and I know that it's helping me tremendously. I go for my second fill in three days. Can't wait! Good luck to you -- it's an experience, and wow, does it make you feel proud of yourself.