StevieVieth

I wasa thin child, until I hit puberty when was 8.. Yes, I know so young! But after that I was always on the chubby side. From about 12 or 13 till I was 16-17 was160's to 170's I finally had enough and developed eating disorders both anorexia and bulimia for about 4 to 6 months. ALong with a 2 year binge on diet pills constantly and over using. I drastically lost and abundant amount of weight I was down to about 118 lbs and I was content with that. I am however only 4'10ish 4'11 at the most. So I wasnt completely skin and bones. I was a comfortable size 5. I am extremely busty and curvacious. I maintained that weight till I was 20 and got pregnant with my son. I gained 80 lbs when I ws pregnant and when I had my son I became severely depressed and obsessed about my weight. I have binged and purged since having my son only with guilt. But in the last year and a half I have decided I needed to do something about it. I was told I was borderline type 2 diabetic, and borderline thyroid. Nothing they can help me with... So I have been doing well I have lost 24 lbs since surgery 2 months ago and I only have 58 more to lose I am happy with my choice to get the lapband!:thumbup:

Hello All,

Just wanted to share - today I reached 25% weight loss goal. I am SO excited!

Happy Mothers Day to all you moms!

Cynthia

Congrats, Im am that far too!!!!! I have lost 24 lbs in 2 months, they say they want everyone to reach 40% by one year. At the rate that I am going I will be there before 1 yr. Ive only been doing this 2 months.!!! I got my second fill yesterday 2 more cc's. So I have 6cc's in a 10 cc band. I have restriction. They told me that if I dont reach restriction this fill, then in 4 weeks I will 99% chance reach my sweet spot!

I actually have the exact opposite. My port is actually really tricky to locate, unless I am laying down. When I have my fills ( I have had 2 so far), They have to position the needle on an angle to get it in the port. It is not the most comfortable and I usually have some bruising and port pain afterward.

Kelsey, dont sweat the small things. I am always back and forth with how I feeel about myself and this procedure. I kind of thought that eventually after I had surgery the weight would come right off!!!! Even though I know its not true. I kind of wish that I knew about the surgery earlier and I would have had more time to recover and lose weight before the summertime hit.

Once you get some fills you might feel differently. Like lastnight I was so down on myself but today I am alright. I played hooky last monday and didnt go to therapy, which I think it is essential to talk to someone about the whole proccess. So I think that is what bothered me this week. And to top it off my hubbys bestfriends ex girlfriend, kept referring to me as fat, and that I should shop where her mom shops. The thing is .... SHes bigger then me!!!!! But because I got the lapband done, I guess she thought I was HUGE, like her mom. I am 4'10 and I weigh in the 180's I was 209 at my heaviest, but because I am so short the weigh isnt good for my health at all. I mean it really hurt when she would say things....

Anyways enough ranting thats what my BLOG is for. I go in at 11:45 for my next fill. I wonder how much I will get and such!:thumbup:

I was banded march 2nd and I am down almost 30 lbs since then. Today is my 2 month being banded I have my second fill on wednesday. I currently have 4cc's in a 10cc band!

I just went with my hubby to see Nightmare on Elm street the other night. Friday. WE did get a small popcorn no additional toppings like butter. I only had 2 handfuls and I was great. I dont drink soda and I havent since before the band. I only had soda when I need the carbination. When I was pregnant I had to have it everymorning before I got outta bed. I use to take lots of things to the movies. I dont carrt a purse so usually has to fit in my pockets. I allow myself something like a treat.

I was banded 3/2 and I go in for my second fill on wednesday. I have 4cc's in my band.

Breakfast- 8 oz fat free milk with a no sugar added carnation instant breakfast.

Lunch- 1/2 tuna wrap or canned tuna without bread or wrap and some cut fruit. I really like pinapple lately.

Dinner- 4 oz chicken or fish. and some veggies I dont really weight or measure my veggies I just take a little portion. If I do broccoli it is like 6 florets.

