conniesueb

Knock on wood, I have never pb'd! I had my surgery NOv. 30, and so far, so good! I have also gotten that golf ball feeling, but it just passed after a few minutes. I have never even come close, really, so maybe you will be one of the lucky ones!

I was trying to post my before and after pictures, but they came out huge--too huge for the page. Can someone explain how to make them smaller, please? Thanks!

Have you tried the Viactive calcium chews? They are not too bad, actually, almost like eating a chocolate candy. That's what I use, when I remember to take them. I have not really noticed any extra hair loss, but I am getting thin on top, and would also like to know about the sub-lingual stuff that Angela is talking about. I do take my multi-vitamin every day, but could use something extra for the hair! Of course, my dad was bald, and my mom is very thin up there now, so maybe I am just doomed! Tom, I have osteoarthirits, but I know what you mean about the weather! We also had rain today because of a cold front coming through, and I really could tell a difference. Where do you live, Tom? I still mananged to workout twice today, though. Once on the 30 minute circuit, and then later I walked a mile on the treadmill. But then I was too sore to go to the grocery store! The good news is that I am finally under 200 pounds for the first time in years!!!!! Yeah me!!!

I am someone who never exercised. Even going to the grocery store was almost more than I could handle. I have severe arthritis in my knees and ankles, and everything hurt. But, a month after my surgery, I decided that I needed to start exercising, period. I joined a ladies only gym, similar to Curves, and I am now completely addicted. I go to the gym at least 6 days a week, and I do water aerobics twice a week. I never, ever thought I would be this dedicated to exercise, but I am glad I am. I have so much more energy than I used to, and the pain in my knees and ankles is getting better. It will never totally go away, but I have just learned how to work through the pain. I don't want to have to have plastic surgery when I reach my goal, and I know that exercise is the way to help that happen. Keep up the good work, and trust me, it does get easier. Just keep going!

Ok girls, I'm starting to think there is something really wrong with me. I have lost 55 pounds, but I still do not have much of a sex drive. My husband is a horndog these days, but I'm not feeling it for some reason. What is wrong with me?

Wow, I am definately inspired!! I can't even imagine looking that good, but I am hoping!! You look fantastic!

I have lost 55 pounds in a little over 3 months. I am also working my ass off to do it. I am exercising 6 days a week, and putting good healthy food in my body. I do agree that you have to be in the right place for it though. If you go into it thinking that the band will do it all for you, you are going to be disappointed. It's not a miracle cure, it's just a tool. An amazing tool, but still just a tool. Once you start getting fills, and get to that sweet spot, it will come a little easier. Just be patient, and be willing to put some effort into it, and you will be rewarded.

Marni--I think that is pretty common. My husband keeps asking me if I am going to trade him in for a better model. And his friends aren't helping--when he tells them how much weight I have lost, they say stuff like that to him, and get him going. But, he does compliment me, although sometimes i want to smack him for the way he goes about it. The other day we were in a store, and he was walking behind me saying "hey Foxy Lady" way too loudly. It was sooo embarassing! I asked him to stop, and he just thinks it's funny. He says that most women would like it if their husbands were complimenting them, but I don't think anyone wants to be embarassed like that. I told him in no uncertain terms that I didn't like it, but he just thinks it's funny. He is driving me a little bit crazy. Last weekend I went out with my friend, and he asked the next day if any guys were hitting on me--that was never an issue before! I know he's just feeling a little insecure, and hopefully that will pass soon.

So, I have a question--do most of you snack in-between meals, or are you just eating 3 meals a day? It seems like I am wanting a snack around 10:00 every morning. Sometimes I have one, sometimes not. I am kinda bummed cuz this is the first week since I had my surgery that I have not lost any weight. I didn't gain any either, though, so I know it is stupid to be upset, but I had just been on such a roll!! I am in the gym almost every day though, so maybe I have gained muscle, which weighs more than fat, right? ANyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tom-I think I only have 1.6 or something like that in my band, and I think it is a 4cc band, but like I said, he says that is more than most of his other patients. And it's not like I am not losing, I just feel like I should be a little more restricted than I am. Something to stop me from overeating whether I am able to or not! But, I know that it could still kick in here pretty soon, so I am trying to be patient. I never have days where food will not go down-ever. Once in a while something gets stuck for a few seconds, but that is usually when I have not chewed well enough. SO, like I said, I am trying to be patient, but it is hard. Right now for example, I am starting to feel hungry, and it has only been 2 1/2 hours since I ate breakfast--some egg beaters w/cheese, and a half an english muffin. That should have been enough to keep me satisfied for a while, shouldn't it? Frustrating!!!

Hey Tom, it's great to see your ticker! You really are doing awesome! You know, I have gotten 4 fills, and I still don't think I have found that sweet spot, but like Angela, some days are tighter than others. But some days, I feel like I could eat anything and everything, Thank God I don't, but I probably could. My doc says I am at the high end as far as the amount of fill I have in my band, so I am afraid to bug him again for another one. I just had my last one last Tuesday, so I guess I will wait it out and see what happens.

HI Paulax--Congratulations on getting started! I think you will come to love it as I have. I belong to Ladie's Workout Express, which is like Curves. They have the 30 minute circuit, plus they also have a treadmill, eliptical, bikes, and a stair-climber. They also have extra weights and a ball you can use for an extra workout. I do the circuit at least 6 days a week, and I try to do some extra cardio at least a couple times a week. I also do extra tricep exercises with the weights every other day. I also go to water Aerobics at the YMCA twice a week. I just became a member there too. At least there, I can take my daughter with me, and let her swim while I am working out. I can't take her with me to the other gym, and That is what stops me from going on some days. I usually go on my lunch hour while she is in school, but on weekends, it's harder. I am still a little self-concious working out at The Y, though. The other gym is ladie's only, and I just feel more comfortable there. I have been thinking about doing some sessions with the personal trainer there too--it can't hurt, that's for sure. Keep up the good work! I know I feel really bad now when I can't get to the gym, and I was a total couch potato before!

