(Pre-Op 2 Months)
06-2004
I posted message on ObesityHelp.com and received replies from surgeons that would accept Self-Pay. One e-mail was from Dr. Aceves' assistant, Nina. I liked what I saw at their website & on the message boards, so I "landed on" Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexical, Mexico. Their website is www.mexicolapband.com. They can do the lapband surgery for just under $9,000 and that is feasible for us. My husband gave consent, as did our teen.

(Pre-Op 1 Month)
07-2004
My mother agreed to lend my the money @3% so I can just get this done and live a full, happy life once and for all.

(Pre-Op 10 Days)
8-02-04 a.m.
I have a tentative surgery date of 8-12-04 scheduled, and will book flights & make that permanent once I know that there is a doctor nearby that will take charge of after-care, and fills.

(Pre-Op 10 Days)
8-02-04 p.m.
Spoke with the Dr. in Nashville, a Dr. Morris, and they are accepting new patients. Looked into flights again and then called Nina and made sure it was still open for them... we discussed my flights, then I booked to go on a Thursday morning, with the surgery Thursday afternoon, August 12th, and I fly back Saturday, August 14th. Woo Hoo! It is a GOOOOOO!!!!!

(Pre-Op 8 Days)
8-04-04 — Preparations Underway — I Am 8 Days Out!
Today I am working on No More Caffeine. I started walking 2-3 miles every evening a couple nights ago and I intend to stick to that until I get the surgery, rest for 2 weeks, then build back up again. I also had my last ice cream at Bruster's last night, but I did not make a big deal of it, I am not trying to go and eat everything I will miss ... afraid I will gain if I do that!! [Plus an all over bad behavior ...] Have been "practicing" post-op food: Blending fruit with protein, broth, water, also no soda, breads...

(Pre-Op 2 Days)
8-10-04 — 2 Days Until I Go.
Woo Hoo. Had a major bout of anxiety and fear the other night, did not sleep much, but by daylight, everything looked great again, just as positive if not more so, than ever, that I am doing the right thing.

(Pre-Op 1 Day)
8-11-04 — The Day Before Surgery
I'm glad I am alone at the office, to quietly get through the day & get things done ...I've written cards to drop in the mail to Greg and Lindsey, and I will probably leave work in a couple of hours. I wrote out a list of people for Greg to call right away when he gets word that I am out of surgery & it was all a huge success, no complications, and I am just busy sleeping the anesthesia off. My Mom, my sister Kathy, and Mindy are on that list.


(Op Day!!)
8-12-04 — The Day Of My Lap Band Surgery
The night before the surgery, we got up at 4 a.m. and headed for the airport shortly thereafter. Once in San Diego, I headed for baggage to meet Nina, the Coordinator who would give me a ride. I had sent her a picture so she found me right away. I enjoyed the ride to Mexicali, through the desert, past the rock piles of mountains, gabbing the whole waylike 2 girlfriends. Nina also outlined what all to expect the rest of the day...

I told her the IV and blood draws were what I was most worried about. I let her know that I had taken a xanax (they had approved that before hand), and was hoping it would help me not faint.

We got to the hospital and got checked in and I was in a bed in a robe in no time. Two nurses came at me, the blood tests take longest so they get them going right away. I just looked over to Nina and talked about the clothes in my wardrobe I couldn't wait to wear again someday... And before I could even THINK about fainting, it was done!

I relaxed, chatted with Nina, then had appointments with the Anesthesiologist and the Doctor, before surgery. There was an electrocardiogram and x-rays of my guts ... Then the bloodwork came back and everything was a go! Nina said I was scheduled for surgery at 3. That's about 6 pm Atlanta time.

I remember being wheeled into the surgery room, I saw Dr. Aceves [who is actually QUITE HANDSOME AND PERSONABLE in person, his picture currently at the website DOES NOT do him justice...] and he had a styrofoam cup in his hand, I asked if it was rum or Cerveza... He laughed, told me it was coffee, which of course I could smell anyway. I remember them arranging my arms and hooking me up to monitoring devices and that's it.