Snack- I try not to snack alot, and if I do its usually a low fat string cheese. I have sorento and they are 50 calories. Or I have some fruit

Stevie

Your numbers are very similar to mine banded 3/8

Highest weight 210

Current 183

Goal 135

First fill 4/5

Next 5/3

Now how tall are you? I am only 4'10 so the weight is hard to bear on a little body. I go in for my next fill this wednesday! I am hoping for something around 2 more cc's I can still eat, slight restriction here and there but almost nothing at all and I have 4cc's in a 10 cc band!I am just thankful that I can doo things that I couldnt 20 lbs heavier! People are noticing that I have been losing weight, I am finally back into Jr's size clothing, well atleat the XL's but I always had problems with shirts ebcause I am big chested, even when I was 120 lbs I had a 32 DD, Now Im a 38 DD but 20 lbs heavier I was 42DD.

All you ladies in NY and Nj we should all meet up this summer. Im not far from AC or Ocean City and the summer it would be nice to walk the boardwalks an I think it would be fun!!!!!!

:thumbup::thumbup:

Hi all....

Lord its been a hell of a last two weeks.

Why??? simply because im a sucker. Yes....thats it really.

It all started on Thursday when I was asked to foster a dog..who btw will be featured as pet of the week on the "Today Show" on Thursday.

Since we moved to the five towns area a year and half ago we gave up fostering dogs, from the ASPCA. Kill shelter in NYC. We fostered about 8 dogs so far...but after moving to an apt....it just wasnt condusive...however....

heres the sucker part.....this dog who happens to have been a stray and found is such a mush and a very polite guest!! As a matter of fact hes the perfect pet.

NO, NO, NO, cannot will not keep him! I want to but cant.

Why??? My life is so up in the air...each day is well a suprise even for me...there is nothing consistant about me or my life! How can I adopt another dog?? In an apt??? no backyard??

He is a gorgeous black lab. Well behaved and great nature..sweet, calm and did I say perfect??

He has attached himself to my daughter and wherest she goes that dog goes with. Hes 2 yrs old.

The question is what possessed me to say yes to fostering un the first place.

This weekend was so busy....We were out all day Sunday so needed a dog walker and the dog was okay....but I worried about him...yesturday I needed to drive him to the city for a groom so that he can be all cleaned up for the shoot. SO, I drove him before work then picked him up after work....Then had to run to the gym for a traning, didnt get home till 9.

So had to pay the babysitter an extra two hours.

Tomorrow....I have to come home from Bklyn to come home and pick dog up and bring him to city by 8 at night..so he can be ready to go on set Thursday early..and then pick him up again on Thursday.

Why oh Why did I volenteer....I dont have the time for this!

Its hard enough to find time during the day for everything as is.

Okay...well he is the sweetest and would hate to think if him staying at that shelter for a week or so until adoption....and with the kill shelter...they get 3 days...if not adopted they are euthenized. No dog should have that happen...but couldnt it have been another foster parent??

well....enough venting about the dog, Whos name is Boomer.

So.....Dassi had an audition with a director Sunday and got an honorable mention however did not get a contract. Owell.....have another one next one and then another two to go...perhaps one of these big ones will like her enough for even a little role. As I cannot deal with taking her to a thousand auditions to get "one yes" Id rather shlep the foster dog around all day!

My brother had a baby boy sunday!! This sunday is the Bris. Monday my friends mother passed away so went to the funeral and tonight went to pay a shiva call...I also needed to take my dog to the vet. Didnt arrive home till 9.

Tommorow will not prove to be any less busy....

hence....it will be just as stressful. I have a Pulminary doctor apt at 8 and then work afterwhich taking the dog to the city and then I have a meeting at Dassis school to discuss the next years bat mitzvah girls program. Dassi has Karate at 7. The meeting is at 7:45. So.....how the heck??? Its a wonder how I ever have time to work in between the rest of my life.

Calgon take me away!

SO, Im a little peeved that I do not have enough time to get the gym each day. If I didnt have the two set times per week with the trainer...I know I would never ever get to that gym. Unfortunately the 8 sessions are over and now need to make a decission about continuing.

