I just found out my surgery will be in July (granted my pre-op testing goes okay) SOOOOOOOOO

Here's a thread for everyone getting banded in July 07!

Does anyone have any good ideas for a neat name we could call ourselves?

Wow...that is a story. Just my opinion...but that is an expensive doc. I would assume that things would be higher there because of your location but I had an EXTENSIVE tummy tuck and my surgery was only 2K higher than yours. Rough estimates put my reverse TT and breast reduction at like 6K. Just FYI.

Yeah...my scale hates me. So I put it away for 2 weeks while I do some intense carb detoxing. Even though I have gone away from the candy and other not so good things...I still haven't gone away from the carbs. Now some people can do carbs just fine and not have any problems with them. However, one of the main things that I have learned in this journey is that we have to listen to OUR bodies...not anyone elses. And my body says..."just say no to carbs!" Yes I have to eat them when I am training because I need the energy...but they have to be good carbs...not just ANY carbs. Since you should spend about 2 weeks recovering from any race longer than a 10K (which a half marathon is!) I decided to use this opportunity to get away from the carbs since I won't be doing intense cardio workouts for 2 weeks. I will still be working out but they will be walks and SHORT runs, along with weights. That I can do with very few carbs.

So what are the results...I had 2 chicken legs (roasted) for breakfast at 7:30 and I am not hungry at all. I have no desire to snack and I am not feeling panicky about food. Now this is only the first day and I will be going through carb withdrawls for the next few days but at least I am off to a good start. I am back to feeling the same nothingness in my tummy as I did when I was really working the band.

Plus...this trimester is ALMOST over. Tomorrow is the last day and things will get back to some sense of normality after that. I will have 2 different preps, BUT they will be ability grouped so it will make life much easier.

Well my prep ends in 15 minutes and I need to go potty (back to drinking lots of water too!!!) so I had best go! Last chance before the end of the day.

I got my 5th fill yesterday to take me up to a total of 5 ccs in an 8 cc band. I'm very sensitive to fills so except for the first fill which was 3 ccs, each one thereafter was only .5 ccs. All I can say is that from everything I've read on LBT, being too tight is only a recipe for misery. My doc says the same thing -- you want only enough restriction to help with portion control, not to stop eating. He stresses that the band is intended to allow us to live normal lives and to help us get back to a normal relationship with food. He says to quit stressing about the amount of weight loss, just so long as you're losing, even if it's onl 2 pounds a month, at least it's going in the right direction. He says slow weight loss is best because it is less stressful on the body AND the person. I could mabe argue that losing only 2 pounds a month after paying $13k for surger is pretty stressful, but the truth of the matter is that I've lost 23.5 pounds in 4 1/2 months and without the band, it probabely would have been a 23.5 gain in 4 1/2 months. Even if I was dieting, there is no way I could have stuck to any diet for 4 1/2 months, especially with such slow results so I'm looking at this as a lifetime adjustment. I'm reestablishing my relationship with food and everything that entails and my body is responding to that adjusted relationship (albeit slowly and reluctantly). I did this surgery so that I could be free from fat and enjoy my life. If I allow this surgery to make me so physically miserable that I can't enjoy life, that means I've only traded one jailer for another.

Hi ladies. Just a quick check in before I feed the kids lunch. Confession must be good for the soul because I felt much more in control of myself yesterday. I drank lots of water and made decent food choices. Not the best but at least they were within boundaries that I could live with.

So far today I've had 20 oz of liquid, a box of raisins with Jai, and some cereal for breakfast. Not sure what I'm going to do for lunch, but probably something with a salad. I need to do another bottle of water before I think about that though.

I'll talk to you all later ladies. Thanks for all your well wishes.

good morning ladies! I know I've been MIA for a bit. Honestly, if I'm going to be honest with you and myself, I think it's because I'm struggling. Thanksgiving wasn't good but I can't blame it on that....it's me.

