Great Idea - I will do it right now !!

Hi

I am Janet and I am a recovering food addict :wink2:

I was banded 7/17/07 - My starting weight was 250 - I'm 5'4

Today (just over 10 months out) I am 154 - size 8 pants (was 18/20) Medium tops (was 22/24)

I got banded as I wanted to extend the years that I have left on this planet and to do that I knew that I needed to lose weight.

The band has been the tool I needed. For the first time in my life I have been able to achieve this goal (actually getting to my goal weight)

If you want a buddy - support - help - suggestions - Please feel free to call upon me - I will gladly share my journey with you - the journey is still on going and by helping you I will be helping me (staying motivated and accountable) and then one day you can pay it forward and help someone else.

Charlene

I know you can't read this right now - but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers...

Here's my fashion show thread

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f94/janets-fashion-show-75785/#post994994

JANET, YOU LOOK FABULOUS:tt1:. I like the outfit in frame 3, the first outfit. I like all of your clothes though. What size are those clothes? I will be glad

when I can look like that. It seems like forever to get there but we are all trying hard. Sometimes I get discouraged. This is day two that I haven't walked (rain):wink_smile:. I haven't lost any weight for 9 days. Keep going up and down. I go Tuesday so I hope I get a fill. Tonight went to dinner. Didn't have good choices. I chose baked chicken, salad and mashed potatoes. I ate all of salad, one whole piece of chicken and half of the other piece and half of potatoes. That was way way too much ya know:unsure:. I am full now but I hate myself for eating that much. I was starved when I got there so thats what did it. Oh well. Tomorrow is a new day. I sure hope I get a fill soon.

Beckyo

JANET, YOU LOOK FABULOUS:tt1:. I like the outfit in frame 3, the first outfit. I like all of your clothes though. What size are those clothes? I will be glad

when I can look like that. It seems like forever to get there but we are all trying hard. Sometimes I get discouraged. This is day two that I haven't walked (rain). I haven't lost any weight for 9 days. Keep going up and down. I go Tuesday so I hope I get a fill. Tonight went to dinner. Didn't have good choices. I chose baked chicken, salad and mashed potatoes. I ate all of salad, one whole piece of chicken and half of the other piece and half of potatoes. That was way way too much ya know:unsure:. I am full now but I hate myself for eating that much. I was starved when I got there so thats what did it. Oh well. Tomorrow is a new day. I sure hope I get a fill soon.

Beckyo

Thanks Becky

I wear a solid 6 (that's the size I pick off the rack for my pants) I do have 1 pair of 4s and even one 2 - I have 3 pairs of pants from the same maker Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) the black skinny leg pants are a 6 - a pair of brown cords 4 - and the wide leg black in the last picture are 2. It really depends on the style I think - today I tried on a 4 it was just a little to baggy - tried on the 2's they fit but due to the thin material - the dimples showed and they were $$$ some designed I never heard of Tharidat or something like that.. I bet that with a pair of support hose underneath they would have looked good. Tops a meduim -

Becky it's taken my 1 yr to get where I am - it' didn't happen over night

I started out 18/20 pants and 22/24 tops.

Yes you need a fill but you really didn't do bad - you ate salad & protien and just a little of your tatoes.. What would you have eaten pre-band

The bread basket - the salad - something higher in calories and would have eaten the whole thing plus dessert... So darling it will come you made good food choices (baked chicken)

Man Janet, you are small! If I get to a size 8 I would be thrilled. It seems impossible now but my daughters already say I look much better. I am walking as much as I can stand though plus all the other things I do. Before banding I would not have even ordered baked chicken. I would have ordered a big ole horseshoe with white cheese. It feels like I ate alot tonight but really I didnt. I know this takes time. Anyway, I love your clothes and style. As soon as I learn how I am going to post some pictures so everyone can see my progress. Its nice to see a face with all of the conversation. Its good to see someone who has had that much success with this band. Good job:thumbup: .