It's amazing how much my tastes have changed as far as food is concerned. I seem to automatically crave healthy food now as opposed to junk. I feel so much better. The only thing my husband doesn't like is that I don't really care about eating out anymore. I mean, I don't mind going out, but I don't care where we go, and I always make him pick, and he hates that! I just figure wherever we go, I will find something good to eat. It just doesn't have the same appeal as it used to. The only thing I maybe miss a little is Chinese food--I used to order chicken fried rice and egg foo young at least once a week before I was banded. Now, rice is not my friend, so I just don't bother. The one thing I thought I would miss more than I do is bread. I haven't had bread since November, but I could care less!

WOw, I didn't know you could order scrambled eggs at McDonald's! That's good to know, just in case. I also love Wendy's chili--I order a small size, and sometimes can't even finish it. I also like their new Cranberry-Pecan Chicken Salad. Of course, that is enoiugh for 2 or 3 meals usually! I haven't really had much else in the way of fast food--oh, Popeye's Naked tenders! They are delicious if you like spicy food--no skin, not fried, just spicy and delicious!

TO me, it sounds like you are definately too tight. I would maybe have a little un-fill and see what happens. That seems like an awful lot to have in your band, and you should be able to eat without coughing your food back up. And I don't think it can be good for your band, either. I wouldn't tolerate it, I would go back to my doc and get loosened a little.

Wow--what an ispiration you both are! That is amazing!! I'm glad you are back--you will definately inspire a lot of people on these boards. Congratulations--you both look amazing!

Dynamomini--I am not really sure how many people in Pueblo have had the band--there is a support group that meets once a month at my surgeon's office, but I have not made it to any of the meetings yet. I do rely more on the web, especially this site, for support. I am one og the lucky ones, I guess, because I have not had any problems whatsoever with my band. In fact, my doc says that I am one of his greatest success stories, and have lost more weight in less time than almost all his other patients. But, I am working my butt off to do it--I go to the gym every day, and I make sure I am eating the right foods. I want this to be a permanent life change, not just another diet. I find myself doing the same thing as you when shopping--I automatically go to the size I used to be. Or I'll pick up a smaller size and think-"That will never fit", and then I try it on, and it does! I'm sure eventually my brain will wrap around the fact that I am smaller! You can e-mail me, too if you want to chat at boonconburns@comcast.net

Hey Tom--if you go to this address, it explains in detail how to post your ticker: www.lapbandtalk.com/get-ticker-your-t16218.html Hope that helps--we all want to see your ticker. Congrats on the great weight loss!! And Marni--I think most of mine is still flab, so I will keep at it! I am in the gym every day, so hopefully I will start seeing some results soon. I'm tired of my arm still waving after I stop!

Okay, so I am watching Oprah, and all I can say is, I'm glad I didn't have gastric bypass surgery! According to Oprah, 30% of patients who have had GBS are now alcoholics! This one lady is drinking up to 20 beers a day! I guess it's okay for GBS patients to have beer, whereas LBS patients can't(or aren't supposed to, anyway, because of the carbonation). Another lady is addicted to Vicodin, and another one is a sex addict now because of all the attention she is getting from men now. Did these people have to have a physc consult before their surgery? Maybe they would have discovered their addictive personalities? i know it's not that simple--it's just hard to believe that so many people turn to other addictions after they lose weight. Well, I guess I shouldn't talk--I do have an addiction now--the gym!:girl_hug:

That is awesome, Laurend. I know it seems like an eternity, but it will be here before you know it! Congrats!

Dynamomini--I think you are in a wonderful place! Loving yourself first above evreyone and everything else is the most important thing. There is nothing wrong with feeling that way. And I'm sure that as your journey progresses, your self-confidence will too. Bottom line is, you have to take care of yourself and put yourself first, and that is what you are doing. By the way, what part of Colorado are you in? I live in Pueblo.

SOunds like a lot of husbands--they only love their wives when they are thin, but God forbid they put some weight on, and it's a whole other story! I may have to tune in-it starts here in about 5 minutes, and I have not seen it before.

Wow, I hope that is not true about the skin under your arms never tightening up! I will be crushed! I have been working my butt off trying to tone that area up, and I was really hoping to be able to wear some sleeveless shirts this summer! I had never really thought about having plastic surgery, but maybe.....The one good thing with me is that my boobs were never that big to begin with, and I don't think I have lost anything there! Funny how that was the only part of me that wasn't big(darnit!)

Mark-you are hysterical!!

Hey Stacy--I know exactly how you feel! I have always been so self-concious when it comes to exercising at a gym. But I have found a place that I love--it's called LAdie's Workout Express. It is very similar to Curves, with the 30 minute circuit. They also have an eliptical, stationary bike, tread-climber, and treadmill for extra cardio. It is a ladies only gym, and I am much more comfortable with that. The people there are so friendly, and nobody cares what shape or size you are. Mine also offers nutrtion classes, and other little extras. You might want to consider that option(or Curves, if you don't have the other available in your town), at least until you feel more comfortable going to a regular gym. I go pretty much every day, and am totally addicted now--and this is coming from someone who NEVER exercised before my surgery. Good luck!