wiredshut

Hi, Just wanted to report that I had a really nice surprise today. I actually got a call from my Dr.'s office to find out how I was doing. There's a really special nurse there, who's been following my case, as I am sure they follow all their patients. Well, it made me feel so good that I wasn't calling them. They called me. My daughter's a pediatrician and she always jokes about surgeons and how they have "different" personalities, because they don't see their patients long-term. They're in and they're out. Well, we both agree that Dr. Cunneen is very, very special and that Cedars treats their patients with great care. I think the forces of the universe were with me, because although today's the day that marked a 2.5 lb. loss last week, it was a tough "head hunger" day. Getting feedback from the doctor's office was just what I needed to "keep me going" in the right direction. Hope you're all well. Talk to you soon. Ellen

Did anyone else find that their skin broke out after banding? It's been a month and one side of my face looks a little acne-ish. I'm 62, too old for this! My blood sugar's good, so it's not that! OK! I'm stumped! HELP! By the way, what are they using for that today? I went and bought some new make-up for sensitive skin. It's not the best, but I just want something to tide me over. Also, when you first started eating solid food, did you have discomfort around the band site? I'm not eating too much, or at least nothing's coming up on me. But once in awhile, even with "wet solids" I experience "discomfort" in my mid-section. Last question for the moment: I take Vitamins with Biotin, Calcium citrate and have a little bit more balanced diet right now, but my hair is getting very dry and brittle. My doctor told me to find a shampoo with selenium in it, like Head and Shoulders, even if I don't have dandruff. Am I not hydrated enough? Should I be taking in more oil/fat? Thanks for the advice. Love, Ellen

Dear Janet, I'm praying for you and Andrew. What a scary thing to happen? Thank heaven he made it through the accident. There are so many people sending out good thoughts that good things have to come back to you. Love, Ellen

HI, Thanks for all the words of wisdom about veggies. I love them and have been afraid to try more than canned asparagus. Since I was banded July 21st, I think it's finally time to get over the "petrified about what I can eat stage." Wish me luck. I also have a question about timelines. I know it's just a matter of semantics, but when do you start counting your post surgery weight loss. Is it the day of surgery, after you've been "emptied out," which I kind of think is an unrealistic weight to start from? Is it your highest weight? Is it the weight from your doctor's appointment the week before? I know this question sounds ridiculous, but everyone asks how much I've lost and I usually just say, "This is how much from my highest weight..." Oh, well, just wondering what everyone else does. Have a great day. We're taking my grandson on a special outing today, so we're off and running. Have a great day. Love, Ellen

Hi Lori, I don't think I can answer your questions about pills, but as I sit here sneezing like crazy, I can sympathize with you about your allergies. My doctor prescribed liquid allegra, which has helped a lot. Zyrtec also makes its allergy meds in a liquid form. Claritin has a tablet that melts under your tongue. My daughter, the doc, feels that allegra and zyrtec work better than claritin, which didn't help me at all. Zyrtec was pretty good, but raised my blood sugar level. (I don't know if that would happen now, post banding, and maybe I'll give it another try.) Hope this info helps. I can't wait til the season changes, which here in sunny L.A. is going to be a long time away!!!! Be well. Love, Ellen

HI Nancy. Thanks for the welcome and for the kind words! I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear. I've only lost 11 in the one month since surgery. 35 came off before it. You are so right about my finally doing something for myself. It took me 62 years to learn that if I don't take care of myself, then I can't do anything for anyone else. Phyl, thanks for the words of advice. No, I haven't had a fill yet. I was "almost" thinking about putting it off, because half my weight is gone, but why did I have the surgery to do this without the band's help? I guess there is still some part of me that feels like I "should" be able to do this. "Should's, ought's and have to's" are the bane of my existence. No, I don't have a support group nearby. Cedars is anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes away, depending on the traffic and I just don't have the time to go there. I am finding lapbandtalk.com AMAZING! I have learned so much here and if I come to this site everyday, it could be better than a once a week support group. As for exercise, I guess I have to think if I do one thing more today than yesterday, then I'm OK. Well, I'm off to try to plan how I can be good to myself tonight, since it's been such a long day. I wonder if Dr. Cunneen stuck that sentence in my mind during surgery, because in my pre-lap band days, that was the last thing on my mind. Nice to meet you all. Ellen

