Reintroduction........and question

Hi everyone!  I'd like to reintroduce myself to the board.  My name is Julie (my friends call me Jules) and I live in the lovely town of the landfill.....Johnston.    Anyway, I was banded on 11/27/08 with Dr Giovanni.  From my highest weight, I have lost 70 lbs.  Although, some weeks it's 65, others 68 and even others 72!  This fluctuation in weight has been going on for two months now.  I am stuck at around 70 which isn't a bad thing, but, I have so much more to go.  I have not received a fill yet.  Since I was losing each month, Dr G thought why mess with it.  I'm so ready now, though.  I still fill up fairly quickly, but my hunger returns quicker these days.  She wanted me to exercise which I thought I might be able to do some tapes at home (Walk Away the Pounds is great for begginers.)  However, I have bad knees.  My primary doc put me on Tramadol for the pain, but of course, those pills made me itchy and I had to stop.  So I just take Advil and my knees just crunch and grind.  Okay, I'm losing focus here.  Anyway, my motiviation seems to be waning a bit these days.  I am also afraid of my upcoming appointment on Tuesday.  (Will anyone be in Dr Giovanni/Dr Pohl's office on Tuesday around 4ish? ) I know I'll be getting my first fill and I'm sort of scared.  First of all, how much is this going to hurt?  And, this is crazy, but, I'm probably more afraid that I won't be able to eat!  I'm afraid that I'll be feeling unsatisfied because I can't eat.  Isn't that what got me into this situation in the first place???  Of course it is.........but this is just me being me!  Also, I haven't gone to any support groups and was wondering just how helpful they are?  I know when I went to Weigh Watchers, many, many, times, that sometimes the lectures turned into gripe sessions that just got me more down.  THere's another question here, still, so if you're still with me, thanks!  My next question is does anyone have a great therapist to talk to? I was going to Dr Messier in Providence in a group situation but one of my "issues" is I HATE going into Providence.  I worked there for years and just can't deal with the traffic anymore.  So, that's it.  Thanks for reading my stuff!    Jules

Hi Jules! My name is Julie as well! I'm having RNY on Wednesday so I can't answer your lapband questions but I can tell you that the support groups in the area (RW, RIH & Miriam) are the best!  I have never, ever heard anyone gripe about anything! And everyone is so incredibly nice, informational and extremely helpful! Also, checking out OH here every day has been my biggest daily support! I've met so many of our friends here in person and I have to say, I don't know where I would be without them! Besides my up-coming surgery, the support system here and at the groups are my best tool to help me lose the weight, keep it off and become healthy once and for all!   My therapist is in East Greenwich. If you're willing to travel there, she is absolutely wonderful, understanding, patient and kind. PM me if you wish to have her information. Take care, have a wonderful Sunday!   Jules

Hi Jules, thanks for writing!  I've been reading along as often as I can so almost feel like I know you already!  Best of luck on your upcoming surgery this week!  Which support groups do you attend?  Which are most helpful?  I'll be im'ing you regarding the therapist.  You're date will be here before you know it!  I'll keep you in my prayers...   Jules

Hi Jules, Congrats on the 70lbs!!  That is a great accomplishment with no fill.  I am sorry to say that I will not be in Dr. Giovanni's office on Tuesday.  But I am happy to tell you that you can do this!!!   Don't be scared of of fills.  They hurt less than giving blood.  You should be able to eat also.  I have had 4 and can still eat.  Not a lot but trust me....I am eating.  Dr Pohl is not agressive with fills and I didn't really feel my first fill at all.  By my third I was like OH>>>this is restriction!!! You will do fine!!! Danielle

Thanks, Danielle!  I was bumming  this evening just thinking about tomorrow.  I worry about all kinds of things like what if she doesn't hit the port, what if it leaks, what if I pass out lol  Anyway, since the office is right around the corner from me, my husband will be able to meet me there for support.  When you said you felt restriction, what does that feel like?  How much would I normally be eating?  How often do you eat?  I still have issues to work through.  You know, I've lost 70 lbs before on various diets but this is where I always blow it.  I need to keep going and stop being my biggest threat to my own success.  Thanks for the words of encouragement!  Jules

Restriction is so hard to describe.  But I promise you, once you have it, you will know.  I never really measured how much I was eating, but it was less than 1/2 of what I was eating before.  I also ate protein first. Honestly, once I was at my "sweet spot" I couldn't really get past the protein to eat much of anything else.  So normally for dinner now, I will have 3/4 of a hamburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato and pickles (home grilled).  I can also eat a piece of boneless chicken.  But no sides... I typically eat 3 times a day.  But sometimes need that small in between meal healthy snack.  Everyone is different..you can't compare yourself to others.  You said it...We are our own biggest threat to success.  But you can do this....

Congrats on your loss so far!  I have had one fill so far- and it was more pressure than anything else.  I had myself all worked up over it too.  Dr Roye is my Dr- but will not be in the office then. Have you considered something like water aerobics to get moving with bad knees?  They offer classes at a lot of the Y's.  I heard it is much gentler on knees As for the therapist- I am going to start looking for one myself- so no suggestions there- but pass along any good info you find- lol

Hi Alexia, thanks for responding to my ramblings!  I love the water and we have a pool so I'll be doing lots in there.  I'll probably do the routine for my Walk Away The Pounds cd in the pool.  As far as the Y or other pools, jeeez, I do have so many issues.  Ok, I joined Bally's with my nephew.  My husband and my nephew did the machines while I was in the pool.  After overcoming the awkwardness I felt about being the biggest one in the pool, along came other things.  This is gross, but, an older man was in the pool with his little bikini bottom on. Okay, that's cool.  He had to look at me, right?  But, when he blew his nose then put his hands in the water, I gagged and almost lost it myself in the pool.           That's all it took.  So, in the summer it's my pool.  I am posting a NO BLOWING YOUR NOSE IN THE POOL sign lol  >>>>GAG<<<<<  Anyway, I am hoping that as I lose more weight and have a good summer in the pool, I can strengthen those muscles enough to do my cd's in the fall and winter.  Lord, I tend to go on...t            Thanks again!  Jules

Welcome to the board Jules and congrats on your 70lb loss!  Keep up the great work!

Thank you for the well-wishes and welcome!  Jules