tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66420437941988332052024-03-14T02:56:30.358-07:00Lap Band Journey.....Big step to big lossesStephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-81995772467002294962009-05-05T12:51:00.000-07:002009-05-05T13:03:02.410-07:00Week 24 Weigh-In (-55)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglILVJspZJZTJKapbZJ19AonTz4Bzy4qB4H3URm7LYPoracdMHoE-jqdV_eDmhqr0Ww69wl6poPgHD_lQhxtVaYiBSKr1eoswTd3dfQk011V_2x0x6piGBRB_3mH-mjrfT15xcWsG1fn8/s1600-h/100_3717.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglILVJspZJZTJKapbZJ19AonTz4Bzy4qB4H3URm7LYPoracdMHoE-jqdV_eDmhqr0Ww69wl6poPgHD_lQhxtVaYiBSKr1eoswTd3dfQk011V_2x0x6piGBRB_3mH-mjrfT15xcWsG1fn8/s320/100_3717.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332432813605176770" /></a><br />Hi All, <br /><br />I know, I know. It has been forever since I have written. Its been crazy and busy and everything! Well, I am down 55 pounds! Why am I not satisfied with that? If you could see my face you would probably wonder why I am not jumping up and down. Well, I have gotten a taste of heaven so to speak and I am not satisfied with where I am. I am ready to do more to get down to the size I want to be. Ok...so let me back up. When it comes to losing the weight, I tend to lose a bunch then stay at that weight for a while and then drop more. It has been my patter throughout my weight loss. I am so anxious to be in the 100's (36 more pounds) that I have taken up jogging avidly and have been steady now for 4 weeks! But alas, the weight remains the same. Stuck at 235. I don't mean to sound ungrateful just really really eager. <br /><br />I just recently bought some new clothes. Buying new clothing is tricky because I am not sure what I will be down to but I can't look like a bag lady in the interim. It's almost like growing your hair out! I finally bought some normal clothing that isn't cinched with a belt or falling off my shoulders. I bought 5 outfits for each day for work and hopefully I can mix and match. May the fashion gods forgive me as I start my wardrobe all over again. Right now I am in the "medium hair length stage", so to speak! It's good to have that problem. I actually took some time to reflect on how great this all was. 6 months ago I was at 290 pounds. Even with this accomplishment, I tend to look up other people's progress and compare it to mine. Did she lose more? At what month? How old is she? How big was she? It goes on and on. I am basically driving myself crazy. I am trying to bask in my own glory while leaving my competitive spirit out of this! <br /><br />I still have great restriction with 2.00cc's in my 4.00 cc band. I think thats great. I still have head hunger and mourn the food I have to leave on my plate. I can't help it. I am mad that I can't eat it all. I am not hungry, I just love the taste and want more....but the ole stomach will not allow it! <br /><br />Well, guys wanted to check in and let you know I am still in the race. <br /><br />Hope all is well!Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-76301315097770700022009-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:002009-04-16T19:29:57.886-07:00WEIGH-IN (-50 pounds) Week 19Hi All, <br /><br />It seems that I have lost 50 pounds!!! Whoopee! Whhoooooheeee! Your girl is weighing in at 240 pounds. Still got a lot of ground to cover but not as far as I had to go!<br /><br />When I started this journey, I would have never thought I would actually write that I lost 50 pounds. I was actually scared that it wouldnt work for me. I think I have been lucky on several planes. One, I took a chance and went to a doctor out of the country and he was great! Two, I have had 2 fills and I think I am at my sweet spot already. My band was smaller so that might have something to do with it. Three, I have met so many great people who are supportive and interested in what I am going through! Wow! I am feeling mightly special here lately. <br /><br />I have gotten back on the exercise train and have faithfully worked out this week. I started back with my jog/walk routine for 55 minutes. My legs are so tired and sore but Ihave kept at it and I am doing a 16 minute mile. I know, I know....that might be mighty horrible but it is a vast improvement from my past times! I am really pushing myself because I really want to see the 230's soon. I am just a pound away to seeing it and I am excited about it! I still have to tell myself it is actually happening! Wow! The more I lose, the more I am motivated to lose. <br /><br />I have finally gotten to where I can eat food. Not a lot of it but food is food. I don't think I need to have a fill for a while. I am not looking forward to going through this again you know! I feel lucky though that I havent had to have a whole bunch of fills to get to a nice even level. <br /><br />I am thinking that I want to go and get brachioplasty in a few months for my arms. They have a lot of extra skin but they were always big. I talked about it in my video below. <br /><br />AS usual, thanks to everyone who is following this journey and I hope your personal lap band journey is successful.<br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NNFku8i6KG4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NNFku8i6KG4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-92046399852346261762009-03-30T17:35:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:51:11.102-07:00Week 17 Weigh-In (-46 pounds)Hi ladies and gents. Week 17 and I am checking in with my update. Food consumption much,much better. Man how food can affect a mood. Well, I can not eat like I had before but I can eat better. I had one heck of a fill don't you think. I don't see myself going back until two more months maybe. This might actually be my sweet spot. Now that I have that all straightened out, I need to get my exercise routine going again. I think I was just so disgustedwith the eating situation that I was being rebellious and anti-exercise. But now, I am super-psyched because the weight is coming off again and I am so happy about it! Now I want to go exercise to speed this thing along and get to MARRIED Stephanie!! Anyone who follows my blog regular knows what that means! 230's here I come!!! I feel good. Blood Pressure good! Clothes are loose and I think even my feet have lost weight. I have decided to get an arm lift in May of this year. Anyone have any ideas or advise on that? I have been measuring my arms and suprisingly, they have not gone down. I have these dreadful arms that I inherited from my lovely mother and her mother before her and I refuse to go down without plastic surgery...LOLOLOLOL! I am really excited. I think that my arms are big and no matter how much weight I lose, it will be like a flag waving around that makes me look big regardless. I plan on a tummy tuck later on in the year if I can afford it. My arms are a MUST. I can live with my tummy!