Sonja W.’s Posts

Topic: RE: TooTight just 5 Days Post Op?!?

Absolutely go see your surgeon.  I had this exact situation - but to the extreme.  My 1st surgery was on 8/8/07 (a Thursday).  Everything went fine and I went home the same day.  Around noon the next day I started having pain in my chest through to my back after taking liquids and threw up within 20 minutes after everytime I drank.  Throwing up was the only thing that alleviated the pain.  I was talking to and e-mailing my surgeon all weekend, and by Monday morning he had me in the hospital getting i.v. fluids for the severe dehydration.  I was in the hospital on i.v. fluids for 4 days and was still throwing up constantly.  After 4 days he did an upper g.i. and found that I had a slip.  My 2nd surgery was on 8/15/07 - he repaired the slip and removed 2.5 cc of fluid from my band.  I was so swollen after the 1st surgery and with 2.5 cc nothing was getting through the band.  The difference after the 2nd surgery was like night and day.  I lost 24 pounds in 1 week -- not the easiest or healthy way to do it.  I figure I've been through hell with my band, so I can take whatever else might happen with it.  Good luck to you, but definitely see your doctor SOON!!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: Lap Band Loser's Summer Challenge

Kristy:  Am I too late to join the challenge?  Here's my info.:

Weight:  232
1st week goal:  3 lbs
3 month goal:  33 lbs  (Onederland!)
1st week exercise goal:  250 mins.

Thanks for putting this together.  I needed the motivation!

Sonja
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Topic: RE: O?

It just started here 20 minutes ago, so I don't know yet.  But John I saw that you are in Smyrna, GA and it made me think of my dad.  He died 4/13/07, and seeing Smyrna made me think of him and smile - thanks    I'll let you know who gets voted off BL. 
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: the "girls"

I was wondering that exact same thing!  I'm down almost 60 pounds as well and my girls have gone from full and voluptuous to deflated, droopy and concave at the top.  I've been wearing a bra since the 4th grade, so I'm really not used to this.  I went shopping for bras on Thursday --  I've only gone down from a 44DD to 42D or DD, depending on the bra and style.    I don't get it??


Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: 1.5-2 years banded? Help me make an educational graph!

How do you intend to share the graph?  If you want to use it as an educational tool, I assume you are going to make it openly available to others?  Just curious.

Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: Thoughts on cleanse?

I recently saw an article about SlimQuick Cleanse.  It claims to remove toxins, increase energy and metabolism, regulate blood sugar, cleanse your colon, and "jump start" weightloss.  I hit a plateau several months ago and thought about trying this to get things moving -- so to speak.

I looked for this product in a couple of Targets and CVS, but couldn't find it -- although CVS had several other types/brands of cleanses.  Has anyone tried this type of product?  What was your experience?  Thanks for sharing!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: What's wrong with this picture???

This was a while ago, and before they re-did the recent website format, but I thought there was a way to select which surgery-type before & after photos you wanted to see on your member page or profile -- or something.  I don't know... Maybe I'm remembering it wrong.

Sonja
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: Spring Fling Workout Challenge - Weekend Workout!

Thanks Kathy - which board to you post the thread on?  I don't see it on the lap band board.  I walked my dog for 1/2 hour today and did some stretches after.  I'm getting ready to do my crunches and ab work.  I thought I'd ease back into it so I don't crash and burn.  Sound ok?

Sonja
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: Spring Fling Workout Challenge - Weekend Workout!

Kathy:  I've just been reading through your message threads on the Spring challenge.  Thank you for inspiring so many.  I'm 18 months out and have lost 55 pounds, mostly without working out.  I've hit a long plateau and have just recommitted to getting back on track.  I'm joining your challenge - albeit late, but plan to post my progress with you.  Thank you again for giving me strength to move forward.

Sonja 
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: 7 mo post op - just Overweight!

Wow, you are doing so great and are such an inspiration!!!  Keep it up!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: HELP!!!

I posted a very similar message last night - and we are basically at the same point in our individual journies.  I too had my last fill in September and lost 15 pounds very quickly, but haven't budged since then.  I have resolved to getting back in the game and following the Bandster rules, plus exercising.  It sounds like you have already started doing that - Good for you!!!  Maybe you need a fill?  I'm going to give the rules 2 weeks and if I don't see the scale move, I'll get a fill.  Good luck to you!!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: Questions... and NSVs!!!

Since you're seeing your doctor soon, I would ask him.  But, IMO, I would add some calories, but mabe not as much as you're burning.  If you don't take in enough calories, your body might hang on to all it has coming in.  If you watch The Biggest Loser you'll remember that from time to time some of the players complain that they are taking in fewer calories than they burn, but don't lose any weight.  Recently Mike on the show experienced that and Bob had him increase his calories (not by much, just a little).  He soon started seeing the scale go down again.  Hope this helps - Good luck!

Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: What to do?

Thank you everyone for your support!  You all helped me realize that I need to go back to thinking like I did right after surgery.  I re-read my profile and saw that a year ago I as doing all the right things.  However, I remember that right after that time I was struggling a LOT with the scale moving and that it was due to needing a fill.  I'm going to give it 2 weeks of following the rules and exercising (even a little bit) to see what happens before getting a fill.  Thanks again for your help!!  You guys rock!  

Sonja 
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: What to do?

Mick:  Thank you so much for your thoughtful advice.  You really gave me a lot to think about and made me realize that I need to return to the way of thinking the first 6 months after surgery.  I've lost 55 pounds in 18 months, which is good, but I had really hoped to be at goal by now.  I know that I am the only one who can make that happen... not the band.  Thanks for helping me remember that! 

Sonja
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: What to do?

Hello everyone - I've been off the board for a long time, although I have checked in to read how everyone else is doing.  It's so great to see such wonderful support and it reminded me why I joined OH before my LB journey began. 

I'm in need of some of that support and sage advice from you experts...  I don't seem to lose unless I have a good fill and I'm trying to decide what to do.  My last fill was in September.  It was the most aggressive fill my doc had given me to date.  I had a lot of heartburn and PBing initially and could only eat very small quantities.  I dropped 15 pounds in a month!  Since then, I've gone up and down with the same 3 - 5 pounds.  I haven't been eating my portions right, I drink with my meals and don't exercise - I know, all wrong.  Almost every day I tell myself that I'm going to watch my portions and walk the dog when I get home from work.  And every day I screw that up.  My question is this...  Should I get a fill to get the ball rolling again - which forces me to eat the right way, or... do I keep trying to eat right and exercise knowing it may not happen perfectly.  I've been struggling with what to do since the first of the year, and am not making any changes in how I do things.  I need a HARD butt kickin'!!  Thanks for your input.
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: It's Okay to NOT Do Everything Well ALL of the Time ...

Lenore:  What a great post!  It comes at just the right time for me too.  I have been doing pretty well with eating the right foods and portions, and getting my water in, but I can't seem to get in the exercise.  Every day that I don't workout I kick myself and feel like a failure.  Your post helped me realize that this is a day-by-day process and that no one can be perfect all of the time.  I'm going to try not to be so hard on myself and move forward every day.  Thanks again!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: A** Kickin' August Exercise Challenge - week 1 results

Wow!  Everybody is doing so great -- I really need to step it up.  I have 120 minutes for the week.
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: AUGUST BAND BABIES - HAPPY 1ST YEAR BANDIVERSARY

I have to admit this is the first time EVER that I have kept off 40 pounds, so I do feel good about that.  I've had 4 fills and the last one was pretty tight, but I feel like I have decent restriction right now.  I don't drink with my meals and I get in my water.  Sometimes I stick to portion size and I do stay away from junk food.  I do indulge in a couple of margaritas on the weekends (I loosen up more when slightly drunk - for DH's sake).  I just don't feel like I'm as committed as some others here and I'm not sure why.
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: AUGUST BAND BABIES - HAPPY 1ST YEAR BANDIVERSARY

Wow you guys are all doing so great!!  I feel like the ugly red-headed stepchild -- I'v lost 40 pounds since surgery, but not one pound since February.  I know it's more my brain than my band, but I can't seem to get things going again.  I feel motivated in short spurts and then lose motivation just as quickly.  I had hoped to have lost twice that much by now, but can't seem to get there.  I need some help to refocus and recommit.  I joined the August exercise challenge, which is the 3rd time I've done this challenge.  I didn't even come close to committing the last 2 times - and didn't even THINK about exercising yesterday.  Someone please kick me in the ass or help me figure this out and move forward.  I REALLY don't want to be at this same place in 6 months.
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: A** Kickin' August Exercise Challenge Sign-up Re-post

Please put me down for 1000 minutes in August.  Good luck everyone!

Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: Life Lessons and Do-Overs and the chance to RECOMMIT

Recommitting -- sounds good!  Too bad I can't seem to get there.  I have lost and gained the same 5 - 7 pounds since February -- I know, it's July.  I've tried a number of things that seem to work for a short period of time and then I fall back into bad habits.  Recently I received my 4th fill and I think it may be a bit tight.  I had heartburn for 2 to 3 days afterwords and haven't really been able to eat mu*****uantity.  I've tried to stick to 3 meals, correct portions and drinking 64+ oz. of water daily.  And, other than 2 or 3 times of "chip binging", I have done pretty good.  I'm feeling actual hunger on a pretty regular basis.  There have even been a couple of times that I know I'm possibly not getting in enough, because my blood sugar has bottomed out which left me slightly altered, weak and close to passing out.  After all that for the past 19 days --- and I GAINED 6 pounds!!!  What the F_ _ _!!!  Someone please tell me what I need to do to work this band.  I'm feeling very lost and disillusioned by the experience so far.  I've been so inspired by so many people on the boards, and I want to be an inspiration to others -- I just can't seem to inspire myself into actually making this work.  Help - please?
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: 6/27 - Whatcha Eating Today?

I have been playing with the same 5 pounds again , so it's time to get back on track -- posting my daily plan helps me to be accountable.  I went to my support group last night and have a renewed sense of purpose.  I'm eating only 3 meals per day (no snacks), sticking to my portion sizes, no liquid calories and drinking 64+ oz. water.  I'll work on getting back into my exercise routine in a week or so, once I feel like my food is on track.  I appreciate any advice from successful bandsters out there!! Here's today: 2 cups coffee (w/creamer -- the one vice I'm keeping [for now]) B:  1 Cranberry Bran Vitatop (yum-o)      3 oz. light yogurt L:  Salad w/grilled chicken & cilantro cranberry dressing D:  Not sure -- possibly 3 oz. steak or salmon and steamed veggies (Outback Steakhouse) Everyone have a GREAT Friday -- the weekend is almost here!!
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: OT: Entrees Made Easy

Does anyone have any experience with this company that they could share??  I'm looking into buying a franchise and would appreciate any input anyone could give me on Entrees Made Easy -- either as a client or franchisee, or if you know someone who has this franchise.  Please either respond to this post or PM me. Thanks for your time.   
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: OT: Working from home

Not too long ago there was a discussion thread here regarding companies that were good to associate with for working from home.  If you remember, can someone give me the names of the companies again??  I remember there were 2 or 3 that one member had worked for and liked.  Otherwise, if someone has that link to the thread and can send it to me or tell me how to search the board for it, I would be forever grateful!!    Please either respond to this post or PM me.  Thanks much!!!

Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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Topic: RE: PLUS SIZE MODEL??

If you've watched from the beginning of the season you will notice that she has lost some weight -- Not alot, but probably 15 pounds or so.  She looked good before too.  It's probably all the pressure of living with her super skinny competitors.  Doesn't matter though, I think she's gorgeous and the prettiest one on the show this season.  
Sonja 
Starting:  283      Current:  225      Goal:  150

 
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