angyl2314

I just found a picture of me online that was taken this weekend. I had to take a second look because I can't believe how skinny I look. It's so weird, but when I picture myself I still see me as being at least chubby. But then seeing pictures like this are a big eye opener. Good news, though, I am 2 lbs from goal! The first picture was from July at 55 lbs down. The second is this weekend at 91 lbs down.

I am now 3 lbs away from goal...what happens? I guess that is a question I should be asking my doctor, but talking to him makes me crazy sometimes. I am still getting over the pneumonia and have to go for a chest xray this week to check if I got rid of the infection. I would think that the band would be loosened or something when goal is attained, but considering I only have probably just over 1cc in my band, I can't imagine how much of a difference it is gonna make for me. And now that I am close to goal, I am being sucked into the weird unrealistic goal thinking. I am about to hit a weight that is considered "normal" for my height and frame, and physically I look good, but I still see myself as "fat", and keep thinking about women my height who are 115-120 lbs, which still makes me like 25 lbs heavier than that. Then I think that maybe I should just keep losing weight, even though the people around me tell me to stop. Does anyone else struggle with these thoughts?

I love looking through old pictures and being totally shocked at how big I REALLY was. First pic is from 7/06 (appx 250). Second pic is from 12/08 (appx 160). Since I don't have the same clothes, I figured I'd at least use the same girl!!! Currently I'm 151...6 lbs from goal.

I really don't remember how long it was before the day I think the port actually came up, but it was like close to a month, I think. Unfortunately, it was not for a few months after that when my doctor FINALLY confirmed this. I had revision surgery in August. In considering this surgery I asked about the low profile port also, but my doctor convinced me against it. I don't remember why, but whatever it was it must have sounded rational. I knew shortly after the revision surgery that the sutures didn't take AGAIN, but my doctor was convinced they had and that all was fine. (He is great at appeasing me). So now, I see him yesterday to discuss my symptoms and thoughts about my band having slipped. He sent me for a CT scan. I had the test, and the doctor on staff read the results and reported to my doctor. My doctor "promised" me that my band is fine...but I "have a pnuemonia" in my left lung. I have no idea wtf that means, but apparently I'm pretty sick lol. Needless to say I am asymptomatic, and have decided to go for a second opinion on Monday. Oh, but in all this my doctor said I was right and that my port did in fact come up again. Apparently, I have very resistant stomach muscles. I'll keep you posted. I have a question though. Has anyone felt that they have been getting sicker easier since the rapid weight loss? Like maybe more susceptible to things, maybe from compromised immune systems or something? I've been sicker this year than I can remember previous years.

The port issue is the problem I had. My port ripped up from the muscle. The pain was slight over time, and then became excruciating, which ended me up in the ER. That was the day the stitches must have actually come up. The initial pain was just leading up to the inevitable, I suppose. I had the revision surgery in August, but um, I don't think the stitches held that time either...shocking lol. I have little dumb problems ALL THE TIME. I figure I don't want to mess with the port much because it is somewhat of an advantage, in the event I want to have the band removed in time, I have an argument for insurance to cover the procedure. The pain is mild and irritating, but nothing debilitating. Next problem...why do I think my bad slipped? I hope I am being a hypochondriac (I am sure I didn't spell that right, but too lazy to spell check). Anyhow, the last few weeks I have difficulty getting even liquids down. Lately, with solid food, some time after I eat it, if I am sitting down it seems that the food has been broken down into a more liquid form and I begin to regurgitate and choke. And I suffer a lot of heartburn. I googled all these symptoms...and I find band slippage. GREAT!!! I see my not-so-helpful doctor on Friday. Um thank God it isn't an emergency! I'll keep you guys posted. 7....more....lbs. That's it lol

When I look at my before pictures I cannot believe that I am that person. I really can't believe that that's the same butt!!! Wow!

