karenlynn79

EWWW!!! I have had a bad yogurt experience so now I check every single one I pull out of the fridge!

Kim, I had that same kind of day this week. My baby has been SCREAMING all week, she's just so crabby! I was stressing out and pigged out 1 day. I did feel down on myself but the next day, instead of throwing in the towel and doing it again since I messed up, I just left that day behind and moved on, and have been "good" since then. You'll be ok! We all have those days. Karen

I eat crushed ice ALL DAY. I do drink several big glasses of water too, but the ice helps me feel like I'm "eating" and of course, it's water. I also do one K2O protein water a day too.

You look great! I like the hair too!

Good for you Dianna!! Keep it up! Good luck on the 2nd! You will do great and you'll love the clinic and staff! Karen

Trudy, As a therapist, I have to mention that you might consider talking to a professional counselor/therapist if possible. As far as emotional eating, I have always been one. Happy, sad, angry, everything. I have to say that the band has put a firm stop to that. I have been banded a year and a half so I know what I can and can't eat. I might grab something when upset, and then eat too quick, or too big of bites, and then BAM you know what you did because it hurts!!! BUT if I really want to I could eat candy bars or ice cream, so you do have to have some self control. Now that I am back on track losing steadily with a good fill, I don't have the urge to pig out as much because I am excited about the weight loss. Also lots of us have food dreams as a replacement...... Good luck! I do believe that with personal effort and the band, most people can be successful and I highly recommend the OCC for it, if you are going to do it! Karen

I remember that from the liquids stage too, I just spit them out.... I don't think a few are going to hurt. Probably try to steer clear though, just to be safe?

Yeah!!! That's great! And way to take it slow!

Thanks!!! We'll see how I look once I hit my goal weight!!

Cool! Yes it's Evee as in E-Vee... We didn't want to do the traditional spelling because with her middle name (Lynn) her name looked like Evie L which looks like evil to me......

An 8 for me too, Kim. Though secretly I'd like to be a 6 someday...... I once as an adult wore an 8 (only 3.5 years ago) and took it for granted!!! I am in a 16 now too... My stomach is all crazy since just having a baby, but it looks better already (my daughter Evee is 3 months now) so hopefully it'll look normal someday!!! Karen Kim I just noticed that you and I have almost the same stats, etc... height and highest weight. My goal is 150 though and then it's really 140 but I am aiming for 150 now since I haven't weighed that since I was like 15.... I am at 204 now and can't wait to hit 199!!!!!

Yea Kim!!! I only have 16 lbs to go before 190, I can't wait! Actually I am most looking forward to the old 199!!! It's been a while....

Dr. Nyte, I was curious about a tummy tuck if you've had a ceserean?? I've had 2 actually. I've seen a pic of the scar and I was wondering if having had cesareans affects a TT?? Thanks Karen

WOW!!! I just bought some shorts that are a 14 and I am hoping by the end of summer! I love waiting a few weeks to see how closer I get! I might start taking pics too because it's inspiring to see yours! Karen

Thanks Michelle!! I finally lost 3 more pounds after a 3 week plateau so I am happy!

Congrats Erin on the 10 days smoke-free!! Keep it up! Once they are out of your system, I bet you'll feel even better. I smoked (for a few years, quit over 10 years ago though) and once they were out, I had to try hard but did it, and was SOO glad I did!

Everyone makes mistakes!!! The brave ones admit them and then move on. Good luck! We've all been there.

Yes this happens to a lot of people. I've been banded for a year and half and always been like that (with good restriction). I have a slim fast with added whey protein in the a.m. and sometimes mid-morning I try to eat either a hard boiled egg white or scrambled egg beaters. Usually it's ok. Around 11:30 or 12 I can eat a small lunch and then most evenings I can eat a little more. Not sure why, but I know lots of people have experienced this. For me, it seems permanent. Good that you have some restriction though!

Have you tried the chocolate Viactiv ones? I like them, I take 2 a day.

Judy, Last year I got 2 fills and was at a great spot and losing. Well, I felt like I wanted to lose faster so I had another .2 put in. BIG mistake. I couldn't keep water down and had to fly back down to have an unfill. Then of course 4 weeks later went back to have another regular fill and at that point knew what my optimum cc's were. So, I would say it's better to be conservative even if it means going back in another month. At worst, if you have an aggressive fill, then have to have an unfill, then another fill once your tummy has had a break, you've already spent $ on one extra trip. Why not wait, see what happens with a decent average amount added, and then if you have to go back again? I know that it's frustrating to keep waiting and see what happens. But being too tight is really really awful. Hope that helps! Karen

Thanks everyone! I didn't think I'd look that different so I have been avoiding taking a new pic! I had my surgery in Sept '06. BUT I didn't get fills until 6 months post op (Last March) and then in June got unfilled because we were trying to have a baby, and did. So I got re-filled April 17th this year. I was hoping to lose more at this point, but with all the hormonal changes from having a baby and adding birth control pills again, I think that's what is slowing me down (I hope!) because my fill level is great and I am really happy with the band.

First pic was a while ago, but I had a baby between now and then! Haven't seen much scale movement in the past 3 weeks, but trying to stay motivated!! Here is today: This is about 24 lbs difference I think Possible TMI question: Anyone else going on BC pills and having trouble losing? Since I went back on BC (tried Mirena IUD awful!!!) I have been miserable! Talking to hubby about possible vasectomy...... Karen

I know that that is true of a lot of gastric bypass patients, but not sure why specifically. If the band AND you are working and using it right, I don't see how you could gain "all" the weight back. Also, I think a lot of people are negative about WLS and some people (thin people) think it's a cop-out. I have gained weight in the past with the band, but I didn't have ANY fill at the time and I wasn't trying. Now that I have a good fill level I am losing fairly steadily. Once I hit goal weight, I will probably loosen it halfway and then go from there and try and maintain my weight. But, just FYI there are lots of ways to cheat with the band!!! You have to have a little self-control (ice cream, milkshakes, liquid calories, go down easy still) but overall, I truly believe that if you do your research and are fully aware and committed and follow the "rules", most people can and do lose. Hope that helps! Also Dr Ortiz and the OCC are the best. Karen

Calicat, I know exactly what you mean about the sugar high/low after eating something sugary. I had a major cookie dough craving a few days ago and ate like half a thing of it. It was pretty easy to eat and I have a great fill. But, I felt like crap for 2 days! So I probably won't do that for a long time again. I didn't beat myself up about it either. I guess I settled that craving for now! Karen

Lisa, This is totally normal in my opinion. After I was banded and eating, I was back to my usual tricks and meals. Are you getting enough calories everyday? After fills I've found that I am less hungry. Also it takes so long to eat that sometimes I don't even look forward to eating! Just be patient and hang in there. Most people gain a little back after surgery but before their adequate fill level (which may or may not be the first fill). Good luck! Just try and stay active and don't worry about it. Maybe try fruit for snacks? I like to munch on Corn Bran if I feel a little hungry. Karen Oh and I definitely think that having your period affects your appetite, I've always found that. (My fill gets tighter too during that time).