The next thing I remember is being in recovery, looking to each side of me, and eventually the the staff saw I was awake, so I was wheeled back to my private room. By around 8:30 pm (Atlanta time) Nina had called Greg to let him know everything was fine. According to the surgeon's report, the surgery took only 50 minutes, and I was under anesthesia for an hour and 5 minutes.
  
(Post-Op 1 Day)
8-13-04 — My First Post-Op Meal
They brought chamomile tea, yellow jello squares and papaya juice in crushed ice. I have bottled water, "Ciel" which is a Coke product... and I am pouring little capfuls and sipping that. I have gone for a few walks around the hospital, they say getting around is important to recovery.

I probably could have checked out today, but tomorrow morning will be fine, I don't want to push things and mess this up! The rest of Friday I read, napped, walked around, nibbled on jello & chicken broth, sipped water and did my 3-ball breathing exercise. At 6 pm, midnight and again at 6 am I received shots in my IV port, those hurt! The shot in my butt last evening was way easier compared to the IV ones. They've been giving me pain killer, & antibiotics, a sleeping pill.

(Post-Op 1 Day)
8-13-04 — The First Day After Surgery
I am in 'recovery' here in my room at the Almater Hospital in Mexico. I've been up to the restroom several times, as whatever is in this IV is running through me. The only pain I have cannot even be called that, it is more of a soreness, as if I got punched in the belly.

I have lifted my gown in front of the mirror to see the damage, but there is tape over the incisions, a special kind which I think they said to leave in place for 2 weeks. I am definitely NOT curious enough to pull any tape back for a look-see. I am occasionally sipping a bottle-cap full of water [let me explain, I have the ENTIRE bottle, I am just pouring into the cap to make sure I don't gulp, to force me to sip!!], just to make sure it goes down. At some point today, I will have to drink a barium-something-or-other and they will take another x-ray to check their work.

8-13-04 — Later On — The ONLY Pain I've Had & Getting X-rays
I was given the opportunity to take a shower in the morning, which surprised me a little, and then I had a visit from the doctor. While getting dressed (just into a clean robe), I managed to pull out my IV and a little blood spilled, but not a big deal, also, for all you anti-Mexico-hospital people, IV-pulling out happens in hospitals across the ENTIRE WORLD!!! The doctor came in as the Nurse and Nina and I were trying to solve it and decided I did not need to receive fluids via IV anymore anyway. After all this, I fell asleep pretty hard for awhile.

When I woke from this power nap, a nurse was jabbing a needle into the IV plug, it hurt AND scared me. She said 'analgesic' and I was thinking I only needed painkillers for what SHE was doing to me! ha! I had to breathe, look the other way, and try not to faint. I kept saying "Hurts" and while I do not know the actual duration of the 2 shots, it was a bit difficult, but also over before I could really get worked up. This apparently is the price I pay for not have the IV dripping into me anymore, instead just featuring a port. I swear I could feel the needle pushing into my vein, prodding with each thrust. Anyway, my Spanish speaking nurse did say "sorry" and I calmed down eventually. That whole thing was just ME, being a big baby.

Nina came and let me know it was time to do the barium x-ray to check the work. Dr. Aceves (can't I call him Alberto??) lined me up at an x-ray machine and I got to see the band in place, and then he had me take a drink of this pink solution, the barium, I guess, and then swallow... We could see it go through the band and swirl on down... It was cool! We did that twice, he took two pictures (X-Rays), then I went back to the room.

(Post-Op 2 Days)
8-14-04 — I Get To Go Home Today!!
I am a little apprehensive about the day of travel & soreness/ being uncomfortable on the plane. I have been up for a couple of hours, and continued my routine, plus got a shower. I asked for black coffee for breakfast, but no dice, its chamomile tea and apple juice. Ah well, it just sounded good.

When Dr. Aceves came in, he immediately remarked that I looked good, I guess meaning overall. Then up goes the gown, and he redressed the bandages, removing two stitches that were external, on the bigger incision (the one the whole lap band contraption went IN through).

I was handed a packet of information which included a surgeon's report (Page 1) (Page 2) AND the medical card (pictured to the right) describing the band now installed in my abdomen & contact information in case anyone ever needed to know more about it, like in an emergency. Also, each band has a unique serial number, and you are given that.