I forgot what that was. My nutrional habits are awful. I am actually eating a steak, for the first time since the surgery, but I need to get some sort of protein and iron. I had my 1 year post op bloodwork done today. God, they take A LOT of blood. That can't be good for me lol. Sunshine: I am about 8 lbs away from goal...I think. I am 153 lbs, and according to those sick doctor's charts I am supposed to be about 137-145, depending which chart you look at. According to BMI I am ALMOST not "overweight" haha. Sometimes all these numbers make my head hurt. I feel great, but some crazy doctor made a height and weight chart back in like 1930 which says I am STILL fat! Blah. The restriction is good but gets very frustrating. There are days I just want to eat a real meal and keep it down. That very rarely happens. I bought some ensure shakes to keep at home and at the office for those hard to swallow days. I'll let you guys know how that works out.

I have only had 2 fills since I was banded last January, and I honestly don't think my first fill took because that was when I was having my complication with my port coming up from the muscle. I have SO much restriction all the time, some days more than others. I can barely get liquids, aside from water, down. I have not had a "real" meal in weeks. I am about 7 lbs from goal so I am going to finish up and have my band loosened. I am thinking about becoming involved with a nutrionist because I do not have good eating habits yet. Actually, I still try to eat like I am fat, especially when ordering food at a restaurant. I do not over eat, but I certainly over order. It's ridiculous. Oh well...I ate poorly for 30 years, I guess I can't break that habit in just 1

My before pictures shocked me.

I can't believe it, it seems to have gone by so quickly. I think I am at goal, but I am not sure lol. I have a significant amount of loose skin so I account for that weight. I am at 156 lbs. My goal was 150...hmmm. I want to drop one size to a 6 and then I'll be happy. I have a consultation with a plastic surgeon on Friday to discuss a tummy tuck. Big step...I think I am ready. I took new pictures yesterday that I wanted to share. The first pictures were taken a year ago tonight. I wish you all well with the new year. Hopefully it keeps getting better for us. Happy New Year!

Someone said that the easiest way to get someone to want to lose weight is to show them a picture of their rear view. I think they are right.

Tomorrow is one year since my surgery. I've lost 84 lbs, gone from a 20/22 top to a M/L, 18 to 8 in pants...and even loss a half a shoe size!!! I have my first consultation with a plastic surgeon for some "clean up" work. I'm so happy with everything. The "before" pics were taken Jan 2nd 2007, the "after" were taken yesterday.

Hello all...I am still dealing with this "complication", although now the doctor thinks it's all because of me. Just a recap, my port came up from the muscle in April. I had it reattached on 8/27, but experience the same sort of discomfort every so often, particularly after working out. It feels like a side cramp, but I know it is my port. I have an extremely rigorous workout routine, including intensive training sessions and spin classes. I am going for a CT scan this week just to assure that the port is still in place. I am arguing with my doctor, telling him that my workout regimen is a nonnegotiable because I am so close to pre tummy tuck goal lol. Regardless, I am still so happy with my decision. This is my before and after picture...the "after" picture isn't really indicative because I have lost weight since then, and this is before my workouts started. before and after on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I am down 69 lbs, with a goal of 11 more by Thanksgiving so I can start planning my plastic surgery. I broke the threshold from "obese" to "overweight" lol. I am 171 lbs. My long term goal is 145-150. I can't complain. Glad to see that everyone else is doing well. Such a good feeling for all of us, and it hasn't even been a year yet. Nice.