Beckyo

Man Janet, you are small! If I get to a size 8 I would be thrilled. It seems impossible now but my daughters already say I look much better. I am walking as much as I can stand though plus all the other things I do. Before banding I would not have even ordered baked chicken. I would have ordered a big ole horseshoe with white cheese. It feels like I ate alot tonight but really I didnt. I know this takes time. Anyway, I love your clothes and style. As soon as I learn how I am going to post some pictures so everyone can see my progress. Its nice to see a face with all of the conversation. Its good to see someone who has had that much success with this band. Good job:thumbup: .

Beckyo

Becky - When I got my 1st size 12 - I was in hog heaven thought I would be happy there - then the 10's came - then the 8's and I figured oh this was it - I would never get any smaller - well just kept living the life of a bander eating healthy and exercise - well the 6's came..

But GF when I look in the mirror - with my size 6's and Med tops - I will say oh my - I look fat in this.. Then I YELL AT MYSELF" STUPID HOW CAN YOU BE FAT THOSE PANTS ARE A SIZE 6" Heck a size 12 -10 -8 arent' plus sizes -

Whats a horseshoe??? Another thing - I will think I have eaten tons = when in reality - I still eat less than most normal pple - but to me it's alot - our mind does change in what we consider alot..

It's not hard to add pictures - hit new reply - go down and you will see button Manage Attachements - hit it - go to browse and go to place on your computer where you keep your pics - pick on - then hit up load..

It's pretty easy...

Ok Gang - It seems that you think I lost this weight over night - well I have done progress pictures to show you all my progress from 7/07 to 7/08 The pic's have the date and weight on them

Well the PreBand pic doesn't have weight - but it was 245 - 250

You guys need to take pics every month or at least every other month

That is really nice of you to offer to be a buddy and a mentor and to show your hard work and success. I am a nervous wreck right now. I was banded 6/30/08 and have lost 25.5 lbs so far without having any fills yet, but the more I read on this website the more nervous and discouraged I am getting. My original struggle was that after I got the band I began to feel hungry and I realized that I have been obese and over eating for so long that I was unfamilar with hunger and do not know how to cope with it. I seem to be able to eat regular amounts of food but I make myself eat less than I did pre-band. Since I got the band I have not thrown up even once and I have not had the urge or any feelings of nausea, is that normal? I want to get a fill because I want to see some real progress, I exercise 5-6 days a week, walking a mile or more, but now I am really scared, people are talking about things getting stuck and vomiting and having to have corrective surgery or be rebanded. I really am so confused right now. I know that all I want is to be healthy, no more high blood pressure, no more GERD, I don't want to be the biggest thing in the room anymore but I'm so nervous now.

That is really nice of you to offer to be a buddy and a mentor and to show your hard work and success. I am a nervous wreck right now. I was banded 6/30/08 and have lost 25.5 lbs so far without having any fills yet, but the more I read on this website the more nervous and discouraged I am getting. My original struggle was that after I got the band I began to feel hungry and I realized that I have been obese and over eating for so long that I was unfamilar with hunger and do not know how to cope with it. I seem to be able to eat regular amounts of food but I make myself eat less than I did pre-band. Since I got the band I have not thrown up even once and I have not had the urge or any feelings of nausea, is that normal? I want to get a fill because I want to see some real progress, I exercise 5-6 days a week, walking a mile or more, but now I am really scared, people are talking about things getting stuck and vomiting and having to have corrective surgery or be rebanded. I really am so confused right now. I know that all I want is to be healthy, no more high blood pressure, no more GERD, I don't want to be the biggest thing in the room anymore but I'm so nervous now.

