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If I can do it....so can you!



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One day during the summer of 2008 I was talking to a friend that has RnY surgery. I told her if I could have surgery then it would be LAP-BAND®®. I had researched options and decided that it would be the best for me. She told me that only thing she ever regretted was that she didn't do it sooner. I hate regrets and that was when I decided that I didn't want to look back and say that I should have done this when I was in my 30's.

It was months later that talked to my husband about LAP-BAND®® again. Other times he had brushed off the idea. He has always told me that he thinks I am beautiful. He would never comment against my weight. One night after being intimate...and embarrassed about how I felt I opened up to him. I told him about how I felt moving in bed to get comfortable with pillows. I told him how it is for me to fly and how I am always worried that the seat belt won't buckle or that people are worried they will have to sit next to me. I told him that I hate to sit on the bleachers and watch the kids because I feel like a lump on a log. I feel like no one wants to talk to me because of my weight. I hate the way I feel. I can't cross my legs or walk up the stairs without becoming winded. After bearing my soul he agreed to supporting me in getting the surgery. I didn't realize that within 3 months I would have that opportunity.

I had a phone consult in September and was scheduled for surgery on October 29th, 2008. I lost 14 lbs on my pre-op diet. Dr. K said something that just clicked. If you aren't hungry don't eat. That sounds simple, but it is the one lesson that has helped me more than any other. Within weeks I could start wearing clothes that had been too small for me.

In a couple of weeks I was more comfortable with my husband. It took months for people to notice my weight loss because I had to lose 40 lbs before it was obvious.

Six months after surgery I walked onto an airplane, walked down the isle without turning sideways sat down and crossed my legs. I almost cried. I have learned where to shop for good clothes that you only wear 2 months.

Where am I one year later?

I have lost 115 pounds. It is completely unreal to be a person that can say something like that! I am no different than you are. I follow the guidelines. I work hard. It is not an easy way out. The band dims your appetite. It helps you get full faster. I can tell you if I can do it then you can do it too.

I hope you will take the time to read my blog. If you want to know how I did it...that will tell you all about my journey. I am still working hard. I love life. I love to dress up and dress down to go to my kids ballgames. I love to travel. I love to see myself in pictures with my family. It is all possible. If I can do this then you can too!

Much love!

Edited by julie.ann

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Thanks for sharing your story, you look incredible.

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I havetalked to people who have lost and gained back, and those who have lost and kept it off. The difference is that those who kept it off followed the guidelines. Not one person who gained could say that they did, indeed, follow the guidelines. And their advice? You guessed it... follow the guidelines. That's not always easy, but that is what this site is for. And, Julie.Ann, you are the inspiration that gives me the strength to say 'No' to the things not good for me. Thank you for sharing! You look awesome!

Hang in there everyone! We can do it!! If you've slipped up, just get back up and start again! We Can Do It!!!

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Congratulations! Your pictures and your story are awesome and inspiring.

Sue

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Thanks for sharing your story. It's just what I needed to read today! :tongue2:

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U look wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing! I was banded on 10/27/09. I am currently 17 lbs down. I am so ready to feel good about myself! Congratulations!

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What a great story! Your pics are incredible. You go girl!:confused:

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Unbelievable! You look fantastic. I am getting banded on Dec 3rd. Can't wait. You give me so much hope. I have 95 lbs to lose. Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey!

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yOU LOOK SO GOOD, YOU EVEN LOOK YOUNGER, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

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Wow, you look great. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I go on Monday for my first consult meeting... it is a little scary but I know it will be a tool to help me get this weight off. Great pictures!

Heidi

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Very well done! You have done so well and You are so Pretty and look a different person...:thumbup:

I start my Pre op diet next week BMI 41

Best Regards

Dawnxx

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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
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      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
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    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
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      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
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      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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