We took pictures, and I met Maria-Luisa, the Doc's wife, who would be escorting me to the San Diego airport. I got dressed, we went over final instructions, and that was it, I was checked out by 10 a.m. or thereabouts. Maria drove me to the Pharmacia and we got liquid children's Tylenol and antibiotics, plus I grabbed a bottle of water. She paid for it, the prescriptions (and transportation) are included in the price of the surgery!!

(Post-Op 4 Days)
8-16-04 — Back In Atlanta, ALL Is Going Great!!
I made it to church AND Bible Study, with some napping in the afternoon. I am moving cautiously, but not in any pain. Monday I went to work, its a desk job, and I just made sure not to lift or wear myself out. I had stocked the kitchen at work with the things I would need: broth, jello, fruit juice, clear tea, water, so I was able to make my meals as needed.

My husband says he can already tell I am losing weight. My stomach is still bloated from the surgery, and the stitches and bandages are actually starting to itch a little bit now, already! Ten days til they come out, though.

(Post-Op 10 Days)
8-22-04 – Progress Seems Apparent!
My health is fine, and the eating plan is going well! The stitches went out last night (9 days out) and my husband and I were able to resume relations...

I am too happy and excited about my new life to be tired or dragging, but with the reduced calorie intake, one would think I would notice a difference! I did take it easy as much as I could the first week or so! I am joining groups online, such as Yahoo Bandsters and SpotlightHealth [thanks Chris!!] to keep myself informed, involved AND on track...


(Post-Op 2 Weeks, -18#)
8-27-04 – 1st "OFFICIAL" Weigh-In: –18 pounds/234 current
OK, so I had lost 4 pounds in the 2 weeks BEFORE surgery, as I prepared and started drinking the water and practiced with the foods. And apparently I have lost 14 SINCE surgery, for a two-week total of 18 pounds lost. Woo Hoo! I am feeling it!!

Some little "twists" to this 'game' I seem to have adopted:

< I have been "out to eat" several times with friends, family, co-workers. I order decaf coffee, water, and whatever soup, broth mainly or only if possible. If it is still thick, I water it down, take slow bites, NEVER finish it, take at least 1/2 home. So, I am still enjoying a "normal" lifestyle!!

< Sargento Cheese Sticks (mozzerella) are a staple item for me. They really satisfy me. Fill me. And I love the flavor. Nina says to be careful for how fattening they are, but I am averaging less than 600 calories a day, I think I'm doing OK.

< "Choice" French Vanilla sugar-free drink for diabetics ... 1/2 of that + handful of ice + 1 Splenda + 1/2 a banana (or add other frozen fruit) makes a delicious & filling, 6-8 high protein drink.

< Make several flavors of jello, use a little less water then cut into squares. Prepare bowls with VARIETY of flavors for a special, colorful treat to yourself!

< Add tbspns of (Campbell's Soup-at-Hand) cream of chicken soup to broth to give it a smooth texture without causing it to be heavy ... tones down the salty flavor, too. Watered-down (Campbell's Soup-at-Hand) Classic Tomato Soup is wonderful ...

< Wrigley's Eclipse sugar-free gum, Cherry and Lemon flavors, keep a nice refreshing taste in your mouth, good flavor. NEVER SWALLOW your gum!! 1/2 pieces at first to make sure you don't.

< 1/2-vitamin daily: WeightSmart 1-a-Days (with TONS of water) or Nature Valley Adult Chewables.

< I CANNOT get myself to like Gatorade. I just drink lots of water. This is no time to be training myself to like a product that lists "high fructose" in its ingredients!!

(Post-Op 18 Days)
8-29-04 — Banded Life Going Great & I'm An Angel Now!
It is great going to see friends and already hear that they can tell a difference! I know there is a difference, especially in my attitude, my zest for life. I enjoy it again.

I have been talking with Debi from South Carolina and she has decided to go to Dr. Aceves, too. I finally asked her if I could be her angel, and she accepted. Hopefully I can use all the good advice and guidance I received from so many in OH chat rooms and boards and put it to use! Helping Debi will help me stay focused, too.

