Jan421

HI sherry...Sorry I was not able to get back to you sooner but I was having lots of problems with my computer. However, if you still want to be email buddies I would love it!! I have lost 11 1/2 lbs in the last 2 months and 7 inches over all. That really has helped me tremendously with my motivation. Please write me soon and I am looking forward to hearing from you!! Take care!! Janice:)

Hi everyone! I can't believe there is nobody from the month and year I was banded. I got banded on Dec. 21, 2005. It has been an exciting and also at times frustrating journey due to some medical issues I developed. However, I am now back on track!! I still need to lose another 80lbs. But all together I have lost almost 80lbs which includes what I lost before the band as well. I joined a challenge at my gym that has made my journey a bit more exciting and just what i needed to become more motivated again! I have a coach that writes me everyday to help with motivation and inspiration. She is also a weight watcher lecturer and I joined her group on Saturdays. Last week was my first week and I lost 6.2lbs. I even exercised 4 times this week in the gym and one day I walked in the mall for about half hour. I did alot more exercise too. As we all know that our band is just a tool. We just have to use it the correct way for it to work for us. I am doing it again the correct way. I got a bit off course because when I was on prednisone this past year I put on 20lbs in a little over 2 weeks. Needless to say I was really discouraged and upset because I could see it in my face and in my clothes! Some I couldn't even wear. Then I had over did it with the exercise and I hurt the muscles in my legs which made it hard to walk leave alone exercise. I went to physical therapy for aobut 5 months. Thank god it worked great and I wanted to go back to exercise but then my fibromyalgia flared up so badly that I had a hard time to get out of bed. It took all my effort to get ready for work. My rhematologist wanted me to take cymbalta for about 3 years to help my pain but I just rejected taking another medication. I would pop advil instead as needed some days as much as 6 advil. I knew I couldn't go on feeling the way I did and began taking the cymbalta at the end of September 2007. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful I began feeling within 2 weeks. It became so much easier to pop out of bed and walk too. I am now exercising 4 to 5 days per week. I know better now to listen to my body and when i hurt stop and rest. But the big thing is no matter how long or short time you exercise you are at least still doing something for yourself. Each day you can expand upon this. The best thing about my band was before I was banded I was a type 2 diabetic. I was on 850 mg of Glucophage 2 times day plus sometimes I took insulin too. Needless to say I was not happy about that and the medicine was making my stomach sick Since the day before surgery I stopped the Glucophage and happy to say I have not had to be on diabetic medicine since! I still take my blood sugars everyday and when it is up I know i am getting sick This is a good guide line to help you stay on track as well.The other thing I decided to do was join Weight Watchers because I am a person that does better when I get weighed in every week. I also enjoy the lecturer who lost over 110lbs and kept it off for 11 1/2 years. She has been an inspiration to me. In fact she had not seen me since I had lost alot of weight and came over to me in the gym and told me how great I looked. She made me feel so good because I was at a low point when she saw me. I was not losing the extra weight I had gained. I was going up and down a few pounds for months. Things happen for a reason I believe and my coach at the gym for the big challenge is my weight watcher lecturer! She definately inspires me I realize our journey to losing weight is an ongoing one that never will end. We are the type of people that always have to be on our toes. We have to stay motivated and not let things get us down and resort to food. Emotional eating is a biggy and the band will not cure that. That is why you have to try to get that under control before you have the band. I wish I did before but I guess that was to be part of my journey. However, to anybody who is thiking of having the band I would suggest work on the things that cause you to overeat. If you can conquer that then the band will work even faster for you. I am happy because despite the setbacks I had during this 2 plus year journey I am alot more healthier than I was in years. My doctors are very happy and most of all I am too. I am proud to be a bandster!! If anyone would like to correspond with me please feel free to write me. I would love to have a weight loss buddy. We can help each other and cheer each other all the way to our goal. Wishing all of you a wonderful journey...hopefully the peaks and valleys won't discourage you. Just pick yourself up and continue on. That is all you can hope and pray for. I end with a favorite saying I learned from a weight loss member in a group I use to meet with online many years ago....remember these words... TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE!! Take care everyone and please keep in touch. I hope I hear from more of the December 2005 bandsters..even if you are not from that month and year...please contact me and say hi!! Take care!! Be well!! Janice :tt2:

Hi everyone....lost 5lbs since I started the challenge. Thanks for all the support!! Jan:whoo: July - Labor Day 2007 Challenge Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme........................293...........2 93............266...........27 juliegeraci...........................226......... ..226............206...........20 areellady.............................251.5....... .247.5.........230...........17.5 punkeyb88..........................306...........2 38............225...........13 Chris_NJ.............................326.......... .326............290...........36 PaulaD................................222......... ..222............200...........22 MM.....................................248........ ...248............230...........18 sdakotaRN...........................255........... 255............230...........25 Babygrl1234.........................224........... 224............199...........25 faithmd................................312........ ...312.............285...........27 _Jan421... 267 ..... 262....... 247.......15 Metalband....................203.........201...... ....183.......20 __________________

Hi Everyone! It is good to see some of you who got banded in Dec. 2005! I had lost 60lbs with the band plus what I had lost 40lbs before I had the band. However, in February I got sick with my asthma and upper respirtory infection and had to go on prednisone for 2 1/2 weeks. I gained 18lbs during that time. Yes, it was upsetting but I had no choice about taking the medication. I also was not able to excerise because of an injury to my legs and shoulder. I had alot of things happen but now it seems like things are getting better healthwise. I am going to begin exercising again too. I just got the ok to do it. I went from a size 28 to a size 22/20 in pants and 14/16 in shirts plus I went from a 3x to a 1x and that is even big on me now. I am getting my 4th fill today. I am a bit nervous about it since my band was not filled in 1 year. However, I am looking forward to losing alot again. I know I can do it. I am thrilled I did the band. If I had to do it all over again I would do it!! I have been off my diabetic medicine since the day before surgery and have not taken since. The band is a wonderful tool and I feel fortunate that I was able to get one. 80lbs is till alot. I never lost that much in my life. When I hit the 100lb mark again this time I know it will last!! I would love to hear from you. Congrats to all of you that have been doing such a suber duper job!!! Talk to you all soon.

Hi Everyone! On Wednesday, I am going for my 4th fill however, the last fill I had was 1 year ago my surgeon told me. I knew it was a long time but didn't realize it was that long. He said since I have a VG band (largest band I believe, holds 10cc's) you have to be more aggressive with the fills since it is larger. How come I wasn't told that earlier? Anyway, I am a bit nervous for it because don't want to feel too restricted that I feel sick alot. If he gives me 2cc's more I will have 8cc's in my band. I know this fill will definately help me to lose the 60 plus more pounds I would love to lose. Wish me luck it all goes well!! Good luck to everyone with this weight loss challenge!! I know we can all do it because we are all winners already!! Stay positive and smile...you will definately brighten another person's day plus you will feel great too just knowing you helped another person!! TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!

Hi everyone! Next week I go for a fill. I had a procedure done 2 weeks ago and I went to my surgeon to see If I needed my fill out. He said I didn't for a D&C. I feel alot better now and ready for that fill. My surgeon said I haven't been filled in 1 year!! I have the VG band which is the biggest band. I have 6cc's in me right now..I guess he will give me 8cc's. I guess it will be liquids and then mushy's for me. I want to lose the weight I gained and then work on the rest that I need to lose!! Any words of inspiration here gals?? I could use a few:) But I am optimistic that I will begin to lose weight again. The good thing is I will be able to exercise again. I do find when I exercise and eat the program...I lose weight. I am just thinking positive!! I'll keep you all informed. Anybody wanting to write me please feel free. I'd love to hear from you. We can help each other stay on track. Share teacher ideas too!!Have a super day!! Jan xo

