robbynnoel

(((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm not even going to say I'm sorry for being quiet this time. Hopefully I'll become more of a regular. Today has been strange. I have pb'd multiple times. I haven't pb'd in a long long time.

In fact, the third fill was the charm. I basically stopped pb'ing after the third fill. How crazy is that? I guess I finally found my sweet spot.

So back to today. I'm down about 35 lbs from that 3rd fill last August. If I have a good scale day, I'm down just over 100 lbs total. I just drank a latte for breakfast. It's not uncommon for me to do that. I can have solid foods, at least a little, usually, but more often than not I choose to have a latte in the morning because I have a busy job where once I start, I have little time to stop. A latte at least gets me a little protein surge until lunch.

I came home for lunch and made myself a few table spoons of pinto beans. I felt out of sorts, immediately and pb'd. Then again about 15 minutes later.

I took a nap (lucky me) and after I woke up, I decided to have some mole I made last night. (Last night was Mexican...yumm). I had a few bites and pb'd again. Then about 15 minutes later again.

So I'm thinking I should probably just do shakes and isopure for the next 24 to 30 hours. Ugg.

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Debbie)))))))))))))))))))

Congrats on taking the first step, scheduling your surgery and asking some questions about the band to fellow bandsters. I have a blog that went over my personal journey from my decision to get the band, to chosing a surgeon, to surgery to fill and beyond.

I can only speak for myself, but for me, the band is pretty transparant. I have no feeling of it and with exception of the scars, I have no visual exterior cues that shows the band.

I'll be thinking of you next week when you get banded!

xo

This is a question for all you post lap banders. I am getting banded next week and have a few questions.

Does it feel like you have something around your stomach? Not sure if that make any sense but I am sure you all know what I mean.

The other thing that I am worried about is the port. Can you always feel it I side of you?

Anything you can provide me would be great.

Thank you

Debbie

(((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Lindsay))))))))))))))))))))

It's one of my favorites too. I'm glad to see you're doing well. I remember following your posts closely prior to my surgery because your was just before mine.

xo

oooooooo!

This is a good one!

Thanks for sharing!

I'm going to make this over the weekend, and will probably throw in some fresh cilantro.

http://whatsfordinner-acrossstatelines.blogspot.com/2010/05/greek-lemon-soup-crock-pot.html Photo URL

I made this in the crock pot but it can be made on the stove top if you temper the eggs.

Greek Lemon Soup - Crock pot

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 cups water

2 eggs

1/4 cup uncooked rice (optional)

1/4 cup lemon juice

The mixture can be in your crockpot simmer on low heat for about 6 hours. The rice makes the disk traditional, but it's completely optional if you're on liquids.

Ciao

http://ssimonssays.blogspot.com/2010/08/third-fill-day-9-back-in-kitchen.html (Photo Link)

Today is my first day back in my kitchen. What's on the menu? Tomato Vegetable Soup. I like tomato soups for several reasons. Firstly, to be honest, it's difficult for bandsters to get in their veggies, with a recipe like this, you can make it when you're on liquids and strain it and serve the bulk to your family or you can finish this off in the blender, as you would in a traditional tomato soup.

I recommend using pinto beans for my fellow bandsters, because we need to focus on protein.

Step 1 - Get out your crock pot

Tomato Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

4 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 diced onions

2 chopped carrots

1 pkg drained frozen spinach

1 can drained pinto beans (optional)

1 can drained green beans

2 tbsp garlic

2 tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 tbsp Parsley

2 bay leaves

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Heat on high for a few hours, the longer, the more flavor. I like to try to wait about 4 hours. If you simmer on low, let it go 6 hours. You should be able to keep the left overs in your fridge about a week and reheat as needed.

Ciao!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Dana))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you! I'm so excited to here that you'll be joining us banditos. Welcome to the forum. I can't wait to hear about your progress.

xo

Hey all lap-banders!

I'm Dana and I'm getting my lapband surgery done at OCC on September 9th 2010. I've read almost all of the different question/answer topics that are on this site and are all very helpful, you guys rock! I am just wondering what happens on the surgery day and the day after? I admit I am a little nervous but excited all at the same time and if I knew what to expect I think it will take some of the pressure off of me! I would appreciate any information anyone is willing to give me on here and hope to meet new people that are/have gone through this journey!

~Dana

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))

I'm 80% into day 5. It's a miracle. Seriously. Now I just wish I would have had my head on straight 14 months ago. On a side note, I've just started to get a little stir crazy, not much. I still have an ISOPURE to have tonight. I think I'll feel better after I drink it. My old tapes are probably playing because I am thinking about food. I almost typed hungry, but...to be honest, I took a moment to think about it, and it's not tummy hunger. Not at all. (Ahhhh, why is my daughter behind me making Kraft Macaroni and Cheese...but more importantly why do I even care? I could barely eat pasta before, and it's not even worth the effort at this point.)

Maybe I'll pour the ISOPURE, leave the kitchen so I won't be tempted to do something stupid and take a bath.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Fellow Bandito)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I just had my 3rd fill too. I haven't tried solids yet...but it's because my fill Dr. asks that his patients wait 7 days before solids after each fill. I ended up with an unfill, I was immediately too tight and I was pb'ing before I left the office.

I'm cautiously optimistic things will be okay. My doctor did say to keep pineapple juice handy to assist if the food does get stuck. I had never heard of that before.

xo

I've gotten my 3rd fill and feel major restriction - most likely too tight at this point. But remember hearing lindsey talking about hot sauce or something to open things up a bit. Since I just got the fill 2 days ago I want to give myself a few days of adjustment time and see if things loosen up a bit before I decide on an unfill.

anyone have any suggestions?

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))))))

Well...here I am. Liquids day 5. My fill Dr. (Dr. Jay in Dallas) asks his patients to do 7 days of liquids following each fill. Last Tuesday I had my 3rd fill. Probably my final fill, but who knows. I've nevered, EVER, followed my doctor's request and followed through with 7 days of liquids following a fill...until now.

I can't believe 14 months out from my surgery, I finally have the mental focus to follow the way it's designed, rather than following my own rules....rules I created myself because of my "know it all" personality.

On Tuesday I was 225 at my fill apt. Today in the Jenny Craig Centre (I work for Jenny Craig) I was 221 (219.8 at home). Staying focused on the liquids has absolutely helped secure that loss (plus it's TOM).

Once the liquid phase is over, I go back to my Jenny Craig program. I find the food really easy to digest so it's a good fit for me.

I have a personal goal of being in Onderland and my husband hopes to be in Twotersville by Labor Day! I honestly believe we're going to do it.

xo

(((((((((((((((((((Hugs Angela)))))))))))))))))

Welcome to the world of us Banditos. I'm so pleased to hear you're feeling well and that you are feeling good. Tomorrow you'll get low sodium chicken broth for breakfast.

I remember my favorite nurse. Maybe she was 4'10...she was tiny. She came into my room at 9 pm after the surgery and smile. "I sleep. You sleep." She said as she put a sleeping pill under my tounge.

I can't wait to hear more about your progress.

So I am 4+ hours post op and have to admit at this point I am feeling great!! The staff at OCC are awesome!! Everyone here is very friendly, happy, and helpful.... From the moment I got on the van to come here everything has run so smoothly. I felt no pain with anything up till surgery, and the pain at this point is minimal. It feels like you have a gas bubble right in the middle of your gut and radiates between your shoulder blades. For those of you that have had gall bladder problems, I would compare it to a mild gall bladder pain.

Afterwards you get water, capri sun, and lots of popcicles...and all of those have never tasted so good! lol

My incisions feel like a sunburn. There are 5 of us here right now which is nice, everyone just kinda hangs out, walks and chit chats....

ooohhhhh yummy, my sweet nurse Josephine just brought me some broth! Happy Dance

ok yall gonna go for now, just wanted to give you my first take for those of you waiting to be banded!! Angela

(((((((((((((((Hugs DrCif))))))))))))))))

I hear you. I was very dissy and disoriented after the surgery. I should have called the OCC straight away, but instead I suffered in silence. Finally I contacted them and they told me to see my primary care Dr because based on my symptoms, it sounded as if my blood pressure was low. In my case, literally I couldn't even stand in the shower without feeling as if I was going to faint. Sure enough, within just a few weeks of the surgery, my need for the blood pressure meds changed.

My only regret is that I didn't call the OCC and ask for assistance sooner. I think I didn't call until 4 weeks post op...yep, I suffered in silence, convinced something would magically change. Because I was so dizzy and I refused to ask for help, I did start solids a few days early. I think I made it to day 18 or 19. When eating solid food didn't take away the dizzyness, I knew I was in trouble...so that's what finally got me to call.

xo

I am 4 days post-op...the first 3 days seemed to go really easy and I didn't really feel hunger...now onto day 4 and it's like my body is starting to revolt. I have not cheated. Did you all go thru this too or was it relatively easy. Thank goodness the fear of slipping my band has kept me in check but I thought the post op information said we wouldn't feel hunger during this stage. I've been doing the protein water, gatorade, broths, etc but I feel like my head is just weak and almost dizzy. I thought 21 days wouldn't be that bad but feeling like this at day 4 makes me really nervous. HELP!

(((((((((((((((((Hugs Canuk)))))))))))))))

I am so proud of you. I can completely relate to what you wrote and congrats to you for getting "real" with yourself. I believe to achieve to Weight Loss we need a food, body & mind approach. The band is the tool that assists us to keep the food at an appropriate portion, this forum helps us keep our weight loss mindset fueled and body of course is increased physical activity.

A friend told me recently that when he husband asked why weight loss wasn't a journey she couldn't take alone, she replied, how many coaches does Tiger Woods have?

If you think about it, what professional athlete, what professional actor/actress, CEO made their journey to success without a support team behind them?

xo

I just cannot imagine this journey with out the forum. I am a couple of days from surgery, have already gotten below surgery weight and have never felt so supported in a journey such as this. I like many of you have tried everything to lose the weight. It seems once I made this decision and found the forum, the weight is steadily dropping. I told my husband yesterday that it makes me wonder why it has always been so difficult before and it momentarily made me think I could continue on my own. Once I "got real" with myself, I knew that if I did not follow through with the surgery, it would just be a repeat of my previous attempts. I want to thank all of you for all the honesty that I see/read and the support of each other.

R

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs JhawkChick)))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you so much for posting. I really think it is the kick I've been waiting for! You look fab btw.

xo

Sounds like you are on the right track with some great motivation!! I sure hope this is the kick you need i can't wait to see your progress!!!

((((((((((((((Hugs Dama Love)))))))))))))))

Thank you so much for recommending I re-read some posts. I did and it helped tremendously. Would you believe I had even forgotten the "real" reason I chose to get the lapband. I can't believe I forgot something that was so significant.

I appreciate the advise regarding the fill too...you are right. My instructions say to do liquids for 24 hours after any incident and I have completely ignored that in the past.

My fill Dr. asked that I stay on liquids for a week after this fill. That's just his policy. I've gotten through day 3! It's a miracle.

xo

Hi RObbyn! congrats on the newfound motivation. next time youre feeling a bit down or less than motivated, re-read your posts in this thread. you've remotivated me too!

abt fill and PBing.. u may consider liquids for a day or two. i slimed in hotel room about an three hours after a fill and really irritated my mucuosa.. irritation didnt show up until about 48 hours later. would have gone for an unfil if i hadnt already gone home and was 600 miles from the occ. but dr so advised me to do liquids for 3 days as it could just be irritation, not overfill, and sure enough, i was fine after a few days of liquids. no PB or slime incidents before or after that one time.

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Sabrina)))))))))))))))))

Thank you! I feel it is around the corner. I am a woman on a mission. xo

Sending onederland vibes your way!!!

Sabrina:)

((((((((((((((Hugs Erica))))))))))))))

I'm on day 3 of liquids after the fill. I'm doing better than I have in the past, normally I make my own rules. So needless to say, I'm so happy that I have the motivation to follow right now.

Good luck with your fill. I am excited to hear how it goes. xo

glad you're doing great. I'm going in for another fill this weekend. how did it go?

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Tootsie)))))))))))))))

Thank you! It's always good to hear from you. xo

Go Robbyn, go!!

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Kristi))))))))))))))

It has been so good for me to see your continued success. Your support and posts have really helped me. I really feel different this time. In fact, I felt a little dizzy tonight and I was tempted to "eat" but only for a moment. Instead I opened a protein drink and of course I am feeling better.

Tomorrow is my first day back at work after the fill. My work schedule is Friday - Monday basically. I think being away from the house will help with food cravings.

Robbyn,

I am so proud of you. I read your blog that you posted the link on another post. It is great! You have a way with words that makes it easy to read. I also was noticing the difference in the pics you posted from May last year to June this year, WOW, you look awesome!!! BTW, You have a beautiful family.

Congrats on your success this far. I know in my heart you have it in you to do this. Keep up the good work.

and what is that phrase, oh yeah, You Go Girl!!!