<br /><br />Anyway, people, my video is below....enjoy and hope everyone is ok.<br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2vssw4JhACo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2vssw4JhACo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-58262412166736825632009-03-15T19:03:00.000-07:002009-03-17T09:02:03.839-07:00WEIGH-IN (- 44pounds) Week 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxO9A1xdIQUatX-dEBe0-Is-oEPXenTvFvrsmYtQzuriuNm2vyss9O_i5pB0i0b0V7RfZoOQRliyXjwGa06m9UR3TIc7-2Wmx18F9sBMJMfYqJUapvuvTefbXhcZG-U6nxUTbQE8gflg/s1600-h/100_3591.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlLZcHfmG7qyNPE486Priwt0rnEgLRhqWMJGE7KdOFg5eCo74IRPVYQYGyEXBdXkk68JZIngqIaKs_gVWXd6VjNVUNFLfThuI_SD9byml96zu14DegS1wIFvauPUQLRMC5Uj4rPtLvRM/s1600-h/100_3592.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313615217683354610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlLZcHfmG7qyNPE486Priwt0rnEgLRhqWMJGE7KdOFg5eCo74IRPVYQYGyEXBdXkk68JZIngqIaKs_gVWXd6VjNVUNFLfThuI_SD9byml96zu14DegS1wIFvauPUQLRMC5Uj4rPtLvRM/s320/100_3592.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Greetings People!<br /><br />I am still tightly restricted and not able to eat much solid food and to be quite honest miserable. I am healthy though. My doctor says that if I have not acid reflux, heartburn, etc. I am ok and should take advantage of the weight loss. Great right? I am missing food. Missing chewing. Missing eating period. I know that people crave restriction but come on! I think I am leaning towards the "Lets lose weight slowly" crowd. If I could eat a cup full of food a sitting I would be the happiest camper.<br /><br />In other news.....I have had to think about getting some smaller clothes. My bigger clothes look really crappy and I am a little sad about it. Isnt that crazy. I am skipping over sizes. Its crazy. I did empty out my closet to send my clothes to some friends but I am upset that the Michael Kors pants I bought last year didnt get to touch my rear end. I have great clothes and I am going to hate to depart with some of them. I know, I can get them taken in and I have but it seems to be never ending. I picked a couple of dresses up that I had taken in and they had to be taken in again. How do you handle the whole clothes part of the deal? It seems pointless to buy much. I do need to look professional every day and my failsafe dresses look dumpy!<br /><br />The picture though is of me now in a dress I couldnt wear for the past three years. Some might think its still a little tight but I think its PERFECT!!!<br /><br />Anywho, everyone have a great week.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEU8JkucLf6kGJMp7-YUrEriDqRqPJfpW2etpVqfwIK_gVAIjeXYEummzvv9JNYNyq8APtW8SZqZEKozfphw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-56480338470555112982009-02-23T17:50:00.000-08:002009-02-24T16:47:12.976-08:00WEIGH-IN (-40 pounds) Week 13Hello all. I am attempting to get back on track. You will not beleive that I have lost 10 pounds in one week. Why? How? Well I had my second fill....1 cc to total 3cc in a 4.75 cc band and today is the full 1 week liquids phase my doctor recommended I do. Of course, I have attempted to eat real food but I can not keep it down. I have eaten soup however, I cant eat anything else...another soup, until 8 hours later. I am not panicking yet though. If it lasts much longer I think I may have to have some taken out. I don't feel very hungry or anything after I eat the soup but I don't want to be stuck eating soup for 3 weeks you know? Anyone out there have this experience? If so, please chime in. It is very important. Does this thing loosen up or what? The loss is so unbeleivable that I think that if I start eating again I will gain it back. From all my research of this particular situation, I won't but still. Happy with the results but not too happy with how I had to get here.<br /><br />I can not beleive that I am just a pound a way to being INTERNSHIP STEPHANIE. Hahahahahah!!!!!! I am still exercising every day but it is much harder when you don't have a lot of calories in your system to energize yourself. I can tell a huge difference in the last week but I do what I can tolerate and then stop when I have to. I hope it loosens up a little bit more. This is torture. Funny how your tortured if you can eat and tortured if you can't. My PBing episodes have increased quite a bit though and that worries me.<br /><br />My clothes are bags! Happy about that but unhappy that I now have minimal clothing options. As all of you can see I am a bit of a clothes horse so I am sad and happy at the same time.<br /><br />Hope everyone is doing well!<br /><br />My youtube post link is below:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o59Ky1UbuAsStephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-31265623059203578862009-02-17T11:44:00.000-08:002009-02-18T18:50:53.018-08:00Week 12 Weigh-In (-34 pounds)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RzrrGL8irKGINv88DQ4ZC6fnNG-OFfpPIdwLWOiWvkPltahg037kUZHh2WYmzTwR2IZClFj6U6LZvSa9pVPtya81kYv3I1HhvVqCT3OeR4hs_P1GmyUZKg4Tt-p66wnZ-n3qsY1nc74/s1600-h/100_3539.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304335498772764082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RzrrGL8irKGINv88DQ4ZC6fnNG-OFfpPIdwLWOiWvkPltahg037kUZHh2WYmzTwR2IZClFj6U6LZvSa9pVPtya81kYv3I1HhvVqCT3OeR4hs_P1GmyUZKg4Tt-p66wnZ-n3qsY1nc74/s320/100_3539.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IUAyoyrEjFnm36eACDB0HjUGig-G8RY1DrsUB-iWG6n8W4DzCCMLfKBN3QfpImU0AtB3P-HOtNPQWAc06_aHo60lTByum3NkpfNxKDUYfQJN_AkgCEpV48qVXQxX9F9VJASspaNVdGo/s1600-h/100_3540.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RO537mtLKcTMAUhdplRS2SXHKv4aHfeLIwvehWjzhX7ZAflfT_ElIZFet-kh2ykkUS2A_jHzZCuA7bNATfFmk8iyf57EsMO5iihuKdNLwrHzm1pz7vXWSpOAS_hqI7pg4mlF3zlETQI/s1600-h/100_3524.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Hi All,<br /><br />I think I have been thrown off my weeks but after counting twice, this past week is week 12. I had my 2nd fill yesterday. I weighed in at 257 at the doctors office. Today I weighed in at 256. I am sure that is partly due to my having to be on liquids for a week. I did find out that my band only holds 4.75 so now I am up to three. I can tell that the restriction is kicking in because I went and bought a smoothie from smoothie king and I took one sip and up it came. I think I may have gulped it down instead of sipping slowly. After that episode I waited 10 minutes and tried again...MUCH slower this time and it was fine. I am so very happy to be able to report more on the loss front. I was truly getting very frustrated at the stand still. I did take some time to think about how far I have come and not to beat myself up so much. I was 290 lbs. only 3 months ago. Today I have on a suit that I could not have put on then back in November and had been sitting in my closet for a year. I notice that everything is shrinking and it feels great! I keep making short term goals for myself to keep myself motivated.