Thanks Sula. I just overdo it with my exercise, which is pretty much why I hate it lol. I can't just walk on the treadmill, I have to run...and not at 4.5 where I am comfortable, but at 5.8 where I can't breathe. lol so dumb, right? I push myself way too hard with some things, and hurt myself but I feel like it is what I have to do to keep going...the weight doesn't come off on its own. That was true before with the band but considering I am not far from goal (I am 178 right now, goal is 145, but I have a good 15-20 lbs of skin to be removed with plastic surgery), the weight is coming off....soooo....slow, if it even does. I can't be dependent on the band anymore, and haven't even had a fill since April, I think, maybe May...and it was only my 2nd. I am scared to go for another fill bc I still have a good amount of restriction, and sometimes even think the band may be too tight, or I just don't ever chew properly and eat too fat (lol I am a total mess!!!) Also, I had that complication where my port came unstitched, and couple that with my overbearing discomfort related to needles, I have steered clear from the whole experience. I am going to try to just restructure my eating and exercise plan to see how that goes. I cut out Starbucks as of today (which is tough because that is my "crack"), but I found how much fat and useless calories their drinks have. That alone should help significantly. I am substituting with protein shakes, because for some reason, I really enjoy those chalky frosty things lol. Anyways...thank you for the pep talk, and have a good day.

It's awesome to read about everyone's success, big or small, even one pound off is still a success. I had my port revision about a month ago and still have pain in the port area. It is really superficial pain, but it is like I didn't even have the procedure to fix it...blah. My scale IS NOT MOVING. I know it is because I am not eating the right things, but I got too comfortable and have now forgotten what the RIGHT things are. Any suggestions? I saw an earlier post about starting off with the thick protein shake in the morning, but I'm lost from then on. I work out a lot, but mostly strength training with a personal trainer. I have to add cardio, but I am sure many of you share my sentiments...cardio sucks. Any suggestions about food choices would be greatly appreciated

It wasn't port replacement, it was "revision of the port". The doctor was just pretty much reattaching the port to the muscle. Simple in and out procedure under local anesthetic. Took about an hour, and I was sent home following a short recovery. I was fine to resume normal activity the following day, but couldn't excercise for 10 days. I started back on the 11th day, and was okay to do most of the things my trainer asked, aside from anything requiring me to twist the right side of my abdomen, or laying on the incision site. I am still abnormally swollen in that one area, which concerns me, but I go see the doc tomorrow. The incision has healed perfectly. He just reopened the original incision. Not too concerned with the fact that my belly now looks like a roadmap...that's what tummy tucks are for lol. I freaked out this past week. I gained 4-5 pound IN ONE WEEK. That is physically impossible for my body, but having weighed myself today, I seemed to have lost all of that weight. No idea what that is about, but as I said I am still pretty swollen in one area. I am hoping that it is just the fact that muscles take longer to heal, and I am very active, not allowing my body to relax. Lastly, I don't drink nearly enough water. Pre band, I used to drink water all the time, but now I am lucky to maybe get 15 ounces a day. My PCP said that there is too much protein in my urine, which is usually due to not taking in enough fluids. I am close to setting an alarm for myself to drink water at different intervals throughout the day. This no drinking and eating is a pain in the a** now. Any suggestions?

I just logged on for the first time in a LONG time and got a note from Sunshine to check in (thanks for the note!). I am doing great, aside from a minor complication, which is why I came on in the first place. I had my surgery on Jan 3rd. I have had 2 fills, one in March and one in May. I have now lost 60 lbs and I am not even sure how many inches. I haven't done measurements in a few months. I have gone from a size 22/24 top to a 14/16 in some and smaller in others, and a size 18 pants to a 12, and 10 in skirts. I have a personal trainer that I do "boot camp" with 3 x a week. I feel fantastic, and maintain that this is the best decision I have ever made. I want to lose about 20 more lbs and then go for the plastic surgeries. I wish I didn't have to but there are just some things I can't tone up =( Ok, the complication I had is minor, but I was wondering if anyone had anything similar, or heard of anyone else who may have. Some time ago I began to experience a pinching pain near my port. I ended up in the ER because I was worried. After CT scans and ultrasounds, they couldn't find anything wrong. My doctor thought it was inflamation of the muscles when he did the previous fill. When I went for my 2nd fill under the flouroscopy, my doctor FINALLY realized my port turned, so we attributed the significant pain leading to me going to the ER to the sutures coming up. I have slight discomfort, but my doctor said it isn't something to be overly concerned with. I am having port replacement or readjustment surgery on Monday. Apparently it is a simple out patient procedure under local anesthesia which should take about an hour. My doctor is going to reopen one my port incision (barf) and resuture the port to the muscle. Luckily enough he is on vacation this week, and I really don't have ANY more information than what I just wrote here. I have no idea how long I will be in pain, or what my limitations will be, or even if this is common. So, anybody know anything?

