OK, here goes. I was banded 8/19/2011 and had a wonderful 5 months...lost 75 pounds without really putting much effort into it. At least, I did not think it was much effort...I followed the eating plan and exercised - mostly bike riding.

Now I have found that I am stalled...really stalled. I can't move this weight for anything. I am so close, yet so far away. Since January, I have lost about 8 to 10 pounds, and it has been a real struggle.

I also have seasonal alergies which have been really flaring up the past couple of weeks. I am wondering if it is the meds because they are making me so tired (I quit taking them and went back to the old ones).

Is cardio my answer? Is having a cheat day one a week my answer? Does anyone have any ideas for me.

Zil

Well, I am not sure if I would call it the week from hell, but it has been close, real close.

Over the w/e I came down with what I thought was possible STREP throat. Throat irritated and dry, ears itchy and hurt. Headed to the dr Monday afternoon after working 4 hours. Good news - not strep (this after 2 swabs of my back throat because the first swab showed negative), bad news -- my allergies were acting WAY up. So, after 2 RX's and the co-pay at the dr's office, I was sent on my way.

Next day, Tuesday, I had made arrangements to take the day off a few weeks ago to take my friend to have a surgical procedure done, but ended up going to work for about 3 hours because I was told the Friday before that I had to do a presentation to our supervisors, and it had to be done during the supv meeting. Bad news - couldn't get the PPT presentation to pull up at work, couldn't get the computer to work, so had to re-write the presentation at the last minute. Good news - got out in time. Spent the entire day with my friend at the hospital, only to have her admitted because her BP shot up into the critical zone. Stayed with her until she fell asleep that evening then had an hour drive home.

Wednesday, on the way to work, Bad News - really bad news - I somehow managed to get into a single vehicle accident while driving my hubby's truck to work...good news, I did not hit anyone and am actually OK with only a little bruising and minimal soreness. The best piece of advice I can give anyone is keep your eyes on the road no matter what, and WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!!! My guardian angel and God were with me that day because I did not do either of those things...and ended up in a field of alphalfa. Truck has a little damage, but thank goodness for insurance.

Thursday, went pretty well, except that I was pulled from my regular assignment (as were many of the staff I work with) and directed to go help do a contraband search...I work in a security facility so this is nothing new to us. Bad news, had to work OT, but because I am salaried, I do not get paid for it. Good news is when I take off early, I don't get docked since I am salaried. It is all a wash.

Today is Friday...and things seem to be going well. Good News -- got word on the damage to the truck...only about $3400 and it will probably be ready next week.

In all of this, I have remained emotionally calm for the most part, but did figure out that I am a STRESS EATER. After I arrived at work (the day of the accident -- my husband told me to drive to work in the car (it was the best thing he could do for me to force me to get back behind the wheel)) I actually ate 2 pieces of candy, and I used the excuse that I needed to calm myself. What a bunch of crap, but because after not having candy for 8 months, it did nothing to calm me, and the funny thing is, it really didn't taste like I thought it would. I'd rather have my protein, veggies, and drinks and stay away from the sugars and carbs.

So that is it in a nutshell as to how my week has been going.

Thanks for letting me get this stuff off my chest, and for being there for me and everyone else. I feel much better now. Oh, and I think my allergies are finally under control.

Have a great weekend.

Until next time---Zil

Well, I had a visit with the doctor yesterday...my first in a month, and what a month it has been.

Here I have been sailing along rather swimmingly since I started my journey July 26, 2011... have lost 80 pounds (60 more to go).

Then, it was as if I hit a wall that really did not want to give. Last month I lost 5, THAT'S RIGHT, 5 pounds and 1 inch around my waist.

Good news - I lost 5 pounds and 1 inch.

Bad news - and this hit me right where it hurts, and boy is it going to hurt a whole lot.

Since I am eating healthy, the doctor told me in no uncertain terms that I would have to, and here is the bad news...STEP UP MY EXERCISE.

I thought, OMG, DO I LOOK LIKE SOMEONE WHO EXERCISES??? Actually, I have been exercising since about a month after my surgery. My favorite thing is to ride a bicycle or the exercice bike at the gym. I am actually up to doing 7 miles in about 30 minutes. and now I am being told to STEP IT UP.

That can only mean one thing...doing cardio. If I had done cario in the past I would not be in the shape I am in now or at least not as much of bad shape.

So, today I ordered a DVD to get me a huffin' and a puffin' and hopefully it arrives on Monday.


So, that is the tale of my Good and Bad news.

Please keep me in your thoughts because I am not sure how this is going to go. But I am so determined to get this excess weight off ... until then.

Have a great w/e

Zil

I hit a new middle number this morning when I stepped on the scale...I am finally in the 200teens. YEA ME!!! I really LOVE my band. 80 pounds down since I started my journey in July 2012.

I hit a plateau during the past month, but that seems to have gone away (until the next one). I have been able to get back at the gym this past week too.

I really LOVE my band, but I think I already said that. However, it does bear repeating...probably numerous times.

I have not had a fill since the middle of January and I am still in good shape. Feeling restriction which has really limited my intake. For those of you who are kinda new to banding, just remember, it may take numerous visits to get fills before you hit the green zone. I started getting fills in Sept 2011 and went every 2 weeks until mid Jan 2012.