Welcome! It's a little early on Sunday morning for a lot of the folks who post here, but I'm sure you will find comfort and support as more of them read your note. I don't know how much you have read on this thread, but the majority of these banded ppl are doing well with their new lifestyles. You have lost 25 pounds in just over 2 months - and you are just getting started. I've never been able to do that on any diet program - even the Optifast type liquid diets - so I'm pretty impressed with you. I can't speak for a banded person since I am still waiting, but I know from the experience of others on this and other threads that you are absolutely normal in the amount of weight you have lost (maybe a bit better loss than many) and you are just getting started. Janet (IndioGirl) is a great role model and mentor and she will have very good advice for you. Meanwhile, IMHO I think you need to be patient with yourself, relax, and know that this tool is going to work if you help it along. You are already doing the right things - keep going and you will be successful. :smile:

p.s. - I'm here for support and knowledge. I've read about the bad things that can happen and what to watch for, and my surgeon will have advice for me about those health issues. I know people have trouble with getting stuck, vomiting, etc. However, many of the eating issues can be avoided with the right amount of restriction, and following the rules about small bites, chewing to oblivion, eating slowly, etc. I am choosing to expose myself to the positive aspects of this process, and I'm no longer reading more of the same negatives over and over. I know there is a lot I can do to have a positive outcome, and for my health it is imperative that I do just that. I also know there are a lot more banded people who are successful than there are those who are not. I'm going to be successful, and so are you. Concentrate on the positive and don't worry about anything else.

Edited September 14, 200818 yr by JoannMarie

:cursing:WTF DID MY POST GO!!!! OH I'M PISSED - I STARTED AT 8 - FINISH AT 10 CUS THE PHONE KEPT RINGING AND NOW IT'S NOT HERE :smile:

Ellen - 48 lbs gone in 2 months - that's 24 lbs a month - that 6 lbs a week that's .86 lbs per day - almost 1 pound a day lost on average

HI Janet! Hi Everyone!

I just got back from a weekend at Disneyland. The scale better show something amazing tomorrow after all the walking I've done since Friday!!! Had a great time, but I'm pooped. I just logged on and started reading the posts I've missed and I'll answer them as I read them.

Janet, I wish my weight loss were that great. I've lost 48 pounds since last January. I've lost 15-20 pounds since mid-July, when I saw the Dr. pre-surgery. That's about 2 months. I say 15-20, because last week was AWFUL! I know the 15-20, depending on the day, is not horrendous, but it shows that my pre-fill committment had a bit to be desired.

Post-fill, I've had a few minor nervous breakdowns, but am doing better. Will talk to you all later. Hubby's computer is having its own nervous breakdown and I'm going to be cut off.

Love,

Ellen

just got a call from my doctor...

Guess who they want to use for their new TV Commerical

guess - guess

ME !!!!!

Oh My - what am I going to wear !!!!!

Janet, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are a true star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Ellen

Pie Update:

The evil monster has been ground up, the dishes rinsed completely free of any pie residue. Challenge overcome!! Thanks so much everyone for the words of sanity. I can't believe how fast I let myself start spiraling downward in the head. And you should've seen my piece of pie. In my former pre-banded life, I wouldn't have even called it a piece, it was a mere sliver with one scoop on a Tablespoon size spoon on my plate. So I did good. And it tasted oh so good! Also, I went to the gym and worked up, upped the intensity but at that intensity I couldn't go as long. Which was fine as I was running late to meet my sister for lunch. And I met the challenge there. She wanted to go to Wishbone which is this fried chicken diner that is to die for. I thought oh no, what do I eat? why did she pick this place? Well as she sat there with her number 8 which is 3 thighs, fries, texas toast and gravy, I got the KIDS number one, they let me order from the kids menu but when an adult does they add $1.50 to the price, I was okay with that. I had 2 pcs of chicken one of which is in my fridge now, about 4 fries and no toast. I was stuffed. Do I eat fried chicken every day? No, between that and my pie last night I probably consumed a few more calories than normal, but I kept it in control. I used to eat that number 8 too and still want more! Sis, by the way, is asking a lot about my lifestyle and diet and now. HMMMMMM and was very complimentary on how I looked and discussed how mom will react. I left that place feeling pretty smug about myself. What a difference a day makes. What's so great about the band is even when I get in those self defeating modes and in the past what have said what the he$$ and eat the rest of the pie, or the other piece of chicken, the band won't let me, or if I do there's a high price to pay! And then the stinkin' thinkin' passes and so does the urge to binge. Okay I've rambled enough. Thanks so much for the understanding and support!