I know I must have this...for at least 6 months. so what to do?? I could think of the old fashioned way to make the money for this...$2,500. but, unless I loose another 40 llbs overnight and regress in age 20 yrs.....I dont think thats an option. (besides it isnt something that I can do) so ill have to think of how to do this!

I must. So I will somehow! I have nothing left to sell am behind on basicallly everything....so ill have to think real hard!! I hate that...as it always included crunching numbers over and over!

so, its been a busy day, week and it isnt stopping....perhaps this is a good thing, not concentrating on food all day.

Speaking of food....Ive been keeping up with the 900 cal a day...this seems to be okay..for now. Im not hungry for more at the moment. Been keeping up with 40 gr, pt. a day. Lost another 3 llbs since last week. Liqiud is my problem. I cannot get enough water....I fill several bottles of water..but each time I take a sip...I put it down and then I move and I its gone....

Ive lost so many Water bottles throughout the day that I cant keep up with loosing all these bottles and the loss of the water that im not drinking.

well...im dizzy just writing about my week...so im sure everyone else is as well!! SO will stop now.

Have a great night all.

Jodi

Jodi you are very busy. But you need to make sure you have time to yourself to keep up with your new banded life. Especially the working out part. I dont have money to go to a gym but I am steadily losing weight and working out in my living room!

Good afternoon March Bandsters.

Glad to see everyone is doing well and everyone is having steady weight loss. I am working hard on this. =) my second fill:thumbup: is 5/5

Even when I was small I had DD boobs and not small DD's Large DD's almost popping out of my bra. My breasts are probably the only thing I like about my body now. Ive gone through the weight gain and loss all my life and it never really affected my chest area at all. I didnt breast feed my son because I was Iron deficent anemic and I was on pain medication because he ripped in 3 spots. So the dr recommended that I didnt breast feed. Plus I also heard that it is terrible for your chest it actually causes them to sag and I love mine. What I am concerned about is my lower abdomen and my tattoos when I need a tummy tuck.:thumbup:

I have one on my foot and one on my upper back, which is the one I am worried about!!!! I guess I will have to keep my fingers crossed!! :wink:

I have 20 tattoos. I was recently tattooed on the 20th of April and still going. The only one I am worried about is the 4 on my hips. Although I was 250lbs when I got them done and then lost weight and they looked fine when I was 120 lbs. THey still look fine at 188 lbs. What I am worried about is that I had a baby 2 years ago which caused my weight gain . So I have like a little preggo pouch/flap close to my pelvic area and if it doesnt spring back when I lose the weight then I will have to have them removed.. Which is not an option. But all of my other tattoos look great.:eek:

I am sad when I come on here now.. Everyone is losing more then me.. I am 277, was 290 day of surgery thats only 13 lbs since march 19. I am working out hard at the gym.. doing 40 mins of cardio 5days a week, weight lifting 4x a week ... My food choices havent been great but its still WAY less then i was eating before...

Dont be sad. Your still losing and not gaining look at it that way. As long as it is coming off! I only started @ 209 but I am also 4'10" so it made me look super heavy, but I am down to 188lbs when I got my fill. I still get frustrated I want to be down way down . 2 years ago I was only 120 lbs but then I got pregnant. It all went downhill from there. Today I was actually able to by a Jr size XL and not plus size.:biggrin:

I have the 10 cc allergan band - so it's essentially 1/2 full. When she did the barium fluro, you could tell that the liquid wasn't moving through as easily as she wanted it. So, she pulled a bit out. But, I swear, I'm more hungry now than before. And my hunger is worse in the morning than at night. But, it's still there. For instance, this morning I drank a 100 calorie muscle milk light shake and it's 11:15 and I'm STARVING. Usually lunch (very small) holds me over til 3 or so, then I eat 4 slices of turkey. (50 calories) Then, I'll eat dinner around 6. (Which holds me over for the night)

I eat probably around 800-1000 calories/day.