(Post-Op 20 Days, -20#)
9-01-04 — Hey, Tomorrow is MY BIRTHDAY and I am LOOKING FORWARD to it!!

I am embarking on Day 20. No regrets, no problems. Probably at least 20 pounds off already. And tomorrow is my 41st birthday. I don't think I have LOOKED FORWARD to a birthday like this in ages! I cannot believe how ridiculously happy I am all over the place, across the board!

NEWSFLASH! You DO get burnt out on jello, I did not think it was possible. I discovered Cool Whip FREE and carefully measure the right portion to make the jello a little exciting to me again ... I am still hovering under 700 calories a day though, all focusing in getting protein in, and never ever feeling hungry. The worst thing that happens to me is that I sometimes just crave the TASTE of something, a food I miss. For example, the buffalo wings when we were out the other night. So I licked some of the sauce, washed it down with water, and quit at that. Surprisingly enough, it satisfied me. I had my taste, and I respected my band. (my "Gasket") I felt almost smug!


My band is currently on "empty" at the moment, no CC's of fill. I think MOST doctors will leave you empty with the Inamed System, for recovery and adjustment, then you go get fills once everything that was introduced into your body has set in. The introduction of the band itself is enough restriction in the beginning, and weight loss happens because of the liquid diet, I guess.

My port is dead center, front of my belly, about 4 inches below the bra line. Dr. Aceves gave me after-X-Rays to bring home and he had pointed out where my port is, plus there is a post-op surgeon's report that he gives you that describes it, so you can show other doctors if the need arises.

(Post-Op 21 Days, -21#)
9-02-04 — My 41st Birthday... Woo Hoo!
And apparently I weigh 230 or 231, with my monthly going on. About 20 pounds off in three weeks? Happy Birthday to me!

(Post-Op 25 Days, -24#)
9-06-04 — Still Going Strong After a 3-Day WILD Weekend!
You can even live a normal life ... I went camping with friends, attended a college football game (GA Tech beat Samford, 28-7), went for a helicopter ride @ Callaway Gardens, all while dodging hurricane weather (Frances) this weekend!

The new eating plan is going great, results are showing and I am still completely thrilled about my new life! I packed plenty of food I could eat while camping, and even allowed myself a sugar free hot chocolate with a marshmallow!! I drank plenty of water, walked a lot, and enjoyed a perfectly "normal" weekend with friends and family!!

(Post-Op 34 Days, -26#)
9-14-04 — Had My 1 Month Anniversary .... But Was Out of Town
I now weigh about 225 or 226. I actually went down to our garage (where I keep the scale) in a towel before my shower to weigh this morning! My 4 week mark was last Thursday (this is Tuesday) and my 1 month mark was Sunday, the 12th. To have lost 20+ pounds in the first month is WONDERFUL, and I know it will be a lot slower going from here on, but what a nice jump start!!

I need to get the exercize thing going, I joined a tennis league and plan to get back to walking in the evenings.

(Post-Op 40 Days, -27#)
9-20-04 — This is my 40-Day Progress Review!!
I am only down 1 more pound and I have been feeling a wee bit of frustration and took the time to really examine "HOW THINGS ARE GOING" and even posted the following on the lapband & Dr. Aceves forum boards. I felt it needed to be in my profile, too.

Now we all know that losing over 25 pounds IS HUGE, and in less than 40 days, EVEN huge-R, and I AM concentrating on that, but I have ALWAYS been able to diet for about a month and lose all that initial weight. (And excuse me while, for the umpteenth time today, I pick my now-too-large undies outta my ... oops, never mind ...) but anyway, I am in a REAL SCARY phase right now ... in the past, this is about when the diet would go out the window and the feeding frenzy that would leave me about 10 pounds heavier than when I first started whichever diet — Southkins? JennySystem? HypolaxatiPatch? MetaboWatchers? — would set in...

40 days & 20+ pounds lighter. This is exactly the right timing for when I would lose my resolve, the diet would lose its appeal/ I would lose steam, and the killer instinct would fall by the wayside ... but, hey, THIS TIME I made a decision and had my body altered to STAVE OFF THIS Tragic Dieting Flaw IN PARTICULAR. My lovely gasket is gonna see me through this!

