nothereanymore

I get on the evil thing every morning, its a problem and I'm trying to stop myself from doing it - my goal is to only get on it once a week. Once I get to that point - I know I've made it. I never measured myself – don’t know why but never did it. I’m more focused on what size I can wear and how things fit.

AngelaAnn, Try deep breathing exercise to remove stress - you can find info on Dr Weil's website - and others. I often practice this during stressful times to get control over it or else I end up being miserable. It really does help to calm you and to get oxygen throughout your body and deep into your organs. You really just need to sit down on the ground, clear your mind and breathe deep in through your nose and out through your mind (change mind to mouth....). I just focus on “seeing” the oxygen go throughout my body and let everything leave my mind. It can de-stress you before a meal – and I will make herb tea and drink it warm/hot (not too hot) before my meal with honey to loosen my band and distress. Good luck and do good on your finals! Lisa

I always use those little packets of low calorie hot chocolate. (The ones you just add hot water). It really helped to fight my cravings and it was a nice way to have a treat at night. I had the same kind of cravings and still do! Lisa

Hello Fabi, Congrats and welcome. I was on my own as well and I can honestly say its one of the best decisions I ever made. I also went without support and on my own to get my band - I knew in my heart after much research that this was the right program for me - I was about your weight when I started and I’m done with my journey now and working on maintenance. It’s a great experience – I also think it wasn’t a bad thing that I had to own this by myself – I owned it completely and there was no way I was going to fail (and the band makes it easier to succeed) and a funny think happens, everyone jumped on the “band” wagon once I started loosing, isn’t that how it always works. All the best! Lisa

It’s a hard decision; you’re making a major one that could change your life. And I completely agree with Kimberly, you really need to follow the rules to reduce the chance of complications. Many people will test their bands – at some point they may fail and then you have to own your failure. I always keep enough cash in the bank so if I need to take a trip to the OCC I can. They are very good at after care and dealing with our problems, however we have to spot them, act on them and get to the OCC for help. We’ve had (and very few I might add) slipped bands, a flipped port, and other minor issues – I’ve only heard good things about the follow up care provided at the OCC. Its up to you, its your body and you make the final one – I made mine over 2 years ago and received my band on 10/6/06 and went from 275 at my high size 22 woman to 145 pounds size 6/8 now, for a total of 130 pounds lost. More importantly I’ve improved my health, I’m in my late 40’s and I wasted a lot of time being obese – I wish I made this decision earlier and had more time to spend enjoying life – its much better as a healthy thin person than an unhealthy obese one. There are many before and after stories in the gallery, you should check them out. Here’s mine: http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?auto...um&album=42 I'm so glad I made that decision, my husband was not supportive but it was my body and no one was going to stop me - he's totally supportive now - hmmm - wonder why.... Good luck! Lisa

Hey Stormy, We're all different, but the truth is normally since we're still learning they really try not to make us too tight on the first fill. Your second one, you should expect to not be able to eat bread, (sandwich especially) however you may be able to eat croutons and wheat crackers. You should be less hungry so better able to control how you eat – which means you should start trying to eat bandstar style. Protein first, veggies/fruits and then last – carbs. If you have a really good fill, sometimes they only last 2 to 3 months - its really dependant on how much weight I lost. The more quickly I lost the weight (since I was also shrinking my stomach) the faster I needed a fill. Or you’re one of those really lucky people who hits their sweet spot fast – you never know till you get there! Good luck, hope your fill goes well. Lisa

Hello Suzie, I really didn’t like to exercise at first and needed to have someone help me get motivated and teach me how to stick to a program, and how to exercise in a way that would most benefit my body type. What I did was hire a personal trainer, it did cost a bit but like the band, I made an investment in it and I changed my diet with it. I then made an investment in a personal trainer so I could change the shape of my body and loose more by exercise. And it wasn’t that expensive, I think I paid about $30 per session and did 10 to get me started. (So I did invest $300) Once a week with the trainer and 3 times a week on my own. It wasn’t fun at first – but you really just have to make it a habit and do it. After a few months I was set – and could see the benefits so I didn’t want to stop. I also did not buy any equipment; I joined a club for $19 a month and used theirs. The reason, I didn’t know what I would like to keep me motivated – and didn’t want to invest in some piece I wasn’t going to use. I exercise right after work – I just run into the gym and do 20 minutes cardio and 25 to 30 minutes on weights. I also dance once or twice a week on my own at home. Just to move my assl I don’t keep a journal, I work out with a friend and its just part of my life now like brushing my teeth. If you have to give up something else to do this – do it. This will benefit your health in so many ways, mentally and physically. You really just have to create the habit, whether you get into tapes, (which was hard for me at first – I needed someone to push my fat ass and my personal trainer did – I owe a lot to him) All the best, but start as soon as you can, join one of those clubs to work out if possible, there’s so many specials going on right now that you can get in really cheap to many of them. Lisa

