angyl2314

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!

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.

Those people who suffered a lot of pain after their lap band surgery obviously had bad surgeons. I had asolutely no pain and the most minimal amount of gas, and that was actually like a week later. I had no pain meds, aside from the morphiene in the hospital, which I was just using to use, I think lol. It was not bad at all.

Did your program give you a meal plan? Mine did. Right now, in the pureed stage, my meals are as follows: Breakfast: 1 tbsp protein, 1 tbsp starch, Lunch: 1.5 tbsp protein, 2 tbsp fruit, 2 tbsp vegetables, Dinner: 1.5 tbsp protein, 2 tbsp fruit, 2 tbsp vegetables. In between meals I am supposed to have 6 oz milk (carnation) and 4 oz fruit juice mixed with 4 oz water.

Sunshine: whenever u make the master list this week, I wilk repost it at the beginning of the thread.

Going into this I had a plan to lose the weight, maintain it for about a year while undergoing some behavior modfication (weight watchers, nutritionist, etc), and then having the band removed. My biggest concern is the limited amount of long term data avail on the effects of silicone/titanium on the body, and the idea of eventual erosion. It is pretty premature to have these thoughts, but am I the only person who has thought about this?

I haven't been journaling yet, but plan to when I return to NY tomorrow night. I tried beef baby food today. BLAND. I decided to strain a can of vegetable soup and puree the veggies. That was pretty good and conventional. I also pureed a piece of grilled chicken with homemade carrot soup. Very tasty. I bought tofu grillers (bbq flavor), which I am going to try later. I like tofu so it should be okay. I spoke to my nutritionist who does not want me to take any protein supplements. She wants me to get all my protein through food because supplements have the tendency to add bulk. I am stuck on the carnation drink, special k water, crystal light and plain water. I am taking the centrum chewables. Tasty!!! lol And exercise has just been walking so far. I haven't weighed myself in a few days. I don't trust the scale here and would rather rely on mine at home. So Monday, I guess. Last I had checked, though, it was 10 lbs. I would love to be 15 down by the time I get back to work on Tuesday. I put my jeans on, and man, what a difference 10 lbs makes. Feels great!

My mom has all my before pics, I have to get them from her. I haven't taken any scar pics yet bc I still have steri strips on. Yawn.

My dietician said that soy milk is fine but the flavored has sugar. I guess I'll try the beano. I am glad you liked the frozen drink. yum...I am drinking some right now!!!

lol omg you're so smart for not having weighed in. As opposed to me and my obssessive self weighing in all the time. Now that the scale has stopped moving, I just attribute it to the fact that it's broken lol. Did you try the frozen carnation thing? I love it, but it gives me horrible gas every day. Gotta figure out how to prevent that from happening. Maybe Beano? Gas-x is for after the fact, I need something preemptive. Suggestions?

I was banded on Jan 3rd and no fills yet. I feel pretty good. Waiting for all these dumb steri strips to come off. (I had staples at first, which I asked to be removed 5 days later and replaced with the strips). Lost 10 lbs quickly, and am at a plateau now. They told me this would happen when my body realized it was "starving". Still makes me sad when I get on the scale. Uh, maybe I should hide the scale for a week, huh?

Just wanted to see how everyone was doing? I was banded on the 3rd. I have had no problems at all. I moved onto pureed foods today. That liquid diet was slowly killing me I think. I hope everyone is doing well... Good luck

I haven't even really had any protein drinks. I get my protein through my regular diet. I have Spiru-tein, by Nature's Plus, at home. I have tried the chocolate peanut butter and love it.