I thought I was the only one over 60 to have this surgery! So many of my friends told me how crazy I was. A few told me just to live with myself at this age. AND then I found out I had diabetes. That scared the living daylights out of me and I lost 35 pounds on my own with an Atkins type diet. But my own doctor said, "Ellen, you've gained and lost so much weight over the years, isn't it about time?" He was right. I had done everything to lose weight, every diet known to man (or woman, as the case may be), even wiring my mouth shut and appearing on the Dr. Phil show. Nothing worked for any extended period of time. Until 3 AM the day of my surgery I was ready to cancel, but I knew he was right. So on July 21st I had my surgery. I asked my doctor if I were his oldest patient and he laughed as he told me that he had patients in their 70's. That made me feel a bit better. Finding this board is so reassuring, especially listening to people who are losing it slowly, like I am. I don't have the metabolism of a 20 or 30 year old and truthfully, I'm not trying to look like one. I would, however, like to be healthy, like to see my grandchildren grow up and like to be able to keep up with them as long as possible. I say that and I sound assured, don't I? Truth be told, the sluggish rate of my loss is a little distressing. I went through this and I guess I want a miracle right away! I'm also 4 weeks out of surgery and starting to feel "head hunger." Before this I was too busy healing from the lap band and hernia surgeries that hunger never became part of the mix. Now, all of a sudden, those old feelings of wanting to eat when I'm distressed or sad or lonely, or heaven forbid, angry have returned and if I'm going to "do this" I am going to have to face those emotions in order to get healthy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, how much exercise are you all getting? I read on other forums about people walking 4 and 5 miles a day. I would love to, but I'm not able to do that yet. Also, I take care of my 93 year old father and my 86 year old mother, who live with me, my 3 year old grandson, who's here 5 days a week, my husband when there's time in between and myself, sadly, last! Well, it's nice meeting you all!!!! I love reading your posts. Thanks for letting me vent. Love, Ellen

Dear Stephanie, Thank you so much for your response. You make me feel so much better and I'm actually a little less anxious, now that I've read what you wrote. So, I'm going to drink a bottle of water!!! And walk a bit more!!! And be soooooo grateful for this forum. Love, Ellen

Hi, I was banded July 21st. My weight that day probably wasn't realistic, since I had all that pre-surgery prep, which really emptied me out. Basically, given that weight, I have only lost 10 pounds in the almost 4 weeks since surgery. I had lost 35 pounds before it and that may be the reason why this weight loss is so slow. My first few weeks I know I was taking in too few calories and I'm probably not doing enough exercise, but it is still very discouraging. My starting BMI was 39. I have 40 more pounds to lose, which may be another reason why it's going so slow, but emotionally it is still very difficult, when I read how well everyone's doing. Any advice. One other thing, I'm 62 years old. Dec, 2007 - 210 pounds July 9th - 184 pounds July 21st - 174.5 pounds August 16th - 164.5 Sure could use some emotional support!!!:thumbup: (Now that I look at the above stats, I see that I've lost 20 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks. I guess that's OK!) Thanks for letting me vent. Love, Ellen

Congratulations, Lori! You have got to feel so great! I think the day I hit 50, I'll throw a party right here!!!!! Just as great is the fact that you are feeling better, too. Sometimes things really can go right in the world! Janet, what an article! You really are an inspiration to us all. I keep thinking that I really don't even want to get back to a size 5 or 6, that I'm just doing this for my health. That's partially true and health was my primary motivator. And then I look at you and say, "Why can't I wish for and work toward that kind of goal? Where is it written that women my age aren't supposed to look as good as they can?" Maybe that's my old New England childhood that saw older women in a very different light. Well, I think when I "grow up," (even though I'm 9 years older than you already) I want to be you instead!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Ellen Charlene, I'm saying prayers for your daughter.