I'm making horrible choices. I'm high carbing it again. I'm munching all day every day. I can't seem to quit feeding myself. And it used to be because I was upset...but that isn't the problem. It's like I can now so why not?

I'm struggling with the idea of getting a fill this month. Pros...it will stop with the overeating and possibly stop me from eating the things I shouldn't (high carbs). Cons...when I'm so restricted the band does the choosing, not me.

I honestly believe that if I made better choices at home (I do really well when I eat out I think), only eat 3x a day, and get my butt out exercising, I can do this without the restriction that I had that was making me miserable. I know, I have the band I should use it, but the way I've been using it, I haven't been learning to control myself, I've been starving myself.

I just don't know. When I eat a good meal I feel full after about a cup. I can drink my water as fast as I want. My struggle is in the snacking. grrrr.

Anyways...that's why I've been MIA. I don't know. I shouldn't disappear like that because here is where I need to be to get back with the program. Stupid me. So...I'm back. I'll be better.

Congrats on your run Karri! That is beyond awesome! And then to be caught up for the next 3 weeks so you can take care of yourself! That's even better. Enjoy the time you can relax a bit.

Okay...off to get some work done. Talk to you later ladies.

Hi Stephanie,

Hey, remember I had the same problem a few weeks ago. That's why I went with a fill....life was just too good! It's still a fight to stay away from the carbs and they go down sooooo good. And the snacking seems to be my Waterloo. At least I can limit that to wasabi peas, but I've got to get out of that stinkn' habit. :cursing: It's only been a problem for the past few months. Not so much now with the tightened band. Maybe I should take the peas down to my bosses treat area?? Humm...

Anyway, we're in this together.

I think I'll get my butt in gear and get those peas out of my reach.

Keep me informed.

Car

Edited December 3, 200817 yr by Car

Hi Ladies; Just checking in.

I know my holiday is coming up, and I have not met my goals, either exercise or weight loss... In fact after the shopping trip, I am up 3 lbs.

So, I am not going to drive myself nuts until my vacation.

Many aweful things are going on at work right now... power struggles. .... my job is o.k. but someone else is leaving and I am very sad about that. A good friend.

Janet, you trip yest. was enough to drive me to DRINK!! Getting lost in L.A.??? OMW...

Steph, Car, Donna, Phyl, and everybody else...

I cbl, but my Prime Minister is n the TV right now, gotta go.

O.k. I am back, just heard the speech from Prime Minister Harper (Conservative Leader of the House)

Well the other political parties; Liberals(like your Democrats) , New Democrats(who are Socialists) & the Bloc Quebecois( who are traitors and want to separate from the rest of Canada!) have formed a Co-alition and want to govern the Country....... now we just HAD an election 6 wks ago... and now "they" want to overthrow the government that we just elected....

It is Crazy! This is what happens when you have too many parties all vying for power...argh~~~

O.k. I am back, just heard the speech from Prime Minister Harper (Conservative Leader of the House)

Well the other political parties; Liberals(like your Democrats) , New Democrats(who are Socialists) & the Bloc Quebecois( who are traitors and want to separate from the rest of Canada!) have formed a Co-alition and want to govern the Country....... now we just HAD an election 6 wks ago... and now "they" want to overthrow the government that we just elected....

It is Crazy! This is what happens when you have too many parties all vying for power...argh~~~

Kick them all out! If only we could fire politicians...

Dang, I lost my post!! Oh well, no biggie. My knees are so stiff tonight. Went to the gym today and after 35 min. of resistance machines, I walked three miles on the treadmill (59 min) Now, I have to get back on my bike and finish my pedaling. I managed to get in 45 min. this morning.The other day, I picked up the last book in Nora Roberts newest trilogy and started reading the series. I can't put it down so it is really easy to climb on the bike, pedal and read. I'm on the last book now but the good news is that I have another trilogy by Heather Graham that I can't wait to start on.(pretty close representation, just substitute bike)

HAVE A GOOD EVENING LADIES AND I'LL TALK TO YOU ALL TOMORROW. GOTTA GO START READING.