I have the Lap Band Ap. and I have 4cc. I would talk to the Doctor, each doctor is different. They may be able to give your more hints on what to eat to keep you full. My doctor says protein.. all day long.

Thanks so much for the posts. This is very encouraging. I'm 24 and I'll be doing my surgery May 5th.

What about social life? How has that changed?

I am 23 and I was banded 3/2/09 I have lost 22lbs since surgery, I have dropped down my BMI by 2 already, and I am still going. I am down from 209 to 188 so far. I have had my first fill on the 14th of April and I will be having my next one on the 10th of may. Socially it has not affected anything. I still have an active social life and I get out. I am careful what I eat when I am out and I make sure if I am out I am always walking. I have a husband and a 2 year old son and since being banded I am able to play with him more!!! I am looking forward to this summer and being able to get out and do my thing. I am open and honest about my band I let people know about it, if they choose to judge me then thats their own problem not mine. So far I have so much support and I dont regret it at all.:thumbup:

Looks like everyone is doing well. That's awesome! :ohmy:

I had my first fill yesterday. I have 5 ccs total. I thought it was a bit aggressive. She originally was going to give me 6 and tested to see what I had in there (she said they usually put a little in the band) and I had 2 ccs, so she filled me up but the barium wasn't moving through like she wanted so she pulled a little out. I'm at 5 total.

I swear, I was more hungry today than I normally am. Not sure what that is about. I couldn't eat a lot at lunch. I felt like I was going to hurl, so I know that's restriction but it doesn't last as long as I was hoping. This morning, my Protein Shake did not last near as long as they normally do.

Hope everyone is doing good!

I have a total fill of 4cc's and in the morning I am often not hungry and I am full after my Protein shake, and I feel more restricted at night time. What size band do you have? I have a 10cc I go for my next fill 5/10 I wonder how much they will give me then,

I visited your blog and brought along a few of my blog-buddies. I hope you don't mind:wink2: It will incent you to blog more. I never thought I'd be one to blog but I am finding it so helpful and informative. Have fun with it too! Its all good. We have a man or two but for the most part its women of all ages with a common goal.

The Planet fitness is a chain and there motto is "no judgement zone" style fitness. My daughters, 23 and 19 love it. They are opening up new ones all the time so look out for one. Where are you located by the way? I am in Florida. I heard someone saying they have Brighthouse cable and they have Leslie on demand also. I have Brighthouse and I can't find it on mine!

I am from New Jersey! we have comcast cable, a few years back I used to have leslie sansones dvd buy I had lost an extremem amount of weight an unhealthy way and maintained the weightloss till I got pregnant. SO I gave the dvd's to someone else. I think I will get some for mothers day from my husband. Lately Cardioke is my thing. THe creator of Cardioke is Billy blanks jr. The son of the guy who created tae bo. Its fun in california they actually have cardioke classes. Well I am off to paint my kitchen!!!

Do you have a Planet Fitness near your home Stevie? It is really only $10/month! Both my daughters go to one and they swear its great! If not, buy some dvds to help keep you motivated. I love the Leslie Sansone Walking away the lbs. series. She adds hand weights for added resistance and it works.

Good luck with the exercise, lord knows we all need it!

No I do not have a planet fitness by me, I have never heard of it before. I swear by Leslie Sansone and her walk away the lbs. Lately I have been doing a 2 mile brisk aerobic walk with cardio that she has on demand from my local cable provider. It is refreshing it counts down in the corner so you can see how fast it is to really walk 2 miles in your home.:thumbup:

Had my fill Thursday. Was allowed to eat regularly last night - 2.5cc and no restriction :thumbup:

Most individuals wont reach restriction til about 6 or 7 cc's. I have more restriction in the morning then I do at night. I am only at 4cc's

Hi Guys,

Had my first fill today and a meeting with the nutritionist. I was really nervous about the fill, and even though it took a but of rooting aroung, in reality it only took about 30 seconds. I even asked him if he was sure that he got it in the port:smile2: Didn't hurt at all. I found out that I have a 10cc band and 2.5 cc fill today. Surgeon said that most people find their sweet spot around 7cc.