For those of you who are newly banded, do not get discouraged. Just remember to follow the rules and your doctor's orders.

For those who are awaiting approval, keep pushing forward. Your time will come. Don't you get discouraged, either.

For those of you who are on the fence about lapband...go for it. This was the best money my hubby or I have ever spent. I love my band and the incentive it has given me. I could not be doing it without this wonderful tool.

Best of Luck.

Zil

OMG, I have been the same weight for the past few weeks. I can't seem to get past this darned plateau. Thought for sure that by now I would be in the 210's, but no such luck. I do think I am losing inches, tho. My clothes are getting loose on me.

Any thoughts on how to move off, and start sliding back down the mountain again??? or is this just something that will happen in time as long as I stick to the rules???

I ust confess that it has been very hard for me to get to the gym the past few weeks...foot problems (me), 2 family members have had surgery (hubby an #2 daughter), have had to watch the grandbabies (#1, #2 and #3 daughters kids), etc. I would like to tell them to take a hike. but my mom was always there for me, so that is not an option. Besides, if the shoe was on the other foot, they would do the same for me.

Such is life and it goes on.

I WILL NOT GIVE UP GOAL -- 65 MORE POUNDS THIS YEAR!!!

I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it.

I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family.

I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done".

So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself.

Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever.

So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings".

So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it.


I LOVE MY BAND

Zil
Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

Today while reading, I noticed that a lot of people who have been recently banded seem to be frustrated because they are not losing weight...

Well, just remember, the band is a tool that only assists us with our weight loss but we have to do the work. We have to make healthy choices in selecting foods, we have to be sure to drink water and exercise. And most of all, we need to understand that just because we can "eat as much as we did before surgery" we should not be doing that.

It may take quite a few fills until restriction is felt...I started getting fills Sept 19, 2011 and have gone every 2 weeks since then and received a fill...it has only been this past fill that I finally really feel restriction. I have 9.25 cc's in my band 14 cc band. The Doctor put 4 cc's in at the time of surgery.

I did some eating history as it pertained to myself and realized that carbohydrates are my personal enemy, so I shy away from them as much as possible. I do have a few crackers every so often, (even that has proven to be the enemy) but am pleased to say I have given up bread, pasta and rice, as well as potatoes. That stuff really packed the pounds on me. I was 299 at my heaviest and am proud to say that this morning the scale said 226. I am more than 1/2 way to goal of 160 pounds, and then tummy tuck, here I come.

good luck to everyone

I enjoy reading the different entries. It so gives us all a chance to ask questions, vent, share, etc. This section has been a Godsend to me many times over the past 6 months.

I am realitively newly banded (August 2011), and I am very proud to say I have lost 70+ pounds to date. I want to share my best advice with those who may need it.

#1 find a doctor/surgeon you have confidence in - one that will take their time with you, answer all your questions, and give you the truth.

#2 remember that having the lapband procedure (or any WLS) is a personal choice, and no one can make it for you.

#3 if you decide to go ahead an have the lapband surgery done, you will need to work to make it a success. Remember, the band is not a cure all for weight loss. Along with the band comes hard word.

#4 you will have to follow the rules given you by your doctor.

#5 no matter how how you try to avoid it, you will have to exercise. No excuses will be tolerated.

#6 you are going to have to say good bye to the bad foods if you really want to be successful. That means saying no to chips, candy, popcorn, bread, cookies, cake, ice cream and a whole host of other foods that have caused us to become overweight.

#7 reconfirm your convictions.

#8 find family and friends who will support you throughout your journey.

#9 be proud if you made the decision to have wls. Anyone who says you could have done it without surgery has probably never been overweight. Me??? I was obese, I weighed 299 at my heaviest point, and decided then and there I had to do something so I would be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding (she's only 9).

#10 after care is a must. I started getting fills 1 month after surgery and have received one every 2 weeks since then, 8 total. I have finally reached the green zone after 4 1/2 months.

Be sure to drink you water, eat your protein first, and then fiber, fuits and veggies.

Most of all, have faith in yourself and your decision. It took me 10 years to have wls, and I am a self-pay. It was the best money I have ever spent. I am now more than 1/2 way to my goal, and once I reach that, tummy tuck here I come.

I LOVE MY BAND, AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL TOO.

Happy to report that I am back on track. I officially closed the holidays on Monday night and Tuesday brought a new and improved me. My food choices have been right on track and I have managed to make it to the gym. I even started doing some more exercises...I must confess I don't like the ARC trainer, but I do try it for a few minutes. Riding 30 minutes on the bike and doing the treadmill for at least 1/2 mile - even managing to do a little. Have moved onto leg exercises, figured I would not be able to walk this morning, but all is fine. Next dr visit is on Monday, Jan 2, 2012...I am ready.

The Christman holiday is now behine me (and us) and I am sad to say that I did not do very well for 3 days...the delicous foods and goodies were very tempting, and unfortunately I did succumb to the treats. I made healthy choices while having my meals, but I found myself enjoying cookies and carmel corn while we were playing cards and goofing around. I am ashamed of myelf.

Today I made it a priority to get back on the healthy kick journey. I also learned that I will not be having sweets in my house in the future...at least not the ones that tempt me overmuch. While I did not gain weight, I feel sluggish and seem to not have any energy.

Well, here is to a healthier new year and another 80 pounds gone forever.

I am still loving my band.