Hugs to you,

Kristi

(((((((((((((((((Hugs Canuk))))))))))))))))))

Thank you so much for letting me know you like the blog. I'm so excited for you and to hear about your surgery. Please keep us updated.

Love your blog, thanks for sharing. I go to Tijuana in 3 days. I am soooo excited

((((((((((((DrCif)))))))))))))))

Congrats fellow bandito! Thank you so much for posting the update on how you're doing. I'm so excited to hear your progress.

xo

Well, the time has come. We fly out to San Diego tomorrow morning for surgery on Monday. So excited but I think the reality of my life changing forever is starting to hit me. I've heard such positive feedback from so many people regarding the surgery, the hospital, and even life after banding...I just hope I have all the same experiences. I will post again after surgery...wish me luck!!

((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Breeze)))))))))))))))))))))

You and me both! It feels so good when the motivation kicks in. How many days were you on liquids? I had my fill 7/27.

Just had my second fill and it seems perfect! 8 cc's and ready to roll Restriction seems perfect, I am chewing like crazy and eating 3 very small meals! Now if I could get my butt to exercise every day I would be perfect!

I finally get to start really losing this weight! woohoo!

Dr. SO was awesome and really spent some time with me to get it right, so happy with them.

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Momof4)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Congratulations to you for being motivated to make a change. I just started a blog called "The Diary of a Lapband Patient" and to create the blog I used text I wrote that describes my decision date, why I chose the OCC, the service by the OCC staff, surgery day, and my first fill. There aren't many posts to sift through because I only created it a day or two ago.

The url is: http://ssimonssays.blogspot.com/

I have been considering the lap band for some time, and now within the last few weeks have decided to go for it. Can you give me your honest thoughts and opinions on the OCC, your experience, the process, do you think it's truly helped? I've seen some really great success stories and then others don't seem like they have lost as much as I would think. Just trying to make sure this is the best decision at the right place. Thank you so much now for all of your thoughts! I think sometimes this is the BEST way to make decisions, hearing from all of you

(((((((((((((((Hugs Kim)))))))))))))))))))

I got confused as well. 10cm = 4cc.

It was explained to me that there is a difference between 10"cc" instead of 10"cm".

Does that help?

((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I had a fill the other day, and my doctor (Dr. Jay in Dallas) requires 7 days of liquids after the fill. I am feeling really good. I can't believe I've made it 3 days. I know I've never been this good or followed rules after a fill before. Something in me is really different.

I'm absolutely motivated.

I also had an unfill...the same day, I posted details of that on another post. Anyway, I'm feeling great. Day 3 of liquids and aside of a deep desire to chew last night, which I was able to sit on, I feel good.

So far today I've had:

Coffee with Coffee Creamer

ISOPURE - 40 gms protein (I've drank half so far)

Jenny Craig Minestrone Souptizer (A 50 calorie broth based soup) with a sprinkle of parm cheese.

I am really amazed that I feel so good. I know motivation has a lot to do with it. Yikes, my son walked into the room with tortilla chips. I have been tempted to get a spoonfull of salsa (it's not chunky). Aside from that, I'm great.

I've even been walking. 15 minutes yesterday and 15 minutes today. For me, that is a big deal. I actually walked to the pool and showed myself in a swim suit. That is a huge NSV for me.

I can't believe it's taken me 14 months to be motivated to take this seriously, but now that I finally am..."it's on"! I will get to my goal.

((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I love your little black dress photo. You look amazing. I'm so happy to hear you broke through the plateau. You've made some excellent points.

xo

Hi all...well it's been a loong time coming but I finally broke through and hit another goal of mine today. I'm officially in the 130's and have lost over 70 lbs. Only 3 to go for what I set as my final weight, but i'm not sure. I'm going to work a lot more on toning now so it might up me a bit but i'm OK with that.

For those that hit a plateau do not stress! I was within the same 5 pounds for about 8 months but just kept at it. Our bodies are just funky creatures like that. The only thing that really makes me laugh is that I am still considered overweight by BMI, but I am not a fan of BMI and at work they are going to measure my body fat percentage for me instead. But i'm close to "normal" according to them only 1 point to go. Whatever!

Back in the day when I hit a weight loss goal I would celebrate with food (huh?!) but tonight I packed a bag and am gonna go on a run after work - will feel sooo much better. Well, OK might have a glass of wine after that too!