Hi Everyone, I still downing Nyquil down here. I stayed home from school Mon and Tues. Today was my first day back, and I hacked the day away there. I slept all day Mon. and Tues. Today, I got mildly dizzy a few times at school today. Some kid puked in the hall first thing this morning. Everyone's sick around here. YUCK!!

I hate going to sleep at night and fighting the hacking. UGGGG

I need a lung brush.

Wow!

I'm online!

It works late at night! Another day and a half and we get hooked up toTime Warner cable internet! We can't wait!

Talked to Janet tonight and heard all about her adventure to L.A.! Sounds like Seattle traffic to me!! Yuck!

Weigh in tomorrow!

I don't have great expectations! Thanksgiving and my birthday last week. I'll be happy if I didn't gain. Didn't pig out but did eat things I don't ordinarily eat.

Gotta go..it's late!!

Good Morning Gang....

Had a busy yesterday - Got baby GD Xmas shopping done. Now have to get the rest of the family today.. I am going to have to go back to work to get some rest..

Karri - her cost $4200 dr - operating room $2850 - anestheisa $1750 - garment $120 - Cosmetassure $180 (insurance in case of infection or whatever since my reg health insurance won't cover ps) and then $40 for some kind of meds for something - she gave me $914 discount $8226 for her and $800 (about) for stay in aftercare facility. I didn't think it was too bad considering her office is one block from Rodeo Dr.. She said it would take about 4 hours to do my arms and that she does all the sewing and doesn't turn that over to an assistant - she was suprised to see that I do have muscle under all the saggy skin.. That was nice to hear..

I would love to go to your doc - but she's too far away - Phyl said she might ck out your doc once she is ready for her ps..

Yes we know that your body doesn't like carbs ;0) .. I am lucky that mine doesn't react like yours cuz I would die.. I have to have a little not alot but some...

Donna - I loved what you said - it's so very true - this surgery is for us to learn a lifestyle change and just last night Phyl and I were talking about NEVER wanting to be obese again - this new weight just feels so good - I don't want to be trapped by the fat ever again..

Car - I like lose peas too.. But they have alot of sugar/carbscalories in them - I don't remember what - but enough for me to stay away cuz they are habit forming...

Steph - One day at a time - I have been so bad on my water.. Being in the car so much I don't want to drink cuz I don't want to stop and go pee - and hell in LA traffic - I think you would need a porta potty - cuz there is no way to get on and off the freeway quickly..

Candice - Hugs about your work issues.. I know how hard that is.. Vacation is in a week - so just make good food choice and enjoy your time away - I want to see some pic when you get back.. Canadians want to over throw your own government - omw - sounds worse than ours - we don't get much canadian news here - well I don't cuz I barely watch the new - and I don't watch CNN or Fox at all - just our stupid local news and that's enough to depress anyone.. Heck - the shooting at the Palm Desert Toys R Us - can't beleive we made national news and our local channel won't let it go - I was there yesterday shopping for brooke...

Kari - I love Nora Roberts - What the name of the book and omw you have turned into an exercise freak !!!

Denise - Sorry to hear you are still under the weather - I need to get a flu shot... I don't want to be sick.. Hope you are feeling better today..

Phyl - I have roadrunner - it's good - Now you will be able to do all your computer stuff when you want and not at midnite:0-

Well, Just cking in - I did read the post last night but it was like 9 and I hadn't eaten and I was hungry and tired -- so I didn't reply

Janet - an excersize freak??? NO WAY ! ! ! I'm too lazy. I just want to speed up my metabolism. Granted, I don't always make the best choices and I do give in to whims, but hey, I'm still under 1500 calories/day. It's frustrating. BTW, the trilogy is the Sign of the Seven.

Book one is Blood Brothers. Book two, The Hollow and book three is The Pagan Stone. I still haven't figured out how she can write so many books per year and not have any repetition and still have quality.