<br /><br />Let me share my list:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><br /><li>DOExercise at least three times a week for 45 minutes or longer</li><br /><br /><br /><li>DO Reduce the sweet intake to once a week</li><br /><br /><br /><li>DO Always eat a protein breakfast</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Don't wait until I am starving to eat...(I always eat too fast).</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Remember to drink water</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Remember that weight is lost in inches AND pounds.</li><br /><br /><br /><li>DO lose 10 pounds at a time.</li><br /><br /><br /><li>DO Start taking measurements</li><br /><br /><br /><li>DO keep blogging....It is therapy.</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><p>One other thing I try to associate with losing weight is what I was doing at what weight, which I can miraculously remember. For instance, When I did my internship in D.C. I was 240 pounds. When I got married, I was 238 pounds. When I was Miss Spanish Club, I was 217 pounds. Don't laugh! This system works for me!!! LOL! So, after I reach 250 (which incidentally was my trigger weight to tell me to start losing weight!), my next goal will be INTERNSHIP STEPHANIE!</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks to Jennifer who keeps me on my toes and in good spirits. </p><br /><br /><br /><p>Have a great week gang!</p><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-84488738345015562762009-02-05T07:25:00.000-08:002009-02-20T07:59:27.172-08:00WEIGH-IN (-30 pounds) Week 10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QO4jQ9OI6ZmfL7HJbuZT25v0cLFIiuTQz30J2zfTm8Lj-AYDToXk1lLKDcXKDnzekNeXBmByDRU7nVjgTLqj1adNi0BkgHw0b8c40OCClf2UdoOJtwOg9s0vFEfbTVQNNP_ctOz_hrc/s1600-h/100_3472.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299337240942449346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QO4jQ9OI6ZmfL7HJbuZT25v0cLFIiuTQz30J2zfTm8Lj-AYDToXk1lLKDcXKDnzekNeXBmByDRU7nVjgTLqj1adNi0BkgHw0b8c40OCClf2UdoOJtwOg9s0vFEfbTVQNNP_ctOz_hrc/s320/100_3472.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T4pGLUOrPU1TfKdj1ta5_G0L0lO0FuTUTK4DDaCgQtouR41yMtSxnoL_espesBJLdF53cNLA0G2orplu5sG6uSa5MnT1ahBWl74nVoxT5oJCeIgLqTVyGbExCcNHK1Ec5LrWmAehabU/s1600-h/100_3483.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299337034128723282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T4pGLUOrPU1TfKdj1ta5_G0L0lO0FuTUTK4DDaCgQtouR41yMtSxnoL_espesBJLdF53cNLA0G2orplu5sG6uSa5MnT1ahBWl74nVoxT5oJCeIgLqTVyGbExCcNHK1Ec5LrWmAehabU/s320/100_3483.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hola comrades. I am checking in one day before Week 11. It has been a crazy couple of weeks and I am late in my blogs. Thank Jennifer who reminded me that I am behind and need to get on the ball. Thanks Jen! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Anyway...I am down only 30 pounds in 11 weeks. I had my first fill last month on the 12th and will have another one on the 16th of February. I am a little discouraged because it seems that I struggle with the same 3 pounds all the time. Now I am fighting 259 - 262. Go figure. My first fill had 2 cc's saline and I am hoping for more restriction after this second one. I am really trying to get to 250 in the next month. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Part of it is my fault. I have been remiss in my exercise routine and have dropped the ball for the past two weeks. This weather has me down. It has been so cold and miserable and I am so ready for some hot weather. It is funny how weather affects my mood. I am a Floridian and I NEED sunshine and warmth because I love being outside. I know that I will do better when the weather changes so I am trying not to stress about it. I know I am ok because I havent GAINED any weight....right?? </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Anyway, I went skiing this past weekend to celebrate my birthday so I will include a picture. I am pretty bundled up so don't hold it against me. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I will get back on track with the posts and hope all of you are doing well. Please send some words or experiences of encouragement. I need them!</div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-75865969585154640102009-01-19T10:07:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:34:51.792-08:00WEIGH-IN (-30 pounds) Week 8<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfimPgMpI2VMvwgdu3BS83Vk_aSmTCJVIDzB299wERiCou0BPl6ATdCv16onyJUCqwNE3B9OlfPjHCEKhi6znTMi7R83YI_-wh6fTRLuZNzL333gZVtsSSMBqTQzrIzbVZbgCuOK3OYc/s1600-h/100_3443.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293069021881565826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfimPgMpI2VMvwgdu3BS83Vk_aSmTCJVIDzB299wERiCou0BPl6ATdCv16onyJUCqwNE3B9OlfPjHCEKhi6znTMi7R83YI_-wh6fTRLuZNzL333gZVtsSSMBqTQzrIzbVZbgCuOK3OYc/s320/100_3443.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SF_odRduXEk6H1nM4aClHNtqSfQMpcvP8zKrvoE_vEAUCE9i-ggWp-BfMkItlWTIif729GeTUMLbfbcTgQdMbfB7edR9uVya-bXPwDMZpF1VH8Cx1MiXAZMUqvNbXiChU72-sA7xa08/s1600-h/100_3442.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293068688092073714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SF_odRduXEk6H1nM4aClHNtqSfQMpcvP8zKrvoE_vEAUCE9i-ggWp-BfMkItlWTIif729GeTUMLbfbcTgQdMbfB7edR9uVya-bXPwDMZpF1VH8Cx1MiXAZMUqvNbXiChU72-sA7xa08/s320/100_3442.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Greetings Lap Banders and Lap Bander fans! I am reporting in at a whooping 30 pounds lighter. I have included a few pictures onm this post although my outfit is not form fitting I can tell..HA! Also, don't I look like I am about to kill someone? LOL. I wasnt. I happier photo in the second one. </div><div></div><div>I had my first fill January 12th. This week has been a little crazy. Directly after the fill, I was able to eat mushies the next day. However, since yesterday, I have not been able to down any solid foods....even in very small bites. This morning I tried eggs and hash mushed up. Even taking the small bites, brought on so much pain and rejection, I had to stop. This has brought me to a brand new experience. When food doesnt go down, it feels like I am having a heart attack. It is not throwing up exactly, but a pain in your chest and then food moving back up to your mouth and out. Not to be gross or anything but it is awful. So instead of eating, I am back to protein drinks and other liquids. I won't even touch soup at this point that is not just clear broth. These past episodes have made me afraid to even try to eat anything. I am not afraid though. My reading on lapbandtalk.com has said that the band may get tighter a little time after the fill. Regardless, this is my experience and at least I was prepared for it. No problem right? Right! My boyfriend however, is very concerned and told me that I didnt have to do this. I was fine the way I was and he doesnt like seeing me suffer. Isnt that the sweetest thing you have every heard?? I think so. </div><div></div><div>Exercise has been a little difficult this week, but I will try and get back on it this week. I had to travel quite a bit and that always throws my schedule off. BLECH! I will get it together this week. </div><div></div><div>Anyway, have a great day and hope all is going well!!!!