Tomorrow will be 6 weeks and I am down 30 pounds. I know this is still the honeymoon stage, but I am SO happy!!! Yesterday my MD took me off my blood pressure meds, and since the surgery I have not found it necessary to take my Nexium - I AM ON NO MEDS:thumbup:

Tonight, tomorrow's breakfast and lunch I am on liquids - then Mushies for 2 meals and then back to soft food for a day.

Six weeks until my next fill.

Cynthia

Surgery 3-5-10 350lb

First Fill 4-15-10 2.5cc

Current 4-15-10 320lb

Thats great down 20 lbs! I lost 22! the fill doesnt hurt. I dont know about you but some places numb the area, my Dr.'s office doesnt and it took two tries to get it but I was out of there in 10 minutes. My Dr puts in 4 cc's the first time, then not sure how many the next, but we go in every 4 weeks for a fill! Goodluck!

Hi all....hope you are all having a good week.

Well.....this week has been really busy and all with taxes due tomorrow. Got my in today and glad I did...as I will be getting a return on both fed and state....thats a first!

So, food is getting a bit boring now. Mushy foods are well mushy and I want to start chewing? Tired of the grinding and blending. The foods are basic. A poached egg for Breakfast, Protein shake for lunch, ground something for lunch and a dairy cheese something for snack...water, Water water...and dinner about 5 forkfuls of fish. Then its Water water water.

This week...I thought I need something else...im going bonkers. So, I added steel cut oats, chumus with white Beans, and chili. These are also mushy foods.

Next week I will go to reg foods and maybe get a fill the following...maybe ill get one next week..not sure.

How about a Y? or a Community center? The parks dept runs several different activity centers around NY one or two in different boros. Do they have any where you are? I know that they have one here in Far Rockaway that I visited that cost 50 dollars a year. The place was a dump but the exercise room was brand new! There are several others in other boros that were brand new and gorgeous. However If this site was closer to home and had a car park I would have joined, regardless of the dumpy building.

I ended up joining the gym and am paying $68 monthly. I dont have this money but I cannot and do not do exercise so must must have help.

I signed up for their spring training deal which is 6 sessions for 50 bucks. Im onto my second session and I know there would be no way in hell I would do any of what this trainer gets me to with him. So, this is where I think I will be spending my money for the next year. Money I dont have but I hope will be well worth it. I was supposed to be going to do the cardio equipment on the days I dont train with him privately as of yet...that um hasnt happened.

Im hoping for tomorrow. Im just so busy and I have my daughter that im not sure about how to schedule time.

Cool. So glad you got it though....I allready know exactly what it feels like as in the hospital they took out some that first day....so im not nurvous at all, now im just nurvous about how im going to be afterwards, if ill start to throw up again like the first night and have to have them take out the solution. Just take it slow...if you feel its too much when you start eating again go back to liquids for a day or so. Take it slow, let us know how you do. Hope all goes well.

Thats great. 22llbs is great!! Good going!! I agree, the thought of eating a fry?? Im afraid just thinking about the possible after affects. I did have a small chili from Wendys they are only 170 cal. and are only meat and Beans. Thats as far as any fast food I hope to go.

Its interesting....I hear what you are saying about the eating. I dont feel like I have the band in at all any more. I can drink about 8 oz now at a time well not at one time but over a few minuets. Two weeks ago I couldnt drink two oz so fast.....I can eat, just like you said but after a few bites of whatever it is I stop but I think I can keep eating....Im not really sure when ive had enough? or when I should have had enough? when I should stop? am I not eating enough?

I asked this at the support group. They said are you feeling full? if so your good. Are you eating when you are hungry? if so good. The thing about the band is...they said.....is its not a switch....its not going to shut off when youve had enough and not allow you to eat more after. Its your brain that needs to say..stop youve had enough thats it.