I have read the posts, I know the odds, and let me tell you, I am ashamed of myself right now that I am NOT up to walking 3 miles, or at least 30 minutes, a night yet. I have barely exercised, to be honest, but I did start this weekend FINALLY, with tennis on Saturday and some walking on Sunday. FINALLY. How the heck do I expect my TOOL to do its job if I won't do my part??? I told someone — she's researching getting a lapband and more specifically coming to Dr. Aceves — when she questioned how so many people report weight gain or inability to lose weight with the lapband, I told her that the band is a TOOL, NOT A MAGIC WAND. Yea, well, I think I better look in the mirror AND practice what I been preachin', can I get an Amen, Sister???


Before I list my resolutions for going forward, I want to share what I HAVE been doing right. Dr. A. will not be surprised and Nina is probably giggling at this, but I HAVE been tracking EVERY SINGLE morsel that goes in my mouth. They called me "very organized" but I have to admit that I do recognize it as extremely anal retentive. And I am using it for GOOD in this case ... I created that spreadsheet and will e-mail a copy to anyone that wants it, just let me know!!

I keep mine religiously!! I keep it open at work, and update as needed, then e-mail it to myself and open it at home, too. I e-mail 3 tabs every 12 days, to Nina, for her and Dr. Aceves to review, and they have given me feedback. [I'll never forget the "holy crap, you can EAT that!!? e-mail, ha ha]. When I am on the road (trip home, etc.) I print out hardcopy pages and record everything by hand. The only time hours goes by without me updating is when I sleep, and who knows, perhaps I even get up and update it then, I should ask my husband.

The spreadsheet tracks Fiber, Calories, Fat, Protein, Carbs and Sugars. My goal in life is to get protein in while holding the other numbers down, and realizing that fiber helps me feel full but also can sit on top of my band, I am careful with fiber-y foods. I once said to my husband, "it don't go in my mouth unless its gonna bring me protein ..." and of course, being a man, he had to make an off-color remark ... which I went ahead and laughed at, because, what the heck, EVERYTHING in life is better and more enjoyable now that I know I am on the right track!!

I only weigh myself on my weekly anniversaries. The numbers on the scale are not my focus right now. How I feel, how my food plan is going, how I have never thrown up and only every now and then get that 1 loud hiccup known to bandsters is all of more concern to me.

Oh, and joy of joys, the most wonderful thing in the world, I have discovered, is Cherry Gas-X. Never leave home without it.

OK. And now for my resolutions. On this 40th day Post-Op, going forward I plan to concentrate on ALL OF THE ABOVE, and:
  
1. Portion control.
I have taken to measuring everything out before hand. I buy a tub of cottage cheese and apportion it into smaller tupperware containers then affix a label with its nutritional information so when I throw that in my bag for lunch, I have that information. I bought Soy Crisps and Rice Cakes this weekend, as I do occasionally want crunchy carb-y things. I immediately dumped each bag out and divided it into its portion sizes, and put that into baggies, with stickers, of course.

2. Exercise.
I think we already covered that. I started a singles tennis league and I plan to get acquainted with my $1200 treadmill downstairs. And the teen promises to "walk me" in the evenings. Like a dog. But how much to pay her? ha ha.
 
3. Calorie Watch.
The totals have crept up and I am going to ease them back down, even if it means gulping 16 ounces of water to make my tummy feel almost bloated. Helps the desire to eat vanish. And while I can't exactly explain HOW it made sense to me to go ahead and suck on Jolly Ranchers all day long here at work, I will tell you that it isn't going to happen anymore, those sneaky little pesky calories that of course never get recorded, they just seemed so harmless! I bought some Crystal Lite hard candies to sub in, just in case this horrible habit is hard to break.