I was banded on Dec. 21, 2005. My band surgery has helped me get off a number of medications but the most serious one was because I have type 2 diabetes. I have been off the diabetic medication since the day before surgery. It feels great not to have to take that medication anymore. I still check my glucose levels but that is alot better than taking that medication on a daily basis. I lost originally 50lbs the first year with my band. From Aug 2006 to Jan. 2007 I plateaued. However, From Feb. 2007 to April 2007 I was sick with my asthma and was on prednisone for 2 1/2 wks. and gained almost 20lbs. I have not been able to exercise since then and just got over a surgical procedure non-related to band. However, now I just got the go ahead I can exercise again and will be going for a fill next week. I plan on shaking up this body to lose weight again!! I have the largest band.. a VG band and you have to be more aggressive with the fills when you have that one. I have not been filled for a year my surgeon said. However, first he didnt want to fill me because I was doing great and the other times he wouldn't fill me because I was sick. Now, it is the right time to move forward. My goal is to lose another 60lbs to get under 200. My mini goal is to try to lose 8 to 10lbs per month. 1-2lbs per week. I plan on exericse 30 minutes per day beginning with 3x per week and working up to 5 to 6 x per week. I know now you have to gradually do this or you will wind up in physical therapy for a long time!! Some people have to learn the hard way:) Looking back on my band experience if I had to do it all over again I would!! I look alot better than I did a few years ago and feel alot better overall. Before I had the band I lost 40lbs that I kept off, So total overall lost is 80lbs!! That number gets me happy because I never lost that much in my life before. I still have more to go but I do know I will get there. I would love to hear from others about their experiences since they had the band especially those who had it in Dec. 2005!! Jan421 banded: 12/21/2007 Hackensack University Med. Ctr. Dr. Trivedi Size before Band: 28, 3x Size Now: Pants: 20; shirts: 14/16, or 1x

Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,358 Count me in too!! Added my weight and goal to end of this list. Good luck everyone!! Joining in! July - Labor Day 2007 Challenge Name.............................Starting….Current…...Goal….....To Go losingjusme........................293...........2 93............266...........27 juliegeraci...........................226......... ..226............206...........20 areellady.............................251.5....... .247.5.........230...........17.5 punkeyb88..........................306...........2 38............225...........13 Chris_NJ.............................326.......... .326............290...........36 PaulaD................................222......... ..222............200...........22 MM.....................................248........ ...248............230...........18 sdakotaRN...........................255........... 255............230...........25 Babygrl1234.........................224........... 224............199...........25 faithmd................................312........ ...312.............285...........27 _Jan421...267 .....267.......247.......20_________________

Hi Everyone!! It is so nice to hear from other teachers. Today I went to my in-laws for Father's Day/birthdy celebration for my sister-in-law. It was very nice. I was good in what I ate. I wasn't out of control which I do feel the band does help me with that part. My brother-in-law us a social worker and he gave me a name of an eating disorder therapist that works with people who want to change not only their eating but their thinking about their new way of life. I am going to try it out and see what it is like. I use my band as a tool but now I have to focus more on what my brain is saying too. We have to remember we can't forget that part. I feel without that part the chances of having your weight off for the rest of your life is not as good. On a positive note, it is a positive step to talk with someone to make sure your head is in the right place. Tomorrow for Father's Day, we are having it here so I have the control as to what I can eat no problem. On Monday, I go for my 1 year physical. I know my doctor will be a bit disappointed in my weight loss but I have had alot of health obstacles this part year. I do know if I have been exercising for the last few months, I would of been down more. However, I am not going to beat myself up for that.... I will tell my doctor how I feel if she gets down on me as to why I am not thinner. I do not let doctors intimidate me anymore. Before I had surgery a few years ago when I was really sick, this doctor I had called me a tank when I asked him if I should go on Jenny Craig? He said well we all know you are a tank!! Talk about feeling bad. When I feel like I can't do it anymore, I think about that moment in time when I heard the doctor say that to me! I look at my before pictures and then at my present pictures and remember how grateful I am that I am a BANDSTER!! On Wednesday I am getting my salin out of my band temporarily until after I have my procedure on Mon. June 25th. I'll keep it out until after I heal and then get the salin back in. I plan on exercising as soon as the doctor tells me I can! I hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day tomorrow. TAKE CARE!! JAN:) TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!

Hi Everyone! I am also a teacher certified in elementary ed and early childhood education. I use to teach Kindergarten and was a Head Teacher before my children were born but after I had them I started to do paraprofessional work in special education working with children with the disability autism. I currently shadow a child in a 6th grade middle school. This is my first time working in a middle school. A much faster pace then I was use to but I have grown to really like it. I was banded on Dec. 21, 2005 and did really well with it until I had some health problems this past year which are still not all resolved however, I do feel alot better than I was. Before the band I lost 60lbs but began gaining it back due to diabetic medication. I decided the only way I was going to get off the medication was to have the band and so glad I did that. I have been off the medication since the day before surgery. I control it now with my diet and exercise when I can. I lost 60lbs with the band but gained 18lbs back in February due to being on prednisone for 2 1/2 weeks. I am now finally starting to lose it and being more active. When I can't exercise I don't lose. I have to use all the tools in order for me to lose and keep it off! Some people are lucky they can just diet but I can't. My metabolism won't allow it!! lol...Lunches at school are always a rush for me too! I usually bring a yogurt, cheese stick or two and a grapefruit. Things that go down easily. I am glad the summer is here. Only 4 1/2 more days left until some time off. I am working the summer program for special ed and will be working for 6 weeks part time. At least, I will have the afternoons off!! I plan on doing alot of walking my weight off this summer!! Need to get back in the swing of things. I am having a D&C on June 25th so I will pamper myself for a few days and then begin my walking program. I have an indoor track I can walk at if the weather is too hot or rainy. Have to boost my metabolism and this is the only way I know how for now:) I would love to hear from other teachers. I also want to go back to graduate school to finish my special ed certification. I have 12 credits towards it but since I stopped for a few years and now I want to go back the entire program changed and I would have to take the praxis test for it. Has anybody taken the praxis for special ed? Is it really hard? I am not great at taking standarize tests. Any good books to study from for it? Feel free to write me. I'd be happy to write back:) "TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE!" Banded: 12/21/05 Highest Weight: 340 lbs./Clothes size then: 28/30 Banded Weight: 300lbs./Clothes size banded: 28/26 Current Weight: 263lbs./Clothes size Now: pants - 22/shirts - 18/20 You can't always go by your weight, the inches tell you a story too!

I have had the lap band about the same time as you and you seem to have at least lost the weight. You have to remember you got to your goal. I have not been able to get to my goal yet due to a year of lots of health mishaps like not being able to walk without pain for 5 months, pain in my shoulder began as soon as the pain in my legs and feet got better, repeated episodes of sinusitus with asthma and one time extremely severe that I was put not only on antibiotics again but put on prednisone, being sent to the hospital via ambulance due to a severe reaction to an antibiotic in April, and now I have to go into the hospital for a D&C after being on wonderful bloating progesterone. On top of it all, I gained 18lbs in February when on the prednisone in 2 1/2 weeks and didn't start losing it until now. Yes, obstacles I have had but I will not give up. I do admit that I did get down for a bit with all these things happening to me but I am not a quitter and I do know that the band works when you use all the tools. Unfortunately, I was not able to exercise for most of this year and it effected me greatly but some things are out of your hands. However, I have the power to make the right choices when it comes to eating. I am very good at maintaining my weight when I don't exercise. I am starting to do a bit more now and have seen some weight drop again. I also have trouble eating most things and maybe part of the reason I don't lose as much is that maybe I eat too little. I have to write down my food to see where the problem really lies. Another question I do have for you is what type of a band did you have placed in you? I had the largest band put in me and have 6cc of saline in it. My other friends that have the smaller band seem to do better weight loss wise than me. Does anybody know if there is a correlation with weight loss and the size of your band? Just curious. A good thing for me recently is that I am not taking 3 advil everyday like I was. Now maybe I take it once a week.Much better on my stomach too! What was I saying ? lol...I know I can go on and on but bottom line what I am trying to say to you is that you should talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. Also, remember that the band won't help emotional eating that part has to come from you and if you can't do it on your own it would be beneficial for you to see a behavioral eating specialist. I was thinking of seeing one after I have my surgery. I think it would be helpful or even going back to meetings at OA (just like AA but pertains to overeating and not alcohol). Let me know what you plan on doing. I wish you the best of luck and hope you feel better. Also, congratulations on reaching your goal. I know with the right guidance you will maintain your weight loss for a long long time! "TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!" Lap band operation: 12/21/05 Highest weight: 340lbs /Clothes Size then: 28/30 Current Weight 263lbs /Clothes Size Now: 22 -pants >>18/20 - shirts Goal: To get under 200lbs and then I'll take it from there:)

Hi Everyone! After I had surgery in Dec of 2005 I had shoulder pain in my left shoulder. My doctor gave me a cortisone shot after having it for over a month and that took care of the pain. However, I was having problems with my legs from Aug-Dec of 2006 and had to pull myself up the stairs at work with my arms. I developed severe bursitus in my right shoulder which I still have! Lately, I have been having slight burning sensation on my right side where the band is. I thought maybe that is gas and use gas-x however, it goes away for a little bit but still comes back. I am having a D&C on June 25th and will be seeing my doctor on June 20th for an unfill. Do you think I should see him sooner? Not sure what to do. Thanks for listening!