tonya66

Okay - enough of my self sabotage, its time to kick it up and get the body I've always wanted. I'm so pumped. My knee still burns and I have not been able to climb a step yet, but I am ready to hit the gym! I will just have to modify my exercises. Its time to adopts the NO MORE EXCUSES rule. I cannot and will not be making any more excuses. I have this wonderful tool inside me (also known as "the band") and it is time to use it and quit eating around it! I'm starting a 2008 12 week exercise challenge, begins 1/7/08. I'm so excited to get back into the exercise. I can't wait for my fill on 1/18. I need it so bad! I need to measure tonight and I'm going to start planning my meals better. Today Bfast 4 slices of bacon (70 calories for 2 slices - very small & thin) coffee with cream Lunch 1 cup of lettuce 2 oz of chicken on top 1 oz of cheese a few sunflower seeds balsamic/olive oil dressing snack LC SF yogurt a handfull of granola dinner - Water - suppliments - quickslim30, flinstones

Yay! We are going to hit our goals and be in the best shape of our adult life in 2008!

Cindi - you are woman, hear you roar! Wow, having twins at over 7 lbs each is almost not heard of. The good thing though is I bet they were healthy and didn't have to stay in the hospital. My grandfather was a twin and my great grandmother carried them (we are assuming full term) because my grandpa weighed over 10 lbs and his twin sister was 8. My mother was also a twin, however, she only weighed 4 lbs and her twin sadly died at birth. I'm disgusted with food. All I've done the past month since my unfill is eat, eat, eat, and I've eaten nothing but sugar. I am to the point that I am sick of all of it. I'm ready to get serious again and get to my goal! Good for you getting to the gym! Yes, it makes totally sense, I feel the same way, I feel bloated down with nothing but horrible junk in my system. Its time to get serious and head to the gym. I think my DH is finally on board to get the gym too. He came home from a hunting trip and was telling me how horrible shape he is in. He is not over weight at all (I call him "skinny fat"), he just is so out of shape now that he has a desk job and is 45 years old. So, he might be my new workout partner.

Shawn - ditto! whenever I'm feeling down, I can always turn to this thread for support. I think next year is just going to be so exciting for all of us, we are on our road to either maintenance or losing the final weight. We are finally figuring the band out, we know what to do and what not to do. Tonya

Exercise challenge thread - come on everyone - its right around the corner, who is in? http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f88/exercise-challenge-2008-a-47589/#post661630

Okay, as we gear up for our 1 year Band Anniversary, and focus on hitting our goals (some of us are at goal, and some are still trying to get there), it time to make exercise a part of life. Challenge begins January 7th, 2008 (Monday). I would recommend taking a before picture, just so you can compare it. You can weigh in and post your weight here, or keep track of it yourself, that is your option. Also, take your measurements, a lot of time with exercise, you will lose inches first. I would recommend measuring every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks so you can compare your results. What to measure: Chest area - I measure around my breast area -just be consistant on where you measure Waist - I measure around my belly button area Hips - I measure the largest part of my hips Thighs - measure your right or left, just be consistant calves - again, the left or right and be consistant on where you measure and which side you measure. Okay - there you go. If you want to join, just chime in and say your in the challenge. We can update every day, or once a week, or whatever. Remember, this is a challange to ourselves. We have to keep our promises we make to ourselves and our commitment. You deserve it! The challenge will run for 12 weeks - Begins 1/7/08 to 3/30/08. If you exercise at least 4 to 5 days a week, I promise you, when 3/30/08 comes around, you will not stop. It will become a part of your life and you will learn to LOVE IT. Best wishes to all, now put down that piece of pumpkin pie, or whatever leftovers you may have after xmas, and get to the gym, or something. :rose:

I'm ready! What a wonderful year it has been. Just think, this time last year we were nervous, wondering what our lives were going to be like with the band, etc. Now we are banded and considered "experienced" bandsters now. lol, my how time flys.

Cindi - congratulations on a remarkable weightloss! Your one of my band twins! I was banded 1/18/07 too!

Has anyone has Smartlipo done? And if so, were you happy with it? I am hearing reports that it is much better than regular lipo and it tightens your skin. I go next month for consultation with a local doctor who does it - Dr. Masters Mexico. I want multiple areas done - so not sure how much it would be. I'm also looking into having it done in Mexico by Dr. Lopez - Versalles Center - Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. I'm looking for anyone who has experience with Smartlipo and how this would affect us with the band.

Audree - great NSV! I have a new NSV too. I finally bought me some tall boots to wear with my dresses - they fit! I've never been able to wear them before because my calves were always too big. Also, I'm checking into Smart Lipo, anyone heard about it? I have a consultation next month with a doctor and I'm going to get some prices, if its too expensive, I'm thinking about going to see Dr. Lopez in TJ, MX - she is at the Versalles Center in Mexico. Anyone ever heard of her? I've doing a lot of research on Smartlipo and I've heard good things about it and its less invasive than other surgeries. I just have huge thighs and fat pockets on them and this is supposed to help with cellulite (I hate cellulite). Anyhow, just checking into it at this point.