4. Continued Support Group & Board Involvement.
Staying in touch with others, offering advice, exchanging recipes, rendering encouragement ALL help me stay focused. So when I'm being nice and sharing information or imparting words of wisdom, don't just think I am this wonderful, helpful person!!! I do it for ME, too! ha ha

End of rant, just wait til my 80 day "review".
(Post-Op 42 Days, -30#)
9-23-04 — 6 Weeks Post-Op Anniversary!!
30 pounds in 6 weeks! Unheard of! But, I HAVE worked for it... and, this morning I took Debi S. to the airport, she will get her band later today. She was a little nervous, but I tried to prepare her as best I could, I'm her Angel!! I don't think she slept much last night, she stayed at my house, I hope she relaxes and gets some sleep on the flights! She is going to be yet ANOTHER success story for Dr. Aceves & his team...

(Post-Op 7 Weeks, or 49 Days, -34#)
9-30-04 — Still Going Strong, Can I Make it to November Til I Fill??
The rule is, as long as you are losing weight, leave it as is. I am trying to wait until Debi is ready for a fill too — she just got banded last week — so we can go together. I am sticking to my eating plan very closely still, tracking EVERYTHING. I have started to ease into an exercise plan but still find it hard to make time for it, so will renew that effort.

(Post-Op 8 Weeks, or 56 Days, -35#)
10-07-04 — Only 1 Pound Dropped, Loss Leveling Off
I have NOT been the world's best at this, though I have picked up my tennis racquet and lost a few singles matches in the K-Swiss league. Little do these girls know I could care less about winning, just trying to make it through the 90 minutes of exercise I get while they beat me! I NEED to get on my treadmill!


I scheduled a fill locally with a Dr. Finley in Woodstock, GA (which is actually within 15 miles of my house) for October 26th and it will cost around $600, with Flouro.

(Post-Op 60 Days, -35#)
10-11-04 — Just Back From Camping & Hiking Trip!!
Amazing, to get out there and LIVE life again. Sure, I was breathing hard while hiking, but the exercise FELT GOOD. My body is sore right now, but I enjoyed getting out there and enjoying nature like we did. And my husband loves having me by his side enjoying these things again.

(Post-Op 69 Days, -37#, or 215 lbs)
10-20-04 — These Size 18's (see Pic Below, on the right) are Bagging On Me!!
OK. Not all my 18's are big, but I remember when I got these and could not even zip them, now they are as comfortable and loose as sweat pants! I had my daughter take these pictures this morning, I think you can tell, especially in my face, that I have lost over 30 pounds. However, I am really struggling to continue on the losing trail -- it is definitely time for a fill!

I have experienced "sliming" and it is miserable. The CarbSmart Doritos are what did it today (measured portion, but I ate them too fast, probably). The other time it was some Atkins BBQ chips, so guess what? I think my gasket does not like CHIPS! So I better stop thinking they are a good idea. I am still tracking everything in a spreadsheet and I am staying under 1,000 calories, or right around it, anyway. Looking forward to the liquid & mush phase starting up again next week.

(Post-Op 77 Days or 11 weeks, -42#, or 210 lbs)
10-27-04 — I've Had My First Fill — I'm Wearing 1.3 CC These Days!
I went for my first fill, to a Dr. Finley who does them on Tuesdays out of the Open Imaging office in Woodstock, which is VERY near my home, just right up the highway about 10 miles. I had to pay the Doctor's office $400 and the Imaging place $200, so that was the most painful part.

They sterilized the skin outside my port, then inserted a needle in, using x-ray imaging to see where they were going with it. I had been laying down, they they uprighted me on the table, and had me swallow some barium so they could see the unfilled band work. Then they added saline, I guess he put 1.5 cc's, and I swallowed, and he was not real happy with how much could go down, so he removed about .2, for a total of 1.3 cc's.  

He said that was pretty aggressive (I had asked that he tend toward the aggressive side) and that I would definitely feel the difference.


The Dr. admitted to me that he also has a lap band in place, so that made me feel pretty confident about using him for my fill! I went home and napped, had a Zoic blended with ice & a banana, and later managed some tomato soup. I felt no reflux or anything, began to wonder if I even HAD restriction. I plan to stick to liquids and take it easy, cuz I certainly DON'T want to feel my band the hard way (sliming, golf-balls, etc.) for the next few days. Hopefully I can log in a 40-pound loss total at the 12-week mark!