Dear Janet, Please forgive me. I really, really didn't mean to make it sound like there was some kind of "secretive in-group" kind of thing re being part of the Dr. Phil group. When "getthin" mentioned the concept of "getting it" in regard to the fact that "we are all the same," it triggered a memory of an epiphinal moment for me. Dr. Phil's 13 were from very diverse backgrounds, as were those of us who were part of his on-going audience. So many came from different social, economic and educational backgrounds. So many differences in such a small group. Then one day when I was talking with one of the women, who just happened to be a member of the 13, I suddenly "got it" and I broke down and cried. I had spent all my life trying to be a people pleaser. I had spent all my life trying to prove something, though heaven knows what it was. (Maybe just that I was worthy!) I tried to excel. I was a type A personality and I tried to do everything and be everything to everyone and in that moment, with that woman, I "got it!" We were all the same. We all had problems. We all had demons. We were all trying to be someone, prove ourselves, justify our very existance and we were all using food to help us along the way. The special "moment" didn't have to do with Dr. Phil, it had to do with that simple and amazing realization that "we are all the same." I could stop running. I could breathe for a moment. There was this freeing feeling that I still can't put fully into words. I wish I could have, because maybe I could have held onto it. Somehow this is connected to my putting my weight back on and to the more important fact that now, in having this lap band surgery, I must deal with those issues, in order to live the life I want to live, not using food as a crutch, but facing my emotions, my fears and my everyday life, not running from it. Please forgive me if I made it sound like it was more than it was. It just "happened" at that time in my life and I am one of those people who have spent my years defining the periods in my life by, "Oh, I was thin then," or "Oh, I was at my fattest then. As for the Dr. Phil part of it, I was lucky enough to be part of a nice experience that worked for awhile and then it didn't. I went looking for a miracle and I went to the studio to just sit in the audience at one of his very first shows, that very first year. It just happened to be about weight. How I got to know Dr. Phil was by telling one of his producers, as I sat in the audience-waiting area, that I had tried everything to lose weight, including wiring my mouth shut and nothing had worked. I was considering gastric bypass way back then. They told Dr. Phil and he called on me. (This was the year BEFORE the weight loss challenge!) I told him I was looking for a miracle and he stood tall above my 5'1" frame and said, "It stops here now!" He talked to me for a few minutes and I was mesmerized. (I was part of his "Get Straight with Your Weight" audience, his very first year.) I left the studio shaking, processing everything he said and I know that his presence and those few moments sustained me over the next year and I lost about 50 pounds, never fully achieving my goal. His book hadn't even come out yet and when it did, they asked me to come back and speak. I did, proudly showing the journal I had kept over the year, but I never lost much more than that. The people were nice. I got to meet Lori!!!! We would go to some of the follow-up episodes and sit in the audience. I enjoyed it, but truthfully, something didn't work for me. As I continue on this journey I will have to figure out what that was, so that it doesn't happen again. I don't just want to lose weight this time; I want to be healthy; I don't want to be afraid of what life has to offer and to bury myself in food. I really want to live this time. So once again. Please forgive me. Love, Ellen

HI, Thank you all so much. There aren't enough words to show my appreciation for the support I've received here. I have been on this board for only 3 weeks and already I feel so close to everyone. The memorial service for my friend, Judy, was sad and beautiful. It was truly a celebration of her life and she would have been so pleased. 300 people turned out. And I did find the right words. Some came to me that Sat. night and some Sun. morning. Somehow it all came together. Thank you for your caring. Janet, your words in your last posts, were so amazing and gave me so much food for thought. When I was doing the Dr. Phil program I went to the computer and took walks, too, whenever I got the urge to eat. Now I have to be even more on top of things and even more analytical. I have to figure out why I can't handle those emotions, be grateful that there are healthier alternatives and deal with the causes, so I don't get sabatoged. I've got the band; now I have to "have myself" for strength too. Lori, so glad you're feeling better. In re to the weight, I tell you what my son-in-law keeps telling me when I get frustrated that the scale's not moving. You couldn't be doing anything more than you are already doing, so don't worry, it will come off. I also think I am going to take Janet's advice and put the scale away. If I wake up and the scale is one pound more than the day before, I go crazy. That's as unhealthy a mindset as I had when I was eating like crazy. As I've said before, I need a band around my brain, too! I'm losing about 2 pounds a week, which isn't a lot fresh out of surgery, but I have to remember that I lost over 35 pounds BEFORE the surgery, so that initial "quick drop" may have already taken place. Kathy, thanks for the hug. Becky, good luck with the fill. Getthin, yes, we are all the same and isn't it an amazing, freeing realization to "get that!" Someday I'll tell you a story about being with one of Dr. Phil's chosen 13 and my "getting it." Don't mean to tease; it's just too long a story right now. Cathy, I have the realize band, also. Do you use their website? Joann, I'm a swimmer, too. I can't wait til the doctor says I can go back in. It's the greatest stress reliever and the only sport I was ever good at. Be well, Everyone. Love, Ellen