I just had my first fill too, on the 22nd (under fluro). Same thing, though...1cc in a 4 cc band. Since the fill I have lost 2 lbs, but I am not sure if I feel restriction, probably because I am not sure what restriction really feels like. I have never really had much since being banded. The doctor told me the same thing about calling him if I don't feel anything. Too bad I had to wait over three weeks for the appointment from the day I called to schedule. My doctor was very impressed with my progress: 33 lbs in 11 weeks (all post op) 2 jean sizes Hips: Lost 5 inches Waist: Lost 5 inches Bust: Lost 3 inches I guess I really can't complain much. I just hate having to relearn all my body responses and feelings.

Just checking in. Good to see everyone's progress. Congrats. I am 9 weeks out, 29 lbs down, no fills yet. I cancelled my first fill because I diddn't feel like I really needed it. I have a 4cc band so I want to be sure to plan my fills properly. I work out 4-5 times a week, just intense cardio for right now, and mild strength training. All in all, everything is going really well. I am very happy with the progress. Hope you all continue the good work!

Hey girls. I updated the list. Just an update...5.5 weeks post op, I have lost 22.5 lbs. Started back to the gym this past week, start with a trainer 2 times a week this week. Was scheduled for my first fill today but cancelled because I am not excessively hungry and am still losing weight consistently. Don't think I need the fill just yet. I will keep you all posted.

Hey all...just checking in. It's been about a month, 19 lbs, no pre-op diet, so I can't complain. I have my first fill on Wednesday, and I am a little freaked out. I should be medically cleared by the doctor then too. I haven't been working out at all, and really look forward to going back. I have been trying a bunch of different things, especially soy products. I absolutely love soy chicken nuggets. Catching up on some of the posts, it is good to hear how well everyone is doing. Hopefully we will all be in sexy 2 pieces this summer. As I tell people at work, I'm gonna be in a bikini this summer, I might not look good in it, but I WILL be in it lol.

Hello all. Sorry I have been MIA. I get so busy at work and I was getting frustrated with my whole band situation for a while too; my scale wasn't moving and I was hungry ALL THE TIME. I finally spoke to my dietician who moved me up to the next stage in the diet a few days earlier, so I am able to eat a little more food. Needless to say that has helped A LOT and I have lost 2 more pounds this week. I also bought a great cookbook, which lets me add a lot of options into my diet. And finally got the Magic Bullet, which makes me want to puree everything in my house. I went to my first support group, it was pretty good. I am scheduled for my first fill on Wednesday, thank God. I apologize to everyone who was trying to email me for addition to the list. I did it last night. Let me know if I missed anyone...I swear I will be more attentive. I don't have time to catch up, but I hope everyone is doing well. I will be in and out more often now. Good luck!!!!

Hey guys! So. 2 weeks post op, 13 lbs down...feels GREAT. I put jeans on right out of the dryer and didn't have to break a sweat at all during the process. That's a major accomplishment. And the straw that broke the camel's back leading me to go for banding was the fact that summer weight gain had renderred my bras tight. Well, it is good to report that isn't the case anymore. Whew. Hope everyone else is doing well.

It's all done!

I've been eating ricotta nearly all week. I love it. I had some tofu and broccoli tonight, not pureed; I just chewed really really well. Had no problems. Tomorrow, I am going to a food festival with my family. Who thought that was a good idea? They obviously don't like me very much.