Loser28 - we are now posting under the monthly support forrum - click the link below and it will take you there. Anyone here? But to answer your questions - yes, I guess I'm ready. I'm not as goal as I had hoped to be, but I'm still happy with my progress. I'm a lot better off this January than I was last January! <!-- google_ad_section_end -->

PS - I believe there are others on here that have thyroid problems and have lost - despite that, but I will let them post their own experience.

Your right - surgery should be the last resort. Before entering into ANY surgery you should research and make sure there is no medical conditions. Lap band is for overeaters, like me. Someone who has lost weight before and I gain it back - over and over and over. So, Lap Band surgery has been my answer and I love it and have no regrets. My cousin on the other hand, she had the thyroid problem, she opted for RNY instead, well, she has not lost a pound in 8 months now, yes she lost in the beginning, 60 or 70 lbs, but then it stopped. I actually have lost more than she has with my band. I feel sorry for her. Anyhow, your post is informative, however, its not a waste to money for all.

Most docs do an upper GI before surgery, but perhaps not all. It has been my experience that when the doctor goes in to place the band and they find a HH, they will repair at that time. However, some docs might not if it is a very large one. My hernia was large and the most rare, but, my doc knew about it before the surgery and repaired it. I have not had acid reflux since my day of surgery. Oh, it feels wonderful! I had stage 4 esopogitus, and the next stage would be Barretts Esaphagus, which leads to cancer, so I'm so thankful for the band, wihtout it I would not have even known that I was headed down the road to cancer. I had complained for years to my PCP about my reflux, and he just kept giving me more anti acids - which did not do the trick. I just figured it was something that I would suffer with all my life. Wrong, its completely gone now!

Sometimes being a woman is just hard! I'm not sure what in the world is going on but 2 weeks ago on the 7th, I got my visit from TOM, which was 10 days early! Now, two weeks later, I get it a gain. This makes two visits in 1 month! I hate that. Heck, no wonder I can't lose weight. I keep having my monthly which bloats me up. No wonder my cravings are so intense. It all makes sense now. Its frustrating but what can I do about it. I've got horrible cramps today too. No wonder I felt so wide open this past week. I think I might get on the b/c pill just to regulate me, but I sure don't want to gain weight with b/c pills.

Sometimes being a woman is just hard! I'm not sure what in the world is going on but 2 weeks ago on the 7th, I got my visit from TOM, which was 10 days early! Now, two weeks later, I get it a gain. This makes two visits in 1 month! I hate that. Heck, no wonder I can't lose weight. I keep having my monthly which bloats me up. No wonder my cravings are so intense. It all makes sense now. Its frustrating but what can I do about it. I've got horrible cramps today too. No wonder I felt so wide open this past week. I think I might get on the b/c pill just to regulate me, but I sure don't want to gain weight with b/c pills.

Susie, so glad to see you online! We miss u! That is so great you have a workout partner, I used to have one but then everything has fallen apart with my injury. I'm going out to eat tonight with my old workout partner and her family, I might have to bring it up again, so maybe we can get motivated to get back to the gym. I think we should have a New Years challenge, how about it girls? you in? We could weigh in on 1/1 - and take our inches - and do a 3 month challenge or something , a 12 week challenge, kinda like the Body for life challenge. Maybe this could help us keep motivated for 2008. Then by spring, when we're ready to put on our summer clothes, we will have gotten in shape! Susie - I know the holidays are rough on you, just try and remember the good times and the happy memories of your sweet daughter. Spending time with the kids helps them as well. Hugs to you and your family.

Did anyone catch Larry King last night? They had the biggest Losers on them, as well as all three of the trainers. I saw the first part of it, the twins were both on, Julie but then I fell asleep. so I missed the later part of it.

Sherilynn - glad to see you post, how is your bf? My DH lost his dad 4 1/2 yrs ago, and he still hasn't gotten over it. It has gotten easier on him, but he and I miss him terribly. Hang in there, it does get better. Isn't it wonderful that you feel so in control of your food at parties. I want that feeling back! I feel like such a failure these days, but I'm trying to stay positive and keep my chin up. I'm trying not to worry about my weight and be happy how far I've come, but - I do have my weak moments, like today.

Yes we are!

Yep, having a hard time. I haven't lost in well, awhile. I keep losing the same 5 lbs over and over. I hate the winter, I'm a summer girl all the way!

Here is a link to a similar question with lots of responses from people who rode rides after banding. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/rides-after-lap-band-44050/

One other piece of info I found on the lapband official website: How will I know if I need an adjustment? Your surgeon can help you decide if you need an adjustment. If you are hungry, looking for food, and not having optimal weight-loss, you probably need Fluid added to your band. If you are experiencing early and prolonged satiety (feeling full after a small portion of food for several hours), and losing one to two pounds per week, your band is working fine, and you do not need an adjustment. If you are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, night cough, regurgitation, acid reflux or heartburn, you might need fluid removed. When your band is optimally adjusted, you should feel satisfied after eating a small portion of food, and you should still be able to tolerate most foods. If you find that you are having difficulty swallowing solid foods, you might not be chewing well enough, you might be eating too fast or your band may be just too tight. Check with your surgeon if you are not sure.