This is the hard part...this is retraining your brain...the same brain..that needs to learn to say noooo Im not going to have this food or that food etc etc, Its all about changing the way we think about food...and the way we eat...if we dont do that then no diet, no band, nothing is going to help, the band is a tool only. We have to do the work ourselves in changing the foods and how we eat them.

I have gone out to eat with friends and family and I will have fish. Its good that I like fish otherwise id be a very unhappy camper. I did have steamed fish for the first time last night and um that didnt go over well. Had no taste but it was a chinese restaurant so no special orders was allowed. Grilled or baked would have been fine.

Live and learn I guess. Ive limited my total carb to 8% per meal and sugar intake to no more then 5-7 grams of sugar, not really concerned with calories or fat as the numbers above wont be anything to worry about with fat or too many calories.

I also havent had any of the "whites" and I really dont miss them...hope that will continue! Its been two months and im not going to anytime soon. (I hope).

I tell people right away.....they say wow you look great...what is it?? you lost weight.. have you? and I tell them. Yes, I have ive gotten the LAP-BAND® and they ask questions and thats it. Most people are supportive....havent as of yet had any negative feedback...im sure that will come soon enough.

Encouragement and education is really important, keep up the great work!! well must go to sleep. Long day ahead tomorrow.

Have a great night all and keep up the great work all!!! Its olmost a month for everyone pretty much.....and we are olmost up to getting our first fills. Let us know how that goes for everone.....Good luck for all those who are getting their fills this week!!!

Jodi

I wasnt worried or nervous about it hurting. I have 19 tattoo's and I am not afraid of needles. The Dr was like obviously not since I see yoru tattoos after saying are you nervous about the big needle. It was amusing.Glad you are doing well. The fitness center where my bariatric surgeon is cost 52 monthly or 37 monthly depending on if you want restricted hours or not. This is basically the discount for bariatric patients I will talk about it at support group on monday. Ill try and get some insight on some of this. Im excited 22 lbs in one month, the Dr said that most people gain weight before a fill and was so happy that I lost 6 lbs since my last appointment. Well I am off to sleep my port sight is a little sore from the fill today, she had to poke around a little,

I'm in my pre opt diet and very excited to start my journey on 4-27 when I get my LAP-BAND®. My question is I got flinstone Gummy multivitamins, but was told that they do not have the required "B" Vitamins that are needed. Plus I'm having a hard time deciding on getting a chewable Calcium w/ citrate or capsule? Please let me know what your suggestions are or what you are using! Thank you!:thumbup:

I have been using one a day womens Multivitamin and I cut the caplet in half before I take it. So far it doesnt taste bad and it goes down quick. I know some chewable vitamins can leave a gross taste in your mouth.:thumbup:

Awesome Congrats! :thumbup: Did the fill hurt?

No it was weird though. I had to do a crunch and the Dr found the port. Then drew a circle around the port and got the needle ready. THe dr didnt get it on the first try but I ended up with 4cc's Im happy. liquids today softs tomorrow and then regular on friday. Not to bad I go back may 10th to get another one! It is a little sore now.

Yay so I had my first fill today, and it wasnt bad. Although a little difficult getting the port on the first try. I have lost 6 more lbs!!!!!! Im down 22 since one week pre op. So 22 lbs in a little over a month isnt bad.

THey put 4cc's in my band which is cool, I go back in 4 weeks for another one. I cant wait. Today is liquids, tomorrow is soft foods and Ill be back on my full diet friday.

:cool:

with the scale. What is wrong with me. I weighed on Monday and was down a total of 50lbs, I was so excited!! Then against my better judgment I weighed again today and gained 2lbs..ughh. Now I am a nurse, and know it's probably Fluid blah blah but why can't I just weigh once a week??

I swear I am thinking of throwing this stupid scale out the window. How did you keep yourself from being obsessed with the scale?

I dont own a scale, just cause I know I will become obsessed with it.However I do eventually want to get one. I go in for my first fill today in an hour and I am anxious to see my weight loss total. I know if it is not much I will tend to be a little upset but I know it is something.:cool: