rhonda07

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I have had ups and downs with the band.  It is awesome most of the time.  I finally have good restriction since July 11, 2008.  One month ago today.  The restriction was perfect for 21 days.  But I am realizing I need to follow a strict diet or this band won't work.  So, I have started a plan.  I am attending Weight Watchers (just to keep me accountable) and trying a high protein and low carb diet.  My weight loss is not as fast as I would have hoped for in February of this year but I am still losing.  So as long as the scale keeps showing a loss, then that is fine with me.  This is not easy and anyone who is planning on getting the Lap-Band needs to understand that.  It does a wonderful job at reminding you to chew chew chew and no liquids right after eating but you really have to work hard at this.  I REALLY LOVE MY BAND!!  I just need to keep remembering it is not like other people's gastric bypass and this is a healthier way to lose the weight.  No WLS is easy I am sure, but you really have to want to do it and nothing will help you but yourself.  I am down to 262.6 lbs. today and after going up and down in May and June, I think I am finally "getting it".

I have not been very happy with myself but I feel so much better now.  Let me explain...   I had done so well in the beginning then all of a sudden I gained some of the weight back and became upset with myself and embarrassed to even post here since I had done so poorly after my first and second fill.  I was beginning to think "what did I do to myself...  All the time I spent waiting for my liquid diet, then for the surgery date, then for the first fill and second fill.  Why is this not working for me.  I should be feeling full by now, but I wasn't.  Am I a failure?  Will I be at this weight forever?  So, what happened?  I had lost a total of 27 lbs. since this journey began then after my second fill, I gained 14 lbs.  Then on Friday May 9 I got my 3rd fill.  WOW!  What a difference!  I HAVE LOST 8 OF THE 14 lbs. AND IT IS STILL GOING.  At first I thought it would be like the other two fills where I would have restriction for a day then go back to being hungry.  Well, it is 5 days later and I have great restriction.  I have read a lot of posts here about the "sweet spot" and I finally believe I have met mine.  I get full after a very small amount of food and if I even attempt to drink right after a meal (which is a 'NONO")... then the band won't let me.  I have found myself not knowing what to do with myself since food will not work.  This is where I realized my boredom has been my enemy without even knowing it.  I have been eating because of boredom.  So, I just want to say... I LOVE MY BAND!!  I can't wait to post my pictures in a couple of months.  I just know this will work.  All of you guys who have good restriction, does any of this sound like you?  Did you have some similar experience?  When did restriction start for you?

I had my first fill on March 19, 2008 and did well around easter.  Then after Easter I was able to eat almost anything.  I called for another fill and got it on April 11, 2008.  Since then I have been on liquids only (as per my Doc) and will continue until Friday this week.  I think that is a little much but whatever my doc says...  Anyway, I did try solids two times and both times, I could only eat a couple bites then I get a tight feeling in my throat.  I imagine that is restriction!  Yeeehaaa!  I have been up and down so much this past month with weight.  I got down as far as 266 then it would creep up after starting solids again.  I am eating the correct portions, but I am eating more often than I should be.  I can't wait until this Friday to see what my weight is after being on liquids all week.  I was thinking of asking my doc about doing a water fast for 5 days (at my next fill) since I will be on liquids anyway.  I figure why not cleanse my system internally.  Well, we will see.

I feel great!!  I weighed 286 the morning of surgery.  Today I weigh 279.  I am on my way!!!!!!!!!!!  Other than a little soreness where they went in, I feel great!!  I think what helped me is them keeping me overnight and feeding me morphine.  I had more pain in my IV than anywhere else.  So everything went well for me.  I got to stay with my parents' house and slept in (wow was that wonderful).  I do have a lot of gas but no really bad gas pains yet.  I keep moving.  No more pain meds as of this morning.  Not even tylenol.  The liquid diet seems easier than I thought it would be (so far).  Though I am getting tired of organic chicken broth.  Can't wait to move on to mushies. 

It is 9:25pm and I can't wait until my surgery is over.  I don't look forward to the gas everyone is talking about but hey, everything will be back to "normal" before I know it.  I will be away from my boys for 4 days.  I will miss them very much.  My husband will be taking off of work to care for them.  My mom and dad will be taking care of me cause... you know, no one takes care of you like your mommy.  Anyway, I am a little nervous but not too much to be concerned about.  I just know everything will go well.  I know tomorrow will be my first "difficult day" since I will be on clear liquids all day until midnight.  After midnight I am not allowed even a drink of water until after surgery.  I will probably be a little cranky tomorrow.  But I hope not.  I want to be extra nice to my husband since he will be taking care of our boys for 4 days!

 Oh.................. Did I mention that my husband will be taking care of our boys for 4 days?!!!!!!!!!  Yeeeeeaaahhhh!  I can't believe it!  LOL

Yep!  My Band Day is coming soon.  The clinic called me today and said they need to compare my EKG with my old one to see if everything is alright.  Julie, the PA said not to worry.  So I am trying not to.  Anyway, I found out my surgery will be at 9am.  I need to be there by 7am and that means from where I live I will have to leave at 4-430am.  I am soooooo excited!!

Everyone was wonderful and very informative.  I even got all my pre-op stuff done.  Now, all I have to do is my clear liquid diet on Valentine's day, nothing after 12 midnight, then show up!  Whooo Hoooo!  At first I was a little scared when I got home and realized "ok, I will be getting this done on Feb. 15, 2008 uh-oh should I really do this?"  but after reading some supportive advice from some wonderful people on this website, I decided to think "ok, it is finally coming, yeahhhhh!"  

My mom is wonderful!  She is really there for me when I need her.  My husband will be home to take care of my children (1 and 3) from Friday through Monday and he suggested I not be home because the kids will not let me rest.  My mother has agreed to let me stay with her and my dad while I recover and to get the rest I will need.  I am so lucky to have a supportive family.  I never knew how supportive they would be for something like this.  I really hate to leave my kids for 3 1/2 days but, I know it will be for the best. 

Seems like thursday is taking months to get here.  I was set to get surgery in January, but my surgeon is leaving and the hospital admin will not allow him to do anymore surgeries until a new doctor is hired to continue with the follow-up care.  That is a bummer!  Oh well, I can get this done at a Pittsburgh, PA hospital.  I am already approved by my insurance co. so now all I need is to meet the surgeon, get a date and show up.  I am so excited I can't stand it anymore.  I am going to try the Carnation Instant Breakfast No sugar added starting tomorrow until I meet my surgeon.  I am hoping he will say "oh, since you already started the pre-op diet, then lets get you in surgery by valentine's day".  Well....  there is nothing wrong with wishing!