Hello Leanna, Welcome to bandland and congrats, you're on your way to a new you!! Since you’re photography major you should really use your talent to document your journey, I wish I had done more and tracked my weight loss better. It’s really fun to watch people change into their new bodies. It’s like we’re caterpillars coming out of our cocoons and changing into butterflies! (OK, I’m not sure where that came from but I like it – I think that’s really how it is for many of us and its what I see when I look at everyone’s before and after pictures….) I’m pretty much done with my journey, I was banded on 10/6 and have been on the boards since September of 06, I’ve lost 130 pounds so far, but I go up and down with my weight, but normally just around 5 pounds. I never even have a second that that I could ever get big again - it just doesn't feel like it could happen) Everyone here is awesome and we're all in different stages of bandland, some are oldies at this, some new and a lot in between so ask away and someone will always be happy to help. One note to everyone, weekends and Holidays are always a little bit slow on the board - so don't feel bad if it takes us longer to jump in to answer your posts. All the best, Lisa

You girls are amazing!! Look at the difference in your face; you look like you could be your own daughter! Wow!! Congrats, you look stunning! Lisa

You are sooo beautiful! Congrats on your weight loss - you are doing awesome! Your arms look so thin and your face looks amazing, and you have a great shape to your waste! Keep up the hard work; just imagine what you're going to look like by summer!! You are going to be a knockout!! (You are now, just a bit thinner one by summer) Lisa

Yep, you’re right – we not suppose to use a straw to consume beverages since it will introduce gas and cause belching which can be painful. So just be super careful right now! (You're going to do just fine, those little test are our successes and we own and learn from each one - be strong)!!

I agree with Kim, and another thing - with those types’ milkshakes we normally use straws and you don't want to use a straw right now. Take care and remember, now that your banded the Holidays aren't all about food, take this time to learn how to focus on other areas that make you happy and feel good! Lisa

Kim, I’m so happy for you, you can’t even imagine the difference its going to make – to look at yourself and like what you see is an awesome feeling. And your surgeon thinks a lot like mine. I’m thrilled that I made the decision and went for it; I just went in today for my implants check up, (I had mine added after my lift as well) and they look great. I actually talked to him about my face – since my neck was so big I have extra skin and he’s going to take care of that as well. It’s a great feeling to finally love the body you have. I know it sounds shallow to some but to do all this work and then to have the “battle scars” can be hard to take at times. Best of luck, you’re going to do great and I know you’ll love the finished product! Lisa (and don’t worry about the weight, you look awesome and I lost 6 pounds with my tummy tuck between the skin and fat removed)

1. Name: Lisa 2. Location: Snoqualmie, WA 3. Age: 46 4. Band Date: 10/6/06 5. Married: 28 years (married my HS sweetheart) 6. Children of the human or furry kind: both, 3 boys 18 and over, 2 yorkies and one grandchild 7. Hobby(ies): Golf – now working out and dancing 8. Work: yep and love it! 9. What was the deciding factor(s) on getting banded: heading towards 300 pounds, poor health and couldn’t walk up or down stairs without pain 10. Interesting factoid: I now love to exercise and feel bad if I don’t!!