(Post-Op 112 Days or 16 weeks, -38#, or 214 lbs.)
12-01-04 — And Now I've Had a 2nd Fill — up to 1.6 CC now...
Yesterday I went for my 2nd fill, Dr. Finley again, using Flouro, so it cost $600. I begged him to go the max but he told me a story about a woman who he just did the other day, rather aggressively, and she ended up coming back to him 2 days later to have some let out as she couldn't even swallow her own saliva. OK. Stay within reason then!!

I am just in such a lull with this, I have been able to eat so much again, plus I had quit tracking my every morsel like I had been. With Thanksgiving in there & the associated baking, well, no wonder I went up & lets be glad it wasn't much... only about 4 pounds (notice the lack of logging any of this, ha ha!), and I told the doctor this. He tried to put me at 2.0 cc, but the barium swallow would not go through, so he backed it off. I started getting queasy and about to faint (something I tend to do a lot), so at 1.6 cc total he decided we would leave it there.

Last night I came home early from work with a headache, perhaps dehydration or lack of food, not sure. I had some watered down cream of chicken soup/broth, then got into the fat free cool whip. I tried to take a Tylenol PM caplet and that is when the trouble began. I spent the rest of the evening sliming, PB'ing and generally miserable. It finally eased up after a couple of hours, but MAN what a solid reminder to take it easy on my band!! I am MUCH better today, and sticking to liquids, believe me!!

(Post-Op 113 Days or 16 weeks & 1 Day, -40#, or 212 lbs.)
12-02-04 — Just Wanted To Record the Progress ...
Back on Track!! 40 Pounds. WOO HOO!

(Post-Op 144 Days or 20 weeks, -42#, or 210 lbs.)
01-04-05 — Made It Through the Holidays, Now Back To It!!
This fill has been tight, I have had a LOT of PB'ing, especially in the mornings. I also have not focused on my eating plan AT ALL, and took all of December OFF. Now it is January and I plan to get back on track, full swing. I'm getting into tennis again, and walking when I can. Also I am taking in less than 1200 calories daily, concentrating on protein.

I have been reading on the boards a lot about NOT doing liquid protein, which means those drinks I relied on for the first 40 pounds. But, I also read to keep doing whatever works. I am going to continue with the protein drinks daily as I actually felt a lot better & was able to stick to the plan when that was my routine.

(Post-Op 5 Months, -42#, Weight= 210 lbs.)
01-19-05 — I Have NOT Been A Good Bandster... But HAVE Maintained At Least!!I KNOW exactly what I need to do to get back on track ... and that is get back to filling out my Food Tracker ... I stopped somewhere around Thanksgiving (2 months ago!!), and guess what, my weight loss has also been at a complete standstill. SO I am really not in any way shape or form working with my band right now, except SOME exercise in the form of tennis! I had a tight fill, and now it has relaxed enough, but I am still NOT making good choices. I need to get back in the frame of mind and I am posting this so that everyone knows what has happened with me!!

However, I refuse to stay in this slump any longer!

The main thing, you know how it goes with every diet, one can lose so much, then the resolve falls by the wayside, and the dieter, after relaxing once realizing some success, gains the weight back AND more... (gains it back with "interest" as a friend called it... ) Well, I am living proof of ONE of the ways the band works ... I was TOTALLY gung ho in the beginning, I followed most the rules. I lost that 40 pounds, maybe even 45, in less than 3 months. Then the holidays came, I relaxed, I stopped tracking, I didn't even TRY to follow ANY of the band rules. BUT, instead of gaining back most of the weight and then some, probably, like in the past, I have MAINTAINED. Even while being "bad" and ignoring my tool and its messages!!

What sucks is, I know, I know, if I had been "good" all this time I would have lost maybe another 20 pounds. Instead, I am still 40 pounds lighter than when I started Aug 12th, and no damage has been done to the progress. I don't get down on myself for this, I have convinced myself that it has been an "adjusting" period, getting used to the lighter weight, allowing things to settle and gel. Ha ha. We can rationalize anything, huh??