Here is a link to see the "green zone" http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/you-green-zone-25523/

I thought this was good advice: Think you need a fill again by Nikki Johnson Do you remember that feeling you had when you first had your band placed? For a while, everything was great. You didn't experience hunger, you felt satisfied with a small portion of good food, you had more energy, and you were thrilled with your initial weight loss progress.[/color][/size][/font] If you are like most people, your experience changed over time, Some of those feelings of hunger returned, and you stopped losing weight. You knew you needed something, so you went to your surgeon's office and asked for a "fill" right? If so, you might be surprised to learn that it is your thinking about your band, and not the band itself, that needs adjusting. The LAP-BAND Bad Word Paul O'Brien, MD, FRACS, is a skillful, compassionate surgeon and a foremost expert on the LAP-BAND System. he was involved in its design in the early 1990's and placed the first band in Australia in 1994. Since then, he has treated thousands of patients and is recognized worldwide for his expertise. When his patients utter that worst of four-letter words, "fill," in his office, they are asked to throw a dollar in the Red Cross donation bucket--a reminder that, according to Dr. O'Brien, thinking about a "fill" is just wrong thinking. How can a concept that we hear about so constantly be so very wrong? Dr. O'Brien's answer is simple: "Any adjustment to the band is something that only takes place in the context of clinical consultation--part of a relationship of trust, honesty and communication between patient and surgeon--that is much more key to the success of the patient than the precise number of milliliters of Fluid in the band. This concept of partnership is the central theme of Dr. O'Brien's new book, The Lap-Band Solution--A Partnership of Weight Loss. Patty's Note: Available on Amazon.com ISBN#9780522854121 Like many people, you might assume that weight gain or a sustained plateau means an incorrectly adjusted band; in fact, you may be right. But you may be surprised to learn that weight gain sometimes results from a band that is too tight. This is part of the reason why the "fill" concept is so misleading. If your surgeon determines that you are not losing weight as you should, then discovering why that is happening is crucial. Sometimes adding fluid to the band will only make matters worse. Life in the "GREEN ZONE" Most people who have the LAP-BAND operation will have an amazing feeling of disinterest in food for the first week after surgery, before any adjustments are even made to the fluid in the band. According to Dr. O'Brien, that lack of interest in food is referred to as satiety. A related but different feeling is satiation, or the feeling you get as you are eating, precisely at the point that you don't need any more food to eat but you do not have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. These two feelings--satiety and satiation--are what the properly adjusted band helps you achieve, allowing you to maintain your new healthier eating habits. Your careful observation and truthful sharing of your feelings and eating behaviors, combined with the expert care and training of your surgeon and his or her staff, can make the very individual determination of whether your band is properly adjusted much more accurate. In order to help create the most effective partnership between themselves and their patients, Dr. O'Brien and his colleagues at the Australian Centre for Obesity Research and Education have developed a concept they refer to as the "Green Zone". When patients are in the green zone, they experience satiety, satiation after properly-sized small meals, and satisfactory weight loss or maintenance. However, there are also yellow and red zones, both of which indicate that the band is not optimally adjusted. If your band is too loose, you will not have the benefits the band's hunger-controlling mechanism. If your band is too tight, you will have trouble eating properly and may actually gain weight because the foods you can eat more comfortable, that tend to be liquid and calorie-rich, like ice cream and chocolate, do not provide the proper nutrition. Learning to recognize when you have the feelings and eating behaviors that signal a problem can help you give your surgeon the information he or she needs to help you keep the band optimally adjusted. Thinking Adjustment Once you have eliminated the concpet of "fills" from you Lap-Band vocabulary, you will be able to let go of much of the conventional thinking connected to it. Perhaps you have heard talk about the "ideal" amount of fluid in the Lap-Band. While it may be helpful to have some idea of how much fluid is in your band, Dr. O'Brien says there is no magic number. No perfect amount of fluid will provide the best results for everyone. He says, rather, that "whatever volume of fluid is needed to achieve the [feeling of non-hunger] is the correct volume." When you notice that you are feeling hungry or are not losing weight, your body is telling you it is time to revisit your partner in weight loss -- your surgeon. your success absolutely depends on this relationship. So rather than thinking "adjustments," adjust your thinking, and, in partnership with your surgeon, find a lifetime of health! For more information about all of the themes discussed in this article, please see Dr. O'Brien's book, The Lap-Band Solution--A Partnership for Weight Loss, which is available fro Amazon.com. We also invite you to visit LAP-BAND® System Forum - Home for more information and supportive resources.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->