If anyone does drive over - make sure to check your insurance coverage before you go over the border. Many don’t cover you when you drive into Mexico. However if you don’t have the right coverage and you still want to drive over, you can just purchase short term insurance for your trip. Its best to know ahead of time! Lisa

You should take a look at Pammie's website; she has a lot of photos and some good ones of her tummy. This is her journey which includes Plastic Surgery photos as well. She looks awesome! http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?...s0tysj&Ux=0 We'll all different; some scar better, some worse. It’s really dependant on your genes and what type of skin you have and Jude is right, some treatments will soften the look and I'm getting cortisone shots now - I'll let everyone know if those work out. Best, Lisa

WOW, congrats!! For some reason your body was just holding onto some of the extra weight for a while and then it just went away!! I know you were worried about this - glad to see you're dropping again - I do hate it when that happens but it just seems to be part of how our weight loss can be at times - we just need to ride it out! Take care and may the pounds continue to drop for you!! Lisa

Hello, I drink the premier nutrition high protein shakes you can buy at Costco. They are actually in single box containers, which make them really convenient. They aren’t that great, and a little bit chunky – but I can take it and I’m more in how they make me feel. Plus since I normally add one to my coffee – the taste doesn’t bother me. And I’m so use to it that I can drink them on their own. The truth is I like how I feel after I drink one, you can tell when your body is craving protein and they have extra vitamins in them as well. (30 grams of protein and only 160 calories per serving) Today: Protein shake for breakfast Small piece of chicken for lunch with a green salad. I got a craving for carbs and sweets so I ate some Carmel Corn Quaker Rice cakes I’m going to El Gauchos’ today for dinner – so I’m not sure what I’m having. I will however stay away from any alcohol – I had three small, not even big ones, glasses of wine in a 6 hour span (spaced 2 hours apart) and I got trashed feeling. Not good – sometimes alcohol really affects us – I’m staying away from it for a while. Congrats Carrie!! Lisa

That's how it is for me - its pretty much just fuel at this point. I like strong taste's better than before, a good intense balsamic vinegar – I can’t do without. But mmmmm spanish coffee sounds good. Had my normal protein shake Cup of veggie soup – couldn’t finish it (I drink a little broth first and then try to eat the veggies) Worked out after work Drank a protein shake on the way home Cup of good hearty tomato soup with no milk Danced a little because I was bored…. Some balsamic vinegar over blue cheese - *Just a little – (I was craving a weird flavor) Normally I’ve been eating more – between work and wanting to get my body toned I’m having a hard time and I need to try and focus more on it. I know I’m getting enough protein, the shakes each have 30 grams, and I take my vitamins. I haven't been loosing weight - since I'm really focusing on building muscles and I get that it weighs more. And I'm not sure about the hubby part - since I've lost weight he has been more helpful, hmmmmmm....... Eating on the run is hard for me, I do keep beef jerky and always protein shakes in my car. I'll also keep a bag of those dried peas (I like them and for some reason they go down good - you can get them at trader Joes)

I made sure to check my bag, I didn't want to carry or drag anything around. I also brought a small light purse to use, but had protein water packs and broth cubes to add to hot water. I took advantage of the time waiting and walked and walked to keep the evil gas at bay. I had to get there really early, and then gave up my seat for this poor guy so I think I spent about 9 hours at the San Diego Airport. It was a long day! (But I got some good carma out of it - so it was worth it)

Congrats - I'm glad you made it and didn't let your concerns stop you! You’re on your way to a beautiful new you!! Make sure to start documenting your journey now and take pictures of everyone for us if you can to put in the gallery! All the best! Lisa

Congratulations and let me be the first to welcome to band land! It’s perfectly normal to feel little or no restriction at first. Still you need to remember to take little sips. Many don’t feel any restriction until the fist fill and for some even that’s pretty light. You're doing great - I can't wait to see what you do on this journey - its going to be pretty cool!! Best, Lisa

The first 3 days were really hard, but after that I was moving, slowly - but moving. I was back to work 10 days after surgery. All I can say is it was worth it if you have that need due to extra skin caused by the weight loss/pregnancies. (I had a breast lift as well, it was much easier than the extended TT). Best, Lisa

I'm so glad for you and sorry for the scare you had! - But one note.... I was loving your new picture, your face is so beautiful, put it back up!! You are looking gorgeous! Lisa

Hey Sue, It’s totally normal, you're eating far less than you’re use too, traveled to get surgery done, and now you're back at work. The first days back at work and on liquid is hard, if you don’t have any see if you can pick up some protein water along with liquid vitamins to keep your energy level up and keep sipping at things all day. Try and take breaks and when you’re off work baby yourself – don’t do anything too strenuous. You’ll feel better soon once you can get on soft soups and protein, and once the weight starts rolling off you’ll have more energy than you’ll know what to do with! However one note - if it continues and doesn't feel right, call the clinic and check in to be on the safe side. Take care and congrats – you’ve got a fun journey ahead of you! Lisa