</div><div> </div><div>(11/21/08) 290<br />(12/1/08) 273<br />(12/7/08) 268<br />(12/14/08) 270<br />12/21/08) 268</div><div>(1/19/09) 260</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Check out my lastest youtube video:</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlj_vwe1b8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlj_vwe1b8</a></div><div></div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-45597285628538317792009-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:002009-01-15T13:44:53.301-08:00WEIGH-IN (-25 pounds) Week 7Oh happy day! I weighed in today at my docs office and I am down 25 pounds. In addition to that I also had my FIRST fill today. First, let me say that I love my doctor. I found him in Dallas Texas and he is wonderful. His name is Dr. <a href="http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Jayaseelan.Nirmal.MD.972-566-2263">Jayaseelan Nirmal MD</a> 7777 Forest LnDallas, TX 75230972-566-2263. He was nice and funny and his staff was awesome. Today was my first visit to him and it was a great experience. I travel alot with my job so although I reside in Tennesseee, I am here on business quite a bit and it was convenient. His rates are great too.<br /><br />Folks, the fill was painless and quick and he does all of his under flouroscopy. I have a 4cc band and today he put 2cc's in it. He put numbing medicine in the site of entry and then put the 2 cc's in. I felt fine. I have been eating soup since he recommends eating clear liquids for the first 24-48 hours then on to regular liquids. I had some broth and kept on trucking! I am hungry though and I just ordered more soup.<br /><br />I am happy to have had such a great experience and I am on my way to work out now. I feel really uplifted and hope that 2 cc's will give me a great start.<br /><br />Here is my latest youtube video!<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGiiJWvVAKk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGiiJWvVAKk</a>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-30779227048588876092009-01-06T06:45:00.000-08:002009-01-06T07:31:40.592-08:00Week 6 Weigh-In (-24 pounds)Happy New Year People!!!<br /><br />Still at war!!!! The fight is different now. I am now at war with my next three pounds. Instead of telling you all that I have teetered between 20 to 23 pounds, I am now tottering between 23 and 26 pounds. It's the evil three pound rule (LOL)! I am in good spirits and recovered from my cookie eating binge....especially since I ate them all and they are now gone....NOT to be replaced. Thanks for the post to my cookie monster posting. I literally laughed till my sides split. Read it....its funny and sympathetic at the same time.<br /><br />Since the cookie monster post, I have turned it up a notch (as Emeril says) and I have been an exercising fiend. I strongly advocate you all to buy any of the biggest loser videos. My favorites are cardiomax and Jillian Michaels front and backside workouts. Not the official name but easy enough to find. I have been working out twice a day since "cookie monster". Since I had some time off for the holiday, I just threw myself into the workout. Now I am back at work and yesterday during lunch I jogged/walked 2 miles and cardio lifted for 15 minutes. I am so glad to be at work and not at home thinking about what is in my pantry and fridge. Gheesh! I am a horrible stay at home person and god bless any of you who are stay at home mom's and such who have the discipline to eat right and not go overboard. I would have ballooned to twice my size if left to my own devices!<br /><br />My first fill is in 6 days and I am super excited because despite my plunges into sugar darkness, I am showing signs of loss and that is without the fill. With the fill, I should be able to accomplish more. Part of me wants to take advantage of this 'open' time and eat all that my little heart desires but I am not going to do it. I eat plenty now as it is. I do have problems with tuna and chicken going down though. I think I don't take the time to chew as much as I should but to be honest, all that chewing takes the fun out of it for me so I have been eating a lot of fish. All kinds. Tilapia, salmon and trout are my favorites and I fix them all kinds of ways.....blackened, bourbon, baked/breaded. Yummy. I still keep one staple the same since my liquid days and that is to drink one or two Atkins Advantage shakes a day. One every morning and another if I need it as a snack. Need meaning that I am in a rush and/or too lazy to cook myself something.<br /><br />Anyway, happy holidays lap-banders! I hope your year is starting off just right!Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-23777949064328335782008-12-26T08:23:00.000-08:002008-12-26T08:39:15.638-08:00The Cookie MonsterMerry Christmas ALL!!! I was a cooking machine for Christmas dinner yesterday. I made some great dishes and even substituted some of the things I am forced to eat in place of the traditional ingredients like egg beaters for eggs. I didnt eat much during dinner and stuck to my protein first and veggies second, potatoes last program. BUT........later that day, I had to have some chocolate chip cookies. Not just one people, I had to have 6 maybe 7 wiith whole milk. I really just fell off the truck. So why???? Its because I was home alone. My honey went home to his family and my kids were off with their friends and I was home alone watching television. I have to add that I did get up before opening presents yesterday morning and worked out to Biggest Losers Cardio Max, which I love, love, love. But, I digress. Back to the cookies. <br /><br />Hi my name is Stephanie and I am an emotional eater. I knew I was doing it and I did it anyway. Oh why?! I woke up this morning thinking about those darn cookies and why I had to have them. When all of the family gathered for dinner, I had such great comments on how good I looked and how much smaller I looked (I wore some jeans that I couldnt fit before on purpose :-)). I STILL ate those darn cookies!!!! Gheesh. <br /><br />What bothers me is that I CAN do it. That I have the ability to eat what I want really. I have hardly any restriction and for the most part people, I have stuck to the plan and controlled myself but I swear, this is so hard when there are things I crave and can eat and can eat in great quantity. My fill is on January 12th and I am afraid that they wont give me enough to help me take control. <br /><br />This doesnt make me feel better, blabbing about this weakness of mine. But the cookies are done and over with. <br /><br />I will try harder!Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-45988248164538567732008-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:002008-12-21T18:37:21.501-08:00WEIGH-IN (-22 pounds) Week 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkq-sgg44ZCNfPcVUVgOSldhpWkUIGu1LRugVrraEZsb8GB1_EmIzXcti1vpIeKAR3l6hb1v8CUAnsVnFGq_moXEP93jpwYVEg6w_XPz5jDk1ULkteN3dVkVP9KvOHT85Md9LZl28IRo/s1600-h/Zycron+Christmas+2009+031%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282437286262165538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkq-sgg44ZCNfPcVUVgOSldhpWkUIGu1LRugVrraEZsb8GB1_EmIzXcti1vpIeKAR3l6hb1v8CUAnsVnFGq_moXEP93jpwYVEg6w_XPz5jDk1ULkteN3dVkVP9KvOHT85Md9LZl28IRo/s320/Zycron+Christmas+2009+031%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well folks....No big changes this week. Had a great time at my company holiday party....see left. I must say that I am struggling in bandster hell but I am keeping to the diet even though I can eat quite a bit more than I could before. I have to say I have limits but I have plenty of room in that little ol' belly. I did manage to get a fill scheduled for Janaury 12 th so two weeks sooner than before. Thank god for cancellations.<br /><br />This week I have eaten quite a bit of fish. All kinds. Mahi-Mahi, Salmon, trout and snapper. Needless to say, I am sooo tired of fish. It seems to be easy going down though and good for me. I eat like this........fish (protein first), veggies then carbs. If I eat carbs at lunch, I skip the carbs (potatoes) at dinner. Still eating a protein shake or egg beater omelet though. I have had more sugar than I was before which might be slowing the whole weight loss process but I have eaten them in moderation.<br /><br />I am increasing my exercise from 45 minutes to 60 minutes at least 4 times a week and I feel like I am really ready to start jogging. I am going to wait one more week though because I dont want to do any harm. My schedule is crazy though and I am really exercising 3 times a week solid. I do at least 60 and if I feel good, I do 15-30 minutes more.<br /><br />I am so ready to lose more weight. My goodness. I can not wait for my next fill. I have goals to reach and I want to get below 250 in the next month. Not very lofty ideas. exactly 18 pounds away.<br /><br />Anyway, that is my report this week. I feel good, I feel healthy, lets move on to the next stage!</div><div> </div><div>(11/21/08) 290 </div><div>(12/1/08) 273</div><div>(12/7/08) 268</div><div>(12/14/08) 270</div><div>12/21/08) 268</div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-67404782491333206702008-12-14T15:18:00.000-08:002008-12-14T15:25:40.807-08:00WEIGH-IN (-20 pounds) Week 3Well, you read it right. I GAINED three pounds. I guess its because I don't feel as much restriction as I I have been. I actually feel like I can eat anything I want. My first fill is on January 21 and I wish it vwere tomorrow. I feel something like panic at having the ability to eat what I want and gaining 3 pounds. I am sticking to the plan however but had a minor slip up and ate some chocolate. I am still eating protein first, vegetables second and keeping my carbs down. I am also exercising 45 minutes at least 3 times a week. I am increasing that this week to 4 or 5 times since I now have a treadmill at home. <br /><br />Since I travel alot, I found a fill doctor in Dallas Texas. He charges 200 a visit and each visit he uses flouro. Very happy about that. Will post his link later. <br /><br />Not much to report. I will try very hard in the next few weeks to limit my food intake despite if I feel full or not and exercise more.Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-14579095745978147932008-12-10T12:47:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:49:56.066-08:00New Picture minus 23 pounds.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJIrttBqyL8CMDn6lRD0QB_7cy0E-_s00_21PUnqFxl8yySs4ous_W72VNIWBTwliHX9Sl5r7XNpXmNe9axXeGuhoPp4Q9EriMSYYBFtVvb36OsCNeLx-44IzfjvcJBZ0PQvvm1t-35s/s1600-h/Stephanie+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278266390289608546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJIrttBqyL8CMDn6lRD0QB_7cy0E-_s00_21PUnqFxl8yySs4ous_W72VNIWBTwliHX9Sl5r7XNpXmNe9axXeGuhoPp4Q9EriMSYYBFtVvb36OsCNeLx-44IzfjvcJBZ0PQvvm1t-35s/s320/Stephanie+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3nqYM3fClUQ42otatQp6LCUuNO1Rdw9IG5F43lQDhCJHAceq6KyOWB8b6b8QI-jUlAgbWHs176o09-YiuEorppf9TszyQ_3QqbV2r6aGFHMC-hkSqd6OPfsfgENlI4JFiKfQuCo1v_c/s1600-h/Stephanie+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278266388800539218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3nqYM3fClUQ42otatQp6LCUuNO1Rdw9IG5F43lQDhCJHAceq6KyOWB8b6b8QI-jUlAgbWHs176o09-YiuEorppf9TszyQ_3QqbV2r6aGFHMC-hkSqd6OPfsfgENlI4JFiKfQuCo1v_c/s320/Stephanie+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Adding a picture of my progress. Down 23 pounds!</div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-31410050535018669462008-12-09T16:43:00.000-08:002008-12-09T16:49:45.013-08:00KNOCKED ON MY KEISTER.....Folks. I was referred to Memorial Hospital Weight Loss Centers in Chattanooga Tennessee because they were good and affordable. I live in Nashville Tennessee. I had my surgery done in Mexico, like thousands of other people around the globe and I kept calling for three days straight to get in touch with them to schedule my first fill. Today, I got through. They require a $2,000.00 flat fee to transfer to Dr. Rose. I asked what the transfer fee is for and they said "Because you had your surgery done in Mexico, you have to pay a flat fee."I am livid.<br /><br />I had one of the best surgeons who is also a surgeon at Baylor Hospital state side to perform my surgery. I am more than happy to pay a fee especially since I paid out of pocket for my surgery (DEDICATION), to get my fills. I am very disappointed that there seems to be no rhyme or reason for this. I have my surgical notes, records and x-rays and have in fact lost 23 pounds since 11/21/08. I can not beleive this! If anyone knows anyone else in Tennessee who are not donkeys, please send them my way.<br /><br />I am not sure if I am just learning about this new "racism". I feel like I received the very best care from some of the very best people with hospital and surgical facilities that surpass some of our own in the states. I feel like I spent the time, money and effort to help myself and that some of these surgeons here are taking advantage. Dont they know how large our network is. I received the referral from a fellow bander. Wouldn't they expect news like this to spread like wildfire. The reason I went to Mexico is because the cost of healthcare here is atrocious and expensive.<br /><br />I am so disappointed right now. I will continue my search but I feel helpless and at the whims of these people.Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-38705016421480103802008-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:002008-12-09T16:54:49.590-08:00WEIGH-IN (-22 pounds)So today is my weekly weigh-in and I am down 22 pounds since my surgery on 11/21/08. I am so washed today because it has been a busy busy weekend. Yesterday I was running around so much that I didnt eat or drink much. I feel like I don't drink enough water throughout the day at all. I fill up fast when I drink or eat and the rule is to not drink 45 minutes before you eat and 30 minute after. It seems that since I try to eat throughout the day I am in some vicious cycle. I am on my mushy stage so I am a little hestitant to try anything new. I did do fine this morning with an egg white omelet with ham and salmon last night. I am trying to take it slow so I don't have any horror stories to report. I am fascinated by how much more effort I put into thinking about what I put in my body these days. My thinking is that I don't get much so I try to make it count.<br /><br />I have gotten some great recipe ideas from lapbandtalk.com I am going to try this ricotta bake soon. I did buy some deviled ham and chickent and tuna in a can. I just haven't concocted anything with it yet. I love chicken salad, so I might try that tonight and use my lonely food processor.<br /><br />I also put on a dress that I bought a size smaller a few months ago and it fit perfectly. I am so pleased with my progress. It really does keep me going.<br /><br />I feel good but need more calories. I get tired so fast. so I will work on that this week. I am keeping a staple to my morning breakfast and that is my protein drink. Only because I can get out of the door with it pretty quickly.<br /><br />Til next week!<br />Start (11/21/08) <strong>290 </strong><br />(12/1/08) <strong>273</strong><br />(12/7/08) <strong>268</strong>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-62880462602457972008-12-03T11:05:00.000-08:002008-12-03T12:40:19.686-08:00To Jennifer, my only bloger followerJennifer,<br /><br />I am trying to email you but can't find an email linked to your account. Email me and I will certainly answer any questions that you may have.<br /><br />StephanieStephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-75933588629182803432008-11-30T10:35:00.000-08:002008-12-01T13:57:32.012-08:00WEIGH-IN ( -17 pounds) Day 9It has a been a rollercoaster. I won't lie and tell you that I felt great from day 1-8 post-op but I can say that the hell you go through for the first 8 days gets better. Day 9 is when I started to feel myself and get used to the diet and the way it makes you feel. I felt very weak, hungry sometimes and bored with my choices. My body is going through changes and healing and I had to get used to it.<br /><br /><br />I had feelings of anxiety which struck me as odd at first but it makes sense. I feel restricted and that caused a certain amount of panic in me the first couple of days. I also experienced serious buyers remorse afterwards as well. I wondered what in the world I was thinking restricting myself from the joy of food. I also realized that where I thought I did not have an eating problem before, I might have because even though I am not hungry, I still desired to taste and eat certain foods anyway. That was a big shock to me as I always thought that I did not overeat. Well folks, maybe I do and have and thats how I ended up 290 pounds.<br /><br /><br />I can say that following the diet and getting the protein to add to what you eat has probably contributed to the success I am having so far. And success makes you want more of it. I have substituted ice cream for frozen yogurt and eat primarily no fat, no sugar foods. I am compiling some recipes that I will post at a later date. Definitely getting past the liquid phase is the worst part of this. But days come and go and all I can say is, stick to it and know that you will feel better soon. I am also keeping track of everything I eat via an application called <strong>livestrong.com</strong> found on my iphone but usable via internet or iphone. It has access to eveything. Even the Wendy's chili I pureed yesterday. I figured that I would track what I eat and if I had a problem afterwards, I would already see what I have consumed. I also have learned that I consume about 300-500 calories a day and that could contribute to my weakness. My research says that it is very common during the fluid phase. Since I paid for my surgery, I vowed to find a nutritionist to help me keep everything balanced. I will update you on that when I find one.<br /><br />I have located a couple of fill doctors too. One in Chattanooga at the Chattanooga Memorial Hospital's Weight Management Center. There numbers are: 423-495-2244, toll free 1-866-313-2244. They charge $300 the first visit and $250 after that. It is done under flouoroscopy every time and it is easy for me to travel to.<br /><br />Today I did my first 45 minute walk. I was active before the surgery so I am just getting back into what I am allowed to do. I highly recommend exercising when its time. Don't overdo it!<br /><br /><strong>Start</strong> (11/21/08) 290<br /><strong>Today</strong> (12/1/08) 273Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-7630971032036986402008-11-23T19:39:00.001-08:002008-11-23T19:58:10.327-08:00No Place Like Home...2 days AFTERWell, I am back at home. I am so happy to be here. My experience with this doctor, the country and the hospital staff was great but there is no place like home. I am back at home finally and it has been a long day. I had to travel from Nashville to Dallas then to Monterrey and back. After such a long trip, I am very sore, very gassy and very tired. <br /><br />The day after the surgery, I was so hungry I could scream. M y body and mind had to wrap around not eating the things I wanted to eat. I did not know that once you realize you cant have something you crave it even more! While travelling home, I automatically steered towards the starbucks before I realized that I couldnt have that for quite some time and that it probably isnt the best choice anyway. I realized too that I wasnt really hungry. I am on a liquid diet now and it seems crazy. I was tired of jello, broth and water immediately but I have decided to stick to it and commit before I got here. There is no going back. I look forward to a couple of months down the road when I can eat better tasting food that is healthier and still great. So, for two weeks I have bought broths and actual soups which I will strain, Special K protein water and powder, crystal light, pudding and fudgesicles all zero fat, zero sugar. <br /><br />One of the biggest problems I feel now is expelling all the gas I have built up in my abdomen. It is so uncomfortable. I wish I could stick a hole in me and let it all out. Hopefully the feeling will subside soon. It is the worst the day of your surgery and gets better after that. Other than that, I feel pretty good. I think that the pain pills in Mexico dont come close to the pain pills we have here in the states so I cheated and took pain pills from a previous surgery and that helped out a lot. <br /><br />If you plan on going to Monterrey, learn some passable Spanish. Most of the residents there don't speak English but Dr. Zapata's people take excellent care of you. They have a driver for you the whole time and make sure you understand every little detail of your treatment. The hotel they book you at is very nice and I still can not speak enough of the hospital. It felt more like a resort than an hospital facility. Everyone was also very nice even if the English-Spanish was a challenge. Dr. Zapata is a surgeon for the Mexican version of Extreme Makeover and after speaking to the COO of the hospital, I found that I was very lucky to get him. <br /><br />So Thanksgiving is coming up and I am trying not to feel bad about not eating any of the delicious food BUT I will be able to enjoy some things at Christmas. I will report back each week with an update. See you next Sunday 11/30/2008.Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-9405962180305412172008-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:002008-11-29T16:20:08.239-08:00Twas the night before.....and after...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0V3EeW2jIETlsbP2e51h7c6pfZ7ggahxEMkJPq4f3GYlyYUlAI_cLhl3EJ0z22Re4Ewwz3pWpE3e21ISIsBecKqWGaIUbWGWLlsfvjKKuQuQPJk_OPst474xba3cHhwqjWPLQb7kbQ8/s1600-h/003_3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274237879355540226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0V3EeW2jIETlsbP2e51h7c6pfZ7ggahxEMkJPq4f3GYlyYUlAI_cLhl3EJ0z22Re4Ewwz3pWpE3e21ISIsBecKqWGaIUbWGWLlsfvjKKuQuQPJk_OPst474xba3cHhwqjWPLQb7kbQ8/s320/003_3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I am here in Monterrey. My surgery is tomorrow at 11 a.m. I arrived at 12 and as promised my driver Santos was there to meet me and take me to eat and see my doctor. Dr. Zapata was an extremely nice and generous man and explained everything to me and allowed me to ask any questions I had to ask.<br /><br /><br /><br />My patient coordinator Alma arrived at my hotel and explained what I should expect the next morning. It is now 8 a.m. and I am preparing to go to sleep and get some rest before the big day.<br /><br /><br /><br />Today I weighed in at 287.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mmPxifKes0ujyn2govAJJ4TIq0f2hJmU9B15OnTaHow7wJtTWQl3xBCGsDT1gQYsFJEUXrOaH8g_lAvY7f8iYJNIfnZEe_5Aul0ddKo4Df8riT9F7q5yyhy1I4jozo3MepSmcMNkSoo/s1600-h/009_9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274237873234419346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mmPxifKes0ujyn2govAJJ4TIq0f2hJmU9B15OnTaHow7wJtTWQl3xBCGsDT1gQYsFJEUXrOaH8g_lAvY7f8iYJNIfnZEe_5Aul0ddKo4Df8riT9F7q5yyhy1I4jozo3MepSmcMNkSoo/s320/009_9.JPG" border="0" /></a>Its 10:30 p.m. and I am out of surgery safely. The hospital itself here in Monterrey is absolutely beautiful and I will include a shot from my hospital window when I get back home. The nurses doctors and staff are all great and treat me like a queen.<br /><br />I have had to walk all day to get rid of the C02 that they pump into your stomach and even now, I am slightly uncomfortable. I had surgery at 11 and have been in my room since 2pm . The gas is the bigest pain and walking is supposed to disseminate the gas quicker. I have been going up and down these lavish halls all day to get a burp. They have taken great care of me here and I cant wait to put some pictures up of the trip. <br /><br />My journey began when I walked in here.</div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-55746372152305920822008-11-18T08:37:00.000-08:002008-11-18T19:32:04.913-08:002 Days and I'm heading to Monterrey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkKq3wjkLv3IPHjjdZ7VHLfLX7Ow5sc6alYBePw7F12u8g4V2ubnPumCRg48rQ4Uy4u3hyphenhyphenVaClZhWq2CnqQf9xqv9vBpmRGFCT3rE0FHbxZnscceDQ8rjxrRGswznZ2lrk2UeETTjay0/s1600-h/100_2563.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270206245639043218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkKq3wjkLv3IPHjjdZ7VHLfLX7Ow5sc6alYBePw7F12u8g4V2ubnPumCRg48rQ4Uy4u3hyphenhyphenVaClZhWq2CnqQf9xqv9vBpmRGFCT3rE0FHbxZnscceDQ8rjxrRGswznZ2lrk2UeETTjay0/s320/100_2563.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4X6TqEzDA3ACrSZDHwk8Iys1pYDm3Hp2BWYqKwqR5AYpUOiU8MNFo3rAlY5fv8e0l9OVvze9ubENHYixt9uikePRq2o-s2SQ76o-cZgdBq-jLrgrX8nbhjuQfHd7A4NAo0Io1xvAtip8/s1600-h/100_3150_00.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>My nerves have kicked in today. I can't really express the feeling exactly. It's half happiness, part worry and part nervousness. I think that what I really need to do is to stop watching lap band success videos on youtube and to stop reading peoples experiences in their blogs. Not to say that blogs and videos havent given me helpful information. On the contrary. That information has been invaluable...but I have to stop looking, reading and listening. I think that I am now equipped with the help of all of that information to forge ahead and write my own story. I hope that it will be helpful to someone someday.<br /><br />Yesterday I came across a few stories about people who didnt lose as much because they didnt stick to the diet they were supposed to. This made me worry a little, but it also instilled in me the importanct of committment. Committment to diet and exercise in order to achieve the results that you want. This saying hangs in my office and until I wrote this, it has been a while since I actually read it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#663333;">"Commitment is not wishing for something, but a decision deep within yourself to do whatever it takes." -Unknown author</span></div><br />I know a thing or two about commitment. I don't believe in "can't" or even in "no". Those words just make me want what I want even more and spark in me a feeling of sheer determination and defiance. I don't think I have ever not gotten what I really put forth an effort to acheive and there is no reason to look at weight loss any differently.<br /><br />I tried phentermine pills for a while to lose weight. They worked. I lost 50 pounds while taking the pill and exercising but you can't take a pill forever. The difference to me is that the band is my permanent pill and I have to be extra careful with it and how I use it. It will aid in my ultimate success to permanently get the pounds off.<br /><br />This will probably be my last post until after the surgery. I will write later with my progress and experiences.</div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-45547196721509259902008-11-16T17:18:00.000-08:002008-11-17T11:40:14.063-08:004 more days to surgery......Still researching!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFucs4fzqoAjnvL7DZBDxgwjPIdiqm2-g9I_Dmylkqlge0GbUabzpzZY0v3Fd8DjKR7th6eeL99DlJCWVxBCSLdndMOJprxu_xO8A0TYAvRBah8m8GjfRWwWhrjFfI5Np3VAVyz1dg7k/s1600-h/100_2655.