sawyer77

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

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

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!

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.

I had a multitude of "that's it!" moments, very similar to all of you. They all just built on top of each other: -Noticing that I was becoming winded after climbing a flight of stairs. -Having trouble buckling in on an amusement park ride. -Seeing myself in photos and wincing because I did not realize I looked so terrible. -The DRESSING ROOM at the store. UGH! Watching the sizes go up and up and up! -Seeing the scale hit higher than EVER before. :-( I had always had a weight problem, but medications for fibromyalgia just skyrocketed my weight in the last two years. So awful. In July, I decided to go explore Medically-Managed Weight Loss, an option that was not as severe as surgery. During my consult, I had to tell them all of my medical problems, one of which is chronic vertigo. I was not eligible for their program due to the program medications involved and my vertigo. So, the Nurse Practitioner asked me, "What about surgery?" I had already been bopping it around in my head, but was going to try the Medically-Managed program as a last resort before final consideration. Now that option was off the table, I just dove in! I'm only two months post-op, but I'm so thrilled with my decision. :-)

I got myself a notebook, and listed every Wednesday (my surgery day) through August. I set ambitious goals for each week, 2 pounds lost. Each week has my weight going down by two pounds until I get to my goal weight. Right now, I'm ahead of my weekly goal, and it feels great! I've lost 23 pounds in 9 weeks. If you don't want to be as ambitious (as it could backfire on me!), I would go with one pound a week. I think it really helps me to see the pacing, and gives me something to work towards regarding the scale.

I was banded 1/20, and have lost 22 pounds. I go for my second fill next week. Right now, I have 2 ccs in my 10 cc band. I think we are right on track! In 9 weeks, I've lost 22 pounds -- I am not complaining! :-) It helps me to map out every week with the date and what my target weight is. I'm ahead of goal right now, and I think this helps me to see that I'm not too slow with my loss. I'm ahead! :-)

Thank you so much! It's a thrill. :-)

Good for you! I just ran AND FINISHED my first 5K yesterday, and I did it in 43:36 (My two goals were to finish, and do it in under 45 minutes). Keep it up! It's so great. :-)

Excuse me, Phil1336, who is complaining? Stating that there is some tenderness or soreness is not complaining. Jen asked if anyone else experienced it, and I answered. Simple, to-the-point. No complaining. (Though, if you DO want to hear complaining, I can find some stuff to complain about!)

I still have some port pain here and there. I am 7 weeks post-op today. My first fill was 2/25, almost two weeks ago, and that gave me some soreness, tenderness for about a week, too.

I had to do a crunch -- no numbing, though. Doc said that hurts more than the actual needle. First I did a crunch with my arms behind my head, and he outlined my port with a pen. Then he had me relax for a few seconds while he and the nurse prepared the needle, and then another crunch (and hold) while he injected. It was all over really fast, and wasn't bad at all. :-)

Are you getting enough Fiber? I use the gummies from Target.

I'm wondering how everyone is doing on their C25K journeys! We can do this. The secret is NOT STOPPING! I'm on W8D1 tomorrow, and my first 5K is in less than two weeks now. Today, I'm heading back to Fleet Feet to get new sneaks and a new sports bra, and maybe some other goodies! Someone here mentioned Moving Comfort brand sports bras so I'm going to check them out. How are you doing on C25K? I believe in you!

I don't know about the upper GI, but I just went in for my first fill (5 weeks post-op), and the nurse told me that my weight loss was on pace, and that at the 1 year check-ups, they're looking for 50% EWL. So, yes! The 55 is great! 45 to go, right?! Go, you!

I want to just add some "dittoes" to further recommend these items: - carmex/lip balm/chapstik: A MUST! I was slappin' that stuff on constantly at the hospital and upon returning home. - a sturdy pillow. My surgeon gave these out pre-op. It was very helpful to hold against my stomach in the hospital and upon returning home. - Slipper sox. Definitely great! I wore them at the hospital and upon returning home. Also, if you have pets, it would be nice to have someone there to tend to them, even after you return home. That helped a lot here. I also had Protein shots stocked at home, as well as the food others have mentioned. I was really not hungry in the first week after surgery, not at all. I needed those protein shots -- 3 oz = 20-40 grams of protein, depending on the brand.