Lori, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL!!!! I do battle with that kind of thinking too often. I just hope that I can "grow up" to think like you, Janet and some of the others on the board.

Love,

Ellen

Hi Janet and everyone -

Back from a weekend of camping. The good news - we took a 4 mile hike and I was able to do it and it wasn't horrible. In fact, I never got out of breath. I did still sweat like a faucet, but that's ok.

I am a little disappointed in my first fill experience. It's been six days and I don't feel any different. I can still eat anything (except bagels) and just about as much as I want. Yes, I know it's still all about me and good choices. I can make it happen!

Ellen, how are you doing your first week after the fill?

Janet - I am so excited for you - on TV commercial!!! You look fabulous. I have to say looking at your pictures are true inspiration.

I'm home for awhile. I'm happy not to travel. It keeps me grounded.

Kathy

Ellen, Kathy you girls are doing fine since vacation. I too had a first fill on August 18. Today is September 14 and have lost 7lbs. I go on Tuesday and am hoping for a fill since I think I can eat more than I should. I do try to be careful but even with being careful, a person can eat too much. tonight I went to Steak and Shake for dinner. I had a double steakburger, only ate the meat (no bun or anything else) and half cup of chilli. I felt like that was way too much to eat but it really wasnt horrible if you think about it. For once tonight I felt satisfied with my meal and I am not hungry one single bit tonight. Hey Janet, a horseshoe or ponyshoe(smaller version) is bread or toast on the bottom, then a meat of your choice (chicken, hamburger, ham, pork loin, bacon, whatever), then frenchfries, then that is all covered in either white or yellow cheese sauce. Very fattening but very delicious. They became famous here in Springfield. People make them as breakfast shoes also. Very popular here. I cant eat that any more. Out there where you live is probably alot of mexican huh:thumbup:Beckyo:lol:

Hey gang - sorry I have been MIA - My DS flew in today and will go home Tuesday - so have been visiting with him..

That is really nice of you to offer to be a buddy and a mentor and to show your hard work and success. I am a nervous wreck right now. I was banded 6/30/08 and have lost 25.5 lbs so far without having any fills yet, but the more I read on this website the more nervous and discouraged I am getting. My original struggle was that after I got the band I began to feel hungry and I realized that I have been obese and over eating for so long that I was unfamilar with hunger and do not know how to cope with it. I seem to be able to eat regular amounts of food but I make myself eat less than I did pre-band. Since I got the band I have not thrown up even once and I have not had the urge or any feelings of nausea, is that normal? I want to get a fill because I want to see some real progress, I exercise 5-6 days a week, walking a mile or more, but now I am really scared, people are talking about things getting stuck and vomiting and having to have corrective surgery or be rebanded. I really am so confused right now. I know that all I want is to be healthy, no more high blood pressure, no more GERD, I don't want to be the biggest thing in the room anymore but I'm so nervous now.

msnenequeenie

Hey Girl relax - Be happy you haven't gotten stuck - pb'd or slimed - Not pbing - ya that's great you are following the rules 100% - it's those big bites - eating too fast or too much or not chewing that makes you bp

There are pple at my doc's off who didn't get a fill for 6 months - some pple don't need them - just the band in place gives them enough restriction

25.5 lbs in 8 weeks is 2.55 lbs a week that's excellent !!!

Why haven't you gotten a fill - cuz you have done so well with the your weight loss?? My doc won't give you a fill if you are losing weight

How much are you eatiing per meal and feeling full??

To me you are doing very good - don't look for problems with your band - I don't read the complication thread - I hate to say this but - crap happens - you and I can go to the same doc - you love him I hate him - heck we all have babies - some of us have them with no problems and others have problems - crap happens - we have no control - all you can do is follow the rules and hope for the best.

Good going on the exercise - keep it up...