(Almost 7 Months, -44#)
3-07-05 — Excerpts From an E-Mail Sent to Nina (Dr. Aceves' Coordinator)
Hey Nina,

OK, here goes the response. Sorry it has taken me awhile to get back to you, but it hasn't been a good message, you know how those are easy to put off ... Lately, it has not gone well for me, or I am not a good bandster anymore. Seems like since November, actually.

I really thought my 2nd fill would make a difference, get me on track. I haven't been tracking (in the spreadsheet, the food intake) and I think that is the #1 worst thing for me, not keeping myself ON TRACK by tracking every morsel. I have been exercising, but not daily.

I also have probably been overfilled, but it has calmed down somewhat now. Mornings it is very difficult to eat anything solid, but after 10 AM I can manage it. Toward the end of the day I can eat like a trucker, and it seems I do.

I have contemplated coming down for a fill and a rejuvenated effort, because I really don't feel that restricted past say, NOON. [ I would need to look at a Saturday appointment, am toying with bringing my husband, we would rent a car in San Diego and drive to Calexico(?) sort of like we had discussed one other time. How I wish I had done it that way then!! ]

When I have had a PB'ing episode, I guess things get swollen and I feel restricted for a good 4 to 8 hours after that, but it feels like I have learned how to eat around the band rather than listening to it and letting it guide me into additional weight loss. I was thinking if I came down there and let Dr. Aceves unfill then fill me, we would really know what was going on, I am not so certain the doctor that filled me here, although he has a band himself, is so in tune to MY process ....

THE GOOD NEWS: I am maintaining that 40+ pound loss that I achieved in the first few months, however. That is the good news, and that is part of the difference the band makes, because any other weight loss attempt, I would have all those pounds and then some back on by now.
 
I am out there playing tennis and wearing clothes I couldn't and feel so much better, but NOW I need to kick it in gear and go for another 40. I would LOVE to have at least a 70 pound NET loss before my year anniversary, which would put me in the "success" range. I have considered trying to get some emotional eating counseling, but cannot manage it around the work schedule right now. Have toyed with joining Weight Watchers, too, for the support. And I have looked into getting together with the Atlanta Bandsters group, but their meetings have thus far ALWAYS conflicted with tennis matches. And I choose tennis!

This e-mail is just an FYI for you. Not sure what will happen. I read the boards daily (Bandsters, Mexican Bandsters, Dr. A. Bandsters) so I am keeping UP on it. After I hit "send" on this, however I AM going to pop open Excel and re-work a spreadsheet to start tracking again, starting today. And I am going to send them to you like I did in the beginning, that kept me honest. OK with you??

Thanks for checking with me, I don't feel so alone now. In the wee hours of the night I sometimes feel anxiety over the impending failure of this project, and the embarrassment in regards to the people who DO know what lengths I went to and then failed .... I am not completely disillusioned, I have just started to get disappointed in myself. As my husband says, though, the 40 off was well worth it. And I silently add, then just imagine what another 40 would be like!

(Still Almost 7 Months, -44#)
3-08-05 — Response From Nina AND Then a Call From Dr. Aceves Gives Me NEW INCENTIVE!! Kim,

Please please please do not get so discouraged! Nobody said it would be easy! Just try to get back on track doing what you did before and a little more since it gets harder. Support is important it is good to have friends to talk to and know what you are going through.

We will be happy to have you here. Maybe you can get people interested in doing a trip together for fills, we could come pick you guys up and drive you to Mexicali. We would really like this.

Cheer up, you have this for life, if it takes a little longer than you expected it willnot change anything, you will do it eventually.

Then, Later That Same Day, I Get A Call From Dr. Aceves!!

He said he had read my e-mail, and I told him Nina had responded with encouraging words, that actually I had just gotten off my treadmill when I read her e-mail!

We talked about what was going on and he gave me all sorts of encouragement, but to sum it up, he said something about what is going on BETWEEN THE EARS, that I need to work on that part. Yes, I do. Awesome that a doctor takes the time to follow-up and be concerned about success of his patients!!

252 Pre-Op Size 20 Old Navy Capri pants & a 1XL knit top.

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