JCGrove

I have lost 89 pounds over the last year and 124 Total since January of 2006. I have walked, jogged, bicycled, kayaked, rock climbed and lifted weights. My point is I have focussed on toning up and tried not to lose muscle mass. I am still going to need to have loose skin removed. This is an effect of my years of having this skin stretched out however some of it has receded a bit although not enough to avoid surgery. You have had amazing success! and I applaud you! I just want you to know that loose skin is a reality for some of us no matter how fast OR slow we lose the weight. There should be no shame or second guessing. It just is what it is, I am looking into having this stuff removed so that I can move on to fix my next problem whatever it may be. Hopefully it will be my lawnmower or painting my deck and not something having to do with me or my body! LOL A note on the swelling, this has helped me maybe it will help you. I have used Black cherry extract tablets and black cherry juice from concentrate, that I picked up at a local health food store. Walmart carries a black cherry/ cranberry drink as well. Keep up the Good and Great work you are doing! JC

I was just reading this thread and I have one thing to add. Make sure you eat a couple hours before going under or have a liquid meal, something that is not going to stick around. When I went diving for the first time I had a quick little lunch and dove about 45 minutes later. I didn't have a huge problem but I did feel sick to my stomach. The next dive I went on I had one of those yogurt drinks and a protien shake and had no problems. This is my experiance. It was more a point of comfort than anything else. JC

Monday Wednesday Friday= Week 1 of couch to 5k http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml Tuesday Thursday= 4 mile walk in one hour, then to the Gym for freeweights Tues=arms Thurs=legs Each weekday morning 15min stationary bike heart rate 100 +- a few Each weekday evening 30min stationary bike heart rate 100 +- Planning either kayak or cycle Sunday. JC

I have lost: 100 pounds twice 75 pounds twice 50 pounds four times I think 30 more times than I can recall 20 At least a dozen times I have used diet excercise and combinations of the two. I am a master at losing weight the problem is it comes back with a vengance. When I scheduled my surgery I was gaining back after having lost 75 pounds. I knew the new me would be at a minimum 375 pounds, I feared more like 400. I my opinion I have to factor in weight loss and weight increase prevention. Right now I am down 81 lbs since sugery 116 since I started this last weight loss attempt but I also have 166 pounds of prevention. I am not saying you are wrong at all I would hope no one thinks I am trying to imply it either, we are all different; I am just sharing the point of view I use when I get impatient and wonder if I did the right thing. JC

For muscle soreness give this a try: Immediately after workout drink 1/2 liter water 30-45 minutes after workout : 1 serving dual isolate whey protein driink 1 carbohydrate IE Cliff bar or a serving of wild rice Picked this up from some of the dedicated weight lifters at the Gym seems to have helped me this week. Saturday 40 miles Pinellas Trail Sunday 15 miles on the stationary bike after doing yard work (setting thin pavers) in the hot Florida Sun! http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z25/str8jacket29/ album pinellas trail last weekend Chaz 2 Weekend Before Chaz Trip JC

Can we try to move forward? Please? NoWorry, how are you today? Have you solved the salt issue? How is that port scar site doing? JC

Sorry it took me a while to respond, but I think that would e a great idea, you can count me in. JC

Well stated! JC

Hey NoWorry, you could try pedialyte for those salt cravings. I was very dehydrated for a couple weeks after surgery and nothing quenched as well as pedialyte. Just a thought. JC

Hey No Worry, that was one heck of a journal. I am glad you shared that with everyone. I would like to say to anyone reading this thread I had a very similar experiance, however I could not have given you such a concise recollection of events. I tend to try to go with the flow and easily dismissed many of the things No Worry pointed out. It takes someone who is sensitive to these things to highlight them and I think No Worry you did a great service by doing so. At the same time I feel a liitle let down that you feel hesitant to reccomend the OCC, only because you have no good way to compare the incidentals that were your negative experiance with any other clinic. Translation the OCC does a heck of a job processing scheduling and delivering people they have only comunicated with via telephone and/or e-mail. Is there room for improvement? Sure. Can that be said of the competition? Probably. Having said that, No Worry you were very accurate with your descriptions. I would like to cogradulate you for sharing and on your new band! I wish you success. I hope those that are exploring will take your experiance into consideration and get answers to questions up front. I also hope the OCC will take note and try to get to a point where they are as smooth with logistics and communication as they are when they get you on the operating table. JC

Millennium Medical Kathie Gonzales 727-541-2675 She is affiliated with Fill Centers, aside from that she really seems committed to HELPING lapband patients succeed. If you consult with her you will know what I mean. I got myself into a situation that had me thinking of an emergency visit to TJ all I can say is thank GOD I found her!!! JC

I just had an unfill today. The Fill Center sent me to an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in St. Petersburg. I could not have been happier, she has fluoro and knows how to use it. I honestly felt like I was in TJ. and am very happy to have found her!!!!! JC

I just had to have an unfill. Fill Center sent me to an Advanced Nurse Prcatitioner in St Petersburg Florida. As for my experiance this afternoon, I would have to say I highly reccomend her. She has Fluoro and knows how to use it. I felt like I was in TJ :-) JC

BSN, I sure hope good things will come your way. My wife told me that this laband idea wasn't going to work for me. I did WW lost alot of weight then she and I split up. eight years gone. I started gaining the weight back made a command decision to have the lapband done told no more than two people. Went by myself to TJ. At this point in time I feel it was the greatest choice I ever made. I admire your courage and spirit and thought I would share a little of my story with you so that you would know you are not alone. Take Care, JC

Hi Ann, here are a few things that I have been using, maybe some will work for you, just please be careful! I have had some of these things get hung up on me , so I had to learn specific preparation and eating methods. I also buy Equate Weight loss shakes for when I feel I am not getting enough protein. Hope This is helpful!! JC Fat free pudding seems to work good, I have half a spoonful think about how great it tastes then another half spoonful ... Sugar free jello I actually try to squish between tongue and upper pallette. I used to inhale never new how jello really tasted! Angel Food Cake Mix 20oz pineapple crushed Use 9 X 13 Cake Pan Preheat Oven 350 Degrees Bake 30 Minutes Don't overcook it will be moist from pineapple. I use the juice from pinapple as well. Soup 1 Can Mixed Veggies 1 Can Black Beans 1 Can White Corn 1 Can Tomatoes any style 1 can Veggie Ministrone 99% Fat Free Soup Mix Together Heat Remember Chew Chew Chew Fast and Easy Bran Muffins 2 cup All Bran 3/4 Skim Milk 1 Cup Apple Sauce 2 Mashed Banannas 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Loose 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp baking powder Let milk & all bran set for about 15 min Bake at 350 for 40-45 min Makes 12 Note: Splenda has a brown sugar substitute Again undercooked is better than overcooked at least for me moist is better than DRY ouch!!