:cursing:WTF DID MY POST GO!!!! OH I'M PISSED - I STARTED AT 8 - FINISH AT 10 CUS THE PHONE KEPT RINGING AND NOW IT'S NOT HERE

Ellen - 48 lbs gone in 2 months - that's 24 lbs a month - that 6 lbs a week that's .86 lbs per day - almost 1 pound a day lost on average

HI Janet! Hi Everyone!

I just got back from a weekend at Disneyland. The scale better show something amazing tomorrow after all the walking I've done since Friday!!! Had a great time, but I'm pooped. I just logged on and started reading the posts I've missed and I'll answer them as I read them.

Janet, I wish my weight loss were that great. I've lost 48 pounds since last January. I've lost 15-20 pounds since mid-July, when I saw the Dr. pre-surgery. That's about 2 months. I say 15-20, because last week was AWFUL! I know the 15-20, depending on the day, is not horrendous, but it shows that my pre-fill committment had a bit to be desired.

Post-fill, I've had a few minor nervous breakdowns, but am doing better. Will talk to you all later. Hubby's computer is having its own nervous breakdown and I'm going to be cut off.

Love,

Ellen

OK - why are you having a nervous breakdown - how's your fill doing..

15-20 is a lost - so we will be happy with it - and if I remember you do have a few yrs on me (said with love:tongue:) and that can play into to this too.

Hi Janet and everyone -

Back from a weekend of camping. The good news - we took a 4 mile hike and I was able to do it and it wasn't horrible. In fact, I never got out of breath. I did still sweat like a faucet, but that's ok.

I am a little disappointed in my first fill experience. It's been six days and I don't feel any different. I can still eat anything (except bagels) and just about as much as I want. Yes, I know it's still all about me and good choices. I can make it happen!

Ellen, how are you doing your first week after the fill?

Janet - I am so excited for you - on TV commercial!!! You look fabulous. I have to say looking at your pictures are true inspiration.

I'm home for awhile. I'm happy not to travel. It keeps me grounded.

Kathy

Thanks Kathy - Glad that you won't be traveling - Yep being home makes it alot easier to follow the rules.

Ellen, Kathy you girls are doing fine since vacation. I too had a first fill on August 18. Today is September 14 and have lost 7lbs. I go on Tuesday and am hoping for a fill since I think I can eat more than I should. I do try to be careful but even with being careful, a person can eat too much. tonight I went to Steak and shake for dinner. I had a double steakburger, only ate the meat (no bun or anything else) and half cup of chilli. I felt like that was way too much to eat but it really wasnt horrible if you think about it. For once tonight I felt satisfied with my meal and I am not hungry one single bit tonight. Hey Janet, a horseshoe or ponyshoe(smaller version) is bread or toast on the bottom, then a meat of your choice (chicken, hamburger, ham, pork loin, bacon, whatever), then frenchfries, then that is all covered in either white or yellow cheese sauce. Very fattening but very delicious. They became famous here in Springfield. People make them as Breakfast shoes also. Very popular here. I cant eat that any more. Out there where you live is probably alot of mexican huh:thumbup:Beckyo:lol:

Becky 7 lbs in a month is very very good - sounds like you could use just a tweak if you ate all the hamburger patty and chili.. But you are losing weight - it's very selective on what is too much as far as how much we can eat - you have to find the place where you are happy and are losing weight..

Horseshoe - OMW never heard of it before - I may have seen it on the food channel not sure but ya sounds good... Well once a year you could have a bite or 2 :cursing:

Yep Mexican food is the local cuisine here in the desert - cheese - tortillas and frying - re-fried Beans cooked in lard (omw my fav) Mexican food isn't always the healthist food choice - but I do eat it every now and then - but I can only eat 1/2 taco - a bite or 2 of the enchillad and a bite or 2 of beans - pre band ate the whole thing and wanted more... In fact will have mex food tomorrow night from my DS fav restaurant - well he will I don't know if I will it will depend on how i feel.

Well, gang it's 7:54 so I am signing off - I will ck with you all in the morning - Sweet Dreams and good food choices.

Love & Hugs Janet