I'LL CHECK BACK LATER.

Yesterday I ate 3 chicken legs (2 for breakfast, 1 for afterschool snack), 4 oz of sauteed beef for lunch, 4 oz of steak for dinner.

I am lucky if I hit 1100 calories yesterday!! Didn't get to go to the gym yet but I should tonight.

Today I am surrounded by food. Now mind you...I am only serving my kids healthy foods (fruit, veggies, LF animal crackers, 94% FF popcorn, and crackers) but I will not eat any of it. Instead I will snack on my chicken legs and sauteed beef.

Well I need to start chopping the veggies for next period.

Steph - I totally feel your pain and share your struggles. I am debating on whether or not I should get an unfill. I struggle regularly with food getting stuck (not a lot of pb'ing just MAJOR discomfort) but am scared to death to get an unfill. It is taking a lot of work to try and get my head screwed back on straight but we can work through this together.

I figure I have to start treating myself like a defiant 5 year old child again. I have put myself back on a schedule (see above post). There are 2 HUGE behavior issues that I need to address.

1. Not feeling the need to clean my plate

2. Being able to eat just 1 of something

The first one has been an issue for me even with the band. Yes...I made my plate smaller and I put less food on it, but I still can't stop eating until my plate is clean. That makes it tough when there isn't a small plate available or their is too much food put on the plate. I can't open a small box of raisins an just eat a few...I have to eat it until the box is empty. I do this time and time again. Yes... I usually stay within my calorie limits but I have to learn how to not hoover my plate clean.

The second behavior is very much tied to the first one. I can't seem to just eat 1 of something. If I want string cheese, I will eat 2 of them. If I have a piece of candy...it has to be at least 2. I can't have 1 serving of salad dressing...it must be 2. Again...I can usually stay in my calorie range but I NEED to learn to be satisified with 2. These are the things that I am going to be working on with my therapist...assuming any of them call me back. I called 4 last week and haven't heard a peep from any of them! This is why I stopped looking before!!!

Well I have a lot to get done during this period so I had best get going.

Steph...we are all here for you. Take it from an experienced one...going MIA doesn't help the situation.

Hi Karri,

And then the kicker of the > 1 is that the others don't taste any better and make you feel overstuffed. It's the ability to take more than 1 that seems to be the cause of the temptation. Maybe I just need to take the extra then feed it to my dogs. Bad thought, my DH and I decided last night that our 2 younger dogs need to slim down, so maybe I had better stop feeding them my food overflows.

Ain't our minds great contraptions?

You are so right about the second one not tasting any better. In fact...half of the time it totally loses its flavor all together and I am just eating for the sake of eating!! I think a lot of this stems from the fact that when I was younger I always feared the food would be taken away from me (my biological mom was CRAZY!) and so I always want to make sure I have enough. I am the same way with everything though...not just food. For example, when I need to buy a roll of paper towels...I buy 2...ALWAYS. When I buy school supplies for my classroom I don't just buy enough, I MUST buy WAY more because I MIGHT need it.

Just last night when I was shopping for my party today in class I had to get 2 bags of apples, 2 bags of oranges, but thankfully DH stopped me at 1 bag of broccoli and 1 bag of celery. I was of course panicked that I wouldn't have enough. Now I am going to have a TON of food left over...none of which I can eat right now. (NO carbs for me until Monday!)

So as you can see this is a behavior I need to change in my life...not just in regards to food. While it is an obvious behavior that I have...it really manifests itself in my relationship with food.

On a good note...I didn't finish my dinner last night!!! Now that I have lost my weight (and gained a few pounds back!) but still for the most part have lost most of my weight, I REALLY start working on behavior changes. I am hoping that while behavior changes are difficult to change that they will be easier NOW than they were 100 pounds ago!

The behavior I am working on right now is to not eat everything on my plate. They say it takes 28 days to learn a new behavior. So...I figure if I leave something on my plate every day for the next 27 days (I started yesterday!) that I can start really learning that behavior!