Dear Janet, You are heaven sent; you've given me so much to think about and each statement was more important than the next. I am getting dressed to go to the memorial service and I know that everything will fall into place. So much to think about. I guess I can "grow up," or just "grow," even at my age. Love, Ellen

Thank you all for your good thoughts on the loss of my friend. Today is her memorial service and I am supposed to speak. I've been sitting at the computer for days, trying to put down the right words and they just aren't coming. How do you say good-bye to a best friend? I know when the time comes, the words will, but it's been so hard. I thank you all for your love and support. Janet, I have a question for you. Your BMI is normal, your size is great, your weight loss is amazing, but most of all your attitude is phenomenal. It's like you're "normal" or even better than that! How did you go from an "eating mindset" to a "living mindset?" It's 3 weeks out for me, tomorrow and I'm going through an angry stage. Part of this is probably due to Judy's death, but I know that part of it is from the change in being able to eat my feelings away. How do I change my head? Thank you all again. Hope today is a better day, Lori. Love, Ellen

I lost my best friend this week. I don't know why I'm posting this here and I hope it's OK that I am. When I moved to L.A. I met this wonderful woman with a daughter the same age as mine. We quickly became friends and there hasn't been a holiday in 33 years that our families haven't spent together. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that we haven't talked, shared our joys and sadness, given each other advice, gossiped a little and shared our lives. We thought our families would grow old together and that we'd be watching our grandchildren and someday our greatgrandchildren - together. Our husbands were friends, too. She died this week, after a long illness and a great deal of pain. My heart has an emptiness in it that I can't even begin to explain. Judy, my friend, was rooting me on, encouraging me to have the surgery and applauding me when I did. She was one of the few friends in my life who felt this way. Ironically and on a much more mundane note, I've only lost 1 pound this week and I'm wondering why that is the case, since I'm still on liquids and Protein drinks and am eating so few calories a day. My sadness has kept me from moving too much, but somehow I feel I should have lost more in the almost 3 weeks since surgery. Judy asked me everyday how I was doing, even from her hospital bed. So much running around inside my head and heart. Thanks for letting me share my pain here. Love, Ellen

So glad your biopsy came back OK. That can be the scariest thing in the world. You're right about being a little less nervous if you have to go through this again. My Mom is prone to fibrous masses and I have a number of calcifications that they watch. Thank heaven, each time we get tested it turns out to be the same thing, so maybe that will be the case for you. Prayers are with you!!!! Love, Ellen

HI, For years I've suffered from yeast infections under the "apron area." I've been on Lotrisone, Nystatin, Nystatin Powder, Gold Bond and so much more. What I found was that when my blood sugar was in check (low), the infections decreased and were much more manageable. Well, 2 weeks ago tomorrow, I was banded. My blood sugar, thank heaven, is PERFECT! BUT, I have the worst yeast infection that I've ever had. I don't know if it was aggravated by the antibiotics from surgery or from the Protein that I've been having or from the milk component in the Protein shakes I have everyday. Does anyone have any idea about food being related to these infections? Thanks for the help. Ellen

HI, Well, tomorrow it will be two weeks since my banding. This past week I only lost 1 pound and I don't understand it at all. I am drinking the Isopure and my intake equals less than 400 calories a day. I am walking, but not a lot. Shouldn't I have lost more than that? In the two weeks total, I've lost 7 pounds. HELP! I need advice, because I'm really sad. Love, Ellen