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269439085025828018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFucs4fzqoAjnvL7DZBDxgwjPIdiqm2-g9I_Dmylkqlge0GbUabzpzZY0v3Fd8DjKR7th6eeL99DlJCWVxBCSLdndMOJprxu_xO8A0TYAvRBah8m8GjfRWwWhrjFfI5Np3VAVyz1dg7k/s400/100_2655.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><span style="color:#000000;">I have luckily been very very busy the last few days but still anxious and anticipating my surgery on Friday (11/21/08). This also has not stopped me from watching plenty of myspace videos on other peoples weight loss results and problems. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I decided to list some things here that I found out that I didnt necessarily know in the beginning.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">-<strong>POST OP</strong>. Two weeks of fluids and a graduation to solids. Need I say more!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">-<strong>FILLS</strong>. Lap bands must be filled. The fills are saline that gets pumpted into your port that travel to the band around your stomach. Not enough saline makes it easier to eat freely. Too much saline restricts your eating too much. Apparently, you will know when to get this fill based largely on how freely you can eat etc. I did encounter a lady who ate too soon after a fill and had some problems. You are supposed to be on fluids after a fill for a few days. Since my lap band is being performed in Mexico, I called a doctor who would see me in my city to have my fills done. They are expensive. I am paying for my surgery and not going through insurance. Fills for my local doctor are 500.00 the first time and 400.00 every time thereafter. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>-EXERCISE</strong>. Since I have a very active lifestyle and exercised despite my weight, I inquired about how soon you can exercise. You can exercise freely AFTER your stomach and incisions heal but walking is the best thing to do right now. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">-<strong>NUTRITION</strong> Although you receive the surgery, what you eat is still very important. Comfort foods are out. Low sugar, low fat. Good protein and vegetables. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">-<strong>WEIGHT LOSS</strong>. You can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week for a year. Overall, you should expect 50-65 percent loss of your body weight. This astonishes me.! I weigh 290 now. I have to add that this is if you follow the exercise and food suggestions recommended by your doctor. At this rate, I would expect my first year to look close to 100 pounds, which I can't possible fathom right now.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>-EXCESS SKIN. </strong>I had a lot of questions regarding loose skin when losing weight with lap band. I did not find a lot of information on this or what the average person experiences. My case worker said that gradual loss has more chance of elasticity to the skin depending on weight and age. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">My personal expectations for myself is to be healthy and strong and I will be exercising and weight training to try and get myself in tip-top condition. I figure that I have invested or going to invest quite a bit of money on myself to get it together. I plan on making the best of it.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">When I played college ball, I weighed 203 and had to run 2 miles before practice everyday. I would consider getting to 190 a huge success. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">My role models are the strong athletic women of the world. A woman I was once and will be again. Women like Gabriella Reece, Serena, Venus and many others are my role models for this journey. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">This is really for me, for my children for my grandchildren and hopefully for my great granchildren if I am blessed to live that long. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">4 more days. </span></div></div>Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6642043794198833205.post-86418861054591980652008-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:002008-11-17T07:50:44.499-08:00Barely Sleeping....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBik-htLBRw2_4h7X9cHzHUMyvHioUfQiSGJ5eH0nGnovaYlcWOAwhAzv1fcbLY-hhiIsI2x0gAZV6JjndagLjQv5YPtOizBrgx8WORSK4jRWQZAeR0Feeno9wu_UNQjX-9RadJOcVxw/s1600-h/l_018c12c9fbf15da05122fc2b2bb941b7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267875399555666034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBik-htLBRw2_4h7X9cHzHUMyvHioUfQiSGJ5eH0nGnovaYlcWOAwhAzv1fcbLY-hhiIsI2x0gAZV6JjndagLjQv5YPtOizBrgx8WORSK4jRWQZAeR0Feeno9wu_UNQjX-9RadJOcVxw/s400/l_018c12c9fbf15da05122fc2b2bb941b7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So, I am preparing to be banded in 9 days. 9 days!!! I am so excited and nervous all at once. I am looking forward to losing weight and keeping it off and changing my eating habits. I have struggled with this decision for several reasons. I feel like as a plus size girl, I might be "selling out" by having surgical intervention to make me smaller. Heck, look at what happened to Starr Jones! On the other hand, a history of obesity runs rampant in the women on both sides of my family and I frankly don't want to look like my aunts and mom one day (even though I have them by several inches in height). What finally did it for me was the issues I have with my blood pressure that seems to be getting worse instead of better. I don't feel like I am in control anymore even though I am very active physically and wouldnt call my eating habits "bad". I have a healthy self-esteem but I feel so uncomfortable at my current weight. I also had someone comment on my weight at work. THAT was so unexpected and suprising that it was almost a slap in my face. Heck. It WAS a slap in the face. I consider myself beautiful and was taken Waaaay back by any comments made to my person!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I researched the lap band through others experiences for two years. I even looked for horror stories so I could weigh my options. I quite literally couldnt find too much of a down side. The worst think I saw was infection and acid reflux, both of which I am willing to chance. I looked for information on loose skin after surgery but couldn't find much there. I will be sure to document that as I write in my own blog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So here are my statistics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Age: 38<br /><br /><br />Weight:290<br /><br /><br />Height: 5'8<br /><br /><br />Lap Band Date: 11/21/08<br /><br /><br />Lap Band Surgeon: Dr. Miquel Zapata<br /><br /><br />Lap Band Location: Monterrey Mexico<br /><br /><br />Lap Band Cost: $6600.00<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Stay tuned for more.Stephanie on the LOSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07879180148031079970noreply@blogger.com0