I think I have a ticker. Thanks to all for the education. All is going fairly well here. After 8 days the pain has lessened; sleep is still a great necessity, not that it ever isn't and I'm still in a post-op mode. The shakes and Clear Liquids go down pretty easily, but I'm having fewer than 500 calories a day, probably fewer than 400, and I don't think that's enough. Tomorrow, I think I will have to "eat" more regularly, on a real schedule, and see what happens. Maybe then I'll have more shakes and not feel quite as tired. On another note: I have the Realize Band. I'm not sure if I have it because it is better or because my Doctor at Cedar's is the one doing the studies and the write-ups on it. For those who have the choice, all I can say is that the reads on it seem pretty good. It's a 9 CC band and I'm not quite sure what that means yet, as opposed to the 10 that most of my friends are now getting and the 14 that my son-in-law has. The on-site support is supposed to be an incredible added plus, but I find the site a bit unwieldly and I haven't found a Forum on it, which I think would be of most service to the patients. I have learned MORE here than anywhere and I wouldn't trade this forum for anything. Lori, my Dr. doesn't want me on mushies for 3 weeks. That seems like a long time and an awful lot of chocolate shakes!!!!! My son-in-law did remind me tonight, however, that I have to keep drinking Water, because excess Protein needs to be flushed from the system, too. From someone who didn't want to be preoccupied with eating and food, that seems to be all I can think about. I can't wait to have a little more energy, so I can balance this regiment with "life." Talk to you all again soon. Love, Ellen

I went to ticker factory and created one for myself, but no matter what I do, I can't get it on to this website. Would someone be so kind as to walk me through how I do this? I feel like such an idiot. Thanks a million. Love, Ellen P.S. Hubby took me to the mall (not to shop!), but to walk. We walked for about an hour and I've been pooped the rest of the day. There is something to be said for moderation!!!!

Kathy, you said you were banded July 21st, my day, too. How is your recovery coming? I hear about these people who are running around already and that isn't me sadly. I try to do a few things and walk a little in the morning. By afternoon, I'm pooped! I still have gas, but all in all am improving everyday. I also guess it's time to use benefiber! Janet, I tried your link on page 17, but it didn't work for me. I'd love to chart my progress. How do I do that? Where do I click? Lori, 5 inches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!! I guess I have to start measuring now, too. Thanks, Ellen, a not too computer savvy new friend

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone! They really meant a lot, especially since I was about to back out before the surgery. This week has been one of rest and recovery. This has been the first day that I really felt like sitting down at the computer. The surgery itself went pretty well. I'm another one who had a hiatal hernia and the doctor told my husband that from the size of it, he couldn't believe that I hadn't been in a great deal of pain before this. Surgery wasn't bad. GAS WAS! Everyday, I walk around the back yard, lap by lap, morning and evening. It's been too hot during the day to do much more than walk around my house a little. By afternoon I've needed to nap anyway. Today, as I said, is the first day I feel like myself. Still some discomfort, but I can do some things around the house. I've come to realize that not everyone can get up and run around right away. Three days after my son-in-law's banding he went to a basketball game. No way for me and that's OK. I'm taking care of my body now and that means listening to it, something I had never really learned to do. (I have this theory about there being a correlation between overweight and people pleasing!!!!!!) Well, now is time for me and even taking a nap is "OK." I've actually been a little afraid to eat, or "drink" as the case may be. Lots of sipping!!!!! I'm supposed to be on clear liquids and Protein drinks for 3 weeks. I don't know how I'll get in 75 g of protein a day. I'll just keep trying. It's early. Thanks again for all the advice and good wishes. Finding this board right before the surgery was a gift from heaven. Love, Ellen Lori, gall bladder!!!!! My turn to pray for you. I'll write soon.

And I'm off to have my surgery! I'm still scared to death, but I wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the inspiration and good advice I've gotten here. Wish me luck. Ellen

Lori, Yes, it's me!!! Oh, my gosh, what a small world. My e-mail is still the same, if you have it. Please, please contact me!!!! We have so much to share. Love, Ellen

HI! I was just wondering what size and types of band you have been banded with. My son-in-law's doctor uses a size 14. His father on the other hand was banded with a size 4. One doctor I spoke with wanted to use a 10 and another wanted to use the Realize band that expands to a 9. What does "expand to" mean?" Does that mean it isn't really a 9. I so want to make the right choice. Help! PLEASE